001I'd like to call the meeting order. Roll call. Miss Scott >> here. >> Mr. Brad Upgrove >> here. >> Mr. Roger Upgrove >> here. >> Mr. Zawada >> here. >> Mr. Broofphy >> here. >> Miss Diroff. Miss Katz >> here. >> Miss Nyman >> here. >> Mr. Penella >> here. >> Eight present. We all rise for the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation with liberty and justice for all. There was no previous executive session. This time we have the recognition showcase. >> Thank you, Mr. Panerella. takes us down to um the showcase which involves our recognition of our outgoing Bertown Area School District School Board director and the recognition for their years of service. I'm
002going to step to the podium and I am going to ask um some of our directors to um come up and join me at the podium upon their recognition and we do have some uh gifts that we want to um share with them. So, if you give me a moment, schoolboard service has been a long and crucial part of our nation's legacy and its commitment to public education. The consmate school director is described as an ethical principled individual with a deep desire to serve. They believe in the value of our public schools and local control of public education for the benefit of all students. Today, school districts are expected to offer more services along with worldclass instruction with sometimes limited resources. These expectations provide a tremendous challenge for school directors who are unpaid volunteers who
003give up their time to contribute to the schools and communities that they serve. Our school's continued efforts to provide highquality continuous education to all students further highlights the key role school directors play in helping to educate our students. gives me great pleasure this evening in recognizing three Bertown area school board directors who have given unselfishly of their time and energy to support and guide our schools and the students they serve. Their efforts reflect the mission of our schools to provide opport which is to provide opportunities for success for every student. Please join me this evening in thanking and recognize the service of three members. Members, when your name is called, please come forward and ac accept a small token of appreciation on behalf of of the Boyertown Area School District. Our first representative, who I
004know is not able to join us this evening, however, we want to recognize Miss Ruth Doff. Mrs. Derof has served the school district for the past 20 years. Thank you, Miss Dar. Our second member, Mrs. Maryanne Scott. Mrs. Scott has served as school director for the past four years. >> Thank you so much. >> Appciate that. Thank you. It's been a pleasure. >> Stay up here. >> Okay. >> Try to get a short picture, quick picture. >> And our third representative this this evening, Mr. Zawada, Mr. Jeff Zawada, has served as school director for the past four years. Mr. Zoada. Thank you, sir. Thank you. flowers for you >> for my wife. >> For your wife. >> All right, Mr. Panorella, if you would join um President Alone, we can get picture down here out
005in front. Mhm. All right, everybody. Take two. Smile for me. One more. >> Thank you. >> And again, >> I want to thank all of you for your service to our students, staff, and community here in the Bertown Area School District. Thank you. Next up, we have the student representative report. >> Good evening, board members and meeting attendees. We are so happy to present to you the student representative report for November. Thanksgiving break is already almost here and it's hard to believe, but the year is in full swing and so are all the wonderful events going on in the school district. We thank all the board members for their time. Our school proudly hosted 13 veterans from the Spats Museum on Monday, November 10th as part of our Veterans Day celebration. We began in the
006morning with ROC, FBA, and youth and government home rooms gathering at the FBA veterans memorial for the raising of the American and National League of Families flags with in the f in the sorry in the choir singing the national anthem while the rest of the student body watched on the TV news. Throughout the day, students had the valuable opportunity to hear veterans share their stories during social studies classes. Our guests were welcomed with refreshments in the library and catered lunch generously provided by Mory Catering. We also want to give special thanks to students Thomas Rakita and Josh Marramore for promoting the events and providing the veterans. Another huge thanks goes to the teachers Stacy Miller, Danielle Snyder, and the entire social studies department who we would not have this incredible experience without. Well, Dr. Horton
007provided a great overview of the pay survey that was administered last week a couple of board meetings back. We would we thought it was important to provide a student perspective through the youth advisory board of Burks County. I've had the pleasure of meeting with the Council on Chemical Abuse, which uses the data from the paid survey for intervention in our communities. Statistics can be alarming, but they're real. And by using these statistics, we were able to work with the organization in creating methods of intervention for things such as alcohol and nicotine abuse in youth, all centered on education. Yes, the pay survey has a lot of questions, and yes, some may seem daunting, but it provides a chance for our district to help students thrive. Our FBLA club has been preparing for a schoolwide painting
008day to support updates to our safety plan. Students will be painting the upper walls of each hallway in colors that correspond with the designated sections of the building. This project hasn't been in continuation of what they started last year, but they continued yesterday the 24th and today both half days from the end of the school day until 3 p.m. All volunteers received pizza and their participation will count toward volunteer hours. In addition, the Impact Club is excited to host Impact Day on December 4th during the school day. This event focused on team building, leadership skills, and creating meaningful connections through various activities. I, for one, am excited to see what h what Impact Club cooks up. The Bast Drama Club starred in their production of The Mysterious Affair of Styles by Agatha Christie on November
00921st and 22nd on at 700 p.m. and November 23rd at 2 p.m. The drama club has worked tremendously hard to bring this murder mystery to life, and they hope that everyone who went to go see the production went home with a smile. Shout out to their adviser and director, Miss Haley, and the cast for all their hard work. We will also be administrating the new Firefly testing in place of the CDT assessments. This updated platform is still in its early stages, but we are hopeful that it will continue to function smoothly as we begin using it. The purpose of this testing is to provide practice for the Keystone exams and to give teachers valuable data to guide future instructions. Students completed three assessments, algebra, biology, and literature last week. Concluding our report, we would like
010to thank the board for their consideration. It has been a fast-paced and eventful year for the school district so far, and we will continue to help shine a light on all the exciting events taking place at Bash. We look forward to bringing you Bash's best moments next month for December. Well, we won't be here to December, so January. And we will also be providing you with our first elementary school highlight for the year. There's no one signed up for public com period number one. So at this time we'll be looking for the approval of the November 11th, 2025 committee of the whole meeting minutes as presented. >> So moves >> I'll second >> Miss Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brad Upgrove. >> Yes. >> Mr. Roger Upgrove. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zawat. >> Yes. >>
011Mr. Broofphy. >> Yes. >> Miss Kratz. >> Yes. >> Miss Nimon. >> I'm going to abstain. Mr. Penella. >> Yes. >> Eyes have it. >> Takes us down to our discussion and information section. And our first item this evening is a uh now that we are approximately two weeks into a state budget that's been approved, Mr. Lince is going to share us a brief update of the um that's impact on Boyer Town for 2526. Mr. Lince, >> thank you. So the state approved their budget. Um we have some no certainties known certainties at this point with regards to funding. Some other areas the state will be rolling out guidelines for us. So, I wanted to just go over some of the key points that impact us directly as a school district in particular from a
012financial standpoint. So, we now have our allocations for basic education and special education funding. As you'll see later, those have not substantially changed um from budget and what was anticipated. What the state did was drive out additional funding through the ready tolearn funding, which is to address adequacy amongst Pennsylvania school districts. Um there is uh funds that have been allocated for school security. Um the application opens within 45 days of the passage of the budget. Um we'll be eligible to apply uh for grant funding related to school safety as well as uh we could also choose to apply that towards uh student mental health. One of the big changes in the budget that impacts us from a fiscal standpoint is the changes to charter school funding. Um this is really a two uh prong change.
