001Good evening and welcome to the September 9th, 2025 meeting of the Abington Board of School Directors. I note the attendance of all board members. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [Music] The Abington Board of School Directors has convened this even this evening's meeting at the administration building and the public is welcome. The meeting is also being broadcast live on the Abington School District YouTube channel. For those members of the public who cannot participate in this evening, this evening is being recorded and will be available on the district's website and cable channel no later than Friday, September 12th, 2025. Comments from citizens will
002be conducted in person and by phone. Instructions for calling into each public comment section of the meeting will be displayed on the screen during each segment. The board thanks the public in advance for its cooperation. This is a place where we hold dignity in high regard and everyone's voices are respected and welcomed in this space. I note that an executive session was held immediately preceding this evening's board meeting regarding an assessment appeal. I'm sorry, regarding assessment appeal litigation. Dr. Fetcher, do we have any additional announcements or agenda items? >> Yes, Dr. Mery. Um, first I'm proud to share this evening that two of our former Abington Middle School, now senior high students have received an honorable mention in the 20125 American Statistical Association's National Data Visualization Poster Competition. So, you may remember from our districtwide
003academic achievement award ceremony that we honored students who received recognition in Pennsylvania uh for the statistical poster. Uh those students then had their posters uh submitted to the national ASA contest where ninth graders Jane Draper and Eric Wayis uh received honorable mention in the grades 7 to9 category for their posters social media versus us and breathing room free time among Abington Middle Schoolers. So, it's always nice to see our students recognized at the national level and I applaud uh both Jane and Eric uh for being recognized for their research. >> Excellent. And congratulations to them both. Uh lastly, as this week marks the 24th anniversary of September 11th, I would like to take a moment to not just honor all those who died on that tragic day, but to also recognize the sacrifice of our
004first responders who showed true heroism that morning and in the days and weeks after. Students will be learning about September 11th in their classrooms, as well as doing activities related to Constitution Day, which is observed next week on September 17th. Both of these days are important social studies lessons, and I appreciate our teachers for educating our students about these moments in history. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, with that, we will move on to opening comments of board members. Mr. Alan, >> good evening everyone. >> Mrs. Brown, >> good evening everyone. >> Miss Eisenhart, >> good evening. And to the parents, um, good luck juggling all the back to school night nights this week coming up. And, um, to all the teachers and staff, thank you for hosting us. Uh, we're looking forward to it.
005>> Mr. Muhammad, >> good evening all. >> Miss Spalding, >> good evening and welcome everybody. >> Miss Hartman, >> good evening everyone. >> Miss Fraser, >> hello. Welcome. I have a question. Um, for Constitution Day, when is that again? >> The 17th. >> Miss Fazy. >> Good evening everyone. Miss Lee. >> Good evening everyone. Okay. I'd like to welcome everyone um to the meeting and thank Dr. Fetcher for remembering the events of uh September 11th. Um, I was living in Staten Island that day and many of the first responders who perished were family members of my students. So, it's a particularly meaningful day for me. Um, okay. With that, Dr. Feter, can you please proceed with our student council representatives? >> Yes, Dr. Mauy. First, I'd like to ask Alana Brown from Abington Senior High
006School to come forward. Good evening, Dr. Mauy, Dr. Fetcher, and members of the board of school directors. My name is Lana Brown, and I am the student council president of Abington Senior High School. It is my privilege to speak to you today on behalf of the senior high. Abington Senior High School welcomed the class of 2029 this past Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025. The scholars of link crew, faculty, staff, sponsors, and administration all helped to make the day go smoothly and help the ninth graders get adjusted to the high school. Also on September 2nd, 6 ABC News highlighted Abington Abington Senior High School's annual senior sunrise tradition >> to kick off the 2025 2026 school year for the senior class. Senior Sunrise was a big success with the largest attendance of students than ever before. On
007September 3rd, Abington Senior High School welcomed back all grades with the reopening of the school for the 20256 2025 2026 school year. Additionally, Kyle Crutchman and Abington Jr. was nominated by the Bucks County boys soccer 2025 as top defensive player. As Dr. Fetcher stated, "Two of Abington's students have received an honorable mention in the 2025 American Statistical Association National Data Visual Visualization Poster Competition. Both of these scholars will receive certificates for their achievements. Abington Senior High School will hold their back to school night on Thursday, September 25th at 6 p.m. To close this out, the students and sponsors of ASHs are gearing up for the club and activity fair that will be held in October coming up. There are about 100 active clubs in the school that are all looking forward to new members to
008join. I hope you all had a restful summer and I'm so excited to report back to you all throughout the school year. Thank you and have a nice evening. Respectfully submitted, Lana Brown. >> Thank you, Lana. Appreciate it. And uh welcome to our meetings and keep us uh updated uh throughout the year. We appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Thank you and welcome. >> All right. Next, I'm going to ask uh Hannah Coup from Abington Middle School to please come forward. Good evening, Dr. Maui, Dr. Fetcher, and the members of the board of school directors. I am Hannah Coup, and I am on the executive board of the student council for Abington Middle School. The Abbington Middle School where Everybody Belongs web program was pleased to welcome 615 sixth graders on Tuesday, September 2nd.
