05.22.25 Board of Education

001Good evening everyone. 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 then if you could please stay standing for a moment of silence after the pledge. Mrs. scar back there. Would you please lead us to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you everyone. All right. Usually I have it pulled out. Again, good evening everyone and welcome to the meeting. If I could have roll call, please. Here, here. Present. Here. Thank you. I'd like to let everyone know that we did have an executive session. It was held today, May the 22nd, 2025, immediately prior to the regularly scheduled

002meeting for me regularly scheduled meeting for purposes of personnel matters, including but not limited to performance and or discipline, negotiations, and legal issues. And also, I'd like to let you know we will be going back into executive session after the meeting. May students of the month, Mr. Pompello, will you start us off, please? Absolutely. Welcome everybody. I remind everybody it all starts at PBE in kindergarten. I have three awesome kids to talk about tonight. Um the teachers are here, the families are here. But before I start, like I always like to say, um education here at Pleasant Valley, especially PBE, 50% home, 50% um school. Okay. So, thank you parents. If you're here with your child, you're doing an awesome job at home. Not be here without you, no matter what they tell you. Um

003so, let's start. I have Mrs. Preb. Can you come on up and let's talk about Jaden Alvarado, our kindergarten student of the month, and the whole family come on up here. [Applause] [Music] Good evening. I am pleased to announce Shaden Alvarado as the kindergarten student of the month. Shaden was new to my classroom in November and from his very first day, I knew that he would be amazing. What I didn't know was that his presence would actually enrich our classroom community. He is friendly, respectful, cooperative, and comes in every day with a smile on his face. He is hardworking and completes all of his assigned tasks quickly and quietly. He is a leader and not a follower. He demonstrates trustworthiness, dependability, and focuses on resolving problems constructively rather than resorting to reporting minor issues, which

004we call tattling in kindergarten. However, I think that my favorite part about Shaden is his sense of humor. Usually during our snack time, he has a joke to share with me. In fact, here's the one that he shared with me today. What is a cow's favorite thing to do? To watch the movie. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that he comes up with the jokes all by himself. Shaden also has a wonderful, loving, caring family who has been extremely supportive. He recently got promoted from youngest child to big brother as his family welcomed a beautiful baby boy in February. Shaden has navigated all of these big changes so well. I am so thankful that I was blessed with the opportunity to have him in my classroom and I am so extremely proud of

005Shaden and all of his success this school year. All right. Next, we're going to go to first grade. And I have Mrs. Anderton here. If you come on over and can I have the whole family, Stephen Bata, come on up here. Congratulations. [Music] Good evening. I'm excited to be here tonight to honor my student Ian as the first grade student of the month for Pleasant Valley Elementary School. Ian is a positive role model for his classmates. He follows school and classroom rules, participates, and will ask questions when he loves children. Ian displays a love for learning and a curiosity to learn even more. He has a drive to make things just so and doesn't stop until it looks his best. Ian is very creative. He tells and writes amazing stories. He is also a fantastic.

006What I love most about Ian is that he is genuine. He has a heart of gold. He loves his family whom he speaks about often, his friends who he would help out right away, and his teachers when needed. He is wellmannered, caring, works hard throughout the day, even when it gets tough. He looks out for others, especially if someone is having a difficult time finding a page number or volunteering to get a friend's work together if they are not there. Ian, you had an amazing first year of first grade. I look forward to watching you grow through the years. Please always know that you are amazing and you can do anything you put your mind to. I am so fortunate to have had you in my class this year. And I also want to thank

007your family for being so [Applause] supportive. All right, for my last student of the month, we're representing second grade. Can I have Miss Haw come on up for and Amelia Rivera and the whole family. [Laughter] It is nearly impossible to choose just one student of the month. Every student is unique and demonstrates their own amazing strengths and determination to improve. I am proud of each and every member of our classroom community. The idea of being a role model stood out for me this month. I see Amelia Rivera demonstrates the five qualities of a role model. Moral. A good role model has high moral values. Ameilia makes winning choices. She's engaged and attentive in lessons, follows directions quickly, and treats her classmates with respect and kindness. Confidence. Amelia exhibits confidence in herself when learning something new

008and possesses grit with challenges. I haven't had the pleasure of watching her play field hockey, but I imagine she's the same way on the field when she's playing. Hardworking role models demonstrate their commitment to a desired goal and are willing to invest the necessary time and effort to achieve success. This is how Amelia tackles tasks at school. Respectful. Not only is Amelia respectful to the adults in the building, but also to her classmates. She tutors kindergarteners daily and takes great pride in this responsibility. Optimistic. Amelia is positive and enthusiastic about learning. As you can see, Amelia fully embodies the characteristics of a role model. She truly earned the honor of being PVE second grade student of the month. Congratulations, Amelia, and the entire Rivera family. You're doing an amazing job showing us what it truly

009means to be role models in our community. [Applause] I'd like to announce the support staff member of the month of PBE is Chantel Gatan. I call her the comeback player of the year. She just had an amazing year this year. And our professional staff member of the month is second grade teacher Amber Brown who has just been doing a great job this past month. Um some highlights of PVE field days, the phys department, PTO, everybody working together. The rain has not been really helping us with field days, but first grade and second grade we got in. Kindergarten has been delayed a few times. We will get them in before the year's over. It will happen. Um, also second grade move up day was awesome. Miss Albbright and her staff did a great job uh greeting

010my second grade. I will miss them. They are awesome. Um, the LIO reflex awards. Those are our academic awards and TV for math and reading. We've been celebrating a lot of academic uh achievements at PBE this month. That's been awesome. And we just had our spring extravaganza which we had hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones, some math, some readings, some mini golf. Um just a great time with all the kids and you know this time of year it's sad to see them go but um everybody deserves a break time year but um thank you for all the fans for their support and Miss Aubrey. Good evening everybody. Um, for this month's students of the month, I just want to say while this may be the last crew of students of the month, um, for this school

011year, it's definitely not the least. Um, I think every single teacher that I went to go talk to today, or not today, when we picked out the students of the month for the grade levels, every single one of them knew I'd be coming to them because these kids are superstars. So, nobody was surprised um, by who was selected this month. So, we are going to kick it off. We have Mrs. Math Moy here today to present our third grade student of the month, Miss Natalie Bird. [Applause] Good evening. I'm excited to be here tonight to share how proud I am of Natalie and the wonderful progress she has made this school year in third grade. Throughout the year, Natalie has shown tremendous growth both academically and personally. Natalie is a very bright and capable student

012who began the year a little shy and quiet, but has really come out of her shell and grown into a confident and more outgoing young lady. Beyond academics, Natalie has also grown as a thoughtful and kind classmate. She participates in group discussion, show a willingness to help peers, and brings a positive attitude to our classroom community. Natalie can always be counted on to be a role model to her peers. She is responsible, respectful, and a hard worker who always gives her best effort no matter what the task is, big or small. She is a genuine joy to have in class, and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to be your teacher. And as a final example of the reason Natalie deserves to be recognized tonight as student of the month, I would like

013to share with you one of the most thoughtful and unique gifts I've been given as a teacher. It is a book. if you give your teacher a cookie with kind and generous goodies included on each page of the book as well as personal and heartfelt messages included at the conclusion of the book. Natalie is such a special student who undoubtedly will be very successful with whatever she does in the future. Congratulations, Natalie. Good work. Moving on to fourth grade, we have Mrs. C. Slack here who is going to present the award to Kensington Kenzie Greyel. [Applause] Good evening. Tonight I am here to tell you about an amazing girl that I have gotten to know over the past nine months, Kensington Free. Kenzie was chosen as our fourth grade PBI student of the month for

