SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Virtual Meeting through Live Stream
March 9, 2021 - 6:00 PM
CASD School Board committees are designed to divide the labor of the board into manageable categories. As such, board members are better prepared for full board meetings. This ultimately improves the quality of board decision making.
You can watch the entire board meeting on CASD's YouTube
PRESENTATIONS
A. Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) Budget Presentation - Joe Lubitsky and George Fiore
Lubitsky shared the CCIU proposed budget summary for next year. All 12 CCIU member school districts must vote to adopt the core and occupational education budgets.
Specifically for Coatesville…
- Core Budget contribution will have no increase and remain at about $48,056. Noting no increase for approximately the last 20 years.
- Occupational Education Budget will decrease 6.3% to $3,405,888. He additionally noted that Coatesville is a large client of TCHS Brandywine. Enrollment remains strong at TCHS schools despite the pandemic.
- Marketplace Budget will increase
3.4% to $12,789,115. School districts
are only charged for services provided in this category. Noting that CCIU is working with Coatesville
Admin to change the model and save money on some of these programs. Marketplace budget includes Special Ed
services, Brandywine Virtual Academy, Home services, Transition services, TCHS
and many more.
Lubitsky
explained various aspects to creating the budget, noting in the last few years
a focus on new programs with sustainable funding streams to offset costs to
member districts. CCIU dealt with
reduction in staffing during the pandemic, as well as increased cost in covid
related expenses (PPE, technology, cleaning).
CCIU was able to cover all of their covid related costs through grants.
CCIU
facilitates savings for member school districts through joint purchasing bids
for things like electric, gas, propane, trash removal, tax collection services,
prescription benefits, etc. Estimated
savings total over 14million dollars over 12 districts. Coatesville’s savings through this program are
estimated at $921,307.
New
programs in the CCIU marketplace will include several adult education programs
in the areas of heavy civil technology, HVAC, welding and CDL.
Brandywine
Virtual Academy has helped to curb the costs of charter schools. In comparison, a special ed student at a charter
school costs almost $35,000, a non-special ed student almost $14,000, vs. a
student at the Brandywine Virtual Academy costs about $5,300.
Fiore
explained that in the next few months Coatesville will see an increase in funds
and grants due to Covid. He noted it is
important to not lean on these to balance the budget since they are temporary.
Fiore provided an update on vaccines. CCIU will be vaccinating 5,400 staff and educators March 13-20 for the first wave of vaccinations. The second wave will cover the rest of educators and staff, approx. 11,000, estimated to begin in April.
Discussion:
Hanna, Fisher, Bookman and Keech: Thanked CCIU for their work
including a superintendent search for the district at no cost.
Hanna: Additionally thanked Fiore for the collaboration of districts through the CCIU.
B. 2021-2022 School District Budget Update - Tomás Hanna and Lori Diefenderfer
Hanna and Diefenderfer reviewed the budget as previously presented.
Buildings/Department budgets meetings are completed, budgets are expected within the next few weeks.
Key points to note that continue to be repeated…
- Projected budget gap for this year is $537,689
- Fund balance is currently -$1,485,383.13
- Current millage (20-21) is 38.2018. Proposed millage can increase between 0% - 3.9%
- Next key date is preliminary budget adoption on 4/27/2021.
AGENDA ITEMS
A. Financial Statements - Always on the agenda (Enclosures)
VOTE: 3-0
No discussion
B. Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) - Pending legal review, that the Board of School Directors approve the Lease Agreement with the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to lease space at Gordon School, located at 351 Kersey Street in Coatesville, from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2026. CCIU will pay rent to the School District in the amount of $1.00 per year, as presented.
VOTE: 3-0
Hanna: Agreement is still under legal review, but it is a continuation of a current agreement with the CCIU.
VOTE: 3-0
No discussion
VOTE: 3-0
No discussion
VOTE: 3-0
No discussion
VOTE: 3-0
No discussion
VOTE: 3-0
No discussion
VOTE: 3-0
No discussion
VOTE: 3-0
No discussion
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion:
Keech Tremendous thanks to the Giant Corporation.
Finkbohner Concurred.
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion:
Finkbohner: Thanked Giant for their generosity.
