001[clears throat] Good evening. Uh if you would join me, stand for the pledge and remain standing for a moment of silence. I pledge to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. >> All right. Would you do a roll call? >> Miss Beers >> here. >> Mr. Bennett. >> Mr. Brown >> here. >> Mr. Bryant >> here. >> Mr. Chy >> here. >> Bourbon Custard >> here. >> Mr. Prince >> here. >> Mr. Jakamo >> here. Mr. SW >> here. >> Okay, Mr. Ford, we're ready for the committee of a whole. >> All right. Good evening everyone. I am online here tonight. I do want to spread the jury that I have. So, um please let me
002know if you cannot hear me. Sound good? >> We're echoing a little bit. Got an echo because I turned a second. [clears throat] Good now. >> Better. Keep talking. >> Try it now. >> Okay. >> Yeah. There we go. >> Testing. >> There you go. Perfect. >> All right. Very good. Thank you. Um we will start with our student representatives. Um Ella from Cambridge Springs High School. >> Good evening. My name is Ella Marie and I am your student representative for Cambridge Springs High School. Last Friday and last Monday, Cambridge Springs basketball celebrated their seniors. At the girls basketball senior night, there were hogies for anyone who wanted one. And the boys senior night enjoyed a halftime routine by the cheerleaders and they had a complimentary fifth quarter from the Rambler following the game. As
003a softball team prepares for their upcoming season, they held a Super Supper fundraiser where families could enjoy all they can eat soup as well as a roll and dessert and it was a grand success as they sold out all of their soups. The leadership council enjoyed an Eerie Otter hockey game last Thursday as an incentive for all of their hard work and dedication to the school. It was a great time for all despite the fact that the Otter sadly lost the game. Key Club is working hard to spread a little bit of cheer through this long winter season. They will be putting positive notes on lockers this week and will be passing out shamrock stickers as well as golden candies for St. Patrick's Day coming up in March. They're also currently collecting old t-shirts in
004order to make dog toys which will they which they will donate to local shelters. On Thursday, pause handd delivered therapy dogs are coming into the school and will be interacting with students as well as getting pictures and interviews for the media students. The elementary school just celebrated their 100th day of school. Students were dressed up as 100 year olds with gray hair and you know little walkers. They're looking forward to another family engagement night on February 26th at the elementary school. There will be a virtual visit with author Peter Brown in activities such as painters, planting, animate, animation, camouflage, and prosthetic learning. The elementary school would also like to give a shout out to custodian Sue Gibbiz who constantly goes above and beyond to make sure the school is safe, welcoming, and ready for students
005and staff each day. Valentine's Day edition of The Pitchfork is coming out this Friday. Please keep your eye open for that and continue to check up with our social medias. Thank you. [applause] [clears throat] >> Uh Logan from Maplewood. Logan here? >> Yep. Yeah, I'm here. >> Good evening. My name is Logan here. As a Maplewood representative, it is my goal to share with you some of the things happening at my school. First off, a few weeks ago, our school started doing daily randomized searches in the morning, requiring students to empty their bags and pass through metal detector. This process that aims to keep students safe has gone very smoothly, and no major complaints have been made so far. Moving on to more fun matters, this past Friday, we have we held our first semester
006incentive for all students with grades 70% or higher and no illegal absences. For this incentive, stu students had the opportunity to go snow tubing at Avalanche Express in Meville. Overall, this day was a true success. On Thursday, February 5th, the seniors of the girls volleyball team joined up with Cochrington seniors to deliver a check of $3,756 to Yolanda Gargo Oncology Institutees Benevolent Fund. These funds were raised from the 16th annual Dig for a Cure match. With sports, three teams have celebrated their senior nights. Those being boys basketball, girls basketball, and the wrestling team. The boys basketball team honored seniors Liam McCarl and Leonard Pierce, as well as seniors, senior cheerleaders Bren Montaforte, Riley Boils, and Jasine Van Gage. The wrestling theme celebrated Max Merchant, and cheerleaders Taylor McQuary, Olivia Vanassel, Jessica Jessica Sherman, and Anyway.
007Finally, tonight the girls basketball team celebrates their seniors, Maggie Means and Ella Frasier. Similarly to last time I spoke at a board meeting, I plan on heading back to my school to support my seniors and my peers. The Maplewood Marching Band has been invited to perform an 85th ann 85th anniversary commemoration of Pearl Harbor. This is a once in a-lifetime opportunity for these students, our school, and this district. The trip to Hawaii requires $88,000 in funding by March 9th and over 60,000 has already been raised. We ask you as a community to consider donating to this event. Checks should be made payable to Maplewood Band boosters and will be fully refunded if the $88,000 requirement is not met. Lastly, it is imperative that I mention our Maplewood Unified Unified Botchi program. These outu outstanding athletes
008are now three and one in their season. Thank you. >> [applause] >> from Sag Town. Kaden and Lee. Sager Towns here. >> Yeah. >> Uh Leah couldn't make it, so we have Tyler Smith. >> Okay. >> Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Kaden Aster. >> I'm Tyler Smith. >> And we're here to just give you the rundown on what's been happening in Seagertown. So, the math and science club's currently selling boxes of Daffins bars to fund raise their field trip at the end of the year. We don't know where that is, too. Student council, they're hosting a blood drive Thursday, February 26th. And the young conservative club members are making Valentine's cards to give veterans in local nursing homes. And our sports teams, our girls basketball team is like 7 to 10. They
009have a game tonight which I'm going to after this and they had their senior night on Thursday. The boys basketball team senior nights on Wednesday against Greenville. So if you guys aren't busy, please come and support. The team would love if you guys would come and support. That's all I have for you. So my uh our academics like your town like our Panther Press, which they just released their New Year's issue of the Panther Press. Our junior high recently had their junior high spelling be which took place on January 30th. Nine spellers from Mr. Robert's English class took to the stage in our second annual junior high spelling be where Colt Scott was crowned the winner. Now for our exciting events taking place at Seagertown. Our entire school went to the Eerie Otterers incentive on
010last Thursday where our students headed to the Erie Insurance Arena for the Eerie Otterers game for their end of the semester incentive as well as any students as well any students taking Mr. Greo's anatomy class were allowed to go up to Ganon University to visit the cadaavver lab. And that's all we have for you today. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Um, next on our agenda committee, the whole agenda is our PA representative, Debbie. There she is. Debbie Miller. I think I'm gonna speak loud and stand [clears throat] over here if that's okay because I don't think you have time for me to hobble there and back and still get this meeting done tonight. So anyway, good evening members of the board, administration, staff, and community members. I stand here tonight
011representing the Penrest educators, specialists, and staff who are the heartbeat of this district every single day. We know the fiscal climate is challenging. As teachers, we are experts at making a lot out of a little. We do it in our classrooms every day. But as you navigate into the upcoming budget season, we are here to remind you that our schools are more than buildings and bottom lines. They are ecosystems of inspiration, and we cannot afford to lose the parts that actually make them work. When budgets get tight, the conversation often shifts to core requirements or the basics. But as the people on the front lines, we know that what the state considers extra is often what makes the core possible. Connection before content. A student is more likely to excel in algebra if they have
012felt a sense of pride in chorus or found their passion in the fishing club. The power of people. What families love about our schools isn't our software packages or our facilities. It's the people. It's the educators who know exactly how to help a frustrated child. The librarians who find that one book that turns a non-reader into a voracious reader, or a club adviser or a coach who helps them see their skills in leadership, safety and stability. For many of our students, the consistency of their favorite programs and the presence of a trusted staff are the only constants in their lives. We request that we protect the culture of Penrest. We ask that as you make decisions, you pri prioritize people over programs and culture over convenience. The magic of our district, the reason parents move
013here and teachers stay here, is found in the margins. It's found in the elective that sparks a career, the after-school club that prevents isolation, the and the manageable class sizes that allow us to actually see our students every day. Protecting the culture of Penrest is all our business. The union isn't just here to advocate for ourselves. We are here to advocate for the integrity of the profession and the quality of our students education. We invite you to sit with us, listen to our stories from the classroom, and let us help you identify creative ways to save money without soul crushing cuts. Don't just balance the budget, protect the things that make this district a place we are all proud to call a home. We aren't just here to talk about the budget in the abstract.
