001[music] We're going to call the meeting to order. Roll call. >> Miss Kratz >> here. >> Miss Nimon >> here. >> Miss Scott >> here. >> Mr. Brad Uptogrove >> here. >> Mr. Roger Upgroo >> here. >> Mr. Zawatada >> here. >> Mr. Broofphy >> here. >> Miss Doff >> present. >> Mr. Mr. Penello >> here. >> All present. >> Let's rise for the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. >> Algiance of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible and justice for all. The board of school directors held an executive session on October 28th, 2025. The topic was personnel. Session lasted approximately 45 minutes. Good evening everyone. Like to welcome everyone that's here in person to the meeting. My name is Dr. Scott
002Davidiser. I'd like to welcome those listening virtually as well. To kick off our meeting this evening, we do have a recognition u showcase uh and a service award that we'd like to recognize of one of our longstanding board members. I would like to ask that Miss Aaron Todd, there you are. if you might step to the podium area. Can you get across to the podium area? >> We'll find out. >> Okay. >> One of the significant factors with any organization is always a continuity of service. and certainly for a board member in today's society, in today's world to serve um for um multiple um multiple tenures um as a board member is is pretty remarkable and we want to thank this evening Miss Derof. PSBA did reach out to the district and wanted to uh
003deliver an a an award to Miss Dear off for her 20 years of service. So, Miss Aaron Todd, I'm going to have you kick things off and um for your presentation. >> All right. Well, good evening everyone. My name is Aaron Todd and I'm a senior training and outreach manager with the Pennsylvania School Boards Association. It is my absolute privilege to join you this evening on behalf of PSBA as we take a moment to honor a member of the board who has dedicated many years of service to the students and community of Bertown Area School District. Serving on a school board is a significant responsibility. It involves thoughtful decision-making, collaboration, and a strong commitment to supporting students and schools. The school director that I'm recognizing tonight has consistently given of her time and energy to
004help guide the district and support educational opportunities for all. Her efforts have made a meaningful difference in the lives of students, staff, and the broader school community. The PSBA honor role program acknowledges school board directors who have demonstrated sustained commitment through years of service beginning at five years of service. Recognition is then given at 5-year intervals following that first recognition to honor continued dedication and contributions to public education. So this evening I am honored to present this plaque to a school director who has shown outstanding commitment to public education in PA. Members of the board as well as those who are in the audience tonight, please join me and recognizing Ruth Deir for 20 years of service [applause] >> just for you. Pleasure. And if you're comfortable with it, >> turn this way. Oh, >>
005get a photo out. Thank you, [applause] >> Mr. Deoff. Again, on behalf of the school district, we wanted to recognize you and thank you for your years of service as well. We have this lovely tote bag along with a little bit of a water tumbler in there for you. So, pack up all your supplies tonight. Thank you very much. >> Thank you for your service. [applause] >> That leads us to the student representative report. Ladies, >> good evening board members and meeting attendees. The first quarter is almost nearing its end. It feels crazy to think we're almost a fourth way through the school year, but despite how quickly time has flown, we are so happy to be back today for our end of the month report highlighting some of the fun and impactful events taking
006place at Bash for October. The annual Powderpuff game is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29th at 7 p.m. on the school football field. This long-standing tradition provides an opportunity for juniors and seniors to engage in a spirited and competitive community- centered game. During this game, the female students participate in a flag football game while the male students take on the role of cheerleaders and perform a choreographed halftime show, which I for one am excited for. Importantly, all proceeds will be donated to the four diamonds nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to supporting families and children affected by childhood cancer. This game usually draws up a lot of attendance and enthusiasm from students, families, and staff. Starting the month of October was an event that so many of us were waiting for, homecoming. Leading up to the homecoming
007game on October 3rd, there was a Rio themed spirit week to show school spirit. The homecoming game was a pinkout showing support and awareness for breast cancer, a disease so very prevalent in many of our lives and communities. Although we didn't win, I'm sure everyone who went to the game with their friends and dates found it super fun, though I was not able to make it. October 4th at 7 p.m. was the homecoming dance, which for me and my friends was an absolute blast. From all the crazy dancing we shot saw, I'm sure the student body would stay say the same. I also think that the classes found it really nice to have the nod as a sort of resting room because when 500 kids are in a room, sometimes it be can become a
008bit of a hot box. It was definitely a night to remember and we we thank student council and all the other groups involved in making the dance possible. Students are currently in the process for registering registering for AP and DE testing. These programs continue to show the academic commitment of our students, many of whom face challenging and rigorous work uh for test for AP testing, registration, and payment ends on November 1st with late fees applying from there. All AP test orders will be finalized on November 14th. In addition to the student events and academic milestones, parent teacher conferences will be on Wednesday, October 29th from 4 to 7 p.m. where teachers will provide families with the opportunity to discuss student progress, review academic goals, and strengthen communication between home and school. On the half day
009of October 15th, upperassmen participated in some transformative events in their academic careers. Sophomores took the pre-ACTs, juniors took the PSATs, and seniors did their presentations highlighting their career exploration journey throughout high school. While to many students it may feel like a chore to take these pre-ESTs, I can confidently say as a senior that I benefited significantly. Had I not taken the PSAT and focused on what I struggled with, I couldn't have even dreamed of getting over 1500 on my SAT. Having talked to several seniors about their experiences, almost all of them said that they are happy they spent their half day the past two years in the testing room. And for for us, all of our preparation for our senior pre presentations finally came to fruition. While I can't admit it wasn't absolutely nerve-wracking, it
010was honestly extremely fun. Hearing feedback from adults with far more experiences in career exploration was quite informative. I'm sure everyone was also super happy to see some of their middle and elementary school teachers. I know I was. Both the freshman and senior classes have been actively participating in fundraising efforts to support upcoming class events and activities. For the senior class, two fundraisers were held earlier this fall. The senior spirit war spirit wear sale which ended on September 10th raised funds to help cover expenses for the senior prom. In addition, seniors participated in another class fundraiser distributed through brochures at the recent assembly. Proceeds from that initiative will either be applied towards the final class trip payments in December or used to offset the overall cost of the class of 2026 prom depending on the students
011participation in the trip. These fundraisers were successful in engaging students, encouraging teamwork, and supporting important senior year activities. The freshman class has also been actively involved in this fundraising as well. And with that, we thank the board for their time and consideration. It has continued to be an eventful and transformative year for Bash, and we want to help shine light on all the fun and amazing things taking place at the high school. We look forward to bringing you Bash's best moments next month for our November. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> Ladies, ladies, I want you to understand I heard it I heard this come through. Um I that you thought maybe we as a board didn't appreciate what you do. We appreciate 100% the effort you guys put into. And I also want to
