001regular meeting of the Crestwood School Board. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. 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. >> Thank you all for joining us. Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Bibla, >> here. Mrs. Chur Zagoric >> here. >> Mr. Gallagher, >> here. >> Mrs. McGovern Copcho >> here. >> Mrs. Romanician >> here. >> Mr. Namy >> here. >> Mr. Sitzki >> present. >> Mr. Patty >> here >> and Mrs. McCertie >> here. >> Nine members present. >> Thank you. Uh just like to make a correction on the agenda. Executive sessions were held on January 15th, February 12th, and February 19th, 2026 regarding contracts, personnel actions, and pending litigations. Uh
002seek approval of the minutes of the regular board meeting held on January 15, 2026. A motion. >> I move. >> Second. >> Thank you. All in favor? >> Oh, you need all favors. Okay. For minutes. >> Yeah. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Hi. >> Thank you. Um, we need a motion to approve the treasures report for November, December 2025, and January 2026. Can I get a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Mrs. Bibla. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chait Ziggoric. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gallagher. >> Yes. >> Mrs. McGovern Copcho. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romanition. Yes, >> Mr. Namy. >> Yes, >> Mr. Sitzky. >> Yes, >> Mr. Patty. >> Yes, >> and Mrs. McCertie. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. Thank you. Um, we're going to start off with our student representative,
003Jake Mitchell. >> Hello, and thank you all for coming. My name is Jake Mitchell and I am the junior class president and I'm speaking on behalf of Macy Sentac tonight who unfortunately could not make it. As we now enter the third quarter, Crestwood students are busier than ever with things around campus. Winter sports at Crestwood are now entering the playoff season. Boys and girls wrestling will start districts tomorrow, as well as our girls and boys basketball teams. Both basketball teams play second in the Wyoming Valley Conference over the weekend. The boys will play Pittsen at home on Friday, and the girls will play on Saturday. Crestwood Varsity Cheer also had a very successful season this year. They had just recently competed in nationals in Disney World and for the first time ever were finalists in
004two divisions at UCA Nationals. They finished fifth in the nation in the small varsity intermediate non-tumbling division and also placed 23rd out of 84 teams in the small varsity non-tumbling game day division. Adams Family the musical rehearsals are in full swing. Spencer Young and Giata Albertie lead the cast as Gomez and Morticisia Adams. The musical will be performed on April 17th and April 18th. Clubs here at Crestwood are also very busy. PJS has just submitted their projects and will compete at regionals soon. FBLA is preparing to attend the state conference at Hershey in April. The senior class is planning their senior class field trip to Great Adventure in May. They are also planning and preparing for all the upcoming senior activities at the end of the year. The junior class has spearheaded a very special
005cause. As you all know, there was a devastating fire in the valley recently. Two students lost their lives and the family is grieving as well as trying to pick up the pieces of their lives. We as a community want to lend our support to the family and the first responders. The class officers along with our adviserss are collecting monetary and gift card donations. Our hope is that they know that people and communities in the Wyoming Valley area are thinking about them in this time of need. Thank you for your time and attention this evening. >> Thank you. Next, we have the superintendent report. Mrs. Malazo, >> thank you. Um, under the superintendent report, we have a lot of celebrating to do and excitement. Um, first I would like to turn it over to Mr. Namy
006who would like to recognize our varsity competitive cheer team. >> Ladies, if you would, you can approach the tables here. Coach, Coach, if you have things that you want to discuss, let's do that first. >> Okay. >> Good evening, members of the board, administration, and community members in attendance. My name is Alison Button, and I am >> the cheer coach. I am here along with my coaching staff and I would like to thank you all for giving us the opportunity to recognize this extraordinary group of athletes, our Crestwood competitive cheer team. Competitive cheer is one of the most demanding high school sports. It requires strength, athleticism, precision, mental focus, and incredible amount of trust in one another. These athletes practice year round. They promote school spirit. They support their other sports teams. They are in
007events such as the Mountaintop on the Move parade, locker setup, community events, food distribution, just to name a few. They dedicate countless hours to their skill and in perfecting both of our game day and our traditional routine. Our season started last March of 2025 and with their remarkable dedication ended with tremendous success. Throughout the year, they earned multiple top placements at local regional competitions, consistently finishing among the best teams in Pennsylvania. at districts. They proudly represented Crestwood and earned top honors, bringing home those beautiful silver medals, placing second. Their season cultivated with a UCA nationals competition, which Jake spoke about just recently. It was first time in Crestwood history that our girls advanced to finals in both game day and traditional. They brought home finalist trophies in both of those divisions. And mo most impressively,
008they finished fifth in the nation in our traditional routine. To be named fifth in the nation is an accomplishment that reflects their talents, their dedication, their resilience, and their teamwork. These athletes represent Crestwood with class, sportsmanship, and pride. They are able to balance their academic schedules with a very demanding athletic schedule. They start the season by attending camp in June. They continue through fall by supporting football into winter with basketball, wrestling, and their own competitive cheer programs. And they are right back into tryyouts, which will be again this April. They continue to raise the standard of excellence within the program. It's not just about trophies though with these girls. I want to point out that they participate in multiple community events. They collected canned goods um for pantry items for our area food banks. They
009earned the charity cup award at the Miserordia cheer challenge for the food that they collected. And with that, we grow together as athletes, as leaders, and most importantly, as a team. They have helped build a culture in the program for accountability, for discipline and unity. And I hope that their dedication this year will continue to grow our program's strength over the f the next few years. On behalf of the coaching staff that is here with me tonight, I want to thank the board administration and again the community for supporting the Crestwood community competitive cheer and recognizing as a very highlevel athletic program. Thank you. >> Ladies, if I just have a moment, coach, uh I'll speak on behalf uh if I may for board members. That's all right, ladies. Jurgok. Uh, [clears throat] I can't
010begin to tell you how much pride uh that we have in all of your accomplishments. Uh, the one advice that I would give you is take these moments and cherish them because the trophy, the medals either will be in storage in uh at home, uh they'll gather dust, uh they may be put on a wall somewhere. But the one thing that is going to endure is the work ethic, the camaraderie, and most importantly the I wrote this down so I didn't forget the character that you have all given to each other. And that in itself has underscored what our community is about. Thank you. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. Um, up next under the superintendent report, we are going to congratulate our Crestwood High School students. And I'm going to h turn it
011over to Miss uh Chazor Chait. I said that wrong. It's okay. >> Okay. Um, I want to offer some congratulations to the Crestwood High School students who placed at the Skills USA competition on December 9th, 2025 at Johnson College. Um, Ethan Chalua >> HVA Ethan HVA. Yeah, >> there you go. Thank you. Um, second place in precision machining and Megan Caesar, third place in technical drafting. Are any of those students or families here? >> Stand up. Stand up. We want to see you. Y >> CONGRATULATIONS. >> OKAY. NEXT, um I am going to highlight our sixth grade soaring comets. We're going to start with Rice Elementary. when I uh say your name, if you would like to stand in your location or you want to come up front, I let that up to you. So,
012our first soaring comment for January at Rice Elementary is Liz Lizzy Brozowski. She here there she is. Lizzy, uh Mr. Copsho, Mrs. Petroski, and Mrs. Clem wrote this about you. Liz Lizzy exemplifies what it means to be a soaring comet. She is kind, driven, confident with natural assertiveness that sets her apart. Lizzie is a role model to her peers and younger students, leading with respect, empathy, and maturity. She consistently leads by example and demonstrates the quality of a future leader through the both her words and her actions. In math, Mrs. Petroski describes Li Lizzy as a fearless problem solver and confident risktaker who attempts challenging problems even when the solution is not immediately obvious. She naturally shares strategies during those discussions and demonstrates leadership that clearly translates to the softball field where she commands the
013game from her catcher's position. Miss Clem admires Lizz's commitment to completing every task to the best of her ability. She reports that Lizzy participates daily, responds with depth over surface level answers, and successfully balances her responsibility as a student athlete, all with a smile on her face. In science, Mr. Copsho praises Li Lizz's willingness to take on leadership roles during investigations, her accuracy, attention to detail, and her reliability. He notes that if if he were absent, he would feel very comfortable trusting Lizzy to run the home room without any issues. Beyond her leadership and academic strength, Lizzy is joyful spirit makes her even more special. Her laugh is genuine. She's contagious and reminds is a reminder to enjoy every moment. It brings smiles to those around her and adds warmth and energy to the classroom,
014making every space she is in a better place. Congratulations, Lizzy. Also from Rice Elementary, we have Lauren Divert. About Lauren, this came from Mr. Copshell, Mrs. Petroski, and Mrs. Clem. Lauren exemplifies what it means to be a soaring comet. She is kind, bright, inquisitive, and extremely conscientious, paying close attention to detail in all that she does. She is a role model not only to her peers, but also her younger students. Everywhere Lauren goes, she brings an aura of kindness that is immediately felt. She radiates calm and positivity, treats classmates with respect, patient, and empathy, and leads with compassion in both in her words and actions. Lauren generally enjoys helping teachers and supporting her peers. She consistently um p she consistently persistent and asks thoughtful questions to deepen her understanding and models a positive determined attitude.