013Last year, we received funding from the state for charter school revenue. That has been eliminated. And what has been done is a proposed change to the formula that will now be um rolled out to school districts, adding deductions for cyber charter um schools in particular. um as well as giving us an option either to have um the cyber school special education tuition calculation or take our non-special education tuition and multiply that times 1.89. So, what that allows us to do is to when the form's released um look at what the the costs are that we're required to um calculate as part of that tuition calculation and select a cost um that um is most um least expensive for us. Um and that will align to um the state's guidelines. There also is a hund00 million
014that's been allocated in a competitive grant program for facilities infrastructure improvements. Um and so that is a competitive process um that we can submit an application to receive funding for critical infrastructure improvements. In particular, I could see that we could identify our HVAC improvements to be eligible for uh funding through this pool. Um the projects have to have a minimum cost of $500,000. Um there's no guidelines on what the actual awards are um based upon the pool. Uh it certainly would be a win to get an offset of grant funding uh for those costs. The final takeaway is that we are now required to accept cash uh for all of our admission fees. Um that was put in there um as a requirement for schools. Additionally, any payment methods that we use that are non-cash
015related um that may have a processing fee or usage fee, we cannot pass that along to individuals using that for admissions at events. The next slide, just to give you a sense of the allocations, so you can see a slight increase on the basic education and special education funding. Um that totals just shy of $150,000 increase when we look at what the 2526 budget that we approved included. Um the big change is on the adequacy funding in red. So we budgeted to receive 2.5 million almost 2.6 million. The state's allocation is $3.6 million. So that's an additional million dollar increase to our budget. Now those funds have to be allocated to our direct programs. So um we will be working on that submitting that application um and again that's part of the state's initiative to
016um reset the funding that schools have received over time uh because there was not a state funding formula. Um and we still stand to gain more. If you recall from our last discussion about budget, um it's about a $13 million adequacy gap that we have as a district that um the funding formula would close for us if it was fully implemented. Uh PCCD grants, um the final number hasn't been released yet. You're guaranteed a certain amount, but it's adjusted based upon your student enrollment. Uh we did, as a point of reference, lose $75,000 in the state charter school funding that we had received in the previous year. Um when we look at the next line, which is the expected charter school savings, um roughly the numbers that were run as part of the passage of
017the budget indicated um a 14 to 16% savings um in those um expenditures that districts would experience. So, I kind of um came up with an estimate, but that final savings is going to be twofold. One, it's going to be a savings off of um the tuition rate calculation. Two, it's the tuition rate calculation for this year. So, when it was um developed as part of the state budget, it was utilizing prior year data. So, the number goes up every year that we pay charter schools as our budget increases. So the final actual savings once the state releases the form um we'll be able to get a better sense of that. The second piece to consider is that if we've had any increases in our charter numbers for the year, we may not see the
018savings that are here because we're paying for more students who go to um cyber schools as a whole. But it is good news for us um and does allow us um to now know what our allocations are and apply those to the 2526 budget. All that said, just wanted to bring everyone back to one of the main points that we remain supported by local revenues. It's almost 70% of our budget. So while the state um budget being settled is a welcome sign um you know we still are relying on local revenues as a main supporting factor. Uh and that's also why we were able to weather um the lack of state funding that we were receiving uh because we do have such a reliance on local revenues as a district questions. >> Is that different
019for other districts? The reliance on local revenues? >> Yeah, many districts have uh close to a 50% um reliance on state revenues. In fact, that's based upon um some of the problems with the funding formula was that um specific funds would used to be allocated towards districts that had financial needs based upon certain statistical cut offs. Right? So, for example, if you were um of a certain um uh market value, personal income ratio, um you got additional funds added to it. Um that's why we have such a large adequacy gap because um when budgets were done historically they didn't align to the need and reliance on local revenues and so this is an attempt to drive out funding that the state owes districts such as ours. Do we are I guess we don't have a
020plan yet, but we will be um taking a stab at that uh comprehensive grant for the $und00 million. >> Absolutely. >> I'm just not quite sure. I guess we got to be specific about what we're trying to get for. >> Yeah. The quantifier is its critical infrastructure. So the HVC is to in my mind an absolute. What portions make the best case for that grant? And then again, it'll be based upon the state's review. you know, they get applications from a number of districts as to what funding's there. The minimum grant that's been stated at this point is $500,000. And this has been similar to the past years. We have applied through DCED through for some of these. Um I believe Boyertown had received some funding a couple of years ago from this was denied
021last year on the application that we did put in. So their criteria and determination is a little bit unknown. You know how that ranking system works. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Lance. Takes us down to item B, therapy source agreement addendum. This is a current agreement that we do have and I'm going to ask Miss Kaylin Bartman to step to the podium to explain a little bit about this as this is something that we we want to explain to you. There is some timing needs with regard to this and we are hoping for um and recommending for this for actionable this evening but we'll make sure that you have the full understanding. >> Sure. Good evening. Um this is an addendum for therapy source to provide an occupational therapist for one day
