001Good evening. I'd like to call this December 15, 2025 Pennsylvania Board of Education meeting to order. Adam, can you call the role? >> Miss Hoffman >> here. >> Mrs. Conklin, >> here. >> Mrs. Lavallet, >> here. >> Mr. Feller, >> here. >> Mr. Bowden, >> here. >> Thank you. Please join us in the pledge of allegiance. Flag is in the back. I pledge allegiance 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. >> Okay, we will begin this meeting with your report, Dr. Mley. >> Thank you, Miss Huffman. Good evening, everyone. Um, I'm going to start my report tonight by addressing the um the matter that happened, an incident that happened at Whiteford. I know that
002we have quite a few families here tonight that are representing our Whiteford learning community and I appreciate that you are here. Um, I recognize some familiar faces. So, thank you for coming. Uh, I want to start out by just being forthright and letting you know that one, I appreciate your help as superintendent of schools when this incident happened last week. And I I need to be completely transparent. The five individuals around this table were not involved in the decision-making or the communication thread with how we moved forward as board members. Truly, they do not um are not involved in the daily operations of how schools function. um that's not their role. But I do want to give our board credit and kudos because unlike many boards, they choose to be engaged. They choose to be
003involved and they choose to ask questions when it is a matter of student safety, staff safety or in this case having a parent that was attacked viciously by a dog. So, I do want to be very clear and very forthright that um albeit on Facebook or letters or where we've received feedback, I want to make sure that everyone recognizes and be clear that the five individuals on this around this table were not involved in making the decision about how we communicate or what steps we take. Quite frankly, as superintendent of schools, that's my sole responsibility. My name is on the top of the letter head. I along with our administrative team uh do what we feel that making the best decisions with the information we've had at that time. However, we find ourselves here today
004a week later from the incident and I have to say thank you for the advocacy of our parents and the White community because you were able to get this moved further down the road when we were presented with a dead end. We were really told there was nothing that we could do. Now, since then, I will say um the prosecutor's office, I have met I've sent them a letter, handd delivered email. I had a face-to-face meeting with Tara Bundy, which is the Wharton at LC4. Um I went down Monroe Street, delivered a handwritten letter today, and I had a conversation with her, and I did learn some things about the process. Even though last week we were very much in an investigative state of affairs, um I was not aware uh that a a warden
005cannot just walk up to a house and take an animal. I I that's the way I always grew up. I thought they could seize a dog at any time. It's different if a dog is running down the street, but if a dog is in the house, they cannot secure the dog. It is considered by law property. And I have to tell you, in a face-to-face conversation, she was um she didn't like where she was at the point having to go to the courts, get a warrant to secure the dog. I think all of us around this table and in this room tonight wanted the family um to do the right thing. That's what we were hoping for and to do it in an expeditious manner. And ultimately, as I communicated earlier today, um that family
006has decided to voluntarily um relinquish their dog um tomorrow morning. Um and I say voluntarily because I know in speaking with the warden as well, um one of the things that she said is that sometimes people change their minds, so just be prepared for that. She's also ready and prepared if that's the case. Um, having the face-to-face dialogue really filled in a couple of blanks for me and I'm going to double click on some of those. One, there is a process and it is an emotional situation and we have to go through the courts in some steps that I had not been made aware of that a warrant has to be made. But it was not okay to be told like, yeah, there was nothing we can do. The police went to the house. The
007warden went to the house. Actually, the warden doesn't go to the house. So, there was some miscommunication on what was delivered to us about what we could do, who was involved, how it looks. Um, and number two, I think knowing that because I I'm just going to be clear, I [clears throat] was disappointed because I thought that's what the warden did. They go to the house, they take the dog, they put the dog down. Doesn't work that way. I know having that face tof face conversation, she was disturbed by the events. She didn't like having to wait for the process. But with that being said, now we now know the family is scheduled to relinquish the dog in the morning. Um once those I have confirmation, I should say that those actions have been taken,
008I will then send another communication districtwide to make sure that our parents know that we're lifting the security protocols. Kids will be able to go outside for recess. But before I do that, I want to make sure the dog is in custody because what I don't want to do is have us going back and forth and wondering what's happened. So clearly, again, I want to thank all of you who um were able to shine a light, really a bright light on the frustration that you had as a parent. Um really was the voice of us as a district. Sometimes we're told these are the rules. But I got to tell you, when you have strong advocacy like we have here in Sylvania about our families and our children, that resonated and went further than what
009my voice could and I thank you for that. And I thank you for showing up and I thank you for carrying the message to say it's not okay. It's just not okay. So that's the end of my superintendent report. I want to thank our board of education um because they too were not brought aware or made aware of the situation until Friday. That's something I own. I didn't follow my own protocol. I own that. I typically share every um event that brings EMS to one of our buildings. Albeit if it's a student with a seizure or someone that's having um a health issue as a paraprofessional or a staff member, a educator. Um, I did not tell our board members until Friday. I dropped the ball on that and I own that. So, I've lesson
010learned. One, I take responsibility when I make a mistake and I failed at my uh responsibility to respond or inform the board of the incident. And number two, dog incidents are pretty rare and we did not have a protocol for how to really go by a step-by-step process. Ironically, our safety security committee um meets regularly and we go through various protocols when it comes to the safety and um security of our students, our staff, and our buildings. One thing that's not in that booklet is what happens in case of a dog attack. We have active shooters, we have fire, we have gas leaks, we have soft lockdowns, hard lockdowns for things such as that, but not this type of incident. So, we will be reviewing future steps with how we will respond because once we