014We're here to talk about the most precious resource in any school, time. Our teachers are currently working a median of 48 hours a week. Median meaning that there are many with numbers much higher. They are grading at kitchen tables or sporting events or dance class and lesson prepping in the middle of the night. When we say that the budget is tight, we often ask our teachers to do more with less. But as I tried to express to you last month, you cannot pour from an empty cup. and time is the one thing our educators have run out of. Here is our request. We're calling on this board to authorize a time audit and repprioritization initiative. We don't need a massive budget increase to give teachers their time back. We need the political will to change
015how we use the hours we already have. Last month, Mrs. Phely and three elementary principles joined us to brainstorm improvements at the elementary level. However, we must continue the discussion and the drive for time. We urge you to look at three high impact lowcost time wins. The first one we ask you to capture the calendar. Audit every recurring staff meeting. If it can be an email, make it an email. If it's a professional development day, let it be professional planning time where teachers can actually collaborate on the lessons that they're teaching tomorrow. Innovative master scheduling. We asked the district to explore designing master schedules more creatively with staff input. We can provide teachers with the deep work blocks that they need to provide highquality feedback to our students. And the third one may be my
016favorite. take it off their plate. Every new initiative comes with a time tax. We ask that for every new administrative task or software platform or whatever that the board require the removal of an existing or redundant task. When we give teachers more time, we aren't just helping the staff. We're ensuring that when a student walks into a classroom that they are met by an educator who is prepared, energized, and knows they're supported. Giving teachers more time is the single most effective way to protect the heart of our schools without spending a single extra dollar. Let's stop asking our teachers to find more hours in the day and start helping them protect the ones that they do have. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Um, next up, um, under my updates, I'm going to have a couple
017people help me here this evening. Um, first we're going to talk about Connected and, uh, Kristen, could you go ahead and, um, run with that, please? >> Sure. Uh so PSBA, you guys are all familiar with that organization has uh partnered up with Diamond Communications um to improve the wireless connectivity and cell tower strengths um at school districts to to help with all the wireless connections. So they have developed this program um through connected that allows school districts to participate at no cost to us um if you guys are interested and they do all the resources. So, it's no cost and they do all the analysis. They find cell carriers if we're interested in putting up a cell tower at any of our school districts. Um, it's a potential revenue source for the first um
018first and second carrier. We get 30% of the lease payments. Um, if we get a third and fourth one, we get 40% of the lease payments. So, it's an opportunity. Um, everything's vetted through their legal counsel. Of course, we would have our own legal look over anything before we would sign anything. um there's no obligation. We can refuse any offer. Um so until they have a carrier, we wouldn't have um any we wouldn't have any contract basically until they found carriers that wanted to come in our area. So if they wanted to put a cell tower say, you know, behind here and we could refuse and say um we don't want it there. Um, I guess our hopes with the program is Maplewood area, um, to improve the connectivity out there to help our staff,
019um, as well as, you know, for emergency purposes. Um, if we could find a spot out there, again, they take care of all the maintenance. Um, they just need an access to that cell tower. Um, they have different models that they can do so it doesn't look like a cell tower. um if that's something we're interested in, they can um make the appearance of them a little better. So, it's not an eyesore if we would um qualify for the upgraded tower. So, if that's something you guys are interested in, again, it's no cost to us. They do all the leg work. It's a small revenue. It's about $9,000 per year if we get one to two carriers. Um long term over 35 years, we're looking at like $ 1.5 million. So, it's as far as
020a cost perspective initiative, it's not going to bring in a ton of revenue right away. Um, but it is an opportunity for us to um go through the PSBA organization and possibly [snorts] improve our cell connectivity um at any one of our schools. So, if it's something the board is interested in, we can bring them for a presentation in March. Um, and then again, it's no obligation if if you guys see the presentation and say, "This isn't something we'd even consider in any of our schools." Um, that's okay, but it's entirely up to you. Um, if you'd like us to bring them in, just let me know. Any questions, discussion? >> I think it's a good opportunity. Should hear what they have to say, especially like you said, Maplewood area. Be nice to get one,
021get something out there. It could take them a couple years. This might not be something if we enter into an agreement that it's going to happen, you know, by next fall. Um, it could take them, they did say a couple years to find those carriers to come to our area. But again, if if they come and we don't want that carrier in that area, we decide we don't want to put up a cell tower, that's okay. >> There's no obligation. >> It's not possible. >> Richard, yeah. I mean, not only can it improve cell operations, it [clears throat] would also improve emergency communications out there as well. Um, which would be critical for that area. So, um, but I think Kristen covered everything else really well. I mean, it would be it's it's not something
022that really extends the district in any way. Um, you know, we would get the right of refusal of where we would, you know, let them locate it and they would handle, you know, the access road, the electricity, the fiber, all the maintenance. um just be giving them a parcel of land. So >> I see some head shakes. >> I think it sounds like a no-brainer. >> I [clears throat] mean even really in Seager Town and Cambridge there's opportunity lease, right? Lease >> that would be a lease. We would still own the property. They would lease the space from us basically. >> Yeah, they showed us a map that kind of showed where the, you know, good coverage was, bad coverage in all the school districts. So we do have that. Um, so I'll go ahead
023and we'll go ahead and set that up and have someone present. It'll probably be via Zoom if that's okay. >> Yeah. >> Unless you want them here. Um, and then if you guys want to move forward after that, we can make that decision. And like I said, there is documents of course. We'll have Jordan review all that. So, we'll have all that ready for the next meeting as well. >> Thank you. school calendar. >> Sean, you with us there still? >> This is Mrs. Steelely um is going to talk about the school calendar now. >> So, we are working on a draft school calendar for 2627. And of course, that is in collaboration with the other two Crawford County school districts so that um we're in line with the career and tech center. And it's
024pretty similar. Our draft that we'll be presenting, not voting on this month, it'll come back next month in March for a vote. um is very similar to this year's calendar at this point. Um what I would like to point out is we did find a way to put in a second set of parent conferences with some evening hour options. If you look um in January, the January 28th date would be a scheduled prescheduled 2-hour delay day for students and a flex day for staff. So everybody would come in at 10:00 a.m. Then staff would work into the evening to allow for evening parent conferences and then that second day the Friday would be the [laughter] second part of parent conferences and their clerical work day that they have in their contract. So it's a little
025diff that would be the difference in the schedule but allows for that second set of conferences specifically for the elementary that has asked for it. So >> So Mr. Ford, when you meet with your other superintendent and the maybe the tech folks on the board, um, snow day number three. >> Okay. >> Uh, [clears throat] possibility of moving that to the 25th. Uh, I mean, I believe in the last 2, three years, we've used our snow days. We've gotten to snow day number three. Uh, there were that allows them, we have to go, they would have to attend school Monday after Easter. Um maybe someone can explain to me logically it seems to make better sense on the 25th. So even if we have snow day number three, we still have a 4-day break at
026Easter, Good Friday, Easter Sunday would be off. I imagine a lot of folks travel on that day uh in the late evening. So that would give them Monday off. So I know that we have to align with other calendars, but that would be a suggestion of anyone have a thought on that? >> Sure. Absolutely. and we're meeting uh um we we're meeting with the other superintendent and the tech school u tomorrow morning and everyone's bringing their their draft copies um of their calendar. So um yeah, I can definitely bring that up for sure. why we have to be aligned too just so if we would um not be aligned um and we would do our own thing we we have we have the potential to lose two days our tech students could lose two days
027of instruction in there so that's why we try to align as much as possible with all three districts Kate and Crawford Central just so we limit um there there's some days that they go I mean but overall we we do a pretty good job of of alignment And so um the calendar you've seen I mean we've already worked on that some um all three superintendent and so um the votech they kind of they kind what uh you know where the three districts are but I'll definitely bring that up for sure. >> Any other any other things you see on the count it's late it's uh starting late this year because of the fair. affairs late and so um and so unfortunately we have to go into the second week of June. I'm going to be
028the bad guy here and ask >> I I understand the fair is a week or a little late, but why do we have to sacrifice a whole week because of the fair? They can answer that and um um I actually brought this up and asked the question. So, Crawford Central has to um go after the fair. it's actually um contractual. Um and so that's the one reason. Con has the the bohag and they have a number of students who attend the fair. So as as I discussed cuz I I actually brought it up. Um and so and uh that's the main the main reason because I thought why couldn't we at least start um teaching? they neither neither one of the other districts was able to do that. So therefore, it would put us off
029um when it comes to the alignment in the technical center >> with students. We couldn't start with students. No way. >> No, but I figured if the like the teachers came 27th 28th and then the students start 31st, then we could build in another snow day. >> I mean it's February. We've already our snow days. >> I'm trying to figure out how we can put in one or two more snow days >> and without going any later. >> I mean, we could go a day later, June 11th, and build a day in that way. I mean, >> that was the challenge with snow days was trying to without going later in June. >> I mean, nobody has a crystal ball to know what our winter is going to be next year. We haven't figured out
030in the last >> Not sure what it's going to be this year. last 100 years we haven't figured it out. So I'm pretty sure it's not going to be any different. But uh that's all I'm just I [clears throat] would love to bring that up again. Um Mr. Brown, I will bring that up in the morning when we talk. Um it was very frustrating for me um because I I really wanted to do that week before. So, um, but >> and I I hate to have, you know, I hate to go any later than the June 10th or 11th, but I'm just I'm looking at a couple more snow days. What I think we should try to achieve. Okay. >> Let us see what we can accomplish in next before we bring it up for
