Education Committee Agenda
INFORMATIONAL ITEM(s)
- PDE Special Education Report—Dr. Richard F. Dunlap, Jr. and Rita Perez, Director of Pupil Services (Enclosure—Report of Findings) (Enclosure—Executive Summary)
The results from last year’s audit were received by the district with the letter dated March 26, 2020. We know some community members accused previous board members of hiding the audit findings.
- Student Enrollment (Enclosure – CASD) (Enclosure – Charter)
CASD Current enrollment 5452
Charter School Enrollment 3034
Students enrolled in charter over this past year 224 with 73% of those attending Collegium
- Coatesville Area Juvenile Alliance Presentation—Laurie Shannon-Bailey (Enclosure)
This is a great community organization! We encourage you to look over the enclosure so that you can get familiar with what they do.
- Discussion on In-School Suspension—Dr. Richard F. Dunlap, Jr.
Follow up on the suggestion from board members to have a more secure ISS setting: Looking to clean up the RFP with Kelly Services (who bought out Insight). A meeting is scheduled to discuss in detail how they can provide the staffing and substitute teacher coverage. Plan to have follow up by the May 24th board meeting.
- CoE Survey Data—Dr. Richard F. Dunlap, Jr. and Rita Perez, Director of Pupil Services (Enclosure—Caln) (Enclosure—Rainbow) (Enclosure—Reeceville) (Enclosure—King’s Highway) (Enclosure—East Fallowfield) (Enclosure—Scott) (Enclosure—North Brandywine) (Enclosure—Cyber) (Enclosure—CAIHS) (Enclosure—CASH) (Enclosure—Students) (Enclosure—Teachers)
No discussion of the surveys. Dunlap thanked everyone for their participation - he appreciated both the negative and the positive comments. The Administration will be meeting with CATA to see where we go as a district with our continuity in education plan with regards to online learning.
Dr. Dunlap stated that we still await direction from the state department on reopening buildings and additional requirements when buildings do reopen. He explained that these requirements will, no doubt, require the school district to adapt further.
- Graduation Class of 2020—Dr. Richard F. Dunlap, Jr.
Adhering to the guidelines from the PA Dept Ed, all end of year ceremonies and traditions will be handled virtually. Mrs. Snyder, principal at CASH, sent a letter detailing celebratory activities for seniors. Two notable dates:
Thursday, June 11 CASH will host the Virtual Graduation Ceremony beginning at 6:30 PM. Broadcast information will be sent soon.Monday, June 15 – Thursday, June 18 Graduates will be able to come to CASH to have their moment to walk across the stage to receive their diploma. Each graduate will be able to celebrate this moment with their immediate family only. Pictures will be available at no cost on our social media pages.
- Grading—Dr. Richard F. Dunlap, Jr.
Dr. Dunlap explained that there is no research for how grading must evolve in light of the Corona virus and thanked the administration and teachers who worked on the proposal plan. He read from the proposal stating, some policy makers have created a pass/ fail system to reduce anxiety for students. It is important that CASD does what is best for our school. Sharing that equity is a driving force behind any grading policies during this pandemic and citing Stephen Sawchuk's research.
Dr. Dunlap clarified, "I am not going to go into any detail with this proposal right now because the administration will be sitting down with input from Coatesville Area Teachers Association leadership this week to resolve our grading practices for the end of the year. Once we do that together, we will not only be reporting this out to our teachers and our students but to our parents as well.”
- Updated Parent/Guardian Contact Information—Dr. Richard F. Dunlap, Jr.
The district is in need of the most updated parent contact information. School messenger announcements and the district website will have details on how to update through the parent portal. It is very important to get the word out for all parents to go online and update their contact information in the parent portal as soon as possible for two reasons:
Online Year End Student Update Communication Form uses a secure and green process. An email will be sent that will have a unique snap code link for each child. The projected launch date is later this week. Jason Palaia will be sending out the information.
- District needs information to connect with parents
- Dept of PA and Dept of Human Services need the information for use during the pandemic.
April 28th memo - Electronic Transfer program due to Covid 19 for families of free and reduced lunch program. Parents will receive, on a debit card, the benefit of $5.70 for each child/ each day school has been closed. More information about this will be on the website. To assure everyone who is eligible will receive this benefit, the district is asking all parent/guardians to update their information through the parent portal.
