001good evening and welcome to the April 16 2024 meeting of the aington board of school directors I note the attendance of all board members with the exception of uh Miss FY who is excused and Miss uh Frasier who will be joining us shortly uh please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance i al to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands Nation God indivisible with liy and justice for all thank you the Amington Board of school directors has convened this evening's meeting at the administration building and the public is welcome in consideration of the health and safety of the school Community this meeting is also being broadcast live on the Abington School District YouTube channel this meeting is being recorded and will be accessible on the district's
002website and cable channel no later than Friday April 19th 2020 4 to allow those members of the public who cannot participate to view the proceeding at a latting time later time pardon me comments from citizens will be conducted in person and by phone information regarding participating remotely in public comment will be displayed on the screen at the time of public comment and the board thanks the public in advance for its cooperation this is a place where we hold dignity and respect and high regard both your presence and your voice is welcome in this space uh Dr fetcher any opening comments for this evening yes Mr Brown um before we begin our meeting this evening I wanted to share an update uh with the public as you know Abington School District continues to develop our District's
003long-term facilities plan and Community input remains critical to the process I'm excited to announce that the district will host two openhouse and Community Forum events to share the results of recent facilities ass vestments and hear from residents about their hopes for the future investments in our buildings to accommodate varying schedules the district will hold the events on Saturday May 4th from 11: to 12:30 and if you are a Star Wars fan you will still have time to celebrate the fourth be with you and on Tuesday May 7th from 6:30 to 8:00 and residents are invited to take a guided tour of the middle School talk with District leadership ask questions of the independent Consultants that are retained to assess our school buildings and offer uh thoughts on next steps we hope that you will be
004able to join us for these two events I would also like to make an announcement tonight regarding a concern a few parents and Guardians and students have brought to my attention regarding the senior high school administration's int intentions to more closely ensure that our students are following the previously established guidelines regarding student dress while this is a question or concern that would typically typically be directed to the level of building Administration since we have a a board meeting tonight I wanted to take an opportunity to clarify our protocols for our students and families Abington School District has a board policy and superintendent administrative procedure regarding dress and appearance all of our school's dress codes must conform to this board approved policy as outlined in this superintendent's administrative procedure all guidelines regarding student dress are managed
005at the building level at Abington Senior High School the student dress guidelines can be found in the student handbook which is accessible via the school and District website for students and parents reference the student dress section is reviewed by Administration annually and updates are made as needed since Dr Swift became principle in January she has worked with her administrative team to identify a number of previously established policies upon which she wanted to improve student dress being among them if any Senior High students or parents have questions about the dress code or their enforcement I ask that you direct the these to Dr Swift or an assistant principal as this is a building level issue I know Dr Swift is open to discussion and wants to ensure that there are no misunderstandings as how these guidelines
006will apply in fact Dr Swift has already established a student committee to seek input on ways in which they can improve upon the student dress section and other portions of the handbook for next school year she is open to listening to students and using this feedback when her team conducts its annual review of the handbook over this summer Dr Swift asked if she could have a moment to address the public this evening so I'm going to ask her if she could use one of the microphones to do so good evening and I want to thank the board of directors Dr fetcher for allowing me this short opportunity to do so um when I entered on the 30th of January um one of the entry plan goals was to reflect on climate and safety and the
007code of conduct which does need to be updated we have to acknowledge that this evening um however I would like to say to everyone in the room that when they ask about what appropriate attire is anything that's offensive revealing demeaning bias and unsafe we would individually contact those students privately confidentially and follow up with their parents specifically about what we're seeing in terms of the code of conduct I said it must be updated into Dr freter Point within 48 hours 20 students reached out to me specifically asking to be a voice at the table of all backgrounds all diversities all gender identities and so I'm very happy about that that's a test to the work um that students want to do for the school in terms of any misconceptions the only aspect that's been addressed
008about the code had to be is is about dress uh Dr Swift nor any uh employee in the school has said anything about jewelry summer shorts um you know necklaces and things like that um that have come forth to the board to Dr fetcher Dr melor my supervisors and I want to assure everyone that these are baby steps but the biggest part of this speaks to diversity equity and inclusion and that I would never ever as principal parent and former graduate of this District impose anything that would violate the civil rights of students in our schools and in any school and to Dr fetcher point please contact uh me specifically or anyone on the grade level team and also the PTO meeting is Thursday uh in the library at 6:00 for the parents that are
009listening here and those that are listening on on online so we welcome your voices there on Thursday evening as well to get more work to get this done thank you so much thank you very much that's all I have at this time thank you and thank you for your uh leadership of both of you thank you for your leadership I definitely appreciate it and I know our students will benefit from it um at this time any additional items to be brought up for my fellow board members okay if not we'll open up with um opening comments Mr Alan nothing thank you uh Miss Eisen Hart good evening all and welcome Dr Maui I actually have two things I want to say um so the first is I want to um my dad was fond of
