More than 100 parents stood in the Altoona Area High School’s science commons for Tuesday’s school board meeting in support of their children at Baker Elementary and McAuliffe Heights at Irving School.

Both schools were recognized this year by the U.S. News & World Report as two of the best elementary schools in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a significant achievement that highlights the dedication of hardworking teachers, staff members, students and support from their parents to provide quality education at Altoona Area, Superintendent Brad Hatch said.

In order to receive the distinction, a school’s performance profile and building scores on state assessment exams, like the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment, must be in the top 40% of schools in the state, Hatch said, noting Baker and McAuliffe Heights are both inside the top 20% of performing schools in the state.

According to Hatch, Tuesday’s meeting might have eclipsed the record for the most attendance at an Altoona Area School Board meeting.

Hatch said the collaboration with parents is important because their involvement with their children’s education helps promote student engagement within the school district, which “results in higher achievement for our kids,” he said.

“What we saw here tonight was participation by parents and that partnership and collaboration is so important,” Hatch said. “A big part of the success of both Baker and McAuliffe Heights is the willingness and commitment of parents to be involved in their students’ education.”

During the meeting, Hatch said Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Elementary Programs Haley Fleegle “works tirelessly” to provide individualized education for the district’s elementary students.

Fleegle said all eight of the district’s elementary schools showed improvement with student proficiencies in math and reading levels on state assessment tests.

“This is a high honor that the entire school community should celebrate and be proud of,” Fleegle said.

In the coming weeks, students at Baker and McAuliffe Heights will attend assemblies to celebrate the accomplishment and will receive a pin for their hard work, Fleegle said.

About 30 students from both schools’ student councils were in attendance as each of their building principals addressed the board.

Baker Elementary Principal Rich Adams said he can’t wait to celebrate with the entire school.

“I’m really proud of all of you,” he said to the students in attendance.

McAuliffe Heights acting principal Raisa Gray said the accomplishment is “a testament to the dedication and heart of so many people who pour into our school every day.”

“This award isn’t about one person or one moment,” Gray said. “It’s about years of hard work, strong leadership and a deep commitment to our students. This is a win for all of us.”

In other business, the school board approved Weber Murphy Fox Inc. to provide engineering, design, bidding and construction administration services for two projects at Logan Elementary School.

A potential roof replacement project is tentatively scheduled to begin in late summer or early fall, while a window and door replacement could potentially take place during summer 2026, Hatch said, noting the board’s approval Tuesday is not a commitment to a contract or provider for the projects.