001Good evening. I will call uh tonight's school board meeting to order. Uh Mr. EPS, if you could start us with the pledge and the statement. >> Uh I usually do not recite the pledge. I've said that before, but now is actually the perfect time to reexamine what we pledge to and if this country actually stands for liberty and justice for all. Anyone who cares to stand and say the pledge, please do so at your convenience. Thank you. I will read the statement of acknowledgement and honor of indigenous and diverse communities. We begin this meeting with acknowledgement of and honor for the many legacies that have impacted our community, particularly those buried over time. Acknowledging truth is critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. Cheltonham Township stands within the
002Lape Hokink, the ancestral homeland of the Lenny Lape civilization. Their people were and still are caretakers of this land and its rivers and their legacy continues. We pay respect to their elders, past and present. Our community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making this the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will. Some were drawn to leave their distant homes in the hope of a better life. And some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together. As a school district committed to fostering intellectual curiosity and discourse in service of social justice, join us in
003uncovering such truths. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. EPS. Mr. Swagger will do the roll call. >> Mrs. Blitzstein, >> present. Mr. Bidell Williams present. Mr. Eps present. Miss Lman >> present. >> Miss Mhern >> present. >> Miss Murphy will be absent this evening. >> Mr. Schultz will not be here this evening. >> Dr. Watts >> present. >> Dr. Whiting present. Thank you. >> Thank you Mr. Swagger. Uh we will now take public comment on agenda items only and uh for the good of uh everyone here in person or listening uh over Zoom. I'm going to read a little bit about what that means and how and when you can speak. Cheltonham residents, taxpayers, and school district employees will be permitted to comment on agenda items andor non-aggendum items later at the scheduled time. Speaker
004comments will be limited to 3 minutes or less. Sheltonham residents, taxpayers, and school district employees wishing to provide comment via Zoom or in person shall wait to be recognized by the presiding officer before commenting, and they must direct all comments to the board and must preface their comments by an announcement of their name and the area of the township in which they reside. In the case of an employee who does not reside in the township, such individual can state their name and indicate that they are a district employee but not a resident. Thank you. There are any comments on agenda items only? You're welcome to come to the podium or raise your hand via Zoom. >> We have a hand in Zoom. Thank you, Kevin. Mr. Coffin. >> Hi, Dar Catchmore. Ward Six. Um Jeff
005Jericho is my commissioner. I cannot find the agenda online. I'm so sorry. I did try and click and um if someone could the chat is disabled. I would not have interrupted otherwise. Thank you. >> Thank you. So, the way that you can find the agenda is you need to go to cheltonham.org and select schoolboard at the top and then you would go to board docs. And that is uh the system that we use to organize all of our agendas for all of our meetings. And once you get to that site, you would click on uh meetings and then you would select Tuesday, January 13th's legislative meeting. and that is where you would find that agenda. Thank you for your comment and don't worry about interrupting. It's okay. Seeing no other comments, uh we will move
006on to recognitions. Uh we have Miss Nelson here uh from Cedarbrook East tonight. Our proud sixth graders. All right. Is this better? Ah, there we go. Okay. Good evening, everyone. Thank you for having us here today to celebrate Cedarbrook East. We're going to start off with just a brief video because I do believe pictures and videos can just convey uh what I can't uh with words. So, we're going to cue that up, please. >> [music] [music] >> Good morning. [laughter] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] HEAT. HEAT. [music] HEAT. HEAT. [music] HEAT. HEAT. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat up here. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> And I'm I must must thank uh Mrs.
007Amy Flynn for that wonderful video. She makes magic happen at our school every day. Um and so I hope what you got was that sense of just joy that we try to have f that we try to foster in our building. Uh we recognize Can you go to the next slide for me, please? We affectionately call ourselves the Mod Squad because we're in the modular buildings and so um that's kind of been our theme for the year and we we say that we're Wildcats on the rise because Cedar Brook or Cedarbrook Wildcats and we are the baby Wildcats and we're just kind of stepping in. So we're Wildcats on the rise. I'm not going to read the whole mission to you, but I do want to highlight um this sixth grade academy model that we
008are uh working on and building as we move throughout the school year is meant to help us focus on uh sixth grade students making a smooth transition into the middle school experience. It's a big transition year and we know um I the combined number of years of education in at that sixth grade level in our building, I think, you know, it's like a billion. But don't tell my teachers I said that because it makes me say I'm old. Uh but there's a there's a lot of experience in that building. And some of the things that we know are that even before the academics, we have to have kids want to come to school. We have to make school a place where they want to get up early in the morning because we start at 8:10
009now. So that bus comes really early now. They have to get up early in the morning and we want them to want to come to school. And so through that we are building strong relationships with students. Uh we have some very strategic academic support, behavioral support that's happening. We're really working to continue to and and grow in our involvement with families in the community. Um and a lot of professional collaboration amongst our staff. They are and I and I can tell you what's happening because sometimes I see text messages in the evening flying back and forth. They're checking in on each other, on the students. And so we have been really intentional around those behaviors and that's all built into our mission. You can go to the next slide. Thank you. So, like I said,
010we want kids to want to come to school and we want we've been focusing on making sure that school feels like a welcoming place. Some of the videos you saw uh within the video are Monday morning motivators. I have a group of teachers. Every Monday morning, every week, they do something different to welcome the students coming in for the week. They're dressed up like rubber duckies. We've had rock paper scissor contests. Uh we had a wicked contest. You know, are you team uh Alphaba or team Galinda? And there, you know, I was dressed up like Alphaba and we're greeting the students. Last week was joy germ day. I don't know if anyone's ever heard of that. This was my first time hearing about that. But joy germs are just what they sound like. They are
011germs that need to spread like a virus, except it's joy and kindness. And so I was a germ. I dressed up like a germ and greeted the students and I gave them my kindness germs and they had to spread them all throughout the school. So by the end of the school day, most of the students had come in contact with a joy germ. And so, you know, the whole point is that, you know, kindness, we want to spread kindness like a virus. And so we just try to have a different focus each week just to it's something for the kids to look forward to when they come in. Um we have our Rory awards. So students each month, it's kind of like a student of the month except it's not just academic. We just want
012them to be good humans. And so we really try to acknowledge them for being just for doing just that. And not only are students acknowledged by their teachers, they're also acknowledged by peers because their peers know them differently than the adults do. And we want them to have that peer recognition as well. We also have some unified programming similar to uh the high school with our life skills class. We have a group of students who who go down to the classroom. They assist them in activities and it is a it is a wonderful wonderful experience. I invite any of you on the board to just come and experience that with us because it just makes my heart so happy. We're always focused on growing, learning and growing, cultivating like joy for learning, making learning exciting
013and cool, right? Like learning should be cool. Kids should want to be learning and growing. So, we have lots of hands-on opportunities. Uh our science program this year, thank you board for that. Um has been fantastic. There's so many hands-on opportunities. You can see evidenced in the top picture. That's Miss Abrams class. Uh all the science classes were working on how to best insulate cups. So, you know, we might have that a little side gig here uh for the district make some money there. Um lots of great ideas that the students had and even just and again, thank you Ford for paying for those science tables. uh our kids walk into science class and feel like scientists at those science tables and it goes a long way to increasing their engagement because they walk in
014and they feel like wow this is a space where I'm going to engage in science and we we see evidence of it. Um we have you know just a little a quick snapshot you know we've seen some growth in our for math and ELA from the fall to the winter. Um, and then what I'm always proud of is when we see reductions in behavior infractions and we saw a 20% drop compared from last year to this year. And I celebrate that with the students. I every student got to see that slide. And then out of that, if you could go to the next uh slide out of that that um the assembly where I showed the students that behavior data and we talked about it and I showed them uh you know I showed them
015the slides. I asked them you know what did that data tell you? And through that conversation, we decided to add another layer to our student voice. And I'll talk about some of the other opportunities, but I'm going to highlight the data committee. We have we are forming a Swiss, which is our schoolwide information system where we house all of that information behavior data. We're forming a student committee. The two students you see on the slide are just two of many students who have signed up and are interested. And it's not just sign up and you participate. They have to be interviewed and they have to come dressed for success. when they have their interview. And so they understand that this is not a party that this is a this is a place with a purpose.
