A motion for Jim Thorpe Area School District to reclaim and operate two life skills classrooms currently managed by the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21 failed last week by a 6-2 vote.

The proposed transition, which would have taken effect in the 2025-26 school year, aimed to bring life skills programs for students in grades K-3 and 6-8 under district control.

The motion, as stated in official documents, sought to notify the IU of the district’s intent to assume responsibility for these programs.

Before the vote, Superintendent Robert Presley emphasized potential cost savings, improved oversight, and the ability to ensure local students had guaranteed spots in these specialized programs.

“We try to continue services here at the district to get our own students here academically and socially, guarantee us spots for new cases, students to be identified, (and have) more control over classroom staff, curriculum, and student needs,” he said. “We believe that we can bring these programs back with the staff and with fidelity.”

Presley said last month the district could save around $90,000 by bringing the programs back in house.

Gerald Strubinger and Richard Flacco were the only two directors to vote in favor of bringing the classes back under district control.

Concerns were raised about staffing and the district’s readiness to accommodate the program in-house.

“I’m hoping that we have enough staff in place to make this work,” Board President Mary Figura, one of the six no votes, said. “I’ve heard some concerns about some other special education classes and making sure we have enough staff as well as the curriculum.”

District Special Education Director Fawn Meli reassured the board that existing teachers and curriculum would transition smoothly.

“The curriculum is already established,” she said. “The teachers are already established. Right now, I don’t have any control over what exactly is done because it’s not my teacher. By taking those classes over, we can go in there, we can see everything, we can make changes to the curriculum.”

Meli said by having control of the class, the district can accept students from other districts, while still guaranteeing spots for its own.

“We act like the Intermediate Unit so that gives us the power and control over that to make sure that our students come first and that we have space within our own district to serve those students,” she said.

Directors said they remained open to reconsidering the idea down the road.

“At this point I have to say no, but one day possibly,” director Michele Banks said.