014many reasons. Kenzie comes into school each morning with a positive attitude and a smile on her face. She brightens the day of myself and her classmates, and she is always willing to help a friend at their locker or assist them in gathering their belongings for the day. Some mornings, Kenzie brings a very large instrument to school. And although it can be very difficult to carry and manage all of her belongings at the same time, she perseveres and does not get frustrated. By the way, Kenzie and I call this very large trombone her golf clubs. Throughout the day, Kenzie works hard, asks questions when she doesn't understand something, shows grit, and has a positive attitude. She is a student who her teachers can always count on to do the right thing, even when no one is

015watching. Kenzie is also very talented in her critical thinking and creations. Outside of school, Kenzie makes items to sell at craft fairs, and she is always thinking thinking of ways to be a junior entrepreneur. One of my favorite moments this year was when we were making winter hat ornaments with yarn to celebrate the winter solstice in science class. Kenzie was so proud of her ornament and had a plan to make more of the ornaments for her family before the project was even finished. She also realized that they were a great idea to add to her business venture. Kenzie is always thinking of others and ways to push herself to be better. Kenzie, this year I have been lucky to be a small part of your journey through fourth grade. It has been an honor to

016watch you grow from a quiet and nervous student on the first day of fourth grade into a confident young lady who is ready to soar in fifth grade. I could not be more proud of all of your accomplishments this year, and I know you will do amazing things in fifth grade and beyond. Congratulations, [Applause] All right, and moving on to fifth grade. Um, unfortunately, Mrs. Douglas couldn't be here today due to the very hectic May schedule for everybody and their families right now. Um, but she left me with some words to share for our fifth grade student of the month. So, June, could you please come up here? We are recognizing June Caretia, our fifth grade student of the month. All right. This was written in first person by Mrs. Douglas. So imagine I'm very

017proud to recognize June Caretia as our fifth grade student of the month. She has shown time and time again what it means to be a true leader. She leads with kindness, respect, and confidence. Whether she's helping a classmate understand something new, volunteering to take on extra responsibilities, or simply showing kindness with a smile, her actions inspire those around her. June, I'm so proud of the example you set, the effort you put in, and the heart you bring to our school each day. Congratulations on being our student of the month. [Applause] We can definitely all um we also are recognizing staff members of the month for May. Um our professional staff member being recognized is Jen Onsbach and our support staff member of the month is Robin Wii. Um as for building highlights, May is a

018very busy month. There's a ton happening at PBI right now between field days, rewards, and end of the year celebrations. Um but in particular the last few days have been um truly momentous as we welcomed our second grade class on Friday with building tours during the day and then their families joined us for our very first on Monday our very first second grade transition where we would meet with families to talk about the transition to PBI. And then once we got done welcoming all of our newest PBI students um we got to say farewell to our fifth graders today during our fifth grade move ceremony. Um it was an absolutely fabulous event, very well attended and we're so thankful for the support of our families. Um all of these welcoming and saying bus goodbye events

019take a whole lot to prepare. Um they're a huge undertaking and we are just so grateful for the amount of staff who help with welcoming our second graders and then sending farewell to our fifth graders. Um it truly takes a village and everybody came together to put on some really awesome events for these students. So, we're very grateful for that. And now on to the middle school. [Applause] Good evening everyone, school board directors, community members. Um, student of the month is one of one of the best nights that we get to celebrate because we get to see our mission statement in action. um excellence in education, a community commitment, and we wouldn't be here without all of you, our community, our staff, families. So, thank you to everyone who's here tonight to recognize the success

020of our students. I'd like to start with our sixth grade student of the month and um that is Mr. Josiah Larara. if you would come up and why he is Mr. Logan. [Applause] Good evening everyone. I'm honored to speak about Josiah Lara who's been selected as the sixth grade student of the month. He was chosen for student of the month because he contributes enthusiastically in class and helps create a positive and welcoming environment for others. Josiah is an incredibly hardworking student who always gives his best in the classroom. He's kind, respectful, and gets along with his peers. Outside of academics, he's also active in extracurriculars, including being part of our school play, Andy Jr., he's a well-rounded student who truly represents the best of our community. Congratulations, Josiah. Congratulations, Josiah. And thank you, Mr. Dickman.

021For seventh grade, our seventh grade student of the month is Miss Alana. I'd like to invite the entire family to come [Laughter] and is one of our math teachers. Good evening. I'm Millie Vegas. I'm Alana's math teacher in seventh grade. As the school year draws to a close, the honor of student of the month for seventh grade is bestowed upon a truly exceptional young lady, Alana Jack. Her selection coming in the final month is a testament of her consistent, positive perseverance and growth throughout the school year. Alana embodies kindness and responsibility, readily contributing to a positive school environment with her creative spirit and strong desire to learn. While she may occasionally have a moment of forgetfulness, a common trait of youth, Where's my pencil? Where's my ID? We got you. We got you. It's okay.

022Her overall impact on the school community is significant and deeply felt by both her peers and adult and adults around her. Alana's journey has been marked by profound personal loss. Despite this immense hardship, Alana has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience, stepping up to face new challenges with grace and courage. Alana is a clear reflection of the incredible person her parents have helped her to become. Alena's ability to navigate such a difficult time while maintaining her positive contributions in and out of school speaks volumes of her character. Personally, Alana holds a special place in my heart. Having received a handwritten thank you note at Christmas time where she expressed gratitude for believing in hers and helping her build confidence was deeply touching. Her words, I will always remember you, present profoundly. And I want to express

023that this sentiment is entirely mutual. Alana is truly a special student and witnessing her growth and strength particularly in the face of adversity has been an honor. Her kindness, resilience, and beautiful spirit she carries makes her a most deserving recipient of this recognition. I'm so proud of you. I think I did. All right. Continuing to eighth grade, I present Autumn Schwarz, our eighth grade student. and I'll speak on behalf of Autumn's teachers. Autumn is a student who shines bright. She consistently demonstrates outstanding effort in the classroom and has a genuine curiosity for learning. Her teachers praise her dedication to her studies, your positive attitude and commitment to doing your best. We are incredibly proud of you and we celebrate your achievement and the wonderful example you set for all of us. Keep up the good

024work and congratulations. Congratulations again to Autumn, Alana, and Josiah. I'd also like to recognize our professional um staff employee of the month, Miss Lorie Snider, and our support staff member of the month, Mrs. is Rachel Brown. Um May is a very busy month for all of us. I'll echo the sentiments of my uh colleagues. Um we have so much going on this month from teacher and staff appreciation week. Thank you to all of our teachers districtwide for all that you do to our kids. Um we're also celebrating mental health awareness month. Wearing green every Thursday. Um, I would wear green today, but it's student of the month for P, so I had to go. And tomorrow is our eighth grade move up ceremony where, um, we get to pass off the next class to, Mr.

025Brian Brand. Um, so we're looking forward to seeing Mr. Bryland and Dr. Con at our ceremony tomorrow. and of course an open invitation to anybody who is able to attend. It'll be a great day. And um with that, I'll turn it over to Mr. [Music] Boyman. We forgot to mention that we also celebrated uh principal's day 1 and uh that was on Thursday, May 1st. We celebrated Mr. McCutchen uh who is our awesome middle school principal. During national principal day, staff and students extended their deepest gratitude to Mr. the country by submitting posters with encouraging messages on them. Whether he's walking the halls, greeting students with a smile, or working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly, he's earned the trust and admiration of this entire building. He not only is by title, but

026by example, and his dedication to our school community has left a powerful impact. Not only am I fortunate, but we are all fortunate to have him in the building. Thank you, Mr. Good evening everybody. I want to piggyback off the other principles. Thank you for everybody showing up tonight. It does mean a lot for our students and this is what makes PB so great. So it is my honor tonight to introduce the high school students of the month. For ninth grade we have Eli Tomas and we have Miss Gar here representing her and speak on his behalf. [Applause] So, Eli is one of my ninth graders in my honors biology class. Although sometimes I think Eli forgets that he's not in my AP biology class. That is definitely where he's going to be in the