022a week to help support at Cobberdale Elementary School due to the increase in occupational therapy needs of the students that we have attending at Cobberdale. >> Any questions? >> And we've placed the rate on there for you. the board should should be able to to see that and know what that rate is. Um and this has come about uh Miss Bartman just enrollment has increased or identification has increased uh in terms of the needs there. >> Um we opened another autistic support classroom at Cobberdell and those students do have additional occupational therapy needs um that our current OT we have a full-time OT that is working there. um he needs to dedicate more time to the students within that program. >> So basically no other classes I mean other schools are having that issue just
023Cobricdale at this point. >> Um we do have an occupational an additional occupational therapist that works at Washington that helps out um with the students that receive occupational therapy there as our OT works more in the life skills classroom there. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Is is that going to be a five day a week job then? >> One day per week at that school. >> Correct. Just at Cobberdale. One day per week for this person to come in to help support. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you, Mrs. Bartman. >> And you'll see that listed a little bit later in the itemized agenda for your consideration. So, it takes us down to item C. Um we are again um going to be asking for your approval this evening for a
024choir and this is uh as district singers qualify through the different stages um various opportunities arise Mr. Bruner and four students um obviously the four students not Mr. Bruner, but have qualified for um district 10 course festival and we make want to make sure they have the opportunity. This does take place and since we don't have another legislative meeting um in December, uh we're hoping to get this through and and approved this evening since it is January 8th and 9th. You can see the listed costs there, the total paid by the district and um what the um fees are there for substitute and the costs that are are paid by student as well. So we are going to be seeking your approval of this trip for these four students to attend. All right, item D
025takes us down to our Kelly Services addendum. Again, this is another addendum to a uh professional service to which we have. I'm going to have Mr. Han, if you would step to the podium and just talk through uh recommendation that we have and how we've resolved and have come to this conclusion and the need for it. >> Sure. Thank you, Dr. David Heiser. So, as you know, we use Kelly Services for all of our teacher substitutes. The addendum to uh the existing contract is to increase our daily sub rate from $110 to $130 per day. Uh what this will do for us is it's going to put us more in line with some of the other Burks County districts um where we were below districts such as Oie, Fleetwood, um Governor Mifflin. Um we are
026still far behind some of the other districts in Burks, but this will align us with some of the districts that are closer in proximity to us. Um we've had 1,700 uh 1,700 plus teacher absences um since the beginning of the school year. We're running at roughly a 65 66% fill rate. Um, and our goal with this increase is hopefully going to when individuals have the option of either going and subbing at Oolie or subbing at another nearby district, this increase will hopefully um, if they've had a good experience with us, that extra $20 per day will um, hopefully push them to to come and sub with us. >> Mr. Han, can you just share with the board a little bit how we have differentiated rates based on length of time and service? >> Yeah, sure.
027So, this is the this is the daily sub rate. So if someone just is put in u to a position you know tomorrow they get they would get $130. If someone is here as a building sub between 1 and 30 days it's 135. Once it goes from 31 to 60 days then it obviously increases. This is the and we're not making any changes with those rate. This is the just the daily rate for when we're in dire need. Someone calls off at 4:00 in the morning. It's not someone that we've had scheduled. they can pick up this position through um our our frontline system and ultimately receive that $130 compensation for the day. >> Yes. >> So on top of that, wouldn't as far as a bill to us um we'd get uh Kelly would
028get another 30% on top. >> They get 33%. Okay. >> Yeah. So, I believe uh without looking at the agenda in front of me, I think $130 comes out to $170 in change with the markup. Yes. >> And I know this is not a a teacher. Um but the help um I have friends that basically a new Hannover and they're working with students and everything else at a $10 rate and it's more for the love of it. >> Sure. You know, we've I this discussion's been going on for four years about somehow raising it. And I know some of we've lost some decent people because they went to other school districts that >> even include pasers and stuff like that. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Uh the $130 that's the daily rate. So, you know,
029you start tomorrow. I know just a few years ago I forget the time uh the amount of days but a regular sub let's say they did was it 30 or 40 days >> that's when it jumps correct >> there was then an increase there's a jump >> so is that >> that we didn't change the jump we just changed the initial starting the jump isn't the problem we we see consistent people and we don't typically have an issue getting folks that have come in for 30 40 50 or more days because that rate is pretty competitive it's this it's this daily rate when We're just >> Yep. >> peace mealing. >> Makes sense. >> So, if it turns into a long-term sub, does that >> Yeah, then that that rate goes up. Yeah, correct. >>
030Yeah, we've we've done and they're good questions to ask because we did do some research on that um it doesn't appear some of our longer standing subs, um that rate we seem to be very competitive in. It's really that daytoday type of sub. if somebody has a choice, they're not we believe they're not choosing us possibly due to that rate um that we we appear to be very much misaligned with and we do, you know, we've kind of landed on this through an evaluation. So again, um, similar to, um, Marian, >> yeah, just to piggyback on that, I think that we struggle with getting powers because our rate is still not competitive with local schools on both sides, Burks and Montgomery. But yet, every time we come up to this, I think this is about
