001Good evening. I'd like to welcome everyone to the Colonial School District Board meeting. It is Thursday, November 20th, 2025. Please stand for the pledge of >> allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible and justice for all. The board met in executive session prior to this meeting to re review the personnel report in several settlement agreements. Teamsters negotiations [clears throat] and student discipline issues were also discussed. The meeting lasted approximately 1 hour. And now I will turn the meeting over to Dr. Christian for some of our student recognitions this evening. >> Thank you Mrs. Katruno. We have much to be proud of here in Colonial, specifically at Plymouth White Marsh High School. We had championship teams in football, girls soccer, boys
002cross country, first ever in school history for boys cross country and uh field hockey. Uh this evening we are recognizing our football team and our girls soccer team. Uh in December we have invited our cross country and field hockey teams. It's a wonderful problem to have when you have too many teams and too many kids to recognize in one evening. So, uh, without further ado, I'll turn it over to Coach K to introduce the football team who had an outstanding season. Hello. Hi, everyone. Um, first of all, to our board of school directors, Dr. Christian and our entire school community. Uh thank you for having our team here tonight to recognize the achievements of our young men, women, and coaches in our program. I am extremely proud to be up here to recognize the efforts
003of everyone involved. And uh I know that without a doubt, it starts with all of you guys sitting up here today. I know that it's impossible to run a successful athletic program uh without the support of our school board and our administration. So, thank you for always having the best interest of our student athletes in mind and for providing the resources for our young men and women to thrive in the athletic fields. I'm a huge supporter and advocate for the importance of athletics in our schools. And I am thankful for all of you for providing an environment where athletics are valued and prioritized. I also want to thank our parents, our families, and our community members for the countless hours of work, donations, and encouragement throughout the entire season. This year's football team was was
004really a tale of two stories. You know, we ended the year very, very young with little experience returning and we definitely went through our growing pains. After the first four games, we were one and three and many people counted us out. But the resilience, the work ethic, the commitment of these young men is a real testament to their character. And their improvement each day led to some amazing accomplishments amongst this group. We won our next six straight games, secured a playoff birth, and took the number one seed in the district to the final seconds in their closest game of the season. This year, we won our fifth consecutive Suburban One American League championship. No player on this team has ever lost the spir one American League game. And with that in mind, we have voluntarily
005moved up a league to the Continental Conference next year to face some of the larger schools in our area. And we are very excited for the challenge that awaits us in the coming years. This year's team includes 15 all league selections highlighted by eight first team all league players. We also have players surpass the 1,000 yard rushing mark and players who led the league in sacks, tackles, interceptions, and touchdowns. But most importantly, we have a group of young men and women who are selfless student athletes committed to the ideals of team and family. We hold each other accountable. We encourage each other when adversity hits and we celebrate both small and large wins together. I truly believe that football and sports in general brings out the best in all of us when guided and used
006correctly. Please help me welcome the 2025 White March Colonial Football family. And I'd like to start with some of our most important members, our two managers, Bella Yorkie Gertie, [applause] Lily Uh we we had one freshman join our debut varsity Brody Aqua. [applause] Our sophomore class, Jed Katana, Caier Lindy, AJ Miller, Chase Mopus, Wyatt Leth, Tristan O'Brien, >> Chris Robinson, Jack Sagowski, >> Liam Ward, Mason Wright, >> our junior class, Colin Kalanese, Kamani Davis, Frankie Davis, Charlie, >> Mike Chilio, Fidel Green, >> [applause] >> Jack Canoli, >> Al Cable, >> Tony M, >> Max Montayor, Aiden Arensky, >> Cole Riley, Barry Strer, Chaseio, and David. And this year's senior class, >> Cole Ashbridge, Captain Mike Bombgard, [applause] Captain Amir Butler, Hunter Dcala, [applause] Captain Chase Belvoice, Ray Gonzalez, Will Jameson, Trayvon Lindsay, Jaden Lockart, Aiden
007M. Mobus, and Captain Roman Powell. [applause] and our coaches, coach Paul Borchis, Coach Steve Moroso, Coach Ronnie Fry, Coach David Le, Coach Dan, Coach St. Mark Flores, and Coach Wilson. Thank you very much [applause] for having us tonight and for all your support. Our guard is still [cheering] nice. [applause] All right, short people. We know the drill. Come on. Short people that way back. >> Front row. Take a knee. Front row. Take a knee. Make sure you go. One, two, three. >> All right. [applause] >> [cheering and applause] >> What are you doing? >> So you just sit here and like do all the awards. But you have to up next, I'd like to welcome to the pod coach solution to recognize our championship girls soccer team. [applause] Thank you. >> Good evening, Colonial School
008Board, Dr. Christian and Colonial Admin. On behalf of the PW girls soccer team, I'd like to thank the Colonial School Board for this invitation tonight. My name is TJ Delusian. I'm proud to represent this group as their head coach. A few weeks ago, we concluded one of the best seasons in PW girls soccer history. [applause] Frank's here every year. We're not. All right, so this is new for us. Uh the team finished the regular season with 14 wins, three losses, and one draw. In the league, the team went nine and one, earning the league championship outright. This was the program's first league title since 2013. Through the 18 game regular season, our team only gave up 10 goals uh while scoring 43. We held our opponents scoreless in 11 of those 18 regular season games.