011learn better, we do better. So, with that being said, Miss Hoffman, that's the end of my superintendent report for this evening. >> Thank you. And we are to commendations. >> Well, this is a fun activity and this is a good part of our board meeting. Um, Miss Hoffman, if you would join me at the podium, please. notes. I really don't like hard transitions, but I have to say one of the best parts of a board meeting is when we can accommodate our students for their accomplishments. Um, I don't know if many of them are here tonight, but I think it's important that they are acknowledged for their accomplishments. We had students at um, Arbor Hills Junior High actually partake in a Code Monkey competition that was actually um, international. and we're going to highlight several
012of those students tonight for um really um earning awards and placing in global finals that took place uh virtually with students that were located in Tel Aviv, Israel. And um if you're not familiar with Code Monkey, Code Monkey is an awardwinning online platform that teaches kids in real code languages. They teach really the youngest kids how to program or do computer programming. And with that said, they use um programming languages such as coffees script and Python. And then they move up into harder and harder program language. And then they also compete with students not only within the state and here um across the nation but also internationally. So, we are pleased to um really [snorts] highlight our US team champion of the Code Monkey Young Coders Global Semifinals. That's a mouthful. So, I'm going to
013hand you some certificates here. If you are here tonight, we ask that you uh come up and meet with Miss Hoffman, our board president. Parents, if you're here with photos, feel free. will be able to stand in front and take a picture with the school logo in the back. I don't see a lot of youngsters here, but I do see quite a few over there. So, we're going to take advantage of this moment. So, first and foremost, um I would like to recommend for commendations. First, the team itself, the Arbor Hills Young Coders Team. And um from what I understand, these members are, and forgive me if I mispronounce your name. It is not intentional. I really want to be respectful. If I misspell it or mispronounce it, if you would please tell me the
014correct pronunciation when you um come up to the podium. First, we have Candace Kio. Candace here tonight. We also have um Ady Kusno. We have Luke Gerlock, Jaden Messino, Aiden Mitchell, Jackson Noak. All right, here we have some young men. Mariah Paige, Santa Noona Restigar, Bara Showman, Ava Wagrren, >> Lillian Wiznyski, and Zale Zale Zers Zistler. Oh, got some. [applause] >> And we need Coach Cutway. Where are you, Coach? Come on up. You all made this. You made this happen, Coach. Congrats, man. Good job. >> Thank you. >> We have some more, but I don't know. Those are single certificates. So, boys, if you want to come over here in front of the screen so we can take a photo together, Is that what you want to join in? >> I'm just gonna stand behind
015you. >> You're shorter though. >> Congratulations, boys. >> Coach, you got all your pictures. Okay. [applause] You may want to stay up here, didn't you? >> Stand up here. >> Yes. Stay. We have some folks who place. So, um, we have some folks who actually finished and ranked higher not only just globally or as a whole team, but as individuals. So we have first we have Jackson Noak who finished third in the world at the Code Monkey Young Coders Global Finals. Is Jackson here? [applause] So he should have got his two. >> He gets both of them already. All right. You have both of them. Perfect. Thank you. We also have Lillian Wniski. I don't think she's here tonight, but just so that everyone knows, Lillian finished fourth in the world. We have Aiden Mitchell.
016Aiden, congratulations again. Aiden finished fifth in the world at the Code Monkey Young Coders Global Finals. Congratulations. That's awesome. Good handshake, too. I like that. We also have Luke Gerlock. Luke Luke finished eighth in the world at the Code Monkey Young Coders Global Finals. Congratulations to you again. Well done. Another good handshake. Good soft skills are happening over at Arbor Hills. I like that. Um we have is it Bara Shelman? Did I pronounce that part correctly? Great. Bar finished ninth in the world at the Code Monkey Young Coders Global Finals. Congratulations. [applause] I didn't get to shake your hand. Congratulations. We had Mariah Payne who finished 11th in the world. We also had Sana Ratzigar who finished 14th in the world. We had Zale Zestler who finished 16th in the world. We had a Saden
017Kuzzno who finished 17th in the world and Jaden Masono who finished 19th in the world at the Code Monkey Young Coders Global Finals. Congratulations to all of those students. Congratulations to those who are able to hear and thank you coach for making this opportunity happen for our students. It's incredible. >> All credit to the kids. >> A thank you. Any more pictures? We're all good. All right. Thank you. >> Uh want to give or Pete or either the coach cut way Pete. >> Usually she doesn't do that stroke. She has got to give her some grace. Don't like that. Okay. You need a motion to approve. >> Um, >> I also have a couple additional commendations, Miss Hoffman. I have a couple of more recommendations for those students at Northview and Southview High School, more
018specifically Northview students who um took a took the SAT and scored 600 or above in on November 8th. We also have at South View SAT and [clears throat] ACT scores as listed students who on the SAT scored higher than 600 and ACT scores higher than or 26 and above I should say. So congratulations to those individuals and those are all the students that I would recommend accommodations. >> I'll move approval. >> Any comments or questions? Congratulations. It's quite the showing for Sylvania. >> Adam, >> Julie, >> yes. >> Greg, >> yes. >> Dan, >> yes. Tammy, >> yes. >> Kim, >> yes. >> Thank you. This is the first opportunity for public participation for items which are on the agenda. Seeing none, we are with you, Adam. >> Uh we'll do a consent agenda. Just
019a real quick uh update ahead of that. Uh we have our audit. It's being finalized. should be sent to the state uh to wrap everything up this week or early next. Uh so that is good. All should be another clean audit this year. Um and we are final Josh and I are finalizing um open enrollment for the year. Uh we did change um some voluntary benefits to our our staff. Uh should see some significant savings for them uh for those voluntary benefits. So that process wrapped up really nicely. Uh 5.1 is minutes of the previous meetings. We have uh three me three meetings November 10th, 17th and 8 December 8th. Uh 5.2's treasures report for month ending November 25. Uh everything looks uh in line with the forecast. Um state numbers continue to change uh
