Shikellamy board authorizes planning to bring 16 students from IU classrooms back to district, cites $250,000 savings

Shikellamy School District trustees on March 12 authorized district administrators to begin planning to transition select classrooms now operated by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) back to district control.

Administration told the board the proposal would reassign roughly 16 students into district-operated specialized programs and could realize approximately $250,000 in savings compared with continued IU placements. Administration also said the district already pays about $30,000 for IU support and would remain responsible for the cost of required services regardless of the operator.

Board members asked how the district would staff the expanded programs. Administration outlined anticipated hires and supports, including a Coordinator of Specialized Programs, two paraprofessionals and additional MDSS support, and indicated that supplies and equipment associated with the programs would transfer to the district at no extra cost. The administration also discussed capacity for related services such as speech and occupational therapy and whether existing staff could absorb higher caseloads.

Following discussion the board recorded consensus to authorize administration to proceed with planning and recruiting for the program changes. No formal vote or adoption of a reorganization plan was recorded at the meeting; next steps are expected to include job postings and operational planning. The administration noted a March 31, 2026 deadline to communicate a decision to the CSIU.

The discussion also touched on related programming needs, including full-time support placements at Watsontown Elementary and development of an additional autistic support program; those items will be included in planning and staffing projections.

The board adjourned at 7:57 p.m.; an executive session followed for personnel and property matters.