009Uh in recognition of our successful season, our team was awarded a program record seven spots on the suburban one Liberty Division all league team. Thank you. [applause] Mattie McGunkin was named first team all league and player of the year runner up, the second player in program history to receive that honor. Maddie Lazeroff was named first team second [laughter] team all league were Olivia Bragg, Marley Burton, Molly Makavoy, and Kira Wheelen. And JJ Locky was awarded all league honorable mention. To begin district playoffs, we earned a home night game in the first round where we advanced beating Phoenixville 4-0. That was our 12th shutout of the season. As a team, we were playing our best soccer at the end of the year, which gave us confidence heading into our second round game at Nami. Our season
010ended there, unfortunately. In a 1-1 game, Nami was awarded a penalty kick with less than a minute to go in regulation. While that was a frustrating way for our season to end, it doesn't take away from the incredible accomplishments of this team. Thank you to our senior class who earned a playoff birth all four years of their career, which was the first time in program history. The coaches and the underassman will look forward to next year where we'll continue to build on this success. At this time, I'll call up each member of our team to receive a certificate of recognition. Not present tonight due to prior engagements are Lorie Flannry, Maddie McLaclin, Soap Nagel, Lip Petit. Here with us tonight, senior Mia Baron, [applause] senior Olivia Brown, [applause] Senior Liv, [applause] Senior Marley Burton, [applause]
011Junior Francesca Duca, [applause] Junior Izzy Jackson, Senior Kion, Ohio, [applause] Senior Light, Freshman JJ Laughy, [applause and cheering] Junior. Maddie Lazero, >> senior Molly Magnavoy, freshman freshman Molly Mago. Sorry, plays like a senior. Senior Maddie McGuffian, sophomore Tiana Barola, [applause] sophomore Barbara Riley, senior Kier Wheel, and junior Bella Zoli. [applause] Thank you again to Dr. Christian, the Colonial School Board for recognizing the 2025 league champion girls. >> [applause] [applause] >> I don't know. What? >> Okay. >> Everybody ready? >> [laughter] [applause] >> You just have to see your old Before we continue with our board business meeting, I just want to say congratulations to uh both football and girls soccer teams. Um it is always great to see team be successful on the field and we know seasons generally whether it be pro college high
012school uh are measured by wins and losses but I can tell you from seeing both of these teams compete as well as next month where we have our field hockey and cross country teams here you need to measure teams by how they carry themselves all the table and we have class acts for children and student athletes that partic participate on our teams who exhibit sportsmanship when they release uh and carry. So, we're very very happy and proud of them. And as a parent of three student athletes, two former student athletes both I certainly respect and appreciate all the time and effort our parents and guardians put in from ages five until 18 to support their kids and their endeavors. We appreciate them sharing their precious car with us. Congratulations to our team. We'll turn it
013back over to Mr. >> Thank you. Um, now we'll move on to the approval of minutes. This is a motion to approve minutes as presented in items 4B through 4G. May I second, please? Sher, any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. This is a motion to approve financial reports as presented in items 5E through 5M for October 2025. May I have a second, please, Chris? Any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. This is a motion to approve the treasurer's report. May I have a second, please? Any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. And now, is there any public comment on any items on this evening's agenda? All right, seeing none, I will turn the meeting back over to Dr. Christian. >> Thank you. Item 8, A, B, and C.
