Tuesday night the school board met to hold its monthly committee meetings and the special meeting to approve financial reports, personnel reports, and other items that cannot wait for the full board meeting at the end of the month.
Historically on school boards, the committee meetings are where items are discussed and debated in more detail. At times, they are tabled for more information. If they are approved and passed, they then go to a full board meeting for final approval. Over the past few years, the board committee meetings in CASD have not fully embraced this approach - there have been more structured presentations, little discussion, and everything gets approved.
This month, we saw a shift. While there were still many structured presentations, the board had a lot more dialogue and engagement both with the presenters and with one another. Items were tabled during committee meetings instead of being passed to the full board only to be tabled later. And in one case, an item was added to the agenda based on a presentation at the meeting.
It was exciting to see this step forward in improved engagement and governance, and we look forward to seeing the board function in this way more often going forward.
Historically on school boards, the committee meetings are where items are discussed and debated in more detail. At times, they are tabled for more information. If they are approved and passed, they then go to a full board meeting for final approval. Over the past few years, the board committee meetings in CASD have not fully embraced this approach - there have been more structured presentations, little discussion, and everything gets approved.
This month, we saw a shift. While there were still many structured presentations, the board had a lot more dialogue and engagement both with the presenters and with one another. Items were tabled during committee meetings instead of being passed to the full board only to be tabled later. And in one case, an item was added to the agenda based on a presentation at the meeting.
It was exciting to see this step forward in improved engagement and governance, and we look forward to seeing the board function in this way more often going forward.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Education Committee
Several routine items were approved by the education committee, as well as two agreements with outside service providers - one for Wilson Reading Services with EBS, and the other for Extended School Year services from Valley Forge Educational Services. After these items were approved, there were several informational presentations that we think do warrant some discussion and attention.
INFORMATIONAL ITEM(S)
Discipline Code Public Meeting – Jason Palaia
Mr Palaia spoke to the process of the code of conduct stating that "as I mentioned at the last board meeting, discipline in the schools is complex and has a huge impact on students culture and climate." Mr. Palaia acknowledged the importance of giving the community, teachers, and staff an opportunity to continue with this discussion. Therefore, on Monday July 15th in the CASD Cafeteria at 7pm there will be a public meeting to discuss the code of conduct. This will be an opportunity to bring people together to have an open dialogue and feedback from all stakeholders. He went on to say "It is my hope that teachers will come and provide us with suggestions to their concerns."
So here is our plea - If you have a suggestions with the code of conduct PLEASE make some time on Monday night to come out and be part of this meeting. Teachers - Come! Parents - Come! Students - Come!
Mr Palaia spoke to the process of the code of conduct stating that "as I mentioned at the last board meeting, discipline in the schools is complex and has a huge impact on students culture and climate." Mr. Palaia acknowledged the importance of giving the community, teachers, and staff an opportunity to continue with this discussion. Therefore, on Monday July 15th in the CASD Cafeteria at 7pm there will be a public meeting to discuss the code of conduct. This will be an opportunity to bring people together to have an open dialogue and feedback from all stakeholders. He went on to say "It is my hope that teachers will come and provide us with suggestions to their concerns." So here is our plea - If you have a suggestions with the code of conduct PLEASE make some time on Monday night to come out and be part of this meeting. Teachers - Come! Parents - Come! Students - Come!
• 6th Grade Center Update – Jason Palaia
Jason Palaia called on the new 6th great center principal, Dr. Jahnke, to give an update on his preparations and plans. Jahnke began with the new year preparations are in full swing with cleaning, painting and waxing floors. He is working with his administrative team on student schedules. One plan is to keep students in teams on different floors. The same students will have most of their general courses on the same floor with the same group of teachers. This continuity should help reduce discipline issues and minimize hall traffic across the building. They are also planning after school opportunities including intramural sports and activities to keep students engaged.
Jason Palaia called on the new 6th great center principal, Dr. Jahnke, to give an update on his preparations and plans. Jahnke began with the new year preparations are in full swing with cleaning, painting and waxing floors. He is working with his administrative team on student schedules. One plan is to keep students in teams on different floors. The same students will have most of their general courses on the same floor with the same group of teachers. This continuity should help reduce discipline issues and minimize hall traffic across the building. They are also planning after school opportunities including intramural sports and activities to keep students engaged.
• 7/8 Middle School Update – Jason Palaia
Dr. Roberts, the new 7/8 principal, enthusiastically introduced the new 7/8 administrative staff. She told the board that the painters and roofers have been working hard. As a team they have been working on logistic because with so many students (783) under one roof they want to make sure they can move without the "hustle and bustle of bumping", but are creating three teams within the building and realigned the related arts so that they are in the front so there will be less moving. They have also been planning a lot of after school activities. She further stated that she has communicated and reassured parents that “We have such high expectations. I am really optimistic and hopeful that we will actually make AYP next year. That we will do academically well.” As a team they are going to set some “nonnegotiable and some expectations.”