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion:
Finkbohner: Another gracious thank you.
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion:
Keech: Wanted to give thanks for the gift that will help our students.
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion:
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion:
Hanna: Business manager is retiring. Will stay within our budget, if not come in lower. Won’t be learning curve as Linderman knows our work.
Finkbohner: Wealth of knowledge will make transition seamless to close out budget season.
VOTE 3-0
No discussion
VOTE: 3-0
No discussion
VOTE: 3-0
No discussion
PUBLIC COMMENT
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.
Tabitha Bentley
The CCIU budget presentation said many times that a factor in assisting with budget is grants. If grants offer financial support, is there any consideration in hiring a grant writer? It was a past position and sounds like an immense benefit to the district.
Tammy Vondra
Please consider reviewing and/or explaining the need for the following under the Finance Committee:
Education Committee Agenda
AGENDA ITEMS
A. Donation from Metro Project-Gardner Beale House- That the Board of School Directors approve the donation of time
volunteered from Metro Project/Gardner Beale House to teach students the
architectural aspect of Historic Preservation, as presented. (Information)
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion: Fisher expressed appreciation
B. MOU for Dual Enrollment Pathway Program - D.C.C.C. - That the Board of School Directors approve the Memorandum of Understanding for the Dual Enrollment Pathway Program with Delaware County Community College, as presented.(Enclosures)
VOTE: 3-0
No discussion
C. Addendum to 8th Grade Course Selection Guide - That the Board of School Directors approve the addendum for the 8th
grade course catalog to include Keyboarding/Computer Applications and
AFJROTC Leadership and Aerospace Studies for the 2021-2022 school year,
as presented. (Enclosure)
VOTE: 3-0
No discussion
D. Addendum to CASH Course Selection Guide - That the Board of School Directors approve the addendum for the
Coatesville Area High School course catalog to include Cybersecurity for
the 2021-2022 school year, as presented. (Enclosure)
VOTE: 3-0
No discussion
E. PLTW/Lockheed Martin Grant - That the Board of School Directors approve the Grant from Project Lead the Way and Lockheed Martin, as presented. (Enclosure)
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion:
Fisher: asked for Hanna to weigh in. Palaia said he would address it.
Palaia: Project Lead the Way started at the high school and was filtered down into the middle and elementary schools. Each year there are additional offerings, which can be covered by grants. This is a grant to cover PLTW with the cyber program.
F. 2020-21 District Reopening Plan - That the Board of School Directors approve the District Reopening Plan
for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year, as presented.
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion: Fisher stated discussion will happen during board meeting.
G. Comprehensive Plan - That the Board of School Directors approve the Comprehensive Plan, that
is currently posted for public review until March 23, 2021, as
presented.
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion: Fisher said that again discussion will happen during board meeting
H. Confidential Release and Settlement Agreement - 10012200- That the Board of School Directors approve the release and settlement agreement 10012200, as presented. (Confidential Enclosure)
VOTE: 3-0
No discussion:
I. Sonday System - Reading Intervention - That the Board of School Directors approve proposal from Winsor Learning, Inc. to purchase Sonday System reading intervention professional development at a cost of $5500.00. (Enclosures)
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion:
Mangan: Cares Funds for professional development for our teachers.
J. Heggerty - Professional Development Webinar - That the Board of School Directors approve proposal from Literacy
Resources, LLC. to purchase Heggerty Professional Development Webinar at
a cost of $3,000.00 (Enclosure)
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion:
Mangan: Heggerty program is being used in our elementary schools to help with phonemic awareness. This webinar is to support teachers in implementing this resource.
H. Confidential Release and Settlement Agreement - 10012993- That the Board of School Directors approve the release and settlement agreement 10012993, as presented. (Confidential Enclosure)
VOTE: 3-0
No discussion
INFORMATIONAL ITEM(s)
- Student
Enrollment - It
is important to see what the enrollment looks like in the future to give
the board and the public a sense of what it means from a financial
perspective. Numbers show that overall enrollment for CASD is down 158
students compared to last year. Charter school overall enrollment is up 59
students compared to last year.
(Enclosure—CASD) (Enclosure—Charter)
PUBLIC COMMENT
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.
