001Okay, good evening everyone. Thank you for coming out. If we could start the meeting with everyone uh saying the pledge of allegiance. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay, Miss Ramirez has roll call and I'd like to acknowledge that Miss Greenfield is on via Zoom. Okay, we'll be moving on to the superintendence report. Thank you, Miss Hess. On behalf of Miss Piaza, I just wanted to send her regrets. Uh she was out of state and got stuck and not being able to get back to Pennsylvania uh at to the airport. So, she sends her regrets and um just wanted to say congratulations on behalf of her to uh the recipients tonight
002that we're going to announce. So, um just want to share that information with you. Uh tonight from the superintendent report, we have a few items to discuss. uh we will be recognizing three recipients uh for an award regarding centered around our profile graduate and the competencies displayed uh three employees of the district. We also have a presentation by CHA in regard to capital projects and then a few other uh little highlights that we want to share. So I want to start this evening with one of our recipients, Miss Samantha Ogar. Are you here? Can you stand up? All right. >> [applause] >> So, Miss O Miss Osgar exemplifies the district's profile graduate by modeling the competencies our students are expected to develop each day. She applies her professional expertise to thoughtfully solve problems and manage
003communication with students, families, colleagues, and administrators. As an East High School math teacher, her creativity and and intentionality shine through an engaging learning experiences such as math basketball uh and math or treat. while she continuously adjusts instruction to meet the diverse needs of her students. Kind of like to hear a little more about math basketball and math retreat in a little bit, but we'll give you that chance. Uh she's cultivated a classroom culture grounded in respect, understanding, and trust where students feel heard and supported. Miss Ogar collaborates effectively with co-teers and colleagues, values multiple perspectives, and readily provides support when needed. She also fosters student collaboration through her leadership as student council adviser. Beyond the classroom, Miss Oscar is deeply involved in school life, supporting students through activities such as powderpuff boys cheerleading, pickle ball
004club, bonfire build, and the sleepout. In her role as a case manager and learning sport teacher, uh she communicates consistently and effectively with all stakeholders, dedicates extra time to students during lunch and prep periods, and mentors newer staff members. Uh Miss Oscar's dedication, compassion, and lasting impact make her an educator students will remember for a lifetime. So, Miss Oscar, thank you for all that you do. And if you would like to say anything, um, please do. And we want to hear a little bit more about those two, uh, those two things. So, and then we have a certificate if you wouldn't mind coming up and and and getting as well. So, a round of applause, please. [applause] >> Thank you so much. >> Appreciate. You want to say anything? >> Um, >> a little bit.
005>> Uh, the math basketball is Math Madness. So, it's like a basketball bracket for the March Madness theme. Um, Yeah, that's it. >> All right. Thank you so much. >> All right. Our second recipient this evening, Mr. Christopher Ballentine. Where are you? There you are. All right. [applause] Mr. Christopher Balentine, a 2011 graduate, exemplifies a multitude of qualities related to our district's profile of a graduate through his leadership, dedication, and lasting impact on students. He is an instrumental music director and teacher at the high school. As instrumental music director for the high school, he demonstrates exceptional communication with parents, staff, students, alumni, and community members to showcase student talent and help every learner reach their potential. He is a dynamic problem solver managing the complex logistics of a large-scale music program. from [clears throat] coordinating
006hundreds of instruments and uniforms to organizing transportation, maintaining the band field, supporting PMEA and county band participation, and overseeing multiple specialty ensembles. His work ensures students have access to meaningful highquality performance opportunities. Mr. Balentine is also a collaborative leader building partnerships across schools, events, and K12 programs to strengthen and sustain the instrumental music program. His creativity opens doors for students to represent Easton on regional and national stages, expanding both their experiences and their confidence. A dedicated mentor, he empowers students to strive for excellence in both music and character. His guiding message to students, tradition is the hard work and dedication of those that stood before you. Today is your turn. That statement reflects his belief in responsibility, growth, and pride in community. Mr. Balentine's leadership and commitment embody the spirit of the profile of a
007graduate and serve as an inspiration to the entire East community. Mr. Balentine, we are truly grateful for your work and congratulations. [applause] >> Sure. Thank you for all you do. You want to say anything? Are you sure? No, you're good. >> All right. Thanks, Chris. [laughter] >> All right. And our third recipient this evening is an EASD police officer, uh, Officer Steven Schlleg. [applause] Officer Steven Schlleg exemplifies the East Area School District's profile graduate, accompanied through his service to our students, schools, and community. Officer Schlleg is a problem solver who worked tirelessly this year to bring together community members and local resources to ensure that all of our young rovers had winter coats. These efforts hosted specifically at Cheston and Paxinosa Elementary Schools reflect creativity, initiative, and commitment to student well-being. He is also an
008empowered citizen who while on duty at Chestston Elementary School assisted our school nurse in saving an infant's life, an extraordinary act that speaks to his preparedness and dedication to serving others. Thank you, Steve. Officer Sleg demonstrates a strong commitment to being a continuous learner. Recently completing the FBI LITA Executive Leadership Institute, he pursued this rigorous training outside of his daily responsibilities, taking the initiative to strengthen his leadership skills in order to better serve our schools and the Eastern community. In addition, Officer Schlleg is a collaborator who consistently brings community leaders into Chest Elementary School each year for National Leadership Pizza Day. elected officials, community members, Eastern alumni, local college athletes, and district administrators come together to connect and inspire our Chest and Cougars, creating a meaningful relationships and memorable experiences for students. Officer Schlleg's actions