031the third time, um, we keep that rate so low and we need our paras. If we're going to have larger classes, we need to have the Paris. So that should be reconsidered. And recall that we did make a um a jump for for this year. You're going to be hearing um in January as we continue on our budget process some of the pieces related to personnel and some thoughts and ideas about some of those things that you're you're thinking about there in your comments. um and its impact to budget to be able to for the board to evaluate some of those things that we've been evaluating this fall trying to remain um competitive in the marketplace and try to fill the needed positions that we have. the challenges still become fill rates related to teachers
032substitutes um and you know Quigley would tell you that it you know the availability of drivers um and their applicants that they have as well those are some of the the real challenges not only in our school district but every school district that that I talk with as well um it it's it's constantly re repeated >> I can't imagine trying to cover drivers bus drivers I just That's got to be difficult. >> Yeah, >> good question. So, the um the daily sub rate, does that reset at the beginning of every school year? >> We had been doing that, but then this year if someone was in for 70 days last year, they start at 71. So, they would have the higher rate. Okay. >> So, we to to try to retain folks and starting the
033season with us, that's what we did. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Han. And again, board, you're going to see that um as an addendum similar to the therapy source um for your consideration this evening um for us. Okay, that leads us to the treasures report. >> Good evening. Tonight I'm presenting to you highlights from October 2025 treasures report. Starting with local revenue for tax collections. Delinquent tax collection was $125,494.91. Earned income tax was $1,329,575.88 and transfer tax collection was $140,849.76. We received our second and final payment for our property tax relief subsidy which was $1,511,83758. So total received for this subsidy was 3,23,674.58. And regarding state revenue, we have started receiving payments for our other start state subsidies that were previously delayed. Um I will begin reporting on that starting in no November uh treasurer's report.
034And finally for October expenditures, salaries, benefits, and professional services accounted for approximately 69% of our total expenditures for the month of October. That concludes my report for this evening. >> Thank you. >> Any questions? >> Good. I hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving. >> You too. Awesome. >> Thank you. At this time, I'll be looking for the board to approve the treasure report as presented. >> I'll motion. >> I'll second. >> Miss Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Brad, up to >> Yes. >> Mr. Roger. Up to Grove. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sawada. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brophie. >> Yes. >> Miss Katrz. Yes, >> Miss Nyman. >> Yes, >> Mr. Penelloo. >> Yes, >> eyes have it. >> Takes us down to item nine, the superintendent's consent agenda. And just to review these particulars for
035the board under item A, we wanted to make sure that although there was a informal okay with the Eagle project um that you last heard and was presented at our last uh committee meeting, we wanted to make sure it was formalized through a motion this evening. Um, under items B through G are the second reads of numerous policies that we've been working on throughout the uh this fall and that have now come to a second read. And under items H, I, and J, you'll see three settlement agreements that the board has been apprised to and of and for your consideration this evening. So, um, with that, we also have a donation list. Um that donation list includes one addition that uh was not presented or discussed at our committee of the whole but that did
036come in later and that is from the education foundation and it is a donation of sensory pathway packages for Gilbertsville Elementary and again these are kind of stepping stone areas things if you've walked any of our buildings and seen any of the um ways in which um uh students can hop onto or touch different things on the floor. They're utilized um through some sensory identification and used as not only uh you know stepping stones but learning tools for for some of our identified students. So again we want to thank um all of our public and the groups for their donations and very much appreciated. So with that I am and the administration is recommending board of directors approve the consent agenda um as listed. >> So move. >> I'll second. >> Miss Scott. >> Yes.
037>> Mr. Brad Uptogrove. >> Yes. >> Mr. Roger Upgra. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zawada. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brophy. >> Yes. >> Miss Kretz. >> Yes. Miss Nyman, >> yes. >> Mr. Penello, >> yes. >> I have it. >> Takes us down to item 10, the superintendent's itemized agenda. And we're going to begin with um some recommended motions for the Bortown Elementary HVAC project. And as was shared at our last committee meeting, Mr. Lynch had shared in regards to the um the bids and uh we walked and talked through many of the alternates that are placed there. Under item A, the administration is recommending the board of directors award a contract to EA roofing company to perform roofing replacement and associated work at Boyertown Elementary School, including the base bid and alternate number RC04 for
038a total contract amount of 2,411,970. water moves. >> I'll second. >> Miss Scott. >> Yes. >> You have a question? >> Um, question. And I think this is where it would go since we've now split everything out. But in the duck work, would it not be appropriate to have CO2 detectors since we're now going with >> We do have Mr. Lynch here this evening with us. And I'm going to ask Mr. Lynch step to the podium. We have some technical questions. Good evening. Uh, that question pertains to the HVAC contract. The motion on the floor is for the roofing contract. >> Okay, that would be the H. Okay. Okay. >> But I'll I'll remain. >> Yes. Because I'm going to have more questions. >> Okay. >> Miss Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brad Upgroo. >>
039Yes. >> Mr. Roger Upgroo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zawatada. Yes, Mr. Broofphy. >> Yes, >> Miss Katz. >> Yes, >> Miss Nyman. >> Yes, >> Mr. Penelloo. >> Yes, >> I have it. Under item B, administration recommends the board of directors award a contract to JBM Mechanical Incorporated to perform HVAC and associated work at Boyertown Elementary School, including the base bid and alternates MC01, MC02, and MC03 for a total contract amount of $4,157,000. Panorello moves. >> There's a lot of seconds. >> Okay. >> You may you may proceed. >> The duck work. Would it not be recommended since we haven't had gas there? We've only had electric to have CO2 things installed. So, Armor's prized possessions are in that building. our students. That's what we're here for. I don't want them getting sick. >> Correct.
