001One, two, three, >> [cheering] >> Happy [cheering] Come on. I'm going to go [screaming] [cheering] >> [cheering] [cheering] >> Hey. >> [screaming] >> I'm sorry. [screaming] [cheering] >> [cheering] [cheering] >> Hallelujah. [cheering] [screaming] >> [cheering] [screaming] [cheering] >> One, two, three. >> [cheering] >> Oh my god. You remember that? [screaming] behind. >> [screaming] [cheering] [screaming] >> When you're done, more. I mean, I think that's what I suspect. That's good to stand. So what we did once was >> [cough] [cough] >> Just have to get real close. actually >> have to talk now. Oh, look. It turns green there, too. >> Hello. >> Okay, I got to look. See, it's 7 o'clock. Do I have everybody? >> Okay. [cough and laughter] >> All [clears throat] right. I'm gonna try. Oh, can you hear me? I can
002hear myself, actually. [cough] Good [clears throat] evening, everyone. And I'd like to call the Pleasant Valley School District Board of Education meeting to order. If you could all rise for the pledge of allegiance and if you could please stay standing for a moment of silence. >> And Mr. Sarwa, will you please lead us in the pledge? >> Sure. >> Ice to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you everyone. [clears throat] >> Again, I'd like to welcome everyone that's with us this evening. And if we could have roll call, please. here. >> Robert Clark >> here. >> Michael Brown >> Here. [snorts] >> Present. >> Surface >> present. >> Matthew Walters >> here. >>
003Thank you. I'd [snorts] like to let everyone know that we did have an executive session. It was held October uh 9th and then also this evening, October the 23rd. um for the purposes of personnel matters including but not limited to performance and or discipline negotiations and legal issues. Moving to our student government president, welcome Isabella. >> Thank you. Good evening members of the board administration, everyone here tonight. My name is Isabella Guzman and I'm representing the student body. There's been a lot of things going on lately and I'm just I just wanted to share some updates that we have on the student side. First off, we're super excited to announce that Hopecoming is officially happening on November 8th. The student council has been working really hard behind the scenes to make sure it's a safe
004event for everyone involved. We've also been planning everything from themes and decorations to music and activities leading up to the big night. We're hoping it'll be a great way to bring students together and celebrate our school spirit. We also recently had our senior sunrise which was very exciting. We got to have hot chocolate and donuts with all our classmates and play this game which was very nostalgic to us. And going back to spirit, thank you everyone who supported our annual bonfire. It was a huge success and a lot of fun. Students [clears throat] really enjoyed the music games and the food trucks and just having place to hang out and relax with their family and friends and classmates. On top of that, we're proud to say that the class of 2026 raised over $800 during
005the bonfire. That's a big accomplishment for our class and we're planning to use that money to support future class activities. We also had the bucket game that was sponsored by T-Mobile and it was really nice to see so many members of our community gathered to support our football team and the school altogether. We also had spirit weeks throughout this month which have been a great way to keep student energy up. Each day had a different theme like farmers day, decades day and white out. It was awesome to see so many students participating and getting creative with their outfits. I know I did. Also to see everyone's school spirit and I know that yearbook has been working diligently hard and getting photos for everyone in their spiritware. And finally, just a quick reminder that first mark
006period ends October 28th. A lot of students are feeling the pressure with the test and assignments, but we're all doing our best to finish strong. Teachers have been really supportive and we appreciate everything they've done to help us stay on track. And that's everything I have. Thank you for that very extensive report. >> Any questions for her? >> Okay, very good. We'll move on. Superintendent's response to community questions. Dr. Conrad. >> Yes. Good evening everyone. Uh there were two community questions that were submitted. One question was submitted by Donna Yoswak from Chesant Hill Township. She had asked how it is acceptable to put a school counselor in an afterchool monitor position. On page six of the supplemental contract, all professional staff are permitted to apply to monitor after school detentions. Um, and we are recommending
007individuals to do just that on this board agenda. The second question was submitted by Andrea Hower from Pulk Township. She asked why the district would not buy girls basketball uniforms needed to field a team. So, two years ago, we bought new uniforms for the JV and varsity girls basketball teams. um we appreciate you reaching out to us and obviously providing some more details so it we can answer the question a little bit better if there's a little bit more um context into that. So um we appreciate the community questions. I know that there's a lot of times that community members have reached out to um principles, you know, have reached out to my office, [snorts] Dr. Howard's office. So we appreciate that. We appreciate the dialogue. So we want to just encourage people to continue
008u the dialogue with uh our administration team and with our district. So thank you. Thank you, Dr. Conrad. Um, Mrs. Mail board um secretaries report, please. >> Good evening. Tonight, I am requesting approval of the minutes of the meeting held on September 24th, 2025 and approval of the October 23rd, 2025 board meeting agenda, including a change to item 12A. Letter G, the group name should be PVE staff and letter H, I and L should be SRP love and light group. >> Second. >> I have a motion by Mrs. Surface, seconded by Mrs. Zip. Is there any discussion? >> Supposed to lost. Am I supposed to abstain? Yeah, John, I have to abstain for not being present at the last >> on the [cough] on the minutes >> On the minutes, not the agenda, just on
009the >> I as well. >> Okay, Deb, did you get that the three? Okay, >> I was not [clears throat] on the >> on the minutes. So, we have four. >> Okay. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. [clears throat] >> Anyone opposed? And that motion carries. Pleasant Valley citizens. At this time, anyone like to address the board, please come to the podium, state your name, the township you reside in, and there is a threeminute limit. And I believe we still have the clock that'll pop up. Okay. >> No clock tonight. >> Okay. No clock tonight. Um Mr. Fitzgerald is our clock. [laughter] >> That's okay. He he won't cut me off because he knows I'll stumble through this. Um it's a different side when you're on this side, trust me.