009On this day, the class of 2032 were guided and mentored by over 100th and eighth grade web leaders. The web leaders conducted team building activities, took them on a tour of the school, and helped them open their lockers and located their their new classes. Thank you, Web Leaders. TADA Teens Against Drugs and Alcohol is back for a 36th year at the middle school. All sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students can join the club by joining the TATO classroom and completing the TATA signup Google form posted there. We are looking forward to all the fun events we have planned for students this year. The student council is looking forward to the 2025 to 2026 school year. students. Student leaders anticipate running school service projects such as the Thanksgiving food drive and other schoolwide events such as
010culture day. The student council representatives look also look forward to joining the schoolboard meeting at the beginning of each month. Our four our fall sports teams are in the process of holding interest meetings initial practices. We are looking forward to the achievements of our student athletes at the start of the school year. Web and National Junior Honor Society students are looking forward to assisting our parents and guardians at the back at our back to school nights that will take place tomorrow on Thursday. Our students enjoy helping the adults find their way through the building. Our annual activity fair will take place during the week of September 15th. This is a time where students can express interest in our after school activities and learn more about what is offered at the middle school. We look forward
011to sharing updates, information, and celebrations from the middle school this year. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Uh, one thing that I wanted to, um, I had the opportunity to go to the middle school when the sixth grade came to watch, uh, the other students, help them around. And it was, it was pretty amazing. And I want to thank all the students who participated because I think one of the best ways to learn a new school is by having people who've been there and other students show you around. Um, our faculty was all over the building trying to help our sixth grade navigate. and it's so important especially coming from you know seven elementary schools to one building. So I wanted to recognize what you said that um had an opportunity to see it
012was amazing and I wanted to thank all the students who participated and and thank the teachers who were um making sure that everyone got to where they needed to go. >> Excellent. Thank you Hammer. Come back anytime. Okay, Dr. Fetcher, can you proceed with this evening's board honors? >> Yes, Dr. Mary. At this time, I'd like to ask if you would join me at the lect turn as well as Mr. Letti. Hold [Music] on one moment. Together we go. Okay. So, tonight we are proud to honor Mr. Christopher Lionetti, our chief financial officer, as he retires after 32 years of service to the Abington School District, 16 of which have been spent leading the business office and serving as the board secretary. Mr. Lionetti began as a supervisor of purchasing in 1993, later becoming the
013assistant controller. during the past 32 years. I'm gonna switch to Chris now, if that's okay with you. Chris uh oversaw the the financing of a multitude of significant initiatives across Abington School District and he had a hand in guiding projects at every school in our our district including finalizing the construction of Copper Beach Elementary School, the demolition and rebuilding of Highland Overlook and Roslin elementary schools. major additions and renovations to McKinley, Ryol, and Willow Hill elementary schools, the construction of the high school's first ever onampus athletic stadium, and that is the all that list is all that he accomplished just um by the early 2000s alone, as well as of course the additions and renovations to Abington Senior High School more recently. and last but not least, getting the wheels in motion for us to
014build a new Abington Middle School following this May's referendum. We are grateful for his expertise and sound judgment and steering us through several economically challenging times that impacted public schools across the country over the past several decades. When I became assistant superintendent, eventually superintendent, I appreciated knowing that he brought years of experience to his role and that I could rely on him for knowledge, insight, and guidance. I also appreciate his counsel when I had an opportunity to be an adjunct professor teaching school finance uh to upcoming administrators. Uh Chris was very patient with me uh as I had to make sure that this former English teacher um could figure out school finance. So >> thank you. >> We we are fortunate to have him steering our business office as CFO and we will certainly miss
015having him as part of our Abington School District leadership team. Chris, I wish you all the best in your next chap your next chapter and I thank you for all that you have done for us. As a small token of appreciation, uh I'd like to present you with this plaque in recognition for the many years of service particularly at this meeting and your role as board secretary. >> Thank you very much. Uh thank you Dr. Fster. Thank you Dr. Maui. Um I've had a chance over the uh last few months to think about um the last 32 years and it's one filled with gratitude. Uh I'm grateful for all the central staff that I've had a chance to work with over the years. great bunch of consmate professionals that support education, keeping students in their
016focus. I especially uh enjoyed the last several years with Dr. Fetcher, superintendent. He's a man that leads with his heart and his head and keeps his eye on on the students um at all times with his decision-m which is phenomenal. And thank you to the board of school directors. I'm grateful for having uh worked with you for you um as you serve the terms um helping our community uh advance education. It's been a real pleasure and thank you very much. I appreciate the opportunity to be recognized tonight. Thank you very much. [Applause] So, since you made me wait a whole meeting, I'm going to wait make you wait till the end and then I'll offer some thoughts on working with you these past years. Um, >> okay. Uh, >> continue with the >> Yes, please.
017>> I would I'd like to ask uh Miss Ali Arur, communications coordinator, share a video highlighting recent uh media coverage of Abington School District. >> Good evening, Dr. Fetcher, Dr. Mauy, and school directors. Um, as was already mentioned that Tuesday, September 2nd was the first day of school in Abington School District. And as Lana mentioned, our seniors got to celebrate this milestone in a special way um with Senior Sunrise and having 6ABC's Teronda Thomas join them for a live broadcast during the tradition. The broadcast was aired um on 6c throughout the morning, beginning at 5:30 a.m. before the sun came up and continuing through 7:30 a.m. capturing multiple interviews with staff and students as they reflected on their educational journeys together. The class of 2026 was the first ninth grade class to come through the
018reconfigured Abington Senior High School, and their school spirit and engagement really shown. As Lana mentioned, it was the highest attended senior sunrise to date with hundreds of students coming to school before dawn. Um, additional interviews and rearrings of the broadcast continued all day on 6ABC and even into the following morning, as well as airing on their sister sta sister station PHL 17. Um the reporter Tonda Thomas even had a chance to stop by Roslin Elementary School during arrivals on the first day to capture our K to5 students heading back to school as well. Um so while there are too many segments that air during the day um during the live broadcast to share this evening. It would be pretty lengthy view um I'm happy to share one clip summarizing uh the morning's events. >> Philadelphia
019returned to school last week but today it was thousands of students in Pennsylvania's suburbs getting back into that routine. That includes in the Abington School District. Action News reporter Teronda Thomas joins us live in Rosland with a look at the first day and some special moments. Good morning. Really special moments. It's the first day for a select group of students in Abington School District. It's also the day for a very special tradition that had some high school seniors waking up very early. >> It's very exciting. >> When you see teenagers rising before the sun, did you have any trouble waking up this morning? >> Yes. you know, it must be for something special. And this really is special. It is basically an opportunity for that scholar senior to reflect on their 13 years of school.
