001Good evening. I would like to call to order the May 28, 2025 meeting of the Westchester Area School Board. Tonight we welcome a student from Stson Middle School, Spot Fat Mata Cay and Emma Rosenfield along with their principal, Mrs. Pella. If you uh could come up to lead us in the pledge of allegiance and then we'd love to hear what's happening at Son Middle School. Algian to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Good evening everyone. My name is Eva Rosenfield and I'm so grateful that Mrs. Pella gave me the chance to speak tonight. I'm excited to share how Stson became my community over the past three years and helped me grow into the person
002I am today. There are five groups that helped me find my place at Stson. Corral, chorus, the musical, the talent show, and kindness club. Each one helped me shape helped shape who I am and gave me a real sense of belonging. Through both Corral and Chorus, I found a place where I could express myself and feel connected to others through music. Singing alongside people who cared about each other and about what we were creating together made me feel proud and supported. Being part of the theater department at STSON was the most welcoming experience I've ever had. In seventh grade, I joined Mary Poppins and had an amazing time even as part of the ensemble. This year, I auditioned for Shrek and ended up playing Dragon. I was nervous and struggled with confidence at first, but
003about halfway through rehearsals, something clicked. I stopped worrying and just gave it my all. I felt seen. I felt like I found my people. Middle school is hard and finding your way can be even harder. But when you find a group where you truly can be yourself, it changes everything. For me, that group was theater. Stson created a sense of community where I felt safe to grow and be proud of who I was becoming. I also found that in a talent show, standing on stage, nervous but excited, I realized I was not alone. We're all here for each other. That support and teamwork made me feel confident and connected. Stson created this sense of community by letting students lift each other up. And at Kindness Club, a club I co-ounded, we focused on making a
004positive difference. We met in the library with Dr. M during lunch, where we made birthday cards for teachers and thank you notes for staff members whose names were pulled from a jar. Handing those out each week reminded me how small actions can make people feel seen and appreciated. STSOS created the sense of community through kindness, and I'm so proud to have been part of that. These experiences are what made Stson more than just a school for me. They made it a place where I belonged. Thank [Applause] you. Um hello and good evening everyone. My name is Paul and I'm a eighth grader at Stson Middle School. Over my three years at Stson I've been a part of seven different activities. Honors Crowd, the Westchester Area School District, Honors Chorus, Science Olympiad, Reading Olympics, Drama Club,
005softball, and girls sleep. Through each of these activities, I've been taught multiple skills and lessons over time. In corral, I was taught how to read music, notes, what different symbols mean, and the difference between forisimo and forte. In the honors course, I learned how to memorize music, take notes in shorter amounts of time, and I also learned how to balance my time between my other activities after school and in honor scores. In science olympia, I learned some things some kids don't learn till college, like the difference between lipoma, lympadema, and lipidens. And I also figured out which study strategies could help me in other classes while I study for my science events. Reading Olympics taught me how to memorize certain details in books which helped me meet new people during sixth grade where but I
006didn't really talk to too many people because it was all too new for me in middle school. In drama club I learned how to memorize dances and socks which helped me with my coordination and also helped me meet new people that shared my common interest. This year I joined softball for the first time. It was fun and I learned how to get along with people with others when necessary and to listen to corrections and apply it. With Girls League, I was taught that I do have a voice and an ability to help change my school for the better, but also to compromise and listen to others. With all these clubs and opportunities given to me at Stson, I have been not able to only grow but flourish as a person using these skills. I have
007truly enjoyed these opportunities that were provided to me. Thank you, Stson. [Applause] Girl, thank you so much for coming out. And can I ask, will you both be going to Rustin next year? That's great. Great. Well, enjoy the rest of 8th grade. And Dr. Christopher and I will be over in a minute to give you your certificates. We're gonna practice your eighth grade and I'm gonna shake your hand like I'm handing it to you. All right, you're ready. Great. And now we'll get one with Mrs. and Dr. Christopher. [Applause] Okay, we'll um move on to the rest of the night. We have a lot of fun things tonight. Uh thank you um everyone for coming out. We have no special announcements this evening and next on the agenda is roll call. Mr. Chair, Vice President
008here. Director Christie. Director Dietri here. Director Dell. President Fleming here. Director Fry here. Director Herman. Director Parkinson here. Directors here. for the last time. Madison Matthew here. Peter Kennedy here. Dianos Lopez here. Oh, that that's sad to hear. We'll move on to public comment. And I do believe Mrs. Sunquist that there is a public comment on agenda items. Yes, there are four comments this evening on agenda items. So, I will read the statement. Now is the time for public comment on agenda items. 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 public comment registration card. Once called to the podium, each commenter will begin by stating
009their first and last name and municipality. Each speaker must limit their comments to three minutes or less per public comment period. Commenters may not seed their time to other individuals. Individuals will be notified by the time clock when the time allotted for public comment has expired. There will be a second public comment period at the end of the meeting for comments from residents following these same guidelines. The board asked that all commentary be directed to the board as a whole. Public comment may be interrupted or terminated if the commentary exceeds three minutes or if the commentary is obscene and/or threatening in nature. Our first speaker this evening is Steve Sobic. Hello, my name is Steve Siaak. I am a former Henderson teacher for 20 years, retired in 2024. I am here to congratulate the Henderson
010academic team for its monumental performance at the high school national championship tournament, HSNCT, over Memorial Day weekend at Atlanta, Georgia. HSNCT hosted 336 teams from 200 336 teams from 267 schools in 37 states. Henderson finished [Applause] fourth. While you may be familiar with the local CCIU academic competition, Henderson aspires to play on a bigger stage, the national stage. The road to Atlanta is much longer and more difficult. The Henderson team uh first need to qualify to secure a birth in the nationals. Teams play on Saturdays and their first stop was the Princeton tournament in September. Henderson finished third behind Hunter College Mar Magnet School from New York City, a two-time national champion, and Livingston High School from New Jersey, ranked number one in the preseason quiz bowl polls. Yes, there are quiz bowl polls and
011rankings. You are totally wasting your time with the college football rankings. The next stop was Lehigh Valley in the Meridian Tournament in October. Henderson finished first in the field of 18. Then the Penman tournament December, finishing first in the field of 24. Then to the Great Valley Tournament on the first uh Saturday in January, taking first place again. I hope you notice this pattern. Okay. In April, they finished first in the Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Championship, a field of Pennsylvania teams going to the nationals in May. For these Saturday competitions, the kids leave Henderson at 7 or 6:30 in the morning on Saturday and return at 6:00 at night. The coaches, Brian Johnson, Mary Sweeney, this is all uncompensated time because the district coaching supplementals only apply to the CCU CCIU competition. And more importantly, it
012also means time away from their families. When Henderson CCIU season ended in February, Coach Johnson and the team pressed on practices three days a week, March, April, and May. Again, all uncompensated time. Believe it or not, there is life beyond the academic team in Henderson. Brian and his wife Danielle welcomed their third child, Sarah. I said to Brian, "You have a wife and children. How can this beat you spend all your time with me?" Unfortunately, Brian mourned the passing of his father after a long illness. During this time, the team did not miss a beat, signing up for an online tournament. Because Mr. Johnson could not shop around them and they could not use the Henderson name. They cheekily used the pseudonym the Samuel Barber Boyds Academy as a nod to one of Henderson's most
013famous graduates. The team left Westchester at 7:30 Thursday evening sharing a charter bus with Great Valley Downtown STEM and Cedar Crest teams, their rivals, but also their friends for their 12hour trip to Atlanta. entering the tournament. In case you didn't check the pre-term quiz bowl post, he was ranked 29th in the n in the nation. Sure. I know we discussed this. I think the next commenters finishing off for you. I have my second coming. I'm just happy here. That's all right. The next commenter is Andrea Sanarin. Good evening. My name is Andre Sanger and I'm a me resident of West Ocean. My son, Alex, was on the Henderson academic team, graduated in 2016. Um, they were the first team to go to nationals. Um, I'm picking up where Steve left off. Entering the tour here,
014I read that part. entering the tournament. In case you didn't check the pre-ournament quiz bowl polls, Henderson was ranked 29th. A team plays 10 preliminary matches and needs to win seven games to advance to the championship bracket. On Saturday, Henderson went four and three and had to sleep on that performance, knowing that they needed to win all three matches on Sunday morning. They won those do or die matches and then broke for lunch. Henderson began its epic run through the tournament, reeling off six victories through Sunday afternoon and evening, making the final four, besting teams from Connecticut, Georgia, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Illinois. The team played 18 matches in 36 hours, not just testing their knowledge, but also their mental stamina. The team deserves recognition for all of their effort, perseverance, and time. The