020gradually throughout the entire fall. So, we'll do a deep dive uh at the end of December uh once all enrollments uh changes are made. Uh availability of funds, we just have one for the month. 5.3 uh was a fundraiser there. Uh 5.4 is appropriation amended certificate changes that we need to get to the county uh by the end of December. Uh we just had a few uh of the few changes in a certain funds there. So, that is my consent agenda 5.1 through 5.4. I'll move for approval items 5.1 through 5.4 on a consent agenda basis. >> I'll second. >> Any comments or questions? >> Adam. >> Kim? >> Yes. >> Greg? >> Yes. >> Tammy? >> Yes. >> Dan? >> Yes. >> Julie? >> Yes. >> Thank you guys. >> We are back with
021you, Dr. Mley. [snorts] >> Thank you, Miss Hoffman. I recommend item 6.1, which is the acceptance of gifts. We have three donations this time around. We have a donation from the VFW post 28.98 for Hillview for replacing their electronic sign. We have a donation from Miss Cath Miss Kathleen Fenning Finning donated $200 toward North View's flag pole. And we have a donation from Mr. Bru Bruce Warham donated woodworking tools for the South View construction lab valued at $2,600. I'll move approval. >> I'll second. >> Any comments or questions? [clears throat] >> Thank you very much. >> Congratulations. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Absolutely. >> Adam, >> Julie, >> yes. >> Dan, >> yes. >> Kim, >> yes. >> Tammy, >> yes. >> Greg, >> yes. >> Thank you. I recommend item 6.2, which
022is a memorandum of understanding regarding retire and rehire practices or policy moving forward with the Sylvania Education Association and the Board of Education. I'll move approval. >> A second. >> Any comments or questions? >> I assume this is the [clears throat] same we've had in the past. >> Yes. And there was one modification to the language. >> Couple tweaks a little bit. Just cleaned up a little bit, but essentially the same one we've done the last three years. Okay. >> Um revised and improved. Just tweaks on things. Got >> Adam. >> Julie. >> Yes. >> Kim. >> Yes. >> Dan. >> Yes. Tammy, >> yes. >> Greg, >> yes. [clears throat] >> Next, um, I would I'm so happy to say this one. Uh, I recommend item 6.3, the appointment of Melissa McDonald as assistant
023superintendent effective August 1st, 2026 through July 31st, 2029. >> I'll move approval. >> I'll second. >> Any comments, Mr. Zero? >> Yeah, I have a few comments. Um, I know I there was a press release that went out on Friday that, you know, Amy and Dr. Mley and I all had some convers or communication to to work on that kind of specified I think just her overall characteristics in the district, but I I think everybody around this table knows um I'm big on on trust and loyalty. [laughter] Um, and I I could probably write a book on the amount of times that that Melissa's been loyal to me over the over my tenure in Sennsylvania schools, but more importantly, she's loyal um and she's dedicated and she's willing to put forth the hard work and
024and continues to show that to this district um day in and day out with her being, you know, we were fortunate enough to kind of come in, not kind of, but we came in together back in 2011. We [clears throat] were both assistant principles in the district. Got to know each other through that realm. I I would even call her then. She was the assistant principal at Northview. I was the assistant principal at Arbor Hills and say, "Hey, can I run one by you?" Uh started that relationship there. We were fortunate enough to work together then at Arbor Hills. Um and then and then now in central office in central office with you know her being the student support services director. We work pretty closely with a lot of a lot of communication and things
025and decisions whether it be enrollment and custody and all the things she does on a on a daily basis in the student uh support services department. She is not afraid and she'll admit this even though it may get a little frustrating to me. [laughter] She is not afraid behind closed doors to tell me her opinion. And I think that's important. I I and I don't like to say I, but I think our team moving forward, nothing against Dr. Molly, is she's already stated her retirement, but we don't want yes people on our cabinet and amongst our team. And the thing about Melissa, and we've done this numerous times at Arbor Hills. We may have varied on our opinions, but at the end of the day, it's coaching 101. we would walk out of that office
026on the same page, whatever that decision was going to be. So, as much as I can say, and I've said I way too much, I'm privileged to have her as the assistant superintendent of Sylvania schools. Sylvania schools is is more privileged than anybody um just because of her work ethic and all the characteristics that she has. And the last piece I'd like to say, and I know she's here with him, she's committed to this district. Her husband Jeremy uh is an educator and a coach in this district. Mason is a student here. um we kind of had the same path which we both moved here, established roots here, um and continued to not only be employed here, but our send our children to this district. So, she's uh couldn't ask for anybody better to be
027assistant superintendent of Sylvania schools starting August 1. So, >> just wanted to share those. Sorry if I rambled, but I wanted to get those points out. So, >> thank you. Anybody else have any comments? >> I'm excited for [clears throat] our team. I've had the privilege of engaging with Melissa, not only as the principal over at Arbor Hills, but then brought her on board as the director of student support services and actually changed the role when you took the assignment because we broadened the role of what the roles and responsibilities look like in that department. And I have to tell you, you've done a tremendous job um went above and beyond to not only improve services for our students and families, but in procedures and systems that help our families maneuver sometimes what can be
028very difficult if you're new to the district. if you live in or from here or not from here and working with our nurses and having that being that touch point for our counselors where we didn't have that go-to person and leading school security, safety, and security. Melissa, I'm just so excited for you. Um, I know it will be a seamless transition and congratulations to you for all the hard work that you've put forth to bring yourself to this point in your career. I'm just I'm thrilled. I'm kind of disappointed I won't get to work with you much anymore. Just like I only get six months with you, but um we'll make the best of it. So, congratulations. And Tim, you made a darn good choice. >> We We didn't vote it in. >> Oh, yeah.
