In her 23 years teaching Lakeland School District third-graders, Josefa Dombrosky has never seen a group of students quite like this. Neither have third-grade teachers across Northeast Pennsylvania districts.
The 13 largest cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania failed to meet any of the state averages on English, math and science exams. Some attribute this to low participation in tests, and some are calling for reform.
Incoming school board presidents from districts that serve Lackawanna County share a similar goal in 2021 â get students safely back to their classrooms.
âWeâre hoping for some kind of return to normal,â said Carbondale Area School Board President Gary Smedley, who is going into his 10th year in the position. âWe have to get the kids back into the school.â
Between Dec. 1 and 9, school boards reorganized for 2021. During the meetings, board members appointed presidents and vice presidents. New presidents include Michael Hallinan, Dunmore, and Joseph Mondak, Valley View, both longtime board members who have served as president before; Kevin Mulhern, Lackawanna Trail; and Robert Notari, Old Forge. Abington Heights, Carbondale Area, Forest City Regional, Lakeland, Mid Valley, North Pocono, Riverside and Scranton school board presidents will serve another term.