010Uh Janet Duner from Pulk Township. And this is regarding policy agenda item 7A, policy 628, the tax assessment appeals. And is this policy 628 in light of the county's second tax appeal within seven years? Is it a stop? These are a lot of questions. I know they won't be answered, but this is the best way that I could come across in asking this or understanding this. Is it a stop gap to the appellants seeking lower tax assessment values? Particularly the policy states that under a counselor's adv advice the superintendent and business manager have the authority [sighs] to initiate the appeal and my question there becomes how will the district arrive at the process to set up the properties to be appealed and I know there are procedures on on the AR. Will the school board
011be aware of the list of appeals before they file at the county? Will a public vote be taken that an appeal will take place? Is this a search method to be conducted starting after the effect of this policy actively using a set of thresholds in the procedures? Is the 10k threshold a net gain for each appeal that is set or is it in total? because each and if I'm not understanding this correctly is the appeal process going to need a tax assessment person or corporation to do tax assessments on any type of appeal that you would set up and will that be a contracted application that we have to fulfill another contract after the county finishes this tax assessment it will release a whole new line of appraisals on talk on home properties. And will
012this put another stop to this policy or will we have to re-evaluate how we do this policy? Because we all know that the last tax assessment that the county did turned out to have a lot of appellants come through and everybody's tax properties ended up being reduced. So, I just have concerns that do we have to set up a new contract with a tax counselor? Do we have to set up a contract with a tax assessor? And are these contracts going to be how long will they last? Thank you. Will they cost the taxpayers more money in the long run if the appeals are lost? Thank you. Thank you. >> This is just agenda items, correct? >> Yes, that's correct. >> Hello. Can you hear me from back here? Jason. Wow. Wait, my clock didn't
013start right. Okay. Thanks. Um Denise Hopeley, Chestnut Hill Township. Um items 7B GNF. Um so I have a few questions and concerns. Over a quarter of our seniors are not attending brick and mortar yet. We're building a new school and how can we make sense of this? What is our attendance rate and who's not showing up for school and what's being done uh to get them back? We've hired 47 new teachers uh this year and purchased new programs, added administrative positions, but we still have students leaving faster than returning. Where's the research and accountability bes behind these decisions? With all the PhDs and high level administrators in the district, someone should be asking why these investments aren't working. Mr. Van Voy Voes is uh supposed to be bringing them back and trying, but the numbers
014say otherwise. [snorts] And that doesn't even count our outside placements or alternative programs. Meanwhile, spending keeps going up. The public is struggling. People can't afford medicine, heating, fuel, or property taxes. Salaries are rising 3.5 to 4% each year, and those raises increase the base for the next round of raises. This isn't sustainable for our taxpayers. 7 um F this 628 AR the tax assessment appeal policy. Too many are struggling. Too many of our taxpayers are struggling and it doesn't seem to recognize hardships or mixed circumstances. It's like saying every appeal is wrong and that's not fair. We're supposed to be educating students, not creating more financial hardships in our community. This has been a reverse Robin Hood taking from those who least afford it to fund rising costs. And finally 4 C procrement cards. What
015are these cards being used for? Why is there another $4,89 on these cards? And who has these cards? And why um not issue only to them is needed instead of keeping them floating all around full-time. Taxpayers deserve clear answers, not more spending without results. 12A building items. Do [sighs] is that getting voted in or can I talk? I have to stop the clock. Building >> 12A >> building reports. >> Building building reports. They're just reports. >> They're just reports. >> Wait till the end. >> Second. >> Okay, then that's it right now. >> Is there anyone else this evening? Okay, we'll move on in our agenda. Treasures report. Mr. Surface, please. >> Yes. This can you hear me now? Sorry. Uh this evening I'd like to move item 4 A to H. A isformational only.
016>> So move. >> Second. >> I have a motion by Mr. Galler, seconded by Mr. Gaziski. Is there any discussion? >> All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. >> Anyone opposed. And that motion carries. Moving on to unfinished business. Mr. Fitzgerald. >> I have no unfinished business this evening. >> Okay. Thank you. Um any other unfinished Okay, moving on to new business. Um, Moner and Technical Institute. Mrs. Surface. >> Yes. Good evening. My report is attached and I would like to also share a video. Jason will take care of that. Uh, it's a documentary about the expansion at MCTI. You know, there's always been a saying [music] since I've been here that MCTI is the best kept secret in Monroe County. And that's a saying that um as a director of
017the school, I I am not a fan of. And this is this addition will help us get out of that and really show [music] off what we can do within the community. And more so, uh gives our students an opportunity to shine. >> [music] >> The expansion is necessary for for multiple reasons. [music] One is the growth of our student population. Currently, we have no space to hold assemblies. [music] We have no space to show off our student work. We have uh over 1,200 students. So, we have grown tremendously over the years. Realistically, the student [music] population outgrew the school. Um the school wasn't designed for as many kids as we have. So when you're transitioning 1,200 students [music] um in a matter of an hour uh it really becomes difficult. Our cafeteria was not
018large enough. It's not ideal to have the kids [music] waiting outside for the buses. So the multi-purpose room can be used for that transition time keeping them indoors um in a safe secure spot. >> I hope the expansion will bring more one-on-one student [music] teacher interactions. I feel like it's important for the teacher to have a bond with the student >> to widen that opportunity. [music] I think that's something we're all looking forward to. >> So, what [music] the expansion provides us is it's really three-fold. Um, one is additional programming. Uh, two is is school safety. So, provided a more secure entrance [music] to the school. And a third um and equally important is it provides us with a 9,000 ft uh multi-purpose room where we can show off our [music] student work. Uh we
019can hold student assemblies which we currently don't have a place to do that. Um, and we can hold community events to really show off what MCTI offers. Some of the [music] contractors are actually local. Personally, MCTI was part of my school district. So, when I'm building [music] it, I have the sense of pride. This is my community. This is where I grew up. This is currently where I live now. >> Working on the expansion project while being a student at the [music] school was a great experience. Some days I would be able to help out working with the guys [music] and get experience for when I actually get out into the field. It's helped me a lot. like I now know what to expect [music] and it's helped me learn how to adapt if something
020goes wrong. >> Dealing with the students at MCTI has been absolutely fantastic. We're actually working hand in hand in the classrooms framing out walls together, putting flooring down, giving them little, you [music] know, tips along the way. >> Sometimes they would walk past and be like, "Hey, they like [music] do this. It's an easier way to do it." And we would try it out and be like, they were all right. You know, the guy with 30 years of experience was right. Currently in the United States of America, [music] 36% of jobs require a 4-year degree. 8% a dropout can perform. The remaining 56% need technical training of some sort. And MCTI is a phenomenal program for students to get that training and begin that process to fill those 56% of jobs. jobs that have a
021family sustaining wage to keep students in the county and perform this very important work and earn a living in the process. >> This addition has been a long time uh in the [music] works. We've had many stakeholders involved. Our school districts have been a key component in this with funding and [snorts] supporting it. The schoolboard members and our own joint operating committee members really put a lot of time and effort in the design [music] and funding of this project. I'm happy to say we were able to accomplish this with no [music] debt. So we took out no bond for this addition which is a huge accomplishment. It was funded through two primary means. The primary source [music] was from our four sending school districts who are extremely supportive of us. And also we acquired about