015academic team has the longest season of any Henderson team, any team, starting the Tuesday after Labor Day and going all the way through the end of May. In addition, the support of parents and guardians is indispensable. Aiden's mother said after finishing his homework and then researching information for the academic team, Aiden would ask her to help him practice questions before he went to bed. And as for the coaches, Brian Johnson and Mary Sweeney, demonstrate every day their dedication to the students, challenging the students to excel. This is from Steve. In closing, I grew up in the 1960s with the American space program, the era of dreaming big. The 2019 team finished 16th, which is like Apollo 8, going to the moon and orbiting without landing. The 2025 team is like Apollo 10, going to the
016moon, launching the lunar module, and descending the 15,000 meters above the moon's surface. The 2026 team is already talking about and getting ready for its next mission, or I mean, the next season. Let's hope it's like Apollo 11 planting the Henderson, the Henderson flag. Thank you. The next is Coen Messenger. Coen Messenger. Hello. What I'm here to talk about is the recent suggestions for changes to the high school schedule. Um, the main problem I have with it is the adjustment periods for incoming freshmen where they already have to deal with a lot of workload adjustments and all of that stuff. So, it would be a lot of adjustment for a whole new schedule that's completely different from the like current middle school schedule. And another problem is the extended class time, which seems like a
017good thing in theory, but with the dropping of classes, there's a loss of class time by 5%, which is 9 days total of class time loss. And many students have said with the um increased time that will be given to those class periods that it'll be difficult for them to focus when in our generation things like attention span are diminishing so much already that this time seems inconsiderate almost. And with classes that have two periods, like AP Sciences, it seems like two hours of learning something that is so like intense and analytical that it seems like a 2hour long class would be a lot for a student to comprehend. And a main problem with the schedule itself is that as I said the loss of time and removal of the lunch period where there is
018the included lunch and learn which is very good in theory as well. But for when like students who have like different dietary restrictions or different dietary habits where eating throughout the day is very important when you're only given a study hall instead of a lunch class. it can be more diminishing to their health. And especially with these AP classes, like I said, there's certain classes where there's so much time to cover all of the curriculum. And it feels like because there is so much content to these curriculums, there isn't even enough time already to like review for AP tests and even learn all of them. That's why we have like summer assignments and certain units which are taught like to to themselves. So with this loss of time overall, a lot of teachers as well
019as students feel like this sort of like lack of time is much more harmful to the students in general. Thank you. That's all. [Applause] before I start. I'm not sure if Dr. Christopher is going to be in the way of the um clock. Thank you. Now you're in the way. Sorry. Sorry about that. I I rely on the clock when I'm when I'm up here. I'm Thank you. Um J Deano, still living in East Ocean. Um wanted to talk actually about my um comment that I made last month. Uh last month I was saying about um how I didn't like the idea of autistic support being put into stark weather. But as it turns out, um right now the rest feeder pattern has multiple disability uh support. Um, East Ocean, uh, East Fever Pattern has
020autistic support and Henderson has life skills. What they would be doing is they would be growing a new set of, um, autistic support, uh, uh, schools. So, they um, Rust and Finger Pattern would have both multiple disabilities. And I didn't know that. I talked to uh, Dr. Mills after uh, the last meeting and got some clarity. And I just wanted to come up here and kind of uh, you know, correct myself. Um, I also wanted to um talk to um our student reps here because I know this is their last meeting. Um, I found a quote from uh George Carlin. You may know him as Mr. Conductor of the Island of Sodor and other people might know him as a comedian or social critic. Um, but I I think that he's a very wise person
021with many of the things that he's had to say. And um uh the quote is uh don't just teach your children to read. Teach them to question what they read. Teach them to question everything. And this was said um in one of his uh YouTube videos from uh March of 2008 with AI. I think it's very important that all students start questioning what they see, what they read because it used to be, you know, seeing is believing. That's not so true anymore. I think you have a a larger harder job moving forward and um ask questions. That's how I found out about what I spoke about earlier. Um you know that's how you find out about a lot of things. Yeah. Find out who the right people are. You ask the right questions and um
022that's my advice to you as you move into uh your next stage of life. And uh good luck to everyone and everyone out in the audience who is graduating and moving on from uh the Westchester School District. Thank you. [Applause] Okay. Thank you everyone for coming out to speak. I thought we had a couple more, but I think they're on non-aggenda items at the end of the meeting. We will now approve the minutes from the April 28th, 2025 meeting. May I have a motion to approve the the minutes from that meeting? Dr. Dietri, may I have a second? Dr. Herman, are there any questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. I. Opposed. I'm going to abstain. Okay. Thank you. Thanks. Okay. Moving on. I have an executive session announcement. Miss
023Chair Shore, please note in the minutes the board met in executive session tonight, May 28th, 2025, regarding a personnel matter. Now is the opportunity for board members to request changes to the board agenda. Are there any requests for change? Dr. Parkinson, director of Bington. Thank you, President Fleming. Please remove the agenda item K2, approval of contract of employment for Angela Williams, director of human resources for the Westchester Area School District. Uh I have a motion to uh remove the agenda item K2. May I have a second? Vice President Bealqua. All those in favor say I. I I opposed. Motion carries. Now, Dr. Christopher will give us his monthly superintendence report. This is where we're going to do lots of recognitions through this. So, all of you been sitting here waiting. We appreciate you being here
024tonight. So, as May comes to a close, our schools are filled with energy. From final concerts and field days to senior celebrations and moving up ceremonies, it's a great and busy time that highlights just how much our students and staff have accomplished together. This will be my second graduation here at at Westchester. I I was here last year for the pre-graduations and I'm just as excited as I was last year. This year's a little bit different. I have a daughter who will be graduating at Rustin uh on June 4th. So that day will be a little bit more special for me certainly uh as a dad. So I'm super excited about that and I am very thankful that the weather looks pretty good next week on that wood. You know, it may be maybe nice
025next week hopefully. So hopefully we'll be able to get all these in outside if we want to. My first gratitudes I want to extend the honor to our three student representatives who've just been great this year. Uh these students have done a remarkable job sharing the events, experiences, and highlights of the respective high schools. I think the school board will agree with me in saying that your reports of enthusiasm were some we really look forward to every every one of these nights. So, thank you so much. Uh Madison, Peter and Diana, it's been a great pleasure getting to know you. And we have some partying gifts for you. It's not another trophy, Peter. Finally, I will encourage you to take your name plates with you tonight uh and make uh your dorm rooms a place
026that looks official so you can have people will know who you are, which is great. So, now if I could get my our Westchester way makers to come up. So, all the all of our staff members who are here who've been Westchester way maker, we get you come up here to the podium. That would be great. cuz they're coming up. So, at the start of this year, uh actually the start of 2025, uh we launched this idea of recognizing staff members uh in kind of an informal way as Westchester Way makers where we would we would kind of like uh flash mob you, show up at your school, uh you didn't know we were coming. You know, some of your principles were were really entertaining. Did like large things like entire entire student groups. Sometimes
027we just came to your classroom and had an opportunity just to recognize you is just for the outstanding work that you do as as a staff member here in the school district. We are so fortunate to have so many amazing people here and you guys really stand out and it has been so much of a joy for me uh to be able to come and actually give these out every week. Um it's been one of the fun things I get to do every week that I really enjoy. So as I call your name, if you could just let us know who you are. Um you know and if you guys could hold your applause until we're all done. I know that's hard for everyone. No one likes to do that, but it would it would
028be helpful. Uh, and if I if someone is here and I and I don't have your name, it's just that we didn't have your SVD. So, please let me know at the end that you're here so we can make sure we recognize you as well. So, our first up is Hope Austin, who's the multiple disabilities teacher at Starkweather. Hey, Jen Bailey, who's a math teacher at East High School. Jen, how are you? We went into Jed's class. She did not stop. She kept teaching. We actually we actually have to do something. I like stand here. She just kept right on going. They were they were maximizing what they were doing there. Aaron Bushnell, design lab teacher at Hillsdale. You're hiding there. Hi. Hello. Katie Carlin, librarian at Xton. Danielle the Natali, intervention specialist at Stson.
