SCASD’s Delta Program to Become Two Schools

The State College Area School Board on Monday voted unanimously to make the district’s Delta program its own middle and high schools starting with the 2025-26 academic year.

The decision comes following months of discussion and work by an exploratory committee after district administrators last year proposed classifying the program as a school. The proposal drew worries from parents and students that it was a move toward changing the unique culture of the 50-year-old program.

A democratically-operated, community-oriented option for students in grades 6-12, Delta allows students and faculty to collaborate on curriculum and program-wide decisions.

“There is a concern that you’re about to dismantle, inadvertently, something that you don’t understand fully,” said parent Jen Nourse, who has two children in Delta and was the only person to speak during public comment on the matter Monday night.

Among the reasons for the change is data. As a program, test scores and climate survey data are embedded in students’ home schools — the district’s two middle schools or State High. As schools, the data will stay with Delta, creating a clearer picture for both Delta and the other schools.

Administrators and board members said the move won’t change Delta’s approach to curriculum and school culture.

“I don’t see this as something that’s meant to change the direction of Delta so much as just kind of put an AirTag on it,” board member Jackie Huff said. “All those parts that aren’t testing, that make Delta Delta… it’s not my intent to derail anything that’s happening there, and hopefully [we will] get some data and give you guys the recognition in the community that you deserve… I don’t think anyone at the table is looking to change the direction so much as just put a blinking red light on it, so to speak.”

“Continuing to maintain that culture is hugely important…,” board member Peter Buck added. “Nobody wants to change that. It leaves an indelible mark on our community and it’s just so positive.”

Delta high school level student Zofia Sullivan, who served on the exploratory committee, said some students were concerned about the focus on testing data.

“While I agree that data is important for a variety of reasons, my fear is that reducing Delta’s essence to its test scores oversimplifies its impact,” Sullivan said. “A lot of the students fear that the school board and the school district essentially do not understand what Delta is and what they’re trying to do.”

Delta students will still be able to take classes and participate in sports and other extracurriculars at State High. The new high school will be able to determine its own graduation requirement, within state regulations, and may have its own diploma and graduation ceremony.

The program currently has 136 middle level and 195 high school level students. Capacity is not expected to change with the transition to schools, and classroom space will continue to be an issue, as the program typically has a wait list.

Making the program into schools will increase visibility as a Department of Education-approved school on websites such as Niche and U.S. News & World Report, according to the district. And as their own schools, they are eligible for recognitions such as the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program for academic excellence.

Though parents and students worried the board does not understand Delta’s culture, a number of current and recent members have been parents of Delta students.

“There’s a longstanding history of support from the board, particularly our investment in the space and all the accoutrements that go with that in the new Delta building [on the high school’s north campus,” Board President Amy Bader said. “My hope is that we can kind of ease some of those fears and as we move forward embrace opportunities for growth, and good change, change that you want and change that benefits students at Delta.”

A committee led by Jon Downs, director of educational alternatives, will now go to work on the transition. It will focus on:

● Identifying the names of the new middle and high schools
● Creating a plan for new branding
● Choosing what name will be on diplomas
● Identifying if a separate graduation ceremony is desired
● Identifying if a separate awards ceremony is desired
● Identifying if graduation requirements should change
● Creating and compiling for Delta’s internal profile

The committee will provide periodic reports to Assistant Superintendent Jonathan Bucher and will present a plan to the board no later than Dec. 2.