015Mrs. Petroski especially enjoys their end of the day conversations where Lauren explains structure time demands and commitments of compet competitive swimming. an excellent example of how she uh John where she enjoys and listens attentively and responds to those thought thoughtful and communicates maturity and academic confidence while making meaningful connections across Miss Clem states that Lauren's 12 days of literature calendar project could have been performed on Broadway right down to her holiday sweatshirt that turned into a Christmas wreath. Miss Clem appreciates Lauren clear clearly understands the importance of preparation, practice, and perseverance. In science, Mr. Copcho observes that Lauren asks thoughtful questions, shows genuine curiosity, uses observation and evidence to make explanation and demonstrates pride in her work. And beyond the classroom, it is impossible to not to not smile watching Lauren dominate two hand touch
016football against the boys at recess. She is an absolute force. Congratulations, Lauren. The next two soaring comments are both from Fairview Elementary. Again, this is for January. Is uh Lucy Durfski here? No. Okay. Um so, the sixth grade faculty wrote about Lucy. Fairview Elementary is proud to recognize Lucy as our sixth grade soaring comment for the month of January. Lucy's favorite subject is social studies, where she enjoys learning about the world and the past. Outside of school, Lucy is very involved in dance, which is also one of her greatest talents. She's especially proud of being able to do a backflip. Quite an impressive accomplishment. In her free time, Lucy enjoys facetiming with her friends and of course dancing. She says the best the best thing about Fairville Elementary is getting to see her friends every
017day, which shows how much she values her school community. Lucy also serves as a kindergarten helper, demonstrating responsibility, kindness, and leadership. Congratulations, Lucy, on being a soaring comet. We are so proud of you and all that you do to help Fairview soar. And our final soaring comment, uh, Reese Grabbelli. Reese, the faculty at Fairview Elementary shared this with all of us. Fairview Elementary is proud to recognize Ree as our sixth grade soaring comment for the month of January. Ree's favorite subject is math, where he enjoys problem solving and challenges. Outside of school, Reese loves to play baseball and spending time playing outside. In his free time, he enjoys playing nitro type. I'm not really sure what that is. Like to hear more about that. Nitro type and playing catch while his with his dad. Reese
018says the best thing about Fairview Elementary is getting to come to school and see his friends every day, which shows how much he values our school community. He also serves as a bus patrol, helping keep others safe and demonstrating responsibility and leadership. One accomplishment Ree is especially proud of is winning the baseball championship. A great achievement that reflects his hard work and teamwork. Congratulations, Ree, on being our January Soaring Comet. We are so proud of you and all that you do to help Fair View soar. Okay. So, I just have a few other items to go over. Again, the Soaring Comet families, you're more than welcome to stay here with us. Um, but you're also more more than welcome to go as well. Um, just like our student rep said, I do want to wish
019all of our girls and boys uh basketball teams, also our girls boys um wrestling programs as they are making their ways to finals uh districts, I'm sorry, excuse me, districts um that start actually tomorrow. So, good luck to all of them. Um if you are attending, you may purchase at the door or ahead of time on the hometown tickets. Um we are finished with quarter 2. So, if you're an elementary uh student or family, you should have received report cards. Um, you also also have uh access to our Skyward system. So, if you didn't get a report card sent home in elementary or if you're at the secondary campus and want to check the grades, they are now available. I do want to make an announcement and thank the Department of Health um district-wide air
020purifiers and filters. They are at no cost to the district. There are 110 of them that are coming to the district on and around uh February 26. That um grant that was filed a couple years ago by myself, that's over about $20,000 that the Department of Health is giving to the district to place air purifi purifiers. So, I just want to thank the Department of Health for that. Um, you will also find that maybe possibly later today you're going to get an alert about potentially a two-hour delay tomorrow. So, just a heads up if anybody's listening, there'll be a two-hour delay as soon as I leave here today. Um, and also, you know, with the with the delays and with the snow and everything going on, I just want to take a moment to thank
021our custodial, our maintenance staff, honestly, all the work that they do to keep our schools up and running as fast as they can and as safe as they can. So, I just want to take a moment to thank custodial, our maintenance, all the staff that really truly helps us start on time and again safely. And I can't forget about the transportation. I'm so grateful for Chivalella Reinhimr, um Miss Peters, Mr. Simonovich, um all those delays, all those closures, all that time uh to just reorganize. I'm I'm very grateful and I just want to thank everyone for coming tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you. Public testimony on agenda. Um our public guests are reminded that the public testimony is limited to three minutes. We'll we usually let everyone speak a little bit longer. That's okay. Uh
022any person providing testimony to the board during a meeting should state their name, spell their last name, municipality as well if speaking for an organization, the name and identity of the organization. Questions may be submitted to uh CSD public comments at csdcomments.org by 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting. The board meeting is scheduled to begin normally at 6:30 p.m. Um before we move on, um we're uh I just want to make sure that the public understands the process. We're trying to streamline uh the meeting a little bit. So at this time, we'll have public testimony on all of any agenda item and then when we are completed with the voting session, we will have comments on non-aggenda items. So just so you know, so if anyone at this time has any question on
023something that is on the agenda, >> yeah, just go to the podium, press the button so that the light turns green. >> Okay. >> Yes. Hello. Uh my name is Matt Miso. Uh I'm from Freeland. Um I uh was recently um fortunate to be hired as the uh new part-time custodian at Fairview Elementary and uh not only I wanted to thank each and every one of you especially uh Miss Oiro and uh also Mr. Uh Blanchard, um I wanted to say uh I noticed three words that are said uh quite uh frequently about this school. Uh prestige, uh pride, and honor. And uh not only I feel prestige, pride and honor to be uh working for uh this school district particularly for Fairview Elementary. Um it reminds me of something that John F. Kennedy once
024said many decades ago which was was he said we meet at a at a school noted for knowledge in a city noted for progress in a state noted for strength and we stand in need of all three for we meet in an hour of change and challenge and decade of hope and fear and age of both knowledge and ignorance. The greater our knowledge increases the greater our ignorance unfolds. He also said John Massfield in his tribute to English universities and his words are equally true today. He did not refer to the spires and towers to campuses greens and ivied walls. He admired the splendid beauty of the university. He said because it was a place where those who hate ignorance may strive to know, where those who perceive truth may strive to make others see.