020>> I'm very excited to uh, you know, have a good senior year cuz we've been working really hard for this year. >> The senior sunrise tradition at Abington Senior High School brings students together to watch the sun come up on their final year. >> I've never been to a sunrise, so it's really, really nice to see it. I remember being a freshman and so excited for my freshman year and I'm just like like it's crazy. >> Not too long ago, they were all freshman just like these kids coming in for their first day. Today was the first day for 9th graders and students in grades K through six in Abington School District. Last year, more than 8,400 kids were enrolled in the district. About 750 of those students are seniors at the high school. Many
021of them showing up for the Sunrise tradition. I don't know how many students showed up, but this has been the largest senior sunrise since I've been here for five years. >> During the pandemic, they were sixth graders and they missed out on so many activities. This year, they're here. They get to show up to everything, do it all. >> As the sun comes up over the horizon, students can't help but think what's on the horizon for them during their senior year and beyond. >> I hope I just have fun with everyone. Like, I feel like during senior year, everyone becomes closer. I'm excited that I have to apply for colleges, which is kind of nerve-wracking as well. >> I just hope to be successful and you know, all the work I did in here pays
022off >> and we have a feeling it will. Now, the seniors got to go back home after their sunrise tradition. Probably a lot of them went back to sleep. So, just the elementary schoolers, sixth graders, and ninth graders had a full day of school today. Tomorrow though, all the kids in Abington School District will return for the first day of school. We are live in Rosland, Tonda Thomas, Channel 6 Action News. >> Oh, Ter, I love it. And I love that tradition for them. Thank you. >> Yeah. Right. >> Okay, that brings us to our first uh section of comments from citizens. Comments from citizens are being conducted both in person and by phone. The phone number to participate in public comments is 2677153717 and is being displayed on the screen at this time. You'll
023be able to join the meeting by calling in on your mobile or landline phone. A citizen will be recognized once during this period of the meeting and each citizen's comments will be limited to a total of three minutes except at the discretion of the president. Time may not be yielded or otherwise transferred by one speaker to another for purposes of extending a given speaker's time allotment. If there's anyone present who would like to make a comment, please use the microphone either to your left or to your right. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Michael McHugh. I live at 804 Valley Glenn Road in Abington Township. I would like to speak with you and the community about a decision you will make tonight. This evening, you will be approving my retirement from teaching. I have
024proudly taught in the art in the Admonton School District for the past 31 years. My time here at Abington School District has been something I will cherish forever. I have learned so much about myself during my time here. My strengths, my weaknesses, how to become an effective educator, and life in general. In addition, I have built many incredible relationships with my colleagues, residents of Abington, and former students, some that I know will last my lifetime. As someone who has lived in Abington Township for 30 plus years, nothing brings more joy to my heart than hearing someone call out my name in a public space. Hey, Mr. McHugh, remember me? Hey, Miss McHugh, you are my favorite teacher. Hey, Mr. McHugh, I'm going to college to study art. I've always told my students that I hope
025they become productive and active citizens. I've encouraged them to always advocate for themselves regardless of what path in life they take. For that, I am proud. This was and has been a difficult decision for me, but I am ready for the next chapter in my life to begin. As some of you may know, my two boys are off to successful chapters in their life with the Abton School District and the Abington community to thank for that. I plan to be in Edmonton Township for the next few years until my youngest graduates and then I will head off to my lovely piece of land that I own in Vermont to enjoy mother nature and some well-deserved silence. [Music] >> To the school board and my colleagues, please keep challenging the youth of our township to become
026lifelong learners, not just someone who can pass a test. Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Live as if you were live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." >> Thank you. [Applause] >> Thank you for that. Congratulations on your retirement. Don't leave too quickly. >> Okay. >> Sorry. I feel like I should have saved the best for last. Um, first and foremost, thank you all in this room for your service to our children. It's very much appreciated. I think I can speak for all parents when I say that. Um, my name is Kate Bailey. I'm an Abington Township resident, a lifelong Commonwealth resident, and until this past year, I was an Abington school district parent. Recently, I've been in communications with >> I'm sorry. Can I just inter do
027we need an address? >> Mr. Donate Avenue. >> Okay. Thank you. Sorry about that. >> Um, so I've been in communications with certain members in this room. I'm not even sure at this point what roles they hold. Uh, Dr. Fetcher, I want to thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart for your transparency, your forthcoming nature in your communications. They left me feeling hopeful that um we could come to a resolution or at least I could feel heard. Um, Dr. for Malry. I'm sorry that our communications did not leave me feeling the same way. Um, frankly, I felt shut down, unheard, um, you know, manipulated in in your communications and there was a huge lack of transparency, which to me was very unsettling coming from someone in your position. Um, so I ceased communications
028and decide to come to the board. So, I would like to open it up to whomever has um the authority to to vote in this room. I'm only asking that we put before the board a resolution to vote to ban the display of any non-government sanctioned flags on all Abington school district grounds with the exception of possibly a school flag. I was shut down during my communications, not by Dr. Fetcher, but by Dr. Mallerie who did not even entertain me. Um so I therefore open it to all of you and I'm asking that this is done um were entertained or put before the board for discussion prior to November elections. Thank you. >> Thank you for your voice. Can I expect um knowing if this will be something that you will all consider? >> Um
029>> can the public know that? When will the public know since I've asked the public question? >> Do you want to Okay, I'll ask Mr. O'Donn to weigh in here. >> Just to be clear, the the public comment is an opportunity for the public to present the board with their commentary. It's not a back and forth. The agendas are published the Monday prior to each meeting. So they'll be that the next meeting I believe is the 30th I believe. >> You think so? Yes. >> Um so it would be the the evening before that but that would be where if a resolution were to appear that's where it would appear. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else in the room? Okay, Mr. Cargus, do we have anyone on the line? >> We do not.
030>> Okay, Dr. Fetcher, >> just I will Mike, I will address you in in a little bit in the meeting uh later on. So, I appreciate your coming forward with that. >> Okay. Okay. Um, I guess I would I would say this. If board members feel like they want to weigh in on this, they're welcome to reach out to me and we can try and come to some kind of consensus about if and when we want to move forward. Okay. >> Okay. All right. Uh that brings us to we have no additional agenda items I assume. No. All right. To the approval of minutes. Miss Eisenhart, can you please read the recommendation to approve the August meeting minutes? that the board of school directors approves the minutes of the board meeting on August 12th, 2025.
