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Superintendent apologizes after missed opt-out for All Stars program; district outlines steps
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Panetta apologized for a lapse that left parents without an opt-out for the All Stars program; staff explained the program’s funding, curriculum focus, and survey/data-handling procedures and pledged corrective measures and a K–12 guidance review.
Superintendent Dr. Panetta told the Blackhawk School District board on Jan. 15 that the district failed to provide an opt-out notification this year for the All Stars student program and that the oversight was unacceptable.
"The crux of it is we didn't offer an opt out for a long standing program, and we should have, and we have to be better than that," Dr. Panetta said. "The oversight is unacceptable. And, I sincerely apologize for that lapse."
He said leadership transitions and gaps in documented procedures contributed to the communication breakdown and described the situation as an opportunity to strengthen systems and processes. Dr. Panetta said the district will review its K–12 guidance plan and revisit program notifications to ensure consistent parent communication.
Mrs. Barone, who reviewed the All Stars curriculum and history, said the program has been in place since about 2010 and is funded through a grant administered by Beaver County Behavioral Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs; Keystone Wellness purchases the curriculum and administers the state's required pre- and post-surveys.
"When they get into the Keystone office, it's just numbered," Mrs. Barone said regarding student survey data. "They never see any names at their office. It's just kind of an accounting issue…they have to hold it for 3 years." She explained the pre/post surveys are matched by numeric codes to measure program effectiveness and that district staff destroy identifying information before data leaves the school.
Mrs. Barone emphasized the curriculum’s focus: "The program is about choices…What does your ideal future look like? How do you reach that ideal future?" She acknowledged past communications could have been clearer and said the district will do better with notifying families, particularly given students and families affected by trauma and substance use in the community.
Dr. Panetta invited parents to raise concerns directly and said corrective measures to ensure notifications will be implemented and that the administration will follow up with further details and oversight steps.
