Superintendent highlights innovation fair, ESY savings and dual-enrollment pathway

Superintendent Dr. Roach reviewed outcomes from the district's Feb. 26 innovation fair and outlined next steps for student-driven projects and program improvements, including short-term summer-efficiency measures, adjustments to ESY and work on an expanded cyber-academy offering.

Dr. Roach said the fair surfaced a mix of cost-saving concepts and ideas to improve student experience. “There was really a need there and I didn't want to shut anyone down about innovative ideas,” he said, summarizing student and staff presentations that ranged from mental-health awareness and student-led projects to proposals for cross-age tutoring and a school garden.

Among short-term items the administration said it will pursue: high-school senior parking-spot personalization (applications to be issued to juniors and sophomores), an athletics community-sponsorship program to generate revenue, and consolidated ESY services scheduled at one building for the summer (administration estimated net transportation and personnel savings of about $17,000 on the record).

Board members also praised a recently recommended dual-enrollment agreement with Reading Area Community College. One director described dual enrollment as ‘‘a third of the cost of college credits' and said students can sometimes graduate with an associate degree prior to high school graduation. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Fina and other board members thanked staff and partners for creating the pathway.

Dr. Roach said some innovation-fair items will require more work and teacher input before implementation and that the district will follow up with presenters to gather further detail. The board expressed support for continuing the innovation fair next year depending on logistics and interest.

Next steps: administration will follow up with presenters, refine proposals with staff this summer and report progress to the board as items move from concept to implementation.