014Motion to approve the personnel report and extracurricular contracts as outlined in items A, B, and C. Board action is requested for the recommended personnel changes. Appointments for promotion, employment, or transfer are subject to the presentation of valid credentials. employment verification documentation and state mandated requirements. >> May I have a second, please? Gail. Any questions or comments? All in favor? >> Thank you. And now I will turn the meeting over to our student representatives. >> Thank you for PW. Induction night was on October 30th. Congratulations to our new inductees for the music, art, business, and national honor societies. Winter sports are underway. Congrats to all of our fall sports teams on a successful end to their seasons. Cordial players have thrown an amazing performance in blue last week for their fall play. We're looking forward to
015their musical called Something Rotten coming up this spring. >> Next is Colonial Middle School. um regarding the Colonial Middle School special education field trip. The students in the special education program attended a community trip that is so much to give inclusive cafe, an inclusive organization based around incorporating people with disabilities. They practice how to order their food and learn about potential job opportunities. After lunch, they went to visit Mary Farm to see the farm animals and enjoy their famous ice cream. Next is the grade six musical. On November 7th and 8th, 75 sixth grade students presented Shrek the Musical Kids to a packed audience for three shows. The students put together an amazing production in just five short weeks and earned every ovation they deserve. [clears throat] The cast, crew, and staff all worked together
016and gave these students a great start to their CS theater journey. Great job, sixth grade. Join us for Mean Girls Junior. The seventh and eighth grade production on March 6th, 7th, and 8th. Regarding NJHS, 96 students were inducted into NJHS on October 29th. To be invited to apply, students must have earned distinguished honor role for all of sixth and seventh grade. Their first service project was creating veteran state cards on November 3rd. They got right to it. >> For CBS trailblazer rewards were given out on October 3rd or in October to three students per cluster for outstanding performance in the following areas. demonstrating respect, responsibility, and safety and good choices. Fall festival was held on Thursday, October 30th with a parade followed by classroom parties. Fourth grade open gyms have started with over 90 students
017participating. All fifth grade students visited the Museum of the American Revolution this month. >> Next is elementary. The PE secondary concert was held on November 11th. As always, this was a great celebration of the arts. for Kahaken Elementary. On Friday, November 7th, CE students had a special assembly with the Elwood Park Zoo who came to help CE launched our one book, one school initiative using the book Will It In by Katherine Abigate where the main character lives in the woods surrounded by animals. CE held a lovely Veterans Day breakfast on November 11th for our families who are or have served our country. Our third graders performed this election. Patriotic songs from our desk and then veterans visited classrooms and spoke to students. Thank you to Miss Don, Mrs. Cello, Mr. Lowry, and Miss Williams for
018planning a special event at CE Love cartoonist author Ael on Friday, November 14th for two interactive assemblies with the students. Continue with Kra Hockan Elementary. CE will celebrate American Education Week November 17 to the 21st and will recognize the contributions of educators, school staff, and families who support quality education. During this week, we plan to spotlight our partnership with our families to encourage reading. Students and staff will be packing the piggies, water bottles decorated as pigs, for Treehouse Books, which is a library and literacy center that distributes thousands of books to children and adults. We are also collecting non-p perishable food items that will be donated to the Colonial Neighborhood Council. CE is also excited to host the KJA Hopkins Senior Lunchon on Friday, November 21st. Our third graders will serve our guests their Thanksgiving
019meal. Many thanks to CE helping hands who made party favors for the guests. >> Ridge Park, our local fire department, and Tim McDonald joined us for our monthly fire drill during fire prevention month. Students and staff did an incredible job with both drills along with our local firefighters. Retired Ridge Park teacher Donna Stern hosted a fire safety center. Students were able to watch staff members get in and out of the fire gear, learning about being safe at home and seeing the fire trucks. During the week of October 6th, students and staff participated in No Police for Hate Kop activities. We celebrated Red Week at the end of October. The theme was life as a puzzle was solved by making good choices. Students participated in a variety of activities during the week, including establishment around the