031Um, and the board meeting on August 26, 2025. >> Second, >> Dr. Fetcher. >> Just a presentation of the minutes. >> Okay. >> Uh, so this is a voice vote. All those in favor? >> I I >> The eyes have it. The motion carries. Um, Miss Eisenhart, can you please read the recommendation to approve the personnel in uh >> that the board of school directors approves the changes in personnel as reflected in personnel addendums numbers 7.1 and 7.1A? >> Second. >> Dr. Fetcher, we have a second. >> Thank you, Dr. Mauy. Um, first, uh, the personnel begins with the appointment of six professional employees. So, we welcome them. Um, and then I bring your attention to retirement of of Mr. Michael McHugh, uh, Abington Middle School art teacher who has served the district for 31
032years. And I just want to take a note to say that, um, it has been a pleasure to work with you and to have an opportunity to get to know you over the years in many capacities, not only as a teacher, but also as a community member and the volunteer service you do in our community. So, I want to thank you for that. Um, and you can only retire if the board approves it. So, hopefully they will not approve this. >> Okay. Um, questions or comments from the board? >> Uh, Mr. Thank you. >> Uh thank you for your your service to the district and for coming tonight and making such wonderful remarks. Um I'm very excited for you and your piece of land in Vermont. Um retirement is beautiful and um I'm very happy
033that uh you get to enjoy it for for many many years. Anyone else? >> I just want to second that. Thank you and thank you for uh coming here tonight because we often thank people but sometimes we don't have a face to go along with it. So um thank you for your service. Thank you for your impact. 31 years is a long time to uh to serve students and that means you may have impacted generations of families. So don't take that for granted. Rest in your quietness in Vermont and enjoy the fruits of your labor. >> And I think Miss Lee, you wanted to offer a remark. Um, I'm sure you don't remember me, but I had you for a semester in eighth grade. And um, I found my like passion for digital art in
034that class. And I just think the way that you respected like all of our students and treated us just really stuck with me. >> Um, and I thank you for that. And I have really good memories of that class. So, thank you. >> A I just want to add one more thing. Um, you mentioned how good it feels when someone remembers your name and um, the truth is you have you have all these great wonderful memories of that, right? And they say your name or this right here and it's such a beautiful thing. There are countless other people that of course the whole span of their life that think of you and hold you in their heart forever. and I thank you for that, for representing that in Abington and also my children who get
035to go to this school and get to gain those experiences. So, thank you again for your service. I agree about Vermont that just might have made a life change for me and thinking about things for my own future. Um, but really enjoy and I was honored to witness this today and vote for you today. >> Okay, Mr. Lionetti, if you would please. Mr. Allen >> I >> Mrs. Brown >> I >> Miss Eisenhart >> I >> Mr. Muhammad >> I >> Miss Spalding >> I >> Miss Hartman >> I >> Miss Frasier >> I >> Miss Fazy >> I >> Dr. Mauy >> I the eyes have it and the motion passes. >> Miss Eisenhart can you please read the recommendation for approval of the financial report? Uh yes, that the board of school directors
036approves the financial report for the period ending July 31st, 2025 as reflected in addendum number 8.1. >> Second. >> Okay, Dr. Fetcher, we have a second. >> Okay. Um I'm going to ask Mr. Lionetti for one of his last uh summarizations of a financial report for Avington School District for July 2025. >> As it's the first month of our budget, this will be brief. The July financial report indicates that the district received $5.1 million of revenue, of which $4.7 million is from real estate taxes. The district spent 4.6 million in the first month of the 2526 budget year. If there are any questions regarding the financial report, we'll do our best to answer them. >> Okay. Questions or comments from the board? >> No. Okay. Mr. Lion any would you please call the role? >>
037Mr. Allen >> I. >> Mrs. Brown >> I >> Miss Eisenhart >> I. >> Mr. Muhammad >> I. >> Miss Spalding >> I. >> Miss Hartman >> I. >> Miss Fraser >> I. >> Miss Fazy >> I. >> Dr. M. >> I. The eyes have it and the motion passes. >> Miss. Eisenhart. Could you please read the recommendation for permits of buildings and grounds? that the board of school directors approves the applications for permits for use of buildings and grounds as reflected in addendum number 9.1. >> Second. >> We have a second. Dr. Fetcher. >> Thank you, Dr. Mauy. The permanent addendum reflects typical requests for buildings and grounds for meetings and other school events and activities for this time of year. >> Questions or comments? >> Just one comment on this. Um I'm always
038amazed when you scroll through the pages of usage of uh the grounds without throughout the district that the amount of non um specifically school related community groups and activities um organizations and all kinds of sectors and representation across our community and our township and Rocklage are have access um to the buildings and it's it's always impressive to me and I I appreciate it um and just want to make a point of that this evening with so many reflected tonight. >> Okay. >> Yeah. To that >> I'm sorry. >> No. >> To that point, um, our schools are community centers, >> right? Our schools are places where everyone is welcome to take part in all of the amenities that they have to offer. Um, and I've been spending a lot of time in the schools picking
039up, dropping off uh throughout the last five, six weeks. And, um, the schools are always buzzing. There's always people around 6, 7:00, 8:00. There's a kid getting picked up right now, um, this time of night. And so, you know, I salute all of the educators and the community members who are doing this great work on behalf of our students and the community at large. >> Yeah. And I appreciate I appreciate, you know, you noting uh the use of the fields. Um from a facilities perspective, it is always a challenge for us. Uh but we have done some analysis and comparatively to many school districts uh we have a very high percentage of our field use um being from outside of uh Abington school district organizations and and I think that's part of our commitment to
040our community uh to be here for our community as well as to ensure that we have um proper fields uh for our students here as So, it is a it is a challenge for us. Um, but is something that we're committed to. >> Anyone else? >> No. Um, it's one of the things that makes these schools the beating heart of this community, right? Um, and I did note on that list of of booked activities and booked um, facilities that we are now well into next year. So, >> um, that's a testament to how valuable those facilities are. Um, all right, Mr. Lionetti, >> Mr. Allen, >> I, >> Mrs. Brown, >> I, >> Miss Eisenhart, >> I, >> Mr. Muhammad >> I >> Miss Spalding >> I >> Miss Hartman >> I >> Miss Fraser
041>> I >> Miss Ba >> I >> Dr. Mauy >> I the eyes have it and the motion passes. >> Miss Eisenhart, can you please read the recommendation for awards of contracts? >> That the board of school directors approves the awards of contracts as reflected in addendum number 10.1. >> Second. >> We have a second. Dr. Fetcher. >> Thank you Dr. Mallerie. Uh we tonight for your consideration we have one rejection of bid, one award of contract and one contract change order. Uh ironically the first um rejection is for a field and it's for the middle school uh softball field and the reason for the rejection is the bids far exceeded um our grant that we uh received of $50,000. Um so at this time we have to reject those bids and u look at
042uh alternative plans uh to that. Um next is for our email security software and that's paid for by the um 2025 2026 general fund budget. And finally, as we welcome the new school year with new playgrounds in all of our elementary schools, which is uh something that we've been waiting for for some time. Um this is the last uh change order that occurs with the playground renovations. Um but we are complete and uh the project uh I want to say turned out very nicely. We're excited. The students are definitely excited from um what I have personally witnessed on the playground and um I do like the new surface of the playground. It has a spongy feel and if you walk on it, it it's pretty cool. Um and so we all started the year off
