During the Feb. 20 Catasauqua Area School District Board of Education meeting, Bradley Schifko, Innovative Arts Academy Charter School CEO, provided board members with an update on the school.

The IAACS current charter extends to June 30. Schifko reported the school administration has worked to meet the 2023 targets and growth standards set in place to ensure student progress.

He thanked the CASD board and administration for their support, collaboration and partnership in helping keep them on track.

“Our focus on achievement has promoted growth,” according to the presentation documents Schifko provided.

Schifko also noted the school currently has 485 students spanning grades 6-12. He reported this number is down from their typical enrollment.

According to the presentation, they did an analysis of the school’s arts integration and noted adjustments needed. Additionally, they looked into the special education services, including staffing and cyclical monitoring. Regarding student activities, IAACS leadership has explored intramural programs, deeming extracurricular involvement as crucial to student development.

Schifko reported IAACS met the growth standards agreed upon by CASD and IAACS leadership, and the school met almost all the growth standards defined by Pennsylvania Department of Education. The Algebra I Keystone level did not meet the standard.

Looking at the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System report comparing the 2022 PSSA and Keystone tests to the 2023 tests, there is noticeable improvement across nearly all subjects.

Schifko noted the sixth-grade level tends to bring down the schoolwide averages. Since the school starts with sixth grade, all of those students are new to IAACS and are still adjusting to the different structures and culture, according to Schifko.

“We have a tremendous way to go, but we are, in fact, making a difference in our students’ lives,” Schifko said.

He also noted the staff development initiatives they implemented, such as working with Penn Literacy Network and Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21, have had a positive impact. Other schoolwide initiatives and programs include rewards programs in some classes, prep periods, instructional coaches, reworking some curriculum models and more.

Schifko reported approximately 20% of the students at the school have individualized education programs and need extra support. To manage this, IAACS has four full-time special education teachers and five paraprofessionals. Related services, psychological evaluations and counseling services are available.

To address the school’s truancy problem, Schifko reported they added a truancy officer who keeps track of the daily attendance and conducts home visits if needed to stress the importance of attending classes. The individual chosen for this role is a former police officer in the city of Allentown, so he is well suited to serve as a liaison with local law enforcement and the magistrate if needed.

“He has had an immediate impact,” Schifko said, noting the officer’s “tremendous rapport” with the students and families. He noted they are already seeing an increase in daily attendance numbers.

Schifko reported they are also in talks with Catasauqua Police Department to add a school resource officer as well.

He said they are currently developing a program or partnership to address behavioral or mental health needs. He reported they are seeking additional services to supplement their current programs.

According to the presentation, other safety and security measures include a guest sign-in system and door intercoms, camera and alarm systems, a vape detection system, upgraded phone and paging systems and new external doors.

They also instituted the Bark and Lightspeed systems on all school-issued devices to monitor web activity and flag questionable or unsafe practices, as well as the Navigate360 program to work with local police and fire departments in case of emergency situations.

“We promised to move things in the right direction, Schifko said. “I believe I’ve made good on that promise.”

He noted they want to continue their efforts and provide an alternate space for students.

“Families are looking for options,” Schifko said. “We’ve demonstrated a viable option.”

The CASD board voted to allow Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christina Lutz-Doemling and Solicitor David Knerr to draft an updated charter. It is expected to be on a future board meeting agenda for approval.