The long-running question of where Saint Clair Area School District students will attend high school is expected to continue into early next year following a key vote Tuesday night.
For decades, Saint Clair has sent its secondary students to Pottsville Area High School under a joint operating agreement historically renewed every 10 years. As this renewal approached, district officials began exploring alternative options, soliciting proposals from multiple Schuylkill County school districts.
After reviewing those submissions, Saint Clair narrowed its considerations to Schuylkill Haven Area and North Schuylkill. A vote was scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, to determine the direction of the district’s next high school partnership.
Following a 7–2 vote, the Saint Clair School Board elected to begin negotiations with the Pottsville Area School District on the terms of a new joint secondary program management agreement for students in grades 9 through 12. The negotiation period is set to conclude no later than January 30, 2026. If Saint Clair and Pottsville cannot reach an agreement by that deadline, the district will then initiate negotiations with either Schuylkill Haven Area School District or North Schuylkill School District.
Responses From Districts
Statement from Dr. Shawn Fitzpatrick, Superintendent, Schuylkill Haven Area School District
“While we are certainly disappointed that the Saint Clair School Board did not select the proposal submitted by Schuylkill Haven, we respect the board’s decision to choose the option they believe best meets the needs of their students and community. Our district remains proud of the thoughtful, student-centered proposal we submitted, and we stand firmly behind the quality, opportunities, and value it would have provided for the families of Saint Clair.
“I want to thank our school board directors and administrative team for their hard work and dedication throughout this process. We remain committed to supporting public education across Schuylkill County, and we wish the Saint Clair School District the very best as they move forward with their selected path. Schuylkill Haven Area School District will continue focusing on delivering exceptional educational experiences for the students and families we proudly serve.”
Statement from Dr. Robert Ackell, Superintendent, North Schuylkill School District
“This was the second time North Schuylkill submitted a proposal, and each time we believed we offered a strong partnership, high-quality educational and extracurricular opportunities, and a significantly lower tuition rate. While we are certainly disappointed by the outcome, we respect Saint Clair Area School District’s decision-making process.
“Our administration and board remain extremely proud of what North Schuylkill provides to families. We genuinely wish Saint Clair well as they move forward with their negotiations. However, given the circumstances and the history of this process, North Schuylkill would not be interested in submitting a proposal in the future or revisiting our current proposals.”
Next Steps
Saint Clair’s negotiations with Pottsville will begin immediately, with both sides expected to address tuition rates, program offerings, and long-term terms of cooperation. If an agreement is not reached by late January, Saint Clair officials will revisit their narrowed options and begin discussions with Schuylkill Haven or North Schuylkill.