025And with that said, uh I hope and plan to be a partner in prosperity to that um that that we go that learning would go for for all the people here whether it's the students, the faculty, the staff, the parents, whomever. Um just a little background on me. I was born um 1993, so I'm a millennial. Uh and I remember in uh 1996, my uh uncle Mike, Mike Bara, who was a deputy sheriff at the time, he just became, he once was quoted as saying, "We have to take care of our young so they could take care of us someday." And I feel that the time has come for me and my generation to do just that. And in part of that, uh, I've had ups and downs like everybody else. I was the youngest
026president of the Freeland Rotary Club in 2016 and 17. I made uh the 2019 honor role in Lutheran County Community College. I graduated in the spring of 2021. I've also had many other accomplishments. I've also had many other failures. I was assaulted when I was in ninth grade. I developed diabetes in 2009, almost died and also I've had other tragedies and sadness when I was on vacation. My grandfather died and the year before that my best friend died. And a lot it's taken a lot out of me. But one thing that I've always felt no matter where I was or what I was doing is that working is one of the best things that can help a person succeed. And in working, I look around and I see that there's so many of you, educators
027and teachers and uh committee members who help your students strive to continue to be uh the best that they can be. And it gives me nothing but pride and honor and prestige to be a partner and prosperity to that for me and my staff or the staff that I'll be on the custodian staff to help you guys to help our children learn so that they could help us someday in the same uh in the same regard and uh I thank you for that. I thank you for your time and um I hope to be approved. Uh even though this is just a part-time job, this is I would say my greatest accomplishment to date. It go with a lot of other things that I've done, but I I can't thank you from the bottom of
028my heart enough as so is my family. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other questions on agenda items? >> Yeah. You want to discuss it later? It's not something that's on the agenda. Sure. >> Okay. Seeing none, we'll roll into the voting meeting. Financial planning. Mr. Gallagher. >> Hi. I'm making a motion and seeking a second to approve items uh 1 through 16 for the financial committee. I so move. >> Second. >> All in favor? No. >> Mrs. Bibla? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chaitur Zagoric? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gallagher? >> Yes. >> Mrs. M McGovern Copcho? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romanition. >> Yes. >> Mr. Namy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Seitzki. >> Yes. >> Mr. Patty. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. McCertney. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. Transportation committee. Dr. Patty. >>
029I'm looking for a second on transportation committee number one. >> Second. Okay. Thank you. >> Mrs. Buff. Yes. Mrs. Chaitur Zigguric. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gallagher. >> Yes. >> Mrs. McGovern Copcho. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romanition. >> Is that a yes? >> Mrs. Romanition. Okay. >> Mr. Namy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sitzky. >> Yes. >> Mr. Patty. >> Yes. >> Mrs. McCertie. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. Policy committee. Mrs. Shader Ziggger. I make a motion and seek a second for item number one. Do I need to read the policy? >> No. Okay. >> You wanted to read it? >> I think you don't want to read it. >> I could. >> Should I read? >> Yeah, I think Nancy wanted you to read. >> Nancy wanted me to read the whole thing.
030>> Okay. Nancy, do you want Nancy? Do you want me to read the whole policy? >> Nancy, you want me to read the whole thing? >> I think we should read the policy. Yes. >> Okay. So, I'm going to read the policy. That's first reading and adopt for 309.1 teleawwork. Uh the board recognizes that a certain limited circumstance it may be necessary to allow or require district employees to work remotely in order to maintain continuity of district educational programs and operations. The board adopts the following policy to establish district rules for employees who telework from a remote remote work location. The board shall direct an administrator to develop procedures that outline circumstances under which employees may teleawwork and the exec expectations for such employees while teleawworking. Employees will be required to sign a teleworking agreement
031or acknowledge teleworking provisions in an applicable collective bargaining agreement prior to working in a remote work location which may be waved under emergency conditions at the board's discretion or as specified in this policy. Such an agreement may include but is not limited to the following considerations. Acknowledgement that the employees compensation, benefits, work hours, and performance expectations shall not change while teleawworking. The employee shall be subject to and shall comply with the same board policies, administrative regulations, and standards of conduct as are expected at their regularly assigned place of work. A teleworking employees performance shall be monitored and assessed in the same manner as employees working from their regularly assigned place of work. The employee shall work from a dedicated workspace that is free from health or safety hazards, undue distractions, or undue risk that confidential
032or private information will be discovered, or that district equipment permitted to be brought to the remote work location will be stolen or damaged. The employee shall obtain permission from their supervisor before bringing district property to a remote work location and will provide the supervisor with a written list of all such equipment. The employee shall be personally responsible for any district equipment brought to the remote work location, shall be fully liable for any damage or loss occurring to the equipment during the period of use, and shall be responsible for its safe return. The employee does not have the right to teleawwork and the teleworking arrangement may be terminated by the board or district administration at any time. The employee shall notify their supervisor if the employee is not able to perform all assigned job duties. essential
033or non-essential at the remote work location. Employees whose physical presence at their regularly assigned place of work is essential to the performance of their duties may not be permitted to teleawwork. An [snorts] employee may not tell work as a replacement for leave. Attendance at the employees regularly assigned place of work for on-site meetings, conferences, training sessions, and other school business activities may be required on scheduled telework days. Non-exempt employees shall not be permitted to work overtime or during non-working hours while teleworking without authorization from the employees immediate supervisor in accordance with law and board policy. All teleworking employees shall be subject to and shall comply with the same board policies, administrative regulations, and standards of conduct as are expected under normal working conditions. In the event that local, state, or federal officials or any similar
034authority with appropriate jurisdiction declare an emergency condition that prevents or discourages public gatherings due to public health or safety concern or closes school buildings, the board authorizes individual employees or designated classifications of employees to be permitted to teleawwork in accordance with established procedures as or as otherwise directed. that district employees unable to perform their assigned essential job duties while teleworking such as employees such employees may be required to take available acred leave whether paid or unpaid in accordance with applicable board policies or provisions of an administrative compensation plan individual contract collective bar bargaining agreement or board resolution. >> Thank you. So I make a motion and seek a second for item number one first reading of district social media and first reading and adopt for teleawwork. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >>
035thank you. Oh, >> sorry. I'm a no on the uh B. tell [snorts] >> I forgot to ask for that. I'm sorry. Um, Mr. >> Any opposed? Any opposed? >> Post to B. That's a no. >> Any abstensions? Okay. Sorry about that. Thank you. Mrs. McGovern Copto human resources. I [clears throat] make a motion and seek a second to approve items 1 through seven. I so move. >> Second. >> Mrs. Bibla. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chait Zigguric. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gallagher. >> Yes. >> Mrs. McGovern Copo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romanian. >> Yes. >> Mr. Namy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sitzky. >> Yes. >> Mr. Patty. >> Yes. and Mrs. McCertie. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Academic programs committee, Mr. Siske. >> Hi. The academic committee consists of myself, uh, Miss Chaitra Sigora,
036and Mr. Namy. Uh, I motion and approve items one through one through four. One having A through D, and four uh, having A through N. I so move. Do I have a second? >> Second. Mrs. Bibla, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mrs. Chaitro Zigguric, >> yes. >> Mr. Gallagher, >> yes. >> Mrs. McGovern Copcho, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romanicia, >> yes. >> Mr. Namy, >> yes. >> Mr. Seiski, >> yes. >> Mr. Patty, >> yes. >> Mrs. McCertie, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Co-curricular. Mr. Namy. >> Yes. I'm seeking a motion for items 1, two, and three. Prior to said motion, if we can draw our attention to page six, uh, girls lacrosse item V and W. Uh, V is listed or should be listed as assistant paid coach and W would be listed as
037a split salary assistant coach. With that said, do I have a second regarding the motion? >> Second. Mrs. Bibla, >> yes. >> Mrs. Chaittori, >> yes. >> Mr. Gallagher, >> yes. >> Mrs. McGovern Copcho, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romanian? >> Yes. >> Mr. Namy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Seitzki? >> No. On number one, no on 3L. Yes. On the rest. Mr. Patty. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. McCertie. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Physical plant and construction committee. Um, Miss Mr. Dr. Patty. Go ahead. Thank you. >> Can I have a motion to approve number one, please? >> Motion. >> Thank you. I'll do it after we do this one. This is new. >> Mrs. Bibla. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chaittori. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gallagher. >> Yes. >> Mrs. McGovern Copcho. >> Yes. >>
