NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. by: John Gerow (RVO) – In what may have been a first in more than 20 years, only a handful of community members turned out Tuesday evening to participate in RVSD Superintendent John Mastillo’s “Strategic Planning Presentation” in the high school auditorium. Fewer than 20 people were present as the Superintendent fulfilled one of his original commitments to the community by sharing the development of the District’s future plan. Dr. Mastillo brought the audience up to date with his efforts to strengthen and improve the Redbank Valley School District.

Dr. Mastillo – Strategic Plan 2019 – Redbank Valley – New Bethlehem PA *Photo courtesy of Redbank Valley Education Support Professionals

With a brief, PowerPoint presentation, Dr. Mastillo identified the primary areas of need in the district and pointed out that, here in the beginning, the focus must be on the curriculum, security, and finances. He pointed out that the financial reality, how much money there is to spend, will determine how the district improves both the curriculum and security in the schools. Neither curriculum development nor security can wait until the district’s finances are in order, so the three areas must be developed simultaneously.

Noting that nothing sinister had been going on previously, Dr. Mastillo stressed that the District just needs some fine tuning in order to address the changes in regulations, demographics, and educational needs. As regulations, curricular considerations, and social issues change, roles, responsibilities, and methods of accountability have to be constantly updated to match the changes happening within education and the District. The fine tuning and adjusting will serve to improve the quality of education for Redbank Valley students.

Dr. Mastillo also said that as the District develops new initiatives and programs that he hopes there will be opportunities for people in the community to participate in the organization and implementation of programs. He repeated his belief that the schools belong to the Community and that the Community needs to be involved.

As an example of educational creativity, Dr. Mastillo recorded his presentation Tuesday evening. He plans to give the video to video class to edit and post on the District’s website along with his PowerPoint presentation.

Dr. Mastillo will be hosting 2 “Coffee and Conversation” sessions on February 19 at the Community Center in New Bethlehem. The sessions will be at 6:30 a.m. And p.m. This will be a great opportunity to ask questions, look for answers, and to get involved.

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ABOUT:
Redbank Valley School District provides education services for the 165 square mile area of New Bethlehem and Hawthorn boroughs, and the townships of Mahoning, Madison, Porter, and Redbank of both Clarion and Armstrong counties.

MEETINGS:
The Redbank Valley School Board meetings the first Monday of every month at 7pm at the High School Library.

CONTACT:
For more information about the Redbank Valley School District, please call 814.275.2426 or visit RedbankValley.org/pg/biz/redbank-valley-school-district