PENNSBURY SCHOOL BOARD ACTION MEETING MAY 21, 2026

001I'm calling to order the May 21st, 2026 meeting of the Pensbury School Board. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance and the singing of the national anthem by Pensbury High School junior Sasha Cheeseman. United States for it stands nation under God indivisible. Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light, what so proudly wield had the twilight last gleaming, whose broad stripes and bright stars the The perilous fight where the lands we warped were so gallently streaming and the rock. The bombs bursting gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangled better yet. For the land of the FREE and the home of the brave. Memorial Day. >> Thank you. >> Miss Garing, will you please do the roll call. >> Miss Arens, >> present. >>

002Mr. Boyce, >> here. >> Dr. Delwitch, >> present. >> Mrs. Lamming >> here. Mr. Marsh >> here. >> Mrs. Powski >> here. >> Dr. Steer >> here. >> Mr. Taylor >> here. >> Mr. Waldorf >> present. >> Miss Konabati >> present. >> Miss Gaffne >> here. >> Okay. All present. Thank you. Before we begin, I ask you to please join me in a mindful minute similar to the mindful minutes that our students experience at the start of their school days. Find a comfortable position with both feet resting flat on the floor if possible. Become aware of your spine. Without changing anything, simply notice if it is stacked tall or are you rounded forward, curving your low back behind you. Now bring your awareness to your shoulders. On your next inhale, allow your shoulders to rise

003toward the ears. And on your exhale, feel the shoulders release down and back. Bring your awareness back to your spine. Has there been a change? If so, how does it feel? Directing our attention to a physical sensation, to our breath, or to one of our senses can be a powerful way to remain present in any moment. This can be a useful tool as we move through the challenges of everyday life. So, thank you for participating and trying something new. To begin, I'd like to take a moment to set everyone's expectations for our board meetings. Our action meetings are broken into three sections. First is the welcome, recognitions, and reports, followed by public comment. This is the time in which you, the public, have five minutes each to address the board directly for up to 90

004minutes. After public comment is concluded, the business portion of the meeting follows. This is the board's time to discuss in the open the issues affecting the district and to take official action on agenda items. The board needs to be able to conduct district business during this period. Everyone in attendance needs to be able to hear what is happening. If members of the public have opinions or questions, please do not call out or disrupt the meeting. You can submit your opinions or questions to the board by email, letter, or by attending a future meeting. Anyone who disrupts the meeting may be required to leave. So, thank you um for your help in making this a productive, safe, and informative meeting. Uh this evening we have our recognition of our retirees and of the first graduates of

005our grow your own pro program as well as the new inducted class. Um and I'd also like to highlight a couple of important agenda items. We have the approval of the um advertisement of the proposed final budget and the approval of the Bucks County Technical High School budget for next year. Since our last action meeting, the board met in executive session this evening to discuss the following matters. A potential litigation matter related to an individual student's rights. Potential discipline of a professional employee and a non-professional employee. A potential litigation matter related to a personnel matter. And the potential hiring of an administrator. We will now recognize our retirees. Dr. Smith. >> All righty. Sorry. All righty. Um, so this early this evening, we had a reception for our retirees of uh for this year. Um,

006and I would really just like to say again, thank you um to all of you for your commitment to Pensbury. The folks that are on these slides, the next two slides, actually the next three three slides, represent over a,000 years of service to the Pensbury School District community. I would just like to personally thank all of you for everything you've done for the students um in our school district and the support staff members who are retiring at the end of this year. If you could please rise and be recognized by the audience. Thank you. Thank you. And before I go on to the the professional staff, I would just like to acknowledge Terresa Mangone, who 54 years of service to the Pensbury School District. So, we started another tradition a couple of years ago where

007we give pins for folks who reach milestones. Terres was our first one that we gave a 50-year pin to, and I was just about to order a 55-year pin because I I thought we were going to do it. Um, but >> my husband's trying to resend my That's we'll take you. Um, so again, thank you to everyone for everything you've done. Just by the way, Teresa, you also went to Pensbury, >> so you've spent your entire life on my my first graduating class. >> There you go. Awesome. Thank you. Thank you all for your commitment uh to Pensbury. Next up is our classified staff members. If you could please stand. One of the folks was telling me they counted up all the students they've come across in their career and they've touched over a thousand

008lives during their time in Pensbury. So again, you think about your impact. Thank you for everything you do. Next up is a big year on the administrative ranks. We have four principles who are retiring at the end of this school year. Um, if you could please, well, you're already standing uh in the back, but if you could just wave and be recognized. Thank you for your service and thank you for your commitment to Pensbury. I think Rich and Joe both your entire careers have been in Pensbury, correct? >> Yeah, it's very good. So, thank you to everything. >> When you did the teachers, you didn't say certified. You said class. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I said I'm sorry. The teachers were um or certificated uh staff members. Uh the teachers are known as that. So,

009I apologize for any uh confusion. I said classified twice. Um all right. So, uh, those folks, you are more than welcome to stay for the budget presentation taking place later this evening. Um, but we want to give you a second to if you, um, would like to get some more cake. Um, and thank you everyone for your commitment to Pensbury. >> Wait a minute, >> LINDA. OKAY. Thank you. I would I would just like to read something in honor of a close friend. It has been my pleasure and honor to know Reggie Meadows throughout his Pensbury career. His departure marks the end of a distinguished leadership journey here in the school district. I was privileged to be on the board to support him when he first started as a high school social studies teacher in

0102003, then to appoint him as a PHS administrator in 2008, and ultimately I supported him to be the Penn High School campus principal in 2021. I HAVE ALWAYS ADMIRED REGGIE'S confident presence, his calm and steady manner, and unwavering dedication to this school district. His tireless work behind the scenes on the new high school is also noteworthy. Together, Reggie and I and others toured many high schools in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and even Texas. His insights were instrumental in helping us recognize and compare innovations in education and safe school environments leading to what would be possible for Pennerry. Thank you Reggie for your kind and considerate outlook, your inspiring hard work on behalf of the school community and especially for the sincere your sincere friendship. You have left your mark on Pensbury and our new high school

011will reflect reflect your dedication. We will all miss you. Next up, special recognition to our first year recognizing the graduates of our grow your own program. Uh, this is an innovative program that the board supported that allows current staff members to finish their college degrees in education so they can come back and hopefully work in Pensbury. So, Dr. Dr. Gibson, did you want to acknowledge uh the program a little bit and then we're going to ask those folks to rise? >> Yes, please. Um, so very proud to celebrate uh the program completion of 11 staff members who are graduating with teaching certifications and special education at the end of this school year. We have two pathways. Through uh apprenticeship program, staff members with an associates degree can pursue a bachelor's degree in teaching certification. and

012through a internship or one-year program, staff who already hold a bachelor's are able to take coursework to earn a teaching certification. So, um I'm proud to say that of our 11 graduates, uh five of them have already gone through a rigorous interview process and earned jobs for the new school year. So, that's something to be really proud of. Um so, if our Grow Your Own uh class of 2026 graduates could please stand and be recognized. And um last but certainly not least, we are equally proud to welcome five new participants in our teacher apprenticeship and internship program. Um, we really believe by investing in our employees, we are strengthening our own teacher pipeline and certainly ensuring Pensbury students continue to have highly qualified teachers that are dedicated to their success. So, could our new cohort

013of participants in the new school year please stand to be recognized? For those folks just entering the system, I do have a about 10 50year pins uh for anybody who's going to stick around for that that I I had to buy them in bulk. >> Um and I would be remiss if I didn't first thank the board um for the support of this program because we are offering a tuition subsidy for these folks. it's really an investment in the future of our district, but also um a number of the principles that are here tonight um that have served as mentors and the teachers that have served as mentors in order for this program to be successful in our schools. So, thank you all. Uh it is really a team effort to make this come true.

014Okay. Next, we recognize the Lyft Character Awardees. Mr. Sanderson, Mr. and Mrs. Kajatori, could you please come forward to the table to present this month's awards? >> Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Steer. Tonight, we are recognizing this month's character asset, leadership. The students with leadership, students with leadership demonstrate initiative and motivate others to action. They listen and are supportive of other students, making decisions together when possible. The students accept responsibility and maintain a positive attitude which inspires others. They lead by example. but do not act alone. They lead the charge in organizing events or advocating for changes. We will also be awarding a student from last month who is being recognized for the character asset of integrity. Students with integrity act on their convictions and stand up for their beliefs. They talk openly about what

015they believe in and value. They they talk to talk and walk to walk. The students demonstrate a willingness to thoughtfully express and act upon what they believe to be right in the face of pure pressure. They are internally motivated to do what is right despite personal cost. Each nomination we received highlights a student who exemplifies these traits on a daily basis. I would like to thank the principles and staff members who took the time to nominate a student this month. Now I will pass things over to Mr. and Mrs. Catchi. Thank you Mr. Sanderson. Um I'd like to invite our lift winners to please stand up and join us here at the table. If you could face the audience face the audience so your families can see you. >> Thank you. First, we would like

016to recognize a winner from last month for the character trait integrity. Leah Papadera is a fourth grade student at Penn Valley Elementary School and was nominated by Jennifer Clatch, Lauren Dmitri, Jenna Peters, and Terry Sherman. Leah cons consistently demonstrates integrity by doing the right thing across all fourth grade classrooms and settings setting a strong example for her peers. She is patient, responsible, proactive, often recognizing problems and finding solutions that benefit everyone. For example, she created a system to collect and redistribute misplaced pencils, encouraging her classmates respon u responsibility as well. Aaliyah is also thoughtful and inclusive, ensuring all students feel welcome, supported, and celebrated during activities and discussions. She shows respect for others by listening carefully, sharing ideas politely, and maintaining a positive attitude even when facing challenges or setbacks. Leah's kindness and leadership and

017commitment to do what is right makes her an outstanding role model for her classmates. Congratulations, LEAH. NOW WE WILL MOVE on to our winners for this month for the character trait of leadership. Leall Phillips is a fourth grade student. >> Fourth l I'm sorry. >> THANK YOU. LI LYALL PHILLIPS IS a fourth grade stu student at Fallsington Elementary School and was nominated by Jessica Po, Shelley Millie, Megan Mix, Sher Cahoun, Terry Sherman, Christine Cahill, and Vinnie Depala. They share that Lyall consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership, kindness, and responsibility both inside and outside the classroom. His teachers describe him as n a natural quiet leader who encourages others, keeps classmates focused, included, and consistently models positive behavior. As a reading Olympics captain and student council secretary Lyall showed dedication, initiative, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm while motivating and supporting

018his peers. He is respected by his classmates for his willingness to help others, offer advice and ensure everyone's every voice is heard during group activities and projects. L also makes takes pride in his work, actively participates in extracurricular activities and sports and contributes to the school community through volunteering and teamwork. His strong character, integrity, and commitment to continuous improvement makes him an outstanding role model and truly deserving recipient of leadership recognition. Congratulations, LYALL. NEXT, we recognize Jack Walsh, a fifth grade student at Quarry Hill Elementary School, who was nominated by Kim Walter, Craig Vandermark, and Rich Reeb. They shared that Jack consistently demonstrates outstanding leadership, responsibility, and kindness both inside and outside the classroom. Whether helping clean the classroom at the end of the day, supporting younger students through Quarry Hills Pause Patrol program, or

019encouraging classmates during gym and recess, he leads by example and motivates others to follow his positive actions. His peers look up to him as a role model role role model because of his respectful attitude, teamwork, and willingness to help others without being asked. Jack consistently demonstrates integrity by mediating conflicts, encouraging classmates who may be struggling, and fostering a positive environment wherever he goes. His leadership extends beyond school as well with coaches and teammates, recognizing the strong example he sets on the baseball field through his sportsmanship and character. Jack truly embodies the value of respect, responsibility, cooperation, and kindness, making a meaningful impact on the entire Quarry Hill community. Congratulations, JACK. NEXT, we recognize Maddie Bannon, an eighth grade student at Charles Bame Middle School, who was nominated by Heather Bane, Deborah Diamond, and Tom Ruther.

