Apr 7, 2009 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – It appears the Connellsville Area School Board is preparing to move the district’s ninth grade to the high school, according to discussions held Monday by the members at the non-voting agenda-setting meeting. The panel will meet in regular session Wednesday due to a conflict Thursday with a Connellsville Falcon Foundation charity basketball game between members of the Pittsburgh Steeler football team and the Connellsville Police Officers Association. As part of the discussion, district director of secondary curriculum and instruction and high school principal Dr. Tammy Stern said that a committee comprised of students, parents, residents, teachers and others recently met to discuss the pros and cons of such a move, with all participants finding benefits and downfalls.

Students said there would be the availability of additional curriculum, but added there might be a shortage of locker space and overcrowding during lunch periods. Parents stated during the session that ninth graders are more likely to relate to their older classmates. However, larger classes may be a detriment.

Stern said that if the move were to be made, it would require the administration to address any shortcomings over the summer.

Board member and chairman of the curriculum committee Dr. Sam Martin said he favors transitioning the freshman class to the high school and believes the move will provide the students with a broader curriculum.

He also attended the committee meeting.

“It was generally agreed that combining the ninth grade with the current population at the high school would expose the students to a more sophisticated and diversified atmosphere that will offer more opportunities,” he said.

There were some minor concerns tied to available space.

However, Martin said that concern would be addressed by reconfiguring some of the rooms that are set up for only certain curriculum.

“There isn’t anything that could not be addressed over the summer months,” he said.

In a related issue, the board is also likely to consider the adoption of scheduling options for those that have met graduation requirements or have not received all necessary credits to receive a diploma.

According to the motion, a work-release summer school for credit and/or recovery, flexible scheduling for seniors and early graduation will be considered by the board at the Wednesday meeting.

The initiative, said Martin is to allow more flexibility for the high school students.

“If a student can finish their graduation requirements in two years, then let’s allow them to graduate early,” said Martin.

Another curriculum change is the addition of a community service course that would allow students to “intern” at an institution. The pass/fail elective, one semester course would offer a one-half credit.

“A student could intern for Fayette EMS, for Connellsville City Council or at the local hospital and receive credit for their time,” said Martin. “The students could use this as part of their graduation project.”

In other matters, the board will likely take action in the following business at the Wednesday voting session:

– Add drafting, electronic engineering technologies, computer network and telecommunications and air conditioning and heating technology programs to the Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center (CACTC) curriculum.

– Purchase furniture for the CACTC at a cost of $267,200.

– Approve athletic trainer mark Pohlot to attend the June 5 and 6 Pennsylvania Athletic Trainer’s Society Conference in Johnstown, at an approximate cost of $200 for registration and lodging.

– Amend the school calendar to move the May 28 clerical day to June 1.

– Approve the attendance of senior high school librarian Janice Albright at the May 1 and 2 state School Librarians Association Annual Conference at an approximate cost of $100.