022$3.5 million and grant funds. This is my community. [music] This is where I grew up. And these kids are in my field, whether it's the carpentry [music] department, masonry department. It's great to see them come down here and give tours to them and see them look and wonder. Oh, this is this is an actual [music] project. And it's important to me to show them, [snorts] you know, these are the steps you have to take. So, the expansion allowed MCTI to add really three new programs. [music] First is our our addition to the automotive technology program. We're able to expand that by uh [music] um as of right now 25 students. Secondly, we're able to add a sports medicine and physical therapy program uh which we kicked off this year. [music] And then finally in 2627,
023we'll convert our current multi-purpose room [music] um into a first responder program where students will come here, be introduced to firefighting, uh law enforcement, and most importantly, we'll hopefully leave here with an EMT certification. [snorts] I think it's important that MCTI grows with its community [music] and its people because technology is always advancing. Our field's always expanding [music] and it's good that MCTI did too. >> I'm genuinely excited about the school expanding. Uh, it really just means that MCCI cares for its [music] students and that it really wants to open its doors to more students who may not know exactly what they [music] want to do but have some sort of idea. I would recommend that any new students go. Anybody who's in 9th grade, I would recommend starting then and joining. It's a great
024program. I [music] mean, look at me. I could not do public speaking and I'm currently talking in front of a camera for an interview. Regardless of what path you choose in life, college, workforce, or the military, [music] you are going to wind up working, doing something. Do what you love. Enjoy what you do. Get after it. Do the best you can. Put your head to your heart, your heart to your hands, and your hands to work. >> So, we have a slogan on one of our shirts [music] in our school store that says, "Made at MCTI." And I truly believe that I was made at MCTI. >> The student population here is outstanding. The energy is [music] is through the roof. Uh they're really determined in their field. So >> was made at MCTI. [music]
025The student population here is outstanding. The energy is is through the roof. Uh they're really determined in their field. >> Anything else? I' I'd like to just say on this here, Dennis has done a really good job with MCTI and you know, he pulled that project off at no cost back to the districts. So, I give him props for that. But also knowing Dennis uh on a professional level, I know he's looking at some big things to come uh with MCTI and the growth model that should meet the needs of uh our community and our school districts for our students. And I I hope that we continue to support uh all the efforts that are going to be coming for our students and and the financial responsibilities that will come with it because it's ultimately
026going to benefit the kids in our community. So I just in forward thinking just keep this in mind as a board that we we continue to support Dennis and what he's doing. He's he's really going in the right direction with what he his vision is. >> Might remind us there are hundreds on the wait. >> Yeah. Last last school year there were what even now there's there's 200 200 kids that did not get accepted at MCTI. So we need we we need to grow. Absolutely. >> The list grows every year by leaps and bounds. Um he did have the grand opening. They had about 300 people attend from senators to JC members, past students and the students from the culinary along with chef David Cook provided all the food and they did a fabulous job.
027Um all the centerpieces were made by horiculture welding and precision machine shop because they were made with metal. It was a really great night to be there and to represent PV as well as Sue was there. Uh it was great great evening. [snorts] [clears throat] >> Thank you Diane. Any questions for Diane? Okay. Uh Colonial IU Mr. Clark [snorts] is [clears throat] attached. >> Okay. Thank you. Um PSBA liaison Mr. Zip. >> Nothing new at this time. >> Okay. Thank you. Under the education report, just a couple of brief items. Um during our uh work session the other evening, uh Bernie Fero gave us an ELA update. Uh very brief. Um they held a three-hour training on the 13th of October. Uh and it was supposed to be a six-hour training. it turned into three
028hours which gave them the other three hours uh for planning time uh which was valuable to with the new program and then a science update. Um we have been attending uh various districts to do with the steels cohort cohort, excuse me. Um we had attended Northampton and we will be going to Nazareth um at some point. I'm not sure when exactly. Um again um it's through the IU um it's learning best practices that other districts are doing and um we've also shared with the IU that we would love this to happen in other areas just not science and then also uh on Monday during um uh oh my gosh pl not planning oh what was that called >> working session >> no not working session for the teachers >> act 80 act 80 Sorry. During
029the act 80 day, um we did have uh three companies come in to do a science review that we're going through. The companies were HM, Amplify, and Twigs. And um they're trying to narrow it down. So, we'll get an update soon, I would think. So, that's all I have under education, uh finance, Mrs. Surface. >> Yes, finances will be called for later in the agenda under item number 14 and 15. Thank you, Mr. O'Keefe. Athletic Report. >> Good evening. Some exciting news. Well, we did it. Our Friday night T-Mobile Lights entry placed us in the top 25, which earned the uh school $25,000. We received the check. I think it was two weeks ago at the bucket game. Uh it was electric, as you stated before. It was an awesome evening. Uh brought a lot
030of the community members together. More we filled that stadium up quite well on both sides. Um unfortunately, we didn't win, but that's that's next year we'll get it back. Um, so we got to keep that momentum going. We are currently in 17th place. Um, so we got to just keep getting those votes [snorts] in. It ends tomorrow at 11:59. Um, so every vote counts, but now we know what to do better for next year so we can keep on attempting to to get that $1 million makeover. Uh, I want to share with everybody uh some interviewers of students. I'm actually on myself as well, just what Friday Night Lights means to them and us as community members. >> [music] >> Hey, Pleasant Valley Nation. This is Mr. Corzinski, director of athletics with the district. I'm
031excited for you, the community, and our school for getting as far as we did in the T-Mobile Friday Night Lights contest. Tonight, you're going to hear a little bit from some of our players, band members, and even community leaders on what that means to them to be this far along in the [music] contest. So, sit back, relax, enjoy some Friday Night Football, and listen [music] to what these folks had to say. >> Hi, I'm Taylor Blum. I am a drum major for the Pleasant Valley High School marching band. I've been drum major for two years. I've been marching for four years, and I'm a big part of all the band festivities. >> Hi. Uh, I'm a captain on the Pleasant Valley football [music] team. I play center and nose tackle with the team and I
032contribute a lot with uh, Oland Don. My name is Ryan O'Keefe. I am a community member of Pleasant Valley. I'm also a schoolboard member, but most importantly, I'm a father of three daughters here at Pleasant Valley School. I I want to say magical honestly because it's like all of the hard work that we really put in to everything going into our shows, [music] pep songs, performances, it's a lot of hard work and dedication. And the second that we're on the field and everybody [music] starts cheering, it just it it's a really special moment. The roar of [music] the crowd represents a huge momentous moment where the entire community of Pleasant Valley as a whole comes together [music] and celebrates the football team and just the school in general cuz with the football team it just
033[music] is a collection of the community and it just brings chills. It brings community together and that's what we're here about. Pleasant Valley Community is we're here to support each other and this is why we're doing this T-Mobile uh contest [music] and that's to bring more opportunities for the students and the community as a whole. >> [music] >> I think it brings us all together as a whole and it gives a lot of pride especially for parents watching and it's inspiring for younger people watching especially younger kids middle schoolers elementary all people that are going to go into whether it's football cheerleading [music] marching man that's all like a lot of inspiring feelings >> I mean with the young kids with cubs and everything They they are not dealing with the lights. They're not dealing
034with the [music] stadium pulse, I guess you would call it, where there's hundreds of people yelling, screaming, having a good time, [music] watching football, the sport they love. Oh, you can see it from the PB Cubs all the way up through all the programs. They just look up to them. They they they want to be on that field playing when they're that age. So, it's you see the smiles from these kids that just, you know, they look up to their these older players. Uh and they can say, "Hey, that's going to be me in a [music] couple years doing that same thing, too. I think that it would bring a lot of pride to our school because it's especially with everything that we're doing with all of the work that we put in that the