027future here. Um he is extremely dedicated and driven in the classroom. His questions are often they're always related but they're like super deep. I know there's many times this year where I've said to him take chemistry and then we'll have a conversation later. What he wants to know is it's it's excellent but we have to take a two-month diversion to get back to what we're doing. Um which this is a trait that is like I love that. That's awesome. Um, of all of my ninth graders, I mean, I have awesome kids this year, but Eli asks some of the strongest and most insightful questions of the whole entire set, especially questions of curiosity. He wants to know things. When we talk about stuff, some of the stuff that he comes up with on his own

028through his own studying and work, and comes back into me, it's like he'll start with like this isn't really related, but and then I know what's coming next. And he's always thinking about stuff. Um he's very motivated to do well. He's an attention to detail for everything that he's doing. He is always uh everything he does has translated into strong grades. He's got a good presence in class. He's got a very strong work ethic and good relationship with other kids in his class that he's able to work with and be a leader in a lab setting. Um he has straight A's, nearly perfect attendance this year. He's been an absolute pleasure to work with and we're very happy to have him here in class and I hope he continues to take more science classes as

029we progress here. Thank you. Our 10th grade student of the month is Trinity Tanzello and Miss Simpson is here to speak on her math. [Applause] Hi everybody. Um, I'm Miss Simpson. I'm a building substitute at the high school. And even though I've only been a building high school, I mean, oh my gosh, a building substitute at that high school for about a year and a half, um, Trinity is by far one of the most bright kind of students I've I've had the pleasure of getting to know. Um, she is one of the kindest, most hardworking students I've ever had the pleasure of having in the classes that I cover. She puts her all into everything that she does. from volunteering to being involved in numerous clubs um she is now vice president of the heat

030club uh to being on top of her classwork. Trinity has straight A's and her teachers have nothing but wonderful things to say at Docker from volunteering in class to being helpful to being a helpful hand when needed. I would nominate you every single month if I could. [Applause] Our 11th grade student is Eva Throimchic. And to speak on her behalf is Officer Aiden. [Applause] So, the price you pay for hiring a talker is this. It's not that bad though. But I'm going to share a whole story because of things I heard tonight. I added this in. It's not It's my own story and it's true. I promise. We also hired emotional speaker. So let's like pray a little bit for me. Another scary little story that it remind me to tell you this recognition story,

031a recognition ceremony. I once had a student who uh who's a matter of feet away from me. And he used a term a word that we don't use in school. We've all probably used it. Not all of us, but we've used it. And then I heard it again and I looked at the student and I said his name Bill. I said, "We don't know." And he turned around and looked at me and he said, "Mister," I slipped. He kind of looked down. He said, "But I want to tell you something. I'm with you more than I'm with my parents." Let that sink in. Parents do so much, but all these people here, including the people out front, you have a great deal to do with the impacting their lives. And when he said that to

032me, I'll never forget. five, six years ago. I'll never forget that he told me that. I had to step back and go, "All right, we'll let that one slip." So, I was worried this young lady stressed me out a little bit because she's one of the last ones to walk in the door. And I've been looking forward to talking about her. And I even told my family, I said, "I don't even have to write anything down. She's not awesome. It's just going to roll off." Lie. I lied to myself. I lied to myself through them. She is awesome. That's not the part. So, I have notes just so I don't go off track and lose the thoughts I want to put out in the sentiment. So, good evening. First of all, Eva, I kid with

033you at time as we pass through the halls. I mean, I'm a police officer. I'll come back to that. That's really what I am here. But I enjoy your talks and your hopes and dreams for the future. But what I want you to do tonight, like everybody should do this. Sit back and take this in. Take it in because it might not happen again. It better happen again, but it might not because what you are about to hear about yourself isn't going to be said about many people. It's going to be said about people like you and the other people recognize today. It's your night. And I hope you remember it always. And at the end of this, I'll tell you why. As I've said before and the friends outside of here each day, this

034building in this district is like a little city. People move through the halls. If you watch it, you'll be amazed. They don't hit each other. They touch, they move, they go, they go to shifts of cafeteria, light duty, lunches. They they they they manage. 99% of them do a great job at it. But there's one student that stands out over and over again. And it's a front check. Am I saying it right? Throw him check. Throw him check. Thank you. Now I feel like I accomplished a lot there. So obviously I'm here to speak about our student of the month, but to our board members and teachers, administrators, I want to say that like I mentioned before, you don't know you'll never feel fully realize what profound impact you have on these students, but likewise

035what they have on us. And I heard a couple emotional teachers, so I know it's true. I know I'm not alone here, but I'm not the only emotional speaker. In Eva's case, let me out allow me to introduce her. Let me also warn you about the impact she's destined to have on the world. I promise you'll you'll understand soon enough. Again, I'm just a police officer here, but I see Eva almost every day and sometimes several times a day. She visits, she stops at the JCM office, she talks to administrators, she talks to teachers. It's like having an extra adult in the building. And um she's in 11th grade. She's just she's she knows what she's doing. And I'm going to prove it to you in a couple seconds. Sometimes she even stops by to

036sell me chocolate bars for the She knows I don't need them. She knows. I don't have to tell her, but I buy them. I buy another three for five, two for five. I don't even know if I'm getting a good deal, but my family thanks you. But no matter the reason, every interaction with Eva is a reminder of the kind person she is, kind of person she is. She's kind, thoughtful, and mature beyond her years. She's a pleasure to talk to, and she leaves people in a better place than she found them. Here's the resume. This is what Eva does at Pleasant Valley. That's a lie. I should know these things, but I'm also, remember, I told you I'm a police officer here, so I don't teach Eva. I had to go do some research

037because I noticed her. I see her. I watch her. I talk to her. Then I got to make sure she's not fooling me. She's a member of the FBA. She's in the National Honor Society. She plays chess in the plus chess club. Please help me with this word. A video. A not in [Laughter] it. I'm not sure why you're laughing at that one. She's also she carries four AP classes and juggling all that I'm not even at the kicker. She has a 99.68 GPA. I'm going to give it a 99.7. My parents would give it 100. She's that girl. She's that young lady. And it doesn't stop when the school day ends. Here it is. When it's time to unwind to be a teenager, Eva Evan gives back to her community as a junior firefighter

038here in West End. Like I get hairs my hair standing up. Like she leaves here, she still does more. And I didn't even have to astral proof. One of our secretaries went and saw you at the open house this weekend. And I don't I think she was surprised in a good way. But I don't know any firefighters like you. Recently, I asked Emma what she wants to do after graduation. She told me she hopes to join our armed forces and pursue a career in engineering or firefighter. Once again, she continues to impress. And I'm almost done. So I'd like to close with this. In life, we often celebrate grades. This is what I want to listen to. I promise it's true. Which we celebrate grades. We celebrate touchdowns. We celebrate kids who score a thousand

039points in basketball. We celebrate when people get doctorates. They get masters. And years from now, we might forget about those things. All those things might get forgot about. But what we won't forget is how you treat people. You're doing it right. When I was in the army, they told me, "This is for you." And this gentleman back here, when I was in the army, I think they were saying at the time, but I I took it the right way. They said, "You're a direct reflection of your parents, and that means you're doing a great job. This is a girl who would make any parent proud any day. So, congratulations [Applause] dress up. I told her she better dress up. I was kidding [Laughter] around. Our 12th grade student of the month is looking forward to

040next Friday and he's one of my favorites. Please welcome Jose Propes. And I have Miss Brinker here to speak on his [Applause] behalf. Amazing. Jose, he's one of a kind. This is a young man who, as a young child, learned he had a heart condition and he would never be able to engage in overly strenuous activities like competitive sports. For many you for many years that news had a strong impact on Jose's academic commitments and his general behavior. When I first met Jose it was his sophomore year and one of the first things he told me was how he was expelled the previous year. But he promised that he learned his lesson and was ready to change. Sophomore year was when I met him and it was a struggle for him not behavior-wise after he