031approval. Other questions on the calendar? >> Don't see any. >> Next up we have Go ahead. >> I said I don't see any. You can move on. >> Okay, very good. Thank you. Um, next up is some discussion on some athletics in the district. Um there's three different uh three different topics here um that I'm going to I'm going to share with and so um we'll start with uh boys wrestling at Cambridge Springs. Um it's uh it's it's um and and by the way the the first two topics uh is is is it's all about student participation. Um, so I guess I could back up before I get into specifics, but student participation is um something that um unfortunately um the small schools across the country and AC across the state are dealing with and
032we're no different. Um there's there's um many basketball teams right now not able to play JV schedules. Um football teams, many many schools don't play JV anymore. Um and um and so I know it's uh student participation's down. Um and so um and it it makes in some ways it makes sense because our our enrollment is also gone down. So it kind of it it kind of correlates with our with our enrollment. And so um but you know it's our job as as administration and then ultimately the board that we have to look at at participation in my opinion in three three different areas. We look first of all naturally at student safety and fatigue. Um anytime you're anytime and some and the sports are different. We're going to talk about we'll talk about two
033sports tonight. We're going to talk about wrestling and then we're going to talk about um soccer. Um but anytime you have on a team sport that you're that you're managing numbers um you you and you're having to play with less kids. Um you're putting kids you're put potential kids at risk and students don't think that. I didn't think that at 18. I thought I could go. Um but uh um there there's there's there's just a lot of potential safety issues as we put kids out on the field. You know, you talk football, I'm going to talk generally here before I get into specifics. You talk football, if you're running low numbers in football and all of a sudden you're putting freshmen out there to play um against sometimes grown men um you know, you're putting
034kids at risk and and and you're really doing that across all all sports. Sometimes you're putting uh in in an effort to get bodies, if you will, out on the field, you're getting kids with less experience, um you're putting younger kids in. And so, it's student safety is is real. Um throw in the fact that um you know, we we outdoor sports, you have weather, you have cancellations, you're playing backto-back games. Um it is and so often times it's a competitive disadvantage. number two. Um and uh there's, you know, when we're, you know, we've had um some wrestling matches this year that have been really quick. Um and when I say quick, I'm talking under 20 minutes. And um just because we don't have the the athletes to compete. Um so our chance, you know,
035wrestling is a unique sport. It's it's because it's individual and team. And so, um, individuals still get to compete and and so, but from a team perspective for sure, is that, um, you know, it puts you it puts you at a disadvantage when you're, um, fighting numbers. Um, I've I was involved been I was an athletic director for I think 18 years and um, numbers even when I coached back in the day. Um, it it was a battle. Um, I remember trying to finish a JV and girls basketball with seven kids one year and we tried and I tried to continue to play both and and and actually I ended up shutting it down because it just wasn't fair. I was putting kids in a compromising position and so um we don't want to do
036that as a district. Um and then um you know there's a cost factor. these the sports today are not cheap. Um and uh and so it costs money to run these programs. Even if they're smaller, the the program costs continue. You still pay the coach the same amount of money. You still pay transportation. Um you still are pay the officials. And so um and I can I can tell you that the two sports on here tonight um come at a cost of about $42,000. And so, um, these these these these athletics are expensive. And so, um, and it's something we have to look at as a as a board. And so, u, with that being said, first one I'll talk about is Cambridge Springs. Um, the wrestling program up there is struggling with numbers. Um,
037the the from the athletic director, the varsity sitting at six six wrestlers. Um and um the junior high has four wrestlers. Again, this came from the uh ID. And um um at Maplewood, the numbers are low out there to seven wrestlers at Maplewood and they've had injuries. So times it's been a little little less. Um and the difference out there is they have they have 18 junior high students. Um in in talking with the both our administration at both schools um the elementary program you always want to look down you want to look far enough down to see what's coming up right clear look into elementary and so not that elementary can't change because kids can start a sport at different ages and so um but right now they're they're struggling up to Cambridge with
038um the elementary program and So, that's why it's up here. That's why we um are talking and discussing. And by the way, none of these are up for a vote tonight. Um this is um our committee where we discuss things and um I know we have some um folks here to talk um and speak. I look forward to hearing that. And so, um we are, you know, we're in the decision-making process on this share. And there's a reason why we put it up here. It's because it definitely needs to be a consideration. And so, um, so that's the the first one is is the consideration is that Cambridge Springs would co-op, um, with Maplewood. And so that means the that program would be at Maplewood and, um, that they would co-op with them. And so,
039um, that's up for um, that's the first thing that we're discussing um, right now. So, I'll stop after each one of these. Make sure there's no questions from the board under each one. That way, we're not getting ahead of ourselves. [clears throat] >> Any questions? >> Yeah. Mr. Ford, can you clarify, and I'm only trying to help you out here because I know you want to get information out. Uh, you when you spoke of the cost, uh, there are some perplexed faces out in the crowd. Um, so could you talk a little bit about what goes into the cost? >> You said, did I not say that right? You did. I don't think people like if you were reading the room, you would have answered what goes into the sport. >> Okay. >> If you
040if you read, >> you want to talk through that? >> Yeah, I can. Um, so the district pays for equipment, cloth, uh, uniform or on a rotation. There's transportation cost, there's postseason cost if they go there. Um, there's, you know, all those travel cost. Um, it's pretty much the coach's cost. Along with that is all your employer taxes, all your overhead which adds about 40 35% onto that. Um we do get a little bit back in reimbursement from your pasers and your FICA. Um but so you have all your employer overhead costs on that as well. So um as Mr. Ford said, the total cost of the girls soccer um was around 18,000 for Maplewood and boys wrestling is about 28,000. Um it doesn't seem like it should cost that much to to run a
041program, but it does depend. I mean, it doesn't even matter if it's if it's one kid to 20 kids. Um buses are expensive to run. Um we pay, you know, two different bus companies um for athletics. Um depending on the attendance area, different pricing. Um we try to use bands as much as possible. Um that is cost avoidance for the district. Um, but when you have over the allowed seats in the van, we have to take buses. Um, so that goes for your post travel as well. Any other questions in regards to what goes into the cost, but your biggest expenses is your your coaches? Um, you have a paid coach, uh, assistant coaches, and then you have your volunteers, which of course are volunteers. Um, but those are the the major salaries, um, involved
042in coaches. Okay. >> Thank you, Mr. Sporzy. I'm I'm having trouble seeing I see in the audience. So, um so any other questions from the board on anything before I move on? Moving into soccer. Um currently the configuration of so girls soccer, but I can do boys too. boys soccer in the district currently is housed at Certown and that's all three um schools playing under that umbrella. So what basically what happens is there's a co-op and so in that situation there's two schools coming into co-op um at one school in girls soccer we currently have that's housed under Cambridge Springs and Sagertown currently is in a cooperative agreement with Cambridge Springs. Maplewood has their own um program out there. So we have two um girls soccer programs within the district right now. Um what um
043is up for um what we're discussing tonight is the possibility of Maplewood Girls Soccer entering into the existing co-op between Cambridge Springs and Cider Town. So that all three um all three would be just like the boys program essentially except it would be we house that at Cambridge. And when I say house it the games are actually not in Cambridge. The games are actually down in Certown, but the athletic director um they play under Cambridge Springs. Um and so you have to you can't Someone asked me how come we can't play like under Penrest. You actually have to PIAA um says that you have to be a part of a high school and so you can't play as a district. If we have one, naturally we had one um district building, but because we have
044multiple high schools, you can only play um under the under one high school in a co-op situation. Um so, it's been a struggle the last few years um with numbers and girls soccer. And I'm going to I'm going to say that it's it's both um programs. I I don't I don't it's not it's not one. Um, last year I was at a game and um, you know, we were playing um, the the Cambridge team was playing uh, with 10 people and 11 players make up to be on the field. There were 10 at that game. Um, I believe at the time I believe makewood had one sub and and so previous times um, you know, it's been it's been a challenge um, with numbers and I don't think anyone in this room associated with soccer
045would tell you it's been a challenge. Um it has been um and and and in some ways the girls um that are going to speak tonight um kudos to them for [clears throat] number one kudos to being here tonight and speaking. I really enjoy I like that and I'm going to listen to everyone um intently. But um you know they've probably been responsible for keeping um get you know getting other students to come out and so um I I I give kudos to those girls saying that they've also had to play games um with 10 kids, nine kids um even eight on a not very often with that but they constantly battled this number and so that's why it's up. That's why we're looking at this um as a possibility. Um and so um you
046know our goal was to uh you know I don't believe I I believe that we have discussion first in public setting and then we come back and we can u make decisions after we've had that discussion so that boards and andor the community can um come and and share their thoughts with us. So um and that's what we're doing. And so um and then I bet we'll have a we'll be ready for a re a final recommendation from the administration to the board and and and and we will give that um in in the coming um coming up in in the next couple weeks probably we're talking about that having a special meeting to talk nothing but athletics here. So Mr. Savorski can talk about that but um that's where we're at. Um I'll stop
047there also. Um any questions from the board um on the soccer? >> Yeah. How many how many um players were last year for Cambridge and Sagertown soccer? >> Does everybody started with 12 >> Cambridge started with 12 >> last year? 12 started with 12. >> Maplewood 13. >> 13. What about Seager Town? >> Serbine it was 12. >> Combine 12. >> Wow. Okay, >> that was our whole team. >> So, if we combined all this supposedly, um, there'd be over 20 kids for soccer. What's a healthy What's a healthy >> Well, what did what did it end with? And then you got you're not accounting for graduating seniors and incoming freshman >> 2025 season. So okay. >> So what's the outlook for this year? Does anybody or is this we haven't had signups or nothing?
