School Board Meeting Recap: January 26th

COATESVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING AGENDA

Virtual Meeting through Live Stream

January 26th 2020 - 7:00 PM

ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA

None

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEM                                                                                                  (Comments on agenda items)  Members of the public wishing to make a comment during a remote (virtual) Board meeting are asked to submit their comments in writing to this email address: vboardmeeting@casdschools.org  State your name, address and township of residence. 

Ann Wuertz: requested discussion regarding the approval of 51 people being approved for curriculum writing, specifically time commitment and budget.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT/ PRESENTATIONS

Return to Hybrid Instruction 

• We were thrilled to welcome our students from Cohorts A, B, and C beginning last Tuesday, January 19.  
• Many of our schools have shared what their students have been up to on Twitter and what has resonated with me is the many smiles –yes under the masks –that we have seen. How do we know? Cheekbones!
• I have had the pleasure of visiting each school at least once and my heart is full after seeing our students and teachers and staff engaged.
• I was especially pleased to address NBMS’s Cohort C yesterday morning during Dr. Roberts’ and Dr. Lambert’s opening assembly. Thank you both for the invitation to address your students.
• I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the incredible work of our principals, assistant principals, supervisors, teachers, and all our support staff over the last months and particularly since the beginning of hybrid.
• And to our students, you are our masterpieces. You make us proud as a District, and we can’t wait to have you all back in our buildings.
• To our families, thank you. 

Vaccines

• One of the things we know is we all want our students back as soon as possible for all five days.
• Throughout the pandemic, we have come to know the term “essential worker” very well. School staff are a core part of that term. Each teacher, aide, administrator, and staff member are essential to our students, schools, and community. The Chester County Health Department (CCHD) has developed a plan to accelerate the vaccination of our educational community, but with limited and inconsistent access to large quantities of vaccine, the CCHD may need to delay plans to vaccinate school staff.
• This is extremely upsetting. Our children have continuously been asked to be flexible and accommodating during a time that is stressful even for adults. The burdens we have put on students to adapt to these new realities, from virtual learning to not seeing their friends’ smiles, need to be addressed and the first step is to prioritize a return to full-time, in-person learning.
• Access to the COVID-19 vaccine for educators and educational staff is critical to our students returning to and regaining a sense of normalcy that they so deserve.
• Please know we are working closely with the CCIU to advocate for additional vaccines for our County. 
• We will be in touch with you so you, too, can advocate because we know that while a vaccine is great, a vaccination is better and gets us ever closer to having our students back in school five days a week.

State of the District 

• As you heard at our Finance Committee Meeting two weeks ago, we remain steadfast in our efforts to be transparent about our budget.Thanks to Ms. Diefenderfer and her team for their continued efforts in this regard. 
• To this end, during the first week of February, CASD leadership will visit Harrisburg to engage our legislators, including educations committee chairs in both the House and Senate to address Charter School Reform as well as fair funding. 
• The current School Administration and Board have taken tremendous steps to cut costs and restructure finances and are working diligently craft a budget that provides academic resources, supports and services for students while identifying opportunities for marginalizing expenses. Steps taken in the past include the following:  
• •  Reducing transportation costs. 
  • Cutting a balance of all staff to reduce the budget, primarily through attrition. We thank the teacher’s union who helped us address this sensitive and difficult issue.
  • Addressing operating costs (lawn care, snow removal, custodial, maintenance, substitute teaching providers, legal expenses, etc.) to ensure we are receiving the best services at the lowest possible price.
  • Refinancing bonds

• We look forward to engaging our legislators to tell the story of the CASD.

While we share our financial story, we want to be clear about what we are doing to improve our own district programs and supporting our students’ academic growth. 