020They shared that Maddie is an exceptional leader whose dedication to serving others and strengthening her school community makes her highly deserving of this leadership award. As a student council officer in both seventh and eighth grade, she has demonstrated remarkable commitment, integrity, and followthrough while leading with kindness, inclusion, and quiet confidence. In the classroom, Maddie consistently supports her peers by patiently helping classmates with challenging work, encouraging collaboration, and maintaining a focused and respectful learning environment. She's equally dedicated to her own success, approaching learning with determination, thoughtful participation, and a strong work ethic. Whether working independently or in groups, Maddie naturally steps into leadership roles by organizing tasks, motivating others, and guiding her peers towards success. on the track team. She further exemplifies leadership through her perseverance, sportsmanship, and encouragement of teammates, helping create a positive and

021unified team atmosphere. Congratulations, MADDIE. FINALLY, we recognize Veronica Krook, a senior at Pensbury High School who was nominated by Lena Blanchett. She shared that Veronica has demonstrated outstanding leadership as president of Compassion Kitchen through her organization, dedication, and commitment to serving others. She has successfully coordinated club activities throughout the year by managing weekly operations, overseeing communication, and working alongside students to ensure meetings and events run smoothly. Veronica's leadership was especially evident in planning the senior citizens breakfast where she helped organize an event for more than 120 seniors by securing donations, coordinating raffle prizes, and creating a welcoming meaningful experience for the community. She also led and supported multiple fundraising efforts for children with cancer and the senior citizens breakfast, helping bake goods, organized events, and partner with local businesses to gather supplies and donations. In

022addition to her service work, Veronica has promoted cultural understanding and inclusion by sharing traditional Ukrainian treats and helping organize multicultural food activities that celebrate the diversity of the school community. Her kindness, positivity, and compassion have made a lasting impact on Compassion Kitchen and the entire school community, and her leadership will be greatly missed as she graduates this year with the class of 2026. Congratulations, VERONICA. All right, let's give one more round of applause for all of our Pens Lift Character Award winners. >> Thank you. You can return to your seats. Before we move on to reports, um I would like to thank Miss Konabati for her contributions to the board over the last two years. Thank you. The student perspect the student perspective is invaluable and you did a wonderful job. Um Miss Mrs. Laming,

023would you please the please read the resolution recognizing Mrs. Kabati into the record? >> I'd be honored to. Whereas Nivei Kanabati, a senior at Pensbury High School, has completed a two-year term as student representative to the Pensberry School Board. And whereas she diligently served the Pensberry School District from September 2024 to May 2026. And whereas she represented the interests of the students of Pensbury High School, placing them above her own personal convenience. And whereas she challenged herself throughout her career at Pensbury High School by taking AP courses. And whereas she received full honors as a member of the Pensbury National Honors Society, National Spanish Honors Society, and as an academic all-American for the National Speech and Debate Association. And whereas she was named an AP scholar with distinction and a PSAT commended scholar. And whereas

024she participated in various activities while at Pennsbury High School, including overall captain of the speech and debate team, concert master of the symphonic orchestra, president of the music and memory club, president of the animal awareness club, vice president of the key club, and midfielder on Penny Field hockey. and whereas she also participated in the comprehensive planning committee, the menstrual health equity conference and on the principal superintendent advisory committee in addition to being a teacher and support staff convocation speaker and whereas she served her community as a Penn Middle School orchestra volunteer helping guide middle school violin students through the audition process for the Penny High School orchestra and she volunteered with the soo at Drexel University. Ivan supporting underserved communities by providing over 200 patients with access to eye care and Spanish translation resources. And

025whereas she has accepted an offer of admission to Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, pursuing a double major in political science and history on the pre-law track. And whereas members of the Penny Board of School Directors and all the Penny community they serve wish to acknowledge her contributions and commend her devoted service. Now therefore be it resolved oh that the Pensbury Board of School Directors hereby commends and thanks Nibanati. Congratulations. Thank you so much. Thank you, Nivi. As we say goodbye to Miss Kabati, we in turn welcome Miss Shapiro as next year's junior class representative to the school board. Miss Lamming, would you please read the resolution welcoming Miss Shapiro into the record? Of course, I'd be honored to. Whereas Abigail Shapiro, a rising junior at Pensbury High School, will enter a two-year term as

026student representative to the Pensbury School Board. And whereas she has satisfactorily completed the application process for student representative. And whereas she is recognized as an honoral student challenging herself with honors and AP courses. And whereas she is involved in various activities at Pensbury High School, including choir, drama, keep the peace, student council, and whereas she has extended her involvement into other areas of the district, including serving as a student representative of the PHS World Language Department, helping bridge the department and incoming students and families, and the establishment of the Golden Connections Club, a studentled organization focused on supporting and connecting with elderly community members, and the appointment to a select group of students to help support schoolwide positive behaviors at the elementary level. And whereas members of the Pensbury Board of School Directors and all

027Penny communities they serve wish to acknowledge and welcome Abigail Shapiro as a junior student representative. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Pensbury Board of School Directors hereby officially recognizes Abigail Shapiro as student as junior board representative. Now we'll move on to our monthly reports and we'll begin by hearing from the student representatives of Paulington Elementary School. Would you please come forward to the table and share the exciting things that are happening in your school? Dr. Smith, if you could wait till the students start speaking until we go play on the video. Thank you. >> No, no, sir. Good evening, school board directors, members of the district of district administration, and members of the Pensbury community. I am Vinnie Depalo, the proud principal here at Fington Elementary. We are so proud of all the students

028at Fington Elementary from for the entire time that they are in the school district from the time they start at Fallsington Elementary and from the time that they come back and rejoin us for their senior clapouts in just a few weeks. Falls Elementary. Um, and sorry about that. in just two weeks. I would like to thank Mrs. Cahill, our school counselor, for preparing tonight's presentation. And here with me tonight are four of our Falls Tigers to share with you a little bit about Falls. >> Good evening. My name is Olivia and I'm a fifth grade student at Fington Elementary School. We would like to thank Dr. Smith, the school board directors, and everyone in attendance for your time this evening. We are so excited to have this opportunity to talk to you about our amazing

029school. As we say at Fingington, it's a great day to be a Tiger. I will now turn it over to my fellow presenters to introduce themselves. Hello, my name is Paxton. I'm currently a fifth grade student and have attended Fington since kindergarten. Hello, my name is Harper. I'm in Miss Conir's fifth grade class and I have attended Fington since first grade. Hi, my name is Mac. I'm in fifth grade and I'm proud of being a Fington Tiger since kindergarten. We love so many things about our school. Tonight, we will be just highlighting a few things out of the many that we think make Fington such a truly special place. We will be sharing with information with you about Fington Paul Pride program, our family funfest, and we'll each share our our favorite fallington memory. First,

030we'd like to tell you about our schoolwide positive behavioral interventions and supports program, our Paul Pride program. Our Paul Pride program centers around our core beliefs. Put safety first. All people deserve respect and we are a responsible community. Our Paul Pride program helps to make sure that Fington is a safe and supportive school for all students. Every year, our Paul Pride program gets evaluated with a tool called the tiered fidelity inventory. It's like a report card for Fington. Our tier 1 and tier 2 programs received high marks and we are proud to have started a tier three program this year. Each year we continue to build upon our Paw Pride program and we are proud of the growth that we've made. We'd also like to share about our Falls Family Funfest. The Funfest is organized

031by the Fallsington belt team. We had our we held our third annual funfest on April 28th. The goal of the night is to strengthen the sense of belonging and community among our students, staff, and families. The event is completely free, so all of our families can take part in the fun. >> The family funfest is an opportunity for families, staff, and students to come together and make memories while they play games, participate in activities, and enter raffles. Community partners and vendors attend as well to provide information about their programs. It's a fun-filled night for our entire school community. To conclude our presentation, we'd each like to share our favorite thing about our time at Fington. My favorite thing about Fington is the students. The students here at Bington treat each other with kindness and respect

032every day. We include others, help each other when someone is having a hard time, and make sure everyone feels like they belong. This school feels like a community where everybody cares about one another. >> My favorite fallington tradition is our annual field day. Mr. Bay and Mrs. Little, our physical education teachers, plan so many fun events. I love getting outside and being active. I love the Falls Turkey Bowl. I was so excited to take part in it this year as a fifth grader. I got to be in the cheer squad and this is the first year ever that the students had with the teachers. My favorite thing about Fington is the teachers. They care about us and they make school fun. Miss Coner, my fifth grade teacher, is the best teacher ever. We hope you

033have enjoyed learning a little bit more about Falls. We appreciate all that you do to support our school. On behalf of the entire Fington community, thank you. >> Thank you. You did an awesome job and it sounds like Fallsington is a great place to be. Miss Gaffne, do you have a report? >> Yes. Thank you, Dr. Steer. Good evening, everyone. I hope you are all doing well. I do have a few things I'd like to discuss from the past month that I'd love to share with you all. On April 23rd, almost 200 students, including myself, were inducted into the National Honor Society for demonstrating character, leadership, scholarship, and service. The candle lighting ceremony led by the NHS officers and advisers symbolized the passing of wisdom and the pledge to uphold the society's ideals. Congratulations to

034all of our new members. Also during that week, the National Art Honor Society hosted their first Paint Your Pets portrait night. The event brought together family and friends for a fun and creative evening where NAHHS members guided participants step by step in creating their own pet paintings. I did hear it was a very successful night. So, congratulations to everyone that was involved. Pensbury once again received the best communities for be u music education designation from the NAMM Foundation. This award recognizes districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to students. We are proud to have earned this recognition for the 21st time now. So, congratulations and thank you to all of our music educators. On April 29th, the Pensbury Choir Department held its 18th annual Big Sing at Princeton University Chapel. The

035performance featured the Middle School Honors Choir, PHS Singers, PHS Varsity Singers, PHS PHS Bella Voss, PHS Chamber Choir, and the PHS Concert Choir. Congratulations to all the students. They had an amazing performance. From April 22nd to the 25th, three of our high school instrumentalists were selected to participate in the 2026 PMA Allstate Festival, which brings together some of the top high school musicians across Pennsylvania. Congratulations to them on this incredible accomplishment and their performance. At PHS East Gym, we held our 71st annual Pensbury School District art show. Students from all grade levels transformed the gym into an amazing gallery filled with the incredible work artwork. One highlight of the evening was the NHS doodle booth where members created um charact caricatures of attendees. Congratulations to all the talented students who had artwork featured. This month

036I created the May sentiment student sentiment form which focused on Keystone testing. Out of 161 responses, about 89% of students said that their overall experience with testing felt either neutral or positive. And 73% said that they the testing experience felt either more positive or the same as previous years. Students also responded positively to the overall formatting of testing days and most students reported being able to complete most if not all of their assigned work. Overall, students had a general positive experience with Keystone testing this year. And before I conclude my report for the evening, I would like to acknowledge Nivei for her amazing time serving on the school board. I think we can all agree that she has done an incredible job in this role and we are all excited to see what the future

