Recap: Special Board Meeting - New Superintendent

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

Ann Wuertz - "I am writing with great concern once again at the salary structures this board continues to make. No disrespect to Mr. Hanna, who will be voted on this evening, but just six years ago we had an incoming Superintendent with her doctorate starting at $175,000 where no yearly increases were accepted with the exception of the new contract that was $185,000.  Mr. Hanna's contract is $35,000 over the most recent superintendent's contract. We currently have employees with their doctoral and with their certificate of eligibility for superintendent, at a salary significantly less shown the disparity between the two. We are the poorest district in the county and one of the poorest in the state, and we are throwing money out towards salaries like we have it. Our salary structure with the most recent administrative hires and increases, set you up to have to offer a much larger starting salary for the superintendent position, putting us on a level, more in line with the larger and wealthier school districts. Thank you." 

Tammy Vondra - "My concern about the superintendent approval tonight is the salary high? $220,000 per year. Is that higher than what we paid the last one? What's the clause if we terminate him?  If there is a payout like the last one, if we terminated in less than four years - should we consider changing it to fewer years? 

I am sure he may be qualified, but I am concerned as he moved around quite a bit between Philadelphia to Rhode Island, and then back to Philadelphia, and now in New York City. Just looking out as I don't want another fiasco like we have been dealing with these past few years."

Tom Keech -  "I just like to take a moment to respond to these comments. From a financial perspective, we have worked tirelessly as a district to get our financial house in order. Over our last three years, where we've seen our taxes rise nearly 14% in total, something had to be done.  With the help of our district's administration, business office, and employee groups, we adopted a budget earlier this month, with a zero percent tax increase. The first in over five years here in Coatesville. 

In order for this to be possible there needed to be cuts made at all levels. Although these cuts were personally painful to me, it became a matter of what our community could afford. With Dr. Dunlap's help, we restructured administrative salaries, responsibilities, and presented a plan where we utilized our administrators in a much more effective manner. It saved us many, many thousands of dollars by making these changes. We use some of this money to increase the salaries of the positions of administrators that had increased workloads and increased responsibilities.

The overall aspect is we still lower our total salary dollars spent by the Coatesville School District. It is some of this money that we used to increase the position the dollar amount for Superintendent salary, while we're still lowering the total number of payroll costs, even with this increase in salary to the superintendent. Our new superintendent's contract reflects the overall experience that he has in his many years as a superintendent and administrator in education. 

I just want to make a note that [his] salary still falls below the median salary for superintendents in Chester County.  That's an indication of where we feel we fit in financially with those other school districts.

In our search for a new superintendent, we utilized what our community groups felt was the main focus and that was the experience, experience at many levels and with diverse populations.

Mr. Hanna checks off all the boxes that our community was looking for.  He brings with him a wealth of administrative experience, the most of any Superintendent that I can recall being hired by the Coatesville School District in the last 30 years.

I for one am looking forward to the many years of service that we get to work with Mr. Hanna. Thank you.”

MOTION ITEMS FOR APPROVAL

FINANCE COMMITTEE

A.  Human Resources Report

RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the resolution for the appointment of the new Superintendent, as outlined below:

Resolution

WHEREAS, there is a vacancy in the office of District Superintendent in the Coatesville Area School District (“the School District”); and

WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors (“the School Board”) has engaged in a rigorous search with the assistance of the Chester County Intermediate Unit to locate excellent and high performing candidates; and

WHEREAS, after a careful evaluation of the many fine candidates who applied, the School Board has determined to appoint Tomás Hanna as the next District Superintendent; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hanna has indicated his willingness to serve the School District and its students, parents and other constituents in the capacity as District Superintendent;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, that:

1. Tomás Hanna is hereby appointed as District Superintendent in accordance with Section 1073 of the School Code for a term of four years beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2024, at a salary of $220,000, all in accordance with the terms and conditions of the employment agreement as presented;
2. That the School Board hereby approves the employment agreement as presented;
3. That each School Director hereby waives his or her right to receive the five (5) day written notice that normally is required under section 1073 of the School Code, 24 P.S. §10-1073, in light of the facts that: (a) each member of the School Board received actual notice five or more than five days before this meeting; (b) the COVID-19 pandemic makes mail notice as ordinarily required by the School Code unreliable; and (c) the timing is such that it was believed that further delay would not be in the best interest of the School District;
4. The President and Secretary are hereby directed to execute the agreement as presented and to execute such other instruments and take such other actions as necessary to enable Mr. Hanna to begin his service on July 1, 2020.