029Danielle Nicole Doyle, special education transition teacher at the transition house. That was a particularly fun one. We got to go to the transition house with all of uh Nicole's her students who kept were very very excited for her which was great. Ken Fuet, instrumental teacher at Glennacres. Kayla Craley, general music teacher at Glennacres. They played us a song actually when we were there. The kids played us a song on the um recorders. It was It was good. It was good. Bobby Julian, English teacher at Cynthia Heckler, special education pair professional at East Bradford. Cynthia works all day. She works in ACP in the morning and she works kids all day and she works in ACP afterward. She's literally East Brad from the time they open the door till they close them. Uh Aaron Jordan, design
030lab teacher at Fern Hill. Mackenzie Kramer, special education teacher at Greystone. Jeannie Latimer, school nurse at Mary Se House. Jean, I called you Genie again. Sorry about that. Denise Lurbeck, physical education and health teacher at Pierce. John Lardi, assistant principal at Henderson. Janice Bundle, head custodian. Yanice was our inaugural winner. She was the first one and I was late. I went to the wrong building. We had the entire exit elementary school in the in the cafeteria waiting for me and I was I was like five minutes late. It was outstanding. Did we not get off to a great start? John O'Hara, campus safety officer at Stson. John, thank you for being here. Um Amy Worth, special education teacher at Greystone. Michelle Porco, transportation manager at Spellman. Matt Tagline, German teacher Rustin Lee Tobin, principal secretary
031and Ashley Vegas, instructional coach at Vern Hill. Is anyone else here who I missed? Oh, yes. Got you. Uh Amy. Amy Thomas, who we just saw this morning. That's probably why you're not let us tell me that. Who else? Jess Pazone. Jess Pazone. Yeah. Okay. Jess Pazone. I don't Maybe I skipped you. have done that. But thank you all for being here. We really we we just want to really thank you very much for all the work you do to support our students every day. It has been, like I said, a joy to be able to go out and give these awards um and to see you guys in action in your in your schools and classrooms. And it's just been it's been a great thing for us to be able to do that. And
032we just have really enjoyed being able to to share some joy with you. So, thank you for everything you do for us. [Applause] I'd also like to share the names of those who were done with us because we're immensely proud of them and and have them on our team as well. So, uh Delaney Ba, school counselor at Penwood, Kelly Runner, second grade teacher at Glenn Acres. Allison Garber, office and library assistant at East Bradford. Damon Gonzaga, capital programs manager in facilities and operations. Uh Moren Hamlin, kindergarten teacher at Penwood. Cassandra Culp, teacher at Westtown Thorberry. She's a great teacher there. Jess Pazone, who we did see, she was here. Uh Amy Thomas, instructional coach at Hillsdale. and Ryan Walter, learning sport teacher at Westbury. Let's give him a round of [Applause] applause. Wakers, if you
033did not follow Molly out into the Molly and Schwmer out into the lobby, if you could do that at this time, she'd like to get a picture with all of you together. Now, last but never least, we'd like to recognize our amazing high school students. We know we have a ton of amazing high school kids here today. We're really excited uh to hear about all the great things that you've done this year. We're going to get started with East High School. So, Dr. Graham, could you please start us off with the East High School students? Thank you. Right. Well, tonight I am honored to recognize the best of the best best at East. Thank you. While uh I truly believe all our students accomplish uh great things in their own way and the groups I'm
034about to announce tonight have earned state and even international recognition. So, students, when I say your name, you can come on up to the podium. Um, I have about four groups to announce tonight. Uh, first I would like to congratulate our National Merit finalists. These three individuals are high achieving seniors who after earning semi- finalist status progress to the finalist stage of the National Merit Scholarship Program. Uh, to become a finalist, the student must submit information including SAT scores, their transcript, a letter of wreck from a school official, and an essay. and finalists are recognized ultimately for their academic excellence and are eligible for various scholarships. So congratulations to Jada Cooper, Sophia Fu and Sneha Mahadavan. [Applause] Okay. uh distributive education clubs of America which is DECA uh prepares students for careers by providing them
035with opportunities to develop leadership, entrepreneurial and problem solving skills through competitive events. Uh there's a long-standing trai tradition of success um at East Da thanks to our business teachers Carol Liil who is here tonight, Joe Howerin and Leah Gonzalez. Uh these students were first place at our DECA state conference. Jada Cooper, Liam Leah Pambino, and Lauren Kusky for business oper operations research event. Jimmy Helerty and Jacob Bengal for the financial team decision-making event. Cam man and Quinn Sandy for independent business plan. And we have four students who received medals at the international conference earlier this month for project management in community awareness. We have Sherifa Diosin and Ella Tumor. They were among the top 10 in the world. and Jimmy Halerty and Jacob Bengal earned a high roleplay medal in financial analysis team event ranking
036among the top 20 internationally. So come on up. Oh, you're already [Applause] here. All right. And as you know, we have a ton of talented musicians at East, but this particular student is a standout. He has earned one of the stringbased chairs in all state concert band. He has represented our music department at several festivals this year, district orchestra and region orchestra with Tim SO and district band, region band, and all state concert band with Chris Orlando. Thank you to both Mr. SO and Mr. Orlando for helping this student become the musician he is today. That's congratulations to Denith How. [Applause] And last but not least, I would like to recognize our indoor color guard who achieved remarkable honors this year. Their season culminated with a first place gold first place and a gold medal
037at Maine, Mid-Atlantic championships. The team scored a record-breaking 91.7, beating out 13 other schools from Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York. They came in 13th place last year um and it was a huge turnaround as they came in first this year. So congratulations to this dedicated group of performers and their coaches. Uh we are proud of you. Um again please come up when I say your name. Um we have coaches here. Coach AK Hazel, Coach Bridget Cuff, Coach Alex Mayer, and our students McKenzie Croer, Olivia Garulo, Cat Guy, Alana How, Ava Leoya, Sneha Mahalavan, Lucy Nelson, Mia Okconor, Ryan Quinn, Jillian Smoker, Bisha Talar, and Rebecca Nightheart, who could not be here tonight. [Applause] And of course, thank you to all the parents who came out tonight and share in my pride of your
038students. Thanks. Thank you, Dr. Graham. East High School. Uh, next we have Dr. Sherlock. Please help us celebrate our Henderson High School students. Uh, Dr. Chris, members of the board, uh thank you for having us here tonight. Um I have a very long list. Uh this this has been a banner year for Anderson High School. I'm very very proud. And uh Mr. Soak stole some of my thunder. I I I'm a resident. I could have I could have taken another three minutes as well. Mr. Soiac uh Mr. Soiac is a uh a longtime Henderson ac academic coach and uh very proud of what he has built. Um just just uh talk a little bit again over the Memorial Day weekend uh Henderson's A and team A and B teams led by uh Coach Johnson uh
039competed in in Atlantic Georgia and uh there was 336 teams uh throughout the country, some international teams. And I just want to give a shout out and another congratulations to team members Aiden Anderson senior, Peter Kennedy senior, uh Sedar Seesh, Kyle Meade, and VJ Ner, uh who again finished fourth place out of 336 teams. That is unbelievable. Uh this fourth place finish is the highest of any high school from Chester County ever and marks the highest placement for a team from Pennsylvania since State College won it in 2011. So that's a remarkable achievement. So [Applause] congratulations. Uh this past year we had two national merit finalists. Uh, I'd like Neil Bender and Teriy Kamari to please come up. I just wanted to say a few words. Uh, uh, Nola uh, had a 4.94 grade point