038Mrs. Romanian. >> Yes. >> Mr. Namy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Seitzki. >> Yes. >> Mr. Patty. >> Yes. >> Mrs. McCertie. >> Yes. >> Can you just tell me who the second was on that? I'm sorry. Was that Mr. Mr. Gallagher. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Madam President, I like to make a motion to add a a motion to our board agenda under buildings and grounds and construction. Can I have a second for that? >> Second. >> You want to hear? Okay. And that motion would consist of recommending consideration and approval for Varie uh Incorporated to complete district-wide facilities assessment at no cost to the district. >> Yep. Is there any public comment on that motion? Okay, seeing none, can I have a second to add the motion first? >> I'll
039second that, doctor. Okay. >> So, Mrs. Bibla, sorry, I have to get my other sheet. Give me one second. Go ahead. Mrs. Bibla, >> yes. >> Mrs. Chaita Ziggoric, >> yes. >> Mr. Gallagher, >> yes. >> Mrs. McGovern Copcho, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romanian, >> yes. >> Mr. Namy, >> yes. >> Mr. Seitzky, >> yes. >> Mr. Patty, >> yes. >> And Mrs. McCertie, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Okay. So now now that we've approved to add that motion, I just need a second on that motion then. Please >> second. >> Mr. Galler, thank you. >> Do I have to do a roll call on that? Okay, thank you. Mrs. Vibla, >> yes. >> Mrs. Chaittor Zaguric, >> yes. >> Mr. Gallagher, >> yes. >> Mrs. McGovern Copcho, >> yes. >> Mrs. Romanian, >>
040yes. >> Mr. Namy, >> yes. >> Mr. Seitzki, >> yes. >> Mr. Patty. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. McCertie. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. Technology Committee. Mrs. Chad Zarrick. >> I make a motion and seek a second for item number one. >> Second. >> Mrs. Bibla. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chait Zuric. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gallagher. >> Yes. >> Mrs. McGovern Copcho. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Romanition. Yes, >> Mr. Namy. >> Yes, >> Mr. Zitzky. >> Yes, >> Mr. Patty. >> Yes, >> and Mrs. McCertie. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. Behavioral intervention, health and safety committee. Mrs. Bibla, >> no report. >> Thank you. Intermediate Unit. Mr. Namy >> for the Liu. Uh we have our minutes on file with the superintendent's office uh with our board members. You
041received uh two packets uh regarding some of the information that was from the evening. Uh they are just of the standard programs and staff development as well as a few of the services that they have ongoing at this time. Uh there is going to be an initiative that will be moving forward uh that we'll probably be discussing in the spring once we get more clarity from the LIU. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Wilsbury Area Career and Technical Center. Mrs. Jer Sigar. >> The minutes are on file at the superintendent's office and on the district website. The next CTC meeting is Monday, March 16th at 5:30 at the CTC. Thank you. Now we will have time for non-aggenda items if there's any public questions, comments, testimony. Okay, we're good. Okay. Hello. Uh Stephanie Weber, uh
042Wright Township. Um, so I wanted to bring up and ask some questions and provide maybe a solution as well. Um, regarding a special education email that was sent yesterday that, um, I'm going to assume most of the public is not aware of and maybe some of you guys are not aware of as well. So, uh, select parents received an email yesterday from Annie Moran and Natasha Malazo regarding updates to the current special education plan, and this is for the whole district. Uh, that must be updated every three years per state guidelines. The email was quite vague and did not include the previous plan until I asked for a copy of that plan. Um, because I'll be honest, otherwise I had no idea what they wanted me to provide updates for. Um it is my understanding
043that also some of the board members were not aware of this email being sent nor were they aware of the following. First that um they had asked they board members had asked for a copy of this special education plan from administration over two weeks ago had had not received it until I actually supplied that to them this morning. Um, secondly, although the email stated that it was broadly, and I use this in quotes because this was from the email, broadly to families for input. Um, I do know after speaking with multiple families, I know that it was not sent to all special or gifted education families. Um, they did not all receive this email and I will address that as well. Um, so I would like to ask the following questions as well as present
044a solution. Um, first, why were all families with special or gifted education students not included in this email? We know not everyone will respond, of course, but you increase your chances of valuable feedback by beginning with a larger quote and value. Um, also some of those left out have significant knowledge of or background that would be extremely helpful. So I will await a response first before continuing. >> Hello. >> Um, so yes, Mrs. Moran um and actually administration are working on a special education plan as you described. It's every three years. Yep. um in that plan and in the past and not saying what we did in the past is always the correct thing sure but in the past we are required to have a steering committee the steering committee um I actually asked my
045comment community collective that's the group that I meet with on a quarterly basis to see if they were interested first because they're in that position um you know that we meet all the time so I asked them as well they I didn't get any feedback from them that they wanted to participate um and then also I did reach reach out to the academic committee because it is an academic uh section within our board. Um so the steering committee is comprised of multiple people. They can be of administration, they can be board members, it can be someone that does not have any special education uh background whether their student has it. Um they can be a regular ed student. So it can be anybody. There's no parameters on that. Um Mrs. Miranda and I actually uh
046discussed um about just starting to implement and asking questions saying that that's not the only part that we're doing. We're just kicking it off, you know, a couple days ago when uh we had reached out to some of the families. Does not mean that we are stopping at that point. Does not mean that none of the other board members will have uh feedback opportunities. Um and then as we go through that process through that steering committee through administration, it will then be presented to the entire community at a board meeting. So at that time um the community can ask as many questions as they like. Same thing with all the board members as well. And that will be up for then a public inspection for 28 days. >> Correct. Yep. I was told that. Yes.
047>> Yep. And then at that time then the board would make approval if they decide to approve the special education plan and then we would upload it into the state by May 1st. So that's kind of just a timeline. It was just a proactive start of what we were doing. Doesn't mean that that was all that we were doing. Okay. So how were those select like I was one of them and I know some people here were selected. How were those families or indivi parents selected? because honestly I don't think it's fair um that certain people were selected and others were not um when we all should have that this opportunity now. >> Yeah. Again, as I mentioned, it doesn't mean that people that were selected were the only people that were going to be
048having conversations and just because possibly you shared with everyone that you received Nemo, that doesn't mean that that was the only form of communication that we're seeking input with families. So, one-on-one conversations with families, maybe they did get an email, maybe they had a phone call conversation. So, what you are aware of does not mean that that's >> But I do know people that have not gotten anything. >> Oh, absolutely. And again, as I mentioned, we are just at the infancy starting phases of that. >> Um, >> didn't answer my question, but okay. Um, I also asked in my one follow-up email if a group of parents would be better suited to meet in person to discuss this prior to our email deadline, which was only a week of the 25th of February. Um, I
049was given a no answer. So my solution and suggestion to the board and I do welcome any board or public comments as well. Um I would like the district to consider creating a focus group very similar to our highly successful food services focused parent group that I am a part of and I talked about last week at the committee meeting. Um this should include and obviously we can tweak it too. um parents, uh Annie Moran, um appropriate administration board members, potentially teachers, and I would highly recommend and want, um the reinstated attorney, uh Angela Evans present as well. Um so that we can provide positive construction constructive feedback for the special education department. Um, I suggest potentially, I mean, my ideal world would be a bi-weekly meeting. I know that's hard, but definitely monthly. Um,
050because there is a lot to address and go over. Um, I also feel that this group would not discuss any of our individual student needs. Um, so we all need to keep that aside, but rather what the district needs as a whole. Um I think that is really the step that needs to be taken to move forward and fix correct whatever the word is. Um because there are a lot of things that need to be addressed with the special education department and you have a lot of highly educated parents um who know a lot and we want to help not only our own students but all of the others and we're here. We come consistently if we can't we're listening. um and having one focus group now that has done extremely well. Um I think
051this would be a very very good idea for the district. So um I don't know if anyone else up there has any comments. I know Dr. Patty has been um has done a lot with his district and everything. I imagine you might have some suggestions about processes, things like that. Um I do know the final document is due May 1st, so there still is time. Um I was given this the link to the state guidelines as well. Um but I just think starting off by sharing this with everybody rather than a select number um it just shows also your willingness to include everybody otherwise it's showing um you don't want input from everybody. So what you do says a lot as well. So I would encourage you to resend this email to everybody who has
052a child that's either special education or gifted. >> So the just for my clarification, I want to make sure I understand. So you're suggesting we have a focus group >> very similar to what we did for food services. Yes. >> So the steering committee that I mentioned um I did not I omitted someone that's very important to the team that would be attorney Evans. Uh Miss Moran and I did speak about that. she will be on the steering committee. Um, so what you're speaking of, the focus group is exactly the same thing I'm speaking of is just a different word. So we use steering committee because that's the PTE, >> but this would include parents, >> right? So we did reach out to parents. You were one of the parents um that were asking information.