012let you know you don't have to always bring the happy things. If there's an issue, the only way we can find out is from ladies like you. So you're the representative of the whole school body of students. So, if there's something that you feel is necessary, please bring it up or talk to your um one of the board members that helps handle you guys. But you do a great job and I just want to let you know you're very much appreciated. That leads us to public com period number one. Coach Terzy Turfields. [applause] All right. Um, I'm Alicia Terizy. I am the high school coach for field hockey and flag football and I've been a teacher in this district at Boyertown Middle School West since 1997, I believe. It's been a long time. Okay. I
013am here to talk about the field hockey team. This was my fifth year back as being the head coach. And over the last fifth year, five years, we've made the pack finals all five years, winning it twice. All of those five years, we've qualified for the district one tournament, making it to at least the second round, and we've qualified for the state tournament two times. Boyertown field hockey alumni are currently playing at these colleges. Iowa, Ersinus, Bloomsburg, Michigan State, Wagner, Northeastern, Widner, Roberts, Wesian, Swathmore, Stockton, and Central Michigan. Current team members, we have four girls committed already. Two seniors are going to Indiana University and Maddie Deweiler is going to sinus. And we have two juniors on our team. Um Emily Olrich who will speak in a little bit. She's going to Ohio State and
014Kendall Gilbert is committed to Cornell. They're both juniors and they will both be speaking in a little bit. We have built a top-notch program filled with very successful young women and athletes. We are very proud of our program. We are also super excited at the thought of being able to walk out of that building next year onto our own turf field. I am giddy at the thought of walking out back and running a practice in our facility. Being able to practice corners whenever we want. Being able to have a practice that is longer than an hour and 15 minutes. being able to play at home and have a home field advantage. I didn't want to cry, but I can't. I'm going to tell you that the seniors, and Maddie can back me up on this
015because she's the one that designed this. Every year, they make a senior shirt. They don't tell the coaches what the shirts are. They run it by the team moms. The coaches are way too busy to handle that. And when I got my senior shirt, I burst out in tears. And the senior shirt says, and I have it on right now, almost home and in quotes, not tired yet. Well, I do appreciate their sentiment, but honestly, I am tired. I'm very tired, and I'm looking forward to playing at home this year. Please do the right thing. Thank you, [applause] >> John Emmy Turfield Fields. >> Well, I'm not going to get the applause she got, but as a lifelong holder of minority opinions, I'm kind of used to it by now. Although, I will say I
016support the goal of Turfields. I support that we need I support that for many sports to compete and then we need them. Don't support the way it was done. So that's all I'm going to talk about tonight. I do applaud the recent um a recent commitment to the of this administration of this board to um in their strategic plan to commit to transparent communication of financial information applying for the ASBO meritorious budget award with pure full stakeholder involvement and also to maintain a comprehensive 10-year capital plan that's revised and published on the district website. I support those goals wholeheartedly. What I'm and I support this goal of turf fields wholeheartedly, but what I'm concerned about is that I've not seen these goals expressed in how this project was brought to pass and to be. They're
017going to vote tonight to spend 5 million of our capital well 3.3, but by the time the whole project's over, about 5 million of our capital reserves on new turf fields, but we haven't seen even the most basic up-to-date data that can assure us that the way it's being done is sound. Most schools don't tap their capital reserve funds to be able to do elective things like this. Even no matter how valuable they are, they usually have hybrid financing. Bonds, uh, bonds, fundraisers, use a little bit of the capital reserve, but they usually do it in a hybrid manner. But if they are going to use the capital reserve like you're choosing to use, what I asked and emailed the board this week was for some basic information that they should have been able to
018provide in 10 minutes if they are indeed making progress towards their goals. current capital reserve fund balance, the five-year list of essential capital projects that are going to draw down that fund, the district's plan to replenish the reserve, and then their idea of what a good cushion of that reserve to make sure that we have the balance going forward for any surprise ones that come up. I made this request ahead of time because you could do this in about 10 minutes. If if you're doing budgeting right, you should have this data available immediately. I did it ahead of time because I didn't want you guys to think like I was springing this on you. Although you shouldn't have felt that way because I've been asking for it for many uh for a long time now.
019Am I going to get that data tonight? Are we going to see that data tonight or you just going to vote? >> Depends on where it is. >> Okay. So, >> so Mr. Emmy, I will respond to your your comment that there will be at the appropriate time in the meeting data shared with the board. >> Will it be shared before the vote or after? It'll be shared during the vote. >> during the vote. Okay. Well, I look forward to seeing that. [clears throat] Okay. Thanks. That's all I'm asking for. Like I said, I I really support the goal. I know you I know it doesn't sound like it. I really do support it. I just want to make sure that it's a sound decision going forward so that we're not putting any of our
020other educational goals at risk. Thanks very much. Dia Savage, Treasures Report, Policies, Donation, Pays Survey. >> Hi, I just wanted to touch on a couple items on your agenda, not the turf fields. Um, the treasurer's report shows that 31.3% of our revenues come from the state. That funding is currently being held up by the state budget impass, which is now 120 days overdue. Our district may not be feeling the impacts in the same way as some poorer districts are yet, but it does certainly have some impact on revenue from interest that we are losing out on. I would like to know more about how the budget impass is impacting our district now and how long we can go without state funds before pulling from our reserves or cutting educational services. And I would like to
021know why our school board members post our our state senators post celebrating a budget proposal that flat funds public education when our district is counting on a significant increase in state funding. Does our community understand that the only real lever that the board has for making up for lost funding from the state and federal government is local property tax increases or of course cutting non-mandated school programs and services? Um, on another topic, I'd like to publicly thank the Foundation for Boyertown Education for their sustained support to our school district and their donations. I anticipate that contributions from the foundation, our parent groups, and our community are going to become more and more essential to our district's success. Regarding the pay survey, I would like to say in case it's not explicitly stated tonight, that the
022pay survey helps our district understand areas where we need to focus on improving and it provides data that can help us apply for grants in order to meet those needs. And finally, as you consider the first readings for many of our board policies, the policies that define how you operate, that is, that you also consider how you might comply with these policies. For example, policy 003 states that the board shall plan an annual evaluation of its functions as a board. I think it's safe to say based on comments from board members that that does not happen, but I would be very happy to learn otherwise. and policy 011 principles for governance and leadership sorry I don't even know where to begin maybe under lead responsibly work together in a spirit of harmony respect and cooperation
