At tonight’s committee meeting, the Penns Manor school board discussed a new, systemic approach to education that could be implemented during the next school year.
MTSS, or Multi-Tiered System of Supports, is described as a “comprehensive, standards-aligned strategy to enable early identification and intervention for students at academic or behavioral risk.” MTSS was established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and is provided by the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN). Implementation of MTSS at Penns Manor would also mean realignment of staff, principals, and resources, but as Superintendent Daren Johnston states, development costs would be covered by state grants:
“The State is establishing grants to even start it. So, for the cost of the professional development, meaning for our teachers to go get training, for substitutes, mileage, things like that, that the grants are established already for that. So we’ll apply.”
The Board also addressed the proposed 2017-18 budget which reflects a deficit of over $260,000. The possibility of raising property tax to increase revenue and reduce the deficit was discussed.
Additionally, the cost of school lunches for students is expected to rise by 5 cents in the coming school year, and by 50 cents for faculty and staff.
Lastly, the 2016-17 academic calendar was revised to reflect snow days. School will now be in session on Thursday, April 13th, and the last day for students is June 2nd.
The regular Penns Manor board meeting will be at 7 PM on Thursday, April 20th.