016They want to be involved in their school community and they want to make it better. And so we have this committee that's being formed. So they're going to analyze that Swiss data with me as well so that they can have voice in how their school experience is happening and how they're molding and shaping the climate and culture in the building. We also have a studentled MTSS process. If students are having some behav, excuse me, not behavior, it could be behavior, but academic challenges and we're talking about them in that MTSS process, they need to have a voice in that. Our kids are getting older. I tell them every day, you're just getting a little bit older, a little bit more more mature, and you need to have a voice in your educational experience, not just
017have adults telling you what you need to do. We also have Dr. Scribbins Superintendent Advisory Council where we have students who are helping to shape decisions. They came to me a couple of months ago with three things. They wanted to do an experiment with lunch and have recess first. They wanted to have a culture affair. And they wanted a better way, an easier way to access our guidance counselor from their home rooms. And we were able to act on all of those things. And we had a meeting to talk about, hey, your voices were heard. All of these things are currently happening. And it all stemmed from those students because again, we want school to be a place that they want to come to. We wanted it to be a place where they are recognized
018for their ideas and they can see things happening. And so to cap off this presentation, I actually have a student because if I'm going to talk about student voice, student voice needs to be represented here as well. And so I'm going to introduce Stella Troja. She's going to come up and just share a little bit about her experience at the MODS. Thank you. Hello, my name is Stella Troja and I'm a sixth grader at the mods. First, I wanted the opportunity to thank Miss Nelson for speaking to you tonight. Thank you. Um, so I'm here to share with you tonight what it's like to be a student at the mods. I interviewed several of my classmates to give you a full picture of our experience. As a single grade school, we have more personalized options
019for support classes. We have um sorry so every student gets what they need. Second, there are variety of activities to participate in like playrs, musical instruments, unique clubs, and so much more. Finally, there are four teachers for our core subjects, unlike last year at EP where we had two teachers. This will make for an easier transition to a full middle school schedule when we go to seventh grade. Now, my experience here at the mods has been among the best of my years in school. I've joined the student council and have been able to take part in the decisions of the school. This has gi this gives me a sense of pride to be able to impact the district for the better. I have also had the opportunity to take part in the life skills program
020where I assist other students in everything from planting flowers to trick-or-treating to make to ensure they feel part of the Cedar Brook East community. Overall, being a student at Cedarbrook East has been challenging and fulfilling. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak tonight. Have a great evening. Sorry, please blame it on the cold. I I also have our art teacher, Mrs. Baines, here. Uh she's just going to give you a little snapshot about the artwork that you see hung up lovingly. Every student is represented in this room. Thank you. >> Hello, my name is Julie Baines and I'm the art teacher at Cedarbrook East. And um as you look around the room, you're going to see a lot of self-portraits. Everybody in the school drew a self-portrait. Um and then they painted them
021in the medium of their choice. And when I and I guess some of the reasoning behind doing the self-portraits is just to celebrate the diversity that we have here in this community. Um Sheltonham is a community like no no other. Um, we have students um that come from so many different backgrounds, so many different um races, um, beliefs, and we all come together and we all have so many wonderful things to contribute to the community and to the world that we live in. So, I just feel like we have to celebrate, you know, what we have here. Um, so that's what this is. It's a It's a true celebration of diversity. And if you look at the portraits closely, you will see each child put their own little special touch into it. Um, and then,
022um, we also have a Cedarbrook East sign that hangs above the portraits and every student in the school got their chance to put their special mark on that sign. So whether they wanted to do graffiti or they wanted to draw little pictures um every student in the school got the opportunity to paint that and to add some special touch to it. Okay. So that is truly representative of the school that we have and our community again. Um and eventually that is going to hang in the hallways at Cedarbrook East. Um and then we also have these beautiful metal tooling relief um sculptures. Each child um drew a picture uh of their initial. So they it's like an initial design of their first name and then they they they use modeling tools to transfer it onto
023metal and they sculpted it into a three-dimensional sculpture. So that's what that is. Okay. So, and overall you just look at this and this definitely represents the beauty of our community. Okay. Sheltonham is a great community. [laughter] >> So, just to wrap it up, I just I hope that you have gotten a sense of what it's like to be at the mods. Please come visit us. We have a good time. Come on a Monday. See the one of what the motivator is. We have a really good time. We really want to celebrate the diversity of our school and of our community. And we work to just make sure that every student feels like they have a place and a space and a person that they feel connected to in our building each and every day.
024So, thank you for all that you do to support us. And again, please, our doors are open to you. Come see us. Thank you. Thank you so much, Miss Nelson and Miss Baines and Stella for coming and speaking to us. Stella, you did an awesome job. Uh we always love seeing the artwork. So, thank you, Miss Baines, for taking the time to hang all of that up beyond working with the students each day to create it all. So, thank you all. Uh we will now uh look to approve our minutes. We have two sets of minutes to approve in one motion, the December 2nd and 9th minutes. Do I have a motion? So move 16. >> Second, >> Mr. Thank you. Um any discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed?