040average. She's an AP scholar with distinction. She took 17 AP courses. I didn't even know we had that many. Uh, she's practically in every National Honor Society. uh and she was a member of Senator Carolyn Kitta's student advisory council. Uh next year she's going to be attending Duke University majoring in sociology. Congratulations, [Applause] Nila. And Marie had a 5.0 gradepoint average. Uh took 14 AP courses. Uh again was in pretty much every National Honor Society that we have. uh was uh in HOSA and many other organizations and Terini is going to be attending the University of Pittsburgh majoring in molecular biology. [Applause] Congratulations. Next up, we have our musicians. And this was has been a banner year. Uh every year I think I say this uh but this year we had nine allstate musicians. That's
041unbelievable. Uh, so I'd like to introduce Let's Let's bring them all up at one time so I can say a few words. Uh, Leonardo Garcia Rodriguez, uh, Brooke Hoffman, Daniel Kusen, Heidi Krug, Nathaniel Neman's, Jackson Ogden, Charles Platt, Constantine Civertoff, and uh Skyler Trudeau. Uh so I just wanted to say a few words about each individual here. Um so Leonardo is a junior. Uh so he still has another year with us. He has a 4.4 grade point average. Is in a lot of uh activities. Uh has a bright future and and uh no doubt will will repeat uh next year. No pressure. Congratulations Leonardo. Uh Brooke Kaufman, uh one of our seniors, graduating with a 4.1 gradepoint average. Uh she will be attending the University of South Carolina, majoring in music education and voice performance.
042Congratulations, Brooke. Uh Daniel Kusen, graduating with a 4.82 grade point average. Uh he's an AP scholar of distinction, taking 11 AP courses. Uh and is in the theater uh choir, Aiden's Heart Club. Congratulations, Daniel. Next up, uh Heidi Krue uh actually was all state uh in two uh choir and the obo. Unbelievable. 4.92 grade point average, AP Scholar with honor. Uh Heidi is going to be attending Messiah College uh and majoring in physical therapy. Uh next up, Nathaniel Netherman uh was is also a junior bassoonist. uh has a 4.3 grade point average and uh just just unbelievable at being all state as a junior. Uh Jackson Ogden also a junior with a 4.9 gradepoint average uh and AP scholar distinction uh again having uh being named a junior all state is unbelievable. Uh Charles Platt
043also a junior string base uh with a 4.5 grade point average in many honor societies. Um, and Constantine Solverto, uh, senior, 4.5 grade point average, is going to be attending Temple University, Blair College of Music, majoring in classical piano and performance. And last but not least, Skyler Trudeau, uh, with, uh, was a, uh, played the tuba, 4.4 grade point average, will be attending Savannah College of Art Design, majoring in visual effects and costume design. uh congratulations to not only are they great musicians but also uh great academia as well. So please give them all a round of applause. [Applause] Awesome. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Uh, next up is our athletes. I believe Mr. Fitch uh is there with some of our coaches uh as well if they can come up. Uh we have
044Lindsay Hoffman uh all state field hockey, Joshua Jordan, all state soccer and uh recently selected uh just added her uh two days ago uh Kendall Brandon uh all American lacrosse. So you guys can come up and just to say a few words about our athletes here. Uh Lindsay um again a a great student 4.1 grade one average national honor society. Uh she's going to be attending the College of New Jersey for field hockey majoring in chemistry. So, congratulations to Lindsay and Josh Jordan. Uh, all state soccer, uh, 4.3 gradepoint average. Uh, he is going to be attending Renolier Polytechnical Institute for in soccer. Uh, well, he he's going to be playing soccer, but majoring in materials and engineering. And last but not least, uh Kendall Brandon uh was recently just named AllAmerican, uh 4.52 grade
045point average, and uh she's going to be attending Stony Brook University for lacrosse and majoring in business management. Uh so congratulations to our athletes. Uh once again that was I I think I used uh over three minutes so I apologize. Actually I don't apologize. Our kids are great. Uh but uh it has been a better year at Henderson High School and I'm just so proud uh to be their principal and as you see you know we have great musicians uh great athletes and not only are they great musicians and athletes but uh great uh academics and great great uh students and great people. So, thank you uh for giving us the time tonight to honor our kids. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Sherlock and Henderson High School. Next, I'd like to ask our interim principal,
046Dr. Beaver. Thank you, by the way, Dr. Bieber. You've done a great job this year. We should give you a standing ovation. We have been very thankful to have you and are in your debt for the work you did this year uh supporting supporting Western High School. So, Dr. Happy please introduce our Rustin High School students. We appreciate it. Thank you Dr. Christopher and good evening directors, school board directors. Uh it is a privilege to be here and recognize the students at Rustin. What a treat it's been for me to see what students at this age are capable of being a career elementary principal. It's been a wonderful wonderful uh springtime for me and our spring particularly our spring music and drama performances have been simply amazing. Um, I've been joining parents and special guests
047just simply marveling at what these kids are capable of. And Mrs. Chapman, our Rustin orchestra director, and I are thrilled to recognize one of the most talented and impactful music students to ever attend Rustin. You heard Mrs. Chapman go on and on about this young man. Uh, it's quite fun. So after going through with districts and regionals and state finally to the state level um recognized as the state finalist for the violin is Vidu Srian and I'm not sure if Vid is here tonight. I'm afraid he isn't so but unfortunately he couldn't join us but Vidu quite a student quite quite a musician and we have two more state recognized students and they were part of the DECA program the distributive education clubs of America. The description has already been shared. Um, but I do
048want to say that the competitions are real world business challenges where high school or college students can apply their knowledge and skills in areas like marketing, finance, hospitality, management. They compete in individual or team events that typically involve a role play or a case study. They're given a scenario in a short preparation time and they develop a presentation to a solution and they are judged. Um, so I would like to thank Mrs. Carter, our business teacher who makes these opportunities possible for our group. So in the state championship level out in Hershey in February for integrated marketing, uh a team of uh Evan Chappelle and Aan Gajar uh were state champs in the integrated marketing division. And I don't know if those gentlemen are here today. I think that they weren't. Uh so I wanted
049to say uh those are our three state level recognized students at Rustin. and we are extremely proud of Dr. Christopher. So, thank you for this opportunity. Um, and good evening. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you. And congratulations to you all. Uh, I really appreciate uh everyone coming out this evening and uh recognizing our students and our staff. That was that was quite a bit of fun. Uh before we move on to our student reports this evening, I would like to thank our many community members who've been engaging with us in in very different ways. So first uh we did have about 250 individuals participate in our live webinar about proposed changes to the high school schedule uh for the fall of 2026. We really appreciate folks tuning into that. Uh we had about 300 people also
050view the recording that we sent out to families. Uh so that we really appreciate people taking time to look at that. And following the webinar, we hosted about 70 community members over three nights, one at each high school, where Dr. Kyle and I had the opportunity to provide further clarifying information and also to hear directly from our families what with what they continue to be concerned about. Uh we really appreciate that input and we will use it to shape uh further plans and communications. We have several upcoming meetings in the next two weeks with students and staff to continue to dig in the details of the schedule. I think we're meeting with music tomorrow. Uh and we have students here on Monday. So, as we've stated previously in our communications, we plan to have a
051longer presentation about the schedule change process and answer additional questions we've received at our meetings in June. Lastly, I want to thank the 60 students, staff, and community members who spent two evenings with us last week as we began to create a north star for really thinking differently about the goals of the educational experience we hope to provide for our students through our portion of a graduate process. I some of our board members are able to participate in that. I think you found it to be a really valuable and interesting activity. uh and we look forward to seeing where we end up with that in in the coming months. We will be sending out survey links actually to our community uh in this week. Uh so folks will be anyone even if you weren't able