048Right. >> Yeah. >> They've had signups. >> Ladies here have been working on it. >> Okay. >> They have they have more information. >> So coaches who are here, what's the outlook for how many players you going to have for soccer if we do combine? >> We don't have a coach here. >> You have a coach here? >> Do we have a coach? I can speak for Congress. Uh as the ad of Cambridge Springs, >> uh as the ad of Cambridge Springs, I I we did a poll and they were looking at maybe 14 to 15 if if every kid that says they were going to play comes out. >> Yeah. >> 14 to 15 kids. Now, I'm not a soccer person by any means. Uh but if you're looking at, you know, 11 kids
049to start, that's how somebody you're supposed to have on the field with a goalie. uh having subs and if you actually want to play a JB schedule and not have the same girls playing two games, I would I would think and you guys can correct me if I'm wrong, you'd want at least 20 girls would probably be best. >> So with that many kids, it would definitely probably be a a JV team. >> We would be able Yeah, with 20 girls, I would say we'd be able to play a JV schedule as well as a Marcy schedule. >> Do teams in the regions have JV teams? >> A few. Not many. No, >> I mean the bigger other like I seem to remember maybe not reg on the schedule because you also have your non-region
050games. Um are there JV squads out there? >> There are some. >> And it's possible it's possible to schedule strictly JV games as well. Sorry. >> Now, on the girls soccer, I have a question on the wrestling, too, but on a girls soccer, uh, you said something about having to see us at Cambridge. Uh, house it there. Why couldn't we house it at Maplewood? Is there a reason we couldn't house it at Maplewood? And on the wrestling, uh, I didn't hear any numbers for Segwal. You had CS, you had Cambridge, you had Maplewood, but I didn't hearing numbers for Seager Town. Did I miss it or >> it's a co-op? Cambridge is >> Oh, that was both. Okay. I'm sorry. Never mind. >> I think um >> Oh, I'm sorry. Were you talking wrestling? >>
051I said wrestling. Yeah. >> Oh, do you have Seagertown wrestling numbers uh for a comparison? Is what Mr. Is that what you're asking? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Do we have any Seagertown numbers, Sean? One more time here. >> Any wrestling numbers there? >> Thank you. >> Okay. I have any wrestling numbers are um 20 20 plus in the junior high. Also some numbers are very very solid in second wrestling. Um [clears throat] hence why um we would recommend the C because both teams have struggled with numbers. Sean, you're really I don't know if you changed something on your microphone or speaker, but it's really crackly on your end. >> Did you do something different? Maybe. >> No. >> So, um I think it was proposed to [clears throat] I can answer your question while
052I get that. That's fine. Um I I'm texting say text me the numbers. Uh >> the the the soccer I mean, I had a concern. This was discussed in November. My concern is it's difficult maintaining one field. Uh, excuse me, two fields, >> right? >> Um, I've seen those fields. I've coached on those fields. They we need to put energy into one field. Uh, so that that was brought up that to answer your question about having then you would have a Segger town in Maplewood Field to maintain. That'd be difficult. Um, I know I was looking at a map. I was looking at Google Maps. I was measuring points to points boys points because I know there's girls out in Al, you know, close to Albian. We got girls down in Plum. There's there's it's
053not central. I think Segtown was as central as it could get. Um, but I think that was discussed in November. That's why it was brought up. Uh, I think that's why the discussion was housing it at Se. It's a Cambridge team housed at Seager Town. Is it is it possible to chime in from the >> uh we usually don't but we will you know what we will have an opportunity you'll hear some more information coming from the board where we're going to invite uh public comment. >> Yeah. No that's fine. >> Normally if there's one or two people it' be fine but it we're going to move. >> There's a lot of people. >> Yeah. Yeah. But certainly you know as you're hearing what we speak if something dawns on you yeah jot it down.
054But the discussion was to house it at Seagertown um so we can maintain one space for boys and girls. Uh have a practice field, have a game field, even have a youth field there. Do you have any how's your audio, Mr. Ford? Oh, >> are you using an earbud by chance? Maybe. And that did you stop using that? Something changed. >> So, I've uh I've spoken to Mr. Ford quite a bit. I'll talk about >> uh he introduced We have uh third on the list is the girls varsity flag football. I'm taking over for him. Uh this was introduced uh for penrest run as a pilot program. Uh it's going to be funded for the first year. There's no commitment beyond year one. It's actually funded by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Uh >> I wish Jordan
055was here [laughter] but uh let's see. Dr. How is running survey results. Uh there seems to be a lot of interest. Uh we'll be able to share that information as soon as we condense it all into one one presentation for us. Uh this would be a combined uh proposition of all three. It is also a spring sport. Um and if we are if this goes through the pilot program, they would be able to compete. It is a PIAA regulated sport. It is a district 10 regulated sport, but not this year. Uh that would start next year, I believe. And so we would be running a pilot program for the girls in flag football. I'm trying to think if I miss anything. Um so that is also going to be discussed uh in an upcoming meeting
056about accepting that. Uh the difficulty with that is we would have to expedite a little quickly because if we want this to start, you want it to start on the right foot and uh spring sports start on March 2nd. So we wouldn't want to hinder the girls or throttle any program before it even takes off. So this would be fully funded and it's a girls flag football pilot program. >> Sean, we turned off one of the speakers. Do you want to try again? [clears throat] >> No, it's still not any better. >> Call back in. >> Do you want to log out and try to log back in? >> Reboot. [snorts] >> Oh, maybe we just reboot. >> Fixes everything. [laughter] >> Turn it off. Turn it back on. Technology tomorrow. >> All right. Well,
057given that um we we honestly we appreciate all your input. We've received uh a lot of uh emails. We've spoken to a lot of folks. Uh we're out in the community. We're trying to do our best, trying to make the right decision, trying to do it correctly, uh trying to do what's best for the district going forward and the current players. So, yeah, these are impactful decisions forthcoming. Um the the admin is asking the board to consider these three things. Uh they've come forward for us to consider them. This is soccer was discussed in November. Uh we're discussing uh wrestling now. It's out there that that admin has asked the board to consider that. Uh they've also asked us to consider the flag football. Um the longer we wait on this uh this was my
058fear is that we we drag it out and we hinder the programs because nobody has an answer. So to resolve this uh I'm asking the board for a special meeting on these three issues. Uh this will be Monday night. Um, what day is that? >> 16th. So, uh, through communication, I get it. You know, you don't live in the board docks like we do. Uh, this was not up for vote tonight, but it will be, uh, on the 16th, and so we will listen. Uh, ladies, we really appreciate you being here. We're going to listen to your comments. Um, we'll consider those. Uh, Mr. Ford has a few small details to run with the flag football to see if that can get uh, taken off. Uh I'm sure in the weeks they're also going to
059consider um more discussion, more talking, more costbenefit analysis. So um I want to give it its own moment. And so u next Monday the 16th I believe the board is ready to vote on these items. >> Yes or no? We'll vote yes or no. So are we okay with the board to do that? >> Yeah. And that's just so that we have an answer so we're not hindering one program or the other. Um, in particular, so uh, soccer is a fall sport, but summer programs would get summer schedules. And of course, flag football would start two weeks from that if if it passes. >> So, >> no, unfortunately not. It must be the speaker. >> You might as well just call. >> I'm ready to go. >> We can't understand you at all. education. >>
060Uh the only thing I want to add >> I'm going to real quick though on this on all these programs I know there's cost savings but that's not the driving force here. This is honestly we want the teams to be well uh uh we want enough people participants so it's safe. Okay. It's not just money. So I don't want anybody leaving here and just thinking for me it's not about the money it's about you guys' safety. Okay. So to you sir if you have comments, questions, you know, you'd be eligible to speak there' be open m or not open mic but registered comment the 16th. We also have um nonregistered non we'll have comments tonight speak and and I'll be on you know we're looking at every side and I'm not saying one way is
061going um but in my mind if it does go uh if the votes fall one way I hope and I spoke to some folks about this I hope the coaches and the administration and the parents can find a way to come together to celebrate the teams teams. Um, have a maplewood night, have a segretown night like we have a senior night. Uh, let them play in their jerseys on their field even if it's not one way. That takes a lot of work. Uh, especially with maintenance, but I think um, that could be something really good if it does fall that way. U, we're not trying to shut anybody out of their athletic experience. Um we're we're uh the vote will be and the discussion I'm sure will be uh what's what's best but uh those
062things are in our minds because I know they're in your mind. So >> hello. [clears throat] >> Yeah. >> Okay. There you are. [cough] We can hear you now. >> Okay. Very good. >> Where did we leave off? >> You're ready for the education? >> I think we're ready for the education report actually. >> Kindergarten testing. Oh yes. Uh there is a policy for first reading to um consider um an assessment for early entry into kindergarten because we moved the entry date back to June 30th um from August 31st. So there is a policy up for first reading to consider the option for an assessment to um to um surpass that entry date that age that H5 date for July and August babies not babies sorry birthdays. [laughter] >> Okay now we'll move into any