025Thank you. That motion carries and the minutes are passed. Uh we will now hear from Miss Striker, our student council report from the high school. Okay, good evening, guys. Um, good to see you guys. Um, my name is Elizabeth Striker. I'm a representative of the high school student council. Um, unfortunately, Emma's not here tonight, but it's okay. I'm here. [laughter] Um, our last meeting was December 17th, a Wednesday. Um and yeah, so anyway, new year, but um shortly before break, our so every year our student council commissions our life skill kids or like our skills for life to wrap presents that we can hand out to Easter Seals kids. And for those that don't know, Easter Seals is a private school that focuses on individualized care for special needs children. And it's like one-on-one. It's
026like really cool. So, student council commissions the life skill kids to wrap presents and then we're able to go and deliver them. And so, we were really fortunate to be able to do that this year and see all the kids and give them their presents. Um, it's really empowering to see like that difference that we can make in their lives cuz they're all really happy to receive all their presents. Um, we ordered gifts for kids ages um like 3 to six, so they're all really tiny and it was really cute. Um, special thanks to Carter Kirkland and Rachel Mock. Um, they're on our charity board and they were the ones who organized pretty much all this. So, shout out to them. Um, from our environmental committee, we had Mike Oswald come into our last meeting
027um to provide some insight on ways that we can be more sustainable with paper usage. um our environmental board looked into it. Um and we spend a lot on paper. Um so um they concluded that though we couldn't find like a better type of paper to order um we can talk to like teachers and teachers about their usage of paper like minimizing like these big documents and digitizing them so that we can save a little bit of money there. Um, and also our class of 2029 is planning a freshman dance on April 11th and a class picnic at the end of the school year. Um, there was also speak of a Valentine's Day dance, so be on the lookout for more information on our social media. I conclude my statement. Have a good night, guys.
028>> Thank you so much, Miss Striker, and thanks for sharing a little more about the project in December. It was good to hear about that. Um, thank you, Mr. Dazio. Our solicitor's report, please. >> Yes, thank you. The board met an executive session on January 6th, 2026. Uh, the board discussed collective bargaining negotiations with the BEC and also, uh, matters of personnel related to the, um, director of teaching and learning and assistant superintendent positions. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Dazio. Dr. Scriven will now share his superintendent report with us. >> Yes. Good evening to our community and to our board of directors. Um, first and foremost, I want to acknowledge someone who is is not sitting at the table right now. Uh, she has been our assistant superintendent for uh, the last 18 months.
029Uh, Dr. uh, Siobhan Savage. And I wanted to just take an opportunity to highlight the work that has happened uh under Dr. Savage and uh the office of education. Uh one of our major initiatives has really been trying to move from siloed approach uh simply meaning that we have best practices that are happening in isolation uh in different buildings throughout the district. However, some of these best practices have not been uh systemized. Uh and uh subsequently, there are more individuals that could be benefiting than what actually are. Uh over the last year and a half, she's really been putting systems and structures uh in place which uh speak to uh giving us a strong foundation uh where our essence as a district is really being amplified. Uh there's standardized structures that have been established. Uh
030there's systems around how we're adopting uh high quality instructional uh materials. Uh you heard uh principal Nelson allude momentarily to the MTSS process. We now have a process in place where our students can both receive uh academic and behavioral interventional support which is tiered by level. uh and we have a datadriven continuous uh improvement process. Uh she and her team have been instrumental in standing uh a lot of this uh work up and working uh handinhand with our building administrator administrators and their instructional leadership teams. When you talk about uh the reason why strategies fail um there is no strategy which is going to succeed if climate and culture is not in place. You have to have the right mindset in order to move uh any uh initiative. And uh when you talk about the
031why and the how uh we really like to uh ground this in uh a team philosophy uh through our teamwork and collaboration um we can establish a lot more. The PLC process is a paramount part of this and that stands for professional learning communities. It's when professionals have an opportunity to come together um to share best practices and it's where you truly benefit from the uh collective intellect that happens on multiple levels. Our principles have PLC's, our teachers have PLC's, our central office administrators have PLC opportunities. Uh when we think about empathy, uh we are very aware and very careful of empathy not equating to low expectation but empathy more so uh equating to uh being more rigorous and making sure that we are truly aspiring um to meeting each and every student uh exactly
032where they are uh and addressing their respective needs. uh the relational aspect of education um is profound. It's so interesting. Uh you have an individual which you will meet uh later tonight, but we were talking about accountability. And when we mention that word, we're we're not talking about um punishment. We're talking about uh everyone u promoting what's in the best interests of students. And if folks clearly understand what their role and responsibility is and are doing that with fidelity um then everyone ultimately is uh benefiting. And then again the piece around mindset of the M and team is recognizing the power of thoughts and we really try to approach things always through a growth mindset and not a deficit uh thinking perspective. Next slide please. at the elementary level is where we saw a lot
033of great things happening at the schools. Um but it was not always happening um systemically. And one thing I I definitely want to give a shout out to the office of ed is the instructional art that they put in place for both uh English language arts and also for mathematics. uh in order um to ensure that every student was getting consistency uh in instructional delivery. Um Dr. Savage and team explicitly outlined uh what these instructional minutes should look like and really provided a blueprint um for every school um to follow. This is a work in progress as this does still vary um school to school. Um however uh this is part of uh what we're focusing on level setting uh right now. You can skip two slides to the um systemic support. I highlighted this
034already uh earlier uh just the use of MTSS and our WIN programs which is a intervention um program where um students are not um taught new material but have a opportunity to either be rettaught um enriched or um accelerated based on what they currently need. This is simply our model. uh we refer to it a lot as the uh plan do study act model. It's data analysis, root cause identification, coming up with action plans and then monitoring. It's a continuous cycle of improvement. Uh it is something that we have diligently been working with our principles on over the last uh couple of years. Uh you've seen some of this work manifested uh in their presentations uh for both elementary and secondary uh during our ED affairs uh meetings where they're using multiple data points um
035to come up with continuous school improvement plans. Uh when you talk about the future ready academics and especially at the high school um there's a lot of work that's going on programmatically around um course offerings um and truly identifying uh what pathways uh need to clearly be delineated and trying to backwardly map this uh as uh far back uh in our elementaryaries. um so that students uh have or are exposed to experiences that they may want to encounter uh prior to getting to the secondary level. These course offerings here are just some of the uh areas that uh we are looking at uh offering moving forward uh just based on the programmatic needs uh that have been identified uh based on uh student voice at the high school. Next slide. Uh it's so interesting. This
036is uh a component uh that is actually going to be up for uh adoption uh this evening when we're talking about uh our uh calendars for uh 2026 27 2728 and the collaborative process that we that we're taking. uh we know that there's a lot of energy uh around the breaks around our uh early dismissal days, how we're using uh professional uh development uh and etc. So uh stakeholder voice is valued and something that we really do um take into consideration prior to making these decisions. And in conclusion, uh overarching, uh we are going to continue uh with the team approach, we're going to continue to work on our instructional framework, uh our norming of best practices around our instructional rounds. Um the impact um that CSSI or our continuous school improvement process uh is