037holds for you. And I know it is sad to see Nebie go, but I'm also excited to welcome the new junior representative, Abby. We are all excited to have you here and I personally can't wait to begin next year's term with you. This does now conclude my report for the evening. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask. If not, thank you so much and I hope you all have a great night. Um, seeing no questions, um, Miss Konabati, do you have a report? >> Of course, the final report. Yes. Good evening. I hope that you're all doing well. For a quick report, Pensbury Spring Sports are closing out the year strong with great showings at end of year tournaments. Additionally, all the Pensbury music ensembles had successful performances and our debate team

038is leaving for nationals tomorrow. We can also look forward to a number of awards ceremonies celebrating the accomplishments of all our members of our high school community. With all these events, it's a signal our year is really coming to an end. Prom is coming up next weekend and our school's prom committee is working tirelessly to ensure the best prom in America lives up to its name. We can't wait to see the road trip across America as groups work day in and out perfecting their backdrops, creating name signs, and putting together the perfect floats. With all this excitement ahead, we're even more excited to find out who this year's performer is. A few weeks after prom is graduation on June 15th. With some of us enjoying the last few weeks of being high school students and

039others getting ready to move on to the next stage in high school, the time rolls around where everyone is left with time to reflect on the year that's passed. For us seniors, even time to reflect on these last four years. This can look different for all of us, but comes with its own meaning and excitement for what is next to come. As per a personal reflection, I would like to thank this board for giving me this amazing opportunity to serve the student body. Looking back on the role that I was pleasantly surprised with my sophomore year, I'm proud to have served in this position and appreciate how it challenged my own perspectives in this environment I've grown in since my young days at Quarry Hill. Yes, this role can be stressful and at times even

040frustrating, but more so than anything else, it's been a rewarding and honest way to interact with my community. My growth as an individual and as a member of our broader school community would not have been the same without this role, and I'd like to thank everyone, especially Principal Meadows and Dr. Smith, who have given me so much guidance and support over these years. With this all being said, I'm proud to acknowledge who I'm joined by as the new junior and senior representative to the school board, Miss Jacqueline Gaffne and Miss Abigail Shapiro. For Jacqueline, I've come to know her as a woman of many trades and beyond all a truly diligent worker. We share our love for music and we've both been de benefited so deeply by Pensbury instrumental music, which of course we never

041fail to shout out, and this board as well. Through my time shared with Jacqueline, I can say with full confidence that she'll carry the voices of our student body honestly and with grace. Her report today was just a taste of the great work I know she'll continue to do. Additionally, I'd like to recognize Abigail Shapiro as the new junior rep to the board. Though I just met her a couple minutes ago, I can already say she'll fulfill the role of junior rep soulfully, and I can't wait to see what she brings in her new role. Congrats to both of these amazing representatives and best of luck in this next year. As I close out my last report, I'd like to more generally extend a sincere thank you to everyone on this board and everyone that

042helped me over the last couple of years. My journey at Pensbury would not have been the same without my experience here and for that I am deeply grateful for the opportunity. That includes my that concludes my final report. I'm open to any questions one last time and I wish you all a safe night. Thank you. >> Thank you. You've done a fabulous job and we w are sorry to see you go, but we know that you're going to do great things. >> Thank you so much. Uh, Dr. Delich, do you have the Bucks County Technical High School joint? >> I'm sorry, I skipped Dr. Smith. >> I have the budget presentation. >> I know we want to pass over it, but um, all right. Um, so this evening, you've seen these areas of focus before.

043We are actually renewing these for next year. You'll see a new group under these five areas of focus. But tonight we're going to focus particularly on uh finance and facilities um and presenting our proposed final budget for the 202627 school year. Um so just some fast facts, you've seen this before um our enrollment, our daily students transported, our teachers, number of administrators and school buildings. Um things that make Penn unique as we try to build a budget is our traditions, our neighborhood elementary schools, our class sizes. We have vast programs and opportunities for student success. We have programs that significantly exceed the state minimums and we have a highly experienced teaching staff. Things that are we're very proud. So, as we go through um our budget process, we reflect each year and look about how

044do we measure improvement year-over-year. Um so, we offer a challenging consistent curriculum. We have opportunities for all of our students regardless of their post high school pathways. Um, we have something we do each December is we meet with students who recently graduated, talked about how the Pensbury High School prepared them for life without us. Um, we look at college acceptances. We look at the number and quality of our co-curricular activities, SAT and ACT scores, the number of advanced placement offerings, the numbers of students enrolled, and you'll hear in the future um, some reports on that, but we've done a lot of work there and have significant increases in that. We look at the PSSA scores um our inside the district or intrad district performance um and ultimately the surveys and community feedback which we receive.

045Um so as a taxpayer your return on your investment um if you go by the rankings we have an A uh rating from niche.com uh regarding our academics arts and music programs we continually win awards regarding the quality of our programs. Our athletic programs have a rating from uh an A rating from Niche, but also, you know, just um yesterday, both baseball and softball qualified for uh the next step in the playoffs. So, we're pretty excited about that. Um and our business and operations office, purchasing, transportation, and facilities um departments have all been recognized by Pasbo and ASBO International. That's the Pens um Pensbury Pennsylvania Association of School Business Administrators. uh for their work. Um, additionally for return on your investments, we have 88 um competitive teams with four newly added programs over the last

046couple of years, over a 100 extracurricular and co-curricular activities. Um, we have developed a long-term planning to address our essential facility needs. Um, and as I mentioned, we are consistently ranked high um, regardless of your the rating metric. um top tier rankings in US News, Newsweek um and niche with that. So, now getting to the nuts and bolts, how do we build a budget? We review our existing programs and staffing. We allocate dollars for fixed increases. It's no secret that almost 80% of our budget is salary and benefits. We are a human resources business. We allocate those dollars for those fixed increases. We complete a line by line budget review of our curricular initiatives. um what we can afford, what we can postpone um and we have to plan for long-term um care of our

047buildings and uh building maintenance. So, here is a breakdown of the proposed budget. You'll see our proposed um total estimated expenditures and other financing is $278,438,550. Um with that, um these numbers are pretty small, but if you're interested in it, you can catch this from our website. Um this is a breakdown of our proposed final budget, um instruction, support services, and I'll give you a little bit more oversight that in a in a couple slides. The final budget summary, you'll see the the general budget, the revenue expenses changes, and the general fund budget, and the percent change in those areas. Again, I'm going to break those down for you um in a second. So, the proposed final budget is million 956,225. Um and the proposed you'll see the breakdown of the estimated revenue from this

048is 200 the revenue for our budget is $273,956 22 $225. So, the uh proposed budget, now we're going to talk about the estimated revenue and other financing sources. That comes out to revenue from our local sources is 22,25,763. Um, additional revenues coming from other sources is another 65,39,541. So, breaking this down so you can see it, the total revenues um are going up to the t the act one uh increase is 273,956,225. Our expenditures exceed that by um 278,438,550. So, we make up that difference by utilizing a fund balance that's money left over from uh previous budgets of $4.4 4 million um and using uh we're beginning to move forward with our debt service um for the new high school project which I will show you in a second. Um so one thing you'll know

049is that in terms of salary and benefits, we operate within our means. We know that 80% of our salary um 80% of our budget is salary and benefits. We see a 2.3 3.1% increase year-over-year. Um, so that is obviously below the act one index. So 80% of our budget is about uh going up about 2.3%. It's really the other items in the budget that things that are hard to control for us um because they're kind of many of them are outside of our control um that are causing the budget to increase uh largely. So you'll see here special education is up by 6.23%. um debt service, which we planned for, we knew was coming, is up. This is the the debt service that we will um increase to pay for the new high school project.

050On the your um agenda this evening is authorizing uh the first of the big bonds that will be floated to pay for the high school 100 up to $15 million. You'll be asked to authorize for that, but planning for that in next year's budget, we'll see that increased. Um, again, this has been planned for since the project started. Um, another area that we're seeing an increase is specialized transportation. That's for our students with our most complex needs. That's up 37% uh year-over-year. Um, we're looking at all these areas that are increasing. We're looking to do cost savings uh working with our our groups to see how we can better um address these year-over-year increases. Bucks County Technical High School, again, you have this budget um up for approval this evening. That's an increase of over

0514.1%. Um, and that is again over the act one index. Charter schools, we haven't gotten the final bill yet. Um, but we are at least $6.7 million for that. We're expecting an increase um that will come through on that one. Um, this is an area I will say just as a quick aside that we have developed um, Dr. Richie has developed a um for the last couple of years a um the cyber academy at Princeton at cap Princeton at Pennsbury um the cyber academy at Pensbury um which actually has been saving us year-over-year about $ 1.5 million um so again we'll be looking to capitalize on a lot of those um decisions and bringing things inhouse. Something I think we're all feeling at the pump um is the the cost of gas, electricity, fuel. Um

052we're seeing uh we're budgeting a 27% increase for that year-over-year. Um tech is one of our big another one of our big budget drivers, but they're coming in under the act one index at 2.99% year-over-year. That is even with the purchase of um our new devices um which again we have anticipated and we planned for. Um, so as we go through this and we're looking at some challenges going forward, it's no secret we're not unique here in Pensbury. Many districts across the country and the county are experiencing similar um but we are trying to do this thoughtfully and um working with our groups and associations um for when people retire um looking at taking those reductions through attrition. um not moving forward with uh positions that are not needed, but also looking at when folks

053vacate a position, do we need to replace that? Same with administrative positions. Um looking at um attrition as folks leave the positions, um rehiring those and if we necessarily need to to rehire those. um reduction looking at uh innovative ways to reduce substitute costs and also the number of educational leaves that take place um in the district and hours and overtime. This is an area we've seen uh pretty large growth over the last couple of years is really looking at our overtime and summer hours that are taking place. Um so you'll hear more about that as we go forward. Um but just so you know that we are going through literally every line item um to find additional savings. So in the the um next steps this was the preliminary budget uh proposal. The final

054budget proposal will take place in June. Um, I would like to just acknowledge for the folks I'm presenting tonight. But, uh, Gan has been involved in this, is acting business administrator, uh, Kimberly Steffy, who's not even an official PO employee yet, has been, uh, supporting our work along with Bob Reinhardt and Chris Lionetti, um, from EDM, have gotten us to this point in working through the budget. So, I'd like to thank them all for that. And we, um, will come back next month with further detail regarding our budget. uh as I um happy to take any uh budget related questions. I'll take a pause there and then I'll take a step um to really round out my uh presentation and talk a little bit about the high school project. And just so folks are wonder

055um the budget was also presented at the finance committee meeting uh last week and there were a lot of conversations and a lot of discussions. So if you want um you know to to learn about what was discussed there uh that's that recording is available on our website. >> Um so the questions are from the board. The public will have an opportunity to um have public comment after the reports. Um would you like to continue? >> Yes. All righty. So um the high school project is happening. So the bids back in March were approved by the board. May we slate as construction starts. It has actually started. We are one week into um the start of construction. You've seen some work around the high school project. Um some trees that were taken down and that

056are necessary as part of that. Fencing is going up. A lot of materials are being delivered. Um as we speak, I know that there's uh work being done. uh it was being done as uh late as this afternoon in terms of uh completing the fence and they're planning on delivering really the heavy equipment um and some of the work beginning next week. Um we do have representatives from uh Site Logic and from BSI, our contractors. I don't know if you want to weigh in, but I I would invite you up to the to front at this time. Thank you very much for being here. If you could just uh introduce yourselves for the um for the group and just um again I just want to thank you for your support and work. We are one