029Sorry. >> We could still say that. >> I know. That's right. [laughter] >> Anybody else? >> Oops. Melissa, I got to wait and take all that back. You got to wait a minute. [laughter] >> Congratulations, Melissa. I think this is a this is a great appointment and I'm really excited for you and you've done you've been an integral part of the district um for many of my years here and I think you'll do an outstanding job as the assistant. >> Adam, >> Julie, >> yes. >> Greg, >> yes. >> Tammy, >> yes. >> Dan, >> yes. >> Kim, >> yes. Now you can click. Now you're [applause] >> Did Did you have something you wanted to say? >> Yeah. >> Mr. Okay. >> I would just like to say to everyone up here, the board,
030Dr. Mley, Mr. Zer, I'm very grateful for this opportunity and I would like to say thank you. I'm looking forward to everything. Um, continuing to be a part of the leadership team. Thank you, Mr. Zer. I don't think I've ever heard you say nice things about me before. >> It's on YouTube, too. >> So, and to my family, my husband's also an educator in the district and he gets it. He's always been nothing but supportive of of me throughout my entire career. Mason, he's 10, he doesn't know any different. Um, but in all seriousness, very early on as parents, we realize that it takes a village. and I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather call my village than Slovenia. So, thank you again. >> Thank you, Melissa. Um, I would like to recommend item
0316.4, the 2026 27 College Credit Plus Handbook for approval. >> I'll move for approval. A second. And any comments or questions? >> Adam. >> Greg, >> yes. >> Dan, >> yes. >> Julie, >> yes. >> Kim, >> yes. >> Tammy, >> yes. >> Thank you. I recommend item 6.5, the high school program of studies for both North View and South View. >> I'll move for approval. >> I'll second. >> Any comments or questions? >> Adam. >> Tammy. >> Yes. >> Kim, >> yes. >> Greg, >> yes. Julie, >> yes. >> Dan, >> yes. >> Thank you. Okay, with that we are with you, Josh. >> Thank you. I will recommend items 7.1 and 7.2 on a consent agenda basis. 7.1 is the license resignation. 7.2 is license actor duty. >> I'll move for approval on
032a consent agenda basis. Item 7.1 through 7.2. >> Second. >> Any comments or questions? >> Adam. >> Kim. >> Yes. Greg, >> yes. >> Tammy, >> yes. >> Dan, >> yes. >> Julie, >> yes. >> Thank you. I will recommend items 8.1 and 8.2 on a consent agenda basis. 8.1 are classified new hires. And 8.2 is a classified retirement. Want to thanks Joyce Fuller. She'll be with us until April 1st. Congratulations, Joyce. >> Wow, that's fantastic. >> I'll move approval on a consent agenda basis items 8.1 and 8.2. >> A second. Any comments or questions? Thank you to Joyce. It's a lot of ears. Adam, >> Julie, >> yes. >> Dan, >> yes. >> Kim, >> yes. >> Tammy, >> yes. >> Greg, >> yes. Thank you. >> Thank you. And now we are to
033the board. Item 9.1 is a resolution of necessity for to put uh 7.9 mil operating levy for the May 2026 election. I'll move approval. >> Second. any comments or questions? I think we've talked about it a lot over the last couple meetings and Adam's been great about showing the necessity and why we need to do that. >> So, um so the next step in the process will be to submit this uh resolution to the county, get certified rates and and the amounts of what exactly that will generate and then we'll get the ballot language ready to go for the for the next uh resolution in January. Thank you, >> Adam. [laughter] >> Julie, >> yes. >> Greg, >> yes. >> Kim, >> yes. >> Tammy, >> yes. >> And Dan, >> yes. >> Okay. And
034the next item is we need to establish January 12, 2026 as a date of the 2026 organizational meeting. I'll move approval on that. >> I'll second. >> Uh comments or questions? We do need to talk about meeting times because there's been some um discussion about maybe moving our meeting times from 6:00 to 5:30. Um so we're going to talk about this here since we're talking about meetings and then then we'll vote. >> Um does anybody have any thoughts? >> Yeah, I mean I just I'll reiterate what I've said to other board members. I just suggested it as we used to have them at 5:30 and then we moved it and um I just suggested bringing it back to try and shorten the night and to keep that lag time between off work go to the
035meeting both for board members and the um and the district personnel who come um I do understand it's a half hour so it's not a huge thing to me one way or the other but it was just a suggestion question. So, >> yeah, when I started they were at 7:30 and then the the regular meetings were at 7:30 and then it was then we moved the work session to 5 and then we moved them again. They moved all around and I think we kind of landed on six because uh commendations. >> Yeah. I was thinking about that doing, you know, 6:00 for commendations, you know, for our regular because we always do those at our regular meeting and then doing work sessions at 5:30 which were mostly presentations by district personnel or things like that
036maybe, [clears throat] you know, as long as we can all remember that. >> And that's I think why they ended up going back to the same time because they remember. >> No, because it's like, oh, you're here early, you're here late. So, it was just easier to have it at the same time. I mean, I don't think I ever forgot. I think I came at the right time, but I probably had to ask sometimes or look. >> You still have to do that sometimes. >> At least where we're at. >> Yeah. >> I mean, I can make either time work. I mean, it, you know, 6 o'clock I I understand just for people getting here or whatnot. I don't mind the idea of [clears throat] doing work sessions at 5:30 and regular meetings at 6
037o'clock. It's kind of a compromise, I guess, but I I can make either one work. I I don't Are we coming with the tell when you want to be there? [laughter] >> What time is that day? Greg's the one who's going to be texting us saying, "What time is it?" [laughter] >> We know it's going to be Greg. >> Um, you know, if I send a work >> Yeah. I mean, gener, you know, I work downtown, so it's um >> Then you don't necessarily always leave right on time, >> right? I mean, I try to obviously when we have meetings, um, every now and then something comes up, so 6:00 works a little bit better for me, but I I could presumably I could do I mean, I could do the work sessions at 5:30
038and the common my concern is more getting from um downtown all the way out here takes a little longer. Sometimes there's traffic. So, there's been times when I've rushed in the door just a minute or two late to get to Timberstone. So, um, and and if I'm having that problem, then other parents who are probably trying to come for commendations are going to have the same >> or public participation. I mean, and that's really I mean, yeah, >> the concern is that's why I mean that's why my vote is to keep it at six. >> Yeah, that's fine. >> Is everybody okay with keeping it at six? I mean, >> and I [clears throat] I I know you kind of live farther away, so it's less convenient for you, but >> All good. >> Okay.
039So, for me at 6 or work work sessions at 5:30? >> Yeah, just keep it all at 600. We don't want to confuse Greg. >> Okay. What can I do to you? [laughter] >> It's really me. >> Oh, really? Dad? >> No, Dad. It's Greg. [laughter] >> And then the other uh piece I would like to ask because I did see um mention about location if there are meetings where we have and expecting a large crowd such as this. Do we want to transition to going back to the South View Media Center? >> I prefer that. I don't like Southview. I don't like being this far away from all of our lovely guests. >> I don't like being on a stage. >> So, >> I prefer South. >> I mean, the media center, not the
040PAC cuz that was the worst. I do know the January. I will tell I remember the Commons. I like [clears throat] that's it's the commons. I think we've heard from it though, the Commons has causes an issue with recording and hearing >> because the voices because of the how the fans blow >> handle are right there. So it would be the media center. >> The media center works great. >> Yeah, the media center they prefer for the media center. I prefer the media center. Yeah, >> the media center. I'm sorry. It's currently getting an overhaul. Darla is overhauling it. We just installed a huge TV on the wall. >> Oh, that'll be great. >> Oh, great. >> Oh, perfect. That'll be great. >> And it's large enough that if we have a lot of guests,
041we have plenty of room in there. I feel like it's >> I think it got a lot of people in that room. Easy. The other piece I would like just to give you a heads up. I know you don't like to be on the stage, but for a January work session or I mean board meeting, regular board meeting, we will um have accommodations for the South View High School band. And because there are so many students, >> sorry, you're going to be on the stage at South View because of the orchestra pit there. We can't put you on the orchestra pit. They wouldn't be able to see you and we couldn't put you down front because of where the chairs are. So, just a heads up, it'll be your last stage appearance. >> That's okay.
