SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Virtual Meeting through Live Stream
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
Education Committee Agenda
PRESENTATIONS
A. CASD Athletics and Extra
Curricular Strategic Plan – Mr. Chenger, A.D. and Ms. Kline, CCIU
Hanna: May 25th will have a more formal presentation.
Chenger: We are presenting a broad overview of the plan started last summer that just wrapped up early spring.
Kline: Enjoyed the process of working with all stakeholders and believes the plan reflects what all stakeholders want moving forwafull rd.
Timeline- July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024
Process - Spring 2020 CASD requested the CCIU to facilitate a process to develop a plan, with the desire to follow PDE guidelines for Comprehensive Planning as applicable.
- Steering Committee of 39 people. Data collected from surveys, focus groups, and interviews.
- Identified Strengths, Areas of Concern, Goals and Action Steps
- Small group (A.D., two high schools principals, and middle school facility manager met and determined the goals and implementation steps
- May 25th detailed presentation for board's approval - document posted currently is Chenger's belief.
Mills appreciated the detail and looks forward to the full presentation. She asked if there was more than one representative for the elementary level. Chenger stated that there was.
Fisher extended his appreciation for Kline's participation and her and Chenger's work.
Kline: "My pleasure - I enjoyed getting to bask in how much they [steering committee] love Coatesville -one thing that has come out loud and clear."
B. Pupil Services Update – Brenda George
Hanna- update from what was rolled out from the summer - what we've planned, where we are, and what our accomplishments are.
Progress from this year and plan for next year.
This is to show our progress/ accomplishments and what we have planned. Last year Dr. Magnan presented the three year plan. The goals presented align with comprehensive plan.
Goal: To provide quality program, interventions, and support for all students.
Year 1 (2020-2021)
Year 2 (2021-2022)
Goal: Build the capacity of CASD teachers and staff to support these programs.
Year 1 (2020-2021)
Expenditures:
Discussion
Harlen: With regards to the continuation of programming, autistic support skipped six grade and ends at seventh grade: are we looking to increase their services for every grade level? George: we are looking at our student population and making the determination if specialized classrooms are needed or if we can support the students in another way.
Second question: We end our VB classroom in elementary school. Are we looking to continue that into the high school? George: again responded for the need to look at our student population and determine if the services can be provided without a specialized classroom if the population in need is small. George added that we have early interventions now and are getting the students earlier. We can plan for upcoming needs for students.
Harlan: For the gifted program, we are looking into getting screeners for second grade. What does it look like for student who is already identified as gifted? Harlen stated that we have one gifted teacher for the district. It was clarified that we have four gifted teachers in the district; one at the elementary level. George again said that we are looking at what we need and would possibly reallocate a gifted teacher or see if we need additional staffing.
Fisher asked how many identified gifted students we have across the district. We have 12 at the elementary level and there is a drop off between 6 and 7 grade. It was established that we are under-identifying gifted students. We will need to allocate resources for the future.
Dunlap thanked Mrs. George for all of her hard work. He commented on the slow changes we are Making to make these programs sustainable. He cited the cost savings to have our own VB classroom instead of the students having to go outside of the district. He elaborated that it’s a good thing also financially that we are bringing back these programs. We need to move slowly, identify needs, and make improvements as we go. In regards to the gifted program, having students take the PSAT is not only a great way to identify students like Dr. Magnan said, it also allows to show what potential they have for certain courses and can help move them towards those courses. We need to improve our identification of our gifted students; we have national merit scholars walking our hallways of the high school. We need to identify the students and provide them the supports they need.
Mills stated that she is “exhilarated” by the improvements that she seen since the summer and that our students don’t know how smart they are. She asked George for her highlights: George stated the parent emails that are forwarded to her from her supervisors sharing the praise for the districts improvements in services. George explained that we were going into some unknown territories so the teachers had much professional development to help make this successful. The teachers are excited by this and requesting more professional development in order to service the students and take them even further.
Hanna asked about the results of our survey. George explained that it was required for us through our correction action piece through compliance for us to have a parent survey. The survey results were positive with parents citing improvements to our services.
C. End-of-Year
Activities for Seniors – Mr. Palaia
Due to Covid restrictions in Pennsylvania being lifted May 31, many of our traditions can be restored:
June 1 - Senior awards ceremony will move back into the CASH auditorium.
June 4 - Our Prom Parade returns. While the prom will still be taking place outside, our seniors now can bring dates from other grades or other schools.
June 10 - Our graduation will take place in the stadium, and we will allow for spectators just like the past. Rain date: June 11
Palaia thanked Snyder and other administrators and teachers who made the changes necessary on the fly so students could again enjoy the traditions like our alumni.
He added we will still be following mask guidelines; that will not be going away.
AGENDA ITEMS
A. 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 10010126, as presented. (Confidential Enclosure)
No Discussion
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion:
Fisher – This is moving on to the full board but not a part of tonight's
vote. A more in depth presentation will
follow later this month.
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion:
Mills - This is part of the comprehensive plan.
VOTE: 3-0
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 176
students compared to last year. Charter school overall enrollment is up 55
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
PRESENTATIONS
A. 2021-2022 School District Budget Update - Tomás Hanna and Lori Diefenderfer
Updated preliminary budget of $185 million. This, along with the proposed tax increase of 3.9%, lowers the preliminary gap to $2.7million.
New legal fees slide shown. This is an area that is being looked at to reduce cost.
General finance overview slide shown, which will be included in the bills payable agenda item as well. This details current budget/expense through March 2021. The bar graphs include historical information for revenue, expenses, and fund balance since 2016. This will be included on a monthly basis moving forward.
Discussion
Mills – Thank you for the visuals.