057week into this project. Um we had a little bit of a snag at the beginning but I think everybody rallied and uh work to address it quickly. Um and I just want you to um have your opportunity just to jump in. >> Sure thing. Good evening everyone. Katie Heatherington Comfort. I'm the uh senior director of business development at Site Logic. Uh apologies uh James Dalitino from our team could not be here this evening. He's away with family. So I'm representing Site Logic and we appreciate the opportunity to come talk about the project and take feedback and have an open dialogue. >> And my name is Anthony Mars. I'm the project executive. I'm with BSI. Um, we are the general contractor and we're excited for this opportunity to help Pensbury build its high school of the

058future. >> Great. >> Yeah. Do any of the board members have any questions for Site Logic or BSI at this time? >> Just as far as the fence is concerned, they had said it would be completed Tuesday of next week, but we're experiencing bad weather and a holiday. So, do you have an update on that estimate? >> We are looking um to work um obviously the rest of this week, Friday and Saturday. We're not planning to work Sunday. We are going to ask the uh township for permission to possibly work on Memorial Day only to hang fence, not drive post. So, it would be a non-noise activity um to have try to make that date. Um the the extent of the rain today was a little and last night was a little bit heavier than

059we had all hoped it would be. So, that's impacted us. It might push it a day or two. Um, but we do have all the fence material. I think we're about 3500 or 4,000 linear feet of fence post driven into the site. So, that's about halfway. I think, yeah, this it'll go fast now. Um, we've kind of got all the layout work done. And, um, something called ENS controls, which are required by the conservation district for clean water, have also now been installed. Um, there was a little bit of delay. The district did ask us for um some relocation help work with them to relocate some ENS controls and some access points. So I've been in touch with Terry Degrroot. Your professionals have been wonderful to work with. Um Shadulli has been wonderful and communicative

060to us as well. So we have a good working relationship starting and I think you know as we resolve those things out that might add a day or two not to the overall getting the site closed in but may just to clean up the final items for the start of construction. You will start to see heavy equipment start moving in. We made the decision not to bring it in Friday before the weekend, but to wait until Tuesday to start bringing that in just so it's not sitting around um either as an eyesore or as an attractive nuisance. >> Uh Ian asked if you could just clarify erosion. >> Erosion and sedimentation control. It's the it's commonly silk sock, the big black sock you see laying out along the site. And then there's something called silt

061fence which has to go up as well. And that's designed to keep mud and dirt from during rain events from running off site. I appreciate you coming out. This is a really big deal for our community and we need to have as much transparency and explanation at every stage. So, thank you. >> happily. And and I can say site logic has been great to work with. Um the best way to do we're going to be I I've done a lot of projects. I always say when I first come I'm your guest. Um once I start doing this now I'm your partner and then when we're done we leave a part of this comm us and this community and therefore we're your neighbor. So we take that responsibility and that those goals very seriously and you

062know there will be times where we disagree like or things happen but the as long as this communication can happen here and in and in discussions with your professionals we're confident that we're we're going to have a very successful relationship and project. >> Thank you. Um, I was hoping that you could provide an explanation of the order of operations and what I mean there w there was an expectation from some in the community the fence would go up first but the trees came down first. So, if you could just explain why it was done in that order, I'd appreciate it. >> The the contract did not from a legal standpoint, the contract didn't spell out an order of operations. It is customary that you take any trees down because you get those down then you

063set your silk sock because you'll start you'll start moving the trees around and you start disturbing the earth and then because you have to bring trucks in and out and heavy equipment that you would then put up your fence in light of the you we saw the concern about students we had the question and then simultaneously you had the question we said wait a minute we're better off getting the fence up um getting the ENS controls in so going out a little bit out of order if we were working on a pendot the be trees, then silt stock, then fence typically. So that is customary. This is a little more open and traverse by the public. So we backed up and we're I think we tried to be responsive and really jump on getting the

064fence and I hope that was satisfactory to the board. >> Thank you. >> Since you're here, hello. >> Hello. >> Thanks for coming out. Um, and thank you for addressing things being a little out of order from our perspective. That that is a beautiful neighborhood right there. The residents absolutely care about their houses. And moving forward, I'm concerned about what what are we doing to ease the impact of this whole thing on those homeowners there? >> I I guess a very general broad question. Um >> I I would submit that getting the fence up and getting the fabric on the fence so that it's visually screened is the first step to it. Um obviously we'll honor the township's requirements for the hours of operations for work and days of operation for work. And I think

065the other part of it is is that as this happens, um, you know, if there was a crack in your sidewalk, you notice it the first day. After the being there for a month, you notice it a little less. After it's there for a year, you just kind of walk past it. It it blends in. There is some of that that happens in in human psyche. Um, it becomes part of the fabric of the neighborhood. This was a big open space. It's now being closed in. There's going to be a big building put there. It's a construction project. There is no way to avoid some level of disruption to the overall community. Our goal is to minimize that disruption disruption, but there's no way I could sit here and tell you that we're going to

066be able to eliminate it all. The one thing we can do and promise is is that if a neighbor has a problem, we encourage them to contact the district. There's information that you have provided very graciously. Communicate that to us. I am perfectly happy as the project executive to come out and meet with those residents individually if something happens. Um, my again my name is Tony Maris M- A. Um, and Shadulli and and your other professionals have my information. The board certainly is willing to I'm happy to give it to you all of you. And I think that'll be part of it and we'll just have to be responsive. I we we we're a very experienced construction company. We're experienced developers. We we have we know how to do this. Um I wish I could

067promise that it would just snap our fingers and it would all be over in a night. that's not the way it will be. We're going to be together three and a half, maybe four years. Um, we will learn to work together and communicate and I think that's the best I can offer you sitting here this early stage of it. >> And and the hope is is this is always an open conversation and open dialogue. So if there's something that folks see that either they don't understand or that they think we can be doing better, that's what we want to hear. It's it's not a closed door in any means. So that's why we're trying to be here in the beginning where there was a a question about the process. So change course, you know, do

068a little bit out of order as Tony said, what is traditional, but if that's what the customer and client is seeing as a goal, then we can make that happen as long as it's within reasonable and making sure that the project is done correctly. >> Thanks for that. And I I respect what you said and I anybody here or anybody listening at home, I would encourage you to reach out to us as you have been so we can drive that over to Dr. Smith and he he can get in touch. Um, I'm committed as a member of the board to drive by I I'll drive by at least once a day as much as I can over the next three years, which my wife and kid love because they're going to get more Rita's and

069Jojo >> because they're right there. But I'm going to drive in all seriousness. I'm going to drive by checking it out and if I see anything, I'll be I'll be giving you a call. Dr. Smith, >> just so you're aware, we did send out a letter. I sent out a letter to all the properties that about the the high school in addition to the the larger letter I sent to the um the school community um with our my office phone number if they had any issues um to reach out. So we did that a couple weeks ago. I think we sent out 75 letters. Um, we made a commitment to try to um have union workers um on this project. And I'm also very interested in our skilled um um residents having an opportunity um

070to um apply and be uh laborers on this project. Is that something that can take place? And and if if so, how does that how would that work? In terms of general laborers, um, we can, if there's someone who's qualified, we can certainly evaluate them for positions. The the broader scope as to the question of of you skilled union trades in support of that, we work exclusively with union contractors um, as much as possible. Um, even even the fence is um, you know, we're working through general conditions and that, but we are we are committed to that. That's part of the contract. But beyond that, um, BSI as a whole always focuses on union labor first and we have very strong relationships that. So even if we don't have a position, if you have someone

071in the community who's looking for a position, we can make an appropriate referral for that person and maybe get them into a different position that would be suitable. I would suggest that you pass that information along to uh either Shadulli or Dr. Smith and get that to us and we're happy to try to work with that individual. >> I have no one particularly in mind. I was just trying to figure out there we have a um a wonderful community and and um I just wanted to get make sure they had opportunities. That was all. >> Seeing no more questions from the board. Thank you both for taking time out of your evening to come and answer our questions and be responsive. So, thank you. >> Not a problem >> for keeping the dialogue. >> Have

072a wonderful Memorial Day everyone. be safe and we'll be seeing you a lot this summer. Thank you. >> Thank you. We'll see you on the 4th. >> All right. >> Sorry. Hello. All right. Uh just finishing up as you mentioned that we're going to be together for the next several years. Construction, we're still focusing on September of 2029 uh to open uh the new high school. Um all right. And I just want to finish up with one fun fact. Um, a couple of weeks ago we hosted the class of 1963. Um, they graduated from the building that is now Penwood, but that was the high school. Um, so these folks that this was their titled an 80th birthday party. Um, and I wanted they were just a hoot. Uh, it was fun to hear about

073Pensbury and uh, 1963. It was bursting at the seams. They were doing split sessions. Um, half of them were going to school in the morning, half of them would go to school in the afternoon. Um but I do want to just acknowledge um principal Derek Majikus put together a great program for them. Um it was great to hear their stories and Derek was a was a phenomenal host. So I just want to thank everybody for that. But it was um where I and now we have a request from the class of 64 which I believe is the one of the last classes to leave Penwood before the new high school opens. So we'll do it. I enjoy, and those of you may or may not know, um, I've been personally for the last couple years

074giving tours for the 50th reunions at the high school. Um, and it's great to hear the stories. I could tell a lot of stories about a lot of people, uh, Pensbury um, about um, but it's been great and I I imagine they will ramp up as the new building gets closer. Um, and we're more than happy to provide tours and we'll do some fun community stuff as we truly get towards closing both buildings. But one of the most common comments those people make when they go through east, gee, not much has changed. >> That is the most that is not one of that is the most common. Uh as several of the class of I think it was 74 last I did. They knew exactly where their lockers were. The lockers were exactly the same

075space. But um with that I will just finish with the mission statement. The board approved this. This is our retoled mission statement and our tagline Pensbury pride purpose progress. >> Thank you. All right. Um and next, uh Dr. Dwish, do you have the Bucks County Technical High School joint board? >> I do. The Bucks County Technical High School joint board met on May 18th. During the meeting, we recognized the students that placed in the recent skill USA and DECA competitions and congratulated them for their outstanding performance. So, it's a great it's always one of the pinnacles uh every year. Uh items of note include the reappointment of Jason Bowman, the superintendent of Nisham School District as the superintendent of record for another year, while Marne McGar uh McGarle McGarle was appointed as treasurer uh to

076the joint board. Uh we also approved the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime Delinquency boost competitive grant in the amount of $500,000 to support the summer explorer grant and after school activities. I'm also happy to report that we have approved Joseph Crane as principal effective July 1, replacing the um the vacancy we have there. The next meeting will be held June 22nd at 7:30 at um 7:30 night at night at the Bucks County Technical High School. That concludes my report. >> Thank you, Mr. Waldorf. Do you have the Bucks County IU report? >> Dr. Steer, I do. The Bucks County Intermediate Unit board of directors met on Monday, May 18th. I attended in person. We had four presentations with the recognition of a donation to the Bucks County Foundation from Paul and Arietta uh Martino in the

077amount of $25,000 to be used in support of the uh Bucks County Intermediate Unit Fab Lab Center. Um we also um had a presentation on the student events for 2025 2026 um which included uh Bucks County Intermediate Unit sponsors reading Olympics and Pensray had a team from every school um participate this year. Bucks County student forum for student leadership development. The Bucks IU student art gallery. uh the chief off uh science officers program uh invention convention keystone competition uh PA media and design challenge and the STEM design challenge and we had um William Penn Middle School won the most creative award and Corey Hill captured two uh awards placed second overall and also won the most environmentally friendly and most creative um presentation awards. We heard about the speech language pathology uh clinical fellowship program

