Superintendent praises strong start to school year, announces forums on attention and technology

In his superintendent’s report at the Sept. 8 Kutztown Area School District board meeting, the superintendent highlighted a positive start to the school year, student and staff recognitions, and district achievements.

He noted that the district’s high school was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the top high school in Berks County and 66th in Pennsylvania, citing AP participation, proficiency metrics and graduation rate as performance indicators. Athletic recognitions and teacher‑appreciation events were described as important community moments.

The superintendent announced a partnership with Kutztown Strong to host community forums focused on student attention and technology — including how digital platforms are designed to capture attention and strategies families and schools can use to help students maintain focus. The first forum is scheduled for Sept. 23 in the high‑school library following a board meeting.

Why it matters: The forums aim to involve parents, staff and community members in discussions about an issue the superintendent described as "one of the most important" for student success: balancing technology and attention in a distracted world.

What was said: The superintendent encouraged community dialogue and said the forums will be open and structured to elicit practical approaches; board members and the student representative chimed in on student‑led initiatives such as improving the high‑school fish tank lobby.

Next steps: The Sept. 23 forum will convene in the high‑school library; the district will publicize details and invite broad community participation.