023participate in professional development training and board retreats thank you for letting me speak Tonight, >> Emily Olrich, Turfields. >> Hello, my name is Emily Oric and I'm currently a junior here at Bash and play for the field hockey team. My past years playing hockey here at Bordertown have been the best years of my life. However, it was always difficult not having the ability to play on a home turf field. It was always a burden to find a ride or drive to practice at 422 or Farost. Many of your students wanted to come and support us the past seasons, but found it difficult and inconvenient to come to all the way games. It was also very difficult having to celebrate our senior night at another school. Having turf will not only make it easier for our
024community to support our team, but will also improve our overall school spirit. That's why I am so excited and grateful for the future turf field going to be installed. If you vote yes tonight, it'll be so much easier to attend practice and having support from other parent other people than parents or grandparents. I'm also really looking forward to hopefully hosting our senior night on our own turf during my teammates and I senior year. So, please vote yes tonight to benefit our future student athletes and community. Thank you, [applause] Kendall Gilbert, Turfields. >> [applause] >> Hello, good evening. Um, thank you so much for the opportunity to speak here tonight. Uh, my name is Kendall Gilbert. I'm a junior and I've attended and played field hockey at Buertown all my life. Um, but right now I
025want to speak on I hope to speak on the behalf of everyone at Bertown. Every student, every community member, every athlete, every teacher, and everyone who calls Bertown their home. Tonight, we are all immensely grateful that the possibility of installing a turf or turf fields has finally become very real. Of course, that depends upon your votes tonight. But I can imagine you and some others will be grappling with the monetary deficit this will cost our district, but if the motion passes, I promise you that it will not be a burden. I firmly believe that the short and long-term benefits of installing turf fields will entirely outweigh the cost. It will mean everyone in front of me having a home field to play on, a home senior night. Um, it will mean other teams wanting to
026come to Buertown to play on our fields and see our school. It will mean marching band being able to practice on a smooth surface. It will mean elementary and middle school students being more exposed to Bertown school spirit and taking an interest in sports that they watch on a home field. And finally, it will mean the world to hopefully almost everyone here today and everyone else at Bertown. [snorts] Personally, after having shortened practices on rented turf every year, countless hours of class time missed to commute to away games and field hockey senior night away at Bortown's rivaling school, I am ecstatic to be speaking in front of you now in hopes that you will take what I've said to heart and vote for Turfields at Bertown Area High School. Again, thank you so much for
027allowing me to speak to you all tonight and God bless you. >> Thank you. [applause] Kimberrett Turfields. >> Okay. >> Can you hear me? All right. So, I'm a real estate agent and I'm hoping to bring a different perspective than what you may have heard in the past. As a real estate agent, I can't even count how many times I've heard buyers talk about how other school districts how about how much other school districts have to offer. I want my clients to come to me and say, "I heard all the wonderful things about our school district." Forward progress matters not just for test scores or rankings, but for how people feel about being part of a community. Every improvement made in our schools shows families that we invest in our kids and our future. And
028that word truly gets out. Think of it this way. You walk into two houses. One that's completely outdated with the 1970s shag carpet and kitchen and bathrooms to match that 70s style. Then you walk into another one that's been beautifully updated to today's style. Which one is going to sell faster and for more money? Schools are no different. When a district invests in growth, innovation, and opportunity, it becomes more desirable, and that directly impacts property values across the board. That includes adding turf to our fields that currently have that 1970s shag carpet, so to speak. For all of our sports teams and the music programs, as an example, I urge you to watch a college sports game and then look at the fields that our athletes are told to play on. Are we truly giving
029them the opportunity to shine at that level? They're stars right now only because of the incredible dedication of coach Terzy, who literally goes above and beyond every day to make sure these girls can compete. I would like to remind everyone that doesn't already know, she went out and got her CDL license and drives a bus to to take our girls to practice. so they could be competitive. Imagine what they could do if they had the same resources other districts already enjoy. That's dedication. Imagine where we all would be if all schoolboard members school board members had that level of dedication to our kids. To every school board member here who continues to push for better, I want to thank you. You know who you are. Your deci decisions don't just shape classrooms. They shape pride,
030community spirit, and our home values. Somewhere along the way, investing in our schools started being painted as something to fear. Thank you to those that can look past the politics and focus on our kids. Let's put Boyertown on the map as a highly rated school district that people start asking me to place them in. Thank you. [applause] Barfari Turf Fields. Hi everyone. I'm Barb Ferry. Um I don't represent the field hockey team. However, I commend you girls and what you have done for all of these years. Um, I had two girls go through this school district. They did not play sports here. I have a son who is a junior. Most of you all know him. Um, he plays lacrosse. We're just as screwed. He is the faceoff person um for the lacrosse team and
031the game is played completely different on turf and grass. He trains at an outside facility. They don't even teach him how to do it on a grass field. He has to, if he's playing on grass, he has to mentally figure it out. Thank God he's smart enough because we do not have good fields here and they are terrible. So with that being said um and knowing that we're going to vote tonight, I just want to thank those board members who have fought for our children and these improvements and for these fields. When I look back I look back 11 years that this fight that I can look back on to think about this fight going on. I'm gonna say it probably goes back 15, maybe 16 years in this district looking for turf fields. 11
032years ago, OJ Roberts had turf fields. They were already installed three years prior to that and were paid for. That puts us 14 years behind. It's kind of disgusting. So, I want to thank those of you who have come together to push for this situation and this issue. I have personally been there supporting you at the polls. Whether it's in my region or another region, whatever you need, I am there for these board members to support these children. That is number one. Um the other situation I'd like to say is that those who have not been for these fields, have you taken a walk on these fields? Have you seen what other facilities are like? No, you haven't. I can guarantee it. It's embarrassing. Teams come here. I'm embarrassed. I am embarrassed that they have
033to come here and play on this crap. Last year, the football field, dirt was flying around. It was a mess. It was It was embarrassing. So, with that being said, I hope that we can vote yes tonight without fighting with each other, screaming and yelling, acting unprofessional, and get this done. Thank you. [applause] >> [clears throat] >> At this time, we're looking for a motion to approve the October 14th, 2025 committee of the whole meeting minutes. >> So, I move. >> Miss Kratz, >> yes. >> Miss Nimon, >> Miss Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Brad Upgrove, yes. Mr. Roger Upgro, >> yes. Mr. Zawatada, >> yes. >> Mr. Brophie, >> no. >> Moff? >> No. >> Mr. [snorts] Penerell, >> yes. >> Eyes have it. >> That takes us to our discussion and information section.