037going to have with moving uh student outcomes. Um, I say all that to say that all of this work, even though it does not capture it all, it gives a highlevel overview of uh some of the things that have been put in place. Uh, you will see uh a recommendation to the board this evening uh with uh a personnel change which would move uh Dr. Savage out of the capacity of assistant superintendent uh into the role of director for teaching and learning. Um this is specifically so that she can have more of a laser focus on what is our number one priority in the district. uh and that is making sure that our instructional practices are happening with fidelity uh in every schoolhouse in every um classroom and transferring um to every student. Uh under
038the previous role, uh there were too many distractors that were getting in the way of that work and that job was just too large for her to have that focus um that we need on uh curriculum on instruction and daily implementation of instruction. Um so uh she's no longer sitting at this table but will forever uh be a intricate part of the team and as the district um as this work that she will be embarking on um really starting tomorrow um is going to uh really uh be transformative when we talk about student outcomes. Subsequently, you will meet uh a individual uh later on, Dr. Thomas uh who is going to come on board in a consulting capacity um to really assist on the operations side, which is where uh I live as superintendent more
039so than on the ed side. Uh I will shift uh and focus more about of my attention on the educational side as Dr. Thomas will come in and uh assume some of the responsibilities uh that I had uh on the operations side. Uh there are certain non-negotiables um that Dr. Savage has agreed to continue um to uh supervise and manage or facilitate uh as we go through the um process of posting and trying to onboard uh another assistant superintendent uh which will not have the same job description uh that was currently uh the one which Dr. Savage had. Our uh epiphany was the fact that uh there was too much on that job description uh and we need to separate it uh and uh chunk out some of the pieces uh which cannot realistically be
040facilitated by one individual. So thank you uh for that portion of my presentation. As you may or may not as we go to the final slide um be aware of uh this is our uh board school director's appreciation month. Uh I am a part of the video so I'm going to refrain um from comments and I'm just going to turn to Mr. today and ask him if he could please uh play the video which greetings to our outstanding Sheltonham School District board of directors. Uh we are in a new year as we've brought in January. Uh and with that new year, uh this is our month that we recognize our school board directors. Uh, as the proud superintendent of Shanahham School District, I'd like to extend all of you uh, warm regards on this recognition
041as we as a district could not move forward our initiatives without the relentless commitment that you exhibit each and every day. We're truly fortunate to have such talented individuals uh serve on our board and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you do for the sake of our faculty and staff, our administrators and most importantly our students and their families. Thank you, board of directors, as we shower you this month for the tireless work that you put forth each and every day. Have a great month. Thank you. >> We'd like to recognize the board members that served so diligently, so efficiently, and so effectively on the board of school directors for the Sheltonham School District. Your work is appreciated. Your work is understood and we are glad that you have
042volunteered of yourselves and your families and your time to be here supporting our children every day. >> We just want to say thank you to the members of our school board. >> While our students don't always get to see the impact that you make on a day-to-day basis, the time that you give and the support that you offer for all of us is felt by every one of our students. Thank you so much for the work that you do. It truly matters and makes a difference. Thank you. >> Thank you, school board, for all you do for Epic. >> Hey, good day. Um, Sheltonham school board members, I want to thank you for all that you do. Um, you guys really do a lot of work and I don't know if everyone really understands just
043how intense this job is that you guys, you know, don't get paid for uh to do. So, we're very gracious that we have people from our school community that um you know really love our kids, love our schools and will do whatever they can uh to ensure that we continue to be great. Um thank you for always being available and we really thank you all as well when we had our AFAS and we had to help us. So, thank you for all your support. Thank you for the face facetime that we get. I think you guys are unmatched. >> Happy schoolboard recognition month. We are so lucky to have a board that is very supportive of the students and families and staff of the Cheltonham School District. We can't do any of the work that
044we do without the support that you provide. So, thank you. Greetings to our Sheltonham School District board. We are so grateful for everything you do. I'm in year three now and every year I become more amazed by how much you do and how much you give. And it's not just what you give of your of your time. is what you give of your hearts to do this and to support education and to support what our students need just because you care is truly exceptional. There are so many people who have opinions about this work, but there are so few who are willing to do it. Thank you so much for your time, for your energy, and for most of all your care because you are one of a kind and we appreciate you. >> Greetings
045board members uh from Meyers Elementary School and the Meyers community. We're so very appreciative of all the work that you do. Uh it truly does take a village um and everyone um giving everything they have in order to make sure that all of our students at each level reach their fullest potential. I'm fortunate enough to be a part of a school district that has a board that is knowledgeable, caring, collaborative, and that truly has a passion for helping our students succeed uh at elementary, at the middle level, the high school level, and beyond. Thank you for all of the work that you do that goes unnoticed. Thank you for your attentiveness. Thank you for your knowledge and thank you for your strategic thinking as it relates to making Sheltonham the best school district that it
046can be. Thank you very much. >> Happy school board appreciation month. I know this is a new season and a new beginning for our school board with a new member just elected and installed as well as new board leadership. Thank you for stepping up to the challenges that public education is facing. I know that you all will be having discussions much like we have at the school level about how do we measure success. Success is measured using multiple measures of data. But ultimately success is in the quality of the relationships that we have and that we form with each other. Happiness is created in those relationships as a result of your leadership. Fred Rogers says that the ultimate meaning of success is manifested in three ways. Be kind, be kind, and be kind. So, as
047we celebrate you this month and your work, know that I appreciate the leadership that you're bringing to our district in creating and fostering happiness and kindness in our district. Your work is noticed not just in January and not just on Tuesday nights, but year round. Thank you. Thank you. Thank [clears throat] you. >> Greetings, school board. This is Dr. Robinson with my wonderful scholars. We are here to say thank you for all that you do. We have your favorite children's books and we are honoring you by dedicating them and putting them in the library. They're also on display in our school hall that's located in our front office for the month of January. And inside is a little placard there that says, "This book, a favorite of the school board member, is dedicated in appreciation
048of their service whose leadership and advocacy help ensure that every child has access to learning, imagination, and opportunity. Thank you for all that you do. >> Thank you." >> Thank you, school board. Hi, I'm Amy Thomas, eighth grade math teacher here at Cedar Brook Middle School. On behalf of myself and all of my students, we would like to say to you, >> thank you. Thank you for >> happy new year to all of our board members. I'd like to welcome everyone to a new year and and to all of our new board members. I look so forward to working with each and every one of you this year and I wish you the best and I'd like to thank you for all that you do for the district, the community, and the staff. >> I
049just want to take the opportunity to thank um all of our board of school directors for all the work that you do to ensure that our children have what they need to thrive. I just want to thank you for everything that you do to support all the technology initiatives in our district. It's truly a blessing to have you as our school board. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you so much for all the countless hours that you take and dedicate to support all the students and everything that you do. Thank you. >> Thank you for all you guys do. Really appreciate all the work and the support and working as collaboration team. So go team go. >> This message is for our fabulous school board. I would like to thank you for all your
