Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Dr. Jack Silva presented the 2023-24 program of studies to the school board Oct. 10, explaining the goal is to increase college and career readiness and one way to do this is by eliminating redundant courses.

Included in the plan are staffing considerations and career choice pathways. Each pathway would be more specific to the student’s ultimate post-graduation education or career goal. This study timeline would incorporate the statewide high school graduation requirements in Act 158.

Silva also presented Any Given Child, which is a national program to provide access to the arts in K-8 grade. The program is anchored in the Kennedy Center and has additional support from community partners and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. This program provides a curriculum-based community arts experience and hands-on arts participation in visual art, theater, music and more.

Chief Facilities and Operations Officer Mark Stein presented a working capital plan reflecting the current condition and establishes a system to prioritize districtwide facility infrastructure and systems repairs. The 2023 capital improvement projects are pending fiscal strategy for implementation.

Stein said snow removal will continue being contracted to Searocks Lawn Care (primary) and AJ Trunzo (secondary) A provision in the 2020 two-year contract allowed the board to extend this contract a third year at the second-year price. Stein said oil and gas supplies for the district have been purchased in advance at a locked/fixed price.