040I would agree wholeheartedly. Miss Nyman, you've stumped me because I don't have the answer uh technically for that question for you this evening. I'd be happy to send it back through administration. But I can tell you with the VRF system that's been designed, it's code compliant. It meets all of the requirements for what we need in order to bring fresh air into the building. and it's not really related to the fact that you have gas service in the building, but I understand your concern. So, if you forgive me, I'll be happy to confirm with our HVAC team exactly what your concern is and get back to you tomorrow through the superintendent's office. >> I just don't want our children getting sick. >> Yeah, I've I've uh done the VRF system a number of times and
041I just don't want to misstate what's included in the design. Again, I am absolutely confident that we've got it compliant with all codes and regulations and and safe for schools because we've installed it in schools before. But I would like to give you a technical answer in layman's terms if you'll allow me. >> And that motion then would be based on his answer. So, Miss Mintz, so where are we with regard to that? >> If I if I may ask for maybe one suggestion there before the solicitor weighs in, I would provide that tomorrow. And this is the uh board's motion to award contracts and they're all subject to the solicitor's review of the final contract. So, it would be not be signed, I would imagine, by the district until that question is answered and
042the solicitor's office has reviewed the contract. >> Are you okay with that? >> Yes, that was perfectly stated in exactly what I was going to say. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Brophy. I think you have a question. >> Quick question going along with that. If we're looking at CO2 detectors, also we need to know about compatibility with our present fire alarm system if they if they have to be added. Uh yes. So uh with respect to duct work, there are duct detectors for smoke and they are integrated with the building fire alarm system. I got that one. >> Yeah. No, but I mean if you're adding if you're adding CO2 detectors abs that detector goes off, it ties in with the fire alarm. >> Okay. So it will be compatible with the >> I just
043want to confirm the answer to the question for you and I'll and I'll dovetail into that one as well for you. Thank you. and then I'll have questions when it gets to electrical. I'll >> call call the vote. Miss Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Brad Upgroof, >> yes. Mr. Roger Upgroof, >> yes. >> Mr. Zawatada, >> yes. >> Mr. Broofphy, >> yes. >> Miss Kratz, >> yes. >> Miss Nyman, >> yes. >> Mr. Penella, >> yes. >> Eyes have it. Under item C, the administration is recommending board of directors award a contract to Phillips Brother Electrical Contractors to perform electrical and associated work at Boyertown Elementary School, including the base bid and alternates EC01, EC02, EC03, EC04, and EC05 for a total contract amount of 3,27,000. $25 Panorello moves. >> So a second motion in
044a second, >> Miss Scott. >> No, Mr. >> Sorry, Miss Diamond. >> Okay. On the electrical, I'm still concerned over the fire alarms. These are old fire alarms and I think now it was in your original that you did back in April, >> the work scope. So, the fire alarm is included in this package under the electrical contract. >> I did not see I thought that was taken out. >> And there's one more question that you'll probably ask with respect to the emergency generator. Uh at the last meeting, you had asked if it was enclosed with a fence and the the generator itself is completely encased in its own um uh enclosure shell. So, it's not like working parts of the generator available for someone to walk up and touch. the entire case is locked
045down and it does sit outside. But I'll do the same thing for you so that you have it in writing if that works for you. Send an email to through the administration office with respect to the fire alarm so that I'm perfectly clear for you on that answer. >> Yeah, because I thought that was taken out of this bid. I'll tie it together with CO2 uh sensors and uh the connection uh of the HVAC system for you. >> I mean, it seems like since you're from April, you were at 115 million, you're now down to >> 115 million. Hope not. >> I mean 15 million 15 million. Sorry. >> Phew. Okay. >> Um and now you're down to what? 11 something. >> Yes. Um, it would seem now would be the time to do the
046upgrade to the fire alarms. >> I I appreciate the question and I apologize. I will get back through the administration office tomorrow for you. Thank you for that. >> Thank you, >> Miss Scott. >> Yes, >> Mr. Bradrove. >> Yes. >> Mr. Roger Upgroo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zawatada. >> Yes. >> Mr. Broofphy. >> Yes. Miss Kratz, >> yes. >> Miss Nyman, >> yes. >> Mr. Penero, >> yes. >> Eyes have it. >> Thank you. Have a very pleasant holiday. >> You too. >> Thank you, Mr. Lynch. Under item D, the administration is recommending school directors approve the 26 2026 2022 senior high school program of studies for grades 12 9 through 12 as was presented at our last uh committee meeting. There's a lot of moves. >> You have one question. I think >>
047Mr. Sparks, we do have Mr. Sparks in attendance this evening. Why don't you step to the podium? We may have a question or two for you in regards to the high school program of studies. >> Okay. So like last year, I just wanted to share um my thoughts on the waiting of the dual enrollment classes. Um I have a lot of thoughts, so I'm trying to summarize them. Um just from a historical perspective, AP classes were given a GPA boost of 0.2 per credit and DE and honors classes were both an added 0.1 until this change was put into effect. So now they are weighted equally. The dual enrollment and the AP classes are weighted equally at a boost of 0.2 per credit. Um I disagree with this change. Also um I tried to understand
048it. I haven't really heard any substantial reason for the change taking place. Um I just wanted to make clear like my reasons for disagreement stem from two presuppositions. First, the purpose of weighted grades is to encourage students to take more challenging classes by rewarding them for the extra work and the time that more rigorous courses require. The added weight serves to account for the added difficulty level. Second, AP classes are more rigorous than DE classes. Um, especially some of the ones we are currently offering. Um, in order to prepare students for AP exams, the AP classes generally cover more material at a faster pace. They have a national standardized curriculum that is recognized by most college admissions. Dual enrollment courses can vary widely in their difficulty level. Um so for those reasons, I don't think
049it's fair that they carry the same weight, especially um when you compare a course like AP Calc BC and basic nutrition and first aid. Um I asked this last year. I was wondering if anybody consulted with our AP students and their experience and their workload before this change was made. Um, also just according to board policy 214, Boyertown calculates class rank based on GPA. As was highlighted at our last board meeting, all other factors being equal, students taking German would be outranked by students taking Spanish due to this policy. Um, I took German in high school, so that doesn't feel fair to me. Um, more importantly, our most academically gifted students, opting to take the most difficult classes, may now be outranked by students who are taking less challenging courses, but getting the same GPA