None
AGENDA ITEMS
Finkbohner - This is in resolution to the incident earlier this year at Scott Middle School?
Pelegrin – Yes, in December.
B. IT Landes - Touchless Bottle Filling Stations - That the Board of School Directors approve the proposal from IT Landes to replace 50 existing water coolers with touchless bottle filling stations and install 35 retro bottle filler kits for existing water coolers at a cost not to exceed $70,980, as presented. (Enclosure—Quote Summary) (Enclosure—Fountains)
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion:
Finkbohner: Can you explain the benefits and reasons for this?
Hanna: Because our water fountains require close contact and touch, this would be an upgrade for contactless water. Given the pandemic, this is something we want to add.
Pelegrin: Trying to move away from the existing fountains where you have to put your mouth close to the spout. Moving to a safer water bottle filling method.
Finkbohner: Asked that children get guidance on using them to ensure they do end up being contactless.
Hanna: assured they would get instruction.
Bookman: Asked about the manufacturer.
Pelegrin: Clarified the two different manufactures, Elkay and Oasis.
Bookman: Asked about the digital system on the stations.
Pelegrin: Explained that had to do with filtration system and when to replace the filter.
C. Conway Power Equipment, Inc. - Kubota for Snow Plowing - That the Board of School Directors approve the purchase of a Kubota to assist with snow plowing from Conway Power Equipment, Inc. at a cost of $22,986.87, as presented. (Enclosure—Quote Summary) (Enclosure—RTV)
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion
Finkbohner Asked Pelegrin to explain benefits of us purchasing the equipment.
Pelegrin Explained that the snow removal company utilized many shovelers, and this will eliminate that cost. The equipment also doubles for field and grounds work.
D. Chester County Health Department - Project ACE-IT Memorandum of Agreement - That the Board of School Directors approve the Memorandum of Agreement with the Chester County Health Department for the purposes of implementing Project ACE-IT (Assisting Childhood Education through Increased Testing) program, as presented. (Enclosure)
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion:
Hanna – This is for our nurses to have training to do antigen testing. If a student or staff member doesn't feel well or has symptoms, the nurses can then implement the antigen testing on site.
E. Attorney-Client Fee Agreement - JUUL® and Electronic Cigarette Litigation- That the Board of School Directors approve the Attorney-Client Fee Agreement with the Frantz Law Group, APLC, Dillon McCandless King Coulter & Graham, LLP, and the Levin Legal Group, P.C. to provide legal services in connection with pursuing claims for damages associated with JUUL® and Electronic Cigarette (e-cigarette) litigation, as presented.
VOTE: 2-1 (Finkbohner - no)
Discussion:
Hanna: Class action lawsuit against Juul company for misrepresentation to students about the dangers of the product. Hanna stated it would be about 10 hours of time and it isn't costing anything. Downingtown is also participating - if it is won, it will provide resources to educate students about the dangers. If there are any damages recovered, that helps pay the legal fees. Litigation to begin in 2022.
E. Caln Little League of the Coatesville Area - Long-Term Rental of Baseball and Softball Fields - That the Board of School Directors approve the agreement with the Caln Little League of the Coatesville Area for the long-term rental of baseball and softball fields at Caln Elementary School, baseball fields at Scott Field Complex, and Junior Varsity baseball fields at Coatesville Area Senior High School during the 2021 baseball/softball season, as presented. (Enclosures)
VOTE: 3-0
No discussion
PUBLIC COMMENT
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.
None.
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
Fisher: Asked for continued prayers and thoughts for Mr. Assetto and his family.
ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENT
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.
ITEMS OF IMPORTANCE HELD FROM CONSENT AGENDA
FINANCE
A. Financial Statements - That the Board of School Directors approve the financial statements/bills payable list, as presented. (Enclosure) *ALWAYS HELD FROM CONSENT AGENDA*
Passed ☒ Failed ☐
Vote: 8-0
Fisher: They will be sharing the weekly duties. The cost for the replacements will not exceed the remaining salary from the retired assistant business manager.