043with a bounce in our step. So thank >> All right, questions or comments from the board? >> Just second the playground thing. Um, I recently picked my kids up from school and I was very, very happy to see the playgrounds and to see all the kids enjoying it. And I will remark now in hindsight, last year when I visited them, the playgrounds were in renovation. And so that meant playing outside with balls of which there were maybe 70 cuz everybody had one. So it was just so many. And it was really fun to see that, but even better to see the updated playgrounds. So, >> I just wanted to comment on um the long process and now the students being able to see what it looks like to have an inclusive playground where if you
044have a wheelchair, you don't just look and watch people play. You can access and make use of the equipment. And that means the world to a lot of families, but it also means the world to the to young people who get to play with their friends. >> Yep. >> All of their friends. So, I'm very very excited to see that it has been completed and our young people are enjoying it. All of our young people. If I could just make a note about um the importance of play and the importance of joy um when it comes to education and um how honored I feel to be on this board and to have played a small role in bringing additional joy and play to the students of Abington and Rock Ledge. You know, I have a
045third grader who is skipping bus pickups to get to the playground a little earlier. um because they're all competing for different um parts of the playground and so it's it's awesome to have seen that concluded. >> That's great. Miss Eisenhard, did you want to ask a question before? I I just wanted to make a point of clarification on the middle school um softball field that the grant was specific for the softball field and that funds wouldn't be able to be used elsewhere since the bid was rejected just because it's awesome anytime the district gets a grant such as that. >> Yes. Um the grant itself is is very restrictive to what you apply for and uh that particular that money has to be used for that purpose. Um we can try to petition to um
046change the scope of the project uh which we will you know see what we can do if the grant would be extended. um there are strict guidelines in terms of the time to spend that grant out. So um this particular grant um must be complete all all phases of it and at this time must be complete before January 1. >> Okay. >> Um so we would have to um try to petition to get that extended uh which we will do. Um but there's no promises there and and or um see if there's additional grant money available uh because the quite simply you know the the amount of the the return of the bids was far too much compared to the grant. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Am am I correct in understanding that it
047was about double the cost? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um All right. and you will update us obviously as soon as you know anything about where how we might adjust. >> Yeah, absolutely. Um we have started preliminary contacts uh to see if we can um at least expand the timeline. >> Okay. >> And um also have inquired about additional grant money. >> Okay. All right. To close that gap. Okay. All right. Great. Thank you. Anyone else? >> Uh I do have one question. So, Dr. Fetcher, and if this answer is not available now, maybe in the future, uh, I saw in the permits and grounds and for the past years, it's cost basis or it's no charge for the facility rental fee. And then in the very next award of contract, we're
048talking about the fields and and the the redoing of them, which made me wonder, is there anything in that cost basis that's uh maybe a fee or something that's attributed to capital expenditures for the maintenance of the facilities that are rented out? When I see cost basis, I'm assuming that's custodial, maybe facil uh security, it's um lights, utilities. Is there capital expenditures kind of budgeted into that cost basis? >> Uh no, there right now it is it is for the additional support um that's required. A cost basis permit usually requires I'll let Mr. curtain. Explain it in terms of what typically uh happens during a cost basis and what the costs are. >> During a cost basis permit that is usually to cover the cost if we have to have any facility staff whether it
049be grounds custodial or any cleanup. If there's no additional Thank you. If there's no additional staff required, it is not a cost basis. Generally what you would see with J GC or one of the other youth groups there's no support given so there's no cost it's only when there's additional supports needed so cost basis doesn't take into account utilities anything that's used like if they're renting out the little theater uh it's literally just staff >> correct >> okay so that that really to to go back to what was being ping ponged around it that is a huge service to the community that the district um provides because these redoss of and updates of the ground, the fields and the facilities significant. Um, and something I support, but I I it makes me wonder in the
050cost basis, should we be doing some sort of fee that goes into a capital expenditure account that can help offset some of the improvements >> that this large usage list uh, you know, causes. maybe some some refresh. >> So you're just so I understand you're thinking in terms of like field maintenance and refreshment etc. >> Exactly. >> Okay. >> Um if renting out the the stage and the theater for the lights, the projector, the any of the updates that would need that would come with just usage of facilities from outside groups. Obviously, if it's our own clubs and activities, that's it's what we do is provide for the students. But for outside community groups, not not, you know, um saying, you know, a huge something, but it might be a good idea to look at
051that as a revenue source. We know that money's tight and with our budget. Um and I don't know if it's pennies and if it's even worth the discussion. Um just something st you know, popped out in my head. >> Okay. Go ahead. Mr. Allen, um there are we do not currently charge for the uh field use. Um and we do not have um a rental kind of you know requirement uh there. Uh that is something that you know the district has not done um to date. Uh but it is something that is is done in many school districts um you know surrounding us. So, you know, to that point, it has not been done. Um, and the fees are really for personnel. >> All right. And recognizing community groups have really tight budgets, too. Like
052everybody's money's tight, and it's just uh maybe something we keep in the back of our heads um going forward. >> Good thinking. >> Thanks. >> I I can give, you know, an example. Uh if you take our Glenside Welden Field, um the Glenside Welden Field is not used at all by Abington School District. Uh however, it is used by many community groups and we maintain that field and um have a grounds crew that maintains that field as well. So to your point, that's a prime example of where you know the school district's not using the property at all. >> I appreciate that, Mr. and >> I do think it's it may be worth considering. >> Yeah, I would I would just add that, you know, conversation beyond what is happening tonight should be communitywide and
053um it we're talking about a lot of uh different elements >> at play um historically and also like townshipwide with use of green spaces, access to green spaces, those kinds of items. So, I would just like it to be a larger discussion if it moves in that in that way. >> Totally agree. I'm not trying to spark something. I'm just it was a thought that I had and you can't say these things other than publicly. So, you know, that's to share with fellow board members. Just a thought in my head. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Anyone else? >> I'll make this comment. I believe in karma. When you give to others, you get back. May not directly and monetary, but you do give back. >> That's it. >> Okay. And just just to jump in,
054any cost that we and just playing devil's advocate here, any cost that we charge an organization to use the fields is then going to be put back on the parents >> of the kids playing the sport and they're going to be incurring the expense. So, I'm just playing devil's advocate here. Just the other side of the argument. I see both sides of it. I just and I do agree that if we do end up having this conversation, it should include community members, fam, stakeholders >> that would be affected by it. >> Yep. >> Miss Lee, no. Nothing. Okay. All right. Um, Mr. Lionetti, we'll move on to the vote then. >> Mr. Allen, >> I. >> Mrs. Brown, >> I. >> Miss Eisenhart, >> I. >> Mr. Muhammad, >> I. >> Miss Spalding, >> I.
