Dear District Stakeholders,
The Northwest Area Board of Education, administration, faculty, and staff are deeply committed to providing the highest quality education and opportunities for our students. However, we are currently facing significant challenges due to the lack of adequate funding from the state, the uncertainty surrounding federal support, and rising costs associated with utilities, transportation, services provided by outside agencies to our students, and health care increases. These financial pressures cast a shadow over the future of our district and necessitate careful planning and action.
In response, our administration has begun a comprehensive review of the district as a whole. Our goal is to sustain excellence in education and maintain access to valuable opportunities for our students, all while navigating these financial constraints. We recognize that these necessary adjustments will not be easy and may impact various areas of our district. As discussed in the recent town hall, we will be reviewing transportation, consolidation, and program offerings to assess their necessity and potential impact.
Our plan moving forward is as follows:
Develop potential cost-saving measures through administrative review
Create a comprehensive plan for building and grounds
Establish a committee composed of administration, board members, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders
Present potential solutions and gather input from the committee
Develop and finalize a strategic plan for the 2026-2027 school year
Share the plan with the community for feedback and support
Implement the approved plan for the 2026-2027 school year
We cannot sustain the current trajectory; it is not a viable path forward. Our greatest strength is our students and our community, and we will be reaching out for your input and support as we work together to shape the future of Northwest Area School District.
Thank you for your continued dedication and partnership.
Joseph Long, Superintendent
Northwest Area Board of Education and Administration