009reflect our profile of graduates competencies in regard to the Eastn Area School District's values and mission. He is a collaborator, a role model for students, and a valued member of our school community. Thank you, Steve, for all that you do. [applause] >> Thank you, sir. You say anything >> a little bit. >> Sure. >> All right. >> Sure. the FBI training, we uh had the opportunity to take a an exam. One of the exams tells you what kind of leadership you are. It's called a DISC exam. >> So, I am a hard C. So, I'm usually prepared for certain things just in case, but uh this opportunity first. [clears throat] Just want to say thank you very much for Mr. Cuck for bringing back this award, for nominating me for it. As well, uh thank
010the superintendent uh Dr. Jabber, Dr. Ziatic, the East Area School District, especially Superintendent Tracy Piaza, and leadership support and commitment to our students. Thank you to the school board. Uh your [clears throat] guidance, dedication, and willingness to make difficult decisions in the best interest of our children do not go unnoticed. You set the tone for the district and on your behalf in the education truly matters. In recent weeks, we have talked and about and spoken among members in the community about test scores. Uh although test scores have their benchmark standards in place and usefulness, that doesn't show you um doesn't show you everything. What it doesn't excuse me [clears throat] what it does doesn't show you is a childhood being a number or child being a number. They don't show you a child uh who
011can go to school hungry and still raise her hand. It doesn't show you that the student who reads slower than everyone else but refuses to quit. They don't show you that you doesn't show you on a graph how the human heart beats. It always goes beyond that. Sometimes uh the test score doesn't tell you who holds a door. It doesn't tell you who stays after class to help be a friend. It doesn't tell you who goes home to chaos and comes back the next day ready to try it again. That's not failure. That's courage and bravery. Listen to me. Struggle is not a weakness. Struggle is the birthplace of greatness. Every strong adult you admire, every leader, every healer, every protector, every dreamer, they all were once a child who had struggles. Someone who doubted
012themselves. Someone who needed a teacher to say, "I see you." In a moment that they believe changed everything. Because education is not just about reading levels and math scores. Education is about showing a child that they matter. It's about teaching them how to stand up when life knocks them down. How to keep going when things get hard, how to become kind in a world that isn't always gentle. A district is not defined by percentages. It's defined by its people. Uh by teachers who stay late even when they're exhausted, by administrators who fight for their students, by staff who show up every single day carrying hope into the classroom. by children. Beautiful, imperfect, resilient children who keep trying. Even when even when they're scared, they still show up. That is a miracle because one day these
013students won't be measured by bank by benchmarks. They'll be measured by who they become. They'll be me. They'll be parents. They'll be nurses. They'll be builders, artists, officers, and teachers. They'll be the ones holding the community together. And no standardized test or even a rubric assignment score will ever capture that. The spirit of education searches cross time, past, present, and future, carried forward by the generations of those refused to give up on children. Numbers rise and fall, but character lasts forever. So let's try and see more than just how they score. Let's see how they grow. Let's ask who they help. Let's ask the brave that they become because inside struggling student is a future leader waiting for someone to believe. And if they keep trying and keep believing in our children, they will meet
014all expectations [clears throat] that rise above them. Thank you very much, [applause] Miss Ogar, Mr. Mr. Valentine, Mr. Schlleg, we have an incredible staff in the district, you know, second to none. Um, and I know that we don't always do it and you don't always do it for recognition. Uh, but it is important to recognize your efforts and everything you do on a daily basis day in and day out for not only our students and staff and community. Um, but just to be better and and everything you can do to to make this world a better place. um it is important that we recognize you and you shine uh above all else, you know, above everyone else at this time and we appreciate all that you do and the dedication that you display uh to
015our district and community. So, thank you. Um appreciate it. So, one more round of applause, please, for them. And [applause] all right, and if you wish to stay for the rest of the meeting, you're welcome to. [laughter] All right. Okay. >> Maybe not. All right. So, the next section of uh our report this evening is we are going to have a brief presentation uh specifically by Mike Depwin for from CHA. And I see a reef here as well. So, thank you for being here to both of you. Um to our board members as a refresher and to our new board members. Um Mike is with CHA, our engineer, our engineers for the district. Um this Mike is who we work with uh Mr. Casease and I in regard to our capital plan. um and the
016projects that we choose to do on a yearly basis um while balancing you know our finances and the need uh for those projects. So uh Mike is going to be leading a conversation this evening about our capital plan um kind of give a brief history of where we came from, the process which we utilize and then where we're going to focus for this upcoming school year and beyond. So uh at the end Mike we can certainly take questions but I'm going to bounce it to you for the presentation and then Ken will jump in as well. >> Thank you Dr. Zatic and good to see everyone this evening. Uh my name is Mike Depodwin uh with CHA the uh engineer of record for the district and won't do any more introduction as uh Dr. Da
017gave a pretty good summary. So the the next slide please. Uh so here to discuss uh the capital improvement plan uh where we've been where we are and where we're going. And uh just as a brief history, we've been doing this uh capital plan uh for just about 20 years now with the eastern district. I think 2006 uh was our first one. So we're very proud of the work that we've done over the past 20 years and especially with the upcoming replacement of the new the new high school. A really exciting time. So uh the to actually complete a capital improvement plan and update it there are a bunch of steps involved it's a very involved process that we work with uh Ken case director of facilities u many stakeholders throughout the district to identify
018the the important parts of the entire east area uh school district campus uh what uh systems need to be improved what the priorities are and then how do we efficiently execute them. Uh so step one uh we meet with stakeholders and this was all done in uh 2022 to complete uh what is a approximately a five-year plan. Uh then we perform a detailed condition assessment throughout all the facilities. We go in all the buildings uh record information uh take photos and and anal an analyze that information. Uh step three prepare a preliminary list of capital improvement recommendations. And you you'll see how we uh how we make those preliminary lists later. Uh we review those findings with Ken, the facilities crew, and then also the uh the administration and the board. Uh confirm projects for