035football team puts in cheer that everything that we put in and being able to have something like that for future [music] generations. It would really mean a lot. I mean, the accomplishment would be huge for our school because it shows and represents that our community came together for one simple [music] goal and got it. It has brought our community together so much. It's amazing to see people hashtagging and putting things out there onto social media of events such as we're [music] at soccer games tonight, uh whether it's something with the band doing or other activities that other students are doing. But it would be again so electrifying to be able to take a million dollars and upgrade our stadium. And it's not again, it's not just about the players on the field. It's about the
036entire community. Come out here and you get to see that we as a community did this. It's not about one person. It's about a community. And that's what is going to make this [music] well worth doing it. >> One more night to vote. Let's keep it going. All right. So, on to some new school records we have to announce. Uh Emily Steppic, field hockey goalie, set a new school record with an incredible 209 saves in a single season. Riley Rogerio volleyball broke her career broke the career record kill records with 827 and counting as when I was writing this. Uh fall EPC Allstars starting with field hockey we have first team Emily Steepic. Third [clears throat] team Emma Dealma. Girls soccer team Monroe County Division Sadi Rizzo Monroe County Division Payton Foder Monroe County Division
037Riley Wrath. Boys soccer first team Adam Sepensky first team Royce Thompson second team David Chimero and third team Christian Panero. All four boys were also named to the EPC Monroe Division's first team. On on to volleyball allconerence second team and Monroe County Division first team Riley Vgerio Monroe County Division first team Isabelle >> Go ahead. >> Solowski [laughter] I apologize. That's why why I retired. >> Maya Williams, Sasha, uh Senzia, uh Monroe County Division second team, Kira Nat, Emerson, Delena. Congratulations to our Lady Bears uh volleyball team for winning the EP EPC Monroe Division Championship. Closing out with uh cross country. Congratulations to our Lady Bears Middle School varsity cross country team for placing third at the first ever Parkland imitation that occurred on October 11th. And a special congratulations to senior Keley Lawrence for
038earning first place with a personal record of 21 minutes and 30 seconds at the Mountain Valley Cross Country meeting on October 7th at Pocono Mountain East. So there's some great achievements that we get to not always hear about, but I like to bring these to light. Um, and on a personal note, I just want to thank the entire community and the the school for helping us support this uh T-Mobile, and we'll be back at it next year. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. O'Keefe. Uh policy report, Mr. Sip. >> Um there's several policies on tonight for first reading. >> Okay. Thank you. Capital improvement, Mr. Burgerer. >> Uh the capital improvements committee met today to discuss uh updates on the high school renovation, which is we're on track to complete phase one on schedule. Um
039the next topic is one that is of great interest to those who are interested in parking. Um the school bus parking lot is expected to be completed by mid No mid mid November based on the contractor's schedule. Um in December we'll be starting our preparation for the next phase. Uh, I'd like to extend thanks to our staff and students for their cooperation as we progress through um the renewal of our education environment. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, security report, Mr. Walters. >> No information. >> Okay. Citizens advisory committee. Mr. Kazyski. >> Yes. Thank you. Um, our next meeting is going to be November 5th at which time we're going to talk about health and wellness. Uh, Dr. Howard will be there with along with Mr. s and uh this is uh uh TM spam.
040Yeah. Um also there was a lot of uh videos and stuff like that have been added to the parent resource page on our website. Um a lot of important information that the community felt that the committee felt should be on there for parents to look at. So please take a look at that. And also please we talked about this also a number of times that this community time is when we should see a lot more people coming to this um advisory committee and sitting in the audience and being able to bring certain concerns to us as well. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um I do have two little items that I'd like to let the board know about. Um we received a thank you card from a previous student um that's a member of the
041Pocono Women's Softball Slow Pitch League I guess. um they used our facilities and they just sent a thank you for um using our facilities. So that was very nice. [clears throat] The other thing um I'd like to let you know I had received an email from Mrs. Duner um and she started off her email on a positive which is always wonderful. Um she wanted to express her gratitude for the student support towards the Pulk Township Environmental Community Day that was held on October 5th of 2025. I also want to give a shout out to uh one of the assistant principles, Ariel Mis. Um she helped get this together and also Miss Gar. So, oh, Miss Mc Negron, too, and Miss Britain. So, they all helped and uh just wanted to shout that out that that
042occurred. >> All right, moving on. Superintendence reports. Dr. Conrad. Tonight [clears throat] I'm seeking approval of items 7B through 7E. Items 7F and 7G areformational. So >> move second. >> Oh boy. I have a motion by Mr. Walters and seconded by was that Mr. Burgerer down here? >> Okay. Is there any discussion? >> Um just policy 2011 >> to students. I'm not sure that I would like to comment on what we're looking forward to. Basically, we're shooting for one date, which is September 15th. We moved it from the 1st to the 15th, and that's a firm date. Um, I'm not sure how everyone else feels, but I feel that um the time that we were putting into try to get a few people on early admissions, I think it took away a lot of time
043from our counselors at the middle school, I'm sorry, at PBE. Um, today we sat in on a on a meeting with them and we saw all the work they put into the students that are presently there in the building. And I feel that like I said with a set date, the counselors can focus more time on the students that are presently in there instead of spending time testing in which we only bring a couple people back in additional. That's my feelings on that as well. >> Anyone [clears throat] else? Um, I would like Oops. Go ahead. No, you go. >> I'm sorry. >> So, I I just want to touch on a couple of points >> for item 7B. Um because there's I see a lot of chatter out there on Facebook about it. So,
044I just want to address it up front. Um there's some feedback out there about the length of the time of the contract that it's too early. Um and um and it commits the next board [clears throat] to a contract they don't agree to. The board changes every two years. That happens with all of the contracts we negotiate. 3 to 5 years is a pretty it's pretty typical time frame. Um and there was a lot of public angst about having contract not having contracts in place by the time they expired uh the last time they were negotiated. So I don't I don't really see what the problem is there. Um the salary and guaranteed increases that's in any contract. Um so that's going to it it does it commits us to um in this contract as
045well as in the other contracts we have to guaranteed increases as long as performance is satisfactory or proficient each year. um as we go through a process uh where we compare against other schools, we compare against other schools and as we go through the contracts, we're working to try and achieve a competitive salary to attract and retain the talent that we have. Um this is the case for all of the contracts, not just Dr. Howard's contract. The business office works diligently to try and prevent passing that entire cost of that on to the taxpayers as salaries is our largest kind of line our largest line item as is typical with any district. Um this contract itself is actually a decrease of annual salary from [snorts] what the current contract is for Dr. Howard. The current
046contract is 4%. The contract on for tonight is at 3.5. Um there's feedback on the performance reviews and the timeliness of the performance and and goal setting compared to the timeliness of the contract. It is fairly standard that goal setting happens at the beginning of the contract and that you don't set goals now for a contract that is going to last for multiple years because you want those goals to adjust and change as the needs of the district change. So that's just silliness feedback. Um, and I think that covers everything that I felt like was important. C >> can I add something to that as well? Um, I I understand where some people come with this contract, but I also look at that we're not changing that much of the board and I think the
047consensity of the boards is that Dr. Howard has been and is making adjustments accordingly to help, you know, bring this district along, you know, with the staff involvement and things like that. So I I don't see if an actual election in which possibly one maybe two people I don't think that's going to be enough to shift it and because of what we've experienced and what we see happening. So I I know I know I'm going to probably make a lot of enemies but that that's okay because I always say what I feel and I think we are heading in the right direction and I think Dr. Howard is reading into this and I think she is doing a lot more that's evolving from what I'm hearing with the staff and I I welcome the contract.