034Um, this evening we have a short presentation that we we'd like to share with the board with regard to the Pennsylvania Youth Survey. This is a survey that's been conducted for nearly 35 years throughout the Commonwealth. One that's used by schools and more recently by schools in determining next steps as it relates what originally was related to mostly drug and alcohol usage through schools has now extended itself into the types of things that um all of our students or some of our students um uh struggle with. Whether it's anxiety, whether it's uh types of depression, whether it's unhealthy relationships, it really grows into a multitude of things that we know in the holistic society of educating a student, we need to be attuned to and on top of and provide resources for. So, I have
035Dr. Kristen Horton, our director of pupil services, here this evening to share a little bit of a presentation um as to what this survey is. It's been conducted in Boyertown for many many years in the past and has been successfully participated within and has allowed us to uh take on some of the data and really identify gaps and resources to to fill some of those gaps for us in the future. So, Dr. Dr. Horton, if you would. [snorts] >> Hello. Good evening. Thank you. Um just going to talk to you briefly about the PAS um survey. If we go to I'm in charge of this. Okay. Um so the pay survey is a byanual survey which means that it's offered every other year and that's in the odd years um of of school that we
036have. So this is 2025 and so this will be an odd year and we last did the survey in 2023. The survey is looking at students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12. Um and it's open and available to public schools, private schools, and charter schools in the state. Um when we offer this survey, the survey really gives us information regarding students perceptions. So this allows students to let us have a snapshot or a glimpse into their experience within our school setting and within the environment as a whole here in the community. So there's questions on the page that look at the school environment. Some of those questions are asking about how they feel about the courses that they're taking, how they feel supported by staff in the district, and how meaningful what the offerings
037are are to their future and what they want to do. They also look at attitudes and knowledge and behaviors related to mental health. Um, we're looking at also the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. So it gives us a snapshot into students perceptions regarding alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Do students feel that it is safe and healthy? Do they acknowledge that it could be harmful for them? Also gives us an idea on what number of students or percentage of students who may be engaging in risky behavior. Um we also get to learn from the pays um when we're looking at violence and health risk factors. gives us an opportunity to hear from students um their experience with potentially bullying or threats within the school environment. So this is an opportunity for them to anonymously and
038confidentially provide us information on that student experience that they're having. In addition to that, the PACE is looking at risk factors and protective factors that our students have. And so when we're looking at those risk factors, that could be students who are experiencing transitional living situations who may have an unstable living situation or food insecurities. It also looks at attendance. So we can ask and hear from students how often are they skipping school. Um and so we know that that's a risk factor for future graduation for students and success um of post-graduation. Also, we're looking at those pro protective factors and we've heard about protective factors already today from speakers. So, we know engagement in sports, music, and e extracurriculars that the school offers is a prot protective factor. It also looks at um volunteer
039opportunities. What opportunities are there for our students within the larger community to engage in what's there? And we know that those are protective factors for our students. So, that's a snapshot of what the um survey tells us. And then here's just a slide showing you how participation in the pays aligns to our strategic plan and other initiatives in the district. So we know that part of the strategic plan for student services was looking at wellness and belonging information from the PACE can help us to establish areas of focus. So part of one of our goals was reduction in bullying and as I had mentioned the pay has questions looking at um bullying behaviors. Is it happening within the school day, outside of school? Is it happening online, in person? So again, it just gives us
040information so that we can plan for interventions and ways to support students. If we're looking at portrait of a graduate, we also see um how the information from PAS aligns to that. Looking at that real world knowledge, um social emotional learning and composition of character. This is all giving us information to make sure that we're supporting those initiatives. And we also use the pays information for our 339 guidance plan um when we're looking at how to support um students and mental health and um positive initiatives regarding that. Um, also we heard in public comment that the pay survey provides opportunities for grants. And so when we do apply for the PCCD grant, we do use information um from the pay survey to help identify um programming that we apply for. So in the past, our
041um PCCD grant has supported drug and alcohol counselor at the high school, substance misuse counselor, as well as school-based counseling in the district. So when we get that data from the pays, we look at it combined with our SAP data and we look to see what students are telling us from that data and then we can put appropriate supports in place to help. And so just um a little bit more information, the survey is um scheduled to take place the week of November 17th in our second secondary buildings, the two middle schools and the high school. Um again, the survey is voluntary. Um it's anonymous and it is confidential. Um, parents have the opportunity to opt students out of the survey and students um, do not have to take it. If they were not opted
042out by a parent and they're in their class and they're not comfortable with any of the content, they don't have to answer those survey questions. Um, we do participate in the online version of the survey. Um, that's two reasons. We get data sooner, but also it is a faster survey to complete, so it only takes about 30 minutes of the school day. Um, and again, the data is released to us in the spring of 2026, so we can use that information for planning over the summer as we prepare for the upcoming school year. And that's all I have for you on the pays today. [applause] Yes. Okay. Um, so my question is the the information is not compiled here, so it does go out to an outside agency to compile. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay.
043So um but the students do the the survey on their own computer. >> They do. Okay. So how do you ensure the confidentiality of those results? And with some of the things you're looking at like behaviors if something significant comes up that a student might say, >> do you trace that back to the student then or is it just information that you keep? >> No, we don't trace any of it back to the student. So each school building is given their own unique link to the survey um to answer questions. They don't ask any information regarding name or anything like that. So we wouldn't be able to trace it back to a student. And once that building has completed their survey, I lock that down so that no one else can go into that survey.
044So we're not asking any identifying information from that student other than their grade. So we can look at that information for 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th. But we don't um >> so their IP address doesn't go forward. That's being blocked. >> Correct. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Um so it's compiled by each school. Correct. So the >> Mhm. >> So the principal would get that information. >> It's actually not by school, it's by grade level. So we get our data um in the page report. So we have sixth grade, eighth grade, 10th grade and 12th grade. And that's how we receive that data. So um we we see averages for all of sixth grade, eighth grade, 10th grade and 12th not differentiated by east or west. It's just that grade level combined. >>