042>> Stage appearance. talk. >> All right, >> I'll put my stage makeup on, >> right? Cuz those lights are >> Those lights are brutal. They are. They make you [clears throat] sweat. >> Okay, Adam, I think we're ready. >> Julie, >> yes. >> Dan, >> yes. >> Kim, >> yes. >> Tammy, >> yes. >> Greg, yes. >> Thank you. >> Okay, then we need to appoint a president prom up to and including the January 2026 organizational meeting when a new president will be elected. >> I'll nominate Julie Hoffman. >> I'll second. Any comments or questions? >> Adam. >> Tammy. >> Yes. >> Dan, >> yes. >> Greg, >> yes. >> Kim, >> yes. >> Julie, >> yes. >> Thank you. And then board reports. Greg, anything? >> Um, I was trying to think, I forgot
043all my notes, but I know I had a Sageard meeting. I've had a wreck meeting. Um, so both those are the big thing going on there is renovations to the concession stand and the office storage building out there at Centennial Terrace. So, those are moving forward. I'm real [clears throat] excited about that. That'll be a great um addition to Centennial Terrace. >> Are they doing the bathrooms, too? >> In in the So, there's that concession stand and then the like storage office building right next to it. >> Okay. >> Both of those will be >> that the restrooms over by the Corey. >> No. >> Okay. >> Restrooms by the Corey. >> You mean in the in the other building or the the No. >> Okay. >> Um so, that'll be exciting. Um, and then
044we had a facilities committee meeting and we just talked about the um, turf at North Dune and replacing that. Um, I think that's all I had. >> Tammy, >> um, I had a foundation meeting to correct me if I got get any of this wrong. Um, McKenna Wrights was introduced as a new board member. It's rights, right? Not reads. Rights. Yeah. >> Um, so everybody was very happy to meet her. Um the foundation is planning to bring the fit fitkin scholarship program which has been administered by the Toledo Community Foundation inhouse and manage it um internally. I think I think the idea is that they will save um fees on that. That right? >> Yes. >> And um oh there's a proposal to change the bylaws. Uh currently the foundation has I think four area
045specific um vice presidents um that in just in subcategories within the foundation and instead of doing that they're going to go to just a president, a first vice president and a second vice president more at large. So um think that's all I had for that. We had a communications meeting I'll let Kim talk about if she wants. Um, I attended the SSPO meeting on December 5th and um, that was actually really nice. Uh, Mrs. Cammy Blakeman, who's the guidance counselor, I think here, right? Um, she has a trail >> close across the street. Across the street, um, she has, um, she's been helping students with an organization called Cookies for Better. Um, and she mentioned actually that she would really like to have some more adults on the board for that. So, if anyone's interested
046or anyone in the audience is interested, reach out to Mrs. Blakeman. Um, and then she had learned, this is not it's a beautiful thing, but it's it's not um timely, I think, anymore. But she had learned um about the death of a of an unhoused person in downtown Toledo. And so that same week, she put together a um sort of an adjunct group called blankets for better. And um the weekend on December 7th, she collected she had um she talked about this at the SSPO meeting. Um she had uh people come through and just drop off blankets at all of it and they ended up being able to take seven carloads of blankets to um awesome >> to a bunch a variety of homeless shelters. So it was just to be distributed. So that's just
047amazing. I we're so fortunate to have um somebody with who cares this much in in our community. So that's all I have. >> That's cool. >> Thank you, Dan. Anything? >> Um >> especially as cold as it is. >> We had a a budget meeting uh on the [clears throat] 17th to talk about the levy records meeting and we'll have a policy meeting on Wednesday. I went and saw Charlotte's Web at Northview. It was wonderful. Um and I'd like to highlight Northw's science olympiad uh program. when they held a competition at Northw on December 6th and there were uh I don't I I don't know the exact number but I think it was upwards of 60 different teams from all over the community or all over the area um and beyond that came to that
048uh competition and um was was a success and then I attended the Northview band and orchestra concert on Thursday of last week and it was really good. So >> thank you Kim. We had um Sylvania Community Services. We had our um December board meeting. Um and the big, you know, topic was the passage of the levy. Very grateful for the community for supporting the Sylvania Senior Center. Um it's just a great it's such a great program there and there's so many great people. Um they also gave an update on updating Marshall. Uh the Marshall Child Care Center has been open now for um a few months and it's doing really well and they're they're looking to expand and um pretty we we're having a pretty good dialogue about bringing um afterare back in house and
049um the ready some of the things that led him away from that back after COVID and during COVID they feel like they've sort of crossed that threshold. there's new leadership, there's new um they feel like they can take that back over again. So, the board hasn't voted on it yet, but I think there'll be probably a proposal at the first of the year um on whether they want to move forward with that. And the big concern, I think, for everybody is making it more affordable for the community and taking away some of those third party costs and um keeping it keeping it cost effective. And that's that's I know from our perspective, we want that for our families, too. So that'll be the big thing at the first of the year. >> And if I
050may, I think in understanding with the program they use, they've that particular entity has gone through a [clears throat] change in leadership organizationally and has increased prices quite significantly. >> The prices definitely have I mean I think prices of everything kind of have gone up lately, but I I think that that's true. I think there's been some changes that they just want to stabilize it better. Um so there was a presentation from the um from the child [clears throat] care side of things who you know gave a really good overview on how things can move forward and and really the bones of the old program are still there so it won't be too big of a >> be continuity for the kids see familiar places. That's good. >> Yeah. So um and then I also
051attended the North View um band and orchestra and you know it's the probably one of the longest concerts of the year. It is. But it's so good. >> But holy, it's just really good. And it I know I always want to go to South and North is usually the same night for whatever reason. Yeah. >> I would but I just I have to give a shout out to our music program because it's just it as you watch the show and you know I I also have a a junior high student. So going to the junior high concert and watching the progression from where they start in junior high to then those seniors in chamber and some of those um it's just really it's mindboggling to to see it and especially when it's your own kid
052and you're like I had no idea they could do this and it's just it's great. So kudos to the music departments at both schools for really um going above and beyond. And uh we had a communications meeting but it was nothing really that exciting. So, um, yeah, that's it [clears throat] for me. >> My daughter played a hammer at that concert. >> She did. An actual [laughter] hammer. >> It was great. >> That was a great >> except she was behind the curtain. So, did you even see her? >> Yeah. I miss those days and watching that progression. Pops concert was my favorite though. >> Yeah. Yeah, the pops. That's a really long one, too. >> Yeah, it's a long one, but good one. Um, also did the records commission meeting. That's required. We did
