001Good evening. I would like to welcome everyone to the Thursday, October 16th, 2025 bids uh business board meeting. If everyone could please rise for the pledge of allegiance >> to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. The board met in executive session on October 6th regarding personnel for 15 minutes. They also met tonight prior to this meeting to discuss personnel, a special education agreement, Teamsters negotiations, and a union grievance. The meeting lasted approximately 45 minutes. And now I would like to turn it over to Dr. Christian for um some great student recognitions this evening. >> Thank you, Mrs. Patrudo. We are honored to recognize so many Plymouth White Mar students this evening for their achievements in the
002National Merit Scholarship Program as well as the College Board National Recognition Program. Uh I am happy to welcome Dr. Beccani and Mr. Price as well as all of our students and families uh so that they can be recognized for their wonderful academic achievements. We have so much to be proud of. Dr. Vici, the floor is yours. >> Thank you very much, Dr. Christian uh Colonial uh school board uh and directors and cabinet members and family members. Uh thank you for being um here having us here this evening to highlight just an amazing group of students for their academic accomplishments. I think it's the longest line I think you can see that's wrapping around that we've had so many students to celebrate based upon their academic achievements. Um and we're we're so proud of our students
003and our staff. Um we've had several highlights um to celebrate this fall. It's been an amazing start to the school year at Columb Marsh High School in particular in in terms of student achievement and I'm fortunate to be here to share the terrific news with the members of the school board. Our first group of students is being recognized for their achievements in the National Merit Scholarship Program. We have our commended students who are among the top 34,000 highest scoring students on the PSATs. I'd like to call them forward and congratulate them. Lajvar Peroon, congratulations. [Applause] Palam Patel, [Applause] Ryan Schwarz. [Applause] We have four not in attendance. We have some busy students. We have a trip, orchestra trip, musical to New York. We have student athletes, kids working. Like to recognize Maya Baba who's not
004here, Caleb Cleveland, Mai Hayo, and Nani Saka Nathan who's not here as well. And and recognize them for their achievements. In addition to the commended students, we celebrate the accomplishments of those seniors who achieved the semifinal status in the program. Three of our seniors advanced to this level and joined an elite group of representing less than 1% of US high school seniors. We have three to in attendance this evening. Like to call them forward. We have Madison Lee and Aiden Robinette. And we have a third not present this evening. Like to recognize him, Zachary Halbert. Um, and congratulate all of our students that are that are semi- finalists and wish them luck on the next step with the National Merit Program. So, once again, congratulations [Applause] All right. Next, we'd like to honor students who
005receive the College Board National Recognition Program Award. To receive the recognition award, eligible students must number one score in the top 10% of the PSAT um 10 test takers in high school. um be a state's first generation test taker and or state's rural and small town test taker or earned a three or higher on two AP exams. In addition to that, students must do really well in the classroom uh and average a B+ or above at the time of submission in terms of their cumulative GPA. Many students are recognized to my right, as you can see, and we're so proud to to introduce them. The first one is Austin Alder, school recognition award winner. We have Patrick Aloyoya Ramos, recognition award winner, first generation recognition award winner, too. Congratulations. We have Miriam Alam Alsik, uh,
006a school recognition award winner. Congratulations, Lindy Arnold, recognition award. Eric Babka recognition award. Hollis Becker. Another recognition award winner. Justin Bishoff. Recognition award winner. Robert Blunt, recre one. That's right. Robert's not here. Well, I want to recognize Robert who's not here this evening. I'm unable to make it, but award winner away from the football field. Michael Bongard, come on up. Congratulations, Michael. [Applause] Michael Bonner, who's a first generation recognition winner. Another first generation recognition winner, Ronan Breen. Little shout out, Ron. All right. Melody Bian, a recognition award winner as well. Owen Cababe, another recognition award winner. [Applause] Alexandra Frangiosa, who's a recognition award winner. Congrats, Alexander. Straight from the volleyball court, Grace Hamilton, one of our recognition award winners. Congrats. [Applause] Elijah, her room was already recognized as a national merit, but she's also recognition
007winner. I want to recognize her as well. Congratulations, Lajvoir. [Applause] Faith Jones, first generation recognition award winner. She's not here this evening. Shan Lindsay, first generation recognition award winner and school recognition program winner. Spencer Long, recognition award winner. Congratulations. Lena Lopez, another recognition award winner. Congratulations, [Applause] William McGlaclin. Recognition Award winner. Congratulations, Jameson Malo. 2027 recognition award winner. Max Monttoayor, another recognition award winner. Congratulations, Max. Two hats today as a board rep and award winner. Leo Nasseter, congratulations. Come on up. [Applause] Jasmine Ray, school recognition award winner. Congratulations. [Applause] Nathaniel Rizzo Kim, first generation recognition award winner and school recognition award winner. Congratulations, Jana Sheth, school recognition award winner. Congratulations, Kaylee Stoofer, School Recognition Award winner. Congratulations, Kaylee. Gabrielle Tadikin, school recognition award winner. and getting ready for cross countries tomorrow which could be the