Pass  ☒            Fail  ☐  9-0

Tomás Hanna:   “I am humbled at this opportunity, and I look forward to this challenge. And I know it's a challenge. I want to thank those of you who came out this evening to support this and to support this board of directors. Thank you.  Thank you for your support. Thank you for the investment that you're making not only me but in this district, they deserve it. You deserve it. We deserve it.

I can't wait to start. Folks in the audience, I can't thank you all enough for coming out. You know, we'll get this done.  Right?  And it's going to be you, who get it done. I'm just going to be facilitating. Yes, I'll lead, but I will facilitate. You all are the experts. You will teach me and I’m looking forward to that.

I want to thank my family. Priscilla… I’m nervous – I think I’m nervous more because of them [his family], not because of any of you guys.  I want to thank them for putting up with me and for just being so supportive.  I do this for you.

CCIU, Thank you. Thank you, George, thank the team who's here. For those of you out in the public and those of you watching, they put these candidates through the wringer.  You all asked us to do stuff that was so relevant to the work that has to happen, so I thank you for that.

It wasn't just a bunch of questions like “how’s it going,” you made us think about this work, deeply about this work. One thing that I said to the board was that I really appreciate doing this, but doing it alone was really hard because that's not in my nature to do this alone.   So I reserve the right for all of those plans I talked about getting right to engage more people to assure their right to make sure that the right plans for this time, right and so I thank you, George [Fiore].

I thank my family and there might be some family watching from Puerto Rico this evening. I can't thank them enough for their support and guidance.  And I want to thank my previous districts.  And yes, this will be the fourth district in 31 years. All right, so it's Philadelphia where I was born and raised in still live.   

I started as a teacher, as a bilingual teacher, as a teacher to students for whom English is not their first language.  In the barrio in West Kensington. Right? I’ve been there, done that. 

So not only that we teach, but then we start engaging in school administration to sort of do that work that was in a school how you make it broader so I want to I want to thank you know my district, New York City, nine years in New York, not a cup of coffee.

Right, five hours a day, right? Because I went from Philly to New York, every single day. That was a commitment, right? Because I rather spend five hours a day traveling to be with great people doing great work, then 45 minutes a day miserable not knowing what tomorrow's gonna look like. I have a sense I know what tomorrow looks like here. So I thank you for that.

Students, families, teachers, principals, community-based organizations clergy, folks who wanted to smack me upside the head, folks who wanted to hug me. Thank you because, without those experiences, this doesn't happen.  Right? So for me that that's super important.

I started with students. That's why we're here so I can't wait to engage young people and why they love their schools.  Why they love their district.

What else would they want to see… Dreaming, let’s imagine; let us build it.   But tell us!  Right? And I know that's going to be hard and it sounds like promises and I think someone said to me, like, if we should be in Missouri – that’s a “show me state.”  So, we're gonna act. What does that look like for me right now?

So let's create an experience for our students.  Grounded in quality, grounded in meaningful programming that touches their hearts, that touches their minds, their souls, and that gives them what they need to make great choices when they leave us. That's our role. That's our role.

And so, because I would like our school district to be referred to as buildings that are joyous.  Where kids want to learn, and don't want to go home. That's what I want them to be called, and if they are called that now, build on that. Let's build on that together. So let’s dream it, then build it.   Let’s dream it and build it so they come. Those who would ordinarily say, I'm not so sure I think I'm gonna take a pass and those who are thinking about maybe going elsewhere, because we know what's true; it’s what we've seen, right?  An average of 230 young people leaving every year. That's true.  Right? So let's build something that attracts, keeps, and potentially brings back people: young people to our district. I'm looking forward to trying to figure that out. Is it going to be easy?  Absolutely not.

Others have tried, but you know what -this young man right here.  I gotta give you [Dunlap] credit, I'm gonna talk to you about you for a minute.  I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge Dr Dunlap. Right? Who for the past year has just done the work, was not a caretaker, wasn't keeping the seat warm waiting for a decision to be made; active with his team got you guys a zero deficit. I think that deserves a round of applause. Took the role. Set the wheels in motion. And in my opinion, made the Coatesville Area School District the place that I wanted to consider joining. Because of his work.  Right?  So thank you.

