001[laughter] Good evening and welcome to the Monday, February 23rd, 2026 personnel committee meeting. Uh do I take role here? Should I take role? Okay. Um I'm here uh director Campbell >> here. Director Lamb Long >> here and Director Park here. All four of us are here. Our first item on the agenda is public comment. Has anyone signed up for public comment? I'm going to guess now. >> So, no public comment. Next on the agenda is approval of the November 24th, 2025 personnel committee meeting minutes. So, we'll go ahead and take a vote. >> Are we just doing a voice? >> Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. I know. We weren't all here. >> I was not here. >> Yeah. I don't remember. >> It's okay. You can still vote on it. >>
002As long as you read the minutes, we can still agree with the minutes. >> Okay. It was so long ago, so I don't remember. Okay. So, all those in favor say I. [clears throat] I. >> Okay. That's four. is the vote. >> Next item on the agenda is review and approval of the new job description and position manager recruitment and staffing. Miss Farrauda Rita will review. >> Thank you. Um so the current HR team is six people. For next year we are budgeted to have seven and with that change we are reconfiguring some existing roles um to support more strategic work on the recruitment or excuse me on the HR team. Um so there's two roles, a manager of recruitment and staffing and a senior manager of recruitment and staffing which would be the team
003that works to recruit, select, hire and onboard people for open positions within the district. Um so the manager would be doing more implementation level work but the senior manager would be overseeing the overall strategy for it. >> Thank you. This is a new position and will be a new hire. Correct. >> It will be a new hire. Both of these positions would be new hires. But one of them is replacing an open position currently not filled right now. >> Correct. >> There any other questions or comments? >> I just had a question. Who um was doing these responsibilities previously? >> So onboarding is being done by our HR generalist and our lead HR generalist right now. Um recruitment strategy is re is pretty thin. Um so we post positions and and pray. Um we are
004trying to get to a more robust strategy where really focus on the top of the funnel to make sure that we're getting a robust diverse group of candidates for all of our positions. Um and we want to do for all of our selection processes what we did for the fugitive principal process where we're really building out a competency based selection. that was not happening for most positions. >> I applaud you for this direction. Thank you so much. >> So, we will go ahead and take a vote. All those in favor of u approving the job description and position manager manager recruitment and staffing. Uh please say I oppose. Nay. It passes. 4. Next item on the agenda is review and approval of the new job description and position senior manager of recruitment and staffing. M
005reader overview. >> Thank you. Sorry I did a little bit of two for the price of one but but this person we will divide the responsibility so that um the two people will split various um various positions but this person will really set the vision around how we are going to recruit, select and hire a more diverse and group of um people to join us. Um I do have a question is um if we compare our district to other neighboring districts particularly of similar size would is this similar to the um the organization chart at in their HR department? >> It's a good question. Um, I would say similarly sized districts like Downing Town has a bigger team, but it's really not an applesto apples comparison because included in that team is benefits. Um, but
006they do have people who are focused, their HR generalists are really focused on recruitment and staffing. Um, so I've tried to reconfigure the team to align with having people really focused on that and having people focus on other priorities too. Whereas before was sort of everybody did everything. I think we want to have people laser focus on a specific set of priorities. Thank you. Any other questions or comments? Anyone on the board? Okay. So, we'll go ahead and vote. All those in favor of approving the new job description and position senior manager of recruitment and staffing say I. >> I oppose. Nay. Motion passes 40. The next item is review and approval of the new job description of position manager compliance is readable. Are you all set with me yet? So the manager of compliance
007position would take the would replace the lead HR generalist role um and have this person really focus on clearances and trainings um and building up the functionality to really refine how we're doing these processes. So on the clearance side, getting more information to employees upfront about what is due and systematizing it as opposed to the manual way that this is this has been managed previously. On the on the training side, we're really trying to refine what people do. So um we have really interpreted an employee equals an employee and there's more nuance involved in the training. So does somebody who works at Spellelman really need training on how to administer an epipen um things like that. So there's a lot of work to unfurl here, but ideally we want to get to a place where
008this person will be driving the work to refine how trainings are done, make access to trainings easier for employees and ensure that all of our systems upload automatically so we're not chasing people um on their trainings when those trainings are no longer relevant to the jobs that they're in. >> Thank you. And just to repeat, this position will somebody currently in the HR department. Correct. Any other questions or comments from anybody? Okay, we'll go ahead and vote to approve the new job description and position manager compliance. All those in favor say I. >> I oppose. Nay. Motion carries. 40 zero. And next is the review and approval of the new do job description manager of special projects. Let's read it. >> Sure. So this job would largely focus in the beginning on our data. Um
009so how do we get our data to be this? So how do we get one system to be the source of truth on our employees, their demographic information? um so we can easily pull reports and I want this person to be really focused on building up reports that we can repeat over time so we can compare things. Um I think over time this job may change to take on new responsibilities. But the big thing that I want them focused on at first is how we can get to clear goals that we are managing through tracking data and how we can ensure that that data is accurate, valid, and aligned with all my other colleagues up here um and their understanding of what is happening in our schools and across our district. >> Thank you. Any