063questions on that. >> [clears throat] >> Uh, I'm just going to make a comment on that. We I was kind of I helped push to get the start date moved back because I'm a firm believer that the kids need to be kids starting them too soon. It It is tough. Uh, I think when we go into testing, I'm just afraid there's going to be too many. Well, okay, this one's close enough. All right, we'll let this one in. There's too many. It's going to be too easy to to uh vary. I think if we're going to hold a date of what is it? June 30th. >> June 30th. We hold June 30th. That's what Pancress holds and we I think if we start fluctuating back and forth, it's always going to create problems. That's that's
064my two. >> Thank you. What can we do about the kids that age out of prek? >> So, you did grant an exception to it was six students at the you um that the prek had requested because for the one-year exemption. Um there were six students that were granted an exemption to that. I think that was back in November that came to a board vote. Um, so there was an exemption granted to those six students that prek sent forward. I mean, I'm for it. I I think maybe we can put a cap on it cuz this is something new that you know when I spoke with Sean and Randy about it um people are not thinking about their kids going to school in 5 years. So if they weren't, you know, if they weren't talking
065to somebody else, they did not know maybe that we were discussing that and that it was going to affect them and their family, their, you know, their daycarees, what whatever that may be. So I I just think maybe, you know, now it's out there [clears throat] and can we for years, 5 years, whatever that may be, consider the the kids that fall in the gap. You know, I don't know that this has to be a policy forever and always, like Tim said, but there are probably some families that have come forward that said, "Hey, you know, I thought my both my kids were going to be in, you know, school this year or whatever." Yeah. Yeah. So, that's that's my only concern is we don't have to do it forever, but there may be some
066families that have fallen in that gap that didn't have child care planned or don't have a an option, I guess. Well, if we exempted the prek to help them out, I mean, you you know my view on it. It's just and and I have looked into Google machine. I've got some data and a lot of the data supports what we're doing here that the the kids that start after a birth date of, you know, in that summer, they do not perform as well the first few years as the others. I mean, so if we want to give our kids the best chance, we want to get better test scores, this is something we're going to have to do. We're going to have to rip the band-aid off and say, "This is just what we're doing."
067And if they have to go to prek for another year to help them out, what's it going to hurt? It's just going to help benefit them. It's going to make them better. So, >> I do think some of the challenges are availability of child care, specifically in the Map Bullet area. Um, I think a lot of the concerns we've had have come from um, families in the Maplewood attendance area because they just don't have as many options for child care. Um, I don't know what we can do about that to help them. >> What if we can help with the program >> education? You ready for the educational report? >> Yes. >> Okay. [clears throat] Um, I did share with you our comprehensive plan is due. We were kind of under a tight timeline for
068that. Um, it not I'm not sure where the notification went to. It did not go to Sean or I for um the March 31st deadline on that. Um, and it's required to be up for a 28 day public review. So, um, that will be going onto the website tomorrow for everybody in the public to see and up for basically it's like a 28 day draft so we can make changes during that time and then it'll be brought back to you at the March board meeting for your approval and then submitted to PTE. It is um a requirement by the state to every three years that we do a comprehensive plan. I will tell you that it is not going to be as comprehensive as the penrest rising plan that Mr. Ford had laid out um
069last month to you. So, you know, I think that plan will really take a more in-depth look at our district as a whole and do a much better picture um comprehensive picture at all of the elements of the district instead of just specifically um what the state feels is important. So it it's based on our data and we do have a team looking at it internally and externally and we'll make adjustments to that. Um but it again it's a requirement for the state. So um I shared it with all of you. It'sund and some pages. So enjoy. The uh boyoy organization um is doing a concert. This is sponsored by the um oh my goodness. Um Hayden Hitchcock Foundation is sponsoring a concert in our all three of our high schools and Union City High
070School. They're doing a free community concert while they're here. So that will be on March 26th at Segtown High School, which is a great opportunity for our community and students to be able to participate in that. Um, and we're excited that they're willing to do that for us for free. And that'll be after their concert in our buildings. There's a [clears throat] lot of athletic travel on there. It's springtime. So, our spring athletic um teams will be doing some spring training. Uh, we have Cambridge Chorus do going to regional chorus and Cambridge High School journalism going to the state journalism competition at State College. We have several g guest speakers this month um across the district. We also, I'm excited to say we have Peterson handwriting. There's a an agenda item on there to approve
071Peterson handwriting for K through three. So, um this will be uh for teachers in the classroom to uh renew our handwriting curriculum in all the classrooms at the elementary school. And then we have EverFi financial literacy curriculum resources for K through 12. We are required to have a financial literacy curriculum in K through 12. This would be a resource. This is not our final curriculum. This is a curriculum resource that we will embed into our curriculum once we have it finalized. Mrs. Henry is working on that with staff. Um we will have a 9th or a curriculum a course in 9 through 12 is required for next year. So that will be our first step is a an actual course that will appear somewhere in grades 9 through 12 and it will most likely be
072in 11th or 12th grade is where we're leaning as we feel like they are the most ready to understand financial literacy and apply that in their um everyday life. So that will be coming back to you hopefully in March. We'll have that ready for you. Um and this would be a resource within that. And then an additional articulation agreement with regional behavioral health. We have already have one articulation agreement with them. This is to expand the agreement with them to do um some specific small group and individual services here at Sigrettown Elementary and they will be doing something similar to what we have in the other two elementary schools. Um Kaming Elementary and Minkwood Elementary have the SAM war program. this would be something similar to that here for families. Um, which is exciting for
073Sagtown Elementary to finally get that piece in their building as well. They've been working towards something like that for a while. Um, and again that [clears throat] parents request and permission. So, it is just an outside agency that is another resource for families. Um, we do have a midyear graduate from Bethesda. And then there are several books, donated books, um, that I provided summaries for. It's been a busy month. Any questions? >> Is there an opportunity to um ask for an extension on the comprehensive report to the state? >> There is not. We tried. >> Um, I'll talk privately with y'all, but I'm concerned about us on the language in there. >> Sure. So for example, we say that the reason math scores uh may be what they are because uh we lack technology for
074example. Are we suggesting that we need more technology to improve the mask force? >> So not necessarily lacking technology. It could be a variety of things like um access to like not all of our students have the ability to do access it outside of the school day or have access to it. Um >> and my concern is if if we make these statements in a report, it would seem then the solution is that we would have more technology or if we say um they lack sufficient materials, that means we need more materials. I just think the language really should be refined if we don't know why their scores are low. Let's not just make up stuff because I don't I'm curious how technology would relate to a fourth grade math student. >> So there are
075three goals that were set in the plan, not all related to math. So the technology goal that was in there wasn't specifically for the math. >> It is under math. >> So it it it's part of math, but it was also a noted weakness. If you look at the beginning of the plan, you had to identify strengths and weaknesses. >> It was identified as a weakness overall for the district as a um an area where the longevity of planning for the resources to continue to update technology and the um having a technology plan to be able to stay up to date with technology resources. But can we substantiate in any way that we need to do something with technology to improve mask force? >> So that's not how I guess I'm confused because that's not
076exactly how it's written. The technology goal in there wasn't specifically tied to math. It was tied >> we'll talk offline. That's my concern is we need to talk more about that because I don't believe that extending broadband to other than school hours is going to bring our scores up. So I think we need to talk about that. Okay. [laughter] I'm confused because that's not how it >> Yeah, I didn't see that. But >> you didn't see that? Yeah, it's in there. [clears throat] >> Okay. Sure. We have a we have a month to re revise that. So, yes, the the I will say that the intent of the technology goal wasn't about math improving math scores. It was about having a plan for how to maintain our technology presence and keep up with the technology
077demands in the district outside of math scores. >> I'd like to see a comparison to what we were before to where we're at. I mean, have we gone have we increased >> with math or >> Well, it depends. If you're in seventh grade or eighth grade, you're down to 22%. But if you're in some of the other ones, you're around 50%. And >> sure, >> there's doesn't seem to be a plan that says here's how we're going to do it to increase the scores. We're going to spend the first hour talking about sports and not education. And finally, we got to education and we don't know what we're going to do. >> That is what we're trying to articulate in the plan is to put a focus on math because you're absolutely right. Math is