078which is creating a pipeline of recent college graduates um to join the Bucks County Intermediate Unit and thus serve our students as well. We reviewed the final draft of the the budget. Um wanted to let the community know that the Fab Lab is um uh summer school registration is up on their website if people are interested in um a program uh that program. Graduation is uh June 2nd at Delaware Valley University. Um and on the legislative report um a new law was signed in to um for automated external defibrillations um to uh a AEDS's um to uh that have to be at all intercolastic athletic practices and games. Um we have three years to implement that to May 2029. Um, we also the Pennsylvania uh education department um sent uh enrollment of students basic education

079circular to make definitions of residency the same for school districts as well as cyber charter schools. Um there's going to be a new federal rate um coming out in July. Um and the process of applying for that is going to be through a a universal portal. And so that starts July 1st, which will impact um our school district. And the a new federal rule allows for whole milk to be served in cafeterias if we ch so choose to do that. That concludes my report. >> Thank you. Uh Mrs. Laming, do you have the education committee report? >> Yes. Yes, I do. Um the board education committee met on April 23rd. We began by discussing uh the sixth through 8th grade reala curriculum update. A presentation was provided on the grades sixth through 8 uh REIA

080curriculum. After reviewing multiple program options, the decision was made to move forward with a locally developed curriculum supported by selected materials and resources for the middle school program. Following consultation with neighboring districts and in consideration of potential state standard changes, it was determined that having grades six through eight teachers develop the curriculum is the most effective approach. We also had a request to conduct research. Megan Abriola presented to conduct her dissertation research examining how kindergarten teachers, school administrators, and parents perceive the developmental appropriateness of current kindergarten practices. The study will focus on instructional practices. the learning environment and expectations placed on the students. The following items are on the agenda in section six for approval this evening. Item A is a textbook adoption. AP human geography. Approval is requested for the new AP human geography

081course being introduced for 9th grade students in the 2627 school year. James Strauss, our social studies coordinator, presented on the selected text, highlighting alignment with College Board curriculum, emphasis on key AP skills, and preparation for the exam. The text is more organized, userfriendly, engaging, and closely aligned with the required skills and content. Item B is for TCI licenses, teachers curriculum institute. Approval is requested for the annual renewal of TCI licenses, which have been used for many years to provide teachers with access to readytouse lessons, interactive activities, assessments, and built-in supports. Item C is our preK statewide or preK count statewide conference. Approval is requested for one district employee to attend a workshop at a cost of $62,5.50. All expenses associated with the trip will be covered through the preK counts grant. The workshop focuses on

082effectively leading a preK counts program and one staff member is required to attend. Item D is our Aadian renewal. Approval is requested for the 2627 school year. This renewal will support the district's ongoing MTSS supports or efforts to monitor and enhance student literacy skills for all kindergarten and first grade students as well as students receiving special education support in grades 2 through 5. Item E is our 2026 track program. Approval is requested to accept a grant supporting middle school students at risk of attendance issues through a summer program. The program will focus on strengthening students connection to school, building positive relationships with peers and adults, and developing skills in conflict resolution and cooperation. Item F is our C2L connect to literacy program. The C2L curriculum presented by Katie Hatman, English language development coordinator as a

083replacement for imagine learning to support students needing additional language instruction. This program is aligned with our WEDA with the WEDA ELD standards addressing reading, speaking, listening, and writing. While primarily designed for K to5 students, it can be used as K to 12 as needed to support our English language learners. An additional benefit is that it includes family licenses, which allows all family members to access the program over summer for extra support. Items G through J are waiver agreement renewals. These are approval for renewals of placements for four students with complex needs to receive appropriate educational programs aligned with their individual needs at private placements, including participation in extended school year, their ESY services. Item K is another waiver agreement. It's an approval for a student to attend a private placement to ensure access to an

084appropriate educational program aligned with their needs through the 2627 school year. Item L is the OOU for dual enrollment with the College of New Jersey. This marks the district's second year of partnership with the college, allowing high school students to earn college credits by taking AP classes while attending Pensbury High School. Item M is the MEOU or memorandum of understanding with Bucks County Intermediate Unit, the Head Start and PreK program. This agreement outlines the responsibilities of participating agencies and provides guidance for coordination and collaboration between district head start prek providers and local early childhood centers. This program is grantf funded. Jamie Swanson, our K through2 science and spark 5 coordinator, presented the following science curriculum adoptions. Item N is mystery science for kindergarten for the 2627 school year. This was presented for approval. This resource

085supports instructional needs by providing highquality next generation science learning experiences aligned with the steel standards. It's designed to fit within the kindergarten model schedule while continuing to support student growth and success on local and state assessments. Item O is experience science for grades one through five. This program was presented for approval as a replacement for Foss, which has been in use approximately 35 years and is no longer meeting instructional needs. The proposed SAVIS experience science program aligns with our PA steel standards, emphasizing phenomena based learning, scientific discourse, and deeper conceptual understanding. It supports student sensemaking, offers multiple ways to demonstrate learning, and improves access and differentiation. Overall, SAVIS provides a stronger, more student centered approach to science instruction aligned with the current state standards. Item P is the textbook adoption for environmental science 9. Approval

086is requested for instructional materials for the required 9th grade environmental science course. This course is a graduation requirement for all 9th graders. course core objectives include serving as a pre-teaching tool for biology and supporting environmental literacy and sustainability standards. This course prepares students for the Pennsylvania Keystone Biology exam and addresses expanded environmental literacy expectations outlined in the PA Steel Standards. And finally, item Q is a project lead the way PT PLTW launch and high school participation 2627. Approval is requested for continued access to project lead the way K through2 curriculum for the 2627 school year. This program provides students with hands-on project-based learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, supporting both project launch, lead the way launch and high school participation. That concludes my very important long report for this evening. Um, does anyone have

087any questions? Our next meeting will be next Thursday um at Charles Bane Middle School, 4 p.m. >> Back for a comment. One thing I would like to point out is um that our teachers are writing curriculum that we're not just using this canned curriculum. I for lack of a better term, but also the taxpayers should know that we have saved $6,000 from from wasn't that is that about right? um $6,000 on our education committee between the books and the licenses and writing our own curriculum. >> It's more like $650,000. >> No, I mean just for those books that we were buying. Remember the one was like 6,000 and the >> Yeah. I mean, hey, $650,000 is wonderful. >> Right. by writing our by writing our own curriculum in grades six to eight. Um there's a

088savings to the district that is in the neighborhood of $650,000 depending on the program. Um the that cost varies and depending on the payment plan that the district would um would filled in all the gaps. So, I just wanted the taxpayer to know that that everyone is working together to not only educate the children, but save tax dollars and get a better product, >> especially while we're waiting for the new standards to be rolled out. So, it didn't make sense to purchase something brand new. >> I did have one question about um item E. Um do we have a similar pro? We got a grant, but do we do this program every year? And how many and uh how many students are do we work with on a annual basis? Does the grant allow us

089to do more or it's just help supplement what we're doing already? >> We did we we asked the same question at the education committee meeting and I believe Dr. Brown is working on finding an answer to that. the track program grant is the district matches the funds um provided from the grant. So it's not that won't fund the entire program, but it does allow us to work with more students. um uh they haven't kept records that would indicate year-over-year like the participation but totally over the last couple years I know they have indicated I believe the last I saw was about 33 students >> thank you seeing no further questions um Mrs. Palsky, do you have a facilities committee report? >> Yes, ma'am. The facilities committee met on Thursday, May 7th at 5:00 p.m. at

090the Charles Bay Middle School. Site Logic provided a detailed presentation regarding the scheduling, time frames, and upcoming milestones for the new high school project. The project sign has been officially been installed, marking another visible step forward in the development process. Site fencing is scheduled to begin on May 18th, and it was and will remain in progress until completed as part of the initial phases of the construction preparation. The Cory Hill playground project is also progressing. Installation of the basketball backboards is anticipated later this month with final seating and finishing touches to follow shortly thereafter. Action items 6A and 6B have been forwarded to the board for consideration and approval. The next facilities committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3rd at 5:00 p.m. at Charles Bay Middle School. Please note, we are changing our meeting

091from Thursday, June 4th to the Wednesday, June 3rd, because on June 4th, we'll be a little busy with the groundbreaking for the new high school. So, that is a change. It'll be Wednesday, not Thursday. And that concludes my report. Thank you. >> Just for the record, can you tell us what time the groundbreaking will >> 400 p.m. on the high school campus? >> Okay. Thank you. >> You'll see a bunch of hard hats and a big pile of dirt. >> But you you're the only one with a pink one, right? So I'm told. >> Okay. All right. Seeing no further questions, Mr. Waldorf, do you have a finance and partnership committee report? >> I do. I I'm going to try to uh break uh Lois's record here if I can. So, no. Um seven the

092following uh the committee met on uh May 12th, 2026 at Charles Bame Middle School. The following are for the uh board members approval and consideration tonight. 7 A is approval of financial. 7B approval of bills pending. 7 C proposed final budget move to approve the proposed final general bud fund budget and authorizing its advertisement. This action is not final approval of the budget rather just approval to advertise the for final approval. The proposed final budget of the school district will be presented to the school board in June for approval and adoption. 7D bond resolution. Move to approve the resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds in the maximum amount of $105 million to finance the construction of a new high school. Um, which includes the design and construction of the of a new high school facility

093and related improvements and funding capitalized interest and the issuing of the bonds. 7E move to appoint uh Brett Haskins as treasurer of the Pensbury School District for 2026 2027 fiscal year $1,000 stipen and the purchase of a a bond from travelers in the amount of um the amount of the bond is for $100,000 for his term. Um 7F PSB membership renewal move to approve pens uh move to approve Pennsylvania schoolboards association membership renewal at a cost of $22,33946. This includes $2,000 subscription to Keystone Agenda which is I believe our new uh document sharing tool for the public replacing board docs. 7G move to award 12 vendors listed in the agenda for contracts for bus parts and bus garage supplies in a total amount of 20 234,5649. Uh 7H move to award nine vendors listed in

094the agenda for contracts for first aid and nursing supplies in the amount of $17,37152. 7 I move to approve one-year subscription to Davis Demographics in the amount of $1,995 for the uh school site locator uh program. This helps people uh people moving into our community to know which school they would be attending. 7J move to authorize participation and uh accept current and subsequent bids and awards of the 12 joint uh joint purchasing programs listed in the agenda for the fiscal year ending uh June 30th, 2027. 7K recognizing move to recognize with appreciation the support of local businesses and individuals um in which which have been essential to the operation of the Pensbury Partners program and the annual career fair. Um, I'm going to list them uh for Pensbury Partners, Shopright of Yardley, Kids Care of

095Pensbury, Eastburn and Gray, Penn Community Bank, Pensbury Education Association, Waste Management, McCaffry's Food Markets, CM3 Building Solutions, Fatech, Zeiss, Hopkins and Guthy Commonplace Reader, WRU and Associates. And for the career fair, Liberty Coding Company, Alex Guden, Liberty Financial, Al Alexis Kaine, Lower Bucks Dog Training Club, McCormack Taylor, um again, Fatic Z Hopkins and Duthy, Sesame Place, Star Transit Company, and Source Force Solutions. and for u inind contributions for the Pensray Partnership Program, Nutrition Group, and River Signs. Again, with appreciation. 7L move to approve the Bucks County Technical High School budget for the 2026 27 school year in the amount of 36 million572. And uh sorry, that's 36,572,626 um dollars. This is the full amount, not our portion. Um, this is a a mandatory roll call vote. 7M move to approve a 5-year renewal of Power