050time and your dedication and the countless hours that you put in um for our students, staff, and faculty. Thank you. >> Hello from the facility staff. We'd like to thank the school board for all their hard work, long hours, and their diligence to the students and staff of the Sheltonham School District. Thank you. Thank you school board for the tremendous amount of time you volunteer and put in to making sure this school district runs and our kids are getting a quality education. >> Just want to say thank you as well. Just want to reiterate what Josh mentioned. Uh we appreciate your dedication. Um a lot of what you do um is not seen by the public. So we truly appreciate your efforts. >> Hello board members. Hello. Thank you so much for all your hard
051work. We appreciate you and we appreciate all the time that you provide to our community and our schools. >> Go ahead. >> All right. From the special education department, we would like to thank the school board for all of your dedication, your perseverance, your late nights, and everything you do to provide us with what we need here in the school district to make our students successful, especially in the area of special education. Your knowledge and questions really drive us um just to get better each and every day. >> Thank you. While you do, >> Shelham School District Board, I want to say first, happy new year to everyone. I hope you all had a restful, prosperous time off with your family and friends. We want to thank you for all of your dedication, your hard
052work, all of the um pride you put into supporting the children, staff, and faculty of the Shan School District. Thank you. >> Hi, school board. Thank you for all of your efforts and work and dedication to help make Cheltonham School District a great place for our kids. >> Thank you, Cheltonham School Board members. Um, we thank you for all you do for our students and our families. >> Hi, school board members. Thank you so much for all the time and commitment you take for our students and families at Cheltonham. We really appreciate you. >> Thank you. The Department of Human Resources for the Shelton Ham School District wants to thank the board for all of their hard work, many meetings, many hours, dedication, and for their support for the Department of Human Resources. >> Thank
053you. So, thank you school board. I know that was long, but there was no way to cut people because everybody knew they were recorded. So, how how do you cut them out? So, uh thank you for for bearing with us. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Dr. Scriven. Um I on behalf I I'll speak for myself but I think I probably speak for all the school board members. Often we are told that we do a thankless job but um I don't think it's thankless at all. I think we get told time and time again by our community not just in January, not just with amazing videos like this or um appreciation gifts, but we're told time and time again just by saying it's thankless that is thank you. And I think we all
054um truly enjoy what we're doing and are happy to spend the time because we know that it's going to the best cause it could go to. Um it is my report, the board president's report. The only other thing I would add um is that this past weekend um the board convened for our annual uh January retreat. We usually have a retreat in January and then again in September. And this was just a good time for us to all connect and kind of talk about what our internal um internal operations processes, things like that to kind of get us going uh kicked off for the new year. So that was a great time for us to be together. Um and we will now move on to our committee reports. The first report is from the McGomery
055County Intermediate Unit. Miss Lman, >> thank you. The Montgomery County Intermediate Unit board did not meet in December. The MCIU board will meet next on Wednesday, January 28th at 6:45 PM at the MCIU's main office in Norristown and over Zoom. This is my >> Thank you, Miss Lman. Uh the financial affairs committee report, Mr. X. >> Thank you. Uh good evening, everyone. Uh if you noticed, we have some changes to our uh committee assignment. So, I'm now proudly serving as a co-chair of the financial affairs committee with uh Mr. Daniel Schulz. The committee did convene uh last week uh January 6. It meets every first Tuesday uh of the month. Uh there was a very detailed uh breakdown of the district's revenue, expenses, and other assets both in a point in time and also over
056time. what what we saw at the end of the year. I would encourage folks to look at the video uh or look at the recording of the meeting uh Commissioner Swagert's uh breakdown of of the um um income statements. Uh we had a preview of uh what is an independent audit for the school district. Uh at next month's meeting, we'll have uh the independent investigator join us. Uh we had a preview of the audit uh during that meeting. Uh we also had a discussion on uh some board action items that you'll notice on our agenda. One being uh formalizing our treasurer. Mr. Swagger, again, thank you for your diligence. Uh there's a bond reimbursement uh topic of um uh for construction costs related to uh the schools and al also a project manager. So that
057was a topic of discussion at the meeting. Uh also importantly uh related to the next two years of state funding or this year next year state funding uh a conversation on really what was a going to be a change in timing uh in the methods at which Sheltonham receives about $1.1 million uh but it's really coming through a tax equity supplement as we're becoming more and more familiar with as opposed to a different line item of the budget. So again, there's a lot more details for each of those topics uh for last week's meeting. And as I mentioned, uh every first Tuesday of the month, which would mean February 3rd, is the next financial affairs uh meeting. Please do come in person or via Zoom. Thanks. >> Thank you, Mr. EPS. Educational Affairs, Dr. Whiting.
058>> Thank you, Madam Chair. The educational affairs committee met on December 16th, 2025 here in the administration building and in a hybrid format via Zoom. The meeting began with Miss Rachel German, supervisor of secondary curriculum and Mr. Mark Hoff, assistant principal at Sheltonham High School, discussing the different paths student can students can take to graduate from the high school and newly designated Panther paths that will be implemented in the future. Both career-based and disposition-based panther paths were paths were discussed as options for the future and are currently in development. Miss German and Miss Hoff then discussed new course proposals which included advanced placement research, radio engineering and broadcasting, honors environmental science, and an internship. This section was anchored by a student presenter, Benjamin Samson, who co-developed the proposed radio engineering and broadcasting course with Lillian
059Gance, Jonathan Mcclenny, uh, Mlenny, yes, and Julia Ball. The new radio engineering and broadcasting course would include a study of the history of radio and train students on how to create radio and audio shows or uh, internetonly radio distribution. As part of this proposal, the new podcasting and recording studios in Elkins estate may be used by students at no cost to the district. Next, Sheltonham High School principal Dr. Benjamin Hammond presented considerations to condense courses in the coming school year, reductions in the total number and percentage of students with D's and Fs year-over-year, and bright spots at the high school, including 49% of Sheltonham High School students making the honor honor role in marking period 1. In addition, tonight the board will vote on the adoption of academic calendars for the 2026 and 2027 um
060school year and the 2027 2028 school year as a separate agenda item. Finally, I want to thank my colleague Miss Robin Murphy who served with me as co-chair of the educational affairs committee for the last two years and is now taking her to talents to co-chair the policy committee. It has been a pleasure serving with her as a co-chair and I know she is not here. I know she is uh away but uh thinking of her. I will also welcome Miss Mia Blitzstein to the will now serve as co-chair with the educational fe affairs committee. Looking forward to working with you with you this year. It's going to be a fun year. The next educational affairs committee will meet on Tuesday, January 20th at 7 p.m. in a hybrid format here in the administration building
061and via Zoom. This concludes my report. >> Thank you, Dr. Whiting. Uh Eastern Center for Arts and Technology, Mr. Brell Williams. >> Thank you, Madam Chair, community board members district. Uh the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology met last on the 10th of December in 2025. Um as noted with all of our Eastern Center for Arts and Technology on operating committee meetings, the first and arguably most important aspect of the business of the day is the December student of the month. So if any of you have been following the Cheltonham news shares, you have already seen the uh the announcement that we made here locally. Um, however, that information does trail a little bit in my report. So, um, the December student of the month was Miss Leia Johnson, a Cheltonham High School senior. Love
062it. Uh, Eastern in the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology. Um, excuse me. Um, robotics program. Sorry. Um, as a junior, she received the straight A award at Eastern's award night in May 2025. She also interviewed for and was selected as a paid internship for the summer of 2025 was Eastern's facilities department where she assisted with various school maintenance projects. In her robotics and automated technology program, Lilia enjoys helping firstear students and serves as a classroom leader. As an Eastern student ambassador, she frequently represents her program at recruitment events. at Cheltonham High School. Leia is an active student council member on the environmental committee, vice president of the debate club, treasurer of the Black Scholars program, and a member of the first robotics program, among many other activities. Outside of school, she founded the STEM