And I appreciate you because we talked mentor, and that right there is a mentor. So yes, if you look at my resume first superintendency. I have worked with many superintendents. 

So, what do we do, we look for leaders to emulate, to support us, to push us. I've been that for some, but I've also found folks who have done that for me. 

All right, moving forward. I'm confident that the work I've done so far has prepared me for this challenge.  Let's be clear; this will not be an individual effort. It's going to take every single one of us in this room: at this table back there, in our homes, in our schools, to do this work and do it well.

So, to the faculties, to the staff, to the employees who toil every single day in service of our students and their parents, I challenge us. I challenge us; I charge us to share what we do well. Because we do stuff well.  Stuff is a very technical educational term. Stuff, right? We do it well. But I also challenge us and charge us to not be afraid to explore that which could engage kids even more. Right? Let's do that.

What else could we do that's better?   Let's dream.  Let them dream it. Let's listen; let's try to provide it to them. To our students, families, communities, and array of partners here in the CASD, I look forward to engaging you all -those of you who are not in this room, those of you who serve this community, whether you're an elected official, clergy, community-based organizations, football coach, athletic, whatever.  Any place. Anytime. Let’s engaged in a conversation so we can all get to know who we are. So that we can do this work and do it well, and build on the successes of our district.

As Kotter says, "There's urgency."  (Leadership guru) Urgency, we have here. I believe there's a coalition to do this work, it starts here, it pushes out there and pushes beyond these walls. A coalition of people who want to make this a premier district in the Commonwealth. But we want this to be the district of the first choice, not of last resort. That's where I would like us to try to build. 

So I'm really clear: Now is the time; Coatesville is the place, and we are the people to do this work. I look forward to getting started.  I thank you for your words.   I thank you for your investment. I thank you for the time that you put in to get this right. My commitment to you is to work my tail off every day to try to make this right and to engage you, engage our young people, their parents, they deserve it - we deserve it.  Thank you very much."

Rob Fisher welcomed Mr. Hanna and his family. Stated no need for public comment because there was only the one agenda item. He thanked Mr. Hanna for recognizing the IU and thanked the IU for the process. He thanked Dr. Fiore for all of his work and invited him to introduce his team. Then he asked for comments from the board. 

Tom Keech expressed how impressed he has been with Mr. Hanna and thanked him for joining CASD. 

Amelia Mills thanked the board for their diligence of finding a superintendent.

Henry Assetto shared how he believes the district has so much potential! "With great leadership, we can move the district ... and give our students an even brighter future." 

Brandon Rhone thanked the Hanna family for allowing Mr. Hanna "to jump in the deep end."

Andrew Finkbohner - "There are some tangibles that you bring to the table that are paramount to this district." He thanked Mr. Hanna's family, and he couldn't be prouder to be part of the board. 

James Bookman thanked Mr. Hanna and believed that he demonstrated his passion by doing homework.

Rob Fisher shared with Mr. Hanna that the community will rally around him because that's what this community does. 

Special Board Meeting Recap - June 9th: Part 2

SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

June 9, 2020

ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA

None

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ann Wuertz: “It was stated at the last meeting that furloughing should have been done over recent years as enrollment decline, therefore making this year painful. I made a public comment stating we gained the financial needs through attrition, and over the five year period, I said it was at least 60, but had to check my notes that number was actually right around 100. So over the five years, the right sizing was being done without furloughing staff.  In our efforts to capture the most kindergarteners in an upcoming school year, and not lose to charter school. In recent years, we have set goals to reach throughout the summer. Do you have a number as of right now that you could share as to how many have registered thus far and how does that compare to the numbers of our kindergarteners already registered in the charter schools?”

