New Kensington-Arnold Superintendent Christopher Sefcheck says a proposed realignment of the district’s buildings is “the most serious undertaking this district has taken in years” — and officials are seeking the public’s input for those plans.
Sefcheck plans to send notifications to parents, staff and community members Thursday morning seeking volunteers to join committees as the district plans to undergo a realignment of the district’s elementary schools.
“The purpose of the realignment, itself, is to provide the best opportunities for kids to be successful in a long, sustainable way,” Sefcheck said Wednesday during a meeting of the school board’s education committee. “I think the best way to move forward is if we approach it from an elementary realignment before secondary — keeping in mind that my plan calls for K-6 realignment at this time, with very near future consideration for the (seventh through twelfth grade) realignment.”
Currently, the district’s Martin school is for kindergarten only, H.D. Berkey is for first and second grades, Roy A. Hunt is a third through sixth grade building and Valley Jr.-Sr. High School is for students from seventh through twelfth grades.
Sefcheck previously had said one possible realignment was to make Martin a kindergarten and first grade building, H.D. Berkey second and third grades and Hunt a fourth through sixth grade building.
But all options are on the table through the community discussion process, he said Wednesday.
“The model that we have in place now — with a separate kindergarten building, a first and second grade building, a third through sixth grade building and then, especially a seventh through 12th building, is not working,” Sefcheck said.
“Historically, our achievement levels started that decline back then,” he said. “When all things point to a catastrophic event, that would be the event.”
For the first phase, the district plans three committees — an accessibility team, led by Hunt Principal Jeff Thimons; an accountability team, led by Martin Principal Angela Manchini; and an acceleration team, led by Berkey Principal Brian Heidenreich.
• The accessibility committee will make sure a realignment removes barriers to learning and participation, and that students have timely and equitable access to instruction, services and supports, Sefcheck said.
• The accountability committee will ensure a realignment has consistent and clear expectations, responsibilities and learning progress for students.
• The acceleration committee is tasked with making sure a realignment increases rigor, enrichment and learning for students.
The responsibility of principals leading the committees is to guide the quality of the discussion process, Sefcheck said. They will not influence or advocate for building-specific interests.
“It’s not just about reorganizing the buildings,” Manchini said, “but it’s more about building a stronger, more consistent experience for our teachers, our staff and mostly, our students.”
Staff, parents and community members are invited to join the committees. Sefcheck will select the committee assignments at the end of next week.
The committees will present their findings to the school board by May.
“We’re not looking for ‘yes’ people,” Sefcheck said. “We’re looking for results-intended people.”
Asked what long-term outcomes are sought following a realignment, Sefcheck said: “Improve student growth and achievement.”
“I want to strategically get to the position where we are meeting the state standard for definitive outcomes,” he said.
School board member Mary Jendrey said Sefcheck’s presentation was well-planned out and forward-thinking.
“I’m really excited about what we’re about to embark on,” she said.