045Now the information would be shared with the principles then I would expect and then yes and it should be with the teachers also. Correct. The information is shared out to the principles when we get the reports and then we also use that information in the summers when we do our action planning. So the building teams have that information to look at and help develop their building goals. >> Thank you. >> Yep. >> Um sixth grade, eighth grade, 10th grade, 12th grade, do they get all basically the same questions or Yes. So all of those grade levels are asked the same question. Um and that allows us to see trends at different grade levels. So for instance um we had noticed um at one point and I don't remember the specific year that a number of
046our students at the middle school level were engaging in vaping behavior. And so we then were able to identify that we needed to put some prevention in place at the elementary school because the sixth graders the information that we were seeing from them indicated that students had already started vaping. And so we wanted to make sure that we put prevention education in place before they got to sixth grade. So we're able to see trends um in different types of behaviors at different age levels. And so students in 6, 8, 10, and 12 are all asked the same question and it um shows us where um behavior may initiate. Now, there is a fourth grade survey that we do not participate in, and that fourth grade survey has a different set of questions that's more appropriate
047for the elementary level, but 6, 8, 10, and 12 all do have the same questions. >> So, you also said that like all sixth grade is compiled together. So, if there would be one area of the district that is higher, we would not know it because it's all Okay. Thank you. What's the uh participation rate like? >> I don't know off the top of my head. I would have to to check that for you. Typically, I feel like our participation rate is relatively high, but I don't want to give you a number off the top of my head, but I can look at the past reports and give you a list from the last couple times that we've done it what that rate was. >> Sure. >> Any other questions? Great. Anything else? Thank you,
048Dr. Horton. Yep. Thank you very much. >> Treasures report. Good evening. Tonight I am presenting highlights from the September 2025 treasures report. Starting with our local revenue and tax collections, delinquent tax collection was $118,389.60. Earned income tax collection was $836,391.78. Transfer tax collection was $184,9911. We also received $173 I'm sorry, $173,297.70 for our rental reimbursement subsidy. And regarding the state, we are still at a standstill. Um, so there is no state revenue that has been received yet to date. And for September expenditures, salaries, benefits, and professional services accounted for approximately 86% of our total expenditures for the month of September. That concludes my report for this evening. Any questions? >> Nope. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> At this point, I'm looking for a motion to approve the treasure report as is as
049it's expected. >> I second. >> Miss Kratz, >> yes. >> Miss Nyman, >> yes. >> Miss Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Brad Upgroo, >> yes. >> Mr. Mr. Roger up to proof. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zawatada. >> Yes. >> Mr. Broofphy. >> Yes. [snorts] >> Miss Droof. >> Yes. >> Mr. Penello. >> Yes. >> Eyes have it. >> It takes us to the superintendent's consent agenda section. We have a quite a lengthy consent uh uh section this evening. I just want to go through each and remind the board of these which were reviewed in our committee of the whole meeting a couple of weeks ago. Item A again first reading of policies as we've gone through a review begun a review of our policies you can see those listed there there was one policy that
050has been re uh removed from this since our committee of the whole meeting and that is 004.1 which is our student representative uh policy as we want to go back and take another uh look at that make sure of its accuracy and what it is we're doing andor what we want to expand it to be uh in regard to that. Other than that, these are the policies that we've reviewed. Most of which um we reviewed those just in fact that they're 5 years out of date and we wanted to make sure that they were um reviewed more currently. Um and really no further information was added to those. Item B again is the overnight trip for our BASH student council. uh you can see the details listed there with regard to the student activity fund
051payments, chaperones and al like. Item C, there were a number of special education annual agreements. These were reviewed with the board uh in executive session. Um items D through H are settlement agreements for students with their identification numbers listed there. Again, these were reviewed two weeks ago in an executive session with the board. If you drop down to item I, the 2026 27 CFCO participation agreement. Again, this is a collaborative procurement effort in order to say have certain savings on food purchases and it's through the Lebanon uh intermediate unit and we are recommending again for that agreement to be signed by the board. We also have the bid awards for the spring athletic department for equipment and uniforms. And under item uh K, we do have the October 2025 donation uh list as listed there
052on the right. Um there are two um excuse me, there were three items added since our last uh committee of the whole meeting. They're all related to the Earl Elementary PTO. You can see those donations listed there. None of which we believe really come with any extenduating circumstances that the board would need to pick up any active costs beyond what we see there in relation to what's being donated. So, we are recommending those be added to this donation list. So under item L, the administration is recommending to the board of directors to approve the consent agenda. Agend consent agenda as listed. >> Zana moves. >> I'll second. >> Miss Kratz, >> yes. >> Miss Nyman, >> yes. >> Miss Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Brad Upgrow, >> yes. >> Mr. Roger Upter, >> yes. >>
053Mr. Mr. Zawada. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brophie, >> yes. >> Miss Diroff, >> yes. >> Mr. Panerella, >> yes. >> Eyes have it. >> That takes us to the superintendent's report and its itemized agenda section. Under item A, the administration is recommending to the board of school directors to approve steps to achieve to conduct a targeted full day kindergarten feasibility study as described in their proposal. and as described by the presentation at our last committee of the whole meeting and that does come with a cost of $25,000. >> So moves I'll second >> questions. Miss Kratz, >> yes. >> Miss Nimon, >> no. >> Miss Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Brad Upgrove, >> yes. >> Mr. Mr. Roger upgra >> Yes. >> Mr. Zawatada. >> Yes. >> Mr. Broofphy, >> no. >> Missoff? >> No.
054>> Mr. Penella? >> Yes. >> Eyes have it. >> That takes us to item B. And the administration recommends that the board of school directors award a construction contract to Landech Group LLC in the amount of $3,387,700 incorporating the base bid and bid alternates 1, 2B, 3, and four for the construction of two synthetic turf fields and related accessories as contained in the bid documents for bids received on October 9th 2025. >> Water moves. >> I'll second >> questions. Mr. D on the permit for the construction um will the will we need another MB NPDES permit for the discharge from the under drains of the artificial turf system? >> Mr. Lynch, I know you're here from CHA this evening as the construction management component to this. Can you step to the podium, please, and respond
055to that question? >> Thank you. Thank you for the question. >> Thank you and thank you for the question. No, there's not another NPDS permit required. One and only one covers both turf fields. Thank you. >> Who's who's going to be responsible for ensuring compliance with the construction discharge permit along with the district staff? uh we are having an on-site rep during construction and we along with the conservation district inspects the work for conformance with the D requirements. So the county conservation district will be on site and that is their responsibility on behalf of D. >> Is there additional cost for that? That's not already in our uh No, there is not. Mr. Panorell, I know uh some questions have been brought and we had a public speaker here this evening that spoke to some
056of the questions he had uh presented to the board earlier um this week. And um I would like to bring up a document and if we could have Mrs. Moyer bring up that document and I'm going to have Mr. Lent speak to a little. There were some questions about funding and funding efforts related to the the um this two field um synthetic turf project. And we wanted to be very very clear with the board as we've reviewed where it's coming from in the past. We've talked about a number of outliers, but we wanted to also project and give you some just an idea of where this stands. And again, with with any capital project, um, this landed on the capital projects about a year uh a year and a half ago with the signage of