041learned to bring his backpack not to bring his backpack to class. Um he got better academically. Well, he got better there at behaviorally, but academically he struggled. Due to his health, Jose already was facing some roadblocks, doctor's appointments, hospital stays. So, he often fell behind on his score and he struggled to pass English 10, but he did it. This all doesn't sound so stupid to me, but um anyway, well, it was during that year that Jose shared something special with me, his love of poetry. Jose is a poet. His poetry that year showed a possibility for greatness, even though it was amateur. And even he will tell you that. He's told me that. But he was writing, and you don't see that so much in kids these days. He often asked me to read his

042work before and after class. He listened to my suggestions. He made changes and then he would shown me some more. He also became a voracious reader. He often asked me for book recommendations for favorite authors and for my general opinion on literature which is really a bad question to ask an English teacher. This young man was told he would never who was told he would never be a normal person found his solace, his comfort, and his calling in literature, especially in his poetry. Fast forward to senior year. Jose raised his grades up so much his junior year that he gained acceptance into my AP literature class, the toughest course in the English department. Every morning, he passes me in the hall and he says good morning. Every time he walks into my class, he says

043hello and asks me about my day. But that's not what's so great about Jose. Since his sophomore year, Jose has kept writing. He has continued sharing his work with me and even at my encouragement, submitted to poetry contests. He has made the semifinal round and at least won, and we're still waiting on news on that one. Just two weeks ago, he shared a poem with me and we discussed it. I read it. He made some suggestions. He made those changes. Every teacher has students they will always remember. Some for not so good reasons, but others for their individuality, their remarkable nature, their drive, their uniqueness. Jose is one of those for me. The way he turned his life around, the way he has adapted, the beautiful love of literature that we share. For Christmas, Jose

044gave me a hard copy of the Arabian Knights. And right now in front of all of you, Jose, I want you to hand that to one of your family members. And I want you to come here and autograph this for me because one day this young man is going to be in a poetry anthology and I'm going to be able to say I was the first one who got his offer. [Applause] I need this. I don't even have it on. [Applause] Our support staff in the month of the high school was our custodian, Mr. Dustin Wilds. He's absolutely amazing. And our staff member of the month is our school nurse, Miss Rachel Borger. She is fantastic. Just our high school highlights. Uh we recently celebrated our 2025 decision day last week uh during which 13

045scholars were awarded. Uh we had representatives from NCC, ESU, we had the National Guard there. Uh we had a total of 62 students that put pen to paper. It was a pretty cool event to see that we held in the new gymnasium. Uh last uh it was Tuesday night now. We had our second annual AAA awards where we celebrated the senior achievements. It was again a new gymnasium due to the capital improvement project and it was a great turnout. And uh some other big news here. We have Miss Darnac. We have our Environ. They win the states in Windsor, PA. and we placed nine out of 65 in the top 10 gets awards. So [Applause] again, the high school is ready to rock and roll for this upcoming Friday. Uh where I know Jose's ready

046for it is we have our commencement. So again, we're looking forward to that 7 p.m. at the high school stadium. I want to pass it off now to Ferris Academy. [Applause] All right. Thank you. And I'm going to follow up all the other principles and just say thank you everyone for coming out. Um I'm going to throw one more shout out there. Community members, parents, board of education. I also have to do a shout out to our faculty and our staff members. Um every single month they come out and this is voluntary for them. Uh if the teachers are here to celebrate your children, it's because they chose to come here and celebrate your childhood. I'm getting paid. So um it's completely voluntary and a police officer willing to do it, a school counselor who's

047willing to do it. Um, I think it's so impactful and says so much about our teachers and that community as well to be willing to come out and donate their time to make sure that everyone feels celebrated. So, uh, big shout out to our staff and faculty as well. At this time, I'd like to, uh, bring up Nia Morero and her family and have Miss Living Bears Academy come up and say a few [Applause] words. All right. Hello everyone. My name is Miss L. I'm the school counselor of PBBA and it's my honor to be here and speak on behalf of our PBBA student of the month, NAR. who've actually never met in person. So, very nice to meet you tonight. At the start of the school year, Nia faced what many would consider to

048be an insurmountable task. With only 14.25 credits as a senior, she would need to make up or take nearly 11 credits in order to graduate with her class. When Nia first started, I gave her the standard seven credit course load. I wanted to give her time to adjust and build momentum without becoming overwhelmed. Realistically, the options were difficult. Take on a heavy academic course load or prepare for an additional year of school. Vaniah impressed me. Within the first first quarter, it became very clear that this student was not going to be defined by past setbacks. And I showed a level of grit, determination, and maturity that was nothing short of conspiring. I remember that email that I sent after reviewing her marking period one progress. I told her that I was going to increase her

049course load significantly because I believed she could handle it. This meant taking on a daunting schedule, three different math classes all at once. Plus remediation courses, on top of balancing everything else, I gave you 14 classes total. To put it in perspective, it meant long days, late nights, and no shortcuts. And she did it. What sets Nia apart is not her work ethic or intelligence. It is her resolve. She didn't just accept the challenge. She rose to it, owned it. She turned a deficit into a goal and doubt into momentum. And now, Nia, you've done it. You've officially earned every required credit, completed all of your graduation requirements ahead of schedule, and you're ready to walk across that stage. What you've accomplished is remarkable. Your story is one of resilience, grit, and hope. It proves

050that no matter how far behind you start, no matter how heavy the burden, you can catch up, and you can finish strong. You've shown that setbacks don't define you. Rather, how you respond to them does. Your journey is a lesson in perseverance that others can look to for inspiration. And Nia, I'm incredibly proud of you as your counselor. It's been an honor to witness your growth and transformation. You have not only earned your diploma, you earned every bit of respect and admiration that comes with it. Congratulations, and I can't wait to see you on the stage. So, as as we kind of close out student of the month, I I do want to give one last shout out. We don't officially give staff and faculty awards for the Bears Academy because we're such a small

051team. They'd be up at the stage every single time. Um, but I do want to make sure I give a shout out to Miss Al. Um, she is a first year counselor. She came straight out of college and joined our team. Um, she has done amazing work um, just in creating these transcripts and helping students and helping them find ways to graduate on time even when it looks like it's not possible. Um, not not the only story. There's other people who have done this as well. However, yours is remarkable. Um, it wouldn't be possible without miss out and it wouldn't be possible without communication, her forming these plans. Um, the last thing I will say about this is this year we actually accomplish something that I thought I made it a goal. Uh, I'm not

052supposed to talk valuation here, but at the beginning of the year I said, "Yeah, every single student in every single one of Bears Academy is going to graduate this year and they have to have their graduation pathways. They have to have their career artifacts and they have to have their civics exam." And every single Bears Academy student who is graduating this year has all three of those things. So I'm super impressed with Michelle. Thank you so much for all that you do. So at this time of month, you can meet out here and get your pictures taken and we'll give the board of directors their meeting. Thank you. Congratulations everyone. Congratulations to the parents too. Thank you for coming. [Music] I was already Jim's next to me that picture Was it cool? Yeah. So I

053knew. Yeah. It was great. I remember being there last year and it was it was cold. Like we had it was just cold. The kids were so excited. They said we threw like right and I was like yeah comes in. I'm sorry guys. I'm sorry. You can't do that. But they were they were very good. It was a good celebration last year. And then I like putting up number two. I did too. I like that picture. Great. Yeah. Yeah. Last year was I think that's right. That was a good game. I think I could understand. [Laughter] Thanks, Louis. All right, we're going to continue on in our agenda. Um, Dr. Conrad, do we have any community questions this evening? Uh, good evening everyone. There are no community questions tonight. Okay, thank you. Mrs. Smith, uh,