053So you would be one of the individuals on the steering committee. Um, and then also we do we are required to have faculty. So I did omit them as well. I just listed some. So, we will have the department chair, Miss uh Zaroski will be a part of that. Um, so we I didn't mention all the people, but if you go back on that document that you'll have, it shows the steering committee, >> but that was from last time, and some of those people aren't even in the district anymore. >> No, just so you have an idea of what what we had, you can see. But yes, like I think Miss Shamola was on the steering committee last time. Peg Foster, who's not with us. >> Exactly. Right. So I think we're aligned with what
054you're saying is you're asking >> I don't know though because it's a focus group to me is a small subset of individuals there's like 10 or 12 people on that document and how am I as a parent then supposed to express my views and such if there are all of these other people in this group you know the focus group for the food services are three parents and um what two or three other individuals it's very small to me a focus group is not 20 plus people. Um, >> so I have a question about that. So your >> large concern is that all the parents were included on the correspondence, >> the initial correspondence, >> but then you want to have a very small focus group, >> right? And I think though you could out
055of that subset potentially then ask would there be some individuals who also have the time, right? Not everyone has the time to do something like this. Not everyone has potentially experience as much expertise as other parents. You know, there could be some factors that go into this. I'm more than happy to help. I know there's a couple parents here that are more than happy. And it is something that we potentially also need to think a little bit more about. I'm not saying it's something that's going to start tomorrow. I know Nancy has a lot of experience as well in special education. I think a couple of us could work together, bounce some ideas off. Um because honestly, a lot of us I might take myself out of this a little bit because I my child
056doesn't have as many concerns as some of the others, but many parents do not feel their voices being heard honestly. So, we need to figure that out. And a focus group to me is something where we could start that process. We don't have that right now. Will will is the intention to reach out and survey every family. >> Oh, sorry. Sorry. Um, Mrs. >> Oh, there's Sorry, there's feedback on here. Sorry. Yeah. [laughter] >> Okay. >> Gotcha. Sorry about that. Um, so will we be reaching out to >> Go ahead. Mrs. Romanition, you had a comment. >> I did want to jump in. I don't know if you guys can hear. >> Can Could you guys hear me or not? >> Yeah. No. >> Yes. >> Yeah. I I would JUST I WANT TO point
057out that I I am disappointed that I did not know about this and everyone knows my significant concerns and passion for special education. So I am disappointed that I did not know about this until actually and in full disclosure, Miss Weber reached out to me indicating I'm one of the people she indicated that that that I was I aware of this and I was not. So I am disappointed that I really I we need to have transparency and I hope we can listen to the concerns of of this constituent that we really pay attention to what we need to do going forward that we really include as many people as we can and figure out the best path forward. And again, maybe we need Mr. You know, Dr. Patty, maybe a model they're using Hazelton
058or somewhere else, but I really want to be open to more parents and community involvement. And I appreciate Mrs. Nolazo did have it open to her community, her community uh program that she had. However, I do think this needs to be included the board included and and more of a district-wide thing included with us and not through a separate, you know, separate agenda through the community comments, but rather let's really focus with us as board members and the district and it create a good team environment. >> So, uh the question of surveying all families or would we limit it? Uh, I mean I I I do think that there's value in reaching out to every family to see if and how they would like to, you know, provide agree input. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah. So,
059um, to answer your question, just to kind of step back to the PTE plan is dictated through our data that we have. So, they don't allow us to put just anything into a plan. there is criteria and things like that but to have an overall special education survey I would be definitely open to that and I think that that should be developed with administration feedback from the board what exactly do we want to know what exactly can we improve on what exactly feedback that they want to share I want to make sure I have the right parameters you know and anonymous I think a lot of people would rather be anonymous maybe they want their name so it's not just throw out a survey we got to be thoughtful about it collect information. So whether
060some of that information can spill into the special education plan or just a plan moving forward for the district and special education department. So um looking into that, yes, Miss McCertie, you're asking that direct question. The answer is yes. I have no problem doing that. I think administration would like feedback. Um I I'm grateful that you are coming here today. So um I thank you and um to just answer Miss Romanian. So um out of respect for the committee me uh members and the a directive that I received that I was supposed to be working with the committee members through that channel before going to the entire board. So I'm following the directive that I received on how to communicate with the board members with their specific topics and then also the board is aware
061when they receive weekly reports from me that that we are going to start talking about special education plan and that's been in there a couple times. So, um, if Miss Romanition that, you know, maybe one of your other board members in that committee don't want to be a part of that plan directly, um, maybe you guys could switch out for this because you do have a lot of expertise that I would like to hear from, too. And just because you're not on the committee doesn't mean I don't seek or value any of the board members uh, feedback on special education plan. So, I just want to kind of let you know the process that why I went through the committee that I did. you you're speaking of the academic committee. >> Okay. So, the academic
062committee has been informed of this program, this process >> Today? Okay. >> As in just right now. >> You didn't get an email from me? >> You got an email yesterday? >> Yes, we got an email. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> I read it today. >> Yeah, I was going to say there definitely was an email that was sent out to the academic committee. Thank you. Yes. >> I just just could you clarify again how the parents were chosen to get these this email or did you send it to all these parents that you're speaking of? I'm a little confused. You said some got phone calls, some got emails. >> Did the kids parents? >> We're asking feedback whether it was a email, whether it was through a conversation. We are in the infasy stages
063where we didn't even set the administration didn't even set our first meeting. We are just starting to talk about it. That's why the board received just a little bit of information. >> So this was just the first group of parents basically. >> Correct. It's just very initial. Um and you know we weren't trying to offend anyone by excluding anyone. It's just like that first step. Um and we are within timeline. I think I emailed that to the committee and shared that um we are just starting that process. Mccertie, I did have a phone call with Mrs. Malazo yesterday, like an overview, but uh the email was today. >> Okay, thank you. >> So, can we contemplate a focus group because I think this is still getting lost. I see some shaking of heads, but I
064also think that some people don't. >> I think it would be beneficial. I mean, you want to go to the people that have the most experience. So, >> that's us. We live and breathe it every day >> daily. So I >> I don't know why it wouldn't be considered. I don't know of any negative. >> Yeah, I don't know. >> I I agree. I think um that would be helpful and um perhaps administrators can think about how how we can do that most effectively and and present that to the board. That would >> Yeah, I think it would be in that survey that you're talking about. That should be one of the questions to be honest with you because how to best communicate that because you know I don't want to be the one just
065coming to you directly and saying you're a part of the focus group very similar to the food service you were chosen for that based upon com like coming here to the meeting. So it would not be fair for me to say you would be in the focus group. I think that should be part of the um like whether it's a Google survey um to see who all is interested and it could be 50 families, right? And then taking a look at that. Maybe we'll have to do separate groups. So, it really just depends on the feedback from that survey. But I think that would be the best way to start collecting that information about a focus group. >> Okay. And I do think this is because, you know, a lot of us have had struggles
066for years. You know, this is something that should happen sooner rather than later. I would very much appreciate. >> Well, did you just say that it something is due on May 1st? >> Yeah. The o the overall special education plan um is due approved into PD by by May 1st. >> Yeah. What they emailed uh us was to have feedback from parents about the plan within a week. But what I would also say is the email you sent was quite vague. You know, it was just feedback. Well, what kind of feedback? I would encourage future communication, you know, give us specifics, right? Because again, a lot of parents don't know how to read these types of documents, what exactly you're looking for. I mean, I at least knew there was a document and I knew
067there were state guidelines, but I didn't know where to get them. So, I had the knowledge to ask for those particular things. Um, not everyone knows where to find all of that type of information and how to read through it. Um, so I would encourage more specific language in terms of what exactly what particular feedback, what section of the document are do you want feedback for? Um, it would just be much more helpful for the broader picture for parents. >> And I'd like to suggest um, now that we're bringing back attorney Evans, >> this is her wheelhouse. >> Exactly. She should be involved from start to finish. Well, she'll be able to help define >> encourage she to be involved in th the making of those emails as well. >> Yeah. >> She can help
068us decide how we're going to >> Right. And she may be a good one for this focus group too. What is the best way to design this as well? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hi. Um, my name is Sheri Simpson. It's SIM Po N. And on the tale of that, I would like to just talk about improvements going forward um into this school year and and with the new board members that we have here in terms of um helping change our culture here with Crestwood School District um with the way people are treating others inside the building. um of all of our schools um not just secondary campus but the elementary schools and educating people to be able to be more accepting, inclusive, and respectful um than what currently I'm
069seeing in the community with the schools that we have attended. My I have two daughters who both have special needs and um it's been a challenge since we we've moved into Pennsylvania into this district and I've had some meetings um to try to help enlighten uh the administration. The teachers have been wonderful. They've been very supportive. Um, but I'm here just to talk about and to make an open um dialogue to see if we can get things um moving and talking about how can we change the minds and the hearts of the students who are attending here every day inside this building and all the buildings here at Crestwood. What sort of expectations do we have? What sort of standards are we setting? Um, do we have pillars in place that that state respectfulness, inclusiveness?