019the five-year plan and then execute those projects on a yearly basis. And we're continuing to refine those projects as we go through yeartoear. Uh so the next slide, please. So, we've been very busy over the past five years, uh, completing major projects, uh, which I'm sure you're familiar familiar with, the Chest Elementary School, Palmer Elementary School, and the Cotttingham Stadium reconstruction. Uh, three really fantastic projects that that serve the community. And then also behind the scenes, maybe not as uh um not as publicly available, are the the other capital projects that we've been doing. I won't list them all, but uh last year we replaced the original high school elevator and then did a partial roof replacement of of the middle school. And these are all part of the rhythm of uh keeping the facilities
020up to date and working handinhand with Ken Casease's staff and they do a great job of maintaining those facilities. uh the current capital projects that we have on slate, of course, the the new high school project phase one of that uh which is the uh infrastructure improvements and relocations starting up this year. Uh the public library chiller replacement and then two others um some paving restoration at the middle school we're recommending this year and um replacement of some split system HVAC units in the IT rooms of the middle school in March Elementary. The next slide. Uh just a thought a pretty cool picture of the replacement area of the middle school this year. Uh a great drone shot. It's only uh 65,000 square feet of what is a much larger building, but uh it was
021a great project this year. >> Oh yeah, fantastic. >> Uh so how do we make the uh decisions on what projects to do when? Uh it's not just uh us guessing. There is an evaluation matrix, a rubric that we use score zero through five with a bunch of different categories based on the safety uh the curricular value, the domino effect, community impact, a bunch of different factors that we look at and assign a value to each project so we can make informed data driven decisions. Uh this has been a method that we use in many of our districts and it's been a great method that we've used to execute projects over the years. The next slide. So, the uh highest priority recommendations uh based on the 2022 uh capital improvement plan, um we've been working
022our way through from highest priority down to the lowest. And you'll see uh it's a little small, but a lot of those are are the high school. And so those are are not being uh done individually. They will be taken care of during the whole entire uh high school replacement project. Uh it's not necessarily to say there's going to be zero work at the high school between now and the completion of the new project. You know there may be certain things select areas that you know we have to get from today to 2031 that would need to be replaced but those are those are minor and we certainly would not be uh doing each line item at the high school. Uh totaling it's about uh a little over $50 million of capital improvements and of
023that the uh the high school is over 32 million. And when the uh the steering committee for the new high school was was meeting, that was just one of the reasons why we decided to go uh with a new high school as opposed to just refreshing and clearing the capital improvement uh line items on the plan because of the vast majority of of work needed at the high school just to bring it back to uh uh where it needs to be today. Um a couple items in red we'll talk about a little later on. there what we're going to be discussing for this summer hopefully to uh to complete and but overall with so many items being the high school the rest of facilities are actually uh in pretty good shape and that's thanks to
024the team that Ken Casease has and also the work that we've been doing over the past 20 years the next slide. So, more specifically in the five-year plan, um you know, couple high school items just at the top, just those are are critical items that we're not planning to to do, but uh they're important items that are at the end of their useful life. So, they're just in a holding uh pattern there. But the the highlighted lines are the uh improvements that we're we're targeting to complete this summer. So, the uh public library chiller replacement at the bottom uh which is uh scheduled to uh go underway in March and then uh full depth pavement restoration at the back driveway in the middle school. Um and then the the split system units at the uh
025the middle school in March Elementary. The next slide, please. >> And so, uh what are the next steps uh specifically? >> Sure. Yeah. Uh so we also work to uh make our money go as farther as possible. And so we identified some projects that really work well with the potential grant opportunities that the district uh can uh can go out for the two and that would be for next summer. So 2027 that's a HVAC control replacement at the middle school and continuing the roof replacement at the middle school as well. um those uh the middle school 2007 some of those systems are now seeing the end of their useful life or the support on the back end is um uh as far as the HAC controllers is hard to get the the tech support for
026the existing controllers. So that's why we're recommending those replacements and also uh lend themselves well to potential grant opportunities for state matching funding. So yes, the uh the next steps uh for uh with the approval of the two uh capital improvement projects, the paving and the uh uh split system replacement, we would finalize the bid dock, send them out for bid and bid them this spring uh with 10 uh pending board approval in April and then the project construction would be in June and August. And that's the the typical rhythm for these smaller projects. We want to uh limit the disruption of students and staff so they mostly get done in the summer. More generally, the next steps for the overall capital improvement plan, you know, we're we're in good shape using that 2022 plan,
027but we will continually review every year working with uh Mr. Case and his staff to make sure that the most urgent needs of the district, the teachers, the staff, the faculty are are being met. uh continue to review the uh financial picture and source potential outside funding opportunities for future projects uh like those grants that I just talked about. Um we'll continue to monitor the five-year plan for implementation uh with direction from from the school board here and then uh prepare documents uh for public bidding and execute those capital projects. The next slide. So there are variety of ways that these projects can be funded and the ones that that we're working most at is the the grant support. So the um the next slide has some more details on the the grant process. Uh