052to participate in the in the face toface meetings, you'll be getting an opportunity to weigh in on that. So we really hope that you will take the time to fill out that it's a brief survey on that information to really ensure our goal is to ensure that our students have the skills and habits of mind necessary to be successful in what we know is a rapidly changing world. and I feel very fortunate to work in such a dedicated community that's so invested in work we're doing as a district and is is so committed to participating in those types of things. It's really helpful to have those people. So now without further ado, we will turn it over to our three students to the newly elected I believe uh student council president of East High School.
053Is that correct? Yeah, that's right. Good evening everyone. I can't believe I'm saying this, but this is my final school board report of the year. I know you're all going to miss my beautiful voice and my monthly ease update. But all jokes aside, this has been such a great experience and I'm excited to share one last round of highlights from our school before we wrap up the year. EHS athletes have been breaking some incredible records this month. Kendall Thompson has placed first in girls javelin at the Chesmont track and field championships and her throw of 128 ft broke the school record and the Chesmont league record. Jacob Joel placed first in the boys shot foot at the same chess mont championship. Additionally, he broke the shot school record at the Union Invitational. The previous and
054now broken record has stood for 45 years. So, this is a huge accomplishment for Jake. East academic team had a great day on Friday, May 2nd, competing in the state competition in Harrisburg on the floor of the house and senate. The team showcased the best of the East High School East High School academics and they'd like to thank Dr. Jones and Miss Foreman for their inspiration, support, and organization. This month, many of our student leaders at East have embarked on a mission to connect with the eighth graders at Fug Middle School. We look forward to these stu students joining our student body next year, as well as hosting more transition opportunities like this. The Pennsylvania Seal of Literacy is awarded to students who demonstrate high proficiency in English and additional language by graduation. The following
055students have achieved the seal this year. Madas Guzman Sherenburg in Spanish, Audrey Lucas in German, and Mina Budak in Turkish. Congratulations to all of these students. Another congratulations to Sophia Fu, who was selected as one of the 621 semi-finalists to advance to the final round of the 2025 US Presidential Scholar Program. This is quite an accomplishment and Sophia deserves this recognition for her outstanding achievements. This month, Jada Cooper was recognized at the Youth of the Year dinner. Jada is a senior with a passion for neuroscience, a fierce drive for learning, and a heart for service. From Stanford programs to launching her own mental health blog, she's already making an impact. Class president, soccer captain, community leader, she truly does it all with excellence and compassion, and we're very proud to call her our own. A
056couple of weeks ago, members of the National Art Honor Society took a memorable day trip to New York to explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Thank you to Miss Beluchcci and Mrs. Douly for hosting this field trip. Our East Daga team recently returned from the international competition in Orlando. Congratulations to all participants and a huge thank you to Mrs. Low who is in the audience tonight, Mrs. G for their leadership. Ella Tamer and Sharifa Diasin placed among the top 10 in the world for community awareness and Jimmy Halperty and Jacob Bangle among the top 20 for the financial team event. The international competition is extremely competitive, so these participants certainly deserve recognition for all their accomplishments. A few weeks ago, East Science Olympiad team competed in their state competition for the second year in a
057row. They finished 10th in the state and meddled in eight events to finish off a great season. Congratulations to the Science Olympiad team. On May 8th, our seniors displayed their creations for all to see at the annual senior art show. It was a great experience for students to see all the beautiful pieces of artwork that some of our very own artists created. Twice a year, students and staff are honored as Vikings with pride. Last week, five students and five staff members were recognized. Cong congratulations to the following students. Charles Cabel, Evelyn Stale, Jessica Frell, Nula Coyle, and Pua Menon. And to the following staff, Mrs. Conklin, Mr. Frell, Senora Marina Davis, Mr. Lewis, and Mr. Ryan. We're very proud to call them our own. As I wrap up my final report, I just want to
058take a moment to say thank you. Thank you to Dr. Christopher, President Fleming, and members of the board for your time, leadership, and commitment to our schools and students. Your work does not go unnot doesn't go unnoticed, and it has a real impact on the lives of students like myself, Peter, and Diana. This opportunity has meant so much to me. I've grown as a speaker, a leader, and a student, and I'll carry these lessons with me far beyond high school. Though it might be my last time speaking before you, I'll always be proud to represent East and be a part of the WCASD. Signing off for the last time, Madison Matthew. [Applause] It's been a pleasure to work with both of you, so I'd like to thank you for that. Um, good evening everyone. I
059hope you all enjoyed your Memorial Day weekends. Um, here's tonight's report for the month of May at Henderson High School. Uh, this month kicked off with junior prom at Henderson. Um, from everyone who went, from everyone who went, I heard it was a great night and that the student center did a great job arranging everything. Um, I also heard that the weather was great. And I can hardly say that for senior prom, though. Um, in all seriousness though, senior prom was great. Uh, while some minor flooding and the power outage at Henderson just hours before gave us all quite a scare there for a second, uh, prom turned out to be fine. Um, we seniors all had a blast at the Sunny Brook ballroom. So, on behalf of all the attendees, I'd like to thank
060our Trefford class officers, our student senate, um our adviserss, Miss Clark, Miss McClintto, all of the chaperons and the venue staff for making it a very memorable night. Um, also regarding after prom, which had some of the most elaborate planning and decoration I've ever seen, I'd like to thank all the parent volunteers, the donors, the PTO, Miss Prawn, and our greater community for spending so much time and energy to make it a really memorable night for all of us. So, thank you for all of that. Um, in other news from the past month, uh, on May 21st, Henderson's Black Student Union held their honor chord ceremony. Um, on our spring speaking contest, which focuses on focuses on commuting speeches, took place this past Wednesday. Senior Kennedy Carlson came in first place. Junior Ian Stefanowski came
061in second place, and sophomore Nathan Marty came in third place. Congratulations to all the participants on their hard work. The Westchester girls rugby team captained by Henderson's own Ror Santi and Fasier went undefeated this season finishing as the top team in Pennsylvania. This past weekend the team brought home some serious hardware at the Pennsylvania Scholastic Sevens Cup in State College. Congratulations girls. Additionally, junior Logan Miller qualified for the PIAAA state track and field championships in the 3200 and the 1600 after stellar performance at districts earlier this May. Congrats Logan. Uh, our drama club held a three-ight performance last week of Sherlock Holmes. The performers all did a great job and it was immensely funny and entertaining. Uh, this past weekend in Atlanta, I know you guys have heard it a bunch of times, but I
062just have to mention it. Um, our academic team went down to Atlanta, Georgia, and to compete in the NAQT National Quiz Tournament. And I'm particularly excited to share that Henderson received fourth in a field of I think it was 336 teams. I've heard various numbers, but um I personally had the privilege to be on the team alongside senior Aiden Anderson, uh junior Sedar Sumesh, and sophomores Kyle Lee and VJ Nair. Um I'd like to thank our coaches, Miss Sweeney, Mr. Johnson, also Mr. Soiac back there, um for helping us make it this far. And I'd like to show off this um very goddy. You should see what first looked like, but at least we have something to bring home. Wow. Additionally, last week our there was our senior art show. Um, all of the students
