Dr. Ramsey told the board the district's last comprehensive K–8 core curriculum purchase was in 2004 and described steps taken since 2020 to address gaps: adoption of Eureka for math, purchase of Foundations for early literacy, use of instructional coaches and a newly purchased Reveal math program intended to cover a six-year cycle. "We have unacceptably low test scores. Period," Dr. Ramsey said, adding that the district is implementing research-based strategies that will take several years to show transformative results.

Dr. Ramsey said a literacy team will convene vendor presentations on Jan. 21 to evaluate competing ELA frameworks (Wonders, Benchmark Advance, MyView by Savvas, Into Reading, Imagine Learning, American Reading Company, CKLA among others) and estimated preK–8 ELA adoption costs at $180,000 to $250,000. He also noted the state’s shift to fully online assessments and emphasized giving students more opportunities to work on computers before tests.

On the superintendent search, Dr. Ramsey said the board met with a consultant and the vacancy will be posted on the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) website tomorrow; the district will solicit stakeholder feedback through an online survey and asked respondents to be professional and constructive.

Dr. Ramsey said building principals will present more granular plans in February and March so the board can monitor progress on instructional changes and test-score improvement.