District reviews state code changes: structured‑literacy timeline, Safe2Say updates, FAFSA requirement and Act 44 notification rule
January 21, 2026 | Oxford Area SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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Dr. Woods briefed the board on key provisions in the Pennsylvania fiscal code and amendments to the Public School Code that affect district operations. He said the highlights included instructional‑certificate changes effective after July 1, 2028; cyber charter and truancy reforms intended to limit transfers of habitually truant students; structured‑literacy deadlines; and a requirement for schools to report certain incidents and follow‑up dispositions.
The presentation cited audit numbers and methodology from the communications audit earlier in the meeting and then turned to statutory changes that directly affect schools. Dr. Woods said: "Act 44 of 2025... took effect 01/05/2026," and described the district’s planned notification process: a Blackboard Messenger notice, a web‑page notification and a 48‑hour follow‑up form that supplies limited specifics about the incident. He gave an example: a pocketknife turned in by a scout could trigger a required Act 44 notification even if there was no nefarious intent.
On structured literacy, the district said it is already implementing screening three times per year and that the state requires districts to report reading curricula in use by the 2025–26 school year with formal reporting as specified by the state. Dr. Woods noted the state will publish its approved list later and the district expects its current program to be acceptable.
Assistant Superintendent Margaret Billings Jones detailed professional development planned for the Act 80 day (Jan. 23): an AI in schools session led by a Penn State presenter, continued math supports (Math in Focus), handwriting and typing supports, and structured‑literacy training continuing from prior years.
Dr. Woods also said starting in the 2026–27 school year, high school students will be required to complete the FAFSA unless parents submit an opt‑out; he described the change as giving schools time to implement guidance and supports prior to the requirement. The briefing included procedural and policy implications rather than votes; the board asked several clarifying questions about how reading intervention plans relate to IEPs and about the frequency of cyber‑charter enrollment notifications.
The presentation cited audit numbers and methodology from the communications audit earlier in the meeting and then turned to statutory changes that directly affect schools. Dr. Woods said: "Act 44 of 2025... took effect 01/05/2026," and described the district’s planned notification process: a Blackboard Messenger notice, a web‑page notification and a 48‑hour follow‑up form that supplies limited specifics about the incident. He gave an example: a pocketknife turned in by a scout could trigger a required Act 44 notification even if there was no nefarious intent.
On structured literacy, the district said it is already implementing screening three times per year and that the state requires districts to report reading curricula in use by the 2025–26 school year with formal reporting as specified by the state. Dr. Woods noted the state will publish its approved list later and the district expects its current program to be acceptable.
Assistant Superintendent Margaret Billings Jones detailed professional development planned for the Act 80 day (Jan. 23): an AI in schools session led by a Penn State presenter, continued math supports (Math in Focus), handwriting and typing supports, and structured‑literacy training continuing from prior years.
Dr. Woods also said starting in the 2026–27 school year, high school students will be required to complete the FAFSA unless parents submit an opt‑out; he described the change as giving schools time to implement guidance and supports prior to the requirement. The briefing included procedural and policy implications rather than votes; the board asked several clarifying questions about how reading intervention plans relate to IEPs and about the frequency of cyber‑charter enrollment notifications.
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