028we're sort of in the uh the pre-awward stage for these 2027 projects. So we're you got to get them in almost a year ahead of time. And so the the board will be seeing uh some resolution language that just allows us to prepare all the grant documentation to submit to the state for the uh the roof replacement and the uh uh HVSC controls both at the middle school. Uh so that due date is March 13th of of this year. So coming up shortly and uh that just allows us again to to put all those bid documents uh grant documents together. will then continue the design and the next year they would go out to bid and uh be executed over the summer of 2027. All right, so I know it was a brief uh and
029kind of a quick summary of the capital improvement plan. Thank you for your time. Uh just a great photo of of Chest Elementary, an example of some of the the great work that we've been doing over the years and a quote by Winston Churchill who shaper buildings therefore they shape us. So any any questions or comments? Mike, we just want to fill in a couple little things real quick. Um, but you know, if Ken would like to say anything in regard to the plan as well, please feel free. >> Yeah, the only thing I'd like to add, uh, basically the same presentation we've done over the last couple years since, uh, 22. Um, you know, but there there's a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. Uh, we meet every two weeks to
030go over, uh, our capital projects to, uh, refine the capital improvement plan. And uh the the snapshot that Mike showed tonight is just one page of a multi-page document that's broken out per building um you know per per um uh contractor you know and there's there's updated pricing on there. There's a lot of information in there along with the the matrix that we use to uh to justify the projects. Um, so there's, you know, a lot of information, uh, behind the scenes, um, you know, that we do, um, uh, to come up with the, uh, the projects, uh, for just this summer. And looking ahead to next year, uh, this summer would be another really busy summer. Uh the projects that you know we just shared tonight are uh relatively small in scope, but when
031you add it up with the public library, which is a pretty substantial project that's going to be going on this uh spring along with possibly phase one of the high school that we're working towards, you know, it ends up to being uh uh a lot of work going on in the district uh over the summer and moving forward. Um just want to thank the board for continued support. Um, like Mike said, our district is overall in really good condition as far as when you look at all our buildings, uh, holistically. Um, you know, the high school is the outlier and that's the reason why we're we're working on that project. But overall, the commitment from the board, um, you know, and and moving forward with the, uh, capital projects, you know, is really reflective on
032as we, uh, progress in years. uh and you can see you know the projects they get smaller and smaller and just you know some routine maintenance items and replacement. So, thank you. >> Yeah, Ken, the only thing I would I would mention is um I think when you when we see the the actual plan itself, I think it's very easy to say why don't we why don't we just go right in order of all priority nines. Uh and the reason if it's not obvious, the reason is is is multifaceted, right? So, there are we we need to balance it financially. Um we can't just automatically go for the you know all the projects in in the highest need because it's most likely the highest price. um but also just the the strain on personnel and
033whatever other projects we're currently having in the district. So, um it was really important to us this evening to have this presentation because um while Ken mentioned we're looking at the high school project this summer and his team's looking at the you know the the library chiller replacement um down at the public library, we really tried to look at some some priorities uh that might have hit little priority seven rather than nine, right? um that would also you know allow us to be involved in those projects but be financially responsible as well. So when you look at the the paving um project and the mini split system projects that we're proposing to do that we're we're moving forward you know with that those probably total around 700,000 somewhere around that that area $800,000 um as
034opposed to multi-million. Um and the question is always asked you know how are we funding this because it's an important question. Um, so in our in our cap reserve that we are plan to fund this from, our cap reserve currently has around $3 to $3.5 million in that. Um, and that was verified with Mr. Trent today. And Jack, if please, if I'm incorrect, please let let us know. Um, but we wanted to make sure we did smaller projects this year while balancing financial, you know, fiscal responsibility and uh the stress on all the other projects. So that's how we came up with those two specific projects. Um, and that's why we wanted to move forward with those. So, uh, with that being said, just want to open up for any type of, you know, questions
035or or thoughts that you want to share. >> Nothing. Nothing. >> All right. So, no questions there. Mike, thank you. Arie, thank you for being here. Appreciate it. Um, and I do know we need the resolutions as well, uh, for the grants, so we'll talk through that. Okay. >> Um, thank you for being here this evening. >> Thank you. >> And then just a few shout outs and a reminder prior to moving on. Uh we have three shoutouts we just want to remind people of. Uh March 2nd to March 6th is National School Social Worker Week. Uh so please feel free to to thank our school social workers in all districts, you know, to be honest. Uh March [clears throat] 7th is Maintenance Employee Appreciation Day. Um thank you to all of our our maintenance
036employees and and all that they do. And then March 7th is also National Employee Appreciation Day. Uh so just wanted to bring that out to everybody. And then finally, a reminder uh for our district and our community. Uh this Thursday evening is our Little Rock Nine Awards program. We will be recognizing 42 students uh from grades 6 through 12 who were selected by their principal and school staff for demonstrating academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to promoting positive change within our community and within our schools. The program will take place at the middle school and students will arrive at 6:00 p.m. and the program will begin at 6:30. All are welcome to attend and we hope to see everyone here community board administrators staff students as if you can attend we'd love to see you
037there. Uh so wanted to share an update and that is all I have this evening. >> All right. Thank you. Next we'll move on to reports. First we have Colonial Intermediate Unit 20. Mr. Snder. >> Yes. Thank you. Very briefly um during our January meeting we had a uh preliminary look at the operating budget. Um, as no surprise, it looks like there's going to probably be a slight increase in the general operating budget. Dr. Wolfful will probably be here to present uh within the next few meetings. If that has already if it's already been scheduled, I don't know the date. Um, and the IU also uh approved uh the board also approved a job description for a full-time psychiatrist that the IU is looking at hiring a full-time psychiatrist. Right now, that's been outsourced. There's