 

Comprehensive Planning 

• Our Comprehensive Planning efforts continue with a steering committee tomorrow evening January 27 in which we will continue a conversation about our district goals. 
• The survey for the broader community was launched and we have received upwards of 550 responses to date. The survey closes on February 7. Thank you for your participation and we look forward to hearing from many more of you!
• My thanks to Board Directors Ms. Mills, Mrs. Harlan, and Mr. Assetto for their leadership in this endeavor and to Dr. Mangan for his leadership and Dr. Dunlap for his guidance.
• One the issues we consistently discuss is how to fund our Comprehensive Plan.
• I would like to share that additional, and much-needed support is on its way. The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER II) will deliver more than $2.2 billion in emergency relief to Pennsylvania’s school districts and charter schools. The CASD has been allotted $7,056,674, covering 18-24 months of support. The administrative team is currently planning how to best use this allocation in service of our students and looks forward to sharing our plan with the Board and the public.

Programming and Added Supports at CASD 

A few reminders from Mr. Palaia’s education committee meeting presentation:

• We have opened special education classes to keep our students within the district.
• Schools are engaged in implementing Positive Behavior Supports (PBIS) to ensure that school cultures are conducive for students to learn and teachers to teach. It is an opportunity to be clear about expectations and celebrate collective successes.
• Given the needs of our students we have embraced an initiative called Multi-Tiered Systems of Support or MTSS. 
• MTSS is an instructional framework that includes universal screening of all students, multiple tiers of instruction and support services, and an integrated data collection and assessment system to inform decisions at each tier of instruction. It enables us to see where students are so we can plan to meet their very specific academic needs.

Mandated Student Assessments 

• I recently communicated to our families that Winter Keystone Assessments will NOT be administered. With the recent return to hybrid learning we believe that more in-time instruction is necessary before administering State-wide assessments. While we are able to opt out of the Winter Keystone administration, we will have to administer these assessments in the Spring. 
• As it relates to Spring PSSA and Keystone Assessments at this time, students are still expected [by the state] to take the PSSA and Keystone assessments.
• Many of you may recall that a decision was made [last year] to waive the required state testing due to the Pandemic. No such waiver has been provided this year; however, if in the upcoming weeks a decision from the Federal government or the Pennsylvania Department of Education to cancel State-Wide testing is made, this information will be relayed to our families as soon as possible. 

A STEM Initiative Grows 

• Two weeks ago, some very lucky district teachers and administrators visited Flux in Norristown. Flux partners with various companies to bring exciting STEM opportunities to schools. One partner is Fork Farms, who specialize in portable hydroponic garden systems.
• The team was able to look at one of the units up close and see how certain parts are assembled. They also learned how to plant the seeds, how much light and water to use, what type of fertilizer to use, and how to check the pH levels.
• Each of our elementary buildings, and the Scott 6th Grade Center have received a hydroponic garden. The Garden Clubs and STEM teachers will facilitate the monitoring of the gardens and updates will be provided school-wide. The buildings will begin with planting lettuce, but there are many possibilities of crops to grow in these hydroponic systems.
• A video was shown highlighting Flux and their partnership with the CASD. Please hear more about the group's experience in their own words, and their excitement about the many ways these garden systems will be a great benefit to our students.
  
  
  

ITEMS HELD FROM CONSENT AGENDA

FINANCE COMMITTEE 

A. Financial Statements - That the Board of School Directors approve the financial statements/bills payable list, as presented. (Enclosure)

Comments/discussion:  None

Passed             ☒                       Failed  ☐                         Vote:    7-0

B. Budget Resolution - That the Board of School Directors select Option "A" (possible use of referendum exceptions) or Option "B" (stay within the 3.9% Act 1 Index for Budget) and approve the appropriate Resolution, as presented.  

Comments/discussion:  

Keech motioned that the board vote on Option B (stay with a tax increase between 0% - 3.9%) because he cannot see going above the Act 1 Index and realizes how strapped our taxpayers already are.  He continued to say that if we want to get control of this we need to secure assistance from our legislators.