- Harlan asked if all families would receive these funds as all families were included in the free breakfast and lunch program this year. Dunlap said a large portion of our population will be eligible.
Additional informational item from Dr. Dunlap:
EYS will be remote and opening schools in the fall might need instructional devices due to the unknown for the fall, the District will only be collecting hotspots and computers from seniors and students transferring.
- Board Members questions/comments:
- Rhone asked (1.) about hardware - number of students in process of repair tickets/ replacement tickets. Fifteen repair and swap tickets; log on count about 75%. (2.) Is there a process for recovery loss - insurance for the loss, and we received an equity grant from the state for $14,500. We are in process of purchasing hotspots and hardware for approved private schools to distribute.
Dr. Dunlap thanked the teachers and parents for all their efforts to teach students during this time.
- Assetto followed through with thanking Dunlap and everyone for the educational transition.
- Harlan recognized Nicole Jordan for winning "WMMR's Preston and Steve's Coolest Teacher Award." She was voted for by campus students through a 24 hour link provided by the radio station.
PRESENTATIONS
- Budget
Update – Richard F. Dunlap, Jr., Ed.D., Lori Diefenderfer, and Chuck Linderman
(Confidential Enclosure)
The Budget Presentation is better viewed than summarized as it contains many slides. The update begins at 1:23:40.
Staff adjustments proposed- still short of our staffing reductions of 8.5 million, but need to set limit to mitigate the impact on instructional practices. Administration will be reviewing professional staff with the Coatesville Area Teachers Association to stay in the contractual agreement. After school year begins and operating costs and enrollment is considered possibly more reductions.
Positions eliminated Expense reduction:
Linderman stated that District finances will continue to be bleak until we turn around the Charter School exodus and begin to re-enroll students who have left.
- Budget Update – Richard F. Dunlap, Jr., Ed.D., Lori Diefenderfer, and Chuck Linderman (Confidential Enclosure)
The Budget Presentation is better viewed than summarized as it contains many slides. The update begins at 1:23:40.
Staff adjustments proposed- still short of our staffing reductions of 8.5 million, but need to set limit to mitigate the impact on instructional practices. Administration will be reviewing professional staff with the Coatesville Area Teachers Association to stay in the contractual agreement. After school year begins and operating costs and enrollment is considered possibly more reductions.
Positions eliminated Expense reduction:
Linderman stated that District finances will continue to be bleak until we turn around the Charter School exodus and begin to re-enroll students who have left.
AGENDA ITEMS
B. 2019-2020 PDE Office for Safe Schools Targeted Grant for School Police Officer RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors accepts the grant award from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) in the amount of $40,000 to be used for costs associated with the training and compensation of School Police Officers (SPOs), as presented.C. 2019-2020 PCCD School Safety and Security Grant
RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors accepts the grant award from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) in the amount of $45,000 to be used for costs associated with the purchase of Motorola Digital Portable Handheld Radios, as presented.
- Rhone - Is this a district wide system and does it include the install of the digital networking? A: Yes, district wide, all buildings. Dunlap will check on install costs.
D. 2019 Safe Schools Program Grant
RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the 2019 Safe Schools Program Grant in the amount of $20,000. This is a reimbursement grant, and the funding will be used for K-12 Student Assistance Program Training and Trauma-Informed Training.
E. Proposal for Certified Athletic Trainer Services
RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the proposal to provide Certified Athletic Trainer Services. Request for Proposal due May 14th
F. Memorandum of Understanding—Teamsters Collective Bargaining Agreement RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the MOU for the Teamsters Collective Bargaining Agreement, as presented. (Enclosure)
G. Human Resources Report
Linderman noted that an enclosure doesn't match up with financial statements. He will take care of that.Operations Committee Agenda
PRESENTATION(S)
- High
School Turf Fields and Tracks (Confidential
Enclosure-Presentation) (Confidential
Enclosure-Layout) (Confidential Enclosure-Proposal)
Bill Bamber presented about the company and product FieldTurf which has been used on two of our fields already. Proposal to replace the existing BSS 200 with BSS 300. Offering the BSS 300 at the current price of BSS 200
- Question - Dunlap - What is the time schedule? A: Removal of field is 5 days. Installation is no more than 28 days.
Question - Finkbohner - Does the upgrade increase the longevity? A: It would be the same longevity, but a 10 yr warranty vs 5 yr warranty.