096School for uh a total um savings of 260,6516. Power School is a primary database system for 12 software packages listed in the agenda used by the district for business, human resource, and student rel related functions. Yearly rates starting for the 26 27th uh school year will be 70 720,317.3 increasing to $872,699.13 in uh the 203031 school year. 7N move to approve the renewal of VMware VMware licenses to host our server infrastructure and annual cost not to exceed $7,920 for three years um for 2026 through 2029 for an annual savings of $5,000. uh 7 uh70 move to approve the purchase of uh 1,600 Apple ProMac Neos with three-year Apple Care Plus coverage for the fifth and 9th grades at a cost not to exceed $965,360. 7P move to approve extension agreement with uh Chad's form uh

097alternate care through 2026 2027 school year at a rate of $66 for registered nurses as required. Um uh 7Q move to approve the uh contract with GHR education to provide staffing services at an hourly rate um which are listed in the agenda for hard to fill positions such as school psychologist teachers of deaf heart of hearing u teachers of visually impaired board-certified behavioral analysts uh registered behavior technicians and speech language pathologists. 7R uh move to approve the property and casualty insurance plan for 2026 2027 through uh Udica National for1,132 and sorry I'm going to do cents again $1,132,086 this is an increase of $122,279 for the um year-over-year 7s move to approve the food service management um company renew dual um year cost reimbursement contract with the uh nutrition group for the 2026 2027 fiscal

098year along with the food service budget. Meal uh plans um rates for the our students will not will remain the same um year-over-year. 7T move to approve the agreement between Bucks Bucks County Intermediate Union and the district to obtain legal advice and options through um a tech pool agreement concerning technology for the um tech concerning technology for the 2026 2027 year at a cost not to exceed $880. 7U move to approve a three-year subscription to Ruvena emergency notification system to replace the Raptor system at an annual cost of $49,850. There is a $8,000 setup charge for year 1, but also a $5,000 discount resulting in a cost for the first year of $52,850. The return to the system was reviewed and recommended by a committee of district stakeholders. That concludes my report. Um any answer

099any questions? >> Seeing no questions from the board. Um Dr. Delwwich, do you have a policy and personnel committee report? >> Yes, I do. The policy and personnel committee met May 4th May 14th at 4:30 p.m. at Charles Bame. During this meeting, we went into executive session to discuss possible discipline of three bargaining unit employees as well as hiring procedures related to administrative positions. Item 8A is a resolution calling for increased state funding. It's recommended for approval by the committee. This resolution is being signed by school districts across the Commonwealth and calls upon the state legislature to take legislative action for public education to address the funding gap between mandate mandated requirements and state funding by continuing the state's commitment to adequacy funding. Continuing significant and sustained increases to basic education funding through the state's

100fair funding formula, providing substantial increases to the special educ special education funding, and communicating the urgent need for increased federal funding to Congress, providing sustained state funding and support for school infrastructure improvements, and ensuring sufficient state resources are provided for career and technical education. Items 9A and 9B uh personal professional and personnel classified items are recommended for approval by administration. Item 9 C is recommended for approval by the committee to improve personnel stability. This motion will permit the superintendent and assistant superintendent of human resources to fill existing budgeted positions with these decisions being affirmed by the board at the September 2026 uh board meeting. This will ensure continuity of operations and staffing stability as the district prepares for the upcoming school year, allowing for timely hiring and placement decisions to meet student and program needs

101while maintaining alignment with the approved budget. We have approved similar resolutions over the past several years and it's allowed us to start our school year smoothly, greatly benefiting greatly benefiting staff, student, and parents. Item 9D is also recommended for approval. It extends an agreement between the district and the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials, PASBO, to provide the district with business office services to ensure continuity of financial operations and compliance during the transition of staffing changes which is resulting from the vacancy of the chief financial officer position which will soon be filled by Stephie. Um, did I say that right? and uh Pasbo will continue to provide experienced personnel and technical support to maintain accuracy, timeliness, and fiscal integrity across all business office functions, which is essential to the health of our district. The next

102meeting will be held on June 11th at 4:30 p.m. at Charles Bay. This concludes my report. >> Thank you. Uh Mrs. Palsky, do you have a wellness committee report? Yes, ma'am. The wellness committee met on Thursday, May 7, 2026. At this meeting, the committee was joined by Nicole Rodawitz from the Transportation Management Association of Bucks County. Nicole presented information to the committee about ways that TMA and the district can work together to proactively educate students on bike safety. TMA hosted a BMX bike assembly for sixth grade students last week on the middle school campus and Nicole also shared guidance from PENDOT on ebikes and scooters all in an effort to help keep our students safe. The committee also discussed participation in our wellness month and the professional development day for staff which was held this

103past Tuesday. The staff in service day was designed to promote wellness for Pensbury staff members and was a big success. The next meeting of the wellness committee is Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026 at 400 p.m. at the Charles Bay Middle School. And once again, please note this is a change from the Thursday, June 4th because we will be at the groundbreaking. So again, Wednesday, June 3rd, 4 p.m. at Charles Bame. And that concludes my report. Thank you. Thank you. >> Um, now we will have public comment. >> Dr. Dr. Ste, just um, could we just read off um section 10? Um, it's not tied to a committee report, but it is for the public to know we're going to vote on it. >> Uh, section 10 um are other action items. We will be um moving

104that the board appoint Josh Wardorf, uh Linda Palsky, and Colin Marsh as voting voting delegates to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association delegate assembly for 2026. Item 10B is a waiver agreement. U move that the board approve a waiver agreement in lie of expulsion for a student. And item 10 C um is move that the proposal from David Blackmore and Associates Incorporated uh for a total not to exceed on a time and material basis contract amount of $200,000 be accepted and further authorizing entry into the contract with David Blackmore Associates incorporated in a form recommended by the solicitor and site logic to be exe executed by Dr. Steer. >> Thank you. >> Now we will move into public comment. As I stated at the start, this is your time to directly address the board uninterrupted by

105the board, the administration, or the audience. Up to 90 minutes are provided as an opportunity for community stakeholders and others to comment on agenda and non-aggenda items. Speakers should have signed in on the appropriate forms at the back of the room that are now here. Uh each speaker will have five minutes to address the board. If you are speaking, please state your name and your municipality to begin. And if you are commenting on behalf of a company or an organization, please state the name of the organization and that you are speaking on their behalf. Speakers may not seed their five minutes to any other persons. I will call each speaker to the microphone in the order that they have signed in. Please note that the board will neither answer questions during your period of public

106comment nor engage in any dialogue. This ensures that you receive your entire five minutes of public comment and that the meeting proceeds in an orderly fashion. Your questions and comments will be taken into consideration by the board and may be addressed at a future time. It is our expectation that individuals will not be interrupted by others in the audience during their five-minute period. We ask that the meeting attendees respect each person's time for public comment and not interrupt in any manner. I am opening opening public comment at 9:31. Um we do have um three students who signed up to speak this evening and as per our policy those students have an opportunity to speak first because they have to go to school in the morning. Um so if they would like um they may speak

107first um and you have a choice of speaking individually one at a time each for five minutes or coming up as a group and speaking as a group together for five minutes. Uh, first name is Gina. >> Um, hi there. Um, I'm Gina. I'm from Morsville. I'm also a junior at Pensbury High School. Um, as students, we know from experience the tragic effects of childhood hunger on education and development. My friends and I are asking the members of the school board to cancel lunch debt and give universal free lunch to all students. We believe everyone should have access to a meal, no matter their income status. No child should bear the burden of debt. Thank you for hearing me out and considering our proposal. Okay. Thank you for coming to speak. Our next speaker signed

108up is Andrew. Oh, sorry. Uh, Andrew, a student. >> Yeah, me. I'm Andrew. >> Um, all right. Um, okay. Um, as my friend and peer Gina just said, uh, we're uh the school like the school. Oh my god. Um um like we just like we have seen it firsthand that a lot of our friends and other students have like not been able to like have have a lunch every day and we sent out we uh like a right a right to know request has been sent out and uh the numbers are the district has $140,000 in lunch debt. the Pensbury High School itself has 90,000 and it it was uh the district itself was 90,000 uh as of January 22 and those numbers I just brought up were um about a month old. So that

109means approximately the debt the debt of the school district has been rising uh about $17,000 per year. And um another another thing I wanted to bring up is the CE which is the uh community community eligibility provisions which is uh if some people aren't familiar with it's like the government taking uh the government will pay a percentage of the school uh the school lunch and um the district qualifies for the uh C which is the the quota is 25 uh 25% of students um being um eligible for free or reduced lunch. So we qualify with that with uh 20 26.91%. And that means the government will handle 43 point 43% of uh lunch and the school will pay the rest of the 56.94%. And um we want we want we really sincerely want to thank

110you for four lunch four schools being uh being provided with this program, but we really hope to see the whole district being able to uh enter this program because we we qualify for it. And that's all I had to say. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. AND THEN OUR third student is Stephanie. Hello, my name is Stephanie. I live in Fairless Hills and I'm a junior at Pensbury High School. The issue of student lunch debt matters to me because I see how hunger affects students every day. It's hard to focus in class or feel comfortable at school when you're worried about food or lunch debt. I've seen it firsthand watching my friend willingly stay hungry at school in fear of adding more debt to their account. No student should feel stressed over paying off debt or something

111as basic as being able to eat. That's why we're asking the board to cancel student lunch debt and provide free lunch for all students. Every student deserves access to a meal and the chance to learn without that burden. I respectfully ask each member of the board to respond to our proposal and let students know where you stand. Thank you. It's really great to see our students um coming out and letting us know what their concerns are. So, thank you very much for that. Um we'll continue to move on. Uh m uh Mr. Andrew Dell Andrew Dell Falls Township uh gave me something else to talk about. I didn't know that was going to uh be here. Uh there's no such thing as a free lunch. Okay. Someone's paying for it. Okay. When they say the

112government's paying for it, that means we're paying for it. The government doesn't have money. The government has our money. Okay. So, the fact that everyone's looking for a free lunch and you guys already have a lunch program and a I think even something for breakfast. Uh, where do you draw the line? You know, some people might not have a car. Maybe you should have a car program. You got you got to supply computers for everybody. Now, we're going to be supplying free lunches for everybody. Where's it stop? You know, your responsibility is to teach these kids. you know, if they if they don't qualify if they don't have food at home, they should be qualifying for some sort of assistance. And if they come to this school, I know they get you've had a a

113lunch program here forever, which is obviously in debt, but you can't forgive that debt because it's the people who are going to have to pay for it. Okay? The socialist view of the government owes me everything and they have to pay for everything. Once you start taxing the people that have the money enough, you're gonna take away the money from the people who have it. When what do you do then? Are these people getting a free lunches going to cough start coughing up money? No. You got to you got to draw a line somewhere. And I'm sorry, you know, I have a hard time believing there's a large portion of the Falls Township residents coming to school hungry or malnourished. I think you guys are more than been more than open to feed these kids.