063did a terrific job assembling their portfolios and arranging everything. Um, the creativity and artistic talent in our school really blew me away. So, I'd like to commend all the artists on their work and our art department, Chairman Snyder, on organizing everything. Um, it was great for all everybody who got to go. Um, as for senior festivities, uh, last week our senior student council organized a spirit week to celebrate, uh, the fi our final days as Henderson seniors. Monday was bring anything but a backpack to school day, which I know our administrators can probably tell you about. Um, during that, I saw people bring in something from Easter baskets and suitcases to things like shopping carts, drawers, and vacuums. Um, Wednesday was dress up like a senior citizen day. Uh Thursday was senior jeans day and
064Friday was beach day during which our student senate surprised us with the senior prank decorating the lobby like a uh beach during which uh there was a cave pool beach chairs an umbrella and plastic flamingo sitting in our lobby. So we all had a good laugh with that. Um this past Tuesday Henderson seniors participated in our senior walk during which we received our caps and gowns visited our elementary and middle schools from across the district. From what I've heard, everyone had a great time walking down memory lane, saying hello to former teachers, and for some of us, playing on the playground with the kindergarteners. Um, after returning from the senior walk, we seniors enjoyed the senior picnic back at Henderson. On Friday the 30th in the gymnasium, the senior assembly will be held to commend
065to recognize seniors work and accomplishment in the classroom and the community throughout high school. Numerous scholarships, awards, military academy, and ROC appointments will be awarded. So, I'd like to congratulate all the students attending in advance on their well-deserved awards. Uh, finally, on Tuesday, June 3rd, the class of 2025 will step foot on Henderson's campus for the last time as seniors at graduation. Uh, will be a bittersweet day for all of us. It is exciting, nonetheless, as we move on to the world. Congratulations in advance of the class of 2025. Um, as I wrap up tonight, I'd like to thank all of you for this opportunity uh to serve as Henderson student representative to the school board this year. I've really had a wonderful time working with all of you. uh Dr. Christopher, Dr. Connelly, members
066of the board. It was really great to get to know you and work alongside you throughout the year. Um the duty has been one of my favorite parts of high school, so I'm really appreciative to have the opportunity to do it. Um next year you guys will have Jackson Ogden back there. Um he is phenomenal and he will do a great job in the role. Um so good luck next year, Jackson. Uh you will do great. Um so thank you once again. Um enjoy your evening and see you guys at graduation. [Applause] Good evening everyone. I hope you all had an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. Sorry, my voice. Are excited for the end of the year and looking forward to a nice relaxing summer. I guess we all are. This has been such a busy
067but productive year. Rustin has been super busy through concerts, sports, senior activities, and end of the year fun. I can't believe this is the last time I'll be updating you all, but here we go. Rustin has been focusing on how we can be role models for other people. And here are just some prime examples. On May 21st, we hosted a special alumni panel where recent graduates came to Rustin to share their experiences and insights on transitioning to college life. The panel provided current students with honest feedback and advice for navigating the first years away from home. A huge thank you to our RHS alumni for giving up their time and support to help the rest students prepare for this exciting new chapter. The jazz cafe, also held on May 21st, offered a unique opportunity for
068students to engage in collaboration and creativity while serving as role models for the STS middle school students. During the final piece, anybody had the opportunity to go up and perform a solo, so the players were able to build off of one another's ideas and musical expressions. On May 22nd, the Little Knights preschool program celebrated its graduation ceremony. It was the cutest thing you have ever seen. The preschoolers showcased their choreographed dances and songs, all made possible with the guidance and support of their big teachers. Honestly, taking this course is probably one of the biggest highlights of my high school experience, and that's what made me want to become a teacher. This Memorial Day, senior Billy Ty, George Harkkins, Mace Britain, Daniel Crognali, and Joey De Antonio volunteer alongside Mr. Glenn Hutchinson to replace Ward and
069faded flags at St. Amus and Oakland cemeteries. Their efforts ensure that the final resting places for our veterans are marked with dignity and respect. Um, as we begin to wrap up the spring season, here are just some sport highlights. The baseball, softball, and girls track and field teams were the Chess One American Conference Champions. The boys lacrosse team secured a spot in the state playoffs and will be hosting Downing Town East tonight in the District 1, fifth, and sixth place game. This year we are sending off 18 of our senior students to play at the collegiate level. We're extremely proud of all of them and wishing them the best. Now on to some senior activities. On May 9th, we had our senior prom host posted at Kingsmill Banquet Hall. It was a blast. It was
070filled with music, dancing, great food, and we also had our post prom, which consisted of mummers greeting us as we walked in, laser tag, a mechanical bull, and escape rooms. And as promised, I told some of you that I would share my experience for postp prom. Unfortunately, I did not get hypnotized, but I was an assistant um with the magician and I did receive a playing card as a souvenir. I don't know how magicians do their tricks, but it was the coolest thing ever. I also did win AirPods during the raffles, which I'm very excited about and we'll definitely be using them for college. Um, we had our commitment day tailgate, senior walkthrough picnic, and we'll be hosting our senior awards ceremony tomorrow. All these events serve as a trip down memory lane where students
071are honored for their achievements while being surrounded by their peers. Lastly, I wanted to give a big shout out to Rustin Student Council for voting and choosing me to be this year's school board rep. has been such such an awesome and unforgettable experience where I was able to gain more insight into how policies are passed, working on um the new high school schedule and going to the school director and legislator annual breakfast, working alongside my fellow schoolboard reps Madison and Peter has been an amazing and getting to hear what their high schools do has been wonderful. But you know, at the end of the day, we all know which high school is the best. So nice. Thank you so much for such an awesome year. [Applause] Thank you so much Madison, Peter and Diana. Good
072luck in your senior year at Westchester at Penn and at Pit. And we will really miss you. We I think all of I can speak for the entire board that we've really enjoyed your update updates each month. So, thank you and we'll look forward to meeting the rest of the uh the other two new reps coming on. So, again, thanks. Have a great summer and and good luck next year. Before we move on to the personnel recommendations, we do need to go back and actually approve the agenda for tonight. So, may I have a motion to approve the May 28th, 2025 agenda as amended? Dr. Dietri, a second. Vice President Pavilqua. All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. And now we will have our personnel recommendations by me. So yes, I'm just
073going to I'm not going to go through the full report. You guys have it there for you. I do want to highlight our three retirees. um in the report um kindergarten par professional uh secretary at East High School the Hill and and Susan Johnson who is the the math teacher at East High School. He's been here 17 years. Uh so we're we're losing some I'm sorry Vivian I did not say her name initially uh is the kindergarten current professional at East Bradford. Uh so we want to recognize them for for their time here in the district. That's all. We'll take a motion to approve the report. May I have a motion to approve the May 28th, 2025 personnel recommendations as presented? Uh, Vice President Bealqua, may I have a second? Director Fry. All those in