Something that stood out to us was when Rob Marshall asked “783 as of today, I recall some maximum numbers for that facility, we’re quite close if I’m not mistaken. So when you add this total number of students with teachers and administrators, are you comfortable with the space?” Which then Dr. Roberts replied “At this point, I don’t have a choice but to be comfortable with it. Because of the fact that we have to make it work, we are working as a team to see how we can move these students.” Marshall went on to say that if there was anything she needed or concerns she had to please let the board know.
We are encouraged by Dr. Roberts' honesty. Her frankness is
a different approach than other administrators have taken in the past.
Reassurances of a façade have not helped our students or schools. By Roberts
being honest, it allows for any needed support for assistance. Marshall opened
those doors and was sincere in his interest to support these efforts.
Pubic Comment
Liz Muirhead: Asked for the Enrollment reports that are usually a part of the attachments for this committee. Also noted that she appreciated the discipline meeting on Monday, and plans to attend, but wants to share that no matter what the discipline code says, the consequences for students with IEPs cannot always follow the code and be legally compliant. This is something that parents and teachers giving input on the plan cannot resolve, so she reiterated the importance of the administrative team making sure that special education students have their needs met in the classroom, as a way of preventing discipline problems in this sub-group of students.
We believe that the reinstatement of supports (for all students) will greatly improve the overall climate. We know the value and need for resource rooms for special education students and having all students in appropriate classes with the rigor being at their level (not too high or low) is needed to help students avoid frustration and boredom. We will continue to advocate with others in the community to remedy this continued problem.
Fee waivers are receiving a lot of public scrutiny lately. The two items on the agenda for this meeting were fee waivers for building and field use. Both of these items were TABLED pending additional information and calculations. For the CKR practice, there was a desire to look at a potential give back exchange. Mr. Fisher explained that in the past, the fields would be reseeded at the end of the season.
For the Robotics club, several questions arose including how access to the building would happen, whether custodians or administrators would be present, and other related issues. These items may be added to the board agenda at the end of the month if those questions can be answered.
A. Request to Waive Fees – Coatesville Kid Raiders Practice – Campus Auxiliary Fields - RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the request to waive fees in the amount of $4,240 for use of the Campus auxiliary fields to hold youth football and cheerleading practice from July 29th through November 17th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., as presented. (Enclosure)B. Request to Waive Fees – Out-of-the-Box Robotics – C.A.S.H. - RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the request to waive fees in the amount of $40,018 for use of the classroom(s) for robotics mentoring from July 2019 through June 30, 2020, as per the attached calendar. (Enclosure)
INFORMATIONAL ITEM(S)
• Booster Concession Stand
Presentation Amy McFarland and Bill Ringsdorf presented jointly on the needs for the snack shack at the multi-purpose field and the timeline of over five years without completion. Their detailed information was well received. Mr. Fisher apologized that it had taken so long for progress to be made, but assured Amy that the booster clubs had their support and wanted the snack shack to move forward. Amy asked for a point person to be shared that she can work with going forward, and expects to be told that over the next week.
Brandon Rhone added a proposal to the agenda to conditionally approve moving forward with the snack shack enhancements, and authorizing the district to negotiate an agreement with the booster clubs to complete this work.
• Technology Presentation - the IT director Mike Sobczak
Sobczak's presentation discussed the logistical and financial plans he developed to be ready to adopt the 1:1 program starting the beginning of the year. In his presentation, it was clear that he has done good work negotiating costs down to provide savings to the district, but he also noted several ways that the grant will cost the district money to maintain and uphold the program. We are satisfied that Mike is doing a thorough job preparing the district to be operationally ready for the program launch.
Sobczak's presentation discussed the logistical and financial plans he developed to be ready to adopt the 1:1 program starting the beginning of the year. In his presentation, it was clear that he has done good work negotiating costs down to provide savings to the district, but he also noted several ways that the grant will cost the district money to maintain and uphold the program. We are satisfied that Mike is doing a thorough job preparing the district to be operationally ready for the program launch.
His
presentation did not include any information on how the computers will be
integrated into the educational process or curriculum for the upcoming school
year or any plans for training for families, students, or teachers.
•
Facilities Update - ABM
Two representatives from ABM talked to the school board about their progress in working through the schools over the summer months to address cleaning and maintenance needs. They noted challenges staffing all of their open positions and how that has led to significant delays. Board members were very engaged in this conversation and pushed back on ABM for what they have observed to be shoddy work and significant delays. Both Brandon Rhone and Rob Fisher sited examples of classrooms in buildings that were not acceptable. They both went into schools to inspect them. Of major concern was when it was revealed that NO custodial services had been provided to East Fallowfield since June 8th.