038been one person who's been doing a lot of their work for them for the years. Um, and I believe that person may be close to retirement. So, they're going to be looking at perhaps bringing one of those psychiatrists in house and making them an employee. And I did email the board the January newsletter back on January 29th and our February meeting is tomorrow evening. That concludes our report. >> Thank you. Next we have anyone from the East and Area Public Library? No. All right. There uh report is attached. Next we have Ker Institute of Technology. I don't know if M uh Dr. Keegan or Miss Greenfield have anything. If not, I do. >> All right. Okay. Skills USA District 11 champions chips were held February 4th. CIT had earned 23 medals. And I would like
039to acknowledge the individuals from the East Area School District who have won. Uh we have Aiden Ty. This is for first place for carpentry, Alexis Milstead for uh medical terminology. Second place we had Aubrey Workheiser for basic healthc care skills. Lily Lily Vet Hero for cosmetology. Payton Campbell for employee application process. Augustine Todkus for masonry. Third place we had Jaden Foreman um and Jason Oyen Goran for health knowledge for the health knowledge bowl team. We had Nicholas Hall for HBRMP. Uh Jesuan Garcia for job interviews. Jeremy Le and Jack Starky for teamworks. Um, other information is save the date for April 18th from 9 to 1 they will be having a clothing drive fundraiser and on [clears throat] March 6th the inductees will be announced for the Nths induction. And that's what I have for
040CIT. Uh, next we have Northampton Community College. Mr. Fenel, >> no report right now. I'll comment at the end of the meeting. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. Next we have foundation for Eastern Schools, Miss Siago. >> Okay. Thank you. So, uh just a few updates on what the foundation has been up to. Uh next week we will have our third of the um afterchool programming sessions for our middle school students during their half days. We've had over 130 students at um at each of these sessions. We also provided or I should say the foundation provided self-care sessions to 25 staff members um at the middle school as a Valentine's Day gift. and we are surveying staff to see if there is continued interest during teacher appreciation. And as I mentioned last month, we will
041be holding a danceon this spring on Sunday, April 26th. Registration for that will open March 1st. I will expect to see all of you there. [laughter] Um so more information to come on that. Thank you. [snorts] Thank you. Next is this Charles Shren Science and Technology Initiative and we have no report at the moment. Um, do we have our student here tonight, Jack? Thank you. >> Good evening, everyone. We had an exec board meeting this past Wednesday, but unfortunately, I couldn't be there. Each grade student council is currently working on some fundraisers, and there's a lot of success with that. A concern was brought up at the meeting about our PBIS point system. As students, specifically seniors who are nearing adulthood, we kind of felt that it's pretty discouraging and demoralizing that students are being
042rewarded for doing what's expected of them rather than being awarded for going above and beyond. As an example, people are being rewarded points for showing up to school on time and showing up to their classes on time. But that should just be expected of them in the real world. In the real world world that does not [snorts] exist. We're pushing for a reworked system that is more encouraging and uplifting. And to my knowledge, Mrs. Hakeim sent out a survey to ask people about how they feel about the overall system and suggestions that could be improve it. Other than that, we're currently preparing some upcoming events. Special Olympics is going to be held Wednesday, March 4th at the middle school from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We have a lot of volunteers for that. A will
043be held on Saturday, May 9th. And we're currently in the process of choosing our senior team captains. And we're also getting ready for EAHS day. And that's all I have. Are there any questions? Thank you. >> Thank you, Jack. Next we have association reports EIA Mr. Quinn. >> I just want to congratulate the uh the three recipients earlier uh Miss Ogar, Mr. Ballentine, and Officer Schlleg. Um Officer Schlage sort of stole some of my thunder in what he said. Um but he he sort of approached it from a different angle. Uh, and I'm really uh I'm really touched at some of the things he said because I've been thinking about a lot of what he talked about the last few weeks for whatever reason. I don't know if it was the change of the semester
044or what happened, but um I've been thinking a lot about something uh that that I termed micro engagements and micro interactions. And I know there's there's something like microaggressions. I went and looked online to see if what was in my head made any sense online and most of what I found actually came from the digital world. Uh but I just kept coming back to these micro engagements and micro interactions. So uh last month I talked about the good old days without phones and it's definitely something that those of us of a certain age can appreciate having grown up in a slightly different world without all the technology we have now. Um, but these micro interactions or micro engagements that I was thinking of, they seem to bridge the gap to all eras, generations, and societies
045when it comes to education and teachers. Most of what the public sees when it comes to teachers nowadays are numbers, state testing scores, data, salary figures, grades in Power School. However, what I've been lucky enough to witness in Eston at all levels, in all schools, is something far different than figures in analytics. It's much different than the general public gets to see or hear about in the paper or at board meetings. It's also much deeper and more meaningful than wonders, acadians, stars, PSSAs, or keystone scores. Teachers have have and always will be stewards not just of education but of simple basic social interaction. And these interactions aren't always grandiose or sophisticated. They can be as simple as a hello, a good morning, or how was the weekend? Officer Schlleg talked about, you know, uh kids
046who come to school from all different types of backgrounds. They're met by teachers who also come from all different types of backgrounds and understand, have empathy for, and love those students. Um, these small, seemingly insignificant, and trivial interactions, these micro engagements and micro interactions, they're actually the backbone of great teaching. We have over 600 dis district teachers who deliver instruction in myriad subjects and levels. But what they all share in common is the interaction they share with their students every single day. Regardless of the math, social studies, or science lessons, teachers are showing kids they care every moment they get. It could just be a look, a nod, a smile, a high five in the hallway, but these interactions carry so much weight and allow teachers to build a rapport with students. ultimately enabling them