074favor say I. I. Opposed? Motion carries. Next is approval of the consent agenda. I don't believe we have any removals from the consent agenda tonight. So, may I have a motion to approve the May 28th, 2025 consent agenda as listed? Director, oh my gosh, is your Parkinson. Uh, I have a first, but I have a second. Dr. Dietri, all those in favor say I. I opposed. Okay, your motion carries. And we'll move on to our committee reports. And Director Dell is absent tonight. And I believe Dr. Dietri will be giving us the update on the teaching learn teaching learning and equity committee report. Thank you very much. Teaching learning equity committee m met this month on May 13th. We approved two three services contracts. We also heard a presentation on district priorities and district priorities
075were in short student learning experience portrait of a graduate which we've mentioned tonight was an ongoing project evidence of learning and continuous improvement. That was the bulk of what we did at the meeting this month and our next meeting will be on Monday June 16th. Thank you. Thank you Dr. Dietri. Uh the next committee report will be personnel from director Parkinson. Thank you. The personnel committee meeting was held on Monday, April 28th, 2025. During the meeting, the following was approved by the committee. The purchase of Vid Crruder to streamline the pre-screening candidates. The position, job description, and salary range for elementary assistant principal. the salary range for 12 month coordinator, behavior specialist, nursing services and social work positions, and the Fox Rothschild engagement letter. We did not hold a committee meeting today, and the next
076committee meeting will be scheduled for Monday, June 23rd, 2025. Thank you, Director Parkinson. And um Vice President Bevel will now give the property and finance committee report. Thank you, President uh property finance committee met last Monday on May 19th. The first item as we do in a monthly basis is review the budget forecast model. Mr. Scully reviewed that. The net amount for the current 20 2425 changes resulted in a savings of $924,000. We'll use that to reduce the 2526 budget gap. The net of the 2526 changes resulted in a decrease in the budget gap of 212,000. Mr. Skully then reviewed the millage calculations uh both for Chester and Delaware counties of a tax increase of 2.9% for each county. Mr. Skully reviewed those schedules which included a 10-year history of the mandated expenditures and state
077funding for both the current 2425 year and next year's 2526 budgetto budget comparisons for revenue and a 10-year history of tax increases in Delaware and Chester counties. The proposed 2526 budget reflects increase in both counties. As stated prior, Mr. Scully then reviewed a chart of the school district's 2526 proposed millage rates compared to the 24 25 mill rates of school districts and surrounding Chester and Delaware County. He advised the property finance committee that the 2526 mill rates below the 2425 mill for all districts in both Chester and Delaware County. So, positive news there. The next item, uh, Mr. reviewed the property tax and homestead farmstead exclusion process. Annually, the state provides the district with the means to lower property taxes via this homestead farmstead exclusion, which is funded, of course, by the state's gaming venues
078revenues. This year, the state provided the district with over $6 million for property tax relief, which equates to a $248.71 exclusion amount for each qualified property. Annually, the board must approve and accept these funds, use them for tax relief purposes through a resolution. The committee recommended approval to adopt the 2526 homestead farmstead exclusion resolution. And I do have a motion um this evening to to approve this. It's item it's item four. And uh the motion states as follows. Approval is requested of the 2526 homestead farmstead exclusion resolution. I so move. I have a first from Vice President Revela. Do I have a second? Director Fry. Mr. Chair Shore, please take a roll call vote for the 202526 Homestead Farmstead exclusion resolution. Vice President. Yes. Director Fry. Yes. Director. Yes. Director. Yes. Director. Yes. Directors. Yes.
079Director Park. Yes. Continuing on. Uh, Mr. Skully then reviewed the final budget resolution for the next year 2526 school year. The final budget resolution for the 2526 provides general fund appropriations of 333,879,499. The committee recommended approval of this final budget resolution for the 2526 fiscal year. And I do have a motion to read as follows. Approval is requested of the 2526 final budget resolution. I so move. I have a first from Vice President Bealwood. Do I have a second? Dr. Herman. Uh any questions or comments? Seeing none, Mr. Chair Short, please take a roll call vote for the resolution to adopt final the final budget for 202526. Vice President, yes. Director Herman, yes. Director Wley, no. Director Parkinson, yes. Director Dri, yes. Director Fry, yes. Director. Yes. Continuing on, Mr. Skully then reviewed the annual
080tax levy resolution for the 2526 school year. The annual tax levy resolution for 2526 sets the real estate tax for Chester County at a rate of 23.3845 mills and Delaware County at 11.3681 mills. The committee recommend approval of the annual tax levy resolution for the 2526 fiscal year. I do have a motion to read as follows. Approval is requested of the annual tax levy resolution for the 2526 fiscal year. So move. Okay. I have a first from Vice President Bealqua. Do I have a second? Director Fry. Any questions or comments? Seeing none, vice chair, please take a roll call vote for the annual tax levy resolution for the 202526 fiscal year. Vice President. Yes. Director, yes. Director, yes. Director, yes. Directors, no. Parkinson, yes. President, yes. Continuing on, Mr. Skully then discussed the PA's uh
081school code requirements that a school board approve of commitments of fund balance by June 30th. Mr. Skully advised the property finance committee that the committed and assigned fund balance amounts must be coordinated with the district's annual financial report which is submitted to PTE in October after the annual audit of the financial statements. The state order recommends that each year prior to the June 30th date, the board approves a resolution authorizing administration to commit and assign fund balances for specific purposes with subsequent board approval of the dollar amounts. At the completion of that annual order, the administration requests approval of the authorization to commit a fund balance for healthcare stabilization and military stabilization. Approval is also requested to assign these fund balances for alternate education, athletics, property assessment fluctuations, and future staffing needs. The committee recommended
082approval to commit and assign the fund balances. Do have the last motion read as follows. Approval is requested to commit assigned fund balances. I shall move. We have a first from Vice President Bealqua. Now, I don't have that. This is a roll call vote. Will this be roll call also? Does not need a roll. It's not. So, I have a first from Vice President Bealqua. Do I have a second? Dr. Dietri, all those in favor say I. I. I. Opposed. Motion carried. All right. Continuing on just a few other items. Mr. Scully on a periodic basis, on a quarterly basis, gives us an update on on right to knows and basically provided us some information on right to knows. Over the last quarter, the district spent a little over $5,000 of legal fees. Uh to
083satisfy these requests, the committee record recommended future results uh future updates to the RTK's right to know be provided on a semiannual basis. Uh Mr. First, our director of facilities then provided um us a couple updates. One, the first item was approval of the 2526 capital reserve project bid awards and they were read as follows. Uh district-wide concrete sidewalk and curb replacements for an award value of 90,148 to Unix asphalt services. Uh, Penwood partial roof replacement for a total award price of 73,312 to Garvey Work LLC. Uh, Rustin partial roof replacement uh for a total award price of 7,87 for Larson Lighting Protections and Rustin High School partial roof replacement for a total award value of 124,500 to center roofing and coding LLC. The committee recommended approval of these 2425 capital reserve project bid awards
084as stated. Mr. Bura then provided uh the committee bid results for previous approved capital projects and they as follows. East Bradford paving replacement award value of 14 147,110 to Shri for contractors East High School partial roof replacement for award value of 13,157 to Larson Lighton Protections another one for East High School partial roof replacements for an award value of 589,343 to US roofing court fug partial roof replacement award value of 12,722 Lson lighting protections and another few partial replacements for an award value of 310,126 to US roofing corporation. The committee recommend approval as capital reserver project award bid awards as I stated the last item in our program finance committee meeting last week. Mr. First is requesting approval for the board of directors to enter a Pennsylvania local government investment trust known as PLGIT construction