053have that today. um and facilities which Greg already covered and foundation which Tammy covered Charlotte's Web which was great. Um I did see that I did have a Sylvania Prevention Alliance meeting. It was kind of a short meeting, so there's not a lot to report um other than hot cocoa is uh February 21st and there is a it's the 40th anniversary of um Sylvania Prevention Alliance uh formerly known as Sylvania Community Action Team. Um and they're having a big like celebration in April. um and bringing back the not used to be the 24-hour relay, but they're bringing it back as probably the 12-h hour relay, which will come back in May, which maybe nobody remembers, but I do remember it. Um, and I think that is all that I have. So, with that, we is
054our second opportunity for public participation for items which are not on the agenda. Oh, thank you for turning around. Um, as I call you up, um, please state your name and your address. Um, [clears throat] and, uh, you have three minutes. Doris Vincent. >> Love you, Doris. >> Thank you, Doris Vincent. My address is 3859 Satinwood Drive, Toledo, Ohio 43623. Good evening, Dr. Mley, Tim, and the rest of the board. As I just stated, my name is Doris. I'm a parent of two young children at Whiteford Elementary, a kindergartener, and a first grader. And I also am the co-president of the White Parent Organization, or known as the WPO. And I am here before you all as a parent, a board member, and a voice for our community. As stated in our WPO constitution, the
055purpose of our organization shall be to promote the welfare of children in their homes, their school, and their community. And this is what I intend to do now. We are all aware of the recent events that occurred on Monday, December 8th, at Whiteford Elementary as the dog attacked a mom unprovoked while leaving the school with her son. She is a hero in this situation and saved her son's life. This is a friend to many and a mother. The first concern I bring is the dog. As email was sent today informing the parents that the owner plans to voluntarily surrender the dog tomorrow, we are aware that this could change. And if this does and the dog is not surrendered, we would like to know what the next steps are, what the plan will be. We
056pray and hope that the owner has common sense and follows through. But if not, then what? Simply put, our parents do not feel safe while that dog is in that home. Secondly, we feel it is imperative to create a barrier between the home and the school to aid in preventing the situation. As if the first dog is surrendered, there is a second dog in the home. Same breed, younger as well. I understand there are logistics involved as well as financial a financial component. However, protecting the lives of our students, staff, and family should supersede. If there had been offense, this could have been avoided. There are instances on the daily basis when parents come in and out of the school with their students for doctor's appointments, parents coming in to meet with teachers and staff,
057parents coming to volunteer at school events. Most often, these times are in the parking lot when it's quiet of outside of the rush hour. which an unfensed dog could easily make its way over again. We want the district to understand that the communication regarding the event initially was misleading, lacking compassion, and poorly communicated. Think of this was one of your one of your kids. As I heard tonight, a few of you have other children in the Svenia district. Put yourself in those situ in your in their shoes. Would you want to be partially informed or would you want to have known what had happened? I was only aware of the severity because I was present for our holiday shop. We as a WPO and the parents want to s extend our sincerest gratitude to Principal
058Ward for all of his valiant efforts, selflessness, and his dedication to the safety and the students at Whiteford Elementary. We are a better school and family because of him. I do want to take a moment and say thank you for the changes that have been made this week. The change in the drop off and pickup routine, the indoor recess, and the officer presence. Despite it taking a week to occur, we do wish these changes would have occurred last week right after the incident had occurred. But we are glad they are in place now. It was a longer drop off this morning and a longer pickoff this morning, but students made it into their cars safely. We were able to see Sylvania Township there and we appreciate that. In review, we are not concerned with the
059ongoing investigation, but concerned with what can be done to protect this from happening again. Hopefully, it does not, but we don't know. There is also Avery's law that has recently been passed by the Ohio Senate and is now at the governor's level. We wanted to see if there's anything that we could do also in conjunction with you guys to work on adding a part to that to adding fences to that law, fences with schools nearby. Um, so that's something in a separate communication email we can work with on. Um, but we do want to take the time to say thank you for giving us the opportunity to come forward and to express our concerns as a community. >> Thank you, Doris. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Rebecca. >> Sh. Hello. Hello. Rebecca Shopee, uh,
0605607 Stirbridge. Um, and just first want to start by just, um, thanking the board for their community service. I know some of you very personally on this board and I know that it's a times for me to thank this job. Um, and so I want to start by saying that um, for those of you who don't know, I'm a parent of a fifth grade uh, daughter at Whiteford, but I'm also an attorney. My mother is a former teacher and my father former law enforcement. So, I come at this situation with a very unique perspective in what should be best practices. Um, and I think we need to kind of call it like it is today, which is like that there were significant lapses of judgment that occurred. Um, including what we learned tonight, which is
061like the failure to timely notify this board. I will tell you this, my understanding is that once, uh, at least certain members of the board were notified about this, there were there was immediate action taken and we want to thank you for the action. And I think that's really important to recognize for this group here that there were people um that definitely assisted in helping to move this situation forward. Um the parents were originally told that this was a quote medical emergency and I think we just have to be candid that this was something way more than just a medical emergency. This was about student safety. Um which warranted the highest degree of transparency. I think that's all what tonight's about. If there had been transparency, I don't think there would have been a room
062full of people here tonight. Um, with respect to um that level of transparency, not only did uh the parents deserve to know, but certainly this board deserved to timely know as well. Um, I want to ask why this was treated any differently than if a person would have come on campus with a dangerous instrument. Like those same protocols should have occurred and should have been uh taken and followed. There was a week, an entire week that went by where there were no protocols in place. There really weren't, right? Our kids were going on and off the bus in the same way. I think though with the disclosure tonight about the board not knowing about this um immediately, I think that would have been something. My guess is had the board known about this immediately, I