054secretar's report, please. Good evening. Tonight I request approval of the minutes of the meeting held on May 8th, 2025 and approval of the May 22nd, 2025 board meeting agenda in including a correction to item 9 L items 1 2 3 4 and 5. The per hour rate should be 29, not 30. And also the removal of item 82 June. So move second. I have a motion by Mr. Walters, seconded by Mr. Burger. Is there any discussion? I don't need to abstain not being at the last meeting and I did do that. I was not here either. So otherwise all those in favor please I don't understand I was okay. Um so we we made a vote on securely. Um this was discussed twice during the the voting session. First during committee question uh where we

055humorously joked about the the passes we carried around as students uh wooden blocks or clipboards. Then second time was at the 1 hour and 18 minute mark question. Okay. When we were voting on on them and I asked a confirmation of that we are not ancillary using items such as passes and it was clarified the expectation is they were not using. Can we agree to that? We had that discussion. I can. Okay. So, on the premise of trust but verify, I asked my daughters, one in high school, one in middle school, and they've confirmed they are still using physical passes. In the middle school, it's a dirty, ripped, laminated paper pass. While in high school, it's a plastic clipboard like pass. One for the office, which is black. One for the nurse, which is white.

056One for locker, another which is purple. JCM bathroom red. H bathroom orange. Grass bathroom green D bathroom yellow A bathroom blue. I'm confused. So to clarify, um I made a comment regarding the fact that students weren't walking around with passes. It was my understanding through conversations that we had that we were using securely so that we don't have to carry that around. Um I was informed after the meeting after I made those comments that uh students actually are in fact carrying around paper passes. Um and I think part of it was because uh we were starting out using securely. We still wanted to have a visibility of a physical pass. So that's obviously my mistake um and my misunderstanding because I believe that the goal was ultimately and still is to transition away from that.

057So seriously, um they they certainly use uh passes, which again was something that I wasn't aware of uh because I don't see students walking around and running through the bathrooms. Um but that's something that again I misunderstood and you know and I'm fine with that. But I think we should digress and we're paying for this system, right? The passes are disgusting. Yeah, they are. I mean, agree. The fact that the picture that I have I would I wouldn't do it. Yeah. And I think every student should we we should help them out and you securely were paying for it. Yeah. And get rid of these passes tonight. Yeah. And and I I'll add to that that again that's where uh we ultimately want to end up and that was again conversations that we had when

058we were talking about uh that transition to security and I vividly remember having conversations that we need to stop with the old blocks and you know the pieces of paper and things like that and usually the small pieces of paper that we were walking around with. Um so that's something that I'll work with my team on. I mean, I I don't know the turnaround. Obviously, with one week of school left, that's not it's probably not going to happen immediately. Um, but I will say that uh we'll put some uh procedures in place that the ultimate goal is that they're not carrying around a pass. And and again, you know, for us, it's more about that oversight and visibility of where students are going, being able to track that as needed, but it's also predicated on

059trust. When a student's saying, "Hey, I need to use the restroom." Then the expectation is that they're using the restroom. Now, as we know with different color passes, that was put into play because what we found, and this was about two years ago, was that students said, "I'm going to use the bathroom." But it turns out that they use the bathroom on the other side of the campus. And so, we were trying to streamline that process. But again, that's something I'll work with our team on and make sure that uh especially with our police and our security that they know where students are going and that again the ultimate goal is that when students are in class and they're not there during transition or lunches that they're in the class and they're learning and really

060that um you know uh foot traction should really diminish overall in each of the buildings. So something again we'll continue to work through. I'm just a little confused there. Um are they using these matches in addition? Are we still are we using electronic as well and these are just or like I mean we were told that this is the way to know this kid's going to the bathroom too much. So is the technology just not being used and these passes are coming forward that were happening or they could jump in together? My understanding and again I'll bet this out with with my team is that the teachers are using the securely um uh application to identify what students are going on coincidentally so it's technology and then they're getting yeah so so they're they're um

061they're using the technology for this but then it seems that they're given a pass to go to a specific location in proximity of wherever that classroom is. Um, and again what what I'm saying is we should be focusing on the student that's down in D hallway is using a restroom that's in close proximity, not going to JCM. Correct. I understand that. I just want to make sure that we use that we paid this much for all this technology. We have the idea to know that these kids are going to the bathroom too often. They're supposedly going here too often. That's Yeah, I I I will say this and speaking with Mr. Voris, I I think uh one of the things that that we don't currently have and we actually just had a conversation about this

062was actually our um security do not have uh electronic devices that they're carrying around. So it would behoove us to actually have an iPad or something that they can actually look to see what students out of class. So that's something that we had a discussion again things that we had discussed back in um I want to say uh September and October of we we did some of the work in the middle school and in the high school in particular. We were trying to get the ball roll the ball rolling. That was the ultimate goal was to have some oversight. Um but as as what we found recently was that they don't have a way to access who is out. Um and the only access that they had continued was a a pass that that um

063security would know that if you are using a red pass in the purple hallway, then you're in the wrong location. So again, that's something that we're looking to transition to. So that way somebody who's coming in, okay, where are you going? Let's see, let's check it real quick. So that's the real- time application. Uh, and we know that technology can obviously help us to know what that uh, you know, foot traffic flow is going to look like. I will say over the years, and Chief Miller, you can probably attest to this, that it has decreased tremendously over the past few years, but again, there's still some room to grow and that's a way that we can better use technology for tracking this information. So thanks. Anyone else? All those in favor, please signify by saying,

064"I." Anyone opposed? And that motion carries. Uh, Pleasant Valley citizens, is there anyone that would like to address the board this evening on agenda items only? Uh, please come to the podium. Uh, state your name and the township you reside in and the agenda item you're discussing, please. Good evening. Denise, Chestnut Hill Township, 7E Enrollment, Air Academy. So I have several questions and concerns related to Bear Academy enrollment and its current function. Enrollment trends. I noticed 288 students are currently enrolled in Bear Academy. What was the total enrollment at the beginning of the school and what is it now? The use of the academy for virtual credits. Is bear academy being used primarily for virtual graduation credit recovery or credit approval? Is this approach being utilized by Senica Valley as well? And if so, how?

065High school enrollment breakdown. Of the 288 students, 220 221 are grades 9 through 11. There are currently 251 seniors in the brick and mortar high school and 88 seniors enrolled in Bear Academy, roughly onethird of the senior class. Additionally, eight seniors are dual enrolled taking a full in-person schedule while also enrolled additionally in virtual courses through Bear Academy. Policy and purpose concerns. What has allowed for students to be fully scheduled in person and also take additional virtual courses? Is this done to graduate early or meet other specific grade goals? Why does the high school level have access to this option and what criteria is it approved for? Um proactive reactive intervention. If these students need Bear Academy to stay on track, why weren't these academic concerns identified earlier in their educational journey? This feels like

066reactive solutions rather than proactive intervention. Comparative and strategic questions. We now have more seniors enrolled in Bear Academy than ex external cyber charter schools. Is there a strategy or directive to expand enrollment into bear academy? If Mr. Vanor his role is to transition students back brick and mortar, how does this align with current trends? Then I move on to 9C hiring salary budget clarification regarding the new positions based on the salaries 100,000 and 92,000 which you noted are subject to collective bargaining agreement when the budget was developed. Were these salaries figures or figures already factored in based on the terms of the collective bargaining agreement discussed during the working session? What percentage increase or salary range was used in your calculations for these specific positions? Were these figures aligned with current contract provisions or were

067they projected based or anticipated negotiation? Anyone else? Okay. Uh treasures report, please. Yes. Good evening. I'd like to move motion for B through Sform. I have a motion by Mr. Galler, seconded by Mr. Burgerer. Is there any discussion? Yes, I have a question. First of all, the bear logo t-shirts as we do for appreciation was all the staff and stuff like that. Um the uh at a very good price I think at a very good price. I thought it was an excellent price. No, but it was I mean I when I saw the Yeah, I know. But it I saw the invoice and it was phenomenal what we paid for them. Um the debate um first instead $1,522. That was for everyone's tickets that were low. It said 1522 for the debate. Yes. Students I