048I do have one more thing to say. I'm sorry. That's okay. [laughter] >> And that thing is um we set goals at the beginning of the year. >> And on average, she was more than proficient on more than half of her goals. So, I fully support the new contract. >> Absolutely. Her past performance and the evaluations prove that she's been a valuable asset to this team. So, um, for me it's a no-brainer, you know, to extend this contract. Um, we're moving forward. We're moving in the right direction and we do have a very valuable team here and we need to keep it intact. We know what happened previously and, uh, we can't let that happen again. So, um, again, we're moving in the right direction >> and it doesn't continue. It doesn't start till July.
049So, some people misconcept it starts right away. No, it's not. It's it's the contract starts in in July 1st of 2026, >> right? >> I mean the contract and Mr. Fitzgerald can talk to this, but we are allowed to do this once it become becomes within the year of the current contract. We are allowed to to offer >> that that is correct. E every board is statutoily authorized with the ability to engage in a new contract with its commissioned officers when there is within a year of the expiration of the current contract. And Dr. Howard's contract uh would be set to expire in September of 2026. We're within that year. Thus, this board is fully vested within the authorities of the statute to do that. >> All right. Um I would like to comment. >>
050Oops. Yep. Um, I'd like to let the public also know uh the duties of Dr. Howard has changed a little bit over the past year. She has met all of those duties with ease. The other thing is behind the scenes on the construction project. She has been instrumental through the last two two and a half years to keep this construction project running on time in terms of ordering furniture, making sure the classrooms are taken care of, when the switches will take care of the phases, working with the with the contractors. She has truly been the great asset on that committee. >> Anyone else? All right. I do have one other Go ahead. >> No, I wanted to go different something else. >> Yeah, that's where I was going to go. Okay. I was just like,
051uh, on policy 628 in the AR, it says a tax appeal council. I I missed a working session. What's tax? >> Well, can I go and then I think it'll all get answered maybe together. Okay. And so, um, I have, um, question I don't question the policy. I the AR I have some um concerns over which I have shared and the AR is not something that the board approves and administration is going to take back th those concerns and look at it. What I would [clears throat] like for Tammy to do if she would please um we had a conversation today if you could explain kind of the conversation that we had to the public and to the rest of the board because I think it's a valuable one. Give her the microphone. Yes, please.
052So, it sounds like the biggest concern is the process of what's going to happen. Currently, the district receives a transfer tax report every month from the county. That transfer tax report shows us the properties that were transferred, sold, bought, all of that. We process that transfer tax report against the sale price and the assessment value. All this policy is really going to show give guidelines for it's going to give us guidelines that if there's an assessed piece of property that is over the I believe it's the 20 20% we're using um or $10,000 that's a lot $10,000 that we can initiate an appeal with the county to have that assessment looked at. um this we're not going out to um the taxpayers's homes and sending someone out there to assess their properties or anything like
053that. This is a report that we are already getting from the county and we just it's a it's math formula. It comes out it it it comes it comes out to the end and if it falls within these limits we have the authority to uh file an appeal through our solicitor's office. we don't have to go in contract with anybody else. His office is completely staffed to handle this. Um it's the same as if a taxpayer feels that their property is overassessed. The taxpayer files an appeal with the county. We get notice of it if and sometimes we'll we'll go and attend Mark's I'm sorry, Attorney Fitzgerald's office will attend those appeals if we disagree with it. So, it's we're not going after anybody or doing anything like that. It's to protect the district and
054to protect the taxpayers as well. >> I I could just add to maybe to give context to to the policy and this this policy is is is utilized in many districts throughout the Commonwealth um and in particular over the last couple of years as we've seen in particular in the commercial taxbased space significant reduction since the pandemic. Um uh districts therefore need to effectively uh give themselves the opportunity to if they feel that a property is underassessed to be able to equally file the appeal by August 1st. Okay. Now, the policy in question in in in our office's opinion reflects uh a concern that is raised by generally commercial um um property owners that u districts or municipalities are just targeting commercial properties. Um this policy is is blind to that. This policy could um
055be triggered for a private property. it could be commercial property and and this is to address in our opinion uh concerns about that that have been raised in other places throughout the the Commonwealth. So this policy has been then utilized to address those issues. So it is blind on the issue of the property but as was noted uh by by Mrs. Smail um these properties come with significant value. It's not going to be the run-of-the-mill parcel within the community. >> Anyone else? I do have one other item uh one other thing I'd like to just mention um on the enrollment report under outside cyburners. I always like to look at the October report because that's the one that I've always been told is the true report that you look at once school is started because
056can't look really look at September. So I just want to note for outside cyers in October of 24 we had 420 students on outside cyers for this report October of 25 we have 370. So we have had a decrease in outside cers by 50. I think that's pretty significant. So I just wanted to say that and I forgot to turn my microphone on so hopefully you heard me. [laughter] I apologize. All right. Anyone else on >> just I mean I know you want to do with the AR but I was just wondering like what the tax appeal council what is is that is >> I I think it's an probably an artful way of saying Dave Comr from my office. Uh it it would it he he specializes in tax assessment. So yeah just thank
057you. >> All right. Are we done? Finally. >> I just want to jump what you were saying about October 1st. That is a crucial date, but I think we should also be looking at May 1st because there could be a drastic change in enrollment numbers. Um, how bodies are getting shifted around throughout the school year. So, I I yeah, October 1st, but we need to do diligence to also do a follow-up. I would I would recommend May 1st uh just to see what the comparison is from the start of the school year to the to the tail end of it. >> All right, [clears throat] I think we've got it. Uh all those in favor please signify by saying I. >> I. >> Anyone opposed. And that motion carries. >> Moving on to human resources.
