001Yeah. >> Good evening. I'd like to welcome everyone to the business board meeting. It is Thursday, May 21st, 2026. Welcome. We have a great crowd this evening. It's always so nice to see so many familiar faces. We have some great recognitions this evening, but before we get started, let's rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The board met in executive session for 30 minutes on May 4th to discuss negotiations. They also met prior to this meeting to review personnel issues, a special education agreement, and union grievances. The meeting lasted approximately 45 minutes. And now, I would like to turn it over to Dr. Christian for
002our great um unified bocce team and the boys basketball team. Outstanding. Thank you, Mrs. Petruno. I would like to welcome to the podium Coach Dana Moyer and Coach Jen Hanold and our unified bocce team to be recognized by our community. >> [applause] [applause] >> OH, WOW. THANK YOU. AW, THANK YOU so much. >> [applause] >> That really It's very heartfelt. Thank you very much. That was wonderful applause. Um for those of you again who don't know, my name is Dana Moyer. I'm an English teacher at the high school. Um but my favorite job, if I can say, is coaching these amazing kids. Uh our Unified Bocce team has won the league for the last 2 years. We went to regionals last year. We won again this year. We did better this year. The only team
003that we lost to actually ended up coming second in states. So yeah, we hit that buzzer, unfortunately. But um but these kids are amazing. Um and like I said, we just we're so proud of them and everything that they've been able to accomplish. I'd also like to give special thanks to Amy Smith who is here today. Amy Smith is one of our aides and she is I really don't know what I'd do without her. So um without further ado, I guess I can give them their their certificates and introduce them to you. Uh first we have and we did start a program this year called our Bocce Besties. Um mostly because we have eight seniors graduating. So we need, you know, to get more people involved and Jake is uh representing our Bocce Besties today.
004So Oh, get one. Thank you very much, Dr. Christian. So Jake Burton Excellent. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Next is Livvi Chew. >> [applause] >> I said they're all in order. >> [applause] >> Kayla Nelson John Nicolosi. >> [applause] >> Can't take more than one, John. Next is Sophia Van Coilie. >> [applause] >> And now we're going to get into our senior partners that are leaving us this year. They have been nothing short of amazing. The way that not only just in the way that they play, the way that they um represent PW, the way that they care for their partners. Um I just like I said, I couldn't be more proud. Uh first is Mike Bongard. >> [applause] >> Alyssa Axel. Will Jameson. >> [applause] >> And we're lucky enough to have two sets
005of twins on our team. So the first is Maddie McLaughlin. >> [applause] >> And her brother, Billy McLaughlin. Yeah, it wasn't William. It was Billy. That's why. Our second set of twins are the Powells. First is Anna Powell. >> [applause] >> And last is Roman Powell. Thank you so much for having us. Um again, just want to thank you all. Thank you for your applause. Thank you for your recognition. And um hopefully you'll come out and catch our two bocce home matches next year. Um they'll be out on social media and things like that. But we have had some amazing support from the um the the school teachers coming out students coming out. It's been really really amazing. So again, thank you very much everyone. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> Thank you coach and
006congratulations to our Unified Bocce team for another outstanding season. At this time, I would like to welcome coach D to the stage to recognize our district Suburban One and District One champion basketball team. Coach D. >> [applause] [applause] >> We got the order right too. This is good. Good evening. Glad we could be here tonight. Um, great to see all of you guys. Um, we had a Well, this is a phenomenal group of young guys that I've had the chance to coach. A lot of the Some of them for 4 years, 3 years. Um, they're they're a throwback type of team. Uh, reminded me of what they brought to the community, to the school, the the passion. Um, that's a big new gym we have to fill up. And this year, boy, they filled it
007up a lot. You know, it always It was our new home court, but this year they kind of stamped it as one heck of a home court. And, uh, from the from the their their peers and friends, the hooligans, bringing a phenomenal energy. I think we probably sold out almost close to the last 10 or 12 games at home, and the energy, uh, a great bunch of young guys to coach, a multi-talented bunch of young guys. So, winning is great, winning championships is, uh, not easy. And, um, you know, they gave us everything you can imagine. Uh, I think they Of all the teams I've coached, I've I've coached a few teams now, and, um, I've never seen a team I've had a couple, but this team just, uh, uh, there was a fondness growing
008for this team as it went along through the season that, um, you know, I hadn't sensed in quite a while. So, it was really fun to see how they helped bring the school and the community together. Um, well, I have two great managers. We have three managers this year. Two of them are here. Jehad Sajid is with me in our second year together, and, uh, just does a phenomenal job for us. Jehad. >> [applause] >> You got to walk around. You got to back up. Chris is going to sit. I'll help you. I'll help you with your shirt. Jehad, whatever you do, make sure you shake Dr. Christian's hand. Don't forget that one now. Brooks Best has been with me for 3 years, Brooksley. A senior manager. Um I've had great managers over the years.