ITEMS OF IMPORTANCE HELD FROM CONSENT AGENDA

B.   Reconsideration of Tabled Items - RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors reconsider the following items tabled at May 27, 2020, Board Meeting regarding the job description and the posting of a Non-Certified position for the Purchasing Coordinator/Fiscal Services Specialist; and the posting of a Certified position for the Director of Operations and Facilities for the Coatesville Area School District, as presented. (Enclosure-Purchasing) (Enclosure-Operations) (Enclosure Pending-Chart)

Comments:

Mr. Fisher wanted to mention that he was the one that originally called for this item to be tabled back in May.  His reason for the tabling was not that he did not approve of these positions, he just did not understand the necessity for these positions for this moment.  But after carefully considering all of the facts, he does find it necessary to have this position.  He went on to say that without approving these positions then the district would have to find a saving somewhere else. 

In addition to that, in the education committee meeting this evening Dr. Dunlap spoke to our board goals, and our operations and facilities. One of our goals was to do the best for our facilities, moving forward and using our facilities wisely and having a person in-house is certainly most necessary in order for that to happen. 

Passed  ☒             Failed  ☐                 Vote: 9-0

H.  2020-2021 General Fund Budget and Tax Resolution- RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the General Fund Budget and Tax Resolution, as presented, in the amount of $175,900,000for the 2020-2021Fiscal Year with a real estate tax rate of 38.2018 Mills of the assessed valuation, $3.82018 per $100 of assessed value, and a Realty Transfer Tax of 0.5%; an Earned Income Tax of. 0.5%; and a Local Service Tax of $5.00 (no change in these taxes). (Enclosure)

Comments: 

Mr. Fisher removed this from consent to thank Dr. Dunlap, Mr. Linderman, and the entire staff for their tireless work in presenting us with a balanced budget that calls for no act, no tax increase for our community. And being able to achieve one of our goals as a board to establish a no tax increase. 

Passed  ☒             Failed  ☐                 Vote: 9-0

G.     Human Resources Report

RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the resignations, appointments, new positions, leaves of absence, transfers, changes of status, and corrections, as outlined below:

 #1 – B.  Retiring CATA Teachers

1.      Borton, Nadine

2.      Gunlefinger, Margaret

3.      Hinkley, Robert

Comments:

The FEED CUT OUT AT THIS TIME

Passed  ☐             Failed  ☐         Vote: Not sure of the outcome of this vote

#8 – Creation of New Position(s)

A. ADMINISTRATION

1.      Director of Operations and Facilities

B. NON-CERTIFIED  

1. Purchasing Coordinator/Fiscal Services Specialist

2. Transportation Specialist

Comments:

THE FEED WAS NOT LIVE DURING THIS TIME

Passed  ☐             Failed  ☐         Vote: Not sure of the outcome of this vote

#9- Elimination of Position(s) 

A. ADMINISTRATION

1.      Director of Special Education - Request for Table

Comments:

Mr. Finkbohner requested to table this item: his only apprehension about the positions is that he feels a new superintendent coming in should be able to make decisions about it. Therefore, he asked to table this until the new superintendent, whenever that decision is made can have some input on both of these positions moving forward within their central administration.

Fisher then asked Dunlap if this would affect how we just passed the budget.  Dr. Dunlap said it would if we are looking to add the position back right away after the new superintendent comes in.  

He also added "I believe firmly that you can find someone to be the director of pupil services that has the ability to be able to do both of those jobs. This job with pupil services in the work that was being done there. Even some of the work that normally is found under pupil services was given to the director of special education. I just think you need to be economical in your decision.  And whether you title it, director of special education or director of pupil services, the work of that department can all be accomplished with one person."

Passed  ☐             Failed  ☒              Vote: 7-2 Harlan and Finkbohnor Yes

The board did NOT vote again to pass this agenda item

CCAP agreed with Finkbohner that the incoming superintendent should have input into the positions in his cabinet. Also, we are concerned that with the high percentage of special education students in our district, it is a stretch for one person to be able to accomplish all that would be asked of this position. 

2. Elimination of the Assistant to the Superintendent position 

Comments:

None

 

Passed  ☒             Failed  ☐                 Vote:  9-0

 

#10 - Suspension of Coatesville Area Teacher’s Association Employees

Comments:

Mr. Fisher pulled this off in order to, on behalf of the entire board, thank all of the personnel listed here for their services to CASD. He stressed that it was a very difficult decision, and one that wasn’t what they wanted to have to do.

Passed  ☒             Failed  ☐                 Vote: 9-0

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

INFORMATION ITEMS

Rob Fisher, School Board President shared the update: 

“This evening, I have an update on our current Superintendent search.