Finkbohner – In the legal fees slide, look at the contrast of what we are budgeting this year vs 2014/15. Since Dr. Dunlap’s time, the board has been working on reducing legal fees. 2014/15 we budgeted $1.2 million for legal fees vs 2019/2020, the first year under Dr. Dunlap, we budgeted $682,000, cutting it down to almost half of 2014/15. 2020/2021 is $809,000. That’s very impressive, a huge decrease in costs overall.
B. ESSR Funds Presentation - Tomás Hanna
ESSR funds were previously referred to as CARES funding. Coatesville will receive a total of $13.9 Million through the end of the 2024 school year.
These funds will be used toward 4 categories with the following approximate allocation:
- Student Achievement and Learning Loss (approx. $5
Million)
Aligned to comprehensive plan. Potentially additional staffing and specialized support positions - Curriculum and Professional Development (approx.
$3.25 Million)
Focus on student achievement and school climate and culture. Supporting teachers in the development of skill. Professional development for administrators to better support teachers. - Facilities and Infrastructure (approx. $10
Million)
Expedite facilities projects. Working on a facilities master plan. - Other (approx. $1.75 Million)
Set aside funds for unknown future issues as we reopen schools.
Discussion
Mills – Very concerned with spending $10 Million on infrastructure and only $5 on learning loss.
Hanna – Very possible the numbers will change as we know what the needs are. Infrastructure is important to the learning environment, but won’t get a student back on track.
Dunlap – There are still a lot of unknowns. Looking at ways to enhance curriculum and provide supplies. The problem with staffing is that the funds go away after 3 years, so it’s not sustainable. Trying to find ways to use the money that will support the needs of kids. If we don’t use the “other” money, that can be moved as well. The buildings need work as well for the kids to return to solid structures. The ESSR report isn’t due until fall, this gives us time to really consider where to use this one time money.
Mills – The students deserve the best. It will take a lot of discussion.
Finkbohner – The funding was exciting and now the hard work starts about how to spend it. Good problem to have.
Fisher – It’s been said before but it’s important to remember that there are certain things we cannot use this money for, including supplementing tax increases and decreasing funds balance.
AGENDA ITEMS
A. Financial Statements - Always on the agenda (Enclosures)
VOTE: 3-0
No Discussion
VOTE: Tabled 2-0 (Mills - No)
Discussion
Finkbohner - asked to table this for future consideration.
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion
Fisher – CCIU Technical High School and College will be holding their events in our stadium this year, it’s an honor to have them.
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:
Discussion
Hanna – This is to apply for an AmeriCorps grant to have a VISTA member work with the district’s athletic department next year at no charge to the district.
Finkbohner – Thank you to Chenger for his advocacy for this grant.
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion
Keech & Finkbohner - Thank you!
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion
Finkbohner – Asked for clarification on the date.
Hanna – Would have to check.
Fisher – This is ok to approve whether it’s in the past or in the future.
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion
Keech - Thank you!
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion
Keech - Thank you!
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.
Laurie Shannon Bailey – The scores for the district this year fell considerably. The district has remained below the state average for 4 years, as well as below the graduation rate for PA. When can the public be provided 2019-2020 scores? It’s a disgrace that Coatesville is the lowest in the county. Please consider a stronger focus on the elimination of the increasing legal and unnecessary fees and obligations the tax payers are responsible for.
AGENDA ITEMS
VOTE: 3-0
No Discussion
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion
Finkbohner – Can we have a brief explanation of what is being done?
Pelegrin – The roof drains that penetrate the roof decking are rotting. They’re being pulled out, put in a retrofit kit, and redo the roof area that is affected in all 9 locations.
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion
Pelegrin – They have completed the demo process due to the flooding that affected the building in December, and the next/last step is to complete the auditorium/classroom/hallway work that was affected by the flood.
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion:
Finkbohner – Is this tied to part of the flood damage from December as well?
Pelegrin – This is the replacement for t unit that failed and caused the issue.
Bookman – Noted for the public that we are ahead of the game right now in renovations for the buildings. Glad to be in this position.
Pelegrin – Series of renovations in schools. Major one for the summer is Reeceville flooring. Additionally the flood damage at Scott is being completed. Looking at several other projects including HVAC at Reeceville.
Bookman – As we know our buildings are older and we are doing our best to stay ahead of things.
Finkbohner – It’s important to note that this work is in line with the comprehensive plan as well.
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion
Hanna – This is at no charge to the district.
VOTE: 3-0
No Discussion
VOTE: 3-0
No Discussion
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion:
Finkbohner – These will be utilized through CARES/ESSR funding.
Keech – Will these be necessary with the governors change in protocols starting June 1?
Palaia – Initially it was for social distancing but it also allows kids to be outside for recess and learning, even in the rain. If at all possible it would be good to keep the tent there.
Bookman – Good resource to have and you never know how things will change.
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.
PRESENTATIONS
A. Policy Update – Mr. Hanna
Over the next couple of years the district is going to "auditing and aligning" board polices and administration regulations. The administration team will be working with PSBA to update these and make the language more understandable.
VOTE: 3-0
Discussion
Hanna – This is so that we can add fields and other areas for the facilities usage policy that weren’t previously represented like the varsity field, grass fields, baseball and softball fields.
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
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 - Always on the agenda (Enclosures) *ALWAYS HELD FROM CONSENT AGENDA*
No Discussion
Passed ☒ Failed ☐ Vote: 8-0
No Discussion
Passed ☒ Failed ☐ Vote: 8-0
PUBLIC
COMMENT
Laurie Shannon Bailey - Considering increasing truancy rates, have you considered 1:1 tutors using CARES funds? Urge board to do more to improve academic standards as CASD is lowest score in county. Please keep this in mind when considering raising taxes.
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