047to teach more sophisticated and important matters. Think back to your own teachers from elementary, middle, and high school. You don't remember them because of the algebra lesson they taught or because they read Shakespeare. Okay, I'm hoping that maybe some of my kids remember McBTH. You knew that was coming. You don't remember teachers because of great lessons on mitosis. You remember them because of the hundreds or thousands of micro engagements and micro interactions you had with them over the course of a year or maybe if you were lucky enough even longer. You remember because they care. And from what I'm lucky enough to see when I walk around all the classrooms and hallways in the district, it's something I see an awful lot. So the next time you hear about midling test scores or mediocre facts
048and figures, please just remember there are millions of interactions our students have with their teachers over the course of their educational journey. And these micro interactions and micro engagements are what they'll ultimately carry with them and remember. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Quinn. Uh is there anyone from the PTA? Okay. All right. Next, we will be move on to public to be heard on agenda items. If there's anyone in the public who would like to be heard on agenda items, please come to the podium, sign in. All right, seeing none, we'll move on to executive session report. East Ner School District held the following executive sessions on January 27th regarding [clears throat] negotiations and legal and on February 10th regarding negotiations, contract, and legal. Right. Next, we'll be moving on to approval of the
049minutes. If I could have a motion to approve the minutes of the following meetings. Special meeting held January 13th, standing committee meeting of January 13th. uh regarding academics, athletics, budget and finance, educational technology and student supports in the regular board meeting of January 27th. >> So move >> second. >> Is there any questions or discussion? >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? All right. Next, we'll move on to personnel. We will take a motion with regrets and best wishes to approve the following retirements as presented. Any motion? >> So move. >> Second. >> Any questions or discussion? All in favor? >> Any opposed? All right. Next, we move on. We'll take B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, N, L, and M. Okay. B. Motion to approve the following resignations as presented.
050C. Motion to approve the following leave of absences as presented. D. Motion to approve the following administrative transfers as presented. E. Motion to approve the following voluntary transfer as presented. F. Motion to elect the following long long-term substitute as presented. Pending receipt and receipt of all forms and documents required by the district. G. Motion to elect the following support staff as presented. Pending receipt of all forms and documents required by the district. E. Motion to elect the following administrative staff as presented pending receipt of all forms and documents required by the district. I. Motion to elect the following volunteer coaches as presented pending receipt of all forms and documents required by the district. J. Motion to approve the following changes to the contractual EPFED stipens as presented. K. Motion to elect the following afterchool program
051employees as presented. L. Motion to approve the following support staff substitutes as presented pending receipt of all forms and documents required by the district. An M motion to approve affiliation agreement with Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania as presented. >> Motion second. >> Any questions or discussion? All in favor? >> Any opposed? H I >> Okay, go ahead. >> I just want to say um I do see Naen and I do see Ashley here this evening. So uh Miss Bridinger, just wanted to say uh you went through multiple rounds of interview process and emerged as the the top candidate uh from the start. We are commend you. We are extremely happy to have you. Look forward to your leadership uh and we want to wish you the best luck as you transition into your new role here.
052Uh so congratulations. Would you like to say anything or or no? You're welcome to. >> Thank you very much for the opportunity. >> Okay. All right. You got it. Appreciate it. And round of applause. And Aden, I see you here as well. So, we wanted to also welcome you to Easton um and the family of our district. Uh you same same thing, you know, went through multiple rounds of an interview process, emerged as the top candidate throughout that process. um we are excited to have you. We look forward to your leadership uh and really just commend you and and just are excited to have you start, you know, join our our team. So, uh congratulations. If you wish to say anything, please feel free. >> Thank you. I'm just very excited to be here. >>
053All right. You sure that's it? >> All right. Thank you. And congratulations to the both of you. Welcome. >> All right. Thank you. All right. Next, we will be moving on to academics. Um the motion to we'll take A B C D. Um [clears throat] A is the personal finance course. Motion to approve the following personal finance course as presented. This was discussed at a previous meeting. B motion to approve the first and math quote 202627 as presented. C motion to approve boost grant as presented. and D. Motion to approve the following field trips as presented. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Any questions or discussion? >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? All right. Next, we will move on to budget and finance. We will take A, B, C, and D. [clears
054throat] A. Motion to approve the following financial matters as presented. The treasurer's report. The general fund revenue and expenditure report, monthly student activity statements for EMS and EHS, the bill register for regular and AHC, general funds, the special activities, the capital projects, the new EHS and food services. B. Motion to approve the 2026 2027 Northampton Community College budget as presented. C. Motion to approve the 2026 2027 Career Institute of Technology budget as presented. And D, motion to approve the participation and acceptance of the chosen bid award in the IUI20 fuel bid for the 2026 2027 school year. >> Second. >> Any questions or discussion? All in favor? >> Any opposed? opposed to payments to Home Depot. I on everything else. >> Okay. >> All right. Next, we'll move on to buildings and grounds. We have
055a and that's it. All right. A motion to approve the credit change order for the middle school roof project as presented. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Any questions or discussion? >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? All right. Next, we have educational technology and student supports. We have A, B, C, and D. A motion to approve the purchase of the nagleary >> non-verbal ability test, the NNAT as presented. B. Motion to approve the IU one:1 contract as presented. C. Motion to approve the IU contract for IU staff printing purposes as presented. and D. Motion to approve the agreement with the computer logic group as presented. I need a motion. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Any questions or discussion? >> Comment on uh D Power School data host renewal with Computer Logic Group. I'm going to