Passed (Option B)            ☒                      Failed  ☐                            Vote:    7-0

 C. Senior Award Donation in Memory of Edith E. McGonigle - That the Board of School Directors approve a Senior Award donation in the amount of $10,000 from the McGonigle Family to establish the Edith E. McGonigle Memorial Award for graduating seniors planning to enter college, as presented.(Enclosure)  

Comments/discussion:  Fisher thanked the McGonigle Family

Passed            ☒                      Failed  ☐                            Vote:  7-0

 

D. Delaware Museum of Natural History - Donation to Caln Elementary School  - That the Board of School Directors approve a donation of services in the amount of approximately $3,000 from the Delaware Museum of Natural History through grants it receives. The purpose of the donation is to provide two virtual educational programs to Caln Elementary School students in grades 3-5 and professional development for teachers in K-2, as presented. (Enclosure)  

Comments/discussion:  Fisher thanked the Delaware Museum of Natural History

Passed            ☒                     Failed  ☐                            Vote:    7-0

E. Giant Food Stores - Donation to Caln Elementary School - That the Board of School Directors approve the donation of goods in the amount of $135.58 from Giant Food Stores in Thorndale to Caln Elementary School for the second grade's annual gingerbread house project, as presented. (Enclosure)

Comments/discussion:  Fisher thanked Giant Food Store

Passed            ☒                    Failed  ☐                            Vote:    7-0

F. Ohiopyle Prints - Quarterly Royalty Check - That the Board of School Directors accept a quarterly royalty check from Ohiopyle Prints, Inc. in the amount of $263.82, based on the sale of spirit wear sold at local retailers, as presented. (Enclosure)

Comments/discussion:  None

Passed            ☒                     Failed  ☐                            Vote:     7-0

G. Release and Settlement Agreement - Employee 13889  -  That the Board of School Directors approve the confidential Release and Settlement Agreement for Employee 13889, as presented.(No Enclosure)

Comments/discussion:  None

Passed            ☒                     Failed  ☐                            Vote:    6-1 (No -Finkbohner)

H. Administrator Additional Salary  - That the Board of School Directors approve the part-time position of PILS Instructor through PDE for Nikki Celotto. (No Enclosure)

Comments/discussion:   None

Passed            ☒                     Failed  ☐                            Vote:    7-0

I. Human Resources Report - That the Board of School Directors approve the resignations, appointments, new positions, leaves of absence, transfers, changes of status and corrections, as presented.. (Enclosure)

Comments/discussion:  

Fisher acknowledged, thanked and congratulated Jeff Guy for his 33 and a half years of service in the District teaching music.  He also thanked and acknowledged Ruth Micklick who has worked 37 years in food services in the District.  

Assetto spoke about curriculum. Stating it is the totality of all student experiences that occur during the educational process.  A planned sequence of instruction, or a view of the students experiences in terms of the educator's or school's instructional goals.  Programs are not authentic curriculum; they are a part of curriculum.  Curriculum connects teachers across all subjects, building off classes that have come before, reinforcing knowledge over time.  It sets measured outcomes and tracks progress.  This valuable project is being paid for with CARES act money.

Bookman also thanked all who were retiring, for helping in the district and community, for their dedication and success.  Thank you.

Passed            ☒                    Failed  ☐                            Vote:    7-0

 

EDUCATION COMMITTEE  

A. Course Catalog for 8th Grade - That the Board of School Directors approve the Course Catalog for 8th grade, as presented. (Enclosure)

Comments/discussion:  Consent agenda

Passed            ☒                     Failed  ☐                            Vote:    7-0

B. Course Catalog for Grades 9-12 - That the Board of School Directors approve the Course Catalog for grades 9 through 12, as presented. (Enclosures)

Comments/discussion:   Consent agenda

Passed            ☒                     Failed  ☐                            Vote:     7-0

C. Independent Contractor Contract—The Devereux Foundation  - That the Board of School Directors approve the Independent Contractor Contract with The Devereux Foundation for the 2020-2021 school year for student 10008379, as presented (Confidential Enclosure).

Comments/discussion:  Consent agenda

Passed            ☒                     Failed  ☐                            Vote:     7-0

D. Confidential Release and Settlement Agreement—10003922 - That the Board of School Directors approve the release and settlement agreement 10003922, as presented. (Confidential Enclosure).