057the contract for CHA to take us through all the components of design u bid phases and through construction phases to this. So essentially this this project as other projects do at times land on a capital projects list um similar to the way bees about 6 months ago landed on our capital projects list. It had never been listed as a capital project as well. So um you know we identify needs desires and in accordance with vote the board directs us to make decisions and apply certain aspects to this. So again about a year and a half ago, March of 2024 it was I believe when that initiated uh where we are um as the early stages to this project. So Mr. Lent if you would um and I do have copies here um for what you're
058seeing on the screen for the board. Just give me a minute to be able to distribute those to board members. Mr. Lance, if you would. >> Thank you, Dr. David Eiser. Uh, so just some background um that I've researched and uh have um been able to to provide um since serving starting to serve in this capacity as interim CFO in August. So the history with how the capital reserve has been funded is based upon the additional um transfer of surplus funds from your general fund budget um in the past four years. Um those um dollar amounts have been transferred um as we look at this year's budget and I've spoken at um the past meetings about uh the work that um Dr. David Heis and the administration is doing with further refining budgets and going
059to a zerobased budget. Um I see where um there's a component that um this um designation of funds to go into capital reserve should really be built as part of the general operating budget um you know as an actual line item um so that we're all in the loop of what's being funded and how that aligns to the capital project plan. The other piece and then I'll pivot and reference specifically the document and what's on the screen is that capital reserve funds just like any funds that the district holds earn investment interest. And [snorts] so over the years as that has grown u most recently um interest was uh $665,000 for 2024 to 2025. Um, I would anticipate, you know, um, with some conservative forecasting for interest rates and the balance that's in there now,
060um, about $864,000 to factor in for interest, uh, for this year. And so that further compounds on the dollars that are there. So, just to give a perspective as we pivot and start to talk about the capital reserve balance that aligns to what's on the September treasures report, uh, that number to date is $1.8 million. um that has been earned and added to that um balance. If we look at the document capital uh funds update, so um if we start in the column that's 2025 to 2026, we see what we currently have for capital reserve balance. Uh we then factor in that uh while we're still under audit and closing out the 20 24 to 2025 budget, >> [snorts] >> um I would anticipate that there will be the opportunity to transfer roughly $4 million
061uh to the capital reserve fund off of the uh surplus from the 24 to 25 year. If I then factor in another estimate for interest earnings of 864,000 that kind of generates the positive balance um that's in that fund. Um then considering um to to the understanding that we have um BS HVAC and roof um the point estimate which is essentially the middle of the road um estimate for that project is uh $16 million. So, if we take that out, that leaves us with the project set um balance um at $15.7 million. So, then if the turf bid bid is awarded tonight, um that award amount um brings the balance to $12.4 million. Um you then roll that balance over to 2026 to 2027. Um you anticipate conservatively at this point um that you know
062the pattern and the ability to transfer uh capital reserve funds has been anywhere from um 1.3 but more recently close to if not above $3 million going in there from from this current year's budget. again um anticipating interest rate earnings $800,000 and then based upon the most recent uh study and capital plan projects that were proposed um within that um that brings you um to 10.9 million. Um now this is all just assuming on a project basis. What we have to also consider is that these projects don't start and there's an immediate withdrawal of that cash. It's phased out. Um so just for the sake of conversation you know this is really focusing on what um the board continues for projects to have identified in the works and then considering the turf field bid for
063tonight. Um but there is a cash basis which means the actual draw down of these funds is uh slower than just assuming of a project basis. So that will impact interest earnings as well as balances from year to year. And I think one of the points that Mr. Len speaks to here is that one of the things that we're going to ask the board to consider this current budgeting cycle is a more permanent and desirable line item to fund capital um as we move forward rather than um a what what's deemed in excess. Um our goal for the budgeting cycle for the 26 27 year is to be very very finite. um and be very very accurate with where we are on a dollar uh and on a dollar schedule of what we what we
064need, not what we think we need. And with that in mind places us in a position to where we as a board should really take a look at and considering a line item in our budget that would annually fund the capital reserve so as to not so we have a a replenishment cycle that's accurate something that may change from year to year dependent upon the types of projects that are anticipated and that we have better forecasting As we go forward with regard to this, as Mr. Lent said, the $16 million that you see under the bees HVAC process that we have taken out during this current school year, really for the most part, most of that won't even be taken out um until the until after July into the 206 27 school year. And if
065you recall, that's a two summer project. So, it's going to be shared across the 26 uh and expended during the 2627 and 2728 school year as as it really does relate. So, we wanted to give you a little bit of forecasting, a little bit of idea and thoughts. We have always talked about where this money was going to be coming from to support the turf field itself. I did have a conversation with with Mr. Lynch from CHA who's here this evening in regards to the contract that we do have with them. The bid and the numbers that you saw for the turf field and the turf fields bids came in including the four alternates at $3,387,700. Now, if you recall in the projected budget for the project, what had been static and had always been
066shared with the board was a $1.6 million soft cost. Those are all the things dedicated to what CHA does as a construction management firm and the types of things they do through their on-site presence, their development of the project, of the drawings, of the shop drawings, of the design, of working with the township of with working with all the permitting uh that's necessary. All of that's inclusive to that. To date, we have just over $222,000 spent on those soft costs. We have an additional $65,000 that's anticipated in that contract that's anticipated to be used by CHA through the construction phases of the projects. So, that $1.6 6 million was a a a pretty large and soft budget item that we're expecting to see savings from um that in in close to $1.3 million. So our
067estimated as of right now, barring any things unforeseen with regard to the project, are probably all in for two syn synthetic fields at approximately $3.7 million is what we're estimating right now. Um, as with any large project and you put a shovel in the ground, not everything can be seen. So there there are sometimes unforeseen things that um that enter into that, but we're not at this time anticipating that and um have validated that with with Mr. Lynch in regards to the soft costs. I know with the 3.3 uh 3,387,000 with 1.6 on top of that that was taking us up near and we had always been talking about that $5 million range. um we feel that we're going to be significantly under that when this project finalizes itself and certainly well under $4 million
068when it comes to the project itself. >> Miss Gerald, >> what about the alternates that we were that were [clears throat] picked? >> That was beyond >> those are included in the the three 3,387,000. If you recall, we we had discussed and we talked about and agreed and I agreed to bring forward alternate number one, which was performing all the earthwork excavations as unclassified in lie of classified as specified. That was $31,100. Alternate 2B was to provide engineered coded infill in lie of the base bid turf infill. Mr. Lynch had shared about what that was um in protection to um the project itself and that came in at $90,700. Alternate number three was to provide a 10-year turf manufacturer warranty in lie of the 8-year manufacturer warranty and that was at the cost of $16,400.