056vote no. Not because I don't like P school, but because I like P school a lot. And uh it's a great tool for secondary stu parents to pull their student up and take a look at attendance. And a grade in science is a 70. Click on the 70. It takes every quiz that they had and assignment. I mean, it's a wonderful informative and interactive program. I'm voting now just to call attention to the fact that our elementary school parents don't have Power School's available to elementary school parents in other districts and I would really like to see the East School District get on board and uh make Power School available to all elementary school parents as well. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Whiteman. I believe at one point in time when my children were
057in elementary, we did have access to that. So, >> go ahead. >> Yeah, I just want to make a comment. We do have access bill. We actually have I think um and Mr. Right. Correct me if I'm wrong. Maybe 60% of our elementary families already have P school and are signed up for it. Um the the disconnect for us comes into um we don't utilize power school to its fullest, you know, capacity and we use other systems, but we do our power school does extend to the elementary school families and many of them do have it. U we just don't use it to its fullest extent to be to be clear on that. Um and Mr. Michael, if you want to add anything, please feel free. >> No, we we do have the access. Um,
058we do go to back to school nights at the beginning of the year to try to get a lot of our families involved. The the disconnect is the amount that they would have to use it as compared to high school where they're putting a lot of grading in. So, the grades aren't updated immediately as they are because it's a different it's a different grading system in elementary than it is at the secondary level. Um, but they do use it for daily for attendance. They can do a lot of those pieces to it. And I agree with you. I'm I'm all in on P school. I think it's a great opportunity, a great tool, great communication between the two. Um, it's just how do we get people if they're not the grades aren't there, how do
059we get people engaged in using it and that being our platform to be able to share information to parents. So, that's the disconnect. >> Sign up and get access to power school. >> Um, they they should automatically um, you know, when we go back to the beginning of the school year um, but if they email me, I can put them in contact with it or they can contact their building administration and they would be able to get them in contact with them too. Yeah. >> Okay. Um, so all in favor? >> Any opposed? >> I for everything but >> D. >> All right. Okay. Moving on. We have policy. We have A, B, and C and D. So A. Motion to appro Motion to approve the policy of >> first reading. What's that? This is
060just first reading. Oh, sorry. Okay, that's right. These are just first readings. Okay, so first readings of policy 204, attendance. B is policy 218.1 weapons for the first reading. C is policy 808, food services, which is the first reading. And policy 918, title one, parent and family engagement, first reading. Does anyone have any questions on those? Okay. So they are [snorts] then through for the first reading and then we will have approval at the next one for the adoption. All right. So next we have other business. Uh A, B and C. A motion to approve the settlement agreement as presented. Actually we'll take that separate. Motion to approve the settlement agreement as presented. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? All right. Next, we will have B and uh C
061is informational. So, we'll have B. Northampton [clears throat] Community College Board of Trustees nomination. Motion to approve Mr. Tyrie Blair as the Northampton Community College Board of Trustees. Terms for six years commencing Jan July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2032. >> Motion. >> Thanks. >> Yeah. which much thanks. All right. All in favor? >> Any opposed? And next we have C the tenure awarded which isformational. Those individuals are listed on the report. All right. Next we have 14 public to be heard on non-aggenda items. Is there anyone in the public who would like to be heard on non-aggenda items? Okay. Seeing none, any other business from board members? Just uh one thing um the board and the public will remember that last month we had a presentation from some folks about the idea of a
062responsible contractor ordinance or policy. Um board members then did have the opportunity also to hear from uh our council on those thoughts as well. So, I just wanted to bring that back to this conversation. Um, in case there were board members who wanted to pursue that um in any way, we would need to, you know, have a discussion about it and move it probably to a policy committee of some sort. So, um, if there isn't interest, then this would, you know, be the end of that conversation. So I wanted to bring that opportunity forward, you know, for people to say whatever they wanted to say about it. If anything, >> I definitely have interest. Um, if I'm understanding correctly, and I hope that we can have further discussions about it. Uh, one of the things
063that would be important to me is the fact that we're raising the taxes for our locals. So if we have local employees that we could put money back into their pocket, I'd be for that. Yeah, I too uh am interested. Uh I think we all witnessed the woes that the city had with the construction of the four street garage. I'd love to put some terms in place that would allow us protect ourselves from um contractors who aren't performing up to their standards that we expect. I I have no problems if we all want to discuss this and that's fine. I think one of the things I'd like to address though is making sure that people do understand that there are certain things that our contractors have to go through as far as safety safety standards
064are. Um so I don't know if Josh or Kenny you want to address any of that either. I I just think I want to put it out there to have it think that our contractors are not following certain safety standards is a miscommunication or a misunderstanding. The only thing I will add for the board's consideration is I did uh recently review all the AIA documents and the bid packet for the first uh phase and iteration of the high school construction and every aspect uh that was in the RCO for safety p uh purposes is part of the bid specs and that's typically how you see these bid specs. >> Yeah. And John, I'll just echo and I'll defer to you too. Um, you know, and when we whenever we go out to bid and we