010observing that when you're faced with a practical problem you should look for a practical solution and so I want to congratulate Dr Swift for coming up with an eminently practical solution one that is in inclusive of the students um and I'm proud of our students for stepping forward and wanting to be part of the solution the other thing I wanted to open with today is that excuse me when I got back from campus last Monday um as the eclipse was reaching its peak point for us um I got out of my car car and I heard the most wonderful joyous noise at Highland Elementary School from all the students who were out in the playing fields with the glasses that the district delivered to them watching in amazement an event that none of us will
011see for another two decades um so I wanted to thank Dr fetcher for investing in our students and for using this remarkable opportunity as a teachable moment because from what I heard across the street the kids really loved it thank you Miss balding uh nothing at this time Mr Muhammad good evening everyone Miss Hartman good evening everyone Dr fetcher good evening thank you for coming out I think we're excited to see our students and uh honor some some of them for awards and what they've accomplished uh definitely I'm excited as well uh Dr fetcher we can proceed with the student council Representatives uh from Abington senior high school I'm going to ask Jonah Campbell to come forward good good evening Dr fetcher Mrs Brown and members of the board of school directors my name is
012Jonah Campbell and I'm the president of the student council executive board in the high school this month we have had some exciting things happening on March 16th we held our annual sophomore formal dance the soft hop our sophomores came out in their best attire and had a blast on March 22nd we held our annual minithon event a fundraiser for Pediatric cancer hundreds of students came out and participated and together we raised $58,000 congratulations and thanks to those who who participated abington's National Honor Society participated in a community service project where students built and decorated spring baskets filled with candy and Hollow eggs which each contained a positive message from the students each basket was delivered to the Ral Park retirement community thank you to the NHS students who participated in this Amazing Project our girls
013flag football team started off their season with a 210 win against Central Bucks West congratulations to them our girls lacrosse team has a record of five wins and three losses their next game is tomorrow versus William Tennant best of luck to them on April 16th through the 24th Abington students will host a visiting French group as a part of the international cultural Exchange program this program includes exchange students staying in the Abington students homes for two weeks we look forward to welcoming and hosting them on April 6th and 7th the Abington chess team competed in the United States Chess Federation high school championship in Baltimore our two teams play second overall in the respective divisions congratulations to them the student council successfully held our annual blood drive in the auxiliary gym on April 4th student
014council has been hosting this blood drive for the past 40 years as it is one of Montgomery County's largest student run blood drives many students and faculty members came to donate blood to a good cause we surpassed our goal of 74 units of blood each unit has the potential to save three lives thank you to all of those who donated as the fourth marking period opens students are looking forward to a long summer break and our seniors are looking forward to graduation and Beyond respectfully submitted Jonah Campbell thank you very much Jonah at this time I'm going to ask Ariana Hernandez to come forward uh from Abington Middle School uh Jonah before you leave I just wanted to say I'll write it I'll send it in email good evening Mrs Brown Dr feter and members
015of the board of school directors I'm Ariana Hernandez and I'm on the Executive Board of the student council for Avington middle school during March Tata took 120 7 and eth grader students to bolo for an evening of bowling arcade games and Pizza in April we took forward to hosting we look forward to hosting the unique board game event as well as our annual Extravaganza event 12 AMS students represented AMS at The pmea District 11 Junior High song Fest at Sandy red middle school on Thursday April 4th students worked ahead of time to learn their music and performed with students from Palisades Colonial Upper Dublin upper perk and sheltonham under conductor do Dr Joy hirokawa the students made us very proud with their preparation and beautiful music making from the for the community those students are
016Amber gry Jones Izzy Smith Anna Colt sayena gra Davis green Kira row Kira Huck cam King Natasha tally Dexter peoples Al rier riir Milo riro and Kyrie Grimes in April students added academic vocabulary to their a ASL knowledge ASL club members can now tell you their favorite school subjects we also played a fun a fun game to test our expressive and receptive skills on Friday April 5th author Matt Landers visited Amington Middle School for the day he held five large group assemblies where he spoke with all of our sixth and seventh grade students about his life writing journey and how failure made him grow he also conducted a writing workshop for 25 of our e8th grade students where he taught them how to write a hook to get the readers attention he is highly energetic
017very engaging and the students and staff had a great time many members of the GSA along with some of our other students in the school participated in the Day of Silence on Friday April 12th this student Le protest draws attention to the problems the lgbtqia people face students participated in the 2024 March mammal Madness tour students researched the animals and the environments they were competing in before before filling out their brackets we have also been working on the flower beds located at the front of the middle school thank you thank you very much sounds like a lot's still going on in both of the buildings exciting and I am uh just proud of the um the passion that our students bring to different activities and causes as well so I'm just really happy to be
018able to hear that uh this evening and uh a lot of work goes into that in support of our students so I thank those uh staff members who are involved in supporting those activities as well indeed Dr fetcher please proceed with this evening's honors thank you Mr Brown uh first I'm going to ask Miss Ali Artur Communications coordinator to share videos highlighting recent media coverage of aington school district good evening Dr fetcher Mrs Brown and members of the board at the end of the month of March the Buddies Club at Abington Middle School celebrated the annual buddy walk which is held each year on world down syndrome day this is the seventh annual buddy walk event which is organized each year to promote inclusion and it even took place virtually during the pandemic the event