The Coatesville Area School Board of directors are pleased to announce that it is coming down to the homestretch in the search for the district's next superintendent of schools.

The district received 21 applications for the position from a diverse candidate pool of experienced superintendents, assistant superintendents, and lifelong educators. Eleven high qualified candidates were invited for a first-round interview.  Of those eleven, five advanced two second-round interviews.

The board is now in the process of meeting with the three semifinalists in person.  Prior to the third round of interviews, the board conducted a reference and background check on each of the three semifinals.  The board is very pleased with the caliber, diversity, breadth, and depth of the candidate pool, and that it has not one but three excellent candidates, at this stage from which to select the district's next superintendent.

During the stay at home orders the board completed rigorous first and second-round interviews, via zoom to determine the degree of fit between the communities’ criteria and the candidates’ professional experiences.   The interview process included questions of an entry plan and a detailed presentation to address the district's most pressing issues.

As a result, the board is confident that we will be able to hire a superintendent who understands our district. One who understands all the dynamics of public education and matches the criteria established by the board, by the community at the focus groups conducted in late February/ early March, and  as reported in the stakeholder survey conducted in April.

We appreciate the community's patience during this highly confidential survey process that was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Thank you for your continued support. Coatesville Area School board of directors intends to announce the next superintendent of the Coatesville Area School District at a public school board meeting in the relatively near future.”

Committe Meeting Recap - June 9th: Part 1

SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE

Virtual Meeting through Live Stream

June 9, 2020 - 6:00 PM

CASD School Board committees are designed to divide the labor of the board into manageable categories.  As such, board members should be better prepared for full board meetings. This process is intended to ultimately improve the quality of board decision making.

Education Committee Agenda

PRESENTATIONS

• AFJROTC Marksmanship Program(Enclosure)

COMMENT: This is a gender-neutral, competitive sport that has shown to be effective in recruitment and retention with the AFJROTC Program. CASD AFJROTC has been struggling with enrollment.

CCAP believes this is an excellent offering for the District and appreciates the effort to retain the program.

AGENDA ITEMS

E. Supplemental Itinerant and Full Time Special Education Programs for 2020—2021 -  RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the supplemental itinerant and full time special education programs for the 2020—2021 the school year, as presented. (Enclosure)

COMMENT:

Dr. Dunlap asked Dr. Mangan to join him for the Special Education presentation. Special Education programming has been something the administration made the commitment to improving for the next school year.  They've examined the types of programs necessary to support our current student population and the types of programs we must offer for parents to consider enrolling students back in the district. Dr. Dunlap explained that the CCIU will be running additional special education programs. He emphasized the need or the district to budget for the reinstated programs for the following year:

• Emotional Support - collaborative approach across disciplines, social skills, and mental health services
• Life Skills - functional and academic needs based on age and need
• Autism Support - four classes in partnership with CCIU including early intervention models. Will meet the needs of many of the students who must be placed

Board Comment: 
Harlan cautioned that the numbers need to be watched for autism support classroom students and itinerant students. She also questioned the lack of autism support at the 8/9 and North. Mangan stated that the locations were created based on information gathered by building levels and supervisors. Dunlap remarked that these programs are more than we've had in the last four years. They will need to be revisited on a consistent basis. 

CCAP comment: Returning special education services are long overdue. We applaud the District's effort.  However, while we recognize the financial constraints, we believe the District needs to reassess the needs within the buildings and find a way to ensure that the proper supports are available to the students enrolled in each building for the 2020-2021 school year.

F. ATSI Plans - RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the ATSI Plans for submission to the Department of Education, as presented. (Enclosure—Reeceville) (Enclosure— Rainbow) (Enclosure —NorthBrandywine) (Enclosure—9/10Center) (Enclosure—CASH) (Enclosure—Presentation) 

Presentation: 

The ASTI plans focus on three priority areas academic excellence, school participation, and school culture. 

1. Academic Excellence- CASD lacks data and needs a better method to collect data and performance from students. The district is seeking universal screeners.

• Elementary schools have these indicators; the high school needs to create them. Elementary has been successful in using target intervention time and structured learning. 
• High school plans on using walk-throughs to collect data on staff to inform and create professional development for staff to improve instructional delivery and strategies to improve the academic excellence of students.