063Queens group at the Elkins Park Library, where she leads workshops designed to inspire students to explore STEM fields. After graduating from Eastern and Chelenham High School, she plans to attend the Aviation Institute Maintenance Program here in Philadelphia, uh, which is an 18-month course that will prepare her for her airframe and power plant license, which is a globally recognized certification for aircraft mechanics who maintain and repair both the structural parts of an aircraft and its engine systems. After earning her license, she plans to enter the workforce as an aircraft technician. She envisions her career taking her to Connecticut or Vermont maybe and looks forward to traveling extensively in the future. Congratulations, Leia. Uh then we got into the maybe not so exciting stuff, but no, the actual business of the meeting. Uh there were a number
064of items that were uh approved by the Joocc and academic personnel, facilities, financial and technology affairs. Um, in addition to that, we did acknowledge the um uh November 20th Let's Talk Education breakfast that was held at Eastern. Um this informal breakfast was an opportunity for local legislators um and other CTE students and um and faculty uh to exchange ideas, discuss legislation uh to essentially collaborate on issues that are the most important in the CTE space. Uh awesome opportunity to be able to do so. Uh another or oneformational item that was shared uh that I will share with the group that was passed uh at that at that agenda as well was the reorganization of the joint operating committee which similarly happens in December as it does here in Chelenham and other districts across the Commonwealth.
065Uh we welcomed in a number of new board members. Uh Miss Jennifer Wilson from Habbor Horscham, Mr. Erskin Payton from Lower Morland, Dr. Joseph Berto from Upper Dublin, and then Mr. Edmund Rhodess from Brennan, Mr. Jeffrey Bard from Springfield, Mr. Grant Rounds from Upper Morland, and then three existing members, um myself, Miss Carolyn Riley, and Miss Elizabeth Eisenhart from uh from Abington. Sorry, Miss Carolyn Riley is from Jack Def. In addition to that, the joint operating committee acknowledged the new officer terms for our treasurer, secretary, superintendent of record, who is Dr. Jeffrey Fletcher from Abington, and then the president for this year, which is Miss Carolyn Riley, previously mentioned of Jenintown, and vice president is myself. Very excited for my second year uh to be vice president at at Eastern. Uh, everybody here and anybody
066who's ever listened to a a meeting that I've been a part of for our Cheltonham School Board knows my passion is with all of the things that happen in and around that building and how students can really thrive uh with the experience that they have there whether or not it is their career choice or not once they finish the school. Um, so very excited for another year in a leadership role there. And that concludes my report. The next meeting of the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology is tomorrow, January 14th, at 8:00 PM. This meeting will be held via Zoom. The link to the Zoom can be found on Eastern's website, esc.org. And that concludes my report. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Belle Williams, and congratulations on your election. We are proud to have
067you represent us and all of the students at Eastern in that capacity. Um you are up next again with the facilities report. >> Great. Thank you. Uh the the um excuse me the January meeting of the facilities committee was held uh last week and I believe that was the 6th of January. Uh prior to our uh our um financial affairs meeting uh there were a number of updates. We heard updates related to CHS both from a lobby uh right as you enter the building. The first thing you see just some upgrades to you know wood paneling um flooring, lighting in that area as well as the extensive uh uh work that's being done to upgrade the CHS athletic stadium. Um not many folks have had an opportunity to to lay their eyes on the work
068just based on where it exists on the property. It's pretty hard to see from the parking lot, but there's a lot of awesome pictures and the uh both the January and December November uh updates that can provide some context all of that so you don't have to necessarily stop your car on Eastern Road and get out and look down onto the field. But very excited about the work that's happening there. There is turf down. Um the the the um the fencing, the new fencing is going around all the the complex as well as um the beginning of the track. So concrete surface for the track is done. Um the fill that goes into the actual playing surface itself was being laid down very recently as well. So lots of progress there. I know, you know,
069not really uh any inseason sports currently to be able to to to to take advantage of what will be, but looking forward to what will be in the the upcoming months here when we finish that project. Uh we also heard an update related to uh some leaking plumbing related to the boiler here in the administration building that was repaired and remediated. Uh and then we also uh had a um some data that was shared from Mr. Swagger related to project costs for the CHS stadium project as well as the Glenside and Cedarbrook expansion projects. Noting that due to the short month, there wasn't a lot of movement in the finances um but that um still sharing that information for public knowledge. Uh lastly, there is one item on the agenda tonight that is related to
070the facilities committee and that is the recommendation for the approval of site logic for construction management of the Cedarbrook and Glennside expansion projects. That concludes my report and the next meeting of the facilities committee. I did not have that on my sorry, excuse me. The next meeting of the facilities committee will be Tuesday, February 3rd at 7 p.m. in the hybrid format. Thank you. And that concludes report. >> Thank you, Mr. Belle Williams. Uh, next is the liaison group uh update. I will give that report. Uh the leazison group last met on Monday, December 15th at 8 a.m. in a hybrid or in a Zoom format only. Uh and again, this group is uh comprised of both school board members and administrators as well as staff and administrators and commissioners from the township side. And
071so we met and we discussed um some updates on uh facilities, both projects on either side are uh the projects that Mr. Williams just mentioned with the stadium and upcoming Blendside and Cedarbrook editions. The township discussed upcoming projects uh related to the Lamont Community Center and some updates on upcoming developments in the township, the Melrose Country Club project, Kurland Farms and the Ashlin development. We also uh discussed uh various road work projects around the township and had some other updates on we were able to update on our new board member and board leadership changes and I expect we will hear a formal update from them on their changes on their end at our next meeting. Um our next meeting in the agenda says that it is on uh Monday, February 16th. However, that is President's
072Day. So my guess is we will be amending that date and we will keep you updated on that. Uh that ends my report and we will move on to the policy report. Miss Lman, >> thank you. The policy committee did not meet in December. There the next meeting of the policy committee will be on Tuesday, January 27th at 7 p.m. here at the administration building. And I also wanted to acknowledge Mr. EPS who has been a co-chair of the policy committee for four years for four years. Um so I want to thank him for his service um to that committee and his input and everything that you've done to keep the work of policy review and revision going forward. Um and enjoy the finance committee. [laughter] Um, but seriously, yeah, thank you for all your
073work on the on the policy committee and I'm looking forward to working with Miss Murphy. And this ends my report. >> Thank you, Miss Lman. Uh, Mr. EPS, a legislative report. >> Uh, there's no report for tonight. Um, we will convene as a the legislative committee uh is representative of all the school districts throughout Montgomery County. We meet uh periodically to discuss proposed legislation in Harrisburg. uh the Commonwealth, what's happening at the federal level uh and all things related to Sheltonham and education. We will reconvene uh on February 4th, the day after we meet tonight or for our committee meetings and next day we'll meet for legislative committee and I'll bring a report back to uh you all. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. X. Uh the next item on our agenda is the approval
074of agenda items. And the first uh there are two agenda items tonight to approve and the first is the consent agenda. And in the spirit of uh education and information for all those attending and listening, I'm going to read um a statement that explains what the consent agenda is. The district has implemented a consent agenda whereby several items are listed for approval of the board in a single motion. Most of the items listed on the consent agenda have gone through review by a designated committee of the board prior to being recommended for inclusion on the consent agenda. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member.