008first time in team history that the cross country team may win a league title 11 o'clock tomorrow right William Werig is also a board rep and school recognition award winner and we have Hassan Yfay as well as the school recognition award winner congratulations [Applause] And we have multiple students who are not um present this evening. There other commitments. We again busy students that are work with extracurriculars, clubs as well as a school trip. Um like to recognize all of them. Um again, we are so proud of the students that are here this evening and one that are not present here this evening. Their willingness to challenge themselves academically. This year, Plymouth White Marsh High School, we have the most students that were enrolled in AP classes as well as scored three or above in AP
009classes in the history of Plymouth White Marsh High School, which is absolutely amazing. Um, just a a credit obviously our our families, our students, as well as our staff. So, congratulations to all of them. Um, we know that they'll continue to impress us with their contributions to the school as well as the community. Um, I'd also like to add uh in addition to this is that our faculty and staff uh a lot of recognition recently um played a role in rankings. Our Philadelphia magazine uh local ranking magazine ranked PW the 15th best high school um in Pennsylvania and suburbs. Um niche.com 25th in the state and um US News World Report uh 24th um which is such a credit obviously to the student staff and the community and the support obviously from Dr. Christian administration
010and and the school board and we're looking forward to um additional uh positives and celebrations as we continue the school year. So, congratulations once again all of our students and thank you to all of our families for being here this evening. Round of applause. All right, so now we have a nice photo. Miss Nil can fit at all of our students here in the front for a nice group photo. Congratulations students. Right. So, first row, second row, third row. Hello. Stay there. We're going to go online. We're going to go live. We're going to go online. before our students leave um and our families. Thank you for coming out this evening. Just a few comments on behalf of the board and the administration. Um what you see here is the product of uh diligence, perseverance,
011hard work. The foundation of any school or school district is based upon student achievement. And while I'm not a graduate of Plymouth White Marsh, I really wish I was because it is there for the taking at Plymouth White Marsh High School and in Colonial School District. 30 plus advanced placement courses, international baloria program, comprehensive special education services, uh a curriculum that is deep and wide with a strong faculty, support staff, families, administration, school board, and most importantly, students. They are our foundation, and we are so proud of their accomplishments. Congratulations to all of our students and congratulations to you as families. And as much as you would love to stay for the board meeting, you are certainly excused. But thank you for coming out this evening. All right. Um to continue with our meeting, this
012is the uh motion to approve minutes as presented in items 4B through 4F. May I have a second, please? Rashida, any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. This is a motion to approve financial reports as presented in items 5B through 5L for September 2025. May I have a second, please? Sharon, any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. This is a motion to approve the September 2025 treasures report. I have a second, please. Rick, any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. And now, is there any public comment this evening on any items on our agenda? All right. Seeing none, I will turn it over to Dr. Christian. >> Thank you, Mrs. Petruno. Superintendent report. Motion to approve items 8 A, B, and C. The superintendent report, personnel report, and extracurricular
013contracts. Board action is requested for the recommended personnel changes. Appointments for promotion, employment or transfer are subject to the presentation of valid credential, employment verification, documentation, and statemandated requirements. >> May I have a second, please? Chris, any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. And now I will turn it over to our student reps. Good evening. >> Good evening. Um, for PW, the Plymouth White Marsh High School Unified Botchi team recently received an invitation from the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania to participate in a botchi event with members of the PHLY Insurance Group. PW celebrates three semi-finalists and seven commended students for National Merit Scholarship Program. The high school orchestra had an immersive experience at a a behind-the-scenes Lincoln Center tour and wicked musical watching in New York today. A staff and student flash mob