Comments/discussion:  None

 Passed            ☒                     Failed  ☐                            Vote:     7-0

  

OPERATIONS COMMITTEE 

A.  Scott Water Damage Restoration Proposal – That the Board of School Directors approve architectural services from Bonnett Associates Incorporated to establish a scope of work for repairs at Scott Middle School in the amount of $18,500, as presented.  (Enclosure) 

Comments/discussion:   

Hanna: This allows us to have an architect begin the scope for repairs at Scott. 

Mr. Pelegrin: Bonnett associates will provide architectural services for the recent Scott Middle School water Damage Restoration Project. Bonnett Associates will work with the district, administration, and the principal at Scott Middle School to establish the scope of work for the areas affected by the HVAC unit ventilator coil-tube rupture. As the scope is developed and documented, Bonnett will hold follow up meetings as necessary with the school district to ensure the scope addresses all building-related work to restore conditions to pre-water damage conditions. The entire project will be completed via the CASD property damage insurance coverage.

Construction administration will be performed by the district facility department.

Mr. Hanna: The damage was contained to it to a certain segment of the building. Fortunately, the staff, under the leadership of Mr. Jahnke and assistant principal, Ms. Messenger, have been able to successfully continue to hold classes. In terms of cost, this will be covered by the insurance company.

Finkbohner:  Thanked Mr. Pellegrin and their company for their due diligence, prompt response time, and thoroughness.

 Passed            ☒                     Failed  ☐                            Vote:     7-0

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEM (Comments on any school-related topics)  Members of the public wishing to make a comment during a remote (virtual) Board meeting are asked to submit their comments in writing to this email address: vboardmeeting@casdschools.org  State your name, address and township of residence.  Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes.  It is the Board’s practice not to engage in dialogue with speakers.

Sandra Brown:  A parent of children at Kings Highway Elementary thanked the district for the hybrid return and requested what steps will be taken to introduce more in-person hours. She wanted to know if students could take the seats of those who aren't currently in-person. 

     

She stated that some nearby districts are offering 4 and 5 days to children and are utilizing 3 feet social distancing instead of 6 feet. She questioned if the district will be consulting with the Chester County Health Dept. because she wants more in-person time for her children.

She cited Bucks Country regulations and referenced studies to support her desire for the district to reduce the physical distancing.

 

INFORMATIONAL

Assetto: Thanked the 51 teachers and coordinators who volunteered to help restore authentic curriculum. With their expertise, knowledge, dedication, caring and creativity, this will be a tremendous success.  This is restoring the building blocks of our students education.  Remember, programs are a part of curriculum, but they are not curriculum.  This development will establish scope, sequence, and curriculum mapping, strengthening all of our subject.  We will be able to infuse technology at every level.  We will be able to build interdisciplinary bridges and reinforce reading in the content areas.  This is a great leap forward for this district.  

Also commended this district in introducing the hydroponics, true STEAM involvement.  Excited for the environmental education and engagement of students.

Asked for community members to start conversations, knowing that this school board is dedicated to moving this district forward in a positive direction.

Fisher: Toured buildings with respect to beginning of hybrid learning.  Thank you custodial staff for the clean buildings.  Visited many classrooms, noting one 5th grade class at Caln: Mr. Maxwell's class.  Commended him for his ability to focus and meet the needs of the students when pulled in multiple directions at once.  Thanked all the teachers for the wonderful job they are doing multitasking under difficult circumstances.  

Finkbohner: Attended the boys basketball game.  Incredibly proud to see the student athletes and coaching staff.  To watch and see them perform seamlessly with masks on without complaining, was incredible.  Mr. Chenger and his team have done an outstanding job with safety guidelines.

Toured buildings after hybrid began.  Buildings are ready, prepared for students.  Teachers have owned this and made the best of a unique situation.  Didn't feel like an empty classroom, very welcoming.  Phenomenal job to all of those who made this happen and especially to the teachers.