CCAP has been made aware of community concerns regarding this timing and cost. This replacement is essential due to safety concern for our athletes and visiting athletes. Also, replacing the turf has no correlation to the District being unable to host a traditional graduation. As noted above, that is a directive from PA Dept of Education.
- Roof
Repair/Replacements – Phillip H. Mowry and Bill Johnson, Roofing Resources,
Inc. (Confidential Enclosure—Summary) (Confidential Enclosure—Budget)
Phil Mowry and Bill Johnson presented from Roofing Resources. Prebid meetings this week. Bids to be received next Friday. Anticipating multiple contracts to be recommended and awarded on May 27.
Comment Linderman - Noted he used the same process over many successful projects at Great Valley.
AGENDA ITEMS - All items passed
A. Proposal for High School Turf FieldsRECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the proposal to replace the turf fields at the High School football stadium and multipurpose field, as presented. (Confidential Enclosure-Proposal)B. Proposal for Roof Repair/Replacements RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the proposal for roof repair/replacements, as presented. (Confidential Enclosure—Summary) (Confidential Enclosure— Budget)
C. Proposal for Grass-Cutting and Lawn Maintenance Services
RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the proposal to provide Grass-Cutting and Lawn Maintenance Services. Request for Proposal due May 14.
Comment Linderman - Recommendation for award will be on the 27th.
Policy Committee AgendaAGENDA ITEMS
A. PS 003 Operations Policy RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the suggested changes in language for Policy 003 Local Board Procedures, Functions, Policy Adoptions. (Enclosure)
B. Adoption of Definitions and Hyperlink RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the definition of terms for the policy manual. (Enclosure)
C. Policy 220 RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the Pennsylvania School Board Association ‘s suggested changes in language for Policy 220, Student Expression/Distribution and Posting of Materials. (Enclosure)
D. Policy 913 RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the Pennsylvania School Board Association ‘s suggested changes in language for Policy 913, Non-school Organizations/Groups and Individuals. (Enclosure)
Policies 220 and 913 were not in compliance with PSBA; thus, the language must be changed.
INFORMATIONAL ITEM(S)
- PS 800 Records Management (Enclosure – Policy 800) (Enclosure – Records Management) (Enclosure – Records Retention) (Enclosure – Litigation Hold)
- PS 717 Cellular Telephones (Enclosure – Policy 717) (Enclosure – Policy 717 AG1) (Enclosure - Policy 717 AG1 Agreement) (Enclosure – Policy 717 AG2) (Enclosure – Policy 717 AG2 Agreement)
- Finkbohner - Applauded Dunlap and staff for diligently reviewing the policies and making changes to update and be in compliance with PSBA.
New Business Announcement Dr. Dunlap:
Hyperlink that we are creating is going to go in the policy manual online and the board approved BoardDocs. Administration and Board had a training. Training is ongoing and the admin team is practicing with BoardDocs now. The plan is to have a traditional agenda as well as use BoardDocs - for June with the goal to go live with it in July. Board meeting agendas will be electronic and will be accessible on BoardDocs where public comments can be submitted as well.
Special Board Meeting
Appointment of Board Secretary
RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors hereby appoints Lori Diefenderfer
as Board Secretary, effective May 12, 2020. Passed
Public Comment:
1. Dawn Barringer - Due to the May 12 confidential enclosures on the Turf. Will you share with the public the costs? The track was previously stated to be a repair, is it now a replacement? This company is not one stated before, is this a new company?
Consent Agenda:
Pulled from Agenda F Human Resources Report, Education Committee A&B
Consent Agenda approved
F - Human Resources approved
Fisher - Thanked Lisa Doan Harley and Kelly Rigg
Assetto - Stated that a main reason we are losing kids to charter is because of math. Recommended the board research the program called Get More Math for grades 4 to Algebra and Geometry. This program is offered for a free trial for 1 year with a free training component. Designed to work with Chromebooks and distance learning.
Fisher - Seconded that we have many concerns with our math program. Recommended that Dunlap contact the company and schedule a presentation.
Dr. Dunlap - Addressed Barringer comments. They were not one of the previous companies. The administration team re-evaluated looking for the best value. Costs to do the football stadium 539,000. Multipurpose field 428,000. Track repair with resurfacing of BSS 300. 294,000 cost of track. So total 1.2 million for total project. Field Turf also at no cost provide deep grooming each field twice a year for 10 years. 20,000 marketing money over 10 years. Warranties on both fields and the track.