2. School participation - the goal is to improve a student academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.

• Programs in place currently that build relationships and stress importance in being present in schools
• student engagement programs
• mind up
• equity training in high school in college writing
• family contact when students are absent
• letters 
• phone calls
• home visits
• chronic absenteeism or more than 10% absence 
• SAP meetings
• truancy programs

3. School Culture

• Increase necessary supports
• MTS
• PBIS Positive Intervention Supports 
• SAP (Student Assistance Program)
• Equity Discussions
• College and Career Readiness Lessons and Mentorship

Principal Roberts shared that they are looking forward to collaborating with stakeholders, administration, and the community. They've been busy working with the CCIU and PaTTAN and writing grants. They want to implement plans across the board and will be meeting with teachers this Friday to give them something to think of ideas to come back and hit the ground running in the new year.

Board Comment: Harlen asked what Universal Screeners the District was looking into and Magnan specified three options the District is negotiating. Mills asked for Magnan to explain to the public what a Universal Screener is and used for.

CCAP comment: We appreciate the District's commitment to collecting and using data to drive instruction. Last year the District made a commitment to utilizing Classroom Diagnostic Testing. However, we have not heard any follow up to that process or results from the 2019-2020 school year.

While we agree with the areas identified, we do have some concerns. For academic excellence, we believe that consistent professional development for teachers would help with some of that improvement. We also believe that the District should consider reevaluating the programs implemented over the past few years instead: the programs that teachers, students, and parents have repeatedly voiced their dissatisfaction: Units of Study and CPM.

 INFORMATIONAL ITEM(s)

• In-School Suspension update—Dr. Richard F. Dunlap, Jr. - Working with Kelly Services (RFP) for some support for in-school suspension.
• Enrollment - some still leaving but others trickling back from other placements.
• Board Goals/Comprehensive Bridge Plan Update (Enclosure)

Comment: Dunlap reviewed the priorities and goals of the Bridge plan at the 1:21 mark.

• Opening of Schools 2020-2021 (Enclosure)—Dr. Richard F. Dunlap, Jr. and Jason Palaia PDE (Enclosure)  CARES Act

Explanation:

Department of Education is asking all schools in the Commonwealth to create a Health Safety Plan. 

Three types of re-openings - Reopening will cost CASD about 2 million.

• Total reopening (Dunlap anticipates doing something like this- He believes we need to examine how to proceed) Prepared for any parents 
• Scaffolded Opening- Students in person - grade levels might take turns
• Blended Opening (Balances in-person and remote learning and allows movement between total remote and in person.)
• Total Remote Learning - what we participated in this year.

We have to be able to afford whatever option we go with. 

Federal Relief Money to help us reopen: $1,346,239 included in the current budget and the COVID 19 - Federal Disaster Emergency Grants - $718,137 add up to cover the reopening costs.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Lyryn Yacoe: She's concerned that Scott and the new 8/9 center do not have an Autistic Support the Classroom and is curious why this is the case. She questioned if the ATSI Plan should include any action plans or measurable objectives.

Finance Committee Agenda

PRESENTATIONS

• Proposed Final Budget – Richard F. Dunlap, Jr., Ed.D., Lori Diefenderfer, and Chuck Linderman (Confidential Enclosure)

COMMENT:

This has been presented over and over again throughout the last 6 months - Check out the presentation in the enclosure for details.

D.  Temporary Director of Operations—CCRES

RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the extension of employment with the Temporary Director of Operations, with an effective end date of October 9, 2020, through the existing Agreement of Services with CCRES at a cost of $440 per day.

COMMENT:

Dunlap said that the contract could be terminated at any time if we find ourselves a permanent applicant.  

O.    MDJ Rudy Holdings, LLC – LERTA Tax Appeal Agreement

RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the LERTA tax appeal agreement between MDJ Rudy Holdings, LLC and the Coatesville Area School District, as presented. (Confidential Enclosure-Agreement) (Confidential Enclosure-Tax Bills)

COMMENT:

M. Linderman explained that last year the board approved the first set of district-initiated tax appeals- this is mainly for businesses but could be large residential - must have an entity underpaying over $10,000. One commercial appeal is being settled to hopefully be shared next meeting - approximately $200,000 a year. Of a dozen - ten should all result in additional tax revenue. It is ensuring that commercial and large residential pay their share. 