058Mrs. Fulmer. >> Good evening. Tonight I'm seeking approval of items 8B through 8 J. Items 8K through 8N areformational. >> So move. >> Second. >> Have a motion by Mr. Burgerer, seconded by Mr. Walters. Is there any discussion? >> Just uh 8B theus. are just a brief what are they Mr. because Jerald's looking away. [laughter] >> He's looking. >> There's just they're just making corrections to things that weren't done correct in the >> It's only the one. >> Yeah. It It was just um a little bit of a scrier error to to No real material change, but this was the best way to memorialize those those. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Okay. Um, I do need to abstain from 8 G1 relative. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >>
059I. >> Anyone opposed? And that motion carries. I'm also seeking approval of items 9B through 9D. Item 9E and 9F areformational. >> So move Galler. >> Second. >> I have a motion by Mr. Galler, seconded by Mr. O'Keefe. Is there any discussion? >> [clears throat] >> 9B. Um I think you I understand it like that that's a guidance counselor going into a detention monitor but that is the I know the concern was that um it was discipline but monitor is not giving any type of discipline. They are just there. If anything else if you're having problems I would think it would be nice to have a counselor there that could discuss you know what are some of the things you're going on. So I I just want to reiterate that that they're not given discipline.
060They're they're there as the I would think as a resource. >> That's absolutely correct. And I would say that um they are probably one of the best individuals to help students not repeat those mistakes. So yes, that's great. [snorts] >> I was also [clears throat] confused by that community question. I was my mind was opposite. This is actually a really good scenario. Yeah. [snorts] [clears throat] >> All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> Anyone opposed? And that motion carries. >> Moving on to curriculum. Dr. Howard. >> Good evening. >> Oops. >> Tonight I'm seeking approval of items 10A and 11A. >> Second. Motion by Mr. Kazinski, seconded by Mrs. Zip. Is there any discussion? All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. >> Anyone opposed? And that motion carries.
061>> Moving on to operations. Dr. Howard. I'm also seeking approval of item 12A. So moved. Second. >> I have a motion by Mrs. Sips, seconded by Mr. Gaziski. Is there any discussion? >> All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. >> Anyone opposed? And that motion carries. >> Uh item 13 is building reports. So, uh some really great things happening in each of the buildings. Just encourage uh everyone to take a look at um the opportunities that uh students have and uh obviously the great work that's being done in each of the buildings. Could I could I make some comments on that course because I I looked it over there. I just I thought it was very good. Uh PVE I noticed they had that that lost and found system uh for
062pictures posting Google forms for parents that you know if you have a lost item I remember going through the middle school or at the even at PVE you had baskets and baskets of stuff and I think this is a great way to try to uh if you as a parent have something missing from your child this is a good way to find that. Um, I also wanted to know, and no one's here to ask on it, but how did our uh bear walk fundraiser go? Does anyone go? I mean, I'm sure it was the bear walk on Saturday. I know it was all of our >> I was out of town, so I don't know. >> Yeah. So, I was out of town, too. That's why I was like, so I guess there's no principles
063out here, but anyway, I hope it went well. Uh, PVI um the mobile ar um archite agricultural lab uh awareness of local farming and agricultural. I think this is great. um because this is what we are an agricultural center and these kids need to be exposed to it. Uh the Weller Health Center presenting topics again this comes from the community group as well. They presented topics at the our PVI about bullying online safety vaping. Um these like I said this was discussed at the advisory committ what the district is doing. Well, here's some of the things that they're doing at an early age. uh middle school. Um I was nice to hear that they have their PVTV as well that started up and running. Um for those people don't know, especially like the the alumni
064roll call and when you talk about all of the students that are here now, you know, they're kids of parents, they're kids of faculty and stuff like that. I think it's great that people get to know this. Um I also like the document-based questions about historical inquiries and documents analysis uh which is promoting critical thinking which we all know is so much important now [clears throat] especially since our kids are so much into clicking on games and stuff like that critical thing. Um I was concerned not concerned but I would like to know talked about they did their run height uh runhide fight drill. Do we know how far like I know we've talked about this before that we're gonna get to the point where they're actually going to run which is outside. Are we
065there yet or >> it it's to be planned. So we've gone through some of our um safety protocols that we want to make sure kids have baseline um knowledge of but we are looking into the future to coordinate additional efforts in in case we have to experience a variety of other opportunity you know like threats. So, uh, it's definitely something we've talked about as a team and something >> I just hope we were there yet. That's what I'm >> Yeah, we're not we we haven't done it yet, but we're working towards it. >> Okay. Thank you. And at the high school, um, I see they have their after school tutoring. I was just wondering if the other buildings have started their tutoring as well. >> They've all started. >> Great. That's great news. Uh, I
066see the new clubs are coming with numerous student spirit events that have happened. Uh, senior sunrise. That's great news. Um, I was just listening to student of the month. They listed their students of the month. I was wondering if if that's being also at the other buildings are they having their their >> student Yeah, students and staff. We're continuing that practice in each of the buildings um through the highlights. >> Okay. And um Okay. Uh Bear Academy, did you get people involved in extracurricular activities? I see you talked about that you presented. Are you getting I mean, not that you have to keep track, but I'm wondering if we're getting those people that are coming to some of these events. We do um while we don't necessarily track all of the individual events, we do
067have students who come back to the football games. We have students who come out to the dances. We actually have a couple student athletes as well who are participating in the team. So yeah, I mean uh not as much of participation percentage as the brick and mortar students, >> but it's nice, >> but they're getting some. That's what I That's important. >> And they're constantly given all the information so they know they're welcome. >> Great. Thank you very much. Appreciate that. >> Just just one thing on that. It's identified as an action uh on the agenda item 13. The building reports is identified as an action, not information. >> Oh, got make that adjustment >> and I Yeah, I missed it when I was looking at it before. >> All right. >> Okay. All right.
068Moving on then to uh business management. So, Mrs. Mill, >> tonight I am requesting approval of items 14B through 14N. Items 140 through 14Q areformational. >> So move second. >> Motion by Mr. Burgerer, seconded by Mr. Walters. Is there any discussion? have been having the person be able to bring parents or guards like that to help celebrate that time with that balls or furniture and stuff like that. Um, and there's no bartending fee for some of those who were concerned about that. >> I will cross it off when I sign the contract [laughter] >> anyone else. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. >> Anyone opposed? Motion [snorts] carries. >> I am also seeking approval of item 15B. >> So moved. Galler. >> Second. Surface. [laughter] >> Motion by Mr. Galler.