They clarified that ABM is only paid for time that is actually worked and are not paid for staff included in their contract if they cannot provide staff. Dr. Taschner clarified that she receives daily email to inform her of the number of staff members showing up daily.
Mr. Fisher also questioned the process ABM will use for the summer cleaning and preparing. He used the example of how the gym floor was cared for in the past. He showed concern as the company last year did not prepare the floors thoroughly.
This revealed major inadequacies in the services provided by ABM. The school board member’s questions and site visits showed their concerns for the maintenance and cleanliness of the buildings.
Two representatives from ABM talked to the school board about their progress in working through the schools over the summer months to address cleaning and maintenance needs. They noted challenges staffing all of their open positions and how that has led to significant delays. Board members were very engaged in this conversation and pushed back on ABM for what they have observed to be shoddy work and significant delays. Both Brandon Rhone and Rob Fisher sited examples of classrooms in buildings that were not acceptable. They both went into schools to inspect them. Of major concern was when it was revealed that NO custodial services had been provided to East Fallowfield since June 8th.
They clarified that ABM is only paid for time that is actually worked and are not paid for staff included in their contract if they cannot provide staff. Dr. Taschner clarified that she receives daily email to inform her of the number of staff members showing up daily.
Mr. Fisher also questioned the process ABM will use for the summer cleaning and preparing. He used the example of how the gym floor was cared for in the past. He showed concern as the company last year did not prepare the floors thoroughly.
This revealed major inadequacies in the services provided by ABM. The school board member’s questions and site visits showed their concerns for the maintenance and cleanliness of the buildings.
Public
Comment
Jill Santiago questioned how many of the students on the robotics team are not CASD students. Note: The website for "Out of the Box" sites that there are 10 team members from 8 different schools.
Finance Committee Agenda
The finance agenda included several routine and non-controversial items from financial statements and bills payable to contracts that are consistent with those executed in prior years, and a few minor agreements with CATA, and the acquisition of a system to manage the new laptops. There was also the HR report, which not only included the normal items, but also included all of the transfers related to the reconfiguration of the middle schools.
The finance agenda included several routine and non-controversial items from financial statements and bills payable to contracts that are consistent with those executed in prior years, and a few minor agreements with CATA, and the acquisition of a system to manage the new laptops. There was also the HR report, which not only included the normal items, but also included all of the transfers related to the reconfiguration of the middle schools.
I. U. S. Security Care, Inc. (USSC) – Security Services Contract - RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the contract with U.S. Security Care, Inc. to provide security services for a two-year term at a rate of $23.25 per hour/per Security Guard, as presented. (Enclosure)
U.S. Security Care, Inc. did a presentation of their
services, which shared all of the various venues where they provide services,
superficial information of their training, and an overview of their uniforms.
Much of the time was spent on explaining their process for oversight of their
site teams and the handling of ensuring staffing needs. It was shared that they
are trained in de-escalation techniques.
Our opinion of this is that this company did not seem to be
any better trained to work with youth than the previous ones. The former
company had a high rate of turnover due to the restrictions placed on them by
administration, not because they weren't able to do a job. They dressed
professionally. Initially, they did due diligence. Unfortunately, as reported
to us by specific employees, they were told to not engage with certain students
and their write ups of students went unaddressed time after time. Further, it
was reported to us that at times, security could not get administration to
respond to their needs in a timely fashion.
We believe that teachers need to be retrained in
de-escalation techniques. The security officers will not be on the scene where
potential fights will begin. These happen in the classroom or in the hallways
in front of teachers. Security is usually called after any altercations begin.
INFORMATIONAL ITEM(S)
•
District Tax Appeal – Chuck Linderman
Mr. Linderman discussed the plan to move forward with
district-initiated reassessments of about 15 large commercial properties in
order to increase property tax revenue.
Policy Committee Agenda
No new policies were presented, but the previously presented
policy 627 on real estate assessment appeals was proposed for adoption by the full
board.
Special
Meeting
As is typical after board committee meetings, a Special Meeting of the full board was scheduled. This meeting is routine and advertised at the beginning of the year, and is typically held to approve financial reports, bills payable, and HR reports, along with any urgent items than cannot wait until the full board meeting at the end of the month.
The tabled items were removed from the agenda, and the snack shack was added to the agenda. All items on the agenda were approved, most of them through the consent agenda. No contentious votes took place.
As is typical after board committee meetings, a Special Meeting of the full board was scheduled. This meeting is routine and advertised at the beginning of the year, and is typically held to approve financial reports, bills payable, and HR reports, along with any urgent items than cannot wait until the full board meeting at the end of the month.
The tabled items were removed from the agenda, and the snack shack was added to the agenda. All items on the agenda were approved, most of them through the consent agenda. No contentious votes took place.
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