070Um, and so I just I I want to be able to talk to change that going forward, changing the trajectory. And I I think that it can help resolve many problems that right now we're chasing with litigation. um when people are being harassed and I feel like there's a lot of money spent, there's a lot of time with teachers having to monitor students or do followup uh interviews with calling parents um being um having to always chase chase after it instead of being proactive and educating. I'd like to suggest that we get an assembly going for helping students understand inclusiveness. Maybe even allowing students to pair up with the SPED students. um have a buddy. Maybe once a week, you know, particular students in each class get to go and serve some time or volunteer
071in this bedroom. Maybe they could take one of the students into the lunchroom and have lunch with every one of their friends at their table. and people can actually start to see and understand their world and what they go through every day. Um, changing the hearts and the minds of the students inside this building is really what I'm after. And I am happy to help um find programs. I know that the um there's a program safe offers to come in and do an assembly. It's a 45minute assembly and I think that they've had conversations here um I think with Mr. Craig if I'm not mistaken um to come in and talk to the students about um understanding each other and um I I also have done some research with other programs. There's um one called
072Oellis um that's a training program for administration teachers that can help implement that knowledge and have students understand more about um being inclusive. So, um, I would like to just start the dialogue and I'm happy to follow up with emails. Um, and I'm happy to help implement things. I know that we have a lot of parents in the sped group who would be getting behind this and even if there was a monthly or a quarterly meeting that we could make with the sped parents to get on board and um help implement some of the ideas. Uh I know that people would be open to that. So, I would just like to say that um when the bullying, the harassment, and disability based harassment are addressed afterwards, there's so much money and time wasted in that
073when we could actually get ahead of it instead. And starting from the ground up in elementary school, teaching kids how to be kind, how to be respectful, that's where it starts. And then it blossoms from there. And when somebody is getting harassed or bullied, there's more people to stand up and say stuff. And it's not always going to be on the teachers to have to monitor everything because their time is valuable. So is our administration. I know Mr. Kra has had several conversations with several students. Bless his heart. He's doing a a great job at stepping in and trying to help um monitor all of that. But I know that his time is valuable as well. So if we can get the students in, I would that's my my goal. So >> ma'am, I don't
074know if I'm following you. So you're saying that in the school you're kids are getting bullied and mistreated because of maybe a handicap or something like that. >> That's correct. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> I mean, I was a part of this district years back. I did sometimes substituting and I' I've never witnessed any of that. >> Oh, I can tell you many stories. >> Well, I'm you know, I'm just saying it's disheartening to hear that. I know Coach Arangel is here and he always has his kids in uh you know, doing community service. They're, you know, they're real good with uh our special needs group. I remember when I used to substitute uh for the life skills kids, a lot of students would come in and, you know, say hi. were very welcoming uh
075every day and I know I I don't teach my sons uh to be like that. So, it's >> Yeah. And and I appreciate that. But I know that there's people parents in our community who may not be enlightened in this world. And I think that we can start with the students in the building. That's where it really matters is the hearts of the people that are inside of our walls. And I think it's up to us as parents and administrators to hold people to a standard once they come into the building. This is what we're okay with. We're not okay with this behavior. And you're held to a standard of dignity and respecting others and not we don't always see that with every family in this community. We have to start teaching it inside of
076our buildings. That's my goal. So, have have you reported some of these? >> I have. And were they dealt with? >> It's getting dealt with. Yes. >> Okay. >> But it's not just me. There are several families who are being affected and I'm speaking for several of them tonight. >> Mrs. Romanian, um, I think you have a comment. >> Lauren, >> yeah, >> go ahead. >> I don't know if you guys can hear me. Can you guys hear me again? It's Nancy. Yes, >> I'm so sorry I'm doing this remotely, but I did want to address this parent. I think it's amazing she's standing up and expressing the concern she has. If I could suggest to Mrs. Malazo that we somehow while we're, you know, exploring this option of having a bigger focus group or
077planning this special ed steering committee that maybe we include this in in that process that we can also include how we can, you know, and even part of our special ed plan include this to to be a proactive um part of our plan moving forward. And I think this parent makes a lot of good um she raises a lot of good concerns, but either way, I think adding this to our special ed plan would just be better for our district overall. Regardless of her concerns, we this is just makes this makes sense that we do this. It helps not only our special ed kids but even our kids just learning to be um working with special needs kids or understanding their empathy towards those kids or towards that just in the future having skills just
078working in a work environment makes a ton of sense. You never know what you're going to be faced with in an environment whether it's a work environment public environment whatever it may be then learning skills to deal with this from a regular ed standpoint and then vice versa sharing skills back and forth. So maybe add this to our steering committee somehow that we can work collectively with the community and come up with a great plan moving forward. >> I do uh in a lot of the conversations I have with parents um the culture, the bullying. I I hear these concerns very often and I like the idea of having a studentled group that will be you know that that's really important to um to to start changing the the hearts and minds as you said
079before. Um so I'd like to look at that as an option. Lauren, I just want to speak that um >> Miss Malazo and myself, we did have some communication about this was like last week and um you did say that there is something but I think that that will expand on that a little bit. >> Yeah. So um I'm not sure if you're aware and I don't mean to insult you if you already knew this. So we we do have an Avidum club here at the secondary campus. Their motto is we've got your back and um you know as you were discussing as Miss Romanian was just saying Miss McCertie as we're kind of just all collaborating right now um engaging that invitum club um you know they are there to say something for if
080it's a peer-to-peer interaction if they don't want to go to an adult they know that this group is there they get together often honestly I don't know if it's monthly or if it's every other week but they do have afterchool activities that they're together. So maybe promoting that club a little bit more than what we have now. I can't speak to how many students are in that club, but it is a very large club. Um, but we can always you you know sometimes the best thing is the students say it. When the adults are always saying something to them, maybe it doesn't hit home. So having that conversation peer-topeer may go a lot farther. Um, and I'm proud to say that in our elementary schools, we did start an Avidum club at elementary. Um, so
081that um, I actually believe Miss uh, Noel Nicholas is um, and there was a I think it was Miss Healey at Rice Elementary are the adviserss and they are doing wonderful things um, with the students positivity and um, you know, anti-bullying um, information for our students. Um we do have an ontrack program at elementary and that does share inclusivity talks about uh anti-bullying you know and there's different targeted areas and each letter has its own specific thing but looking at that um and growing that maybe tailoring it a little bit more um and maybe updating it a little bit more as well um is something that our principles at the elementary do do on a like a quarterly basis um or you know because they to get through all the letters by the end of
082the year. Um, so yes, all of this feedback, we are doing things, but we can always do more, right? And I we've already met before and I do really value your calmness, your your genuiness. I really do appreciate even this conversation as as Miss Romanition said, that's courageous that you come here today and and understand that Mr. Craig has uh spoke to me multiple times about what he is doing. Um, and I appreciate you mentioning that as well. And I believe we're close to an assembly. Mr. Craig, I don't want to put you on the spot, but I he is shaking his head um about having that assembly that we had talked about a couple weeks ago as well. So, like I said, we can always do better. Your feedback, you have my email address.