069Seconded by Did I say that right? Yeah, Mr. Galler. And then seconded by Mrs. Surface. Is there any discussion? All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. >> Anyone opposed? >> And that motion carries. Uh, any new business? >> There is no new business this evening. >> Thank you. Pleasant Valley citizens, is there anyone that would like to address the board on any item? Please come to the podium. State your name, the township you reside in, and there is a three li three minute limit. And our timer is Mr. Fitzgerald. [laughter] >> I'm back. Theresa Pesh of Eldridge Township and I'd like to make a statement tonight about student surveys. It seems like the surveys are about student behavior instead of the surveys I'm going to talk about are about student behavior,
070not student academics. And so I would like to say that the student surveys, as far as I understand, other school boards in other counties in Pennsylvania, it was discussed at the school boards whether to have the surveys or not. And as I understand in Pleasant Valley for the pay survey, the Pennsylvania youth assessment survey, it did not have to be discussed within the school board. So with the um with this Pennsylvania sunshine act which is actually title 65 and under section 708 is where it talks about executive meetings. I don't understand and I how a survey given to students is not to be discussed at at a public meeting. So with that said is with the pay survey which comes out every two years and and which is coming out in November in Pleasant Valley
0712025. I just like to say um recite some of the the questions on the survey. So it's given to grades 6 through 12 6 through what 11 or 12. >> And um it's every other every other year. 6 through 12 and it's given it's going to be given this year 2025. So as far as on page what I have is written out on page eight. One of the questions I just want parents to know who are listening. One of the questions are if you to the student if you used any prescription drugs without a prescription from a doctor during the last 12 months how did you get them? And one of the one of the um items that they could answer is a friend, a sibling gave it to me for free. A parent or
072a caregiver gave it to me for free. Another item which is disturbing which I find disturbing as well as quite a few other people who have children in the high school also feel that is somewhat evasive is um how many of your brothers or sisters ever drink beer, wine or hard liquor regularly? Another one, how many of your brothers or sisters ever smoke mar use marijuana? And on page seven, and this is supposed to be an anominous or um confidential survey as per pop a Harrison who who puts the survey out nationally, but in Pennsylvania, as I said, it's called pays p a ys, Pennsylvania youth survey. There's other questions on here which are concerning because it actually draws in of it. It's easily identifiable of which student it is. Not only because they answer
073these items on a Chromebook, on their own Chromebook that are issued by the school. >> Okay. But also, >> we've we've hit three minutes. But also as your best friends in the last 12 months, how many of your best best friends been arrested? >> Oh, you'll do it behind. Okay, >> that's fine. >> Thank you. >> Hello, Denise. hopefully Chestnut Hill Township. Um, so here we are, another early contract renewal because in PBSD we reward we reward the administration early and often even when the results come in late and low. We're told this makes sense. A 4% raise, a shiny new contract, all white test scores sink, students slip through the cracks, and parents are still waiting for a simple return call. And of course, it's all thanks to Act 93 written by the very
074people who benefit from it. How convenient. It's like grading your own homework and giving yourself an A+ while the students fail. Meanwhile, taxpayers, the people footing the bill are lucky to get a tiny cost of living increase and only if they're actually earned it. But here, we hand out automatic raises and call it progress. We're constantly told PV needs to be competitive with other districts. Well, maybe it's time to compete with on student successes instead of administrator paychecks. We've bought every new program, hired layers of leadership, and more kids are leaving brick and mortar than ever before. But sure, let's celebrate giving another raise. I keep thinking about the residents who are losing their homesteads and can't afford another tax increase. But hey, let the leadership team, but at least the leadership team can afford
075to fill their tanks. This cycle of overspending and underperforming has to end. It's time for PVSD to relearn some basic subjects. Respect and care and communication. Stop comparing salaries to other districts and start comparing results. Build the tax base. strengthen the community and actually support our students, not the egos and wallets of those who keep missing the mark. Um, the other thing I wanted to say earlier, and he doesn't [clears throat] know I'm saying any of this. Well, I have to say it's refreshing to see Jake Sar, one of our own alum and PV Hall of Famer, actually in the building helping students. Imagine that. Someone returning to Pleasant Valley to give, not in cash in. Jake's out there volunteering his time and guidance, helping kids figure out college and career paths. Meanwhile, the district's
076big busy figuring out new ways to spend money we don't have. Maybe Jake can give a workshop on something true far into administration, serving others without a contract extension attached. You know, it would be amazing if more lum like Jake were invited to talk with Bear Academy cyber students and the benefits of returning to brick and mortar. But that might take creativity and communication, two skills that seem to have gone by the wayside and transparenc transparency around here. We've got enough PhDs in this district to start our own university. But somehow we st still can't master basics. Listening, accountability, and restraint. Maybe the next professional development day could be soft skills 101. How not to alienate your community. And while Jake is me mentoring students, the district's busy mentoring itself on how to approve early
077contracts, hand out 4% raises, and justify all the buzzwords. It's inspiring, like watching a master class in self- congratulation. We applaud alumni who come back to help students succeed. Maybe one day we'll applaud leadership that helps taxpayers survive. So yes, thank you, Jake, for reminding everyone what real commitment looks like. Showing up, doing the work, and making a difference without needing a shiny title or a new salary band. >> If the district could bottle even half of that integrity, Paul Provenzanado of Contown Eldridge and I've only been to two meetings, but I will say in the meeting, the first one I was here, I did find that you guys were very disrespectful to Denise. People were making faces and rolling their eyes, which I thought was terrible. You're supposed to be professionals and she should
078be taken seriously because the school has a lot of problems and this isn't the only school and I am a taxpayer and I'm tired of taxes going up with no results. Especially when you have the kids that are going and they're working at St. Luke's and somebody's dying and they couldn't subtract 3 minus 2 equals 1. It took three nurses to do that with somebody who was critically ill who grew up in this school district that the children were from that are nurses at St. Luke's. And also I'd also like to say that yeah these kids are wellversed in technology but they have no life skills. >> [snorts] >> I actually don't know what I'm going to say right now, so give me a minute. Um, this is going back to policy 628. And some
079of the questions in my mind maybe are answered, but I still am going to stress again because what I don't understand is on the 10,000 is that on the assessment side or on the tax collection side. And some of the the language in here, it just seems like most of it's going to fall under the decision making of the superintendent, the business manager, and the tax council. And will the school board again be a part of any of those decisions to move forward on appeals? We don't have this policy as of yet. I understand we might need the policy because of the tax assessment that is going on in the county. I understand those points, but um I I just want the board to be a part of it that we're not spending money proactively
080to retain tax um tax assessors and more lawyers ahead of time and we may lose the appeals. Pocono Mountain School District did go through this and they lost when they went to the appeal process. We have not actively engaged in looking for appeals. We've been a part of being at those hearings cuz I did talk to the tax assessor today. I just want this to be done with caution. We need the policy. I understand that. But I don't want it to be an aggressive policy that we are seeking out these properties. Thank you. >> To to answer your question, it's on the it's on the collection side. Therefore, the we're talking significant properties. It is not on the assessment side. If that would be minuscule dollars, but on on the collection side. So that's why