010questions or comments from anyone on the board? >> Just a quick question. I know that the positions are have been um budgeted and larger were working within our existing hick count. From an overall price point perspective, however, given some of the shift and responsibilities, is there much of a difference or what would you estimate that to be if any? >> Yep. So, the additional headcount on that one position is um about $140,000 for salary and benefits. Um there are some changes but I will also say um the personnel assistant is retiring and that position will be backfilled by a secretary which will actually be lower cost. So um I'm I may not be sufficiently answering this question but overall we're u we're budgeting to grow but not grow in such a way that it's cost
011prohibitive. >> Thank you. Yeah. >> Anyone else? >> Okay. U so we'll vote to approve the new job description and position of manager special projects. All those in favor say I. >> I oppose nay. Motion carries 4 zero. So I think uh that will conclude our meeting for tonight and our next committee meeting will be held uh before the next full board meeting on March 23rd. That concludes our meeting for tonight. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening. I'd like to call to order the Monday, February 23rd, 2026 meeting of the Westchester Area School Board. Tonight we welcome students Mariano Mutler and Herdia. I know I get it wrong. Taji, is that close? >> A little bit. A little bit close. Yeah, I appreciate how gracious you are. Uh from Pierce Middle School and their principal,
012Dr. De Antonio, let us begin the meeting with a salute to the flag led by our students. Please stand to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Good evening members of the board. President Dell, >> I want to start off by thanking you for the opportunity to come and present here this evening. I'm excited to introduce Radia Tani and Mariana Munchler who are going to give their reports from Pierce. They're two eighth graders who have practiced and prepared. They've completed their scripts all by themselves without uh any guidance. So they are uh were great candidates to support. They were recommended by their teachers. Um and you'll see why. All right. This time >> Hi, I'm
013Ariana. I want to start off talking about the gift program. So the gift program is an amazing opportunity given by Pearson Middle School to enhance students learning experiences. Students can select from a multitude of enrichment courses that may interest them such as robotics, model, theater, public speaking, lateral thinking, and more. This year, I selected brain foods, which was reintroduced after a 10-year break. We learned how nutrition influences brain power. We also had the Pierce athletic trainer come to speak to our class about how food impacts physical and mental health. Other courses even hold competitions at the end of the year to test students skills and knowledge. Next, I would like to talk about the Henderson transition day. On Henderson transition day, our eighth graders get the exciting chance to meet Henderson as they prepare for
0149th grade. During the day, students tour the building to visit classrooms, the cafeteria, gym, and other areas, and also have a chance to meet some of the teachers and staff. We also learned about clubs, sports, and activities available in Hendrick Henderson. The day was really fun because students can try small activities, meet new friends, and explore the school before the first day. It's a great way to feel more confident and it helps make the transition to high school smooth and exciting. Next, I would like to talk about chorus and music. Sorry. Musical. Our chorus program has had a great year with lots of concerts where students showed what they've learned. For our eighth graders, the last concert it appears is really special because it's their final middle school performance. This year, students participated new songs,
015worked together as a team, and got more confident singing in front of friends, family, and the school. The concert are more than just singing. They help students feel proud of themselves and celebrate all the time they have spent in chorus. For our eighth graders, this last concert is a special way to remember their time in middle school. In addition to our concerts, Pier students are excited about this year's musical. We have put on high school musical. The cast and crew have been working hard rehearsing lines, learning songs, and preparing sets and costumes. The musical gets students a chance to shine in acting, singing, and teamwork, showing off the creative skills that develop. It's a fun way for the whole school community to come together and celebrate the talents of our students, and it's another memory
016for our eighth graders before they move on to high school. For all the students that decide to that a band, orchestra or chorus class is not for them, popular music is a great alternative. This year, students explored how artists in every genre influence one another. Students also made a presentation about their favorite artist and put together a compilation of song written by the original artist to create. Another unit focused on dissecting parts of songs including the introduction, chorus, and verses. This course was an interesting musicians today. Lastly, I'd like to talk about little bit about sports. Throughout the year, the Pierce athletic program provides students with a wide range of sports elections. At the end of the fall season, our football team took on the Eagles at High School in our life. This winter was
017won by the Pierce Chargers to end a very successful season. Many students are anticipating the spring season, baseball, cross, field hockey, and track. Coming off a recording 2025 season, students and staff alike are excited to see if the Pierce track team can as everyone is looking forward to spring, our student athletes and coaches are preparing for another great spring. Any questions? [snorts] >> Thank you both so much for your [applause] Yeah, I want to say I'm impressed with the things that are going on at Pierce. I also want to point out you you two couldn't see it, but your principal's face was just filled with pride as you wish you shared and I was impressed by that. Um it's good to thank audience know about the gifted program Mariano and and both of you shared
018about music different types of music popular music to band and chorus and and orchestra music and it just shows the diversity of what our district offers and what our students are benefiting from. Um just thank you both so much for being here. Don't go away because Dr. Christopher and I are going to come give me certificates for being here and we're going to get some photos taken. shake hands. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much for being here together with everybody. >> Thank you so much. And next on the agenda, special announcements. There are no special announcements this evening. [snorts] And next on the agenda is roll call. Mr. Chair, >> Vice President Beal >> here. >> Director Campbell >> here. >> Director Dietri >> here.