019was covered by 6 ABC Additionally the station aired a feature story about the homecoming of corporate Hector AES a US Marine and 2018 graduate of Abington Senior High School who surprised his little sister Mariah at rle elementary school last week after being stationed overseas in OK in okanawa Japan please enjoy the clip students and staff at Abington Middle School buddied up today to show their support for World Down syndrome day this afternoon they took part at the school's seventh annual body walk all this way to celebrate their differences while promoting inclusion this day is observed on 3:21 to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which is the cause of down syndrome Marine has spent much of the past couple of years across the world in Japan but today if only for
020a moment he came back home home to the surprise and enjoyment of his little sister don't we love these the Action News Community journalist Mato a denisi has the heartwarming surprise in Huntington Valley Hi baby it's okay it's okay C I love my hero and my brother I'm proud of him because he's saving the world and I'm just happy for him how can I not cry hi I thought it was just going to be a normal day my brother came to see me and I'm so happy I'm miss you so much I miss you too my name is Hector AES I'm United States Marine so I've been in okanawa Japan for about 2 and 1/2 years it's been difficult being away from family this is my brother this is me my mom my sister and
021my brother I've been home about three times once in the summer once for Thanksgiving and now you got a show coming up wait is he going to be here for my show he's not I don't run my own time today I came to my little sister school ridal and I came here as a student as well for fifth and sixth grade the lockers are like this tall now I remember them being like this she was so surprised and she just came running to me and I felt Overjoyed I wanted to cry I like your shirt thank you that's supposed to be me yeah you know it hurts being far from my family and I love my family a lot or everything to me um I lost my father when before I was even born same
022age I was when I joined the Marine Corps I was 21 he was 21 people don't realize how important family is until you you don't have it anymore and I look forward after me going back to Japan finishing my tour was good to see you coming back home to another station at least somewhere closer and being near them and taking care of them they took care of me now it's my turn thank you thank Youk that moment of the two of them walking down the hallway telling them how much they extraordinary thank you continue with the honors I I just want to say how can I not cry seriously I'm sorry yes all right um at this time I'm gonna ask Dr Swift to come forward um to introduce our aington senior high school student
023Lily delin the a April 2024 student of the month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology Dr Swift thank you and good evening and I concur thanking him for his service amazing Testament okay uh Lily dein who is the April 2024 student of the month at Eastern Center for the Arts and Technology Lily is being recognized for her outstanding work in Eastern's design photography and illustration program at Eastern Lily serves as the occupational advisory committee student representative for the design photography and illustration program providing a valuable student perspective on curriculum and program issues in February of 2024 she was nominated by Eastern as a presidential scholar and was selected by the White House Commission on the presidential Scholars and the United States Department of Education as a candidate for the United States presidential Scholars Program
024in the Career and Technical education in February she also received a silver medal at the skills USA District competition in CTE demo Lily has earned Adobe in design and illustrator CER certification excuse me through the Eastern program which are standard in graphic design industry at Eastern's 2023 Awards night Lily was awarded free tuition to an art camp at Penn College of Technology after graduation from Abington senior high school and Easter lily plans to attend Thomas Jefferson University for a bachelor's degree in graphic design and then to pursue a career in that industry the student of the month award is sponsored by Eastern's faculty joint operating committee and The Willow Grove Rotary Club to highlight student Excellence success and service and Lily that is exactly what you have done if you could join us up here
025thank you so [Applause] much should I stay because we're doing Athletics next uh yes if we could just address Lily for a moment Lily your resume reads as if you are already established and in your your uh field um and to have such a great start the sky is your limits are beyond the sky so shoot for the stars okay I'm very proud of you great job okay we moving to Mr grassy did you want to come up that's next yes at this time we're going to recognize the Abington Senior High School winter sports athletes and I would like for uh to introduce Mr grassy if you don't know who he is he is our athletic director thank you thank you Miss Brown if you would like to join us yes please good evening Dr
026fetcher Miss Brown and members of the board of School director dors tonight I am very excited and proud to share the outstanding accomplishments of our student athletes teams and coaches in the winter of 2023 season I would like to first introduce Abington boys and girls swimming who is led by Coach Joe linning the Abington boys and girls swim team had an outstanding meet in the PIAA District 1 qualifying Championship as they set five new school school records the records were set in the 200 medley relay which consisted of Colin Nash John franchetti Alex pascarell and Brendan Mo the 200 free relay with Mike filonov Jack Campbell Brendan Mo and Colin Nash the 200 IM by John franchetti the 100 back by Colin Nash and the 100 breast by John John franchetti the boys also had
027eight athletes receive all League honors first team honors in the 200 free relay were nazari kostjuk Dennis shaged devich Jack Campbell michelo filonov and Brandon Mo John franchetti Jack Campbell michaelo filonov and Brandon Mo also received first team all honors in the 400 free relay second team honors were awarded to John franchetti Alex pascarell and Colin Nash in the 200 medley relay John franchetti also received second team in the 200 IM Alex pascarell received second Team all league in the 100 fly and Colin Nash was second Team all league in the 100 back the 20 2324 team were also P AA State quarterfinalists congratulations to our boys swim team for an exciting [Applause] season next I would like to recognize the Abington girls swim team was also led by Joe lenen the Abington girls swim
028team also had a very successful out at the PIAA District One Championship as they themselves set four new school records these records include the 200 medley relay which consisted of Ruby Tucker Julie Chong tyrany Hill and Autumn Jessup with a time frame of 1 minute and 49 seconds the girls swim team also set a School record in the 200 free relay by Ruby Tucker Olivia craft Olivia caps and Autumn Jessup Ruby Tucker set a new record in the 100 back with a time of 57. 63 also our girls set the school record in a 400 free relay with a time of 3 minutes and 42 seconds Autumn Jessup Olivia caps tiany Hill and Ruby Tucker are our new record holders in this event the girls swim team also received honorable mention all leag recognition in