063think that we would have probably seen protocols be immediately implemented. Um there were no disclosures to parents about the severity of the situation. Um the video um the video was there. The warden had to receive the video from uh the parents. And again, that's something that when we're looking at how do we look at this moving forward, that's something that could have been done much much earlier and certainly should have been um information received by the parents. Um letters sent to the owners and of that dog to cease to assist trespassing. I mean, this was a trespass onto the property and so that's something I think that should if it's not already been done, that should be done as well. Um, we learned tonight that the the we didn't hear or speak with the prosecutor
064until today. And again, that was only after that video was disclosed, only after these board members learned about that. And so, that's something that should have been done certainly much earlier. And so, when you know, we received communications that said we believe that it was presented with a dead end. Like, um, certainly we know that's not the case. And this wasn't a dead end because I think you heard tonight that what the parents of these students are saying is they're saying that they are very grateful for what action we have seen following the release of that video. And I guess I just want to end talking about the communication that was sent to the parents. You know, it's all about transparency. Honestly, I think that um you know, when we we we received that first
065email uh that claimed that immediate actions had been implemented um like that wasn't true. It was a week that had passed. Um on top of it, you know, was there any training for staff members? Uh we we saw in the communication from superintendent about mace, right? Were those staff members were they given like do we know about the mace, right? There's different mazes that can work on dogs and that do not. And again, those are questions that I think the parents have that remain unanswered. And then in the communication today, we were told that we were given the impression that nothing could be we that the the superintendent didn't believe anything could have been done. We certainly know now that's not the case. And so I think just moving forward, the community at Whiteford and
066the parents are super super grateful for the school and for the administration at school. I think they're disappointed in how this was handled. And I appreciate the acknowledgement tonight that it could have been handled differently. What I think we really need to see though is that we learn from this, right? What policies are going to be changed? How are we going to change them moving forward? because frankly like no one enjoys honestly being attendance tonight, right? No one enjoys that. And so I think what would really help out uh members of the uh parent organization is also giving followup as to how are we going to prevent something like this from happening again so that we don't have to get that transparency from a parent. We can get it directly from the administration. So again
067that's all I have to say. Thank you guys. Again, I know many of you very personally. I have the highest degree of respect for you. I appreciate you hearing about this and I have all a bit of confidence that uh we're going to see progress to ensure that things like this, you know, are handled differently in the future. So, thank you. >> Thank you, [screaming] [applause] >> Nora Shaheen. For the record, I think we're a lot of fun. What did you say? >> I was telling Rebecca that I think our meetings are very fun. [laughter] >> Oh, >> I'm just teasing her. >> Uh, did >> Yeah. Okay. So, okay. How about Caroline Riley? >> [snorts] >> Hi, my name is Caroline Riley, 4601 Waterford Court. Um, again, my name is Caroline Riley. Uh, I
068live about a quarter mile from Whiteford Elementary, and three of my children are students there. I have one question tonight for the leadership of Sylvania School District. Why didn't you tell us about the active ongoing threat at Whiteford Elementary School? Last Monday, a dog ran 50 yards from its unfenced property toward the front entrance of the school. The dog jumped onto a parent who was holding her three-year-old toddler. The parent and the toddler fell hard onto the sidewalk. They were just a few steps from the front door of the school. The dog attacked the parent on the leg and feet for over a minute. The dog dragged her across the sidewalk as her toddler watched. A second woman arrived and fought to get the dog under control. She forced the dog to return the 50
069yards back to its home. The dog remained at home all that week. Last Monday, a few hours after the attack, the school sent an email to me and all the parents of Whiteford. The message said there had been a medical incident at the school. The message said an adult received medical care and the school had called a soft lockdown. The school did not tell students about the dog attack near the front of the front door of the building. The school did not tell parents about the dog attack or that the Lucas County K9 Control had gone to the home. They did not tell us that the Lucas K9 control found out the dog was not vaccinated for rabies or that the K9 control did not remove the dog. Again, I asked the leaders of our
070school, "Why didn't you tell us about the active ongoing threat at Whiteford Elementary School on Thursday, three full days after the attack, I found out the full truth about what happened? I was shocked. I was at that very spot of the attack just 30 minutes before with my two children. Um, it could have been me that was knocked to the ground and I had two children. I may not have been able to pick up both of my children and save them from that dog. [snorts] On Friday, after speaking to the victim, um, I was just devastated. So, I spent hours making calls to get as much information as I could. Um, connections in my circle. What could I do? I'm the one who obtained the video footage of the dog running toward the victim attacking
071her and being dragged away. >> [snorts] >> My friend Aaron and a fellow Whiteford parent and I released that video footage because there was and still is an active ongoing threat at the elementary school. We did not want to cause trouble, but parents needed to know. So again, I ask, why didn't you tell us about the active ongoing threat at Whiteford Elementary School? And how will you change your communication about active threats in the future? Thank you. >> Thank you, Aaron Marsh. >> [clears throat] >> Hi, my name is Aaron. Is that too loud? My name is Aaron Marsh, 4050 Shamley Green. Um, first of all, I want to thank you all. I know how hard this must be, especially when you didn't know till Friday and now you have to deal with all of
072this. So, um, and yes, Caroline sent me all the video footage. I spliced it together, put it on social media. So, I apologize for that as well. But we felt that everyone needed to know because nothing was happening and as a parent, we wanted we wanted the information out there because it was an ongoing threat and nothing was being done. So, that's all out there. All right. So, um we say at Whiteford, we are a family. So when we get an email communication there was a medical situation involving an adult but that it was not a staff or student and we find out later that it was a Whiteford mom that bothered a lot of us. Words matter. Um a parent is part of the Whiteford family just as much of a staff or student.