078where our focus needs to be. >> I mean that and that's why the two academic goals in the plan were both math goals because math is a glaring issue for us academically. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> Questions facilities. Uh so the only thing I have for you guys this evening is you'll see a resolution on the um agenda. This is for our application for the uh school facilities grant. Um this is the grant that we received last year that funded um some of the site work at Cambridge Springs uh high school. um these fund we when we did this application we had to pick a built uh something that was already kind of slated or our biggest um facility asset project. Um so we when we did this application we put completing
079the Giza project as as that. Um the the award for that could be up to $5 million. Our application was to do that entire Giza project which would be $4.78 million. Um I think that awards in fall [cough] typically >> typically if we find out in summer early summer um I think they have to make a decision by the end of May. So applications are due by the end of February and they will let us know the end of May >> and then we have to start the project. >> Okay. But there's no no penalty for applying. No, there's no penalty for applying. If we get the money, great. If we don't, we don't. But, um, >> there's a $100 fee to it. That's >> Yeah, $100 application fee, but other than that, there's no
080commitment. So, >> um, we've been working with Total Grant Services to get everything ready, and we're we're just asking for your approval to apply for that grant. So, >> that's all I have. >> All right. Um, you'll see on the agenda, it's just the basics. We have our um monthly um expenditures, treasures reports. Um same um there is a few uh budget transfers on there. So that is for your tuition um outside tuition which again probably should just ask you to transfer more um because we know that's coming. We deliberately put that in budgetary reserves in hopes that they would pass a reform. So we're moving money from reserves into pay outside cyber tuition. Um, so you'll notice that is on there um just as well as a few other um for the special ed
081substitutes which again um we knew we would be over in those categories. So it's just to level out to make sure we're coding everything where it needs to be. Um you'll notice on there there is the IU5 access agreement. So there's two agreements. Um those dates are correct. Um that one is a previous year um back in 21 2021. um they finally settled that one. So with the access, it's the same as our in-house access. So the IU5 performs services based on the IEPs with our students and some of those are reimbursible through the access program which is um Medicaid funded. So the IU go ahead, they go ahead and build that on our behalf and we receive those revenues back. So those agreements [clears throat] um are revenue coming back to our district from
082the IU. It's just a just an agreement they like to have signed. Um, and then I'll go ahead and submit an invoice for those funds and we'll receive those. Um, there's a couple donations on there. We thank them for those donations. And then the 2627 budget is underway. Um, we have we started that in very beginning of January into February. So that is in the works. It's a lengthy process by the time you go through all your um department budgets, your personnel, um all the line items. So, we will be bringing that to you. Um we typically present it in April. Um we have to approve it preliminary in May, final in June. So, you will be seeing um the budget coming in the future. The governor did give his budget address last Tuesday. Um
083with basic ed an increase of $50 million with $375 million going through the basic ed formula. Um special ed an increase of 50 million with 514 million going through the special ed formula. And the ready to learn um is 526 million. Um, again, we don't qualify for the adequacy funding, but they did give an additional 50,000 to all those school districts that um did not qualify. Something, not not a whole lot, but every little little bit helps. So, um I'm hoping that if this does pass, we will receive um a little bit additional funding on top of what we did last year. However, um we know how long it took last year to pass the state budget. Um this year, I'm hoping it'll be a little sooner. They're pretty optimistic. Um, so hopefully we'll have
084numbers. Again, our budget is due uh by June 30th and there's no exceptions. Um, the state has unlimited days it seems like. So, um, we have to budget with the information we know at the time and this is the information um, we [clears throat] know at the time. There'll be um, a couple more budget addresses that our um, professional organizations will be doing. So, I'll be listening into those to see if we can get some more insight um where we might land as far as how much money they will be putting through uh the education formula so we can have a good uh revenue number. And that is all. Any questions? >> Okay. Uh we will transition to the voting meeting. Uh thank you uh all the admin pieces for your report. Certainly uh board
085members reach out for their questions. I'm sure they'd be happy to answer them. Uh so we're going to go to the voting meeting now. We have uh six registered speakers. Policy is you're all to speak for 5 minutes. I usually give you a 30 second courtesy. If you go over five, I will have to stop you. Um if that's the case, you're more than welcome to share your speeches or email us your speeches and as we will read that, but policy says for registered speakers 5 minutes. Um also as a courtesy, we're going to allow you to go now. this tech since we're not voting on anything today, but I know you've been sitting there uh and we're ready to hear what you have to say. So, we're gonna let you go now. So, first
086we have Emily Heraskki, >> please state your name and uh residence. >> Uh >> area of residence. >> My name's Emily Heroski and I'm from Township and I'm a junior at Mapwood High School. Um, so good evening and the four of us are here to discuss the Maplewood soccer program and we will discuss a lot of the topics that you guys already brought up throughout our speech. But um, so after hearing about the possibility of combining all three of the penrest teams, we would like to ask you to hear us out about our reasons against it. To begin with, within one day of recruiting, we gathered 16 definite players for the fall season, as well as multiple people who have shown interest. From the information we received, we were told only 14 players were needed
087to keep us as separate teams. However, after exceeding the number needed, we were told that there is still a high possibility of combining. To ensure that interest doesn't falter before the fall season, we are planning on soon holding a series of open gyms. This allows the new players to get a feel for the welcoming environment as well as find their love for the game. These open gyms also allow us to see how many people are truly committed. To continue, our parents at Maplewood have put so much time and energy into this program. They have created the soccer boosters from the ground up to help provide for us and continue our program at Maplewood. Each year they have generously paid for our shingards and reimburse players for their cleats. Their generosity has transformed our team and
088peaked player interest in a short time. However, due to recent statements by members of the booster committee, these funds will not be transferred to the combined penrest team. This wouldn't just affect the players, but would also undermine past efforts made by the parents. It would be terrible to see all of this determination go to waste. It isn't only our parents boosters that have saved the program over the years. In collaboration with the boosters, we as players have also put in tremendous amounts of work to change coaches and refresh the negative, unsuccessful environment that previously surrounded the team. >> Can I just hand it off to Rean Cox? >> Sure. As long as you come up and say your name and area of residence. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, Regan Cox. >> Hi, my
089name is Reagan Cox. I'm also from Randolph Township and I am a junior at Maplewood High School and I've been playing Maplewood soccer for eight years. So, if we look at the statistics from this year compared to many previous years, it shows a big increase in our wins. In 2023, we had one non-region win and the rest of our games were lost by substantial amounts. Then in 2024, we won two games, but only one of them was conferenced. Now, looking at our previous fall season, we had five wins and every loss other than one team was lost by only one point. This is the greatest amount of wins the soccer team has had since fall of 2018, where none of them were conference. In 2025, a large number of our players were new to the
090sport and inexperienced. However, with one season under a new coaching staff, we became competitive again. We are provided with a singular season to rebuild, and we are begging you to allow our program to continue to evolve. If we can do all of that in one year, imagine what the next couple can look like. The main argument that we have received is that there will be more players on a combined team. While this hypothetically sounds correct, it is unlikely that this will be the result. Due to traveling inconveniences because of our wide district, many people will not join. If people do not join, what is truly gained by this combining? The numbers are not going to skyrocket, contrary to public belief. When Maplewood players decide not to play because of the combining, it takes away from
091the number of student athletes. Creating a penrest team also moves us up a district, thus making the teams who play much more difficult, which doesn't help the program to evolve. Also, because of the deadline for combining, because the deadline for combining was not met at the proper time, combining now penalizes us from making playoffs. This depletes our drive to excel in our season. Uh, now I will pass it off to Marca. [clears throat] >> Oh, [snorts] I'm sorry. I jumped up. Sorry. My bad. Marissa. >> Um, I'm Marissa Mitchell. I'm from Plum Township and I have played on the Maplewood soccer team for eight years. So, piggybacking off of Emily and Regan, um, no matter where the Penrest team gets held, it will most definitely burden one of the teams. Leaving classes early for games
092is already a struggle that we have faced as students. If combined, we will have to leave school even earlier for game for home games and away games. This makes our school year even harder as we are missing crucial academic classes. Furthermore, we have spent every fall season recruiting players. We haven't requested any help from adults or coaches and it has been a battle that we have fought every year. Going through all of this at a young age has taught us perseverance, but it has also been very difficult. Pleading year after year to have a team has been exhausting, but is it has all been has all been worth it because of the bonds I have created. To have all of this work put down the drain right before our senior year is devastating. I have
