Before getting inside the school bus, a group of junior high school students stand near the bus and talk together.
istock
Harrisburg School District starts school year under new management
Leaders optimistic for a successful year and management turnaround
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Justin Kocis
istock
Before getting inside the school bus, a group of junior high school students stand near the bus and talk together.
Last week, the Harrisburg School District opened the 2019-2020 school year under new state-appointed leadership.
Years of reported mismanagement and poor budgeting caught up with the District and earlier this summer the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania took operational control of the schools. New management found over $5 million worth of taxpayer dollars that were questionably spent.
On top of financial issues, the Harrisburg School District has historically underperformed academically with a below average graduation rate of 49 percent compared to the state average of 86 percent.
However, even with the school district organization in flux the new administration feels optimistic for the future.
Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss the future of the Harrisburg School District are Dr. Janet Samuels, court appointed Receiver, and Mr. Christopher Celmer, acting assistant Superintendent.
Smart Talk
Acting Superintendant Christopher Celmer and court appointed Receiver Dr. Janet Samuels appear on Smart Talk, September 3, 2019