020school. >> Last is White Marshall Elementary. On Tuesday, November 11th, White Marsh Elementary invited students to bring a bed to school. This annual event is held to honor our veterans and show our appreciation for their service. A schoolwide assembly was held where students introduced the veteran that they brought to school. All students, staff, and veterans participated in a patriotic singalong. Following the assembly, veterans went to classrooms to share stories with students. Lunch was provided for all of the veterans by Mission Barbecue. On Friday, October 31st, we invited families to our annual fall party. Students were able to parade around the school and families had the opportunity to admire all the creative and fun costumes. Students also participated in their annual fall parties throughout the day. During the party, students play games and created crafts provided
021by the game. All right, that's all we have for today. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. It's always great to hear what's going on in all of our schools. Um and now new business. >> It's a motion to accept and approve the audit report for the 2425 fiscal year and approval to submit the PE 2057 annual financial report to PD. >> I have a second, please. Jeremy, any questions or comments? All in favor? >> Thank you. >> So, motion to approve the tax resolution to opt out of the act one timeline by certifying that the district will not raise the real estate tax rate [clears throat] in excess of the 2627 act one index of 3.5%. This motion also certifies that the school district will be unable to use the act one exceptions included
022in the law. Second, please. Any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. >> Motion to approve the attached resolution to opt out of the act one timeline by certifying that the district will not raise the real estate tax in Oh, sorry. Uh this is a motion to approve proposed budgets for the PWHs fall production of Clue and CMS production of Shrek kids. This approval will authorize the payments uh payment specified compensation as submitted in the budgets. >> They have a second please. Uh any questions or comments? I just want to say both shows were absolutely phenomenal. Um the talent of our students in our sixth grade um with Shrek and then the two casts at the high school um for Clue. It was absolutely outstanding. So, congratulations to everybody involved in those productions. Um,
023excited for the ones in the spring. [clears throat] All in favor? >> Thank you. >> This is a motion to approve an independent consulting contract to provide HR consulting services at the rate of $150 per hour. >> Uh, may I have a second, please? Will. Any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. [clears throat] >> This is a motion to um to approve an independent transportation contract to provide transportation for two students from October 6, 2025 through June 15th, 2026 [clears throat] at the current IRS rate of.7 or the established IRS rate um per mile. >> We have a second please. Any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you, Chris. >> Motion to approve the educational um service contracts outlined below um for Overbrook School and for the Bucks County. >> May I
024have a second? Sharon, any questions or comments? All in favor? [clears throat] >> Motion to approve the establishment of an education fund for legitimate educational expenses due to student confidentiality. This agreement was discussed in executive session. >> There a second, please. Gail, any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. >> This is a motion to approve the settlement and release agreement between the Colonial School District and employee number 104364 as presented. >> I have a second, please. Chris, any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. >> This is a motion to approve the settlement and lease agreement between the Cland School District and the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School as presented. >> We have a second chair. Any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. [snorts] >> All right. This is a motion
025to approve a list uh excuse me, the list of contracted bus drivers outlined in Mr. Christopher Brown's memo to Dr. Christian David um October 21st, 2025. Uh, the Pennsylvania Department of Education requires all school bus drivers to be approved by the board annually. Um, attached to the comprehensive list of all the current drivers to date. >> May I have a second, please? Great. Any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. >> Motion to approve board policies outlined below on a secondary basis as presented. Policy 237 for electronic devices and policy 616 for payment of bills. >> I have a second, please. Any questions or comments? All in favor? >> Thank you. >> Motion to approve the board policies outlined below on a first year basis. Both policies were reviewed at their respective November committee
026meetings. Policy 307 regarding student teachers and interns and policy 822 um automated exter external defibrillator um and cardio pulmonary resuscitation. May second please. Any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. Motion to approve the deletion of board policies outlined below as the language can now be found in board policy 237 that was just mentioned a few minutes ago regarding electronic devices policy 815.1 and policy 860 please any questions or comments all in favor thank you um this is a motion uh the Colonial School District board of directors set the start date for the 26 27 school year at the August 21st, 2025 board meeting. Board approval is now requested for the K to2 calendar for the 2627 school year as presented. I have a second to that motion, please. Will any questions or comments?