093grown up with these girls and not having my senior night with them as a proud Maple Tiger breaks my heart. As a long-lasting soccer player, I have found that soccer is played mostly through bonds and communication. From communicating on the field to bus rides with the team, these bonds are necessary for the game. I have played my whole career next to my best friends and others I go to school with. By combining with unfamiliar foes, there may be a lack of bonding. I am of course open to new friends and teammates, but the combining of teams may alter the team chemistry. To continue, Maplewood and other and the other two Penrest teams have always had rivalry. This past season was the first Maplewood first time Maplewood has won against Cambridge and Seagertown for over a
094decade. This rival this rival win was huge for my team. By combining all three schools, it removes bonding as well as lifelong friendships. >> Thank you. Now, Ella, >> um hi, my name is Ella Mart. I am also in Rolph Township. I am a junior at Maplewood and I've been playing soccer since sixth grade. um to continue what they were saying and to finish up for speaking against the combining for soccer teams because most of the players for the upcoming fall are senior players. People put into question that since once they graduate they will need to combine after that anyways. For us, I believe that is a stronger reason to keep the team separate at least for one year. Many of the seniors have played since elementary and that is what has made us become
095and stay such good friends. We have looked forward to our senior year together. our senior night and our last soccer season at Maplewood for years. As long as we have exceeding numbers for the next year, let the majority of seniors have their last opportunity for soccer to happen. And with this, if we give Maplewood one more year to progress, it could spark much more interest in younger players to continue the program for years to come. If money plays a crucial role in the decision process of combining or not, it should be noted that if we combine new penrest jerseys or if we are at one of the schools may need to be distributed and bought. If we do not decide to combine under the name Pinrest, money will need to be spent to distribute jerseys
096for the new players as well. Also, it is important to note that the boys pinest team also practices at the Seagger town field. So if combined teams were housed at seag town segretown, it would be inconvenient for both teams. Overall, combining in the upcoming 2026 fall season is burdensome on both sides. And we would like to ask you to have an open mind while taking these reasons into consideration. And we would like to say if there are any goals we could meet to persuade more to keep them as separate separate teams at least for one year, we would like to know those before the votes is made. And thank you so much for your time. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Now we have uh Brent Mart. Mr. Marts, he's named area residents. >> Hello, my
097name is Brent Marts. I live in Guys Mills, Randolph Township. Before [clears throat] I get started, uh Mr. Brown, you asked a question earlier if the teams were combined if Maplewood could be the home field. I believe it could. Um one, we have a regulation size field. Um it's my understanding or feeling that the uh Sagtown Cambridge field is undersized. I'm not sure if that's accurate, but that's my feeling is that's always [clears throat] been. We also have shelters for the teams in during inclement weather and that's not on the fields here in Sacramento. I appreciate that. >> So you'll [clears throat] hear you're going to hear common theme tonight. I'd like to thank the board for allowing me the opportunity to speak in regards to Maplewood girls soccer team. At this time I'd like
098to share some information with everyone. Maplewood had six players recognized as region three allstars this past season. You're looking at four of them right here. For anyone that knows, soccer is a game of 11 players versus 11 players. As Mr. Ford had referenced earlier, with this in mind, half of the starting lineup at Maplewood were recognized as all-stars. This upcoming fall season, we returned five of those all-stars along with a coach that fostered both fostered success both in individual player development and overall team development. Our Lady Tigers were very competitive this past season and on cusp of making the playoffs. Yes, we we I'm sorry. Yes, we recorded a total of five wins, but the remaining games, except for one, were decided by a single goal and off in the closing minutes of the game.
099We even had a game go to double overtime. For those of you who follow Maplewood, you know that we've made large strides in a very short period of time. new coaches, a new athletic director, and a booster program providing support in the way of providing socks, shining guards, team meal, and cleat reimbursement program dedicated to not only lessen the burden on the player in the school, but also help encourage participation by reducing costs of entry for new players and their families. All this has resulted in renewed interest in soccer, a buzz if you will, amongst the student body at Maplewood with five Allstars returning and the remainder of the team having built experience and cohesiveness last season, Maplewood is poised for a breakout season. A team that stands a very good chance at making the
100playoffs. Our Lady Tigers have worked so hard and deserve this opportunity, especially the upcoming seniors who have endured so much over the years. Their hard work should be taken into consideration. Their dedication needs to be respected and their potential as a breakout team needs to not only be recognized but also supported by the school board. These girls have earned the right to remain Maplewood Lady Tigers. There are 16 girls including current Maplewood players that have recently pledged to play this fall. And I understand it those numbers are increasing. This is the biggest showing of interest in girls soccer that Mabel has seen of many, many years. I'm not surprised. We have a great thing taking a root. Now, I understand there may be some skepticism if that number is real. Should that be the case,
101it'd be simple enough for the school to send out signup sheets to all eligible and eighth grade girls at Maplewood for this upcoming fall season. I'll finish with this. Simply saying and most important, the strength of the Penrest soccer program, a number of players reside at Maplewood with the Maplewood Lady Tigers. I'll state this again. The strength and players reside at Maplewood. I appreciate the time and the opportunity to speak. Everybody have a great evening. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> We have Paulski. Thank you. My name is Paul Harroski. I'm a local pharmacist business owner. I live in Guys Mills Randolph Township. I'm the co-president with Grant March for the soccer boosters program and I'm also father to Emily Haraski. So, I'm sorry I'm a loud speaker. I just am. But anyways,
102I'm going to repeat a lot of the same things that everybody else had mentioned. that I don't there's they don't understand it was a seismic shift in the Maplewood soccer girls program this year. It wasn't just they got a little bit better. It was a seismic shift to the positive. And don't be misled by anybody telling you that they were not competitive. And I will say that for the Cambridge girls soccer team, too. Both those girls teams were competitive irregardless of what their numbers were. There are seven other Penrest school teams that performed worse and had a lower winning percentage than either one of those girls soccer programs. And they're they're not talked about being combined. So again, and I'm not talking the individual wrestling or cross country. I'm talking athletic teams. There are at
103least seven, maybe eight that will have a lower winning percentage than either one of those girls soccer teams. They deserve to be individual teams. and specifically Maplewood like have been alluded to they have they have the dramatic shift in their competitive nature I'll give you an example against two four of their losses this year were against Eisenhower and Mercyhurst the combined total goals that they lost by in those four games were four goals they lost by one goal per game a year earlier the combined loss the point differential was 31 goals and they shrunk from 31 to four goals. Those are still losses in the win loss column, but they sure as heck felt like wins to a lot of us. Okay, it took all of 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 for Maplewood girls soccer
104to acrew five wins. And they did that this year alone. Okay, they are just turning the tide on what potential could exist for Maplewood Soccer. It's just starting now. The plug can't be pulled when it gets it's just getting started. There was never a boosters program. Now there is. And we help with the students and we help their parents to help finance getting involved into the sport. This is stuff that's just happening. You can't pull the plug when it's just getting started. I mean, every sport doesn't have to be a Saggertown baseball or a Maplewood volleyball, but these girls are playing. One thing for sure, I guarantee if you join teams in that October or that September, that late August day, there will only be 11 girls in Penrest playing and starting on a soccer
105team instead of 22. Do you want 22 girls playing soccer or do you want 11? But ultimately, that's the truth of a merger. There's going to be less participation. There's only 11 girls that can start in a game. And if there's only one team where there was wants two, you've cut the number of girls playing. How how many want to be on a team and not play? Everybody wants to play. That's the That's the point of participating is to play. And that's why we want to have two teams. And we have a team that's turning the corner. And that excitement is going to generate more participation. We have more players than we had last year. And we have more players last than we had the year before. So 25 had more than 24. 26 is
106going to have more than 25. We already know that we have something that's growing. Why do we want to cut it? You don't start a business when you start turning a profit. You close the doors. That's when you reinvest is when you start to turn a profit. And this team is starting to win, starting to grow, generate excite. Even my son, who would hate to admit that his sister's team is starting, people in school are starting to talk about Maplewood girls soccer for the first time. Okay, everybody talks about Maplewood baseball and girls volleyball and even girls basketball, but for the first time, they're talking about Maplewood girls soccer. Like, let's let this ride. We have seven seniors coming back next year. They earned the right 30 seconds. They earned the right to play for