075Um it says a few items. uh we tend to have a lot of our almost all of our businesses in there and as that statement says this is these are things that have already come to committee and uh this is the final step in the approval process. Um so with that I will take a motion to approve the consent agenda. >> So moved. >> Thank you Mr. Williams. >> Second Dr. Whiting. Um is there any discussion on the consent agenda items? MS. >> Uh thanks Mrs. Mol. Uh, I wanted to uh put uh this date on the record, January 13, 2026. It's a moment in our story, Sheltonham story, because as we heard in the superintendent report, we are officially moving from theory to action as a district. And so that is at the heart
076of what we are doing, inspiration and resources to let all students reach their full potential. So I mark that as a moment in in our story because it speaks to the transformation that has happened throughout the last um four years. And so if we recollect just for a moment uh year one when I joined the board and and Dr. Scriven joined a little before I I did as a as a board. Uh but year one it it seemed like what is the plan right? That was the strategic planning effort. What were we going to do? What are the priorities? We have the se seven pillars that were identified. Year two, we really heard about how the central office was embodying that plan and and putting the framework of the continuous improvement process uh together. Year
077three, we began to hear about how that process was moving outside of the walls of this building into uh our our school buildings uh not at the teacher level but through principles uh right in in a very ordered fashion. Right. So we heard the work that was being done through professional development. We heard the work that was being done again around the mindset, the structure and the desired impact. And then year four, we did that, you know, the district let that big reconfiguration uh plan and things like that, right? But that that didn't distract from what important work was happening along those seven pillars. And then we find ourselves here today understanding that it's it's it's we understand the plan. the central office is is is is is building itself right even even from year
078one to support that plan. We've heard from principles what that plan looks like in a pilot phase but also how that's going to be scaled throughout the entire school. And now we're hearing about how teachers are leading other teachers around conversations about what do students need? How do you use both numbers and stories to get to identify and get students what they need? Right? not at a classroom level but also in small groupoup instruction. We're hearing that as a as a really um vital method right throughout throughout all of our schools. And so I wanted to uh really go through the line because if we if we just look at all those things from today, we may miss some of those things. But one, I want to say that because I want to recognize the
079tremendous amount of effort, the tremendous amount of love and care uh and thoughtfulness that has gone that has that has come from our central office administrators to to again what is the plan and how to support it. I want to give a a really thank you thank you thank you to our principles. We still have one in attendance tonight. But again, this again takes love. It takes thoughtfulness. It takes care. It takes persistence. And then our teachers, our teachers who are now picking up the baton. Again, takes a a lot of that same love, care, and persistence. It's going to be tough when going from theory to action when your bestlaid plans get get put to put to the test in in some ways. But again, you have a board that supports this process. You
080have a board that really trusts leadership. and we are really excited about what our teachers and and principles and administrators are going to do together in collaboration on behalf of our students. And so I say all of that and then connected to the important transition we know with our assistant superintendent going to the director of teacher and learning so many of those things the super assistant superintendent has touched directly. Right. So I I want to recognize is she still in the room right now? if not within listening ear I want to recognize the work of Dr. Siobhan Savage obviously she doesn't work alone uh but but her leadership I think the two words that that have come to mind a lot is just strategic foresight right when I think about Dr. Savage. So I want
081to recognize her leadership again that the the work of the team is important. Uh but this leadership is not going away. It's being focused uh in a very intentional way. And when she joined a big piece of what we talked about was relationships and the the the opportunity that we had to build relationships and and relationships was at the core of of this transition, right? how to fost how to think about the relationships that are in place and ensure that those are uh arranged in a way that that helps gets things done. So, I'm at my word count, but again, I want to recognize the the the tremendous amount of uh of effort, love, and care that's been put into this work so far. It has been five years, but we have, you know, miles
082to go until we sleep. And so, we we need to take we got to celebrate the wins when we can uh as we go into implementation. Thanks. >> Thank you, Mr. X. Miss Blitzstein, >> thank you. Um, yes, I want to echo what Mr. App said and also recognize um that it takes a village and uh I'm really excited to see more volunteers on the list for approval tonight, which we can always use more of. And again, I know I sound like a broken record, but if you'd like to join any of those field trips coming up in the spring, please, please get your clearances and all of your volunteer documents here soon so we can approve you and add you to the volunteer list. And I also want to recognize um both teachers and
083other staff members who are going for professional development um in the future. I think that it's not easy actually to be absent from school. Um, and sometimes I know as a as a former classroom teacher, it it's it's a lot more to prepare for and to recover from when you get back. Um, so I really appreciate the efforts of our teachers and staff members to plan for improving their content knowledge and their skill base. um and I hope that they plan to bring it back and turn it around to their their peers and colleagues. So, thank you. I want to recognize you for taking time. >> Thank you, Miss Line. And yet, Dr. Whiting. >> Thank you. I just want to take one minute to acknowledge the 10 teachers who we are awarding tenure to
084uh in this meeting. The first three years, as a former teacher, I know that the first three years of your educational career shape who you are. And these teachers making it through this period with all of the training that they had to do, of all of the evaluation that had to occur is a representation of the dedication that they have to our district and I just wanted to acknowledge them for uh for growing with us and sticking with us over those three years. Congratulations. >> Thank you. Any other board comments? I just like to take this opportunity to uh acknowledge and welcome uh Dr. Thomas uh to the team in his new role as consultant as uh special assistant to the superintendent. You don't have to say anything but if you would like to uh
085the mic and the platform uh is yours, sir. So, thank you very much, uh, Superintendent Scriven. Good evening, everyone. Again, I'm Dr. David Thomas. I am excited to be here to assist in capacity building and just general support um, as we continue to move Shanahham School District um, on into the future of Greater Heights. Um it is a pleasure to work with uh Dr. Scriven um Dr. Savage and team. Um I'm just excited um and happy to be here. Um I look forward to meeting people, meeting students. I love students. They're the best. I'm a former teacher. So um that that that that really kind of gets my heartbeat and I love your speech this evening. Thank you very much. Your updates. Um so again, thank you very much. I look forward to meeting everyone