055>> Miss Hartman, >> I. Miss Frasier >> I. >> Miss Basy >> I. >> Dr. Mauy >> I. The eyes have it and the motion passes. Miss Eisenhart, can you please read the recommendation for the approval of the board policies? >> Uh yes. That the board of school directors approves the second reading of the revised board policies as reflected in agendas number 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.6, and 11.7. >> Second. >> Dr. Fetcher, >> as we began in our uh last meeting, um annually there's a review of district policies and um superintendent's administrative procedures and this occurs under the direction of the assistant superintendent in conjunction with the solicitor's office. Um nine policies are being presented this evening. two two policies are recommended for repeal and seven policies are being presented with significant amendments
056for the second reading uh this evening as the last board meeting was the first reading of these policies. Dr. Melord, did I cover everything? >> Okay. So, we would be more than happy to answer any questions that you have um on the policies that you saw at the last meeting um that are also included in the board agenda this evening. >> Okay. Questions or comments from the board? Hi, I want to commend the uh administration on doing a deep dive and helping to keep our district current as contexts change, circumstances change, and the language and some of these policies uh have to shift with the times and we've done a good job with that. Thank you. Okay. >> All right. Anyone else? Okay. Mr. Lionetti, would you please call the role? >> Mr. Allen, >>
057I. >> Mrs. Brown, >> I. >> Miss Eisenhart, >> I. >> Mr. Muhammad, >> I. >> Miss Spalding, >> I. >> Miss Hartman, >> I. >> Miss Frasier, >> I. >> Miss Fazy, >> I. >> Dr. Mauy, >> I The eyes have it and the motion passes. Miss Eisenhart, can you please read the recommendation for the repeal of two board policies? that the board of school directors approves the second reading of the repealed board policies as reflected in agendas numbers 12.1 and 12.2. >> Second. >> We have a second. Dr. Fetcher. >> Thank you, Dr. Mery. We can answer any questions that you may have on this uh second reading of repeal. >> Okay. Questions or comments from the board? >> Okay. Mr. Lionetti. >> Mr. Allen. >> I. >> Mrs. Brown. >> I. >>
058Miss Eisenhart. I >> Mr. Muhammad >> I >> Miss Spalding >> I >> Miss Hartman >> I >> Miss Frasier >> I >> Miss Fazy >> I >> Dr. Mauy >> I the eyes have it and the motion passes. >> Miss Eisenhart, can you please read the recommendation for election of the board secretary? >> That the board of school directors elects Miss Patricia Denola um as secretary of the board and the school directors for a term of four years effective September 22nd, 2025. said election being required in accordance with section 404 of the Pennsylvania school code from 1949. >> Second. >> We have a second. Dr. Fetcher. >> Thank you, Dr. Mauy. Uh, as mentioned, section 404 of the school code of 1949 requires the election of a board secretary for a term of four
059years. As previously communicated, Mr. Lionetti has continued in his role to support the transition of the chief financial officer position and the election of a new board secretary. So we are pleased this evening to recommend Miss U. Patricia Denakola as a new board secretary effective September 22nd, 2025. >> Questions or comments from the board? >> Welcome again uh Miss Dola. I wanted to make one more comment and I know there will be final comments at the end of the evening but I believe Mr. Nionetti shared that you have served in just about 700 meetings. >> That's correct. >> That is an outstanding number. Um, and over your 16 years of serving in this capacity, I can imagine that you may have seen um a number of changes in the board, which means you have to
060continue to orient uh new members to uh finance and and and budget and things of that nature. And you do it with grace each time as if you were doing it for the first time with with each new member. So, thank you for setting such a high standard and a high bar uh for the person who's coming in after you. I appreciate all that you're leaving behind. And Miss Dakola, I know that you are more than capable to uh to come in and pick up the reigns and continue us forward. So, welcome. Anyone else? No. Okay. I would add my welcome. Uh Mr. Lionetti >> Mr. Allen >> I >> Mrs. Brown >> I >> Miss Eisenhart >> I >> Mr. Muhammad >> I >> Miss Spalding >> I >> Miss Hartman >> I >>
061Miss Fraser >> I >> Miss Fazy >> I >> Dr. Mauy >> I the eyes have it and the motion passes. >> Miss Eisenhart, can you please read the recommendation for budget transfers? that the board of school directors approves the trans transfers within the district's 2024 2025 budget as reflected in addendum number 14.1 and authorize the administration to present transfers in the future when required. >> Second, >> uh Dr. Fetcher, I'm >> going to let Mr. Lionetti do this one last time. >> Thank you, Dr. >> The state auditor general and the school code require budget transfers. We have budget transfers for the 202425 school year in the amount of $4,944,495 which is 2.48% of the expense expense budget. It is anticipated that budget transfers for the 2425 school year may be presented again if
062needed um in November and December uh to coincide with the completion of your auditor's auditing of the 2425 school year. We can answer any questions if you have any. >> Okay. Questions from the board. >> Okay. If you would. >> Yes. Mr. Allen. >> I. >> Mrs. Brown. >> I. >> Miss Eisenhart. >> I. >> Mr. Muhammad. >> I. >> Miss. Spalding. >> I. >> Miss. Hartman. >> I. >> Miss. Fraser. >> I. >> Miss. Fasy. >> I. >> Dr. Mauy. >> I. The eyes have it and the motion passes. Miss Eisenhart, can you please read the recommendation for the Ardley School Ardsley School lease extension? >> Uh that the board of school directors authorize the administration to work with the solicitor to develop and finalize and execute a 60-day amendment extension to the lease
063agreement with Abington Township for the Ardsley School property. >> Second. >> We have a second. Dr. Fetcher. >> Thank you, Dr. Mary. Uh the district has leased this property to the township since 1980. Uh the lease is set to expire on September 27th uh 2025, my father's birthday. Um and the administration and township are working to finalize an amendment that will extend the term of the lease. However, the the amendment has not been finalized. So, as a result, uh, the administration requests the authorization to finalize and execute a 60-day amendment extension of the lease prior to the expiration date. The district and the township are currently negotiating other revisions to lease, but wish to extend the term while these negotiations continue. I support the 60-day extension as this property, as many of you know, hosts
064daycare and child care is a paramount importance to many of our community members. So, I think it's warranted that while we are um in these negotiations that we continue uh to allow uh that uh to continue. >> Okay. Questions or comments from the board? I know this vote is only to extend, but I just wanted to um second what you said about ORS Lee providing before and after care and how important it is to uh to the community and I really do appreciate the time that my children spent there as well. So, thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Is the building used for any any other purposes? I know it used to be before in some of those like the township used it for uh for other things like you used to be able to
065get pool passes there now you can't and some other things it is still used as a community center there are meetings the um especially the arsley community meetings uh take place there few other uh community meetings as well so the space the township uh part of the lease just to explain is that the township maintains the entire the building and the district leases that um to the township at at no cost because they are maintaining the the facility. Uh so they can use it for all different um activities. There have been I attended a meeting there with Arsley Community Group um last I think it was last uh school year. It >> was last spring. >> Yeah, last spring. >> Um so that's that's how the property is used. um by the township, but ultimately