027>> Just pending board approval this evening is uh we will advertise this as soon as possible to families so they can plan for next year. >> Great. Thank you. Um, all in favor? Uh, this is a motion to approve the courses outlined below for the 26 27th school year. These courses were reviewed at the November 10th 25 curriculum committee of the board meeting. Those two courses are AP cyber security and AP business with personal finance. >> A second, please. Rashidita, any questions or comments? All in favor? >> This is a motion to approve the Plymouth White Bar High School program of studies for the 2627 school year as presented. >> Make a second, please. Well, any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. >> And this is a motion to approve the conference requests
028outlined below. These requests were again reviewed at the November 10th to 25 curriculum committee meeting of the board. um PE uh reading specialists Elizabeth Morris and Jennifer Ramson to attend the title one improving schools conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from January 25th through the 28th and uh Plymouth White Marsh High School social studies teacher Christopher Romero to attend the National Council for Social Studies conference in Washington DC from December 5th through 6, 2021. I have a second please. Any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. Motion for approval for four DECA students and PWHS DECA advisor Elizabeth Ricker to attend the DECA sports and entertainment marketing conference in Orlando, Florida from January 28th to February 1st, 2026 and there is no cost to the district. >> I have a second please. Rick, any questions or
029comments? >> Just comment that tech goes on competitions. The district does under that cover the cost. This is extra confidence to go as well, but it's beyond the scope of budget. >> Um, all in favor, thank you. >> And now, is there a solicitor's report this evening? >> No. >> All right. Now, we'll move on to our committee reports. Um, Chris, um, for CRSL safety and wellness, um, Dr. Douglas reported on some of the equity, inclusion, and belonging activities. This year, our administrators have been meeting with student organizations and clubs to empower them, make connections, and hear their thoughts on how the district can continue developing a sense of belonging for all students. It's really great to have that firsthand and be able to um make, you know, some improvements that way. But um and
030also we had um um uh Mrs. Lester reported on several efforts that um are taking place to support students and families with food insecurity. Um we've record communication that's been shared about the status with um the snack program benefits and free breakfast and discussed the uh initiative that uh really takes place tomorrow. the big the big day of our uh stuff a bus food drive. Um, we've had a friendly competition among the schools and we've actually had to acquire a third bus to help accommodate all. Uh, we may even need another, but I don't know what's going to happen tonight. But, um, anyway, as of today, Ridge Park has 151 canned food items and we believe CES has double that count. Um, and we have five other schools participating as well as the district office
031in conjunction with the school board. Um all of the proceeds on all these collected items are going to two different um organizations within the district. Um the Colonial Neighborhood Council and one other. So um it will go right into uh our community. And it's such a a really neat thing to see the kids all excited and the staff members dressing up and all kinds of shenanigans happening to get everybody excited. And we are so thankful to um be able to help in our community. Thank you. Um Sharon curriculum. Sure. So at our curriculum committee, the board as you mentioned, Dr. Makani and Mr. Price proposed the two uh new AP courses uh for next year. We just want to note that the uh two courses are part of the college board's AP career kickstart initiative,
032which is designed to expand uh access to AP course work and prepare students for both college and career activities. Um also adding that Mrs. school checking an update on the hour of AI, formerly known as the hour of coup. Um the lessons and activities with within the hour of AI will provide a hands-on introduction to um to AI artificial intelligence designed for students in grades 2 through 5. Letters will be sent home to inform families and provide links to resources to support the hour of AI. Um Dr. also reviewed the 2025 summer academy programs funding, expenditures, and attendance summary as well as some of the data. She concluded with recommendations to help guide the 2026 summer uh academy proposal and potential enrichment opportunities for summer 26. I want to thank Dr. Reedus and her team
