Beaver County News

On August 6, 2024, Rep. Milou Mackenzie (R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton) and the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), convened a hearing to highlight the Centennial School’s program for students with emotional disturbance and autism. The K-12 school, affiliated with Lehigh University College of Education, also prepares special education teachers for Pennsylvania.

The hearing, titled “Back to School,” took place at the Centennial School. The first panel of testifiers included Robin Hojnoski, dean of Lehigh University College of Education; Julie Fogt, director of Centennial School; Heather Caricari, lead teacher at Centennial School; and Sara C. Heintzelman, technology integration specialist at Centennial School. The second panel featured parents Judy Holden, Kristi Sadow, Melissa Howard Heptner, and Jim Shields. Joseph J. Helble, president of Lehigh University, opened the hearing with remarks.

"We thank the committee for the opportunity for our Lehigh University and Centennial School educators to share insights about this unique model. We strongly believe in bridging the divide between theory and practice, and we take great pride in the impact Centennial School is having. And we are grateful for the continued support of the Commonwealth,” said Helble.

Schools throughout Pennsylvania increasingly seek teachers with special education training. The Centennial School prepares teachers not only in data-driven special education but also in family collaboration and school environment management.

“I applaud the Centennial School for the positive impact it has had on the Lehigh community and the value it is adding to schools throughout Pennsylvania. The Centennial School’s science-based approach has set new precedents for how children with special needs learn and the importance of the environment in which they learn,” said Mackenzie. “We desperately need to modernize our school system, and Centennial School is playing a critical role in doing just that.”

“Pennsylvania’s 19th-century school system is not equipped to educate 21st-century students. The Centennial School is the exception, advancing knowledge, using data, creating ideal environments for students in need, and ensuring the next generation of special education teachers have the skills,” said Kail.

To watch the complete hearing, visit pagoppolicy.com/video/policy.

Representative Milou Mackenzie

131st Legislative District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Will Jones

717-260-6615

wjones@pahousegop.com

repmiloumackenziepa.com

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