019>> President Jal >> here. >> Director Fleming >> here. Director Fry >> here. >> Director Jackson >> here. >> Director Long >> here. Director Parkinson >> here. Chori >> here. >> Elena Pence for Jackson >> here. >> And we have Kier Wood from >> here. [snorts] Thank you. And that leads us to public comment. Are there any public comments this? >> No registrance for agenda item. Public comment. >> Okay. Thank you. That moves us to the approval of the January 28th, 2026 meeting minutes. May I have a motion to approve the minutes? Uh, Director Bev Aqua, is there a second? Uh, Director Fleming. Any questions or discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? >> Motion carries. Mr. Chair, please note that we met in executive session on uh on Tuesday, February 17th,
020regarding a personnel matter and tonight, Monday, February 23rd, regarding personnel matters. Now is the opportunity for board members to request a change to the board agenda. Are there any requests for changes? Okay, seeing none, may I have a motion to approve the Monday, February 23rd, 2026 agenda as presented? Is there first? Dr. Dietri is there a second? Director Parkinson. Any questions or discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. And this leads us to the superintendent report. Dr. Christopher. Good evening everyone. I have a brief report tonight. Uh first I would like to um say I know nobody really loves a fit. I mean maybe the kids like them, but like no one's super excited about them. But our teachers did a great job with the flexible instruction days. Um
021everything went smoothly. I was really happy to to see how we were able to do that. It had been two years since we'd had one of those. So it was great for everybody to be able to do that and and continue to move forward here in the spring. Unfortunately, I'm looking at the weather and we're not out of it yet. We got a little bit little hope hopefully just another little run here and then we'll be okay. Also want to thank our facilities operations and transportation teams. Um they've had a rough winter. There's been a lot of snow to move, all kinds of things and they've been ready to do it and they've been up and we had guys up at 5 this morning who were coming in to because we were worried we're going
022to get something going on today. So uh Mr. Burst and I are doing way too much uh early morning communication and with Molly Schwender who who sends us crying emojis when she knows that she's got to get up at 4:30 [laughter] and you can't blame her because it's like that's just part of the part of what we're managing here in the winter. So thank you guys. Thank you to your team Wayne. I appreciate everything they've done and our our transportation teams have done a great job. We are glad to have most of Matlac back. I think you know it's still tricky I think running buses up and down there with the amount of snow we have but we're doing okay. Uh speaking of tremendous work, uh this time last year, we we started and launched
023our Westchester Waymaker employee recognition program. So in the course of one year, we've now celebrated more than 80 exceptional Westchester area school district team members. So that's been really fun to be able to do that. It's been an exciting opportunity. And Linda loves scheduling it because it's always exciting to try and find time for all of us to get somewhere at the same time. But u it's been great. Um I I continue to be so um so happy that we we made that decision to do those and and they just they're really my favorite part of the whole week every single week. I also like to recognize Dr. Reynolds who recently presented our portion of her graduate work to superintendents and district leaders across the the country at the uh uh AASA National Conference on
024Education. Uh she did a great job representing our district and the work we've been doing uh with our staff, families, and community members. and it was really awesome for her to have an opportunity to do that uh presentation in a large format. I'd also like to congratulate Dr. Connley who graduated from the ASA aspiring superintendent academy this month as well. So Jimmy got that was a great experience for you as well. I got to meet a lot of really awesome people across the country and and visit some great schools and just see some awesome things we need to think about how we can incorporate into what we do throughout February. Our schools have also been engaged in meaningful Black History Month learning activities, including assemblies, museum experiences, classroom lessons, and student led activities that highlight
025history, culture, and contributions. It's been wonderful to see this learning come to life across the district, and we appreciate all the work everyone does here in our district to to celebrate that. Looking ahead to the arts, East High School and Rustin High School both have exciting musicals this weekend. Uh East is doing Mamma Mia and Rustin is doing The Secret Garden. So if you don't have your tickets, uh those shows I believe start um tonight I think we have or tomorrow night actually on Thursday is when we get started. So those performances showcase the incredible talent, dedication of our students and staff. So you can attend that. We encourage you to do so. Um and speaking of community events, the Westchester Area Education Foundation is running a bingo event uh for our students and and
026to try and support, you know, funding for them uh this Saturday. and we have the Harlem Wizards game will be next Friday. Tickets are both for both events can be found on our district homepage um and are still uh ready to go. We also this Saturday have um the uh um Black Student Union is holding its annual scholarship um banquet at Henderson High School on Saturday. And so I know some of our board members and some of our administrators will be attending that as well. Lastly tonight, I'd like to thank Linda Cherishort who is unfortunately notifying us on this agenda uh that she is retiring in July and is going to be on the agenda this evening. Linda has served as administrative assistant to at least three Westchester superintendents. I think um she does an
027amazing job and she is irre irreplaceable and she is always extra. So, thank you. There's a trophy on her desk that says I am extra and there's a reason. We we we appreciate so much everything you do. I I appreciate what you do for me and what you do here for the district. So, thank you for all your service. That concludes my report for the evening. Thank you. Uh and I'm going to turn it over to our students. Thank you, Dr. Christopher. We'll now hear from the 202 2025 26 high school representatives, AIA is here. Uh but due to scheduling conflicts uh with our other two reps tonight we welcome Elena Elena Pence who is standing in for Jackson and Kira Wood uh who will give Mira's report. Uh who wants to go first? >>