014serenated PW's assistant principal Miss King and principal Dr. Bkani who celebrated their birthday yesterday, October 15th. Uh Colonial Middle School uh students started off the year with a variety of activities designed to help them acclimate to the school year, establishing positive routines and learn about uh expectations that help support a positive learning environment. uh open house. Uh parents were afforded an opportunity to meet uh all teachers discussing our schedule, expectations, and goals. Administrators and teachers also spoke to families about our goals to address issues related to hate speech and bias. Uh there was a spirit rally on Friday the 19th. The gym was filled for the spirit rally for each grade level and color teams participated in competitive activities against one another. A big thank you goes out to Mr. Scott for being an awesome
015MC. Colonial spirit was on full display from all students with an additional focus on collective unity and sportsmanship following a no place for hate home room activity. The DVC middle school leadership summit uh is on October 17th or was on October 17th, 2025 when Mr. Leech uh took a a group of students attending the DVC leadership summit with three student leaders from CMS, Tyler Chang, Olivia Lombardo, and Chase McDowen. Students participated with leaders from other schools in the area to discuss different aspects of leadership while also hearing from multiple speakers about connecting and communicating with peers and discovering their passion. Uh and Best Buddies uh on Friday, September 12th, the CMS Best Buddies attended the Phillies game. Everyone had a great time cheering on our team and raising funds for an important cause. For CES,
016CES Trailblazer Day will be on Thursday, October 30th, and PWHs boys basketball will hold night clinics for grades 3 to 7 on October 17th, 24th, and November 7th. For Plymouth Elementary, September 12th was PTO ice cream social with ice cream trucks, Kona Ice, and DJ for families to get to know each other. October 1st through 13th was the Scholastic Book Fair. All students attended during their library classes. Family book fair night was on Wednesday, October 8th. Families had the opportunity to have Kona Ice and shop and purchase books. Third grade has begun chorus and are looking forward to their winter show. Uh Ka Haken Elementary. Uh in October, the third grade students launched the CE morning news that is filmed and shared at morning meetings. Thank you to Mrs. Cample, Miss Mrs. Donovan, and Mrs.
017Gilbert for developing this awesome studentled activity. Our third grade students also went to the Ka Hawaken Community Garden to begin closing the plots. Fire prevention week was held uh the week of October 6. It included a presentation to learn about and reinforce fire safety from the Ka Hawin Fire Department. All students were able to go on a fire truck during recess and a fire drill was also conducted by the Ka Hawin Fire Department. On October 14th, Dustafo's karate will be at Col uh Kraaken Elementary for free grade level workshops. Uh and CE is looking forward to the annual fall parade on October 31st, which will be led by the PWHS marching band and cheerleaders. Thank you to PWHs for keeping this great tradition at CE going. CE staff is looking forward to the second annual
018great inflatable pumpkin race for Ridge Park. On Wednesday, September 10th and 17th, Ridge Park held an open house for all Ridge Park families. It was a huge success. There was an outstanding turnout as parents and guardians were eager to meet their child's teachers and learn about the expectations for the school year. With the support of Action Karate, students could participate in a karate lesson and provide cost-free child care while adults met with teachers. Our students learned about Hispanic culture during Hispanic Heritage Month. They read books and participated in activities during morning meetings. We had our schoolwide No Place for Hate kickoff. On Friday, October 3rd, White Marsh Elementary hosted our annual scarecrow day. Each classroom has the opportunity to choose a theme for their scarecrow and to bring in the accessories that will be used
019for the scarecrow. Classes then built their own scarecrow that is displayed outside of our school for the month of October. There were so many creative ideas and everyone enjoyed being creative. On Wednesday, October 8th and Thursday, October 9th, teachers from Dustafo's Karate held an assembly for individual grade levels to enjoy. During the assembly, students were introduced to how karate can help build help to build some some of the skills that you need to be successful in school. Students enjoyed learning some moves and how to be successful. >> And that's it for today. >> Thank you guys so much. Thank you. >> Uh Sharon, uh this is a motion to approve the policies outlined below on a second read basis. Policy 101 regarding mission statement, vision statement, and shared values, policy 330 regarding overtime, and policy
020702 regarding gifts, grants, and donations. >> May I have a second, please? >> Will, any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you, Rick. >> It's a motion to approve the changes to the policies outlined below on a first read basis. Policy 237, electronic devices, and policy 616, payment of bills. >> May I have a second, please? Chris, any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. Motion to approve the educational service agreements outlined below for the Martin Luther School, the Vanguard School, and New Hope Academy. May I have a second, please? Uh Rashida, any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. >> Motion to approve a settlement and release agreement due to student confidentiality. This agreement was discussed in executive session. >> May I have a second, please? Will. Any questions or comments?
