Jan. 11—It was a bittersweet goodbye Wednesday night as Dr. Susan Morgan attended her last school board meeting as the Schuylkill Haven Area School District's director of curriculum, instruction and technology.
Morgan will be retiring after spending 11 years at the helm of the district's efforts to develop its educational offerings.
Her voice crackled with emotion as she read a statement thanking the board and administrators for the positive impact they've had on the district.
"I am very proud to be a part of the Haven family," Morgan said. "Your commitment to education and the well-being of our students has left a permanent mark on the school's legacy and my professional journey. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with you."
Morgan's recent work includes spearheading a project to build a state-funded greenhouse on school grounds to augment the district's agricultural and horticultural classes.
"I look forward to witnessing the continued success and progress of our school," Morgan said. "I am grateful for the opportunities, challenges and growth, and I will carry the lessons learned, and the memories shared, into the next chapter."
Morgan's last day is Jan. 15.
Her position is being filled by Matt Buletza, former middle school principal, serving as director of learning and innovation, and David Pizzico, former network administrator, serving as director of technology.
Also at the meeting, officials presented the 2024-25 school calendar.
Students will head back to school on Aug. 21 and have their last day May 29, Buletza said.
One change will be to have 2025 snow makeup days on March 20, 21 and 24 and hold a shorter Easter break, starting with a half day on April 16, with students returning April 21.
Buletza said the change was discussed among county superintendents to align with the Schuylkill Technology Center's schedule, as well as PSSA tests, which start the day students come back from Easter break.
"PSSAs are the exact day we come back from Easter break...it's difficult for teachers to prepare the kids to get into the mindset," Buletza said. "Instead of taking the full week off and trying to come back and do PSSAs, we moved those days into March to give that extra break ... and stay focused on the PSSAs coming up."
He said having a March break also gives students and teachers a rest in between a long period of time without breaks.