028I'll go first. >> The pros get first. >> So a lot of exciting stuff has happened at East the past week. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we went to Deca Estates which is such an amazing experience. Every year I've gone, it's just amazing meeting new people, connecting, and networking. We've had so many qualifiers this year, including my fellow seniors, Na Penosian and Abby D'Angelus. So, big congratulations to them. I think in Naira's category, there was 44 people. So, out of all of PA, she placed fifth. So, a big congratulations to her. And over the years, as I've grown through DECA, I wasn't even sure I was going to go into the business route. But even that saying, I have loved every single moment of it and I would recommend it over and over again to
029every single upcoming middle upcoming high schooler. And with DECA, you learn problem solving, empathy, and responsibility, which touches on all the portrait of a graduate. So, it's it's great for everything. I would always recommend DECA. We also had PMEA with Conrad Kowalsski and Denith qualifying or Denith qualified for regionals for a big big congratulations to him and Mr. Orlando on all their practice. And from a student council standpoint, we sold a lot of candygrams, which if if you don't know, it's a little note that you can write to your best friend, a teacher just to show how much you appreciate them, which was a big success. We just we love to see the love in the air at East and it's a great way to show your appreciation. And last Friday we concluded our annual
030blood drive with a total of 78 signups to donate blood from 16 years old 16 year olds, 17 year olds and 18 year olds and and faculty as well. And everything went smoothly from a student standpoint and we can't wait to do it again next year. The red working with Red Cross was amazing. And as Dr. Christopher said, we have Mamma Mia coming up this weekend. It starts Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 and Sunday at 2 o'clock. So, I would encourage everyone to go see it. All of our students put a lot of work in, and I'm sure it's going to be fantastic. And from a sports standpoint, I'd like to congratulate Adam, Tim, and the Westchester East wrestling team on their recent historic win, which completed the Westchester East sweep by beating both
031Henderson and Rustin. And also congratulating Justin Williams, senior, on his 100th win. and adding to the hundth win banner. And lastly, I would like to recognize East for winning the AP recognition and one silver. So, go Vikings. Thank you. >> Hi everyone. Um, I'm Elena. I'm filling in for Jackson tonight. To begin, uh, Henderson's music department has been very busy this past month. Uh, the month began with four students performing in PMA District Band under the direction of Captain Darren Lynn, who is the associate conductor of the president's own marine band. Uh just last weekend, Jackson and I joined five other Henderson students at the PMA Region Choir Festival, and Jackson gets to move on to PMA All State, which is really exciting. Um and this week, six more choir students, including Jackson, which is
032why he isn't here tonight, just departed yesterday for Providence, Rhode Island to sing in the American Coral Directors Association's All Eastern Honor Choirs. Um however, music students certainly were not the only ones taking trips. Deca competed at the Hershey lodge for the Deca Pennsylvania State Competition, having four students move on to the national competition. The academic team had playoffs yesterday where they won two matches, reaching the finals match. And finally, Unified Sports raised $21,000 for the Special Olympics, supporting six students participating in the Polar Plunge at Citizens Bank Park. Uh, moving back to the actual school building, Henderson has been full of events and accomplishments. Henderson's literary magazine was one of 456 magazines judged by the National Council of Teachers of English and was named superior, which is the second highest title. Valentine's Day was
033vibrant at Henderson with Henderson's Fem Powerment selling $167 worth of flowers. The culinary department selling $400 worth of baked goods and preschoolers from the Kitty Warriors room were brightening everyone's days by traveling around the school on a scavenger hunt. The Henderson musical, which is the 25th annual Putnham County Spelling Bee, is approaching their performances during the second weekend of March. And as a spoiler, Dr. Christopher is mentioned during the show. So, if you want to hear how, I guess you'll just have to come and see. Henderson's athletics have also been very busy this month. Our swimming and diving team already had one student qualify for states in diving, and they are hoping for more students to compete at districts this weekend. and indoor track had two relay teams and three individuals qualify for the state
034championship this weekend. Last, but certainly not least, Henderson has been celebrating its school spirit with Garnet and White Week. Students were placed onto two teams based on their last names. And during Warrior Block, they have and will participate in activities and games to support their teams and earn them points. Um, I sat in karaoke today. It was absolutely fantastic. The week will conclude with a pep rally where there will be a series of a few more smaller games all to add up to each team's points. And by the end of the day on Friday, we'll know which team is crowned as the winner. Um, now Jackson did tell me that he usually ends his speech with a limick, but because I do not have the same beautiful red leprechaun hair as he does, I don't
035think it would be appropriate if I shared a Irish poem. So instead, I'd like to share a poem written by Mr. Anderson, who is one of our English teachers, that was added as a comment on to Mr. UMI schooly post sharing photos of the quote unquote handy hawks entitled hawk block. Mr. Anderson wrote the talk of warrior block today. A pair of hawks a raw display of towns gripping trees deciduous and muddy snacks beaks veriviverous feather fellows asked a scance. Join me at the Hawkins dance where guarded wings like handsaws spin around the hendy auxiliary gym. The mute reply a gentle call sustains each warrior through this thought. Thank you. All right, good evening everyone. I'm Kira. This is Mera's report for you guys. Um, February was an exciting and achievementfilled month across our school.
