Justin Horwath

This Comprehensive Plan for Hazleton Area Career Center outlines strategies to enhance student outcomes over the 2026-2029 period. It addresses key challenges such as varying proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, persistent achievement gaps among English Learners, Economically Disadvantaged students, and Students with Disabilities, and chronic absenteeism. The plan prioritizes implementing a standards-aligned ELA and Mathematics instructional framework with structured interventions and unified pacing, strengthening Tier 1 math instruction, and establishing a comprehensive tiered attendance system. The overarching goal is to provide a challenging, enriching, and inclusive educational experience that prepares students for success in a diverse global community.

This Comprehensive Plan outlines the district's roadmap to provide a challenging and enriching education within an inclusive environment, fostering knowledgeable, responsible, and productive individuals ready for a diverse global community. The plan prioritizes building a coherent mathematical teaching and learning system to enhance proficiency in grades 3-8 and Algebra I. It also aims to strengthen Tier 1 literacy instruction through high-quality, standards-aligned ELA lessons to improve K-8 student proficiency. Furthermore, the plan establishes a unified districtwide on-track system to address chronic absenteeism and accelerate English Learner growth.

The board meeting addressed various administrative and operational items, including the rejection of all bids for item 88 and the addition of a new conflict of interest policy as item 161. A discussion took place regarding LERTA tax breaks for data centers, with public input recommending a denial of such proposals. The board also reviewed budget options, noting the necessity of tax increases to manage growing expenses and student enrollment. Presentations were made to honor the achievements of FBLA students and an administrator. Additional business included approvals for curriculum and instruction items, special education group items with specific amendments to grants, security measures, nutrition and transportation contracts, facilities capital projects, technology-related purchases, and student activities.

This plan outlines how the Hazleton Area School District will engage parents and families to support student achievement in accordance with Title I, Section 1116 of ESSA. It focuses on involving parents in plan development and school improvement processes, providing technical assistance, coordinating with federal, state, and local programs, evaluating engagement effectiveness, and designing evidence-based strategies. The overarching goal is to foster meaningful parent and family participation to enhance student academic performance and strengthen school-community partnerships.

The board discussed agenda items related to personnel resignations and retirements, the formation of a curriculum committee, and the procurement of various educational, technology, and facility-related services. Key topics included the approval of student licenses, repair authorizations for district vehicles, budget revisions, and the appointment of personnel to committee vacancies. During the public comment portion, concerns were raised regarding the implementation of student uniforms, inadequate air conditioning in school facilities, and the district's investment in technology versus other educational priorities.