086and happy new year. >> Thank you, Dr. Thomas. I will wait to say uh welcome until we vote um because we do need to do that now. So if I could have a vote on the consent agenda um all those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? Thank you. The motion carries. Welcome officially. Dr. Thomas want to take care of the the paperwork here. Thank you. >> Um next on the agenda is to vote uh to approve the uh two-year academic calendar. Dr. Whitening spoke about this in his report. Um we have before us an academic calendar for 2026 27 and 2027 28. Do I have a motion from the board? >> So move secondary >> second. >> Thank you. Any discussion or comments on the calendar? >> Mr. No, Mr. without
087length. >> I just want to acknowledge the ongoing efforts to continually provide a calendar that is a listen I first I had no clue that there was this much energy put into calendars at any level. Um managing my own work calendar is enough. So I could only look beyond that. But I greatly appreciate everyone um over the years who continually puts effort into building a calendar that is flexible but works for our families but acknowledges the unique diversity of our families um and some of religious holidays that I think are of importance to a number of cross-sections of our community. Um and again greatly appreciative for looking at this on a two-year basis as well. um provides you know many families with the opportunities to plan far in advance um and take into account what
088they could be looking forward to in in years to come. So um all those things are matter and are important and I'm I'm I'm appreciative that we're here and ready to approve the calendar um and grateful for all the effort that got us here. >> Thank you Dr. Whiting. >> Thank you. Calendars are a reflection of effort and values and this reflects both. We see here that uh on on the value side, we have major world religions respected throughout the entire year over both both years. We have cultural holidays, we have federal holidays, we have uh space for people to celebrate and think about the things that they care about in our community. I also want to acknowledge Mr. Bali Williams. You did a great job uh talking about inclusion, right? We talked about like
089this calendar is about listening to what the public wants and thinking about how we can be reflective of the our community's values and their preferences and beliefs. We no longer have uh professional development days in the middle of the week. They're not the end of the week because of preference and the feedback we get. Uh and we got feedback on the current calendar that allowed us to make this calendar which is very similar to to this year's calendar. And I just want to acknowledge the effort that went into that. It is hard to be inclusive and we were inclusive about the creation of this work and intentional. And so I just want to thank the calendar committee and all the people who contributed to putting that work together. This is a reflection of that work.
090>> Thank you, Miss Blitzstein. >> And this is just a really quick comment, which is I really like the consistency of the calendars and the predictability of our calendars for the next several years. Um, as a calendar person myself, I like to put things in the calendar like a year or more in advance. Um, so I appreciate having this. And for all those calendar people out there, you can have at it. Just put the events in there. Plan ahead. Type a go. Thanks. >> Thank you. Any other comments from the board? All right. Great. Thank you. We will uh vote. All those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? Thank you. The motion carries and now the calendar people can have at it. Um, next on the agenda, yes, it's very exciting.
091Uh, next on the agenda is public comment on non-aggenda items. So, similar to our earlier public comment uh time. Anyone in the room or via Zoom can participate. They have three minutes to speak. You must state your name, where you reside in the township, or if you're a district employee instead. Um the only other thing that I will add for context for anyone who is new to a schoolboard meeting is that it is um the format of the meeting is that you make a comment or ask a question to the board and there is not often or usually a response in the moment. We listen, we take notes, we work the superintendent. At times we may respond, but generally speaking the um routine is that it is not a conversation back and forth. That's just
092the nature of this type of meeting. But I wanted everyone to understand that. Um, and with that, if anyone would like to come to the podium or raise their hand via Zoom, we are are ready for any public comment. >> Uh, good evening everyone. My name is Eli Steam. People know me as Melo. Um, I'm a junior at Shelingham High School. Um, thank you for having um having me and my teammate here. Uh, I'm here because I have one high school football season left. Um, I have one season left to represent my school and to represent myself as a student athlete. Um, I understand that the district has been going through conflict. Um, and it's a a difficult situation for everybody. Uh, I also understand that s student safety and accountability is very important and
093that comes first. Um, at the same time, I want to speak on behalf of the players who were not involved in the situation. Um we are deeply affected by the uncertainty surrounding the future of the program. Um so basically we just want to know the future of Shangham football and what that looks like. You know rebuilding trust um creating a safe environment for our players and coaching staff and giving student athletes the opportunity um to grow under proper leadership. Um, so I just have a couple questions moving forward of of course when the investigation wraps up or if you have time to answer them now that's fine. Um, is the district committed to ensuring there will be a football season for student athletes this year and what is the timeline for announcing a new coaching
094staff or interim leadership? >> Thank you. >> So Melo, I believe that you may have sent me an email if I'm correct. Sure. >> Um, if you and your teammate, who I will get your name later, if you guys could just hold tight for after this meeting. >> Got you. >> I'll address you personally. >> Gotcha. Thank you. >> Thank you both of you for coming. We appreciate hearing from students anytime, all the time. But we really do appreciate you guys being here. You've been here for a while listening in. So, thank you. Any other Anyone else in the room? Any Zoom hands? I'll see. Oh, okay. Right. >> Uh, good evening, school board members. Thank you for all your service. I appreciate you. I just wanted to take the time to introduce myself. I
095am Melvin Pittz, the newly elected finance officer of Shel Township and looking forward to working closely with you all. So, that's all I have. Uh, two children in the school district. Uh, one at the Cedar Brook East. Uh this a one of our proud of the young man he's doing great things my daughter's at the high school so uh I would like to watch the football games as well so I echo the sentiment uh with the young men sorry we have the hiccups that we have not every individual is uh a bad seed so I'll just speak on that but most foremost I wanted to introduce myself to you all especially Mr. I could uh reintroduce myself to you so you and I can work closely with one another uh to move things forward uh
096with the district. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Bits. Any other comments? No hands. All right. Thank you so much, everyone. Uh next on the agenda is to just recognize the future meetings that are listed there. There's quite a number of them. We've tried to put uh out the next few months. And with that, we have come to the end of our agenda. So, if I could have a motion to adjourn. >> So moved. >> Mr. X. Second. Second. Miss Blitzstein. Thank you. The meeting is adjourned.