R.   2020-2021 General Fund Budget and Tax Resolution

RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the General Fund Budget and Tax Resolution, as presented, in the amount of $175,900,000 for the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year with a real estate tax rate of 38.2018 Mills of the assessed valuation, $3.82018 per $100 of assessed value, and a Realty Transfer Tax of 0.5%; an Earned Income Tax of. 0.5%; and a Local Service Tax of $5.00 (no change in these taxes). (Enclosure)

COMMENT: NO CHANGE IN TAXES

S.      School Homestead/Farmstead Resolution for 2020-2021 
        RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Reduction amounts, as presented, in the amount of $254.42 per Homestead/Farmstead with an assessed value exclusion of $6,660 per Homestead/Farmstead. (Enclosure)

COMMENT:

Linderman revealed that Legislatures found the 300 million dollars to make the fund whole and the District has around 15,000 eligible homes.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ann Wuertz: She wanted to address the elimination of the special ed director and her concern in doing so since we have such a high need in our district.  She also spoke against the elimination of the assistant to the superintendent. 

Lyryn Yacoe: Spoke about her concern for the new position in the business office and why we aren't cutting costs in all departments.    "Didn't we just give a $25,000 raise to the new assistant business manager?  Between the new assistant manager and the promotion of the business the manager, shouldn't between both of them be able to do that for the time being?"  

She also had questions about the Transportation Specialist?  "Yet again, another business office position I think we can spare for the moment.   Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't the district pay a large amount of money a few years back for Transfinder?  This program was supposed to do all the work for us.   The board voted on it because it was supposed to be a cost-saving in labor.  Are we using this program at all?"  

Lastly, she asked for an update requested on the RFP for a new solicitor.  

Operations Committee Agenda

PRESENTATION(S)

• RFP Update—Lori Diefenderfer and Chuck Linderman

COMMENT:

Diefenderfer provided an update on the athletic trainer services RFP they are reviewing. The District's current provider is Brandywine hospital. She is hoping to have more answers by the end of this month.

 

They also are reviewing an RFP for snow removal that was opened 6/8 and another for substitute teacher services.  The board should know more about this at the end of the month. 

• Transportation Update—Lori Diefenderfer and Chuck Linderman

COMMENT:

The transportation survey went out last week.  This year the district will not be sending out bus cards out to students, but instead parents and guardians will receive their information through home access. 

 

Lindeman also mentioned that come the new school year, with all the unknown, busing could be affected with the reopening of school. Dunlap mentioned there could be a need to add additional busing, however, there is no money for that. 

 

Unless there's federal or state assistance in that area, there would most likely be a recommendation from the business department to eliminate busing and just open schools with parents finding a way to transport students if required to open with any kind of social distancing.

If opening does not require social distancing or the District could do some kind of staggered schedule, the buses could just run every day. It would be a very expensive thing for the district to take on if busing is impacted.

Linderman reminded the board that Trandfinder was purchased a few years back, but was not opened due to the lack of staffing in our transportation department.

AGENDA ITEMS

C.  Student Parking Permit Fee – Coatesville Area Senior High School

RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the annual fee of $100 for a student parking permit at the Coatesville Area Senior High School. Prorated fees will be applied quarterly based on the following fee schedule.

• $100.00 – Full Year Parking Pass
• $75.00 – 2nd  Quarter to 4th Quarter
• $50.00 – 3rd  Quarter to 4th Quarter
• $25.00 – 4th Quarter Only

SCHOOL BOARD COMMENT:  

Fisher asked what parking fee was for this year. Dunlap responded that it has been $10 for the last several years. 

Bookman asked if there could be a payment plan. Palaia said that the administration will work with families who unable to cover the total bill. 

Finkbohner questioned if the fee increased would ridership on buses increase. Both Rhone and Palaia told the board that they never had a problem in the past.  Kids always found the way to get the money (the fee was $100 in the past.)

Linderman added the additional funds from $10 to $100, the additional funds can be used in the budget and allocated to additional safety and security, especially in the parking lots. 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Lyryn Yacoe:  Thanked the District for continuing to provide meals to the community. She wanted to recognize the food service department's manager Mrs. Robinson's as well as her wonderful team's dedication and collaboration throughout these crazy times.