036From school dances to schoolwide events and interactive club experiences, February has definitely stood out to me. Starting out with Rustin's musical achievements, we are very proud to recognize several students for their outstanding accomplishments. Congratulations to Siri C, Desmond S, and ENZ for qualifying at Pennsylvania's Music Education Association's Region 6 band competition. Great [snorts] job representing Rustin with music and excellence. In addition, congratulations to LL, who earned a place in the All State Choir, advancing another round farther into PMEA, a remarkable accomplishment that reflects her dedication and talent. And with our annual school musical around the corner, I invite and encourage everyone here to come see Secret Garden this weekend at 7 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, as well as the matinea show at 1 on Saturday. Rustin students have been working incredibly hard, and we
037can't wait to present to you another successful show. [snorts] Our winter athletic programs also had a standout month. The girls basketball team earned the title of Chesmont American co- champions, while girls swimming and diving captured the Chesmont Championship as well. Wrestling 2 wrapped up a strong season with continued growth and competitive performances ac across the roster. Earlier this month, Rustin celebrated our third annual winter dance on February 6th organized and presented by the class of 2028, which brought students together for a fun and well attended evening with good music, food, and friends. It was definitely a night to remember. We also welcomed an author, Eric Smith, last Friday, February 20th. Our library advisory board along with Miss Bole organized another successful author visit providing students with a valuable literary and creative experience to meet and
038ask questions. Academically, we are proud to share that our mock trial team qualified for states, demonstrating exceptional analytical and public speaking skills. So, special thanks to Adam N and Christian H for leading the club through another successful season. Like the other high schools, we are also incredibly grateful to be able to recognize the 10 seniors who received Spellelman awards, a testament to their leadership, service, and academic excellence. And with February being Black History Month, Rustin's Black Student Union has multiple activities throughout the month to not only teach, but inform the student body achievement, excellence, and most importantly, history. Last Friday, our BSU hosted a student led black history assembly teaching about Ruby Bridges, EMTT Hill, and Little Rock 9, encouraging their peers to pay attention as well as ask questions. They're also collaborating with the
039other BSU chapters in the district for an upcoming knowledge bowl where all three BSUs from the high schools will compete to test their knowledge of black history. Looking ahead, students are preparing for the dodgeball tournament on March 6th, an event designed to raise money and awareness for military veterans. This continues our commitment to service, learning, and community engagement. Overall, February was a month of achievement, celebration, and community spirit across academics, arts, athletics, and student leadership. >> Thank you all for your for [snorts] your reports. There was so much going on in the high schools. uh the involvement of DECA in in all the schools, your involvement in music, the musicals. I feel like the musicals snuck up on me. Two of them were this weekend. >> I I usually try to get to all three,
040so we'll see. I'm going to try to, but um and then the fundraising that you all do and the community involvement. Uh thank you so much for being here and thank you for letting us know the many awesome things that that's going on in your schools. You both represented uh Meera and Jackson very well. Shea, thank you for setting the tone. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Okay. Uh, next, Miss Fairorita, please give us your monthly personnel report. Thank you. >> Uh, so we are getting ready to start staffing for next year, but in preparation for staffing, two things I would flag on this report. There are six people retiring who have a combined 140 years of time worked in Westchester, which is just an incredible testament to them and their commitment to the district. Um
041the second is that we're welcoming a handful of new employees this month um including the new principal for Fugate, Zach Lewis, who I believe you all have a chance to meet. And that's it for me. >> Thank you for your work and thank you for your report. Let's see. I got too many pages going on. May I have a motion to approve the February 23rd, 2026 personnel recommendations as presented? Director Fleming is first and Director Campbell is the second. Any questions or discussion? All in favor say I. I. >> Any opposed? A motion carries. Next is approval of the consent agenda. May I have a motion to approve the February 23rd, 2026 consent agenda as listed? Director Beala and a second from Dr. Dri. Any questions or discussion? All in favor say I. >> I.