066it's their decision to use it uh how they see fit. >> If I may, Dr. Fletcher, um I was going to add that this again demonstrates the unique uh intertwine of relationships with within our community, Abington Township, um the school district, properties such as this, because there is also additional activities that are available for use of residence, um that I'm sure many people have partaken in, you know, through the years. I know my family has yoga and um karate and all kinds of great things. It's used as a space similar to how the rest of our buildings are for Girl Scouts to meet. Um and that's why, you know, this is a pretty robust use of facilities and yet just one more example of that. So I of course will be voting yes for this
067and appreciate the consideration to do so. >> So I have two questions. One is um are we fairly confident that we can resolve matters in the 60-day period? >> I I don't want to comment on the legal matters of a negotiation. >> Okay. >> At this time, okay. Um we are committed to trying to make this work and you know I along with um the township manager have made a commitment to you know try to do what we can to get this done within that time period. >> Okay. Um and how old can you just refresh our memory about how old that building is? >> Mr. Lionetti it was before you came here the building. >> Agreed. 60. >> No idea what the >> not >> We can I can get you that information. It's
068>> It's in my office. I know, >> but I don't have the uh >> I'm guessing 30s, but um I was just curious. All right. Um if there are no other questions, we'll move on to the vote. >> Mr. Allen, >> I. >> Mrs. Brown, >> I. >> Miss Eisenhart, >> I. >> Mr. Muhammad >> I >> Miss Spalding >> I >> Miss Hartman >> I >> Miss Fraser >> I >> Miss Fazy >> I >> Dr. Mauy >> I the eyes have it and the motion passes. Uh that takes us to agenda item 16. Miss Eisenhart, can you please read the recommendation for nursing services on an asneeded basis? that the boards of school directors authorize the administration to contract with Bayetta Home Health Care Incorporated for the period of July 8th, 2025 through
069July 30th, 2026 to provide nursing service on services on an as needed basis when district nursing staff are unavailable. >> Second. >> We have a second. Dr. Fetcher. >> Thank you, Dr. Mauy. We are um asking you to authorize administration enter into agreement with Bayata Home Healthc Care Inc. uh to provide nursing services on as needed basis when district nursing staff are unavailable. >> Okay. >> Questions or comments from the board? >> Yeah. Do you require does Abington require a nurse to travel to every field trip with the kids or is it just as needed based on the student population that's attending? >> Dr. Rosenthal, >> it's it's based on the needs of the students that are going. Yes. >> Okay. >> And their medical conditions. >> So, some of the support that this would
070provide is if we do have a short shortage of nurses and nurse uh students who have chronic medical conditions, who require um who require a nurse that this would allow us the opportunity to make sure that we filled in those gaps and that we continued our service for our students. >> Have we worked with them before or is this completely new? This is new. >> It's new, right? >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Is this strictly nurses or are therapists included physical and occupational? >> No, it's just uh registered nurses. >> Thank you. >> Just thank you for comment on how important it is um for nurses to be available for our students um whether that be on field trips or in their schools daily. Um, for a lot of kids, the presence of a
071nurse in a school or on a field trip um can be the difference between them being able to participate um versus not. So, extremely important. >> I just wanted to say thank you for thinking outside of the box. I know there are districts not here um but there are districts that struggle to keep a part-time nurse in a building. Uh so to think outside of the box to make sure that our students get what they need um is something that I'm very thankful for. >> Yeah. Agree. >> Okay. Other questions, comments? Okay. We'll move to the vote. Mr. Lionetti. >> Mr. Allen. >> I. >> Mrs. Brown. >> I. >> Miss Eisenhart. >> I. >> Mr. Muhammad. >> I. >> Miss. Balding. >> I. >> Miss Hartman. >> I. >> Miss Fraser. >> I. Miss
072Faze >> I >> Dr. Mauy >> I the eyes have it and the motion passes. Dr. Fetcher, are there additional reports and recommendations by the administration and superintendent? >> Uh yes, Dr. Mauy. I provide for you the conference attendance and professional leaves as well as the capital improvement projects report for your information. >> Okay. Okay. Uh any other business that may be brought to the attention of the board of school directors? Okay, that moves us to our second section of comments from citizens. Comments from citizens are being conducted both in person and by phone. The phone number to participate in public comments is 2677153717 and is being displayed on the screen at this time. You'll be able to join the meeting by calling in on your mobile or landline phone. A citizen will be recognized
073once during this period of the meeting and each citizen's comments will be limited to three minutes except at the discretion of the president. Time may not be given I'm sorry, time may not be yielded or otherwise transferred by one speaker to another for purposes of extending a given speaker's time allotment. If there's anyone present who'd like to make a comment, please use the microphone either to your left or to your right. No. Okay, we'll give callers another how long, Mr. Carus? >> 30 seconds. Okay. >> Well, they're doing giving time. Um 1931 is the answer. Uh so you were correct in the 30s. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. I appreciate that. I'll be trying out for Jeopardy next years. >> Okay. Um, if there are no callers on the line and
074no one in the room who would like to make a comment, uh, we will move to closing comments of the school directors. Mr. Allen. >> Uh, I'll keep it short. Mr. and Eddie, I'm definitely going to miss having you sit there, especially during the budget season, uh, telling the numbers so calmly and succinctly and directly. Um there's a trust that I have built that you have built we have built that um it's especially when it comes to the finances and for me it's very difficult to trust someone and I trust you wholeheartedly and that is a testament that uh how hard of a job that you you have and that you you do uh but also your character and just um everything about you just screams uber professionalism. There's never a moment that you uh
075like even just jokingly will will lower the guard of professionalism. Um and that uh I you know job well done. >> Exactly. >> Good night. >> I I agree. As educators, we say there is no dumb question. But even if you thought that someone was asking a dumb question, you have a way of um of answering them and making them feel as though that their question is I'll say my question, I won't say that that my question is worthy of hearing and worthy of answering. And um that is what a sense of belong that's how a sense of belonging is created that the voices that we hear are of value and and you continue to do that um from the five six years that I've been here on this board. So thank you >> uh
076Mr. Lionetti, I um similar themed here, but um you have taught me something about when you think you know something. And the real gift in having knowledge is sharing it. You find a way to share that knowledge with other people in spaces and in incidents that sometimes I just don't know how you do it. um you just provide such a level of patience and it is such a gesture of kindness that equates to positive outcomes not just for the person you're interacting with but our community at large. Um and it's something that I hope to emulate in my life. So, in the little time that we've worked together, you have made such a great impact on me and how I wish to represent myself um if I'm in those kind of spaces, you know, if
077I ever can, you know, or get the opportunity. So, thank you for sharing with me and for showing me what true collaboration looks like. Um, and I wish you just a wonderful, wonderful, welldeserved, peaceful, joyful um, future as you embark on this next chapter with your family. >> Thank you, Miss Eisenhart. >> You're welcome. >> Right. We could not have asked for a better financial officer and board secretary um, for an educational institution. Um though you've never taught a class in Abington School District, you are an educator and a teacher in this school district. and you've taught iterations of this board and iterations of Abington administration so much, you know, and those early meetings, it's all just brand new. And I think everyone on this board can say that, right? It's all brand new, right?