029the 200 majay by Autumn Jessup Julie Chong tyrany Hill and Ruby Tucker congratulations to our girls swim team as well as coach lenen for an outstanding fun and exciting [Applause] season next I would like to recogn Rec iiz our boys basketball team coach Dan Marsh and Coach Gary Massie the Abington boys basketball team finished their season with an impressive 18-7 record and finished third in the Suburban One Liberty division the team made their 13th straight district one playoff appearance Abington boys basketball Advanced to the semi-finals of the Suburban one League Championship with a convinced in win in the first round three members of the boys basketball team were recognized for their accomplishments Paul glance was honorable mention all League Aaron Jones was second Team all league and Jeremiah Lee was nominated first team by the
030opposing coaches in the Liberty division Jeremiah Lee also reached the esteemed 1,000 Point Club during the first round of the PIAA District 1 playoffs Jeremiah is one of 30 basketball players in Abington history to receive this Prestige honor we would like to congratulate the entire basketball team as well as coach Marsh and Coach Massi for an outstanding season thank you [Applause] next is our girls basketball team accompanied by coach Lawson and Coach Hoff girls basketball finished the season with an overall record of 19-7 and an impressive 13-2 record in the Liberty division led by first year head coach at Abington Allison Lawson her team made it to the district playoffs and won a first round game with an impressive score of 48-37 five players received all League honors this season for their Stellar play Sarah
031oir and Jordan Reynolds both received all League honorable mention micaa durm received second Team all League Maya Johnson and Piper McGinley both were selected to the first team all League Liberty division divion congratulations to coach Lawson staff and players for an exciting and successful [Applause] season next I would like to recognize our wrestling team the wrestling team had a successful season led by coaches David oay Kishon kesan gilmo and Dominic cologne they finished their season with a record of 12- six and had a number of Rec wrestlers receive all League recognition Nathan Sanders Solomon Wesley and Elijah Brown were honorable mention all League wrestlers Ryan Solomon was second Team all league and Robert hesman Dylan keesling John Kaplan John Wright and Gracie Clift were voted First Team all League members Robert hesman Dylan Kean Nathan
032Sanders Solomon Wesley and John Wright were sectional and Regional qualifiers Gracie Clift was also a district one and state qualifier our first in Abington history congratulations to our wrestling team for an outstanding [Applause] season next is our cheerleading led by coach Kristen Baron the 20123 2024 cheerleading team had several accomplishments this season while in while in its first year competing in the most competitive division in high school cheerleading they had four top three finishes one first place finish two second place finishes and one third place finish they also earned a bid to the PIAA state championship in Hershey PA the cheerleading team also earned a bid to the UCA Nationals in Orlando Florida while ending strong with zero deductions in both of their routines while at Nationals this season people from various parts of the
033United States recognized and remembered our cheerleading team due to their distinct cheer and their consistent progress over the past few years a quote from their coach having people from all over the United States recognize Abington and remember us is very exciting with us tonight in attendance we have Isabella opina Katherine opina Kaye Ramsey Molly McCormick Micaiah Brown canani Ford Stephanie Park Sophia bergenson Sophia Venango Veronica moika and Samantha Samantha Morton congratulations to our cheerleaders and the coaching staff for an outstanding season thank you next we would like to recognize our boys and girls indoor track led by coach William Neely and Anthony Parker boys and girls indoor track led by coaches William Neely and Anthony Parker had a very successful season and continues to build as a wonderful program the boys had 10 P AA
034State qualifiers these athletes include Luke Coleman Evan Diaz Chase e elely Peter Murray Tyler Quan Timothy Brown Anthony D'Angelo Braden Davis jir mclinton and James Stewart congratulations to our medal winners at Penn State University Luke Coleman placed fourth with a time of 48.8539483 consists of Chase Eli Tyler Quan Evan Diaz and Peter Murray plac sixth in Pennsylvania with a time of 7 Minutes 57 seconds also the 4x4 relay placed seventh in the state with a time of 3 minutes and 23 seconds the team members were Luke Coleman Anthony D'Angelo Evan Diaz and jir mclinton thank you for a wonderful and outstanding [Applause] season and now we would like to congratulate our boys bowling as well as girls bowling team Abington boys bowling finished the season with an overall record of 32 and and 75 and2
035in the Liberty division the girls finished 20 and 36 overall 37 and4 in the Liberty League Rogan Anderson and Dion Hunter both received second Team all League honors Dion finished sixth in the league with an average of 199 My overall high that is the second highest average in Abington since 2002 Dion also finished in 17th Place out of 170 Bowlers at the eastern regional tournament the previous high for a male bowler at Abington in the history of the bowling program was 59th congratulations to our 2023 2024 boys and boys and girls bowling team as as well as Dion Hunter and finally I would like to thank you for your continued support for our Abington student athletes have a good night [Applause] thank you very much and I'd like to say congratulations to our student athletes
036and uh thank our parents and families for the support that it takes um for them to be successful and the partnership with uh Abington School District in our sports program so thank you very much and thanks for coming out this evening thank you and congratulations again to our student athletes and being able to balance both of those things Dr fetcher please proceed with this evening's orientation thank you Mr Brown uh tonight Mr lionetti Mr Victoria will and I will present an update of the 2024 2025 draft general fund budget there's no action this evening on the agenda but we just would like to provide just an update Mr lion edti thank you Dr fetcher the budget schedule that was presented to the board at December 12th meeting included an update to revenue and expenses for
037this e this evening's meeting as we work towards presenting and adopting a 2024 2025 proposed final budget at the May 14th meeting and adopting a final general fund budget at the June 25th meeting the draft budget is unchanged from our last update on February 27th however the business office has received from our budget managers their budget requests we are reconciling the budget requests to the draft budget in order to produce a proposed final budget that is reflective of our educational programmatic and support department needs page two the presentation revisits the assumptions by which we are preparing the 2024 25 general fund budget the draft budget includes a proposed 5.3% increase uh of our tax tax millage rate in June we will receive the Montgomery County Abington and rockage assess value of taxable real estate the