083If you want to send me a couple emails of that other um you know what you had mentioned earlier, I would happy to meet with you even one-on-one if you wanted to. >> Thank you. I I do believe the power is within the students like you said um the Avita program is that offered to middle school because >> Yes, it is. Yep. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> 7 through 12. >> And if we need to maybe um like that information goes out in the beginning of the year, but maybe we need to push it out even now. So, as you know, February and March is a really tough time. It's a very dark, you know, the it's cold, it's snowy, can't go outside. So maybe this is the best time to maybe push that out
084again that there is that uh group available as well for the students. So I'll speak to administration to push out that Avidum club here. >> Okay. >> Could we have the students of the Avidum club perhaps do presentations to other students so that they can talk about >> actually even spoke about having some of the high school kids go into the elementary because sometimes you know the elementary kids look up to the high school kids. I agree. So if they're if the high school kids are having lunch with the certain children and >> I think that would be awesome, right? >> I do think that would say a lot. And I do believe, you know, when we were in Virginia, when we lived there, it was really neat to just see this bed kids come
085in to the lunchroom and get intermixed with the popular kids table. And you know, I just think that that inclusiveness really does um help, I think, just build up character and and you know, they have a friend in the dark corner when they need one. So, >> yeah. All right. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, >> Ryan. We uh Fairview Township WIT. Uh if I could comment first, you recognize students here this evening and from elementary up to student athletes in the high school. You know, one of the things some of the things I listened to intently and took away from that was I heard a lot of the characteristic traits that are similar even for the elementary students up to the high school students. You know, dedication, determination, resiliency, teamwork, those types of
086things. And and that's a credit for on several layers and way that happens. First, it's you know, credit to the parents because they understand the importance of a quality education and having kids actively engaged in extracurricular activities. Secondly, it's a credit to the students themselves. their intrinsic motive motivation to want to do better and continue to grow and learn through their mistakes and through their their successes as well. And thirdly, um it's a credit to the faculty and staff here at Crestwood who continues to keep striving and pushing and challenging students and student athletes every day. So, I just would like to make that comment before I actually come in and ask my questions. Mrs. Malazo, I hope you're feeling better. I came to the work session last week and you weren't there so I
087I had to come back again because a couple questions I have I think you may be able to answer. So, one of So, so again, I I talked a little bit last week in regards to looking more into the special education due process complaints litigations. And I, you know, I I dug a little deeper and I found that, you know, just I'll just go back to 2425, I think there were five due process complaints within the district and this year I saw I believe there's only one. Um, and and Mr. Benz had reported that at this point in time in the process, you're at the same pace of as far as financially heading down the same track. So, Mr. Ben, if I you know, I'll summarize what I believe. I heard you say last week
088when I asked you how you came up with that and you basically said, "Well, at the same point in time, I don't I didn't get into the number of of due process complaints. That's not my area. I just looked at the numbers basically and at that point in time, here it is." So my assumption would be if you have no more debros complaints throughout the lesser years, your your actual litigation cost would be down probably significantly. I didn't ask Mr. Ben what that cost was at the time he did those numbers. I don't know if you have it off the top of your head. If you do, can you share it? >> I I don't have a specific number. No, but I I recall that um last year the total number was over $400,000. Right.
089Right. and and at the time that I ran that report, it was under 200, but I can't give you an exact number. >> Okay. So, so my my next question is I know I believe when you talked about how you came up with those numbers. You kind of just looked at what the the actual bills were and and that's how you come to your numbers because you're not necessarily looking at the actual settlement agreements or anything that's involved with settlement agreements. That's not your area because that falls more probably more under Mrs. Malazo. >> Would that would that be an accurate depiction? for the previous years I looked was actually recorded in our financial accounting system. Um and those books are closed obviously for this year. I looked at where we are year to date
090and did then just did straight extrapolation. >> Yeah. Basically the bills only though you're looking at the bills, right? >> The bills are what is recorded in the system. I didn't p pull actual bills. Okay. I just looked at what was in the financial. >> So, so, so my my comment and question then would be, you know, from the the actual settlement agreement, you have not looked at the numbers that was agreed upon for the attorney fees within there because sometimes they don't match with the fees with the attorney fees that bills. >> Well, we look at the settlement agreement before we pay the bill. >> Okay. All right. So, so you know that you know the the bill that you might get from the that they may see as board members may have $20,000.
091I'm making this number up. $20,000 that the attorney's actually charging you, but in the settlement agreement, you may be agreed to pay that attorney $10,000. So you that's those are the numbers you used >> what we actually paid. >> Okay. Great. So what about comped numbers? Have you have you have you that's has that determination I know it's not in the litigation fees. It won't be in your litigation fees, but have you how do you budget that and finance that then? >> I I haven't done a specific analysis on that. So any cost there um would be picked up just through trending and overall special ed costs. >> Okay. So so how do how do you know that whenever obviously the due process settlement agreements are in there and that comped may be part of
092that process. Um how how are you as a a district holding that number for for last year to make sure you have it budgeted this year because in those comped agreements it could have that the student can has the ability to use it for certain educational purposes. Obviously, there's a lot of them litany in there and it could be up until 21 or it could be the time they graduate. There's different language that goes in there. How do you make sure that you have that money in there that account the whole >> So, I don't manage that in any way as far as what's what the student would actually receive. As far as budgeting for those costs, I'm doing a a trending over the last several years and keeping that in the budget going forward.
093If I see a spike, I would make an adjustment for it. >> Okay. So you don't you don't necessarily put into the budget from last year that you saw in the comped that was and I'm going to make up a number that each kid had $10,000 in comped. I just made that up. So if you had five $50,000 unit budget for that and put that in here for the for this school budget this year. >> Not to that level of granularity. It's trended. >> Okay. All right. >> So All right. So, so but there is communication between the the business office and your office in regards to those comped complaints and numbers and that goes into that as well. I'm assuming >> there's the budget that I produced shared with the superintendent and the board.