085agreement with East Bradford Township for the renovation project at Hillsdale Elementary School. The construction agreement would require 1,271,34 to be placed in escrow account with PLGIT. The committee recommended approval to enter this Pennsylvania local government investment trust construction agreement with the Township for the renovations of Hillsdale Elementary School. As I stated, the next property and finance committee will be held on Monday, June 16th at 6:45. All is welcome to attend. And that concludes my report for this evening. President Fleming, can I I I forgot something. The personal I we have I'd like to recognize two of our new administrators who are here. You've been sitting here quietly and nicely and I was like, "Oh man, I I messed up." But it's all right. So we we have uh Eddie Otto who's going to be coming
086to us as the supervisor of music, health, physical education, arts, and humanities. Eddy's coming to us from Unionville. So we look forward to see him start, I believe, on July 1st. And we have Bet Sigma who will be our assistant director of teaching, learning, and equity, who's coming to us from Great Valley. So we are really excited to have both of them here. And thank you guys. I apologize for that. Thank Thanks for coming out. You're welcome. Thank you. Wait, you're leaving? Okay, so our final committee report tonight is director Dri with the policy review committee. Thank you. Policy review committee met on Monday, May 19th. The committee reviewed timesensitive policies along with policies that had minor updates that had to be reviewed prior to the start of the new school year. We will not
087have a meeting in June or July. Our next meeting will be on Monday, August 18th. And that is my report for tonight. Thank you, Dr. Dietri. Um I know Director Fry will give us the this month's legislative report on behalf of Dr. Christie. Is anybody giving the C the IU report on behalf of Director Dell? No. All right. I'm sure he can fill us in next month. Now, Director Fry will give us this month's legislative report. Um, on May 9th, the CCIU hosted their annual legislative breakfast representing Westchester School District where several board members, Dr. Christopher, Dr. Mer, and two of our student board reps, Peter and Diana. Although Diana did have to leave a few minutes early for her prom hair appointment. It was great to have those are Alice's words, not mine. So,
088it was great to have both her and Peter there in attendance. Um, there were also many legislators including Congresswoman Chrissy Hulahan, Senator Carolyn KDA, and a member of Representative Christine Howard's staff. We heard from Congresswoman Hulahan, Dr. George Fiori, who is the executive director of the CCIU, and Hera Hannah Bareric, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials. The theme throughout the presentation centered on the uncertainty of federal funding cuts and the large impacts that they will have on our students and families across the county. For example, the CCIU serves over 370 students through Head Start. With funding frozen, they are struggling to provide health and development screenings and preschool pro programming for their students. We were all encouraged by Congresswoman Chrissy Hulahan's um dedication to keep advocating for our public schools
089and the students they serve. The next legislative council meeting will be held on June 25th. That concludes my report. Thank you, Director Fry. Um, other business. The agenda was amended. So, we have just one motion under other business this evening. Director Bealano. Yeah. The motion states as follows. Approval is requested for a three-year agreement with computer design and integration known as CDI LLC for VMware virtualization software. I move. I have a first from vice president. May I have a second? Dr. Dri, are there any questions or comment? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. Opposed? Motion carries. Next we have I apologize I didn't have my mic on. Uh next we have comments from residents. Do we have any non-aggenda comments? Yes, there are two residents. The first is Joshua Sims. Hello all.
090My name is Joshua Sims, Eagle Scout in Middletown Troop 78. I am 16 and I'm a junior at Henderson High School. I'm here to talk about um scouting within the Westchester area school district and how it has impacted my life in a positive way. I first got involved with the organization when I was 8 years old at Fern Hill Elementary School with Cub Scout Pack 21. For half of my life, I have matured in many ways due to the opportunities that scouts have provided. from being educated on how to be safe online, making friends with people I would never have met and building and building valuable leadership skills. Scouting America has undeniably allowed me and so many others to learn and grow throughout life. On my journey to Eagle, I have been on so many
091fun camping trips and outings that I wouldn't have been able to go on without scouts. I would also have never learned how to perform first aid as well. Scouting America provides so many fun activities and opportunities along with lessons and skills that will be carried all throughout life. When I was doing my Eagle Scout service project, I had to utilize a lot of those skills, putting what I had learned to the test. I had to manage my funds, buy materials, come up with an efficient plan, and most importantly, lead a group of hungry scouts. Scouting America also allows you to travel the world whether that be going to Filmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Florida Sea Base in Florida and Counterst International Scout Center. I myself have been able to experience Switzerland because of scouts.
092To conclude, I will share a quote from the creator of scouting, Lord Ben Powell, which summarizes a key aspect of the organization. Try and leave this world a little better than you found it. Thank you. Next is Robert Graves. Hey there, I'm Robert Graves, resident of the Bureau of Westchester. I'm here tonight to speak on behalf of scouting families and alumni residents that number in the thousands in the Westchester school district, Westchester area school district. I would like to thank Josh uh for coming tonight to share his story about how scouting impacted his life. This young man found found out about scouting through traditional promotional material and joined a program at Fernhill Elementary School. He and his family have contributed literally hundreds of hours of community service uh inside the school district improving our community
093um and his under improving both our community and his understanding of civic responsibility as he develops into an adult. He has already been on adventures across the country and across the world um because he found his way to scouting. The group at Fernhill no longer exists. Families at Fernhill do not have any access to receive information about the scouting program. If no change is made, families like the Sims um Jobs and his father will not have access to the program or its experiences. There is a closet full of thousands of dollars worth of scouting supplies at Fern Hill. When this was considered a school group, it was an integral part of many famil family's experience within the school community. There is no viable way to start this program again with current policies um in place.
094There are about six other school scout groups in elementary schools um with similar stories that have closed down in the last few years, hindering access to this program for future kids and families. We are hoping to see a return to allowing traditional promotion of core programs like ours uh that are protected by a congressional charter. We hope you will return to allowing distribution of paper flyers, attendance at back- tochool events at all schools, and the ability to present program information during non-instructional time. I would like to thank several members of the school board who have offered support uh for taking a look at a change in policy and Dr. Christopher for letting me know that a change is being considered. We are already preparing for the new school year in other districts and the new
095school year will start before we know it. Uh I hope that we will be able to make meaningful change for the new school year in Westchester area schools. Thank you. [Applause] Hey, thank you very much for coming out and commenting. know you had to wait a long time to speak tonight and we uh we appreciate your comments and thank you to everybody here um for coming out and everyone who was here who was left are um see our next monthly board meeting is on Monday June 16th. Please note that committee meetings and the monthly board meeting will be held together on this day. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? Director Dietri a second. Director Wley. All those in favor say I. I. I oppose. Meeting is adjourned.