050bump. Our high achievers make our district look good with their high test scores, and I think it's only fair that we give them their best opportunity to demonstrate their relative academic achievement on their college applications. Just to be clear, dual enrollment is an excellent option for many of our students. I'm only arguing that the DE classes should not carry the same weight. A compromise that I suggested last year was to change the GPA bump to 0.15 for DE classes. I think that would more accur accurately represent the comparative difficulty level between AP and GE classes. Um, just to conclude, there are many wonderful things happening at our high school and I've seen many improvements even in the short time I've been on the board. I my goal and what I think I'm doing, what I
051hope I'm doing is to advocate for our motivated AP students who are putting in the hard work to try to get into their dream colleges. >> We'll see if he has a followup. >> All right. Right. So, I I appreciate you sharing your uh your comments with us and and thank you for reflecting on those as well. Um I guess kind of at the heart of your question was the AP versus the DE. Uh through our conversation with our school counselors as well as administration, it was difficult to determine why one course which could be received for college credit should get a point. 2 bump when the other course can also get received for college credit as well. and now we're potentially deflecting the idea that both courses DE and AP could receive a college
052credit. >> Um I would argue back that um the DE credits they're very limited in the schools that accept them and um AP credits are accepted at many more schol many more colleges especially colleges that are out of state and also more selective. Um I feel like the DE classes are kind of oversold. I don't know if everyone is aware of that limitation. I mean, we personally paid for the Spanish credit. I don't know why we did. It was a waste of money because they weren't accepted um at my boy school and I've heard that from other families, too. I just want to make sure that it they're not the same. I mean, the more selective schools take AP credit, they don't take the dual enrollment classes. Okay. I think it would come down to
053the conversation with the school counselor on what those post-secary options are to plan the uh program of studies appropriately as they go through their their program at the high school to make sure they're meeting the needs of those types of selective colleges that they're looking for. Uh but again, our idea and concern is really to promote students to challenge themselves and uh provide the reward for doing so. >> I think that does the opposite because I think it discourages students from taking the more challenging AP classes. I think basically what you're what you come down to with some students, not all, is that if they're going to count the same, a DE class is half a semester. An AP class is typically a full year, right? >> No, they're both full years of the same
054length. >> Okay. But again, is there enrollment in our AP classes? Is it dropping because we now offer dual enrollment? I think it fluctuates each year depending on uh the students and what their desires are. Uh I think it would be difficult to say that you know one year you might have a dip in AP and the next year you might have a a bounce up in AP and the same thing with DE. Uh so I think it really depends on what our students want to do and and truly what their post-secary plans are. >> Well, I to me I think you're going to have students shopping for an easy A to get that higher weighted class. I mean, we're all human and younger will take that easier road and then in the end, we're
055supposed to be following STEM practices and preparing these kids for um stealed programs, STEM programs in the colleges, but yet they might make some bad decisions here if if we don't adhere to a rigorous program. And this is making it a little bit too easy for these kids and it reflects in the workplace as well. I've had a lot of experience with teenagers and you can see the changes over the years, many years. It's not falling just on Boyer Town. This is across the board. Um, but I I just don't like to see students just getting an easy A for an easy class and another student getting a B for a very difficult AP class. That's all. >> Yeah. I I think we've and the guidance department and administration and many folks have evaluated some
056of the your considerations. I think that some of that commentary does take away from um what students are achieving and and the aspirations they have. Each individual student has a pathway toward their graduation and that's highly important to them. it's highly important to their families and each is in a different position. And I think that, you know, these are college level classes, whether they be AP, whether it be dual enrollment courses, they're college level classes. And, you know, I think we're starting now to get into the granular nature of evaluating a course against another course to stipulate which is more which is more important or which is more rigorous. and you're putting an administration in a very um precarious position to do that type of thing. These are the these are college level courses no
057matter what they are. Everybody has subjectivity and opinions on what they feel like and what they are. Every student, every family has different abilities and interest levels. So I think we need to be careful when we suggest certain things about different pathways. Our job is to really put students in a position, allow the offerings to do that. We're not seeing that, nor have I heard, nor have we seen. The data has been strong in an AP enrollment environments, and it continues to be strong in that. It's strong in dual enrollment programs. And yes, there's a lot of AP classes that aren't um you know, colleges don't accept them, right? Because there is so much AP out there. And it's become an economic decision for a lot of those. So, you know, I I would caution
058the board about drilling deeper into that because we're not seeing that pathway or we're not seeing that story align necessarily um at a larger sense in in our schools. We have students that are going after optimal opportunities for what their needs are as they take their next steps. And every individual student is completely different from one another, you know. So, I I I just caution you about that. >> Yeah. I I guess I would my last comment would be that the feedback I've received from students is they don't think it's fair. And I'm speaking I'm speaking for them. It has nothing to do with me. It's for the students that are doing the work and they they don't feel like they're being recognized for their for their efforts. I guess one point to uh to
059add here and then I I do appreciate your your commentary is uh we do have students who are at Kutztown taking education courses as part of our high school who go to Kutztown. Uh they're DE courses. So imagine telling those students who are participating on campus with Kutztown professors that they don't get a college bump the 2, but the other kid gets a one gets a 0.2 bump as an AP student in class. So just >> but those students aren't trying to get into the most selective schools. That's my That's my point. >> Thank you, >> Miss Scott. >> Well, I'm not going to throw the baby out with the bathwater, so I will vote yes for this. >> Mr. Brad Up to Grove. >> Yes. Mr. Roger Up to Grove. >> Yes. >> Mr.