081it would be ve very rare that it comes forward and one of the things that the board can discuss is the some districts do this because remember you have the the deadline of of August 1st is is is a either approval by the board or notice to the board at its July meeting that hey these we've identified the following properties that we are going to seek re you know reverse appeals on. So I've seen districts do that. So that's always something that can be done as part of the the procedure. I think the policy in general needs to be done for for legal purposes, but if those are procedures that the board wants to entertain, that's something that they can discuss. >> No, I understand that. That's what I was trying to get at. The
082policy may be there in place that we need to have the policy. I just didn't want to see that this become an aggressive mode of searching out properties because we don't know how this tax assessment in the long run can pan out because the first one, which was done under seven years ago, failed against the county and I don't want to see that same failure against our our school district. Thank you. >> Okay, >> go ahead. >> There was a PAC question from earlier and I I I think I can at least address from the Title N side of it or excuse me, Title N. Oh my gosh, I'm now mixing laws. Uh the the Sunshine Act side of it. Um just this board hasn't making made any decisions about the the the pays survey
083because boards generally don't. I know you referenced that some boards have taken action on it. Presumably that's because those boards have said to their administration, "Don't administer the pay survey." Um, but as a general proposition, I would say probably eight out of 10, nine out of 10 districts, the administration implements the pay survey, consistent with a very u a very restrictive state law that requires uh parental consent for administration of of the uh of the survey. along with the PP which is the federal law that that also has additional protections for parents to be on notice of what the survey is going to be that's going to be administered. So there are protections specific to the parents of these children who who do take the survey itself. >> The problem is that most parents and
084they had no idea that their children were getting the that the children but they had no idea that they needed to opt out. So it would be great if it was an optin. >> Understood. I will just respond one more time to that. Um and that was an issue in a district that I did represent that they went to an opt-in. Um the problem was that then the the participation went down dramatically. Um maybe and but no but but that's an unintended consequence as well. um because some parents just you know parents have a lot to do and they just don't you know it goes both ways. But what happens is what happens is the the pay survey which is done um statewide and then it's really administered through the counties provides subsidies and grants
085for for districts and and that district in particular that that had an opt-in. it actually lowered dramatically the amount of dollars that they were getting to support uh mental health and and welfare for for their children through their their counselors and the like. So um it it it go I understand the issue. [laughter] >> Okay. >> I'm not I'm not trying to go back and forth but I think a lot of what question is that children are academics not behavior issues. I'm sure many will like to talk about that at We can talk about that at the end of the meeting. >> All right. Do you want to do it now or you want to do it? >> Is there any more questions? >> Oh, I don't I don't think anybody's coming to the podium.
086>> I just make sure. >> Oh, okay. >> Okay. >> You want to do it now or you want to >> with this? >> Yeah, >> sure. I mean, I could just add to um to the pay survey. So, uh we've been uh providing the pay survey here for well over 10 years and um we have the survey that's slated to take place November. I believe it's on the 21st. Um it is an opportunity. We communicate that out through our phone blast, through emails to let parents know. We provide all the information um as well as the opportunity to opt out. So um I'm not sure, you know, if a parent saying that they're not aware, I I believe maybe they just need to um you know, listen to the the voice message or, you
087know, maybe reread the email. But we do provide that just to make sure parents understand that. And I think through discussions that you might have with with some of your you know community members definitely if it's something that they're concerned about they have that opportunity to opt out. um you know from from the information that we do get um we have discussed uh some of the data that we've collected from the pay survey and and you know um one of the things that we had talked about was just an increase in vaping that not only is obviously happening in schools across the Commonwealth and the country but also in our schools as well. Um and so it's important that when we have these discussions, we're also talking about, you know, safety and wellness of our
088students who are bringing uh these items in that unfortunately then lead to suspension. So it it is very informative. There's no identifiable markers. We're using um you know holistic approach to understand if there are some concerns whether it's safety or whether it's um other you know instances you know other things that are occurring. we want to just have that data to have some some discussions about ways that we can create a safe learning environment. So, I do find that it's it's it's very helpful. Um, you know, we don't go into it trying to figure out who said what. We go into it as how do we keep our kids safe? What can we learn from this? And the fact is that there are surveys, right? So, we know surveys are only so reliable. But it
089does help us to triangulate data. If we have real numbers, survey data, perception data, um, parent communication, we can then figure out ways to continue to keep our kids safe. So, there is, from my standpoint, a lot of value to, you know, continuing to provide this opportunity. And for parents that don't want their children to participate, they obviously will be communicated to that they can opt out. So, that's all. >> All right. >> Can we talk to after? Okay. Let us finish our meeting. Okay. at this time. Are there any Pleasant Valley school directors that have anything? >> I've got a couple items here. Um, you know, I've been hearing from community members and over in my arena. Um, going back to Dr. Conrad's uh contract that we opened up a year early. Mind you,
090we approached the teachers union a year early and they did not want to work with us, which led to a full negotiation process. Um, Dr. Conrad, I've had some comments with you about a year or so ago about some issues we had between us >> and uh where I felt we were as a district with scores and data and stuff like that. I agree we have room to grow, but there was also no dialogue with that when we had the teacher contract and they collectively got a 4% raise. So, I'm just putting that out there. On another note, um, for our three board members, Norm, Sue, Diane, I wish you the best of luck. >> Number [laughter] Okay, >> she's coming. >> I do. No, I'm sorry it was you. I said Sue. I do
091wish the three of you the best of luck with the upcoming election cycle. I hope you maintain your seats. And to our candidates out there that are also running, good luck. Any other school directors have anything? >> Sorry, I understand acknowledge. >> Yeah, >> it's okay. It's all good. >> Just a couple things on the MCTI open house. Um I I as well as uh Mr. Walters and Mr. Galler attended as well and it was it was quite breathtaking to see what they have done. Um I did however ask and the waiting list was 600 that are waiting to get in. So, like I said, I understand that in the future we're probably going to be looking at that, you know, we need to reach out and be ready for um expansions and stuff in
092that area as well. >> Um, on another note, um, today Mr. Walters and I attended the, uh, over at PVE, we had the counselor advisory committee. It's a new committee that they developed and we got to see firsthand, uh, Dr. Mr. Harold was there as well. Um what our counselors are doing and the amount of time that our counselss at that elementary school are putting into our students individually is unbelievable. I mean it's just the amount of time they're meeting with them. They're trying to meet their uh make get know them know the families that are having problems trying to help them. Uh it's a great tool that they're they've developed over there and I wish them all the luck. I know we're going to they have goals set to we're going to talk about
093again in the spring. See how they make out. But um I think it's a great thing happening over there at PVE to get um with our children and our uh parents. So thank you. >> Anyone else? Okay. Superintendent's remarks. Dr. Conrad, >> I'll make it brief. Um or try at least, but uh no, we had a really good first quarter. We're really excited for the fun activities. We have homecoming football game coming up. uh the uh dance. So, some very exciting things to close out quarter 1 and just we're really looking forward to the successes that we're going to see in quarter 2. Celebrate our students, our staff. Uh and like I said before, I mean, we have incredible staff, incredible students, incredible families. So, we appreciate the uh commitment that everyone's putting forth to
094keep our kids safe, to best educate them, and to uh keep PV moving forward. So, thank you all. And um that's it. Go Bears. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> So, move second. >> All in favor? Hi. [laughter] >> That was good. That was a good job.