065put together those specs, uh, we work with CHA and LA 5 to put those protections within our own spec sheets when we go out to bid. Um, so we've been very lucky over the past few years, you know, at least 10 years, 20 years, we've never had an issue um, with our contractors because we've we've built those in right from the start um, to protect ourselves. So, um, from from our end, we feel very confident that the process that we've been following, um, certainly is is valuable and and has yielded the results that we that we hope they would. Um, you know, so that's kind of where we stand on that piece. But Ken, if you want to add anything else, please feel free. >> I was going to echo the same information that attorney
066and Dr. Zadic that you said. there's uh provisions currently in the contract that we have bidder requirements a lot of information in there but we could certainly you know review that and share that information so everybody feels comfortable but you know same comments >> I think that would be helpful it's it's been certainly a long time um since I've reviewed any of these bid documents and I don't think I was doing so through this particular lens so at least as part of this conversation I think it would be helpful for us to see exactly what sort of language age we are you know we are talking about and then we can also you know compare it to some of the other sample documents that we've seen there it's no uh I mean I trust I
067trust you guys uh completely to do the professional jobs that you know you're supposed to do but I would like to see things in policy I really would >> we've already had this uh that group here I don't I don't see a need for them to to come present Again, it seemed like before there was met with a little bit of a the board kind of sat on it and didn't really seem to act, but now we seem to have a little bit of a change, but I I don't really see the need to to do it again and and uh uh we've gone through it and not going to air my grievances through that now. I've done a few of those in email, but but those will probably come out again as time goes
068on. But I I did appreciate the solicitor's office some of the information they gave us and I I think that that's to be heeded in our consideration as well. Um and as well as what Mr. Casease and Mr. Dr. Zatakica just said that there are a lot of uh catchalls already in there that do uh focus on the safety aspect already. So I don't know if this would be redundant or or if this would handcuff us more. It just seems like that that would be uh it just seems like it's going to create a level of bureaucracy uh that we may not be able to get around and and that you know our hands get tied enough already with a lot of things. So just uh airing that out there I I don't see a
069need necessarily as from my perspective to to hear another presentation uh from from them but again everyone will the board is going to voice what they want to see. So we'll take it as it goes. >> Yeah. Yeah, I don't think we're talking about another presentation. We're talking about whether we internally want to write a policy addressing some of these issues. So, I know for myself before we were to move to that, I'd like to see a little bit more information from those bid documents, but that would I don't think anyone's suggesting that we would have, you know, any additional presentation beyond what we've already >> Okay, fair enough on that then. Yeah, that's okay. So, okay. Again, still similar on that with the policy. I I don't a little skeptical on some of these
070things and again I I do trust what our solicitor had sent to us about some of the information. It it seemed like our solicitor office did give a good uh fairly neutral perspective on it as well. Thank you. >> I mean we've had countless construction projects throughout the years. Has there been any problems here? Are we looking for a solution that there's no problem? Uh to our knowledge and to our expectation, uh Mr. Whitman, we have not had any complaints or issues. Um there's always been little hiccups here and there with little projects, but nothing uh in regard to issues with contractors, etc. like in the past um has there been instances where you'll receive a bid and then later on down the line there are change in terms where that bid that was actually
071presented ends up being higher than normally expected. >> You're saying that you're saying that >> I'm asking I'm asking if you've had you know you you have a contract right and so they've they said that this is the amount that we can do it for. Has there been any change in terms that have made that initial amount higher or >> No, I generally when it goes into bid um it needs to be that price. Um what I will say with any project though um there are possibilities of change orders in regard to unforeseen circumstances. But as far as you know contractors just putting up the prices uh without, you know, just just out of nowhere, no, we have not experienced that. Well, not necessarily out of nowhere, but uh just in general where you maybe
072I say the I'm bidding and it's going to be 50,000, but throughout the duration it ends up being 75,000. >> No, when when they when they bid, if we accept a bid, they we hold them to that bid. Um the only exception to that with any project, like I said, is with change orders. So tonight, for example, um with the middle school roof project that we that we did here, which was about a quarter of the roof at the middle school this past summer, um you know, our estimators and the bid came in at a project cost. Um and I forget what the qu cost was exactly, but um through that project, uh we we received $39,000 back from that project of unused allowance. So there are times where we get the money back and
073there are also times where we have change orders where we see have an unforeseen circumstance. But as far as a bid or contractor just increasing the price after bid, that's not acceptable on any end contractually. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Sure. >> Um so Shandik, I I think just to add on to that, so part of it is if if they're bidding on something, it is what we are asking them to do the work. Now, if there's, say there's something that we were to miss in that bid, that could be a reason for it to go up. But that's why us having Alloy 5 and CHA and and them is they're very thorough on it and fortunately have done a lot of a lot of the work and and that's, you know, why we have
074them is because we're we're pretty confident with the work that they do and and not missing too many um too much information. So, hope that helps. Plus, we also have the contingency that if there would be something that would be extraordinary, there's the contingency um funding to be able to cover that. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Okay. And Mr. Fenel, I know you wanted to make your comment, so if you would like. >> And my only comment is I wanted to say thank you on behalf of myself and the community college, the trustees, and especially the students for both the approval tonight of the budget and also the reappoint of Tyrie. Uh we greatly appreciate uh everything that goes on and uh I'll see you next month. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. Is
075there any other business from board members? All right. If not, could I call for adjournment at 805? >> Everybody in favor? >> Any opposed? >> All right. Have a good evening. Thank you for coming out.