042>> Any opposed? Okay, motion carries. Now we will move to the monthly schoolboard committee reports. First up is our teaching, learning and equity committee report from doc director Parkinson. >> Thank you. The teaching learning and equity committee meeting was held on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026. During the meeting, Dr. Zidmont shared an update on the 2025 AP honor role. This high school board uh this college board high school recognition is based on the 2025 senior class AP exam performance. All three high schools qualified for honor role. Congratulations. Rustin was awarded bronze and Henderson East awarded silver. Additionally, the state required 339 plan was presented. This is a comprehensive K through2 counseling plan and program designed to meet the needs of students, staff and families. This plan supports academic development, career and post-secondary planning, social, emotional and
043personal de development. The TLA [snorts] committee also approved the core instructional mi materials for secondary ELA based on the consensus and recommendation of the selection committee. Savis [snorts] My Perspectives is selected as the resource for curriculum revisions for grades 6 through 10. Grades 11 and 12 will remain novel-based as we take an extra year to refine and expand our selection offerings. The committee also approved the purchase of Winkit data management MTSS platform for a three-year contract in the amount of $363,024. This platform is what we rolled out earlier this year, which is used to capture and report on student data and to track interventions. The committee also approved the continuation of our consulting partnership with AASA for our portrait of graduate work in the amount of $8,250. And lastly, the committee approved the spring booster
044clubs and athletic groups for the three high schools as listed. Our next scheduled meeting is on March 16th, uh, 2026 at 6:30. And this concludes my report. Thank you, Director Parkinson. Next up is our personnel committee report from Director Fleming. >> Thank you, President Dell. Um, the February personnel committee meeting was held immediately preceding meeting. The committee approved the new job descriptions and positions of manager recruitment and staffing, senior manager of recruitment and staffing, manager compliance and manager special projects. As we discussed, this only results in an additional one staffing position in the department as two of these positions will be taken by current employees and one fills a currently open position and due to other changes within the department in in the department will have a minimal budget impact. I don't have the exact
045number but we can get anybody who would like it. So approval is requested for the new job description and position manager recruitment and staffing. I so move >> I have the first director Fleming second Dr. Dietri questions comments. >> All in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Motion carried. Next approval is requested for the new job description and position senior manager of recruitment and staffing. >> I have a first from director Fleming. Do I have a second? Director of Jackson. Any questions, discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. >> Okay. Next. Approval is requested for the new job description and position manager compliance. I so move. >> First from director Fleming. Is there a second? Second from Director Fry. Any questions or discussion? All in favor say I. >>
046I. >> Any opposed? And that motion carries. >> And lastly, approval is requested for the new job description and position manager special projects. I moved. We have a first from director Fleming. Is there a second? Vice President questions or comments. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. >> That is my report for the evening. The next personnel committee meeting will take place before the March 23rd monthly board meeting. >> Thank you, Director Fleming. Vice President will now give the property and finance committee report. >> Thank you, President. Uh, good evening. The last property and finance committee meeting was held last Tuesday, February 17th. As we do on a monthly basis, Mr. Scully, our director of business affairs, reviewed the budget, the February budget forecast model. Mr. Scully reviewed changes to
047the 2526 expense projections, which included a decrease of 150,000 in salaries and 500,000 in health benefits. And then Mr. Scully continued on and provided an update to the 2627 revenue projections which included an increase of 1 million investment income revenue. These changes stated for the 2627 projections and utilization of the prior 2526 savings will reduce the 2627 budget gap by approximately 1.65 million. administration as they continue will continue to review the projections for potential savings to reduce the millage impact for the 2627 budget. We'll review that on a monthly basis. The next item, Mr. Scully reviewed with the property finance committee uh a background to the district's capital construction needs uh and bond borrowing process. Garrett Moore attended the meeting. He's from PFN. That's our financial adviser for bond borrowing. He provided an overview of
048the financing process and the timeline based on the current draw schedules that we currently have. The district will need an additional 33 million of new money in the spring of 2026. In this time frame, Mr. Scully asked the committee to allow the district's financing team to proceed with the preparation of a parameters resolution for the 26 2026 general obligation bonds to fund these elementary renovation plans. The property finance committee recommended approval to allow the district's financing team to proceed with the preparation of the parameters resolution and uh we'll wait for updates on next subsequent property finance committees. The next item was Mr. Burster, our director of facilities presented the committee with the bid awards for the 2627 capital projects. They consisted of two projects. One was the Fuget Middle School partial roofer refurbishment replacement to
049United States roofing corp for a total award value 244K. Also the other project was the East High School partial roof uh refurbishment replacement with O'Donnell roofing company for an award price of 37 372,300. The property and finance committee recommended approval of these capital project bid awards as I stated. The next item, Mr. Burst provided an update on the 26 27 capital reserve projects. Uh those [snorts] projects consisted of three projects. One was the Henderson High School dressing room uh improvements with the United States roofing corp for award value of 62,500. Uh middle school chain link fence repair at Pierce Middle School with Pearlax fencing for an award value of 31,340. and Rustin High School partial roof uh refurbishment with parallel roofing for award value of 410,550. The property and finance committee recommended approval of these
050capital reserve project bill awards as stated by Mr. Berster. And then one additional item we had Mr. Burser discussed the need for an an agreement with Westtown Township for a renovations project at Starkweather Elementary School. Mr. Mr. Bur to recommend the approval of the committee to enter in a construction agreement and financial security with Westtown Township associated with the renovations and addition project at Stark Elementary School. This is common practice we do at each of the beginning of each of these construction projects. The property finance committee approved the administration to enter this construction agreement and the financial security with Westtown Township for the renovations additions to the Starkwood Elementary School renovation project. The next property finance committee meeting will be held next month on Monday, March 16th. And that concludes my report for this evening.