038assessed value of real estate is impacted positively by growth and Redevelopment in the community and is negatively impacted by assessment appeals such as evidenced in this evening's agenda item 12.1 the proposed final budget will include updated local Revenue projections if necessary for such items such as earned income taxes real estate tfer transfer taxes and earn earnings on investments our state revenue budget includes Governor Shapiro's education positive subsidy estimates although the state is until the end of June to make its final subsidy determinations we will have a better idea of pte subsidy amounts in June as June approaches and budget negotiations between the legislator begin to wind down in May pde will release information regarding property tax release for homesteads for which we will provide a budget update at the May 28th board meeting that incorporates
039PD's figures into the proposed final budget we anticipate receiving Federal funding data prior to our May 14 proposed final budget presentation which includes Financial assistant title programs and special education access funding amounts with regard to expenses the budget includes staff salaries and wages that are reflective of current collective bargaining agreements as well as up-to-date information regarding negotiated and mandated benefits as I previously stated the business office is reconciling Department budgets in anticipation of the adoption asking the board to adopt the budget um at our May me 1 May meeting the draft budget reflects a 6% increase in local Revenue which is driven mostly by are the 5.3% increase um in real estate millage rate we have an 8% increase projected in state revenue which is driven by uh subsidy dollars that are reflective of Governor
040Shapiro's budget as well as uh increased uh support due to the increased salaries and wages projected of uh funding for 50% share of mandated benefits such as uh our retirement fund and um Social Security federal revenue we're seeing a decrease um about $1.75 million this is due to the fact that we are liquidating um the ERS funds the federal money that came in support uh after the pem after the um pandemic um those resources uh will be liquidated by the end of this school year so we're seeing a reduction from from prior years with regard to expenses we have a three just about a three and a half% increases in salaries and wages a large uh 11 over an 11% increase in negotiated benefits which is mostly driven by um the cost of health care
041for our staff mandated benefits a 3% increase and a almost a 4% decrease or $1.5 million in the non-salary non-benefit items with with this proposed budget we are seeing um support of to the tune of $6.9 million of allocated fund balance which is a significant change from the $1.8 million for the current year which is a change of just under $5 million I'm going to turn the presentation over to Mr Victoria at this time to complete the presentation so uh this slide shows the impact on a typical assessment of 141,000 $130 uh increasing the millage to 37.7% this uh cess property would see an increase of $262.50 which is a 5.2% uh increase but because the Sterling Act tax credit is expected to decrease $3 the overall impact on this assessment would be $265.00 which
042is a 5.73% increase the bottom portion of the slide shows the impact on the seniors who qualify for the Abington School district U rebate program seniors who are fall in the first two income levels would not see a tax increase and seniors who fall in the bottom two income levels would see an increase between $81.00 and $13.50 uh looking forward to the May 14th meeting uh the board will be asked to pass three resolutions the first is to adopt the 2425 proposed final general fund budget the second is the intent to adopt the final General funding Budget on June 25th and the third is to authorize the advertisement of the board's intent to adopt the general fund Budget on June 25th um the proposed final general fund budget that will be presented will be in
043the approved pde format the resolutions at the May 14th meeting meet the May 31st deadline in which school districts need to approve the proposed final general fund budget the June 10th deadline to make the proposed final gen general fund budget available to the public for inspection and the June 20th deadline to make the public notice of the board's intent to adopt the final general fund budget we will also have Homestead and Farmstead tax relief resolutions prior to the June 30th deadline and I want to go back I for one uh at the May 14th meeting sorry about that May 14th meeting we will bring a to the board an authorizing resolution for the 2425 senior rebate program uh Dr fetcher that concludes our presentation and we can answer any questions that the board might have
044thank you thank you questions or comments from the board your mics are open so I would just like to thank the administration for going over and above of the requirement for posting and discussion discussing the budget through the budget process um that is appreciative for the community at large to have opportunities to listen to you talk about the proposed for the future also with that just recognizing that we're not voting on any particular uh tax increase right now and I know that you had specifically said that this is a non- voting issue but just for the community listening we're not necessarily well we're not voting on a tax increase tonight the numbers proposed are just saying that hypothetically if we were to go to act one um and also for my own edification we Dr
045fetcher would it be correct in me saying that you're still working with your Administration to see the use of fund balance and to what this looks like through uh the next few months until June uh hopefully that the use of fund balance will decrease not just by cost saving issues or cost saving matters but also if the governor gives more in basic Ed uh that that will help offset and decrease some of the fund balance usage because we know fund balance is a major contributor to our rating for bonds and our uh ability to get um financing for a middle school project refresh whatever that is yeah you are correct U Mr Allen we have worked as an administrative team throughout this year uh to monitor uh expenses as well as to monitor areas uh
046where there can be some cost avoidance in order for that very purpose and um we are doing that as well and building the budget for next uh fiscal year as well um but we have been looking at every area that we can possibly um find a cost avoidance and uh when there are changes uh one big example is when there's a change in um a position for instance if someone retires or moves to a different position we evaluate that position um and and look at that position for uh whether or not we can reshape that absorb it or um any anything of that sort all right thank you and totally s is something different with the sound system tonight I was want to say that like I'm hearing was it's enhanced yes this is this