073And I know that might seem nitpicky but um it does matter. I mean it's it it seemed dismissive that it wasn't a a staff or student you know. And then um also it did involve students because the entire school was on lockdown that day and my 10-year-old came home and described it to me. They thought it was an active threat. I mean, she was describing kids screaming and being in lockdown and locking the doors because they thought there was a shooter in the building. And then they were told, "Okay, it's done." But then they were never told what it was. And then um the rest of us, too. So that's just one another another the lack of transparency. Um the district said after talking to the dog warden that it was a dead end. Did
074not share the school footage with the dog warden. Why not? Once he saw our videos on social media he was moved to take further action which is great and what we wanted exactly but why was this responsibility on us parents and not the district? Just something to consider. Has the district done anything to support the victim? [clears throat] uh following up with the dog warden or the police. Will the district follow up tomorrow and make sure the owners actually surrender the dog and the correct one as they have two? And um I guess they don't, you know, they can surrender whichever one they want to and the dog warden doesn't necessarily know which one it is. So that would be helpful if someone could follow up with that. The follow-up email said the district immediately
075implemented additional internal procedures. What were those measures? Um, you know, was faculty trained on what to do during a dog attack? We understand not being able to discuss police charges, but what were the additional safety measures not discussed with parents prior to Sunday? You know, we're we're thankful as my fellow mom said about what was implemented this week, but things should have been implemented last week and we should have been communicated those things uh at least what was do being happening to protect our kids. Um, in in short, we're asking for transparency when it comes to our children's safety. We can we use this as a learning experience and provide parents with a communication plan for lockdowns and other situations on school property for future occurrences because there will always be something and we simply
076want to grow and do better. We don't want to blame anyone. We just want to improve and so that moving forward we can have honest transparent communication between the district and the students and staff so that if something like this happens again we have protocol procedures and we can just plow through it and keep everybody safe. >> Thank you. So, typically the board doesn't respond um to public participation, but I do want to say a couple of things. Um I I can't answer all of your questions. I do understand that um Dr. Mley and Mr. Zerup are going to attend um a parent organization meeting and hopefully at that point in January, they will have a lot more information that they can share with you. Um, for those of you that got up here and
077apologized to us, apologies aren't necessary from your end. You're not causing trouble. We don't feel like you're pointing fingers at us or blaming us. Um, I I would like to apologize to you. Um, I think Dr. Mley maybe covered a lot of the things you guys spoke about this evening. Um, I appreciate that she took responsibility. You know, mistakes were made. I think we all know that. Um uh and I I apologize for that. We could have done better. And moving forward, I did hear that safety and security um there's going to be uh some protocol for this. Um this hasn't happened before. And that doesn't mean that maybe we shouldn't have um shouldn't have anticipated it. you know, we have 12 school buildings and many of them they're in neighborhoods and they're close to
078houses and hopefully and I think everybody up here has learned lessons that we're going to take forward. I know that though mistakes were made and communication um wasn't [clears throat] as it should have been because they these are your children and you do deserve transparency. Um, I I everybody sitting up here and everybody in this district, you know, cares deeply for the safety and security of your children, of our staff, of your families, of anybody entering our buildings, of this community. None of us takes that responsibility lightly. I know that Dr. Mley doesn't. Um, you know, we get used to communicating a certain way because there are privacy issues and rules we have to follow and then that's just the mode. And maybe that's not always the way we should communicate, but you know, as
079school leaders, that's how they're used to communicating. So, and I'm not making excuses. Do I think that the communication should have been different and more transparent? Of course. And I think Dr. Mley would agree with that at this point. Um, so, uh, again, you don't need to apologize to us. You're not causing trouble. And if you are, good trouble is great because your advocacy, as Dr. Mley said um caused action. It caused action for us and for the dog warden and the police and I think we all truly appreciate that. I mean that's what parents do, right? And you know all these board all of us board members are parents and if we were somebody asked what would we be doing? We'd be doing exactly what you're doing. we would have I mean I know
080when um some of my colleagues weren't members of the board they came and spoke when they were upset about things. So I know that we would all be doing what you're doing. So um we don't feel blamed and we don't feel like you're attacking us. We deserve your anger. We deserve your frustration and moving forward we're going to try to do better. So thank you. >> Good. You have nothing else? >> I do. Okay, Dr. Miley, >> I want to say thank you for your honesty. Um, I think we're very much on the same page and sharing some of the same thoughts. However, mine are more in hindsight and I I I truly mean this when I say it's not these five individuals around the table. this was me and um my lack of response
081and following the protocols that we've always followed and using it for the same template and um even though I said it before and you said it so well um in regards to looking at how we handle a such a situation like this because it was an atypical situation scenario we haven't been prepared for we know active shooters we know Alice training we know all that never thought about a And I think we also need to be thoughtful when we meet with our school security safety and security team because it could be a neighborhood dog. It could be a dog that comes from Corey Road. It can be a coyote that comes out right behind this building that has rabies. How are we going to handle that? Because we're on a park and I hear them.
082I live right over there. They're there. [laughter] Um but how are we going to handle that? It's just something that never came into our realm. Um, but now that it has, I assure you, we will address it and put protocols into the place and I know that I will be at your meeting and I believe Tim may join me as well. But at that point in time, I'll be able to have more of a two-way conversation uh with why and how and to give some background understanding about the protocols such as um whose responsibility is it to get the warden the video. We were under the impression it's the police, not us. We have certain things that we have [clears throat] to have subpoenas for, but I won't go into those details tonight because this
083isn't a back and forth. But I do look forward to providing more explanations, and I do mean that, not excuses. I take responsibility for how things have rolled out last last week um over the course of the last week. But I'll [clears throat] be able to have more of a two-way conversation at that point in time. So, you will see me next month at Whiteford. Thank you. And with that, I move that we adjourn. >> Second, >> Adam. >> Julie, >> yes. >> Greg, >> yes. >> Dan, >> yes. >> Tammy, >> yes. >> Kim, >> yes. >> Thank you. Happy holidays, everyone.