JEFFERSON CO., Pa. (EYT) – Classes began last week in most of our area schools, and local administrators believe the year has started off well.
(PICTURED: Brookville Are High School.)
According to Superintendent Erich May, while Brookville Area School District made some changes this year, it didn’t unsettle the start of the academic year.
“We’ve restructured building leadership and returned the district to a more traditional chain of command,” May told exploreJeffersonPA.com.
“The idea is to provide greater clarity and improve communications for students, families, and employees.”
According to May, BASD’s administrative team has been focused on empowering principals by giving them more responsibility and authority; empowering teachers by letting them play to their strengths; and empowering kids through student voice and choice.
“We’ve had a strong start to the school year. I’ve been to every school at least twice this week, and everywhere I go, students are happy and learning,” May said.
Superintendent Tom Lesniewski noted Punxsutawney Area School District has made some changes, as well.
Punxsutawney Area Elementary School has one new administrator on board, as well as another who has changed positions: Dr. Mike Guidice, who formerly served as assistant principal, is now serving as principal, and Mrs. Sheena Smelko is now serving as assistant principal.
In neighboring Clarion County, administrators are optimistic about the year ahead.
“The summer staff worked hard, the buildings look great, and everyone was excited to come back,” Joe Carico, Superintendent of Clarion Area School District, said. “After the first day, we got right back into the groove.”
According to Carico, Clarion Area did make some changes to their pick-up and drop-off areas and procedures, but the changes haven’t caused any major hitches.
“The parents and the students have been wonderful about the changes. It’s gone very smooth. The kids seem really happy and engaged and everything is going well.”
“We’ve had a great start at Keystone School District,” Superintendent Shawn Algoe said. “Our school community is excited about another school year.”
According to Algoe, Keystone made some significant changes in their transportation schedules this year, and while there have been some adjustments and minor quirks, everything seems to be working out.
“We are very pleased with how this year has begun,” Algoe said.
At Union School District, students returned to class on Wednesday, August 28, and everything has been running smoothly.
“Students and staff were excited to be back in session, operations occurred as smoothly and successfully, and we continue to strive to meet each individual student’s needs,” Superintendent John Kimmel reported.
Like Keystone, Union did make a few changes this year, mainly pertaining to bus pick-up and drop off patterns at the schools, seeking to improve their traffic flow, as well as to improve on safety.
Kimmel said the changes have gone well and no major issues have been reported.
Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.