069And the last alternate alternate number four was to provide the logo at the center of the um the practice field number one similar to the way it was in the base bid of the logo at the stadium. So it would provide a logo on the secondary field as well as the stadium and that was in a cost of 19,500. So, the low bid on um the base bid was $3,230,000. Adding in those four alternates took the cost to $3,387,700 as you you see reflected in the um motion for this evening. >> Did I miss the contingencies? How much that was? We used to have when we had bids like this a contingency. Thank you. And very a good uh second question as well. The contingency for the project is included in what was that $1.6
070million soft cost. So there is plenty of contingency. Not that we would want to use it, but because of the beneficial actions of the administration, the entire team so that this project came in on under budget. you really have a good deal of contingency to work with. >> So, the only thing we took out of there was a 266. >> Uh, yes, that's the design fees. That's right. >> One other cost that I'll bring to the board as we start is there is a materials testing, a soils testing contract that I'll get quotes for, competitive quotes for you, and we budgeted probably $45,000 for that. And that's for a third-party entity to test the compaction of the fields, do the infiltration of the special stone mix that's under the field, all of the items that
071are customary for a third party to test on your behalf. >> Okay. There's an annual report required, too. Who's doing that? >> I'm sorry. It's an annual report. >> Yeah. >> Uh I'm not aware of an annual report. Could you identify the reference for that? There's some new things that are going to be starting uh 128 of 25 new regulations. You have those into consideration. >> Uh they're from who? >> On the permit. >> Uh an annual report by the owner. >> An annual report is going to be acquired. Uh yeah, as of 12825. >> I'm happy to look in I'm happy to look into that for you. We >> page 16, item D. Page 16, item D. I'm happy to look into that for you. We've started up a number of uh projects with
072an NPDS permit and have not been asked for an annual report. >> I was just telling you 128 it's starting. >> Gotcha. So we'll be doing that >> and we've already miss we've signed that first report even though since we have the report in hand the MPDS uh we've we've been asked by um >> Terraform >> civil engineer has provided us that and we've submitted that to the Burks County Conservation District already. uh it may be an annual report during the course of the project and the open permit and of course the permit will only be open between now when we received it and the end of the project at the end of next summer. So that would be one if not two annual reports and >> infiltration [clears throat] the infiltration's new also from
073December 8th of 25. You'll find that on page 29. >> The infiltration, >> you'll find it on page 29. The whole >> is it a is it a test that you're referencing? >> It has to do with the infiltration testing. >> Okay. We're conducting infiltration testing as a part of the project to demonstrate the drainage of the soil. >> All I know is it's a new requirement when I was reading the permit. >> Right. And I'm just trying to reassure you that I believe that we have that covered because it's typical that we do the infiltration testing on projects like this. >> That's great. >> Thank you. because they're crazy with what they want >> on that. We agree. >> Oh, come on. You got to agree with me on other things. >> Nobody else
074must be reading them or they have questions. >> Well, I appreciate your diligence. >> I'll call the vote. >> Yes. >> Have a question. Miss Kratz. >> Yes. >> Miss Nimon. >> Miss Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brad Upgrove. >> Yes. Mr. Roger Uprove. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zawatada. >> Proudly. Yes. >> Mr. Broofphy. >> No. >> Miss Droain. >> Mr. Penerella. Hold on. Are you kidding? >> Hold on. Hold on. >> Quiet out there. Okay. With respect to the abstensions, uh the individuals need to mention specifically if the abstensions are based on a conflict of interest versus an abstension uh for other reasons. If it is a conflict of interest, you need to disclose that to the board secretary through a memorandum as required by the state ethics act. Otherwise, the vote is technically
075a no vote. >> Okay. Do you need to know why I'm abstaining? I'll say it. >> Well, it I'm just saying I all I care about is whether you're abstaining on the basis of a conflict of interest. >> No conflict of interest. >> Is that the same true for uh you, Mrs. Deroff? Okay. >> No conflict. >> Okay. Let the uh minutes note that. Uh moving forward, >> Mr. Penerella. >> Yes. >> Six yes, one nay. Two abstensions. >> Motion passes. [applause] Under item C, uh the administration does recommend the approval of the leadership support support employee plan as presented and discussed with the board. >> Pyel moves >> questions. >> Miss Kratz. Yes, >> Miss Nyman. >> No, >> Miss Scott. >> Yes, >> Mr. Brad Upgrove. >> Yes, >> Mr. Roger. Upgrade. >>
076Yes, >> Mr. Zawatada. >> Yes, >> Mr. Roofy. >> No, >> Miss Duff, >> no. >> Mr. Penerell, >> yes. >> Eyes have it. >> Under item D, the administration does recommend to the board of school directors approve the budget transfers as presented at the committee of the whole meeting and as listed. >> Panorella moves. I'll second. >> Miss Katrz, >> yes. >> Miss Nyman, >> yes. >> Miss Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Brad Uptogrove, >> yes. >> Mr. Roger Uptogrove, >> yes. >> Mr. Zawatada, >> yes. >> Mr. Broofphy, >> yes. >> Miss Dro, >> yes. >> Mr. Penerella, >> yes. >> Eyes have it. Under item E, the administration does recommend the approval of the education alliance agreement between the district middle school east and west and with the Richard Karen Foundation as
077presented at our last meeting by Dr. Horton. Um in relation to um this presenter at both our middle schools movell second. >> Miss Kratz. >> Yes. >> Miss Nyman. >> Yes. >> Miss Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brad Upgrove. >> Yes. >> Mr. Roger Upgrove. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sawada. >> Yes. >> Mr. Broofphy. >> Yes. >> Miss Droof. >> Yes. >> Mr. Penelloo. Yes. >> Motion passes. >> And item F under personnel. The administration does recommend the approval of the personnel agenda as listed and presented. >> I'll second. >> Mr. Pen, I'll second. >> Question. >> A question. >> We have a second. >> Yeah. I have Mr. Zad as a first and Mr. Penella as a second. Um, can somebody tell me who's doing the typing of this information >> that comes out
078of the HR department? >> Uh, you need to do better spellchecking. >> What's incorrect? >> Go to the second last line on the back page. >> [sighs] >> Call for the vote. Miss Kratz, >> yes. >> Miss Diamond, >> yes. >> Miss Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Brad Uptogrove, >> yes. >> Mr. Roger Upgro, >> yes. >> Mr. Zawatada, >> yes. >> Mr. Broofphy, >> yes. >> Miss Dro, >> yes. >> Mr. Penelloo. >> Yes. >> Eyes have it. >> Under our number 11. Oh, excuse me. >> I would just like to draw attention to two members that are, I believe, still present. Um, Officer Judith Weise, who is out in the vestibule. I believe Officer Weise is going to be our new school police officer at Middle School West. Um, Officer Weise has been
079with us through US security since the beginning of the school year and comes highly recommended from Officer Bow and the two administrators at Middle School West. And I would also like to u mention Miss Bonnie Wood who is in the front row um is going to be transferring from her position um as a physics teacher at the high school to our uh student support liaison uh position the uh first day of the second semester. So, uh we welcome both of those individuals. Thank you. [applause] Under old business, there is none >> public comment period number two. Coach Terzy, [laughter] >> I'm quite glad that that passed because I value my job and I might have lost it if it didn't, but thank you and we are so appreciative and honestly, I'm hoping to see you
080all out there on that first home game this year. I might sleep on it the first night it's ready. [applause] >> Mr. Emmy, board policies and behaviors. >> Mr. Rammy. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't hear. >> First of all, I want to thank Dr. Dr. David Heiser and um the administration for that. >> There we go. Like to thank Dr. David Heiser and the administration for that information. That's what I was looking for. I have some questions on it still, but I'll take those offline. Okay. >> Um I do want to take a moment now here to address um a serious concern I think about the inconsistent application of meeting rules by board president. At the last meeting, Mr. Panorella cut off a p a citizen during her public comment stating this is paraphrase
081because I don't remember the exact phrase. We weren't doing anything political here. Yet, at a prior meeting, he took absolutely no action when Mr. Zelada used his position to engage in an overtly political advocacy act, specifically by publicly charging, not asking, but charging a district employee and a student representative to let him know if anyone wanted to start a partisan political organization and by implying that two other board members would also be willing to participate. This selective enforcement raises a serious issue of un unequal treatment. The Pennsylvania Sunshine Act guarantees citizens a reasonable opportunity to comment on agency matters. It allows boards to adopt rules to maintain order or to ask that comments be relevant to school business, but Mr. Panerella may not cut off a commenter based solely on their viewpoint. Additionally, cutting off
082one speaker for being political while allowing partisan speeches from a board member is contentbased discrimination and vi violates both the first amendment and also risks uh liability under 42 USC section 1983 which is the civil action for deprivation of rights. It also conflicts with the PP PA public official and employee ethics act which prohibits public officials from using their positions for potential potentially for personal partisan or private benefit. Whether Mr. Zawatada intended it or not, his comments used the authority of his office to promote partisan activity and place both employee and student in a potential no-win situation caught between potential for compliance or perceived disloyalty. Even more concerning, we're in an election season. When an elected official uses a public meeting to encourage formation of a p of a partisan political group, particularly one that
083engages in voter registration, it can be reasonably construed as an effort to enhance personal political visibility or gain access to potential voters. This is precisely the type of improper behavior the ethics act was designed to prohibit and prevent. Addition. Finally, the Sunshine Act also provides penalties and judicial remedies against violations. In other words, this inconsistent application viewpointbased governance exposes the board and particularly the presiding officer to real legal and ethical consequences. I urge this board to reaffirm two simple principles. First, that schoolboard meetings are not to be used as venues for board members can use for political recruitment or advocacy. Second. Your time's up, sir. Thank you. >> Dia Savage, board performance and behavior. >> Hi again. You may wonder what drives me to be here all the time. Sometimes I ask that of myself.