EDUCATION
A. Sonday System - Reading Intervention - That the Board of School Directors approve proposal from Winsor
Learning, Inc. to purchase Sonday System reading intervention
professional development at a cost of $298.00. (Enclosures)
B. Proposed Adjudication - Student 10012993 - That the Board of School Directors approve student adjudications for the following student: 10012993
Passed ☒ Failed ☐
Vote: 8-0
C. Addendum to 8th Grade Course Selection Guide - That the Board of School Directors approve the addendum for the 8th grade course catalog to include Keyboarding/Computer Applications and AFJROTC Leadership and Aerospace Studies for the 2021-2022 school year, as presented. (Enclosure)
Passed ☒ Failed ☐
Vote: Consent Agenda 8-0
D. Addendum to CASH Course Selection Guide - That the Board of School Directors approve the addendum for the Coatesville Area High School course catalog to include Cybersecurity for the 2021-2022 school year, as presented. (Enclosure)
Passed ☒ Failed ☐
Vote: Consent Agenda 8-0
F. 2020-21 District Reopening Plan - That the Board of School Directors approve the District Reopening Plan for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year, as presented. (Enclosure)
Passed ☒ Failed ☐ Vote: 8-0
Presentation:
Hanna: Reviewed the presentation previously shared at the February 23,
2021 meeting. (See enclosure above) Numbers have continued to trend
downward and are on track for returning on March 15th. Hanna thanked
teachers, admin, and staff for all their hard work to make this happen.
Thank you to families for completing the commitment form. The ratio is
about 80% in person, 20% virtual.
Key
points noted...
- Schedules have been distributed.
- 8-12 are moving to an A/B schedule from A/B/C.
- K-7 in person learning will return to a full week schedule, except for asynchronous Wednesdays.
- Reminder no gators allowed.
- Asynchronous Wednesdays will continue.
- Six ft will continue during meal times.
- A Child's Place will continue at Reeceville only, students will be transported to/from Reeceville for this program.
- Substitute teacher and bus driver shortages continue to be an issue.
- Teacher vaccinations will begin through the CCIU starting March 12th.
- On site antigen testing has been approved.
Discussion:
Harlan: Have the students who are new to in-person received their
transportation schedule yet?
Mangan:
Final adjustments are being made, the information will be shared through school
messenger and schools will have bus information as well.
Harlan:
Just to clarify, it is only going through home access, not email or snail mail.
Mangan:
There will be an email from the school messenger platform to the emails in the
system, but no snail mail. Principals also have the information for their buildings.
Fisher:
Thanked everyone for their work. Thanked parents and students as the
board worked their way through to a time when it was safe to return.
Finkbohner:
Glad to see we are on a clear trajectory. Asked what steps are we
taking post opening to continuously receive feedback from staff, admin, students, and parents
so that we can address situations when they come up, allow an open line of
communication on all levels, with staff, students, and parents, so the District can take their concerns into consideration.
Hanna:
Stated he would like to reach out at least on a monthly basis to students and
families. Stated he meets monthly with PTA's and PTO's. Meeting
frequently with CATA, twice a week with admin and principals. People can
reach out to the @CASDreturns email as well as their building principals and
admin. We can discuss during board meetings progress and challenges
bimonthly.
Finkbohner:
Noted the importance of chain of command of communication. If there is a
situation, let your child's teacher know, then the building principal.
Feedback is valued and we need to make sure we are as organized as possible so
that we don't bypass someone who could respond quickly.
F. Sonday System - Reading Intervention - That the Board of School Directors approve proposal from Winsor Learning, Inc. to purchase Sonday System reading intervention professional development at a cost of $5500.00. (Enclosures)
Passed ☒ Failed ☐
Vote: Consent Agenda 8-0
B. Confidential Release and Settlement Agreement - Student 10012200 - That the Board of School Directors approve the release and settlement agreement 10012200, as presented. (Confidential Enclosure)
OPERATIONS
PUBLIC
COMMENT
None.
Informational Items
Charter School Dispute (Statement)
Keech read a statement on behalf of the board. This statement shares that the board has approved an appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as the next step in the Collegium Charter payment dispute. Noting that the recent ruling of a single PA judge ordering Coatesville to make the payments in a certain manner is both unlawful and unfair.
Finkbohner: Shout out to the RaiderBots for being unofficially 2nd in the state. Best of luck moving forward.
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