114But there's got to you got to draw a line somewhere. Second thing is I like to say goodbye to Reggie uh Meadows. You know, there's another great talent that you guys somehow push from this system. Uh you know, pe people don't leave a place where they're making good money and they're having a having uh enjoying their job. Reggie was a fantastic guy. I enjoy him. Uh even though he probably doesn't agree with onetenth of my political views, he still takes the time to talk to me. Everyone who mentions his name loves him. He's just a he's a great guy. I don't know why he's leaving. I didn't ask him why he's leaving, but there's got to be a reason why you guys keep losing talent here. And it's disturbing. It I find it very disturbing

115that people are looking to get the hell out of here and not come back. Thirdly, I heard talk about the um I think maybe it's wellness, Miss Paulski is talking about the electric scooters and motorcycles or or whatever these kids are riding. I notice an abnormal amount of those going around and they're driving down the street at 45 50 miles an hour. These things just don't do 20 m an hour. And none of these kids are wearing any safety gear. Now, when I rode motorcycles 10, 15 years ago, four of my friends I rode with got killed, each individually, each horrifically. And they weren't going much faster than what these kids are moving on these scooters. So, I don't know if there's anything you do PSA for, you know, at least helmets or jacket. I

116I don't think these guys understand what's going to happen to them if they fall off of those, even at 25 miles an hour, what their body is going to look like when they meet the pavement. So, all it takes is a 5 10 mph crash and hit your head on the side of the curb and your life's over. So, it horrifies me to see them driving and they ignore every stop sign. They ignore every they they might not even know that they should be obeying the licensed driver's criteria for driving down the street, but they're flying. And that's just on my street. I can imagine it's through all Fairless Hills, Levittown, Morrisville. Um I don't know if there's an age restriction to these things. Um, but something you might want to consider letting these kids

117know that uh or I don't know if there's some sort of video you could show them to scare the hell out of them, but uh it's an ugly scene to see someone uh crash one of those motorcycles. So, something to think about. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next speaker is Shannon Mistlan, and I'm sorry if I've mispronounced your name. Thank you. I'm Shannon U Falls Township um and I'm with the Pennsylvania uh lunch debt cancellation coalition um and I am a community member. I strongly support the students in their request for free lunch and de lunch debt cancellation. I've worked previously with the Bristol Burough School District to advocate for the cancellation of $20,000 worth of debt in 2021 and for their application for the uh community eligibility provision program this year, earning free lunch

118for all students in the district, which is a program that you all may already know is already a existing program provided by the federal federal government. Um, lunch creates shame and inequity for students when they instead should be focused on acquiring the education you all work so hard to provide for the students. We all owe it to our students to cancel lunch debt, apply for the C program where eligible, and ultimately provide universal free lunch so no student goes hungry. Thank you. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is um signed up Andrew Payton. >> Patton. >> Hi, Andrew Patton. Laura Mayfield Township. Um I'm an alumnest of the Pensbury School District. I was in the pilot program to get algebra 2 into the middle schools. And with this um reduction in the number of students,

119I'm concerned about the prospect that uh advanced math program and gifted programs will be curtailed uh at the elementary and middle school level. Now, it is great that we have the honors and AP classes at the high school. I was able to test out of a full year of college based on those. But that only works because uh you get you have those uh AMP program and gifted program at the elementary and middle school level. Uh while I was at Edgewood, they uh cretailed the AMP program to uh only start in third grade whereas I started in second grade. And once that uh I I even thought that was too late because I I was falling asleep in class uh in first grade because I I was able to finish a 45minute lesson in 10

120minutes. And that is the problem with mainstreaming gifted students. You teach them that they don't need to work hard because it'll just come effortlessly to them. And that's a terrible habit to get them into and simultaneously would demoralize the students next to them who do have to try hard just to get a C in the class. That teaches them hard work will never overcome a difference in natural talent. Also, uh it's come to my attention that we no longer take suicide prevention uh as seriously as we did when I was in school. When I was in school, we were taught uh anybody talks about suicide, you take it completely seriously. Even if it's a joke, you do not play it as a joke. You treat it as completely serious. Yet, uh when I acted on

121said training as a substitute power professional, uh instead of uh the administration backing me up on that, I was fired over uh uh complaints that I was overreacting to a student uh talking about suffocating herself. that that's completely ridiculous. Also, I it has come to my attention that there was a problem with uh parents parking uh parents of middle school students uh parking at St. John the Evangelist uh parish parking lot uh and uh picking their kids up from that parking lot. The parking lot is not uh district property. It is the property of uh St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and the Arch Dasis of Philadelphia. It furthermore, it is quite dangerous uh for kids to be crossing Makefield Road on Moss to uh be picked up from uh the St. John the Evangelist

122parking lot. There have also been reports of uh buses using that parking lot as uh a way to bypass the intersection of Big Oak and Makefield. This again is dangerous. It's also destructive to the parking lot. Um and nobody is compensating St. John the Evangelist for the cost that is incurred by said damage. So I believe action needs to be taken uh to prevent uh such uh uncompensated use of the uh St. John the Evangelist parking lot. Um I believe that's everything. >> Thank you. Um, the next person signed up is uh Alicia Vulpi, again I'm do apologize if I mispronounce your name. Good evening. My name is Alicia Vulpi. I'm a taxpayer living in Falls Township. My children attend Manor Elementary School. Since my son started at Manor, we have been promised a new

123playground that would accommodate all students. My son is going into fourth grade and there still is no new playground. The district has had several fundraisers specifically to raise funds not just for Manor, but for all of the elementary schools. I along with so many other parents have been told over and over again, we are getting these playgrounds. I'll believe it when I see that the ground is being broken to install such playgrounds. Many students in this district at the elementary level cannot access the playground equipment due to a disability which is denying them equal access to such equipment as their peers. These can often be constituted as violations with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. They can be seen as these violations to these students with disabilities due to

124being denied equal access within their free appropriate public education. Please do better and be better because our children deserve better. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, next person signed up as watermelon. with your bad self. SAY HELLO. I AM BLACK AND I AM PROUD AMERICAN MAN. You have violated my area of space with those frigin wood chips. I sent you a video. What starts in the black community ends in the white sundown town community, Lower Mayfield. I need everyone here to take a look at Uncle Tom's Cabin, 1987 film. I've now dubbed it Uncle Tom's correctional cabin. You have to look at eugenics or Nazis over cottonpicking you ebonics. Pinsberry stated mission is clear. To empower every student to achieve excellence, to provide equitable access and opportunity to create safe, supportive environments, and to foster

125Why don't we just not do this? How about that? How about we start with the end in mind? Thank you, Uncle Smith. for calling me. I really appreciate it. It has calmed me down. Cousin Boyce, I love you. Really, you got to put a little bit more base in your tone when you speak to these who sat up here and lied to you all. That's what these idiots did. He wants to pay for my car. Pay for my freaking car. Putting those wood chips on 131 acres. You could have anywhere in that damn field to put it. But what did he do? Put it right across from my Thank you, Bubba Powski, and also especially Dr. Dent, Township Chairman. I believe it's somewhat kind of racial because I'm the only one black man on that

126street where they could have put that wood chipper anywhere. I don't know what you all people here are doing, but you're all white and you look sick for putting that wood chipper across from my house. What do you want me to think? Think I'm going to be hung or you know what? cotton picking or what? Because I can't call National Association of Advancement of Cotton Pickers. Goddamn. What the hell is going on here? I mean, really, you got explosions in the chemistry lab, drugs in the freaking school. I mean, really, what are you all doing? You expect trust? Is this what you think you have? I can't even read this. I can't even read what I wanted to say. I'm so pissed off. I want to strangle some goddamn body. You You set me on

127fire. That's what it reminded me of, Dr. Smith. Down south. All you needed in there was a a cross. Across from my goddamn house. What the hell ARE Y'ALL DOING? ALL OF Y'ALL. And then the candlelight vigil where you're going to have uh uh uh who is this? Joshy there or what? June 4th Josh is going to be there, right? Going to shovel some right? All that in the goddamn field. What are you going to do? Blow it in my goddamn house now? Is that what you're going to do? You sick bastards. Oh my god. I can't believe you all did that and y'all let him off like that. Put me on the goddamn crew. How about that? I'll set all them goddamn straight. They're miserable. They're miserable people. That's what they are. Do you

128get it now? Uncle Tom's cabin. Go look at it. You racial How dare you? Thank you, Mr. uh uh Mr. Taylor, for the uh vine. I really appreciate that as well. But I need some land. You're on Indian land, stolen land, >> Mr. >> Okay, >> falling falls. >> Um It's okay. Okay. Um, the next person to sign in is uh uh Jen Measer, Jen Mezer, Falls Township. Um, so to clarify a couple of things, um, I did a phone call with Dr. Smith this past week because we actually took video and pictures of students across the street from our house being bombarded in the face while they were walking from their cars to the school with the wood chips and debris. Um they were blown into the kids' faces, onto people's cars, through traffic,

129onto our property, across this, you know, um across our land to the next neighbor. They're the only places that we took pictures of. We did not go further down the street and we did not um try to riot or invoke our neighbors or anything else. But you do have to understand on 131 acres, it was really inappropriate where it was done. It just kind of seemed personal. We anticipated that fence was going to go up before the June 4th groundbreaking as was discussed in the facilities meetings. So, we appreciate that. When we reached out, a couple of board members did respond in the affirmative that they also expected the same thing. So, thank you very much for that. Um, Dr. Smith, thank you for your phone call. We appreciated that. Um, as my husband said,

130Dr. D from Falls Township also helped. And Jim Boyce, thank you. I was surprised not to see everybody respond. There are a couple of you who I would have thought would have weighed in. We are not able to go to the NAACP when we have an issue because we do have the conflict of interest on the board for Dr. Delwitch who's on both the NAACP and in Falls Township for um a committee and for the liaison for this school to Falls Township as well as being on the school board. So, there are some things that we feel like kind of limit us from being able to even ask a question if we're being overly sensitive, right? Um, so just to tell you, I had done the email. Our understanding was fencing at 8t tall with

131wind privacy fence screens were scheduled to be installed by or before the June 4th groundbreaking. We were not anticipating the felling or land clearing, let alone having a wood chipper positioned directly across from us on a busy residential street with space limitations and before decree before debris control was set up. The wood chipper could have been turned parallel to the street because we're on Hood Boulevard, which is actually a highway under PennDOT. We would have expected the wood chips to be directed into an enclosed chip truck or a dump truck bed and or placed on a secondary access within the Penny campus given the operational loading constraints and safety traffic obstructions. We hope this is a one-time event that is not an indication of how the rest of the project will be handled or managed.