107one more year and try to keep continuing to grow this program. They are competitive. Cambridge and Mayboard both competitive and we are certainly growing in Mayboard. Let's continue to grow. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. [applause] Okay, next we'll move on to the uh thank you all first of all. You made the trip out here. We appreciate it very much and for your words and your your passion. Uh [laughter] no, it certainly felt um and uh this is this is what this is what uh like Mr. Ford has said, this is what democracy and local government is all about. So we appreciate girls. You uh you've done yourself well. Uh you've done yourself well. So, next we will move into the voting section of the meeting. Uh, I'd like to entertain a motion
108for the approval of minutes. Um, where am I at? Yeah. From January 12th, 2026. Resolve that Pine Press School Board director approve the following minutes. January 12th, 2026. Second. Any comments or questions? All in favor say I. Motion passes. Like to entertain a motion for the policies. Uh >> first reading. I got it. Yep. We're looking at policies as presented on the agenda. >> So move second. >> Motion to second. Any comments or questions regarding first readings? Okay. Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> Opposed. Motion passes. Okay. Like to entertain a motion for policy approval. Resolve that the Pancress school board of directors approve the following policies. Uh policy 110 purchases subject to bidding quotation. So move. >> I have a motion to second. Any comments or questions? >> Okay. Hearing none. All
109in favor say I. >> I. I. oppose. Motion passes. Okay, we'll move into the consent portions. Uh I'd like to entertain a motion for consent agenda of the education report. This would be B through H. >> So move second. >> A motion. Uh any comments or questions? >> Okay, hearing none. All in favor say I. I >> oppose. >> Now, I know I'm going to interrupt you for a second. We don't have anything on athletics, but we I had a question on wrestling. We kind of >> back to that. No, that's all right. >> Uh on the wrestling or even on the soccer, two things that we or one big thing we need to consider is travel. It is going to be very tough for travel. Yes. >> Uh, would there be any entertainment for
110van service for that? And I'm just throwing it out there. I don't expect an answer, but cuz we've tried this in the past, but it didn't really work out well with busy, >> right? Uh, I'm going to since Mr. Ford is is not speaking, um, from my knowledge and maybe back me up in the athletic, we do offer travel services during games for games. game. Correct. Yeah. Even in our consolidate as so we have a few consolidated sports as it is. >> Uh and they would often for game. So your question is for practices. >> Yes. Because the as we're talking about looking [clears throat] imaginary math in front of me. >> Okay. So this would be for practices, >> right? And let's just say we house Maplewood girls soccer at Maplewood, which I really
111think if we did combine, that's what we have to do. But anyhow, uh the girls that like you said over by Elvie, if they want to play soccer at from the school, is there any way we could offer transportation by van to the Maplewood deal? This isn't I don't expect an answer. drive but >> for practice >> for yes for practice because we a lot of the girls can't drive or you know are able and for parents to get home from work and you know >> if they're working here boogie you home get the kid run to Maplewood >> or vice versa you know >> absolutely and >> we have but if we're going to put our kids in this situation for a reason do we have a plan to help them out Right. And
112I I offered uh a suggestion at least in my head uh even do you one better is is there a way we can rotate? Uh I know it's hard to maintain spaces like I mentioned. I have my reservations about maintaining spaces but uh working with coaches and come being creative. I understand it's awkward. It's different if we end up going down that path. We have to think outside the box, you know. Uh, I don't think it's fair for I don't think it's it's not fair for Plump Township residents to travel this way. It's not fair for close to Albby and Kusago residents to travel uh out that way. Um, >> that's why I said if we're if we and I'm not saying that's the way we're voting, but I'm just throwing this out there. If
113we decide to combine, we're going to have to take in consideration the kids that want to play but can't make the practices or can't make the games because of travel restrictions. >> What was that cost for one van? $30,000 for your kids? >> No. Isn't that >> what transportation head for one van? >> That's for a That's for a >> transport van. That's for everyday student. every day student travel. >> So it's not 30,000. >> So how often do they practice? >> Well, we're talking about this every day. >> They practice every day. >> I don't know. That's five days a week. That's an every day. >> We're talking about this on Monday. So that's 30 days. >> So Mr. Ford, if you were able to hear the questions transportation. >> Yeah. >> So let
114us do a if if it's the board's desire, we can um we can do a couple things. is number one, we can look at current our current fleet and the feasibility of those running after school compared to what they're already being used for. Number two, we can do a we can do a cost analysis of what that would be. Um, and we can we'll pick some points in the district at far far points and we'll do we can do that. So, we we can we can do that and have that. I think that would be better rather than speculating what it might be. [clears throat] >> And it wouldn't be for a year, it's just for the season. >> All right, I'm going to move on. Um, if you have uh questions regarding wrestling >>
115and and this is part of Yeah, we'll discuss that uh Monday. >> Let's go. >> Huh? >> Let's go with that. >> We did support Yeah, we're on facilities. Okay. I'll entertain a motion for facilities and transportation resolve that the Penrest board of directors approve the following policies. I'm on the wrong one. >> Where we at? >> Hang on. I'm new at this. >> I'm one. >> Mr. Ford, I'm doing I got I was reading off one. Resolve the PR school board directors approve the consent agenda facility and transportation consent agenda items B through C. >> So move. >> Second. >> Hearing a motion to second. Any comments or questions? Okay, hearing none. All in favor say I. I >> oppose. Motion passes. Moving on to the financial report. I'll entertain a motion for the
116consent agenda result of Penrest school board agend uh school board directors approve the consent agenda items B through G. >> So move second. >> Motion a second. Any comments or questions? >> Okay. Hearing none. >> Say again. Say again where >> we are on financial report. B through G. I have a motion and a second to approve B through G >> financial report. >> I can take a moment. >> So move. We already got >> I have a motion in a second. Any comments or questions? I can take a moment. Folks get caught up. >> Okay. Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion passes. Okay. Moving on to personnel. I will entertain a motion resolved that the Penrest School Board of Directors approve the consent agenda personnel items B through
117I. >> So moved. Second. >> Motion to second. Any comments or questions on personnel. >> I just wish the people that resigned move ahead, move forward in their life and and thank them for the job they have done for the district while they were here. >> Yeah. Uh I like that. We have um this time of year we have a lot of uh retirements coming up and uh we have a lot to celebrate in in some of these uh uh resignations and retirements. So I have a motion to second. Uh all in favor say I. >> I oppose. Motion passes. Right. Now new business for the board. Open the floor for the board to discuss any new business. Okay, hearing none, we'll move on to the announcements. Uh we did meet uh an executive session
118today to discuss uh personnel items. And lastly, do we have any citizens on non-aggenda items that would like to speak? Non-registered will be given three minutes. Thank you, sir. Yep. Please state your name and your uh how much you like and your area of residence. >> Jason Bar, Cambridge Springs. I just got a few questions. Tom, this is my second year as a varsity head coach at Cambridge Springs. I just wonder how am I supposed to build a program like just say Mr. Mulligan who's been coaching for 20 years and two years without it being dissolved, you know, or going to Maple or wherever. Um, I've talked to many programs and I've talked about combining our youth program trying to intertwine it with our varsity program. Right now it's in shambles. Yes, it is. But
119in the past it's we've had 40 50 kids, but the people in charge of it right now is they got to go and I got to rebuild that. But how am I supposed to do that? I mean, it's only my second year. And lastly, are you voting on the wrestling thing on the 216? >> Uh, I believe the uh Yes. >> So, oh, one more thing. Um, I think you just touched on it a little bit. Um, the transportation thing. I mean, my kids, I mean, some of them that are there, they're not going to be able to get to me. They're not going to be able to go. So, they'll be done. I I doubt half the kids will, you know. So, you're going to lose the four or five we have right now
120and the seven or eight more I plan on getting next year that I'm talking to, you know. Um hopefully more by next season, but I think I can build the numbers up before this combining takes place. It's only my second year. So, I just would like the opportunity to have a chance. >> Thank you. >> So, real quick before you sit down, uh, do you have a plan to build the program on how you'd like to build the program? [clears throat] >> Well, first of all, we're going to start with the elementary, but I know that's not helping the university right now. I'm going to go in and I'm going to try to talk to more students in the in the high school. Try to get more students. Try to get like right now we
121have no football players wrestling. maybe one or two. Get more of them football players out there. I mean, they have 20 kids on the basketball team. 20 just say 10 play, you know, get some guys to switch up, you know. I mean, we just got to do a lot of talking, a lot of convincing. >> Um, our our boosters is going to help out with that matter. We're going to hold little like sign up things or whatever and talk to get them to come in and talk. You plan on doing any clinics with the elementary and younger kids or >> I plan on trying to have like open mats this summer? >> Yes. >> Thank you for the coach's perspective. >> Thank you. >> Any other non agenda non-registered citizens? Okay. Seeing none, I'll entertain
122a motion for adjournment. So comments questions all in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion pass.