068believe that are [Music] competing the first student that banned Hershey 22,600. What what was that? That's only that's only a piece the Hershey of that 22,000. It was I believe was 2,300. That was of that bill 2300 was for the band to travel to compete. The rest of that bill was athletics travel. Okay. Yeah. Because it didn't make sense. The software updates. Um that's software for professional development teachers and for the reading and into literature. Okay. I just was and then I see on the right to RTLS that's your all of those lecture equipment specialty team all of these were discussed at our last working session. They're all middle school student furniture for STEM regular classrooms. That's ready to learn. Ready to learn. Is that the way? Okay. Thank you very much. Anyone else? All

069those in favor, please signify by saying I. Anyone opposed? And that motion carries. Uh, moving on to unfinished business, Mr. Fitzgerald. Uh just briefly and I I I had mentioned it at our last meeting. We continue to uh engage and and bargain with the PVEA for a successor uh collective bargaining agreement with the teachers. Uh we we met this week. We met the week before. We will be meeting in in about a week and a half, two weeks. Uh and certainly we'll keep you apprised as as developments uh occur. Thank you. Is there any other unfinished business? Okay, moving on to new business. Monroe Career Technical Institute. Mrs. Surface. Uh, no report this evening. Our next meeting will be held in August. There's no meeting in July. Uh, just a reminder that the MCTI senior

070awards will be next Wednesday here in the TV stadium starting at six o'clock. I know it's hopeful thinking, but we do have a meeting in June. Oh, sorry. Yes. Uh, Colonial AU, Mr. Galler, no report. We have our monthly meeting next week. Report will follow after that. Okay. Thank you. PSBA liaison, Mrs. Zip. Nothing new for this week. Okay. Thank you. Under education report. Um I'm sorry I wasn't at the last work session. I did listen to the tape, so I'm going to try my best to get everything if I can. Um at the last work session, as I said, I know Dr. Um Howard gave an update um that all buildings are working on the ELA for um to be implemented for this next school year. Um also the science review uh we now

071have 16 teachers on the committee and administrators will follow. And then also credit recovery uh courses. Uh the cost has been reduced to $200. So that's what I have. Uh moving on to finance. Mrs. surface. Yes, they will be called on later on in the agenda under item 15 and 16. Thank you. Uh, athletic report, Mr. O'Keefe, you have some good news. Lots of good news, actually. Good evening. Yes. Um, buckle up. This is a pretty long one, so it's all good stuff. So, PB Spring Sports highlights and honors. Baseball Allstars. Congratulations to our PB baseball EPC Allstars. EPC Monroe County first team, Braden Green, outfield. EPC North second team, London Smith, pitcher. Cameron King, utility player, and Cole Henry, outfield. Softball Allstars. Kudos to our PB softball EPC Allstars. EPC Monroe County first team,

072Joby Vanuela, second base, Lydia Borger, outfield, and Kayn gets pitcher. EPC All Conference and Monroe first team, Briana Pridman, third base. And best of luck to our softball team as they take on Pottsville in the district 11 semi-finals tomorrow night at 7 PM. Am I correct, Mr. Chrisy? All right, I didn't write that down, but I was just giving Patriots Park at Patriots Park in Allentown. Uh the last update, we were actually in on day two of track and field EPC highlights. So, I'm going to give you the highlights of that. Huge congratulations to our boys uh 4x100 with 18. They placed third place finishing the state qualifiers. Jerel Moore second place in the 200 meter, also a state qualifier. And I believe today they went out to Shippensburg with our compete in states for

073those three events. Two events, excuse me. No, yes, two events. On to girls lacrosse championships. Bravo to the PB lacrosse team on winning their fourth straight EPC championship, dominating one of our rivals, Emmas, 19 to1 on May 13th. They've now set a record for the most consecutive EPC wins. I think that deserves one more time. They've now set a record for the most consecutive EPC wins. Congratulations to them. Yes. Yes. [Applause] With that being said, last night they advanced to the district 11 finals, defeating another rival 19 to5 in a challenging weather cuz it was cold and wet. Couple of us were there and it was uh wind right in our face, rain. It was it was fun, but uh it was fun because they won. We were at Lehi University, so it was a

074great experience from the sea under the lights and again playing a tough game. With them winning, they are now scheduled to call play in for the state round tournaments. Uh their first round matchup is vers Delaware Valley right here at home tomorrow at 400 pm. Is that correct? Yes. Okay. I don't want to screw up one time in case anyone's following this to make sure that they are doing that. And then uh sticking with the cross, special shout out to Riley Wrath for scoring her 300th goal during the district 11 semi-finals win against EMS as I mentioned before. And lastly, um as Mr. Bulan discussed, there was the AAA awards night on May 20th. Congratulations to all of our Pleasant Valley High School honor scholars who athletes who received awards and scholarship during the AAA

075ceremony. We wish you all the best in your next chapter. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Keith. Uh policy report, Mr. Zip, there's three policies on for second reading tonight later in the agenda. Thank you. Capital improvement, Mr. Burgerer. Uh we held a meeting today. Um we were discussing the update to the five-year plan. uh covered uh and reviewed what was going on on the demolition and site preparation which is going quite well. Uh and we continue to discuss and uh update u uh any u questions or or um slight modifications to our renovation details. We will be holding our next um meeting in uh June with additional meetings in July and August. Thank you. Thank you. Uh Mr. Clark, technology. Uh no report. Okay. Mr. Walter, security. Yeah. Under 9B, you'll see approval for school

076safety and security coordinator. Um update new chief. Other than that, uh no new information. No new information. Okay. Thank you. Uh Mr. Kazyski, citizens advisory committee. Yes. Uh we're meeting next or on Wednesday, June 4th, 6:30, 7:30 in the boardroom. Topic is relating real life skills experience in the classroom. And Dr. Hower and I were discussing that maybe we're going to bring the building administrators in to discuss with them what's going on. Okay. Thank you. Uh superintendent reports, Dr. Conrad. All right. So, tonight I'm seeking approval for board agenda items 7B through 7D. Item 7E isformational. So move. Second. I have a motion by Mr. Gaziski, seconded by Mr. Walters. Is there any discussion? Just just a clarification. It says these policies are updated and will replace the policies 301 301.1 304 and 3013 which

077combined all three. So these three are new and they were combined before. Now you're separating them. this state. These policies are updates from uh and and we're going through some of our policies right now for some of the changes through the uh federal administration and just trying to align our policies through vetted policies through PSP. There's a sorted history with these policies uh not not to the uh not by the making of of of anybody here. So just the history is a lot of these anti-discrimination policies were broken out by category employee category then they were merged but then then what happened is you know elections occurred and one president goes in office then another one goes in office and they keep changing like the regulatory design of these policies. So it's been whiplash and

078so they've been they've been coming up they've been re revised and then coming up again. This is just updates in thank you. Anyone else? All those in favor, please signify by saying I. Anyone opposed. And that motion carries. Items eight and nine, human resources. Mrs. Lori F. Yes. Good evening. Tonight I'm seeking approval of items 8B through 8F. Items 8G through 8 I areformational. Second. I have a motion by Mr. Gissy, seconded by Mr. Clark. I think that's what I heard. Is there any discussion? hearing of none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Anyone opposed? And that motion carries. I'm also requesting approval of items 9B through 9 M. Items 9 and 9 O areformational. So second zip. I have a motion by Mr. O'Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Zip. Is