132Please note, we also witnessed False Township and contractor vehicles crossing the sidewalk parallel to Hood Boulevard multiple times this week with no traffic controls. Again, that was last week. We appreciate that everyone's going to try to work on that. We appreciate that the fencing is going to go up to try to help that. That does not fix the fact that we do have that dirt pile that does have landfill chemicals that were tested. Um, of course, it was tested into compliance because the 16,000 PAS chemicals that are supposed to be each under 4% parts per million and in the aggregate under 4% parts per million in your air. Those volatile chemicals are in that dirt which has been blowing for more than two years across that 131 acre campus and into other people's neighborhoods. So

133there is contamination because each of those PAS were not tested separately or in the aggregate. We know that they were not done correctly. So we do have concerns with some of that. We've even seen that although we were told no fill would have to be brought into the property, even mulch has had to be brought in in large numbers in order to fill the silt socks that are finally being put up. Um, really quickly, I want to touch on a couple of things. The only important thing about the budget was that $21 million is going to debt financing. So, again, we're still not paying anything down. We just have bonds everywhere. Um, another problem that I have is there were flags for LGBTQIA+ that were added to Charles Bames classrooms. You have students that are

134uncomfortable, afraid, and not able to actually ask their teacher to take it down without fear of being reprimanded. You have parents that are concerned and upset about it. These pictures we know are new and in the family and consumer sciences classrooms at Charles Bame because remember Charles Bame is the school you just fixed up. So we do have people that came in the audience today. We also have concerns about the safety and health and environment in the area. So there are petitions now for the data center. >> Thank you very much. We appreciate it. Um, and the last person to sign up this evening is Arthur. >> Good evening, Arthur Falls Township. The reason what brings me here are the LGBTQ flags in the classrooms and uh Charles Beam uh was just uh shown absolutely

135unacceptable. My kids don't feel comfortable. It needs to be addressed. It needs to come down immediately. Okay, this is not inclusion. Everybody is included. You don't make specific people feel different than others. It's absolutely ridiculous. It will not stand. I'm going to fight it until it's all down. Next, no such thing as a free lunch. Okay, we as taxpayers are going to get hit with another bill, tax bill, not accept as a taxpayer of false township. I I there has to be a line somewhere. Okay, I have to work hard not to pay for other people's lunches. I don't get a free lunch. Okay, so there's there is just a limit where you get help. Thank you very much. >> Okay, let's go. >> Thank you. Um, thank you to all of our uh public

136speakers this evening. Uh, I'm going to close public comment at 10:01 and we will move on to um the business portion of the meeting. >> Sure. Just I will just um the Manor playground um there's been a number of presentations on the playground plan. Uh they were presented to finance and facilities. Uh Dr. Bloom did an excellent job in laying out the plan um for that. Um I would like to acknowledge that there was fundraising but the fundraising amounts were not the the the playgrounds are about $500,000 each. um for that. Originally, we were told or were thought that we could use um access funds to pay for those, but we learned later that you cannot use those funds to to pay for that. Um so, they they did some fundraising. I believe, don't quote

137me on the exact numbers, I think the amount fundraised was maybe $2500 um total. Um but we um are committed to doing these projects. Um, if you look at my history, I did this in a previous district in all of our elementary schools. Um, for us, it's a budgetary item. Now, if if the board is going to support that, um, we're looking at, we've worked with an incoming business administrator to see in terms of our facility numbers, how much we have left at this year, um, in facility projects, can we possibly do this and really set out the plan moving forward um, with it. So, but we are committed to doing uh these projects um and starting as soon as we can to get them all done. >> Can I just say that I've worked

138with Dr. Bloom on these projects and he's worked very hard at determining exactly how the playgrounds what the community wants in the playgrounds and how it how it's going to be constructed and trying to find the best company for the best price. So, he continues to work on that. >> Correct. And if if I could chime in on that, Dr. Smith and I, we we spoke today about the Manor playground because a parent approached me last night with questions about it. It is still on the summer schedule. Correct. >> It is our plan to do it. Assuming we can >> Manor will be the first school. >> Correct. >> Um the the lunch program. Um yes, we do have uh debt um that is there. the the C program. We have four schools involved in

139it. We were I know we applied for additional schools. I don't know what happened. >> There's a form. >> Yeah. So, we'll research that uh going forward. Um part two of it is the we do receive money from Giant each year um that we'd use that to pay down the outstanding debt for for folks. >> Again, is any child denied getting lunch or >> No. So that's it's um students the the state pays for breakfast for everybody for everyone but we have do have a free and reduced lunch program. The um lunch personnel are instructed that no student should be turned away um from food and we don't shut anybody off in terms of if they they are carrying a lunch debt they are not turned away. Is there any kind of penalty during graduation

140or >> not for lunch >> anything again? So the students were talking about the fact that their friends are not eating. So I'm just is it >> yeah I would encourage them to make sure that they're talking to the lunch personnel because nobody should be hungry. Um we make sure that that they're taken care of. No child in the United States of America should ever go to bed hungry. Hearing this conversation though, it sparked some questions in me just to learn more about um it sounds like this is primarily high school-based. I think the students here were high school and uh I'm interested to know what is offered, how much is it? Um, so I'm going to be digging into that with all of you just to learn more, see where it goes. >> I'm

141confused by what you're saying. How much is it to buy a lunch? >> Right. But but it the issue isn't the question is if they don't have if they cannot pay, they still get fed. So the >> but there there's some disconnect here then because there's some disconnect. >> They have to go apply. They have to go like Dr. Smith said >> they If there's kids in the school that are hungry that cannot afford the lunch, then they should approach the um admin the um you know school to lunchroom and tell them because if they can't pay then they can be put on free lunch and we already have free breakfast. So that's where the disconnect is. They may not understand that if they can't afford it, they should not be going hungry. They should

142tell somebody that they're hungry and then they would be given either on free or red lunch. >> I don't think they even have to say they're hungry. I think they go through the line and >> get the lunch. That's the thing, right? >> So, yeah. And then they can if if >> and they have an ID and it it registers and that's where we get the >> Yeah, that that sounds easy, but maybe in practice there there's that's there there's some disconnect that we're going to need to drill into. So, >> for the record, high school lunch price is $3.25. Middle school lunch price $2.85. Elementary school lunch price $2.65. >> Thank you. >> Can I um make a comment about the apparent conflict with the NAACP? Um I am a member of the Bucks

143County NAACP board. This is publicly known. Uh my status as a Penser School board member is also disclosed and at in my role as the assistant secretary of the NAACP of Bucks County, I am firewalled for anything having to do with Pensberry. So there is no reason a person who wanted to ask about questions about Pensbury would be unable to approach the NAACP because I will not be included in that discussion. Thank you. Okay. Um, I did want to address um the concern about the electric scooters um and uh bicycle safety in general. Uh, the middle school campus had uh a bicycle a bicycle um safety BMX presentation just this past month where they emphasized the importance of safety, rules of the road, obeying the law, wearing protective gear. Um, and in terms of the

144electric scooters themselves, um, I believe that we have recently gotten from the police department, um, the information to distribute, um, in our newsletter, um, Pensbury on point to make sure that all families and community members know the the law about who can ride scooters, when, and, where, and, scooter um, road uh eligible. Um so we are doing our best and utmost to get that information out to the community um because we want all of our students and community members to be safe. If if I could just follow that up, I was at the assembly and um I thought the best part was it started off with the mayor of Yardley. Uh Mayor Thompson was there, the Yardley police chief, Chief Golden and a patrol officer, Corporal Clark were there actually speaking to the kids. Um

145you know, some of whom lived there, depending on which uh middle school they were from. And they all three came together and it you could hear a pin drop when uh Chief Golden told them you got to be 16 years old to ride your escooter cuz before that he had asked how many of you have an escooter. Almost every hand went up and he followed that up right after that. So I thought they did a really good job of speaking to the kids on their level about staying safe but also telling them you know we're we're watching for these things in town. you know, we see them parked out in front of Starbucks. Um, so I want to thank them for coming out and and also TMA Bucks. I I thought they did a great

146job. >> Okay. Um, so moving on. Um, do I uh have any requests to pull any motions for deeper discussion this evening? >> I'm I'm just cons I'm concerned that the seven We're going to do a roll call vote on the consent agenda. >> Um, so that will qualify. I've confirmed that with our solicitor. >> Before we go on, I think I'm thinking more about the wood chip situation and when site logic was here. I guess it didn't ask this question, but I'm really sorry that that happened to your family and to the students that were going by and the cars in the area. That was a shame that that happened. in the future it is there going to be any rec repercussions for um the general contractor is sure or what our role in

147it is there anything that can be prevented or at each step I guess we talk through the next steps right as it progresses are those asurances going to be in place so that something doesn't happen like that that can impact the kids you know and the neighbors in the neighborhood >> um yes we're do twoe look aheads um with that. But I can say we've gotten no reports from any student um from that. So I' that was the first I've heard about that. >> It's going to help when Miss Saloni is on site in the construction trailer and she will keep an eye every day on what how things are progressing and if things are being done correctly. So I have every faith when she gets on site. >> Correct. Just for the record and

148we received a phone call. I got a phone call. Um, we contract contacted the contractor immediately and it was addressed. Um, with that I mean unfortunately it was after the fact but I I felt that we were responsive. I called within an hour or two I mean of the message as soon as I got back to the office called and we addressed it immediately with the contractor. We had a meeting um with the contractor and site logic that it and told them that it was not acceptable. Okay. Um, no requests to have any motions pulled. Do I have a motion to approve all of the agenda items um as a consent agenda in addition to the two resolutions that were read into the record earlier? >> Second. >> Um, can we have a roll call

149vote for the consent agenda? Miss Arenss, >> yes. >> Mr. Boyce, >> yes. >> Dr. Delwitch, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lamine, >> yes. >> Mr. Marsh, >> yes. >> Mrs. Palsski, >> yes. >> Mr. Taylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Waldock, >> yes. >> Dr. Steer, >> yes. >> Motion passed. >> Thank you. Um, that brings us to board discussion and I would like to begin by thanking Mr. Waldorf, um, Mrs. Psky and Mr. Marsh for volunteering to be our delegates at the PASBA um, assembly in November. So, thank you for stepping up and taking the legislative uh role on the legislative agenda role on um any other board members have um any comments or questions for the good of the group? >> I just want to quickly express my appreciation and gratitude to all of

150our retirees for their dedication and service to Pennerry. Thank you, >> Dr. Delwitch. Yeah. Um, one thing that came up in public comment uh that we did not address was the uh parking in the St. John's Evangelist parking lot. Have you do we have any insight on that? Um, are buses using it? >> I don't know. We'll research it. I have a note on that. I can't >> It's the first I've heard of that. >> I live right there. I have never seen buses in that parking lot nor parent pickup. But maybe I'm missing something. I I do want to congratulate all the um art teachers and the students for another fabulous art show that was uh at the beginning of the month. It just it's remarkable what goes on throughout the year um because

151all the different projects that are are happening. It is it is uh tremendous and I would encourage the community to come out and see it. Uh it's three days so there's a lot of opportunity to come and and do it and it is uh it it is remarkable. So thank you >> um the talent of our students um in the visual arts in in the performing arts um and in sports as well. Um, we have a very talented district and that doesn't even touch on the academics which is also very strong. So, uh, I'm very proud of our students and all of their accomplishments. Um, I agree. Dr. Steer and I had our portraits done in about 10 minutes. Any other comments? So, one thing I just wanted to lift up is the grow your

152own program. Um, we we had that celebration tonight for the outgoing class and the incoming class. Uh, that is an outstanding program. Um, I've worked in public education 25 years across the river. I don't know of another district that has a program like that. And these positions are incredibly challenging to fill um because that certification that special needs, all those certifications that work with those special needs kids are so in demand and they're becoming harder and harder to find. So, I'm incredibly proud of all our graduates who went through that program and everybody incoming. It's my understanding that that's funded mostly through a grant. um we get grant funding for that, right? And um it's just a no-brainer. It's a winwinwin for everybody. And um you know, I I hope it's something that continues long

153into the future. Uh the program is um initially funded by the district, but we have um submitted and earned grant funding from the Bucks County Workforce Board for incumbent worker funds to uh reimburse about half of the district's cost. >> It's awesome. So, thank you. and thank you for your creative uh work on this and uh you know creating a totally new program to fill uh an ongoing need we were really struggling with. So thank you for your great work on that. Open positions across the district. We just really have a handful here. Um you know people come to work here and they stay and then when they come in and want to excel and increase their skills we we offer that. um you know through the grow program we we just have a handful

154of open positions here that also you know being across the river working in public education for 25 years I don't know another district that has such low numbers of open positions as we do um it it's just it's awesome. So thank you Dr. Gibson and and the whole administrative team and everybody who works in our schools to create that kind of environment. >> Along with that, um our retention rate is over 94%. Um which is phenomenal. Um and that speaks to the climate and the culture and the work of um the administration and um I just appreciate that. Thank you. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? So moved. Do I have a second? >> All right. All in favor? I I Let's go home.