084Um, I'm certainly not here under any illusion that you will take my words to heart as a voice of our community. I'm here because I deeply believe in the vision for public education to provide all students with an opportunity to learn regardless of their background or circumstances. I align with the sentiments of our nation's leaders through time who have long emphasized that a nation of the people, by the people, for the people depends on the education of all of its people. Public education is the one model that in theory provides equal opportunity for all children. While I acknowledge the gap between theory and practice, I firmly believe that no other system is as committed to educating all students without exception. I also believe that the strength of a community is directly tied to the strength
085of its schools. I have confidence in the potential of Bertown Area School District, but that potential can only be realized with the right leadership on the board. I'm here because I don't believe the current board is adequately serving the needs of this community. The adversarial tone and lack of productive dialogue between members undermines the possibility of meaningful collaboration. Furthermore, it's deeply concerning when board members champion state and federal policies that harm our schools. Prioritizing politics over the needs of students, especially in an elected position, is unacceptable. The absence of thoughtful discussion or genu genuine curiosity regarding administrative presentations is disheartening and frankly disrespectful to those working hard behind the scenes. I have serious concerns about the fiscal management of this district. A consistent 3% tax increase year after year with minimal discussion is not an
086approach that reflects the complexity of school budgeting. In fact, over the past 15 years, the average tax increase was five 3%. So 3% is no more fiscally conservative than the boards you've criticized in the past. Did you know that in 2018, Boyer Town's property tax rates were the fifth lowest among the 18 school districts in Burks County, but now they're only the 10th lowest. This shift combined with the lack of clear long-term planning for both the operating budget and facilities should be a matter of serious concern. I'm here because I'm encouraged by the strategic planning that our school administration has undertaken this year. It reflects the hopes and aspirations of our community, but realizing that vision requires strong and effective leadership from the board. I'm here because I believe the community needs to understand the
087challenges we face. and on November 4th, use their vote to demand change. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to speak tonight. >> No, not because we have three minutes. Sultan, you >> three minutes everyone got >> Oh, sure. did the timer was here. >> You have >> Mr. Sultan, can you give us longer? >> I'd have to look at your policy. It's up to the board presence. >> I'm aware. That's why I said no. >> Board comment period. >> Mr. Up the Grove. >> Uh, yes. I'd like to thank all the students here that participated in that sport. I watched you. You're very good. And when you when you leave this room, when you go home and you think about what you accomplished, it's a great one. It is. And I feel proud to watch
088you play as I do all the sports because I'm not I'm not just here for you students. I'm here for all of them because I think it it'll take you to a higher level when you leave here with that accomplishment in your back pocket. Thank you. >> THANK YOU. [applause] I JUST WANT TO THANK UM ALLISON AND Audrey for coming and giving their um their monthly report and also um to the field hockey girls. Enjoy playing on your new field. I can't wait to see you play at home. >> Yeah, that's pretty much a ditto. Thank you all for coming out, everyone in the community to support this great day. and I can't wait to see you play out there. >> Thank you. [applause] >> I want to thank these children here tonight because you're
089the best behaved kids. You really were. You have to sit on the floor. You are very respectful and that means a lot to me. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Nothing. >> Just like to congratulate Miss Doff for uh all of her service and also uh I want everyone to have a safe and happy Halloween. >> I'd like to bring something up. Mr. Panerell and I have talked over this uh a couple times and it was even brought up before. We're looking to set up an ad hoc committee of students, the community, teachers, as well as board members to go out and significantly raise money for our turf field. There's [snorts] business if any. Now, this is way before all you guys, but the Bortown Bear baseball stadium was built with all private donations. There was
090no school money put into that. And then they signed the school this school over to us. So Bertown's a very giving community and but we're gonna have to go through this as a group together. So if it's 20 or 30 of us, let's do it. Let's get the money to help so we can continue to improve and make Pertown the best. Thank you. I'm so glad that this is done. Also, I just want to say how proud I am of the majority of the board who was brave enough to vote for this because it was met with a lot of opposition. I want to thank the ladies for coming out because really you brought it to the forefront and I think that it's going to help the community. I could envision us being like OJ
091Roberts and having um the Boardtown Optimus playing there, football being there. It's just I think it's going to be huge for the community. Um, [sighs] [gasps] let me see. A lot was said tonight, obviously. So, let me just, if you don't know me, tell you why I vote the way I do. You could look at every vote I've ever made. Every vote I've ever done has been at the forefront, kids. Everything. Every vote. It's always for the kids. Next is the district to better the district. Then it's the taxpayers. And that's how I voted the whole time. You can look at every vote I've ever made. Um, I'm proud of what I've done. I'm proud that we got these turf fields. Um, that's basically it. I don't want to make this political, you know. So
092that's about it for me. [applause] So it takes us down to our upcoming meeting dates and uh we'd uh we look forward to seeing such a packed house at our November 11th finance committee which begins at 6:00 here in the education center and followed by our committee of the whole meeting. So again, thank you on behalf of the board for your attendance this evening and thank you. >> One thing that got caught up in the mix and I forgot to say it. Bordertown football team has a playoff game this Friday for the third time in history. That is a testament to coach Sans. That's amazing for those kids. Obviously the work they put in and everything. That's incredible. So I'm really proud of those guys. And obviously Trey Savage is still killing it. So good
093job Trey. >> Motion to adjurnn. Meeting adjourned. [cheering and applause] >> [music]