047isn't a new sound system I don't like how I speak I'll just talk very sensitive there are Returns on every [Laughter] investment maybe I'll have to talk more in practice with the any additional questions or comments from my fellow board members nice one thank you for that orientation uh Dr fetcher does that conclude our orientations for this evening it does yes thank you we'll move forward with comments from citizens comments from citizens is being conducted both in person and by phone the phone number to participate in public comment is 267 715 3717 and is featured on the screen at this time if you are within the building please be sure to state your name and address at the mics to either side of you hello good evening uh my name is Mike pinkowitz I live
048at 2971 griesdale Road in Rosland um I'm coming here tonight just to share with you uh an incident that happened my wife and I were here in January uh we requested and we spoke with an Associate of the assistant superintendent's office to have the bus stop moved at gdale in green and uh after it was all over we went home and for a month we waited there was no acknowledgement that we were even here let alone what was going to be done waited the month called again the end of February and I was assured again that this would be taking care of and now we are in April I have heard nothing concerning this now just to give you a bit of context my wife and I have lived at that address for 32 years
049we have no children we have no grandchildren who have attended Abington nor have we been employed here so after all of this we have requested that the bus stop be moved I have been retired for 12 years and I can assure you that that bus stop has been there for at least 12 more like over 17 and it's just time there is no specific reason for it other than we would like it to be moved to another Corner we have a bus stop that goes down Green Street you have eagle and green you have Clark and eagle you have Clark and gdale and we have done this for a long time and it's time that this should be moved um it would be nice to have heard something from someone and I assure you that
050if I wasn't here tonight this is the first time my wife and I have ever been at a board meeting we had no reason we don't have any children in the school district but we realized the responsibility that we had because obviously you pay taxes you want to live here that's the rules we also were trying to be part of the community by having the bus stop we have the senior seniors uh high school we have Middle School we have the elementary school and we have for 17 years and we would just like to have it move but also it would have been nice if somebody would have reached out to us we left all the information and if that's the case oh please let us know thank you I've heard your voice and your
051concern and uh Dr feter will have an opportunity to respond at the end of comments thank you thank you any additional speakers within the [Music] room any callers on the line Mr sne not at this time Dr fetcher yes um I first of all I want to respond that my understanding was that Mr um Chuck REM reached out he's a supervisor of Transportation uh to you but if that did not happen um and also as a followup I'm going to ask Dr melor the assistant superintendent to reach out to you so um no call okay that's not not what I was told but that's I will have Dr melor reach out um regardless okay thank you with that being said if there's nothing further we'll move forward with agenda item number seven Miss eisenhart can
052you please read the recommendation to approve the March meeting minutes uh yes that the board of school directors approves the minutes of the board meeting on March 12th 2024 and the board meeting on March 26 2024 second we have a second Dr fetcher this is where the minutes yes sir they're all in order they're all in order thank you this is a voice vote all in favor please say I I any opposed eyes have it Miss Flanigan thank you for making a note of that Miss eisenhart can you please read the recommendation for approval of the Personnel agenda that the board of school directors approves the changes in personnel as reflected in Personnel agendas number 8.1 and 8.1 a and confidential agendum number 8.1b second we have a second thank you Mr Brown the personal
053addendum begins with a request for a leave of absence for One Professional employee it continues with compensation for curricular projects IP meetings interpreter and translation service title title for family engagement events tutoring support and exiler staff items I'd like to bring your attention to the retirement of Mr Anthony Shelton an itinerant art teacher who has served the district for 40 years wow and Mr John Weidman a groundsman in the facilities Department who has served the district for 30 years wow Miss Dawn Wyatt power professional Abington Middle School who has served the district for 21 years thank you thank you questions or comments from the board 40 years 40 years 30 years 30 years uh that is a long time to serve the community um my children experience an amazing art teacher um so thank you
054um Mr Shelton for your work for 40 years in Abington we appreciate you uh for the people I have not met that's a long time to serve our district and thank you as well I wish the next part of your journey to be an enjoyable one any other questions or comments from the board I'd like to just say that it's very impressive 21 years as a par professional in the Middle School it's very impressive as well yes it really is absolutely middle schoolers have my heart yes I think the only thing we need to say is thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you uh Miss Flanigan Mr Allen I Miss Frasier I miss eisenhart I Dr Maui I miss balding I Mr Muhammad I Mrs Hartman I Mrs Brown I
055I have a motion passes Miss eisenhart can you please read the recommendation for approval of the Personnel agenda I apologize I was I was still stuck on our 40 30 years uh uh can you please read the recommendation for permits of use of buildings and grounds yes that the board of school directors approves the applications for permits for use of buildings and grounds as reflected in addendum number 9.1 all permits are subject to change for the provisions of the health safety plan pertaining to the covid-19 pandemic second we have a second Dr feter thank you Mr Brown uh the permited Dum continu continues to reflect uh requests for buildings and grounds uh for this time of year i' would like to bring your attention uh to the openhouse and Community forums uh at Abington middle
056school on Saturday May 4th at 11:00 and Tuesday May 7th at 6:30 which I announced at the beginning of the meeting thank you questions or comments from the [Music] board just a thank you again for the staff and community members who helped to create spaces for our students uh and I do look forward to the community meetings one is on my son son's birthday maybe I'll bring him with me maybe not but I'll be there quite a present pardon me it's quite a present it is quite a present Miss Flanigan Mr Allen hi Miss Frasier hi Miss eisenhart hi Dr Maui I miss balding I Mr Muhammad I Mrs Hartman I Mrs Brown I eyes have an emotion passes Miss Eisen Hart can you please read the recommendation for awards of contracts the board of