078we're not having those conversations until we we we get elected into these positions and you welcome us in and you share a whole lot of information and then you take so much time to break it down not just for us but for the entire community. Um and I've seen you do it for these past four years. Um and I thank you for it and I um thank you for your service and congratulations. I'm so happy for you, sir. >> Thank you, Mr. Mo. I don't have much more to say other what's already been said other than that um I'm going to miss you and um I I too felt that you were very uh patient and you really explained things to us but not in a condescending manner. I mean you really were there to
079help us and for that I will miss you. Good luck in your retirement. But you see where I wound up in my retirement. >> One to follow. Thank you. >> Um I want to second everything everyone has already said and I think a lot of your qualities or your wonderful qualities have been covered. Um, but I do want to thank you for everything that you've done for me and for the board and just really giving everything you have to be a true leader in our space. And um, I'm really going to miss you. I am. And I I wish you and your family all the best. I hope that you have lots of adventures if you want to. And if you want to go to Vermont and enjoy silence, I would understand that too from
080deep inside my soul. Um, but I just I just want to say thank you for everything that you've done for us and and for your grace. And I don't know how you stay so calm all the time. I don't know if you're like that behind closed doors when we're not around, but the calm that you exude is just incredible, and I aspire to find that calm in my leadership. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Hartman. Miss Fraser, >> I guess at this point I'll just say thank you for your warmth with love. >> Thank you, Miss Fraser. >> So, I'll just say that when you become a board member, one of the first things that you come into is budget season and it is overwhelming and it is lots and lots of numbers. It's
081bigger numbers than I've ever seen in my life. You know, those are the biggest numbers I've ever dealt with. Um, and it's very overwhelming. And you not only help us understand the numbers and what they mean, but you help us understand the history behind the numbers and the implication for them and what they mean for our students and what they mean for our community. And you help us to make educated decisions with those numbers and it means so much. And the way that you do it, you have a presence. You you have a calm, warm peaceful presence with it all. Um, and so I appreciate that and I thank you for that and you'll be greatly missed. >> Thank you, Miss Ba. >> Miss Lee, >> I just want to say that everything I've heard
082tonight has been really inspiring just like the person that I've seen you guys talk about um, and the impact that you have. So, I just want to say thank you for the work that you've done here. >> Dr. future. >> Well, I think I've stated some things, but um that calmness is good when you balance out someone who's not so calm um and who may be a little more hyper. So, um I will I will miss that. U and I appreciate just on behalf of the district. Um, we truly believe that our students are first and when it comes to hard financial decisions, you have always um followed that and made sure that we're here for a reason. We're not here to make products. We're not here we're here to teach uh children. And uh
083it's difficult sometimes for us all to remember that in the business side of running a district. Um but I can say in my um almost 20 years of working with you that I have seen um you make sure that that's at at you know the heart of our mission. So I I appreciate that. >> Thank you Dr. Fer. >> Mr. Donahghue, I'm going to offer you a a rare chance. >> I wish he hadn't. I have worked with Chris for as long as I've been a lawyer. He taught me a lot of what I know about school finance. Pretty much everything I know about school finance. I'm going to miss him dearly. He's been a uh a rock, a person you can talk to. >> And our personal conversations, our professional conversations, I'm going to
084miss it. But I wish you the absolute longest, healthiest retirement money can buy. I uh I'm gonna miss you, Chris. >> So, I would just like to say that I personally know I have asked a lot of dumb questions since I came on the board. Um, but you helped me ask better questions and clearer questions and that's worth everything. Um, I don't know that I can add much about um the descriptions of your impeccable character. Um, I would say I think Mr. Allen and Mrs. Brown and I are now the longest serving members of this board and um, together we um, worked with you and Dr. professor and other members of the staff to get the district through COVID um and you know sort of assess the finances of that on the district. Um your
085help in thinking through the referendum and the project that now lies before us was indispensable. Um, I can remember multiple occasions when I would call Jeff and he would call you for a specific set of numbers and we had them in 24 hours. So, not only are you wise and patient and an incredible CFO, but you're also amazingly adept at producing the information we need um in very short order. And um during the difficult moments that we have faced while I've been on this board, you have been a steady hand. Um, so I I I can't wish you enough good things in your retirement. Um, I'm really grateful that Miss Denna has agreed to to step in and um help us steer the ship, but you're going to be missed. >> Well, thank you, Dr.
086Mary, and I'm glad you mentioned, Miss De Nicole. I find working with her the last two weeks, you're you'll be in very good hands and you know she's on the move already and you'll see her impact. >> Yep. I'm I'm excited about it. I am very excited about it. Um okay, I think with that we can adjourn the meeting. Thank you everyone. Have a good evening.