033for um putting together such a comprehensive review. Also to our families who gave input um so that we can make informed decisions uh as we move forward. And then lastly, uh we discuss the conferences that we just approved. >> Great. Thank you so much. Uh will facilities and transportation. >> I have no report for this one. >> Uh Rick finance >> the finance committee met on Monday, November 3rd. We discussed item voted on tonight index. We also reviewed the 25.6 budget comparison. I'd like to thank the district business office on the clean audit report delivered this past week. The financial results of 24.5 compliance audit finding presented at the finance committee meeting November 3rd did not differ from what was reported by our local independent audit firm. We will review in detail the financial results
034and activities at the January 25 financing. Um Gail the report uh Chris the report for CMTHs. Anything for the community? >> Uh Sharon, legislated. >> We have a budget Pennsylvania budget and just a couple highlights related to education. Uh if you're not aware already, uh there was a hund00 million p uh passed in uh basic education funding um to support uh districts that have not been adequately funded per previous uh lawsuit in the state of Pennsylvania. Um Colonial School District will gain approximately 227,000 from that um from that piece. There's also $10 million put into the budget to fund the early literacy um initiatives along with legislative language that requires teacher training, curriculum and universal screening um in alignment with the science of reading. Um certainly want to shout out our district because we are
035already there um and doing a lot of those great things. But just want to emphasize the importance of that and um excited that the student teacher stipen is continuing to grow. So we were at uh 20 million last year. they add another 10 million. So we'll be at 30 million. The goal um in Pennsylvania is 50 million uh to to match and meet what we need for our students um who are coming through pipelines. So yay excited we have a budget. >> Thank you. Um do we have any community reports of our township? >> Should we take this moment to thank Mr. William Winchester and he will be serving um leaving us here at Colonial School District but moving on to Plymouth Township um where he will serve in a different capacity. So congratulations. [applause]
036We expect you to send all your reports to us share them out for you. >> Yeah, I definitely will. I mean um I just want to thank you all. Uh it's been a great four years. Uh we've done a lot of things. Um opened the middle school and changed the school and masking and uh replacing board members. There's been a lot that's that's happened and and uh I'd like to just thank all of you for helping me along the way and uh for voting for me back then and now I just want to keep making sure that I'm doing the right thing by all of you. So I'm not following it. So I'll stop >> being being a school board member is a thankless job. That's not many people know school board members are volunteers.
037Uh and you quickly learn that even though we told you it was going to be two nights a month. It's not. Uh, and it's it's a 247 job, whether you're pumping gas or in the supermarket or just in the community or actually performing your functions at school. Remember, um, you have always put students first from day one. Uh, you've been selfless in your leadership and we certainly appreciate your contribution and support not only to this position, but most importantly to the children within it. So, thank you very much. [applause] I just want to say thank you for your four years um and also for your work with the um tech school being on their JFC as well. So that's a a lot of additional hours that we volunteer with as well and um I really
038appreciate that the sacrifices that you made to be able to do this >> and I'll um just so so thank you. So um sad to see you go but also wish you well opportunity while I ran as the first four years. So um being a good friend as well. So thank you. >> Um and now uh Jeremy anything from the foundation. uh to echo what said regarding um giving back to the community during this uh time of Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday, year end planning. Please consider uh contributing to the Cornell School District Foundation. We're in the process of giving out grants um to need hungry families in this community and also supporting the school district in terms of programs and scholarships. It's very critical um you know given what's going on in society right now to
039try to give back to support those that are less fortunate. You can go to colonialsd.orgfoundation to contribute. Any small amount helps u but again during this time of giving please remember the foundation we continue the food for thought uh campaign try to ensure that all of our students community members don't have to worry about harm. >> Great. Thank you. Um, also attached to tonight's agenda for your information are the school activity accounts for CMS and PW, athletic accounts for CMS and PW, building reports, curriculum instruction and assessment reports, as well as a technology report. And now, is there any public comment this evening? All right, see none. Is there any additional board comments this evening? Yes. I just wish everyone to have a great Thanksgiving. >> All right. Seeing none, this meeting is a journ.
040Thank you.