Souderton Area School District Board President Ken Keith and Superintendent Dr. Frank Gallagher on Aug. 24 objected to efforts to characterize as “cuts” several changes made ahead of the start of the 2023-24 school year.
During the meeting’s public comment period, Rosemary Buetikofer, a Souderton resident, retired school teacher and candidate for school board in the upcoming election, said she was concerned that music programs were being cut.
“It was not a cut,” Gallagher responded.
He further explained that it was a reorganization — due to several factors — to better serve the needs of the students. He then suggested that he’d appreciate it if Buetikofer could help get the word out that it was not a cut.
The decision to reorganize the music classes was made well before budget discussions began, and it was driven by the music teachers themselves, said Keith.
Gallagher reported that SASD has added an additional 22 teachers and 33 employees this school year.
Keith added that, contrary to rumors and social media, there were no cuts to Spanish classes and the district did not cut the number of school counselors or psychologists.
Gallagher reiterated the school district’s recognition of the need for mental health support. After the reorganization of counselors and psychologists, the ratio of student and counselor remained basically the same, he said.
In other business, Keith started off the recent meeting by complimenting the audience on the tone of civility that marked last school year’s meetings. He expressed hope that this year all would continue to engage in civil discourse.
The district also recognized two school board members for their tenure on the board and their contributions.
Thomas A. Kwiakowski — 14 years — and Nicholas A Braccio — 12 years — served for a total of 26 years.
Officials said the Franconia Elementary and Indian Valley Middle schools’ renovation projects went smoothly.
The next school board committee meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 13. The next action meeting starts at 7 p.m. Sept. 28.
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