079there any discussion? Yes. stating from 98 relative and also I'm just seeing all these teachers which is that putting a big dent in the amount of you have open I mean we making a we are we're I mean unless something come in now which could happen but we're we're on a very good track right now very pleased with our applicant and all our candidates and I also need to abstain from item 9B1 one. Oh, no, no, no, no, no. Somewhere I need to abstain for something. Sorry. Oh my gosh. Did I miss it? I thought I had Yes. 9K22. Sorry. Relative. I knew it was there. Lengthy report. All right. Any other questions or All right. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Anyone opposed? And that motion carries. And Mr. Bronson,

080congratulations and welcome to the team. Yes. Congratulations. [Applause] All right. Moving on tonight, uh, items 10 and 11, uh, curriculum. Dr. Ray, I am seeking approval tonight of items 11 B and 11 C. So, oh motion by Mr. Burgerer, second by Mr. Gazyski. Is there any discussion? Just a quick question. The digital textbooks from the college, is this a college course or is this just we're getting from college? We're using the Carnegie Melon program computer science. Um, and it's just a regular high school. Thank you. Anyone else? All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Anyone opposed? And that motion carries. Uh, item 12 and 13, operations, Mr. Rainey Smith. Good evening. I'm seeking approval of item 12A. So move. Second. Motion by Mrs. Well, you want to do it together? No, no,

081no. I don't think she realizes what we did two weeks ago. Oh, I do. I did. I watched it. I did see it. Okay. I have a motion by Mrs. Zip, second by Mr. Walters. I I I saw it. Any questions, comments? Okay. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Anyone opposed? And that motion carries. Also seeking approval for item 13A. Second motion by Mr. Kazinski, second by Mr. Walters. Is there any discussion? All those in favor, please signify by saying I. Anyone opposed? And that motion carries. Um, under building reports, uh, I think our administration does a great job with updating the community on things that are happening in their buildings. Um, we've also, just a side note, have decided to share that out to the community as well because I

082think it's important to see all the great things that are happening. Um, and they're not here and so we'll continue to move on. Uh, item 15, business management. Mrs. Danny Smith, tonight I requesting approval of items 15B and 15 P. Items Q&A. So move second. Motion by Mr. Galler and seconded by Mr. Walters. Is there any discussion? Yes. Um the primary number 11 15 well actually 15C food service non food cost 186 975. Um 186 is the entire bill for the month. So that includes all the food with the supplies and that was non there are some non food. It would be the administrative fees and the management fees that we that better the 15 the 11 the primal edge software online that's the program that we use for blue service that takes care of

083all of um all the money that comes in from the parents all of the track meals that are served and that and the cooter that's a high school tracking portfolio, correct? When did that come into like was it Zel before that or is this was Yeah, this is year two. I think that I will be honest. I think we're going to look at for the upcoming year, but we're going to develop something more. And then 14 to 18 school total around 180,000. That's the tracking. What is that? the absences. Sure. So, so power schools are student information system. It's basically has all of our student information. It does the scheduling. It's pretty much the what runs our district, if you will, electronically in the background. Uh there's more than one contract because we purchase multiple

084parts of that system to help with enrollment. For instance, document delivery is a way we can store documents and ship them forward. Um so all of these are just different parts of that software that put together our sess. Okay. And then when we talk about um the PSCB development for power school and then the CDW software the edu tech 101 plus the lin wide integr all those. So they're all they're all different parts of of our internal systems of technology of technology. Yeah. And these are the things that are kind of like working in the background. So for instance um kind of blind wise is our web security appliance. It's actually for web filter has to do with our cyber security which are one of the questions that citizens. Yes. Exactly. So this is going

085to give us better control of of our web filtering. It actually has a hardware device as well. So it's going to be more better protection with network security. um barracuda email archival like each one of these things some of them are server rental fees some of them are software to run our servers but they're all essential for our district to function and I just I I just want to bring that out to public because as you look at the amount that we're putting on the technology there alone is 574,470 then we have the NWA which is also the technology we're using for the great so it's like we have like what I maybe a couple million dollars it seems like for technology that we're spending these days. NWA and grants but but I mean I

086mean I just say that technology is a big it's a big I mean before it used to be you talk about way of our world right one one thing to add to technology too is again you know even from Keystone uh and and looking at PSSA assessment and we did that um at the um intermediate school but you know even uh testing our students uh the state is pushing towards online testing so you know part of uh what we need to do is make sure we have the backend technology software to make sure we have the bandwidth to have uh you know 4,000 students at one given time to be able to do the assessments and actually they're not all testing at the exact same moment but you know during uh the course of of

087a couple of weeks within school that's a lot of stress on our bandwidth. So again trying to make sure that we have uh a lot of these technology upgrades and you know again as Mr. Mr. Van Bor is talking about for our student information system a lot of what we've done over the past couple of years is actually integrate um systems and I will say that about four years ago when I came here um there was a lot of silos of information so if a teacher or an administrator wanted to get information on attendance they have to go to this system and log in but then you know grades and communication and it was just all over the place. So we we've really taken some time to streamline the process and we'll continue to work

088with our teachers as well because part of you know the use of the technology is to make sure that we have the um training and opportunities for learning for how do we use this information and again you know you take things like P school performance matters um that's something that you know we're utilizing it's actually happening in in in a number of our classes but it's something that we're looking to grow obviously special programs um you know for our special education component because prior to moving Power School. We actually used two different uh programs. One was P school and one was um oh gosh, what was it? It was uh you would um wasn't Power School infinite campus, right? Infinite campus. So So we had a couple of different systems that really just didn't connect

089with one another. So that's obviously a lot of these are renewals. Just I just want to point that out. I just like we have an old generation out there that doesn't understand. Sure. Yeah. spending a lot of technology like oh my think we're getting no this is this is how the district instru 15 the board room renovation and people need to realize that that's that's a big cost but what I mean you look we need well unless I'm right here talk we could hear that I just like people and And uh 15. Oh, the athletic training supplies. Is that is that part of the St. Luke's? Okay. So, we pay for it then get it from St. P. Thank you very much. Okay. Anyone else? Yes. Yes. I'd like to comment on 15K is the

090lunch prices. Just to assure our parents that we are still eligible for the community eligibility provision for next year which includes free lunch and breakfast. But these prices for for the meals is a regulation. It's part of the USDA when we put together the RFP and the contract for our current food service. So these prices are also been the same for the last three years should we have to implement them at any time. Just one last thing the last thing but uh 15D item 13 under huddle I'm all for it. Um my question is maybe we don't have to be answered tonight but um is the ability for that for the community to log on at any time and watch either inside the stadium or inside outside the stadium or inside in the gym and

091can we view other districts or are we just out so we can um so it's two part one uh when the coaches set up their huddle cameras to tape their games uh there's a box there they have to they're going to have to click now to say live stream because now we can live stream, they'll click that. There is one uh web address that we'll post on our website and people can go there and they can get the games. It comes up to like a homepage at Huddle, which is our page, and it'll show what games are streaming that night. Um, if other schools use Huddle and do the free site and get it, I know East Strawburg South and North uh got rid of the Pixel Lot as well, and they have moved to

092Huddle streaming as well. So my ask is maybe and again this is for the maybe for next fall or right before we kick off the football seasons and other sports maybe we do a demonstration of how to the public can log on and walk themselves through it to get onto that do like a um screencastify or something video of it and and put it out there. Yeah, I think it'd be great. Thank you. Anyone else? Okay, all those in favor please signify by saying I. Anyone opposed? And that motion carries. [Music] I have a motion by Mr. Burgerer, seconded by Mr. Kazinski. Is there any discussion? Um the maintenance section of the bleachers uh 16 number one high school bleachers coming out and I know say for inspection the high school inspector yeah I mean