051>> Thank you, Vice President Beala. Uh, next we turn to Director Dietri. Please report on the policy review committee meeting. >> Thank you. There was no policy meeting in February. So, our next meeting will take place on Monday, March 23rd, 2026 at 6 PM. >> Thank you, uh, Director Dietri. Next we go to other reports and we'll keep the mic on for Dr. Dietri. Will you give us an IU report, please? >> A short report for me. I have a followup. So the IU the Chester County Intermediate Unit board of directors held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 at this ESC Technical College High School Brandy Wine campus in Downing Town. Um items of note from this meeting were that we had a really really interesting presentation on the barbering program which is
052currently at TCHS Brandy Wine but will be expanding to um uh other campuses in coming years and we had presentations from the faculty in that program from graduates of that program and also from a um a current Rustin student, Sakara Sanders, who is in the barbering program and was just so interesting talking about why she chose this program and what her future goals were and how the program is supporting her. So that was really interesting. We also got presentations on first reading of the draft 2026 207 um uh categorical care and occupational education budgets for the IU. Um and to summarize that there was no increase in proposed core budget contribution from districts, a proposed 2% increase in occupational education tuition rates. Um the goal for marketplace programs from the IU was to limit the
053act one index increase of 3.5%. And then we approved some other um um actions including new calendars. Um, and we will be meeting again on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. this time at the PCHS campus Pickering Campus in Phoenix. That's my report. >> Thank you, Dr. Petri. Uh, Director Fleming, can you provide us with a a legislative report? >> Uh, yes. The Chester County School Board Legislative Council met on January 28th. This report is a little bit old. They are meeting tonight, but for the second month in a row, our school board meeting has been moved from Monday to Wednesday because of snow. So, it's been on the same night as the legislative council. Uh so, uh at that meeting, there were um representatives from the Pennsylvania School Board Association that went over
054some ongoing priorities for the PSBA, including modernizing Pennsylvania's legal advertising laws, a possible mandatory statewide bell-to-bell cell phone ban and advertising uh flexibility legislation that's been introduced. Uh none of that has has been passed by the state legislature yet. Um couple things that have been signed signed by the governor. Crown Act 54 2025, formerly HB 439 amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to provide that discrimination based on racecl discrimination based on traits historically associated with the individual's race including hair texture and protective hairstyles. Uh not a lot more uh has been passed uh at the state level at the federal level. There was a uh that the home milk for healthy kids act signed by the president that now allows schools to offer whole milk as well as reduce fat, low fat and fat free
055flavored and unflavored milk. That uh act took effect on January 14th. And that is my report for her tonight. And as I said next is being held tonight. So I'll report on that meeting next. Thank you, Director Fleming. Uh, I believe you have other business agenda items for approval. >> Thank you. >> According to my script, correct? >> K1 Kend Oh, I I do have it. I'm sorry. >> Okay. >> Sign. Approval of contract employment. Approval of the contract employment for John T. Scoly, director of business affairs for the period beginning July 1st, 2026 to June 30th, 2029. Approval is requested. I so move. >> We have a first from Director Fleming. Is there a second? Uh, vice president be second. Any questions, comments? All all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed?
056>> Hey, motion carries. [applause] >> And Mr. Scully, we're happy for you, but we're happy for us, too. Let's see. Next, we have two agenda items. for consideration from vice president. It is a K2 and K K3 on the agenda. So the first motion reads as follows. Approval of a resolution for a public school facility improvement grant for $5 million for roof refurbishment and replacement at Westchester East High School and the Fugit Middle School campuses. I so move. >> We have a first from Director Bevela. Is there a second? Uh, Director Jackson. Any questions or comments? Okay. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? The motion carries. >> Vice President. >> Yeah. The last motion this evening reads as follows. Approval of resolution for public school facility improvement grant for 4,950,000 for
057boiler replacements at Westchester East High School and Fug Middle School campus. also from Bayer Rustin High School and Henderson High School. I so move >> first from Vice President Beala, a second from Director Parkinson. Any questions or comments? Okay. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? And motion carries. Next up, we have comments from residents. Has anyone signed up tonight? >> Yes, we have two commenters. So I'll read this statement and call them forward. >> Thank you. >> So this is now the time for comments by the residents. The board will follow the procedures established in policy 903. All individuals wishing to comment this evening were required to properly register prior to the designated start time of tonight's meeting by completing the information specified on the comment registration card. Once called to
058the podium, each commenter will begin by stating their first and last name and municipality. Each speaker must limit their comments to three minutes or less per public comment period. Commenters may not see their time to other individuals. Individuals will be notified by the time clock when their allotted time for public comment has expired. The board asks that all commentary be directed to the board as a whole. Public comments may be interrupted or terminated if the commentary exceeds the three minutes or if the commentary is obscene or threatening in nature. The first commenter this evening is Aaron Arzer Shores. I'm sorry if that's not quite right. >> And this is absolutely the most intimidating Dr. She'll put a clock up for you. >> My name is Aaron Rosie Shores. Good evening. Um, I'm a West Whitetland
