KC School Board Hears from Local AEDY Services for Students
By Christopher Miller
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP – Keystone Central School Board heard from two organizations that can provide Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth (AEDY) services for students within the district.
John Imbt, Regional Director-North and Ken Tallman, Teacher, both of the newly-opened Williamsport campus of River Rock Academy were present Thursday to discuss the academy.
Statistics for KCSD from the past year included three students who were with the program at River Rock Academy for the full 45 days, one student coming back in the fall to complete the 45 days, and one student who “we did not feel that this was the best place for the student to receive the services they needed.”
“We want the students to come in and finish the 45 days with the end goal of getting back into their regular classroom settings as soon as possible,” John said.
Combined, the teachers and professional staff at River Rock Academy have over 130 years of experience.
Next, Jon Paul Pietraccini, CEO and Terry Bumgardner, Program Director, both of Nittany Learning Services, spoke to the board.
They detailed the ways that students can be referred to their AEDY program such as a student having a disregard for school authority, displaying a controlled substance, violent or threatening behavior, or commission of a criminal act, to name a few.
Students receive a minimum of 2.5 hours of individual, group, and career counseling each week by a certified counselor. Outside of normal academics, students at Nittany Learning Services receive structured indoor and outdoor activities, guest speakers from the local community, and community service coordinators to assist with finding community service activities such as adopting a highway, or projects with local DCNR offices.
During the 2024-2025 school year, 21 students from KCSD were referred to Nittany Learning Services. Of those students, 18 met their academic goals, 15 increased and/or maintained their attendance, and 18 were successfully transferred back to KCSD.
The cost for five pre-purchased slots for KCSD students to attend Nittany Learning Services for the 2025-2026 school year is $87,500 with a per diem rate of $145.
The cost for five pre-purchased slots for KCSD students to attend River Rock Academy for the 2025-2026 school year is $143,375 with a reduced per diem rate of $155.
A final vote will be made at Thursday’s School Board Voting Meeting.