057school directors approves the awards of contracts as reflected in addendum number 10.1 second we have a second Dr fetcher uh yes um there are three Awards of contracts this evening first is for data backup solution and the next is for online adaptive and personalized learning programs K through 12 this is for I ready for Elementary andl uh for our middle school and and that is being paid for by ARP sers funds M and the third item is for a wheelchair accessible student transportation van thank you questions or comments from the board um Dr feser does this um did these contract Awards then exhaust the remaining essers funds yes this would be the um last year that we can use that uh esser's fund okay um and Beyond this if we were to continue these programs
058we would have to seek a different another funding source okay and this this correlates to the line in the budget presentation okay yes thank you any additional this is very loud any additional questions or comments from the board so so to piggyback on that uh the you know ISL and Crick Associates like 180 something thousand plus whatever else is in arser and the other federal grants that just I think Dr mallerie just asked this but I'm asking it again so I can hear it that these things should we want to continue Mr line edti are in are represented in the budget presentation for next year or no is it no this this is being this is being paid for by essers funding for for next uh budget year so next year is the last year
059that we are paying for I andl with a Arps or F yes do Dr fetch is correct we are required to liquidate the funds um by The End by this summer understand and we are paying Advance paying these for next year so it's not reflected in the budget the funds will be liquidated upon this purch purch okay and part of part of what we do and we and we've spoken a little bit about this before but I think it's important to pause and and to say is that when it comes to all these programs that were um that we put into place Bas basically for learning loss um due to covid-19 pandemic this is um all these programs we are doing an evaluation to see the effectiveness of the programs to see what gaps uh
060have been successful what areas still need uh work and what programs would be beneficial to continue in the future and or replace other programs that um we may have not seen uh such growth so this is part of an analysis and and we have to say if we are going if you know once the funding runs out is if this is something thing um that we would would continue we need the data to um justify that as well as um look at our other areas um and perhaps it becomes a replacement rather than um an addition you know it's an interesting situation that every District across the state and probably across the country's Federal money is put in this position by this windfall of cash and school districts and teachers and students and families get
061used to these resources and then up it's over and local municipality school districts are left holding the bag with the difficult decision is how are we going to we've got comfortable with using these things I'm sure there's some things that you might decide that you want to cut but this was millions of dollars um that not just us here in Abington but everywhere is just going to be left with real difficult decisions and I wonder what's going to happen it's the whole country that got this money is every day like I so I wonder if more money's coming um or or not it's just everybody looks the other way and I'm not looking for an answer because there's no answer um as long as it's not accompanied by a pandemic number one I think to
062your point no um definitely looking for an answer no we're definitely not counting on any more money coming um but I think what we have to do is look at the specific purpose of that funding was to Target um student learning loss during the pandemic and we have to look at you know have we made those gaps up in those areas and did the tools or things that we use this funding for um do what they were supposed to do and now if we need to incorporate them in our normal program something else has to give and and um and I think that this helps us do a very um detailed analysis of the data to see what is working um and things that may not have the best outcomes uh and and and so
063we have to look at uh to use the cliche what bang for our buck we get yeah I going be a tough spot because it's like Sophie's choice of things that reference and as things are recommended uh one thing that comes to mind are the emails I've read from parents and even public comment about iel so I think sharing the purpose of it um why we use it Beyond just identifying the gaps what skill sets are being um practiced with that and do we already have programming that allows us to do that so if we do bring this back just clearly communicating to parents and Guardians why especially since recently we've we've heard so much about um the reading I Exel any other questions or comments from the board okay uh Miss Flanigan Mr Allen
064I Miss Frasier hi Miss eisenhart hi Dr maie I miss bald I Mr Muhammad I Mrs Hartman I Mrs Brown I I have a motion passes Miss eisenhart can you please read the recommendation for the approval of the 2024 2025 breakfast and lunch prices at the board of school directors establishes the following breakfast and lunch prices for the 2024 2025 school year as reflected in addendum number 11.1 second Dr fetcher thank you Mr Brown uh we are are recommending no change in meal prices for the 2024 2025 school year uh the cost of lunch will remain at $2.95 for elementary students and $33.30 for students at the middle school and Senior High School the price for adult lunches will remain at $5.80 per lunch uh regarding the uh breakfast prices uh we will maintain the
065prices at a140 for the elementary and 70 for breakfast at the secondary level however um at this point the universal free breakfast program that began on October 2022 by Governor wolf has continued under Governor Shapiro so there um there will not be a charge for breakfast is that continued into next year also as far as as far as we know yes but uh it's the contingent on on the governor's budget yes um it's proposed in the governor's budget it's being met with strong favor we've been given Direction by the state um as we are out bidding uh services for next year as we're coming to the end of our five-year contract um the state's given us direction to not include prices for breakfast in the um Revenue statement that we prepare s similarly uh I
066believe I'm correct in Dr milore can correct me um those students that qualify for reduced price lunches are also getting them free I believe that's correct Dr milore yeah yeah I have a question that's slightly related and has to do with the donation from giant can you share how that impacts uh students whether it's lunch how do they receive that money either or what does the money go towards the giant money uh was given to us uh we through gift cards and we were able to share gift cards for families that uh fell in the free and reduced uh lunch category so we were able to um really help a lot of our families uh in ways what however they may need it in their home that's excellent and also I think you referring to