021All in favor? Thank you, Sharon. >> This is a motion to approve the conference requests as outlined below. Um, Plymouth White Marsh High School teachers Rebecca Duffy, Brian Adams, Mary Rems, and Michelle Canning to attend the IBCP workshop, Personal and Professional Skills in St. Petersburg, Florida from November 9th through 12th of this year. >> May I have a second, please? Rick, any questions or comments? These conferences are required for uh the district and public marsh high school to maintain its IB certification program. >> All in favor? >> Great. >> Motion to approve the P PWHs Glamour Gals Club to attend the Glamour Club leadership conference in New York City on November 22nd, 2025. There is no cost to the district. >> May I have a second, please? Rashidita, any questions or comments? All in favor?
022Great. Uh, and now, is there a solicitor's report this evening? >> There is not. >> All right. Thank you. Uh, curriculum, Darren. >> Uh, the curriculum committee of the board met on, uh, this past Monday, October 13th, um, which included a review of the district's text selection process guided by policies 108 and 109. Uh, Mr. helped uh helped outline uh how classroom libraries are developed in alignment with ALA guidelines with input from literacy teams, administrators, and the curriculum department. U Mrs. Burke outlined the district's plans to meet the new web content accessibility guidelines effective April 24th, 2027, which will mandate that all digital content meet new success criteria to improve accessibility for everyone, particularly individuals with disabilities. Mr. Bogley emphasized that all websites, tools, and communications must meet these standards, including vendor provided resources and
023content. A rollout plan is in place, including a um we're going to say WCAG for now. We're figuring out the acronym committee professional learning and an ongoing review of district practices. Um and then we also discussed the conference request that we just approved and um the electronic devices policy uh 237. >> Great. Thank you. uh facilities. Well, >> yes. Uh on October 6, the facilities committee met and uh the main goal is to work on a phase of um the projects that are all about roofing for all the buildings within the district. Um that's going to take the next few years, but uh we want to make sure we put that on everyone's radar. That's it. >> Great. Thank you. Uh Rick, finance Finance Committee met on Monday, October 6. Brief meeting reviewed policy 616.
024Voted for first voted on a first read tonight. The 2627 budget process and an update on the 2526 budget. We are still waiting on the state to agree to a budget and release state funds for the district. So, please encourage your legislators to come to a reasonable conclusion to this stalemate. >> Uh there is no report for human resources this evening. Uh Chris, >> no report. All right. For the tax school, um Mark, anything from the IU? >> No report. >> Thank you, Sharon. Legislative >> re reiterating what Mr. Carpenter said around the budget. Yes, encourage your legislators to um make a move and let's let's make this happen. But also two other things. Uh Children First was there uh with us at our last committee meeting. Um and so we spent some time discussing
025um individual reports um that were given to us from PA schoolworks which was sh schools work which was shared with the board. Uh and so that's in your inbox if you're uh interested in looking into that. Um specifically related to the need for cyber charter reform um tuition based cyber charter reform and basic education funding. Um there's also a summit that's going to be held in Pennsylvania. As we know there is a teacher crisis in Pennsylvania. Um, and so this summit is related to uh Pennsylvania needs teachers uh teaching reimagined. So thinking about the workforce um and what can uh shift and what might change in the future to support our educators who are supporting our students and our communities. >> Great. Thank you. Are there any community reports this evening? >> Anybody? Okay, I'll
026go. So, on uh October 13th, which was this past Monday, um at the regular uh Plymouth Township Council meeting, um the council voted to grant a change of zoning uh to the parcel of land between Plymouth Road and North Gravers Lane. I think everyone knows that that's um planned to be, you know, uh a lot of housing there. So, um we will need to work out a plan for for that. Yeah. Fun stuff. Um, the next thing is >> we're gonna need a bigger boat. >> Yeah, I know, right? Um, yeah. Uh, I'm gonna sandwich this in like a, you know, with the with some fun stuff in between. But, uh, so also tomorrow, actually, not tomorrow, Saturday. Uh, they're going to there's going to be a um fire campfire and hayride at Harriet Brother
027Park um from 7 to 8:30. Uh, that'll be real fun. Bring your kiddos. Uh and then on Monday there will be a zoning hearing board um which will uh be about the um proposed data center changing that zoning from heavy industrial to uh maybe warehouse or or whatever they find. Um so that'll be an interesting one as well just uh so the board knows uh Mr. Digin, Mr. Valley and myself met with the uh new Plymouth Township uh manager and discussed the potential for that vote that just took place to change the zoning for more housing over by Plymouth Elementary, sort of sandwiched between Plymouth Elementary and Ridge Park, probably closer to Plymouth. Um it's our understanding based on that conversation that the earliest we would see actually homes sold would be in 2027. Uh