059resident and I'm the parent of a second grader in the district and a four-year-old. I'm here today to talk about educational technologies in our classrooms. Um, with the best of our intentions, our district provides one-to-one devices to all students K to 12. I am concerned that these screens are turning our educators into technology managers and harming the health and well-being of our students. Children learn best through hands-on, relational, and sensory rich experiences, not screens. When used intentionally, technology can be a powerful teaching tool. But too often that is simply not what is happening in our classrooms. Research shows that too much screen time is linked to at least five negative consequences. In the interest of time, I'm going to go through these really quickly. Isolation and underdeveloped social skills is the first one. I think
060that's pretty self-explanatory. Number two, decreased ability to work for intrinsic rewards. Learning apps are often gified, which causes students to associate learning with digital rewards, kind of like playing a video game. Um, this can make other kinds of learning experiences that aren't as fun feel lackluster. Um, which is a problem because real learning is is hard and it involves friction as you all know. Number three, distraction and attention deficits. Internet access in class fragments attention by enabling students to watch movies, message friends, chat with AI during school hours. Number four, mental and physical health risks. Eye strain, sleep loss, neck pain, obesity, anxiety, and depression are all associated with too much screen time. Number five, privacy risks. Um, edtech apps collect and sell sensitive student data without student or parental consent. And there are so
061many apps, it is hard to keep up. Here are just a few examples of what is happening in real classrooms around our district. In the middle of high school, students with laptops open to take notes during class are playing video games or online shopping, distracting every other classmate who can see their screens, right? It's like being on a plane and you're watching what the kid in front of you is watching or the parent in front of you is watching and so are your kids. Other districts are creating common sense. Oh, I'm sorry. I skipped one. And then in elementary school, um, students are using iPads during indoor recess. In many classrooms, screens are also being used for brain breaks and at dismissal. Other districts are creating common sense guidelines around technology use. Rner school district
062has a policy prohibiting iPads during recreational time and has eliminated virtual learning days at the elementary level. In North Carolina, one high school principal has instituted techfree Tuesdays and Thursdays. In Kansas, one middle school principal has shifted away from a one-to-one policy, moving all Chromebooks into a computer lab. I've shared my concerns with administration and I know they are working on creating new age appropriate screen time guidelines for the district. This is a great start and I really appreciate being heard um by administration, but more work is needed. Um and I really just wanted my my final thing was I would love you guys to have this as an agenda item in a future meeting. There are a lot of parents who care about this issue and we'd love the opportunity to go deeper. Thank
063you for your time and your service. >> Thank you. >> Our next commenter is Carrie >> May. [laughter] This isn't a good spot. >> Hi. Uh my name is Carrie May. I live in West Coast Township and I have four children who are students within Westchester area school district. I want to speak with you tonight about the cell phone policies within our school district. Westchester has a strict bell-to-bell policy for K to 8th graders, but once they enter high school, they're allowed to have access to their phones during lunch, in the hallways, and during their study blocks. Although there have been incremental improvements over the years in the district cell phone policy, I believe a clear bell to bell policy for K to 12 is what is most beneficial for our teachers and our students.
064By allowing students to use their cell phones in the hallways, lunch times, and free periods, the district is creating a scenario where the urge to reach for one cell phone throughout the day is not minimized. A student could simply use the bathroom in order to check their most recent text message. Instead of socializing during lunch, they can scroll social media or YouTube. This is not a hypothetical situation. This is happening in high schools around the country. Jonathan Height writes of silent cafeterias and hallways in his book, The Anxious Generation. Students are too busy on their phones to talk to one another. For example, how many of you have looked at your smartphones during this meeting to either read a quick text, write an email, or possibly even scroll social media? I would guess the majority
065of people in this room received their first smartphone after the age of 25 when our frontal loes were already fully developed. But we still struggle with the urge, the addictive pull of our small our smartphones. Even with it in your pocket or your purse, out of sight does not keep it out of mind. By allowing students to use their cell phones throughout the school day, we are essentially giving them cigarettes and asking them to smoke responsible responsibly on their free periods. Many schools and states are taking action. School administrators in districts that have already gone bell-to- bell speak about the noticeable differences during lunch and downtime. Instead of students faces and phones, kids are socializing, playing Uno, Jenga, and even games of hacky sack. Within the first year of Bell policies, the change is undeniable.
066Teachers and students are happier. Time is a commodity. Once it is used, it is gone. Phones and schools are taking away our students free time. They are losing out on impromptu experiences with other classmates. Give our students back the gift of a distraction-free education. Give our students back cell free cell phone free downtime. Give our students a val K through2 cell phone policy. Thank you. Thank you both for coming tonight. Thank you for your comments. And excuse me, I'm going to use my phone because that's where my quote is. Don't feel that you have anybody. Uh the quote for tonight, our dreams must be stronger than our memories. Jesse Jackson. And our next school board meeting is the >> 23rd of March. [snorts] Thank you all for coming. Do I have a motion to adjourn?
067Dr. Dietri second. Director Fry. Questions, comments? All in favor say I. >> I. >> We are adjourned. Thanks for coming tonight.