060Zawatada. Yes, >> Mr. Brophy. >> Yes, >> Miss Kretz. >> No, >> Miss Nyman. >> Yes, >> Mr. Penell. >> Yes, >> eyes have it. >> Takes us to item E, middle school program of studies. And the administration does recommend the uh school directors approve the 26 202627 middle school program of studies for grades 6 through 8 as presented. We do have Mr. Mayori. I'll have him come to the podium. I know there were not really much changes to that. We did change some of the language related to some of the steels curriculum standards and such. Um but we'll bring that to the floor and see if there's any questions for Mr. Mayor. >> Certainly. The water moves. >> I'll second. >> Any questions for Mr. Mayor? Dr. Mayor. >> You got off easy. >>
061Mi Miss Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brad Upgroo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Roger Upgroo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zawada. Yes, >> Mr. Broofphy. >> Yes, >> Miss Katz. >> Yes, >> Miss Nyman. >> Yes, >> Mr. Penrell. >> Yes, >> I have it. >> Mr. Mayori, maybe you shouldn't have left the podium. So, under item F, the administration does recommend the board of school directors approve the middle school student council stipenou as presented um at our last committee of the whole meeting. And again, we'll let that motion come to the floor. If there's any questions, Dr. Mayori is here to answer. Zotter moves. Panorello seconds. Any questions for Dr. Mayward? No. A man's batting a thousand. >> You're going to have to ask for gas money. >> Walk away while I'm ahead. All right. >>
062Miss Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brad Upgrove. >> Yes. >> Mr. Roger Upgroth. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zawatada. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brophy. >> Yes. >> Miss Kratz. >> Yes. >> Miss Nimon. >> Yes. >> Mr. Penerell. >> Yes. eyes have it. >> Under item G, the bash chiller number two compressor motor. The administration does recommend board school directors approve the purchase of the compressor motor at cost of $99,545 for Boyertown High School chiller number two as presented a number of different times and I believe we've given you the most recent um quotes for that and asurances related to the warranty. Panola moves. >> I'll second. >> Miss Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Brad Upgro, >> yes. >> Mr. Roger Upgro, >> yes. >> Mr. Sawada, >> yes. >> Mr. Broofphy, >> yes. >> Miss
063Katrz, >> yes. >> Miss Nimon, >> yes. >> Mr. Penerell, >> yes. >> Eyes have it. >> Takes us to item H, overnight trip. And again, the trip that we had um previously presented earlier in this meeting, the administration does recommend board of directors approve the following overnight trip as listed, which is again RPA music educators association district 10 coral festival for Mr. Bruner and four students. So Adam moves. >> I'll second Miss Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brad Upgrove. >> Yes. >> Mr. Roger Uptogrove. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zawatada. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brophy. >> Yes. >> Miss Kratz. >> Yes. >> Miss Diamond. >> Yes. >> Mr. Panerello. >> Yes. >> I haven't. >> Under item I. The administration does recommend board of directors approve the Kelly Services exhibit A addendum as presented
064earlier in this meeting. So water moves. >> I'll second. >> I do would like to possibly see next year looking into the additional increase on the lower bring them up or research it a little better. I won't be here to but um >> Mr. Zad, I believe you're speaking about the parah professionals. >> Yeah. I'm just asking to be looked at after this. So, >> Miss Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Brad Uptogrove, >> yes. >> Mr. Roger Upgro, >> yes. >> Mr. Zawada, >> yes. >> Mr. Broofphy, >> yes. >> Miss Katz, >> yes. >> Miss Nyman, >> yes. >> Mr. Penelloo, >> yes. >> Eyes have it. takes us down item J and the administration recommends the board of directors approve the therapy source agreement addendum as previously presented in this meeting moves so
065>> Miss Scott >> yes >> Mr. Bradrove >> yes >> Mr. Roger >> yes >> Mr. Zawada >> yes >> Mr. Brophie, >> yes. >> Miss Katz, >> yes. >> Miss Nyman, >> yes. >> Mr. Penello, >> yes. >> Eyes have it. >> Under item K, the administration recommends the approval of the personnel agenda as listed. >> So moves second. Oh, Brian did it. >> Miss Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Bradrove. >> Yes. >> Mr. Roger Upgro. Yes, >> Mr. Zawato. >> Yes, >> Mr. Broofphy. >> Yes, >> Miss Katz. >> Yes, >> Miss Nyman. >> Yes, >> Mr. Penelo. >> Yes, >> I have it. >> Item 11, old business. There is no old business as listed. >> There's no one signed up for public public comment period number two, which leads us to
066the board comment. Mr. Outgroup. >> Uh, yes. I want to wish everybody a happy Thanksgiving. >> Uh wishing everybody a happy Thanksgiving. Please, if you're traveling, whether it's be near or far, be safe in your travels. Um same thing, happy Thanksgiving, safe travels. Um I just want to thank um Mr. Zada, Mrs. Scott for their support and being mentors to to me as um when I started on the board and um Ruth isn't here, but thank you to her as well. Okay, this is probably the longest I have ever spoken at a board meeting, but I do have some closing uh remarks and my goodbye to everyone. So, I'm going to read it because otherwise it won't come out right. Um, good evening troublemakers, dreamers, and people who still think Robert's Rules of Order is
067optional. And this is a joke. These past That's a joke. I'm not being serious. These past four years have flown by. I never planned to be here, but by some stroke of fate, I am. I never looked at this seat as one of power, but rather a seat that brings great responsibility. Not a seat where we just continue on the same path, but a seat that brings change. In these times that we live in, change is happening happening rapidly. So much so it is hard to keep up. This season on the board for me has been a season of strengthening, growing, and gaining a boatload of knowledge from everyone that I've come in contact with. I am a better person today, wiser, braver, and that much needed touch of crazy because of all of you