067probably the prior time with giant with uh money as well um that we we had for students who did not have money for lunch and may not have qualified for free or reduced lunch that was that was um one of the one of the options and in the last few times um the program that Dr Rosenfeld described was in fact how we used it um identifying those needy families that those giant cards went to families for total family use not just here at school that is outstanding any addition no questions or comments from the board Miss flig again Mr Allen hi Miss Frasier I miss eisenhart I Dr mauy I miss balding I Mr Mohammad I Mrs Hartman I Mrs Brown I eyes have a motion passes Miss eisenh Hart can you please read the
068recommendation for approval of the assessment appeal agreement that the board of school directors authorizes the settlement stipulation agreement regarding the assessment of of the property located at 26 261 Old York Road Abington Montgomery County as submitted to the board second we have a second Dr fetcher thank you Mr Brown uh keeping in mind the confidentiality of litigation matters Mr Adu is here this evening and can answer any questions that you may have questions or comments from the board Miss vanan again Mr Allen I miss Fier hi I miss eisenhart I Dr mry I miss balding I Mr Muhammad I Mrs Hartman I Mrs Brown I eyes have it and motion passes Miss eisenhart can you please read the recommendation for approval of the uplift Solutions agreement that the board of school directors authorizes the administration
069to enter into an agreement with uplift solutions to provide the Abington School District Community a mentorship program for individuals referred to uplift second we have a second Dr fetcher thank you Mr Brown uh this agreement moves forward a relationship with uplift solutions to provide the Avington School District Community a mentorship program known as the Abington youth mentorship program for individuals who are referred to uplift by the Abington Township Police Department this agreement is for the remainder of the school year and for the next school year as well all mentors have receive training through uplift Solutions and have all the necessary clearances and background checks thank you questions or comments from the board Miss Flanigan Mr Allen I Miss Frasier I miss eisenhart I Dr mauie I miss balding I Mr Muhammad I Mrs Hartman I
070Mrs Brown I will abstain for the following reasons I do not am and not um on the payroll for uplift solution however I do sit on the advisory Council and for that reason I will abstain from voting okay Miss eisenhart can you please read the recommendation for approval of the Dual credit agreement that the board of school directors approves the recommendation to update memorandums of understanding with Gratz college and Arcadia University as reflected in addendum number 14.1 and modification to the 2021 to 20 25 Abington senior high school program of studies second we have a second Dr fetcher thank you Mr Brown uh the teaching and learning department and I will be recommending updating of the mer Miranda of understanding uh with Gratz College Arcadia University to expand our dual credit offerings uh if approved
071the 2024-25 Abington senior high school program of studies will be updated to reflect the additional du dual credit offerings thank you questions or comments from the board I think it is oh please do I'm sorry I I just have one quick question in these dual credit additions and modifications these are programs at Arcadia and grats that are so it's taught by their faculty is that correct yes okay I think it is a great opportunity for students and I am um pleased that we we are entering into this agreement should we all Vote or should five of us vote Yes okay we are still working with um another entity on um another agreement um so as we come to terms with that we will bring that to the board as well miss Flanigan Mr Allen I
072miss fer hi Miss eisenhard I Dr mauy I miss balding I Mr Muhammad I Mrs Hartman I Mrs Brown I eyes have it and motion passes Miss eisenhart can you please read the recommendation for approval of the special education plan that the board of school directors adopt the special education plan report authorized by the board president and superintendent of schools and submit it to the pennslvania Department of Education as assurances for the operation of special education services and programs from July 1st 2024 through June 30th 2027 second we have a second Dr fetcher thank you Mr Brown Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that every three years the district adopt a special education plan in the form of a special education report uh this report was reviewed at our March 12th school board meeting and it
073has been on public display M thank you questions or comments from from the board it's probably something I should have said earlier I appreciate that it is on public display I did notice that it wasn't a link a few days ago on the um on the actual document so I would just ask for future reference if the link could also be there as well for easy access Miss Flanigan Mr Allen I Miss Frasier hi Miss eisenhart hi Dr mauy I Miss balding I Mr Muhammad I Mrs Hartman I Mrs Brown I I have a motion passes Miss eisenhart can you please read the recommendation for the confidential student matter that the board of school directors approves the confidential student matter is reflected in addendum number 16.1 second we have a second Dr fetcher keeping in
074mind the confidentiality of student matters I can answer uh questions you may have thank you questions or comments from the board Miss Flanigan Mr Allen I miss Razer I miss eisenhart I Dr mauy I miss balding I Mr Muhammad I Mrs Hartman I Mrs Brown I eyes have it and motion passes uh Dr fetcher any other reports for this evening yes Miss Brown I bring to your attention the conference attendance and professional leaves and as well as the capital Improvement projects report thank you questions or comments from the board any business to be appropriately bought up from my fellow board members this evening okay hearing none we'll go to comments from citizens comments from citizens are being conducted both in person and by phone the phone number to participate in public comment is 267 715
0753717 and is on the screen at this time if you within the room please use the mics to the left and to the right of you and state your name and address we'll just give the callers another moment thank you so much for your patience Mr sneak can you confirm that there are no callers on the line that is confirmed thank you so much uh that takes us to closing comments from my fellow board members Mr Allen nothing thank you Miss Frasier um it's good to be here despite my lateness thank you for your patience thank you for your presence Miss eisenhart no further comments Dr Maui have a great evening everyone Miss Bal I'm none of this time Mr Muhammad good night everyone Mrs Hartman have a good night Dr fetcher nothing at this
076time okay I just wanted to mention the science fair at Copper Beach it was amazing I learned so much from young people and I love that I spoke to kindergarteners first graders second graders I wasn't able to stick around for the the older kids but I was very impressed by our our group so well done Copper Beach uh with that being said this meeting is a journ