028so we will uh we really appreciate the township communicating with us uh so that we can plan appropriately. So we won't have it ready for November. Uh but in the springtime uh we'll meet again with Plymouth, talk about the number of houses and factor that into our enrollment projections and what our plan for that would be. So we we'll have a plan ready and we'll be ready to accept students when they get here. But we had we do have a little bit of time. Is there an estimated range of the number of houses? >> I believe it was in the 140 to 160 >> 149 uh town homes, correct? >> And and a lot I mean right now they just got approval to change the zoning so things could change. So we don't want to
029lock in on a number. Um but you know we with our housing starts and our enrollment projections we can calculate at least an estimate of how many students that would uh create K to 12. Um and then we'll take obviously would impact either Plymouth or Ridge Park or both um based upon the the approximate location of the uh of the houses. Um, I do find it kind of amazing that some of the developers just sort of assume where everybody would go and no developer has called us. They ask us where the kids would attend school, but that, you know, we'll deal with that. You know, we we'll be ready to go when when when the time calls. >> And when one more question, sorry. When they talk about new housing, what do you kind of
030average per household like in the K to2? uh depends upon whether it is a um apartment, town home or single family home. Uh so I don't want to uh misspeak uh Chris generally for a town home um depending upon the service that you use it could be like 0.8 to 1.2 2 students per per town home. Um, which I know there's not a point8 of a student. It's an average. Um, single family homes produce a little bit more. And that is off the cuff remark. I'd have to go back and look at the formulas. Uh, but generally speaking, when you're talking about apartments and town homes, they're starter homes for for folks. So, by the time a second or third child arrives, those families often look for a single family home uh with more space.
031So, >> thank you. Uh that's a general very very general rule of thumb. So it could produce 40 50 60 students but you know that's that's just an a general estimate. >> Yep. >> Just regarding also um update Haken is having their Halloween parade um this Saturday from 4 to 6 at Marywood Park if anyone's interested. >> And I think Rick had something. White Marsh Township has a busy fall full of Halloween activities including uh hay rides and uh other trunk or treat events. They're all on the white marshtwp.org website. You can find them there uh and going straight through the fall or straight through the winter where there will be a holiday lights competition as well. >> I just want to give a um shout out for the Halloween parade down at Kanak Elementary.
032If you get a chance on the 31st to go down there, it is a really cool event to see the marching band leading all these kids um around the building and and uh they have a little um a little demonstration after the parade where the band plays some things and they talk to the kids about the different instruments and it's it's a really really fun day. And also the Ka Haken the kids that at the high school that went to Ka Haken, it's always nice for them to go back and visit their uh sending schools. So, just put it out there if you have a chance in the morning to uh to kind of walk by. >> I've been there several times and I would agree. It's a great event. >> All right. Anything else
033from any of the townships? All right, Jeremy. Foundation. Great foundation day. >> Yeah. Thank you to everybody who came out uh two Sundays ago for foundation day. It was a very successful day. um hope to have some um you know financial results at some point and just encourage everybody as they consider their year-end planning to think about the foundation. Again, all um money contributed to the foundation goes back to students and programs um that are part of Colonial. >> Great. Thank you. Um, attached to this evening's agenda for your information is the school activity accounts for CMS and PW, the athletic activity accounts for CMS and PW, uh, building report, curriculum report, and a technology report. And now, are there any public comments this evening? Any other board comments this evening? >> Just quick one.
034Congratulations to all the fall sports teams that have wrapped up their seasons. Good luck to those going off to postseason tournaments. Um, and just really excited this year. I think a lot more teams have been doing community days with the youth and seen a couple of those, you know, as I went on Monday in the pouring rain was still packed. So, it's really fun to see uh just the different levels and joking that I'm like, I can get you that kid that varsity uh kids autograph. Right. Anything else this evening? All right. Seeing none, this meeting's adjourned. Thank you so much.