068and all of those who faithfully attend the board meetings a bit I bid a high five to. I hope we were entertaining. I would like to th thank Mr. Stout, though he's not here tonight, for the many opportunities you provided through the years to board members. It was always such a joy for me to go and read to our students, our kindergarteners through fifth grade. To be asked to be a judge for our middle school, eighth grade pro projects and high school portfolios was an honor. The ingenuity that I saw in many of these students was incredible. From this experience, I can see many opportunities awaiting them. It was an honor to preside over graduation and watch success on display throughout the entire evening. This was always a reminder as to why I served on
069the board. In January, the board voted for Dr. David Heiser to take the reigns of a very large district. I believe this vote was our biggest accomplishment as a board. He hit the ground running and the strategic planning meetings began. These brought about great collaboration with the teachers, administration, community members, and students. Together, a vision was born. Over the next years, I am eager to see the greater accomplishments that will be produced from that vision. Thank you to Mr. David, Dr. David Heiser, for being handson in our schools this year. I am sure this is not easy for you, but the fruit that comes from this will be great. And lastly, thank you for opening the doors to our student classrooms, allowing board members to watch them engage in the learning process while also seeing
070the new curriculum at work. A real blessing, too, came watching our young learners navigate the English language, which we know is not an easy feat, right, Mrs. Pratt? >> Thank you, Tony, for your leadership at a time when we needed change and much change happened, too. No one could have done it better. And the proof is that you will be here another term to continue the work started by many on this board. Jeff, you stood strong in the face of opposition and didn't waver on your beliefs. Roger, thank you for telling me like it is, agreeing to disagree and still remaining remaining my friend. Wendy and Brad, I love serving with you both and I know you will welcome the new board members with enthusiasm and grace. As I hand over this seat to Matt,
071Michelle, and Lynn, and these lovely computers, too, I leave with a heart that's fuller than when I started. Great memories of students visiting the boardroom, bringing their success and their needs, late night meetings, a phone full of photos from my time here, and the absolute certainty that this district is in good hands. All those within the Bertown district, too many to speak of, are a part of a committed community that make this school great. Thank you. Students, keep being brilliant, keep being brave, and keep being you. You are the reason I came here. You will remain in my prayers. And parents, thank you for trusting me with a tiny piece of your kids' story. I'll be cheering from the cheap seats now, probably sneaking into basketball games and pretending I can still get in free.
072So my prayer for all this community comes from Jeremiah. Our father says, "I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a great future." God bless you all and have a wonderful holiday season. I will miss everyone here. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Ro. >> Nothing. Happy Thanksgiving. Have a great dinner tomorrow or tomorrow. As a matter of fact, >> Thursday, that's one day too fast. I'll have a good dinner tomorrow. And >> yeah, you don't have to one day. >> One day, too. >> I'd just like to thank Miss Dirof, Miss Scott, and Mr. Zada for uh their time on the school board. um you know should be very happy with the things that you accomplished while
073we were here. You know, we're moving away from good enough and just okay to making town better. So, it's about time and we'll hopefully try to continue to do that. >> I don't have a note page, but um I feel I'm leaving the school district in a lot better position than when we started. um from our students to our faculty to our administration. Uh Tony, you've done a great job leading us through this and the blessing we did get was by getting Dr. David Heiser. I don't think we'd be in the position where we're at right now if it wasn't for him. I see this school district in two, three years becoming one of the best in Burks County again that everybody can be proud of. Um, our sports teams are are very good. Our
074music program is great. Our bands are still as great. And all our students have shown positiveness. And I do believe that the three new members that are um that will be coming take care of one of my seats uh will keep this process going because speaking with them, as long as everybody remembers and we put the student first, we can't lose. So, keep up the good work and uh I pray for you all. Thank you. >> So, before we close tonight, I want to give sincere recognition to our three outgoing board members. Tonight marks the end of their formal roles on this board, but certainly not the end of the impact they will continue to have on our school community. In particular, I'd like to thank Maryannne Scott and Jeff Sawada throughout their tenure. They've
075approached every discussion with professionalism, a deep respect for our community, and a clear focus on what is best for our students. You've each played an essential role not only in supporting this board, but in supporting me personally as president, and I'm greatly appreciative. Your dedication has touched every corner of this district. Programs have strengthened, students have gained opportunities, and our district is left in a much better state because of the work you helped guide. Your legacy is one of service, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making our school a better place for every child. We are grateful for the time you've given us, the challenges you've helped us navigate, and the example you leave for future board members. So, I want to thank you guys for everything. And for everyone else, have a very happy Thanksgiving.
076Just a few announcements. Our upcoming meetings um are scheduled for a week from now actually. So the school reboard our school board reorganization meeting will be held here at 7 p.m. next Tuesday. Um and immediately following that meeting will be a committee of the whole meeting. Um scheduled to hear um again in the educational center. Motion to >> nada seconds.