094So, >> yes. >> All right. So, again, my understand my assumption was based on the way it was presented at your workshop is that that numbers were given before and I my assumption was what I heard you say Mr. Malasso at that workshop in January. Is this the first time I'm really hearing about it? And again, if I'm misspeaking, please correct me because I don't want to misspeak. >> The analysis that we were discussing, that was what I referred to. Okay. Um was just recently done with a deep dive with Miss Romanian and the board and um we're still actively speaking about what our analysis came through. Um and just to kind of like talk about the comped, which I'm sure you're aware, but it would be hard for Mr. ends to he does the
095best that he can and extrapolates the best that he can but as you know in those comped funds you know depending on the age of the student it may not be that next year so it is hard for him to identify and split out I'm getting feedback here >> I'm getting back feed from his roition >> okay there so it is it would be difficult for anyone to try to um to budget that. But he does a great job with it. Um but depending on the age of this student, you know, that could take over the next 10 years as you know. So I I he does the best that he can. I think he does a great job with it. >> Yep. And again, I just wanted to because to me when I I
096walked away from what I heard at that first workshop when I was reading the paper and then made me come, I listened to the board meet the workshop meeting and those types of things, that's what really drove me here. I don't really like to be here. I'm hoping I don't have to come back very often. Um, but it it sounded like there was some real gaps in communication there and it sounded like it was gaps in communication between the two of you and that that would be very concerning to me that you're both leaders in this district based on the financial aspect and the educational part and you're not there's not some miscommunication going on there. That would be very dis very concerning for as me as a resident of the district. Um, so so
097how how has the analysis gone? because in my opinion if you had five and 24 25 and I don't know what you had the other years because I didn't go back and really dig that deeply. Um so so I would have probably been looking at that information if I was in your role back in 2425. So how is your analysis going right now because I know that was something you said that you were going to be looking at. >> Yes. So um the board had just approved attorney Evans and we want to make her a part of that process. The board came um with that idea. I fully support that. So once miss um Evans or attorney Evans is able to look at everything we're going to collaborate. I did give some of the notes
098to the board already of they put an agenda together. We put some information there. So very in the near future we'll be getting together but we wanted to make sure all the key players are going to be a part of that meeting as we do uh a better analysis and go over that. And I forgot to mention thank you for the well wishes that you just mentioned. Um you know I appreciate that. Thank you. >> Oh you're more than welcome. More than welcome. Okay. So, so again, now how are we going to build in the estimated cost of Mrs. Evans fees because you don't have that budgeted for, I'm assuming, already. And it sounds like she's going to be a part of a lot of different meetings here. Whatever her rate is, I think $250
099an hour. Is that what it is or something to that effect? Um, so she's going to be part of your comp special comp plan. She's going to be part of your analysis team. She's going to be part of any type of litigation that you have and represent you as attorney. How's that being budgeted for then? [clears throat] Hey, can I jump in? >> Is that okay to jump in, guys? >> Okay. Yeah. So, um, Mr. Wade, I appreciate all the concerns and items you're bringing up here. And I think one thing that we need to look at and not necessarily with attorney Evans, but internally and Mr. Malazo, we've been speaking and reviewing with our committee now that I think we do need to have um, Mr. Ben's involved in analyzing going forward how we're
100even tracking expenses. >> And you know, I I think internally we're going to have some changes in how we handle this going forward so we can track these expenses. And I'm I've been in talks with some other special ed directors throughout the areas I've worked in the past and how they track their expenses and coming up with a better plan so we can have budgeted items going forward and and inclusion. We need to have the business office involved more and understanding how we're tracking this and just an accounting systemwise as well as obviously the overview of the whole special ed program that we're going to have and MZO and her team is doing a great job of putting that together but separate we are going to have meetings regarding the business office too and how
101we're going to indicate in the budget how we're going to have this moving forward because I think Mr. Benz, you know, we need to just get a better overview and I think Miss Malazo is on board with indicate going forward with that too. >> Yeah. So, Brian, to answer your question directly, obviously the 2526 budget was adopted last June. It's in place, correct? It's locked. It doesn't change. So, I'll be make I can't make any changes to that budget that's already been adopted. So, your question about 2627, how will that be budgeted? That process I'm I'm going through now. And one of the things I'll need to better understand between now and June when this board adopts the final budget is how uh Mrs. Evans cost is that supplemental? Does it replace existing uh legal
102fees coming from other places? How does that all I don't I'm not going to assume it's all incremental. I'm not going to assume that it entire entirely replaces other costs until I understand that from the board and from Natasha. That makes sense. >> Yeah, it does. It does. uh just be I'm I'd be a little concerned about her involvement in all the different things. It sounds like she's going to be involved in the cost that's going to come to the district. your cost that you talked about for litigation next year to being 200,000 or 50% of what it was last year is going to probably be about the same then because of her hours that she's going to be involved here because I don't see the special ed plan as the conversation went tonight being
103a short-term type of project and then um obviously if she's going to be involved in the analysis of all this I don't see that as a shortterm project. Uh, so and then know if she's involved in any actual due process complaints, you're gonna so you're gonna have to really try to look at some hours in there and project your your budget for 2627. I appreciate your time. Thanks. Hi, I just like to add uh something that Miss Simpson, I believe, uh was uh talking about before about the uh special needs and bullyism issue. And I realize I'm the new guy on the block and I don't obviously I don't have a position as you do and I'm not a student here or even a teacher and I don't have children either um of any kind.
104I'm not even married. Uh however, having been a student, having been a student that was bullied in high school, middle school and high school and and also assaulted, uh after several complaints I made to security and uh different faculty members at the at that time and nothing was done. Uh and that was I was assaulted when I was getting on my bus by the person that kept attacking uh kept harassing me. I was kicked the head 21 times and as a punishment alls they were given was three days off and I was told I was my fault. Uh I often think about that and uh what that which led me to actually take up uh self-defense which I studied for eight years successfully. Um but that's not the point. The point being is that I
105think um I think it was this gentleman over here who said that there was no or or he alluded to the fact that there haven't been many complaints or of some sort. Um I think I think bullyism goes on a lot more in in not just this school but any school a lot more than uh we see. And I think uh it's important to understand that just because uh it's not being reported doesn't mean it's not happening. And I know in our school um I think it was in 12th grade we had a uh a suggestion box that was installed. Um it was about complaints and that uh it it wasn't wasn't for the teachers to collect. It wasn't for on the wall for uh you know kids just to put in silly notes we
106call or this or that. Uh I think we actually had to put a number uh like our like a school number and our name and then uh solely one by one individually uh we'd be evaluated by you know the principal or a guidance counselor and I'm I just like to make a suggestion. I think that would be a a helpful uh asset you call to perhaps your problem. I don't know about the special needs problem, but I can also say this. I think as far as that goes, not only uh the teachers need to be uh more brought in on the special needs thing. I think also the paraprofessionals do. I know my brother is a paraprofessional with the uh Hazel School District and uh a lot of times there's a crisscross between what the
107teachers uh we want and uh what their what the parents are told their abilities they could do. So I think they should be run to whatever that focus group is as well. And uh I'd also like to just say too that maybe perhaps um maybe if it could be arranged or done in a halfhour sense uh weekly or monthly that maybe uh randomly the principal or vice principal whatever school uh uh calls a student randomly to the office and has lunch with them and just asks them how they're doing and just spends time with them. uh you know it's not like you're in trouble or we're making a report just just to see how it's going or it's not like oh oh he's going to rat on us or he's going to do this you
108know you know do it anonymously and do it surprisingly and I think that the more you do that I think it's more organic and you find more out would go that way >> sir just about every school district now has the safe to say which is like an an app or on the school district website where kids could uh anonymously you know make their claim to what's going on. >> Well, I understand. >> So, just so you know. >> Well, I understand. >> You don't have a bo, you know, I was in school, we had the box, too. But that's how they do it now. >> Well, I understand that, but then again, at the same Which is very true, but at the same time, not all the time are kids into phones. I mean,
109I know that this is the phone generation, but not all the time kids have phones or do it or sometimes they're just so afraid that they don't even they don't even tell anybody. And then you know we hear in the news you know teen suicide or we hear that you know they were just bullied online or something like that. So that's why I thought about the box. It reminded me I think we had a few I I recall there was a few suicides in uh my um graduations class unfortunately and uh I also remember there was other there was other incidents as well that happened were unfortunate but I just thought maybe perhaps I'd add to Miss Simpson's uh uh subject that she was mentioning about possibly that and also about the pair of professionals
110as well being brought in um the uh the semicircle or group thing. So, >> thank you. >> There any other non-aggenda items for this evening? >> Sure. >> So, I just want to make an announcement. As soon as I'm done leaving here, I'm going to be announcing the 2-hour delay. Typically, I try to do it by 7:30. Um, I'm a little late, so if you see me run right out of here, uh, feel free to spread the word, but there'll be a two-hour delay going out soon. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, our next scheduled committee meeting is March 12th, 2026, which will be held in the secondary campus at 5:30, and a regular board meeting will be held on March 19th, 2026 in [clears throat] the secondary campus at 6:30 p.m. Uh, is there
111a motion to adjurnn? Motion like to second. >> All in favor? I >> I >> meeting ajourned. is the third. >> That's your point.