093it's the bleachers it's the backboards it's the strap down screens we inspect it all part of the package but I mean sorry uh we just had a meeting today and we're discussing the plan for the the gym in high school when we're going to start working on that. Uh that's developing area yet. So until that time is we have that right. Okay. And then uh C and D that's that's only you saying I think you say it was a test meeting as the secretary completed that so it's ready to use and I know it was a little bit of a short notice going on here but um I was informed if I didn't order this month the likelihood of it being here for the start of school those classrooms will be ready supposed to be

094ready when school starts They're gonna be ready. Think positive. And the last one, the 3D printer. Yep. Use where and why. Only because those look at that PSBA. They showed where the school district actually made violins out of it and they use it. I didn't know program. Thank you. Yeah, it is. Anyone else? All those in favor, please signify by saying I. Anyone opposed? And that motion carries. Um, Mr. Fitzgerald, anything under new business? No new business this evening. Okay. Thank you. Pleasant Valley citizens, is there anyone that would like to address the board at this time? can excuse me please come to the podium state your name and township you reside in Chestnut Hill Township um just congratulating to our co-curricular team sports teams the players coaches advisors volunteers families and those who support

095them throughout their endeavors endeavors and I'm just asking how do we celebrate these winning co-curricular sport teams can we greet them can the community greet them can parents greet them. Is there anything set up? Maybe there should be these terrific accomplishments. Um maybe the board members would want to come and administrators would like to be there too. I'm aware of lacrosse. It's the only one so far of these extraord extraordinary um victories and I want to congratulate lacrosse for their title 11 championship and now they're moving on to state competitors. But um perhaps we should consider this for the co-curricular teams and the sports teams. Janet Janet Duner from Pulp Township. Um, thank you, Mr. O'Keefe, for talking about the Shirley pass because I did hear that the students are using walkarounds and uh I

096don't know what that means. is hopefully not more money for the taxpayers if there's a additional um item to be used for the students when they're walking in the schools. Um this is just again about policy 103. Just to be clear there, yes, we have to follow the title N because of the January 2025 rulings, but with this policy 103, what we are actually accommodating or are following now is the Pennsylvania Human Relations Committee. And I would ask that you look at that again because you're approving a policy that includes definitions that I hope that you're comfortable with those definitions. And will there be procedures within the school district, the entire school district to make the accommodations to follow the new public human relations uh committees recommendations and rulings? Um and does this Pennsylvania goound

097violate the current Title 9? Just things to think about. Thank you. Is there anyone else that wants to come to the podium? I just wanted to respond to that because it's a good question and I I don't know. I know the question was posed a while back. Um and there's a there's a case pending right now um I believe I believe in the Commonwealth Court. I could be mistaken on the issue of regulations that were put put out by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission specific to to this language. Um, and we will let the courts sort that out. The argument is that they may not have had the authority to do what they did. It's still the commission. We're still obligated as a public entity to follow the commission uh under the circumstances. Certainly, if

098it is determined that the commission acted over and above its legal authority, absolutely. The district can revisit what its policy entails. All right. Uh, Pleasant Valley school directors. Yes. Chief Miller. Thanks again for everything you've done for GD and serving as capacities chief. Chief and Mrs. Bronson, welcome to [Laughter] G. And I have a question for Mark. So earlier you had gave an update on PV negotiations with the teachers. Some of my constituents are wanting to know what in the hell takes so long to get a contract. So basic overview, but what for somebody that doesn't know out there and we've entered this several months ago, can you give a little bit overview of how this works because I got people asking? Sure. Absolutely. I have no problem doing that. Um, so under under the

099law, the parties are compelled and obligated to begin bargaining um by by January of the year in which the contract expires. and the contract expires on June 30th. Um the the to the extent that we haven't set it by June 30th, the contract essentially goes into what is known as status quo. Um there had been overtures by this board uh a year ago to engage in kind of an earlier process in the hopes that we would have had this resolved by now. Well, it hasn't been resolved as of yet. Um and listen, the the the parties um uh do this every about four or five years. Uh so this last was done if you recall um right after Dr. Conrad arrived right on the tail end of the pandemic kind of a lot of craziness

100was going on. I think some folks do remember that. Um so this is the time where everybody kind of brings their issues to the table and they they they want it to be addressed uh under the circumstances. We are working through that and that's from the salary schedule that's to health care that's you know working conditions. Uh so as you can imagine when a contract has 70 pages give or take uh there there's a lot to work through. Um I'm I will use the term cautiously optimistic that the parties are moving that much closer that hopefully within the next several weeks or so we could have some some good news but but uh it it is still a very uh fluid and active process. Thank you. Anyone else? Sure. Um, I want to also congratulate

101all the teams that are still participating. Um, especially lacrosse right now because I think it's PB's first team that had back-to-back district 11 championships. That's never happened before. Um, I also enjoyed the AAA awards. Congratulations to all those art academic and athletic achievers. Um, I was just wondering about live streaming. Is that something we could possibly look into for like grandparents, someone who lives out of state or out of the city? You know, we could definitely run into that. Thank you. I'll say uh congratulations to the winners of the primaries on Tuesday. Um good luck not just the incumbents on the board here, but the members in the community that are moving on to the November election. Good luck in your campaigns. Anyone else? I'd like to say congratulations to the class of 2025. We

102look forward to the cate celebration on Friday evening. Anyone else? All right. Superintendentary remarks, please. So, um, just a couple things this evening. Uh, the district administration employees of the month are administrator Janelle Peton and confidential secretary Megan Snyder. Uh, today we had a really successful moving up ceremony for our fifth grade students who are soon to be middle school students uh, this actually this morning at PBI. was fantastic. Uh had, you know, great celebration, you know, highlighting the student successes and and this is good class. So, I think Mr. McCutchen and his team are going to be really excited for the students coming uh to the middle school next year. Uh on Tuesday evening, had the chance to attend the AAA awards. That was great. Uh we had a really nice time to recognize

103our seniors uh not only in the academics uh but also in the arts and then athletics. Uh this time we did something a little bit different too is that you know we're fortunate from an athletic standpoint as well to have students move on to division three, division two and even somebody moving on to division one. So we took an opportunity to highlight those students took a really nice picture read uh you know some some information to the individuals there to to express to our community these this is where these students are going. So we wish them best of luck in their college endeavors. Uh and it's a great class class of 2025. Um, also last Thursday, 2025. Um, also last Thursday we celebrated uh the graduating seniors on signing day. So we did again something

104a little bit different and improvement from last year. Last year we just focused in on the um athletic side of things, but we recognized too that there are some students who might not be going to school for um athletics, but uh we had about 80 students or so that you know actually was were signing that they're declaring they're going to a particular university. Um I don't have a current update and again I'm sure that'll be announced in terms of the scholarship money but it was great to have uh the last couple of days scholarship awards being presented to our students and again we know the financial burden for students moving on to postsecary. So uh you know we're really um happy about you know our students and actually uh our staff members really helping to

105assist students to earn these scholarships. So that's a wonderful thing. Obviously, we look forward to uh actually not only MCTI's graduation at PB on Wednesday evening, but obviously our own PB Bears uh as they uh have commencement next Friday evening. Um so definitely come out and join us. Uh we'd love to have you there. And uh you know, just wishing everyone uh a great end of school year. Uh as you know, we celebrate staff uh appreciation for the month of May. And it's just incredible every single day, whether it's here, whether it's working with our administration team, with our um support staff, whether it's our teachers. I mean, we have such dedicated and talented staff. It's really nice to have that opportunity and the working relationship that we've really, I think, improved over the past

106few years, and it's nice that we're going to continue to work together through a lot of these challenges, but um we're seeing some really great momentum going, and I'm excited for the uh future here. So, that's all I have, and uh again, thanks everyone. Thank you, Dr. Conor know I was wait I was waiting for it because I you guys you knew I was going to say that. So go Bears. Could I have a motion to second? All in favor? I we are joured. Have a wonderful evening. Well I crossed it off. At least you guys didn't do the quickly.