009I've had managers go on and coach and and manage in college. And and Brooks uh may do that as well. But Brooks Bass is a is a phenomenal worker, great work ethic. Uh His parents are both teachers in the community. Uh I'm hate to see him go. He's a wonderful, wonderful person. And he's headed to Towson University in the fall, Brooks. >> [applause] >> Yeah. >> [applause] >> We also had a a a third manager. He's not here tonight. Uh doubled as a security guard. We had Amir Butler, who's our um 6'3, 220 lb, 2% body fat missile who's playing in the Big 33 game this weekend. So, he was nice to have in a lot of in a lot of ways. Um Aidan Rose, we have a couple of great freshmen. So, the future
010looks bright. Aidan Rose uh played JV, two undefeated JV seasons, and then moved up and was with the with us for the playoffs uh all the way through to the playoff run, Aidan. Great young talent. >> [applause] >> I'm sorry, Doug. I got to give him to you. Good job. I'll give him to you. [applause] I didn't say that last night. I didn't. I just learned. Uh Adam Quasme, another freshman who uh did the same thing as Aidan uh a great run with the JV team, undefeated, and then joined us. And uh is a is a a tremendous talent as well. Uh great work ethic, and looking forward to big things from him. Adam. >> [applause] >> Great talent. >> [applause] >> Joe Thomas, uh junior for us, uh varsity uh team member throughout, and
011uh uh just developing all the day by day, getting better. Uh looking forward to big things from Joe next year. Had a great run with us. Learned how to take serious elbows from Big Mike Pereira every day. No visits to the dentist. That's a tough guy. Joey. >> [applause] [applause] >> Another a young guy that we're looking forward to having a a great run with us next year and and did a great job for us this year, Jean De Chazeau. Jean is a junior and went toe-to-toe with the best, you know, all of our our senior starters and so I'm seeing big things for Jean next year. >> [applause] [applause] >> Another junior, Luca Taramina, who ended up being a a sixth or seventh man a lot of times through the second half of the
012season. Work ethic is up there with the best I've seen. It doesn't even know what his ceiling could be right now, but I love his demeanor. I love his passion. I love his humility and his work ethic. So we're looking forward to Luca. He did a great job for us this year. Had some big moments. Learned how to play on a big stage and so no pressure, Luca. >> [applause] [applause] >> We had a senior class of so many talented players. I I was humbled every night going home realizing just looking at the just just the practices were incredible to watch. And Eric Cello, senior guard, unreal athlete, speed, athleticism. Big big piece of our accomplishments, Eric. >> [applause] [applause] >> Justin Probst, senior Well, Justin did take all the hits from Mike Pereira and
013gave them all right back, right? And great work ethic, tough as nails player. Excellent basketball player. Big moments everyday in practice with his work ethic and his drive. And whenever he got on the court for some reason that something always good happened, right, Justin? What we do at the end? Made a little layup then what did you do at the end? You dunked it? Just say you dunked it. Okay. Okay. >> [applause] [applause] >> Another talented senior guard, Zaden Gray. Uh Zaden came off for us the second half of the season. Uh killer competitor, tough as nails, quick, athletic, and became a big piece for us in the second half and is headed to South Holland Junior College. Really proud of Zaden and how he's uh got I think he's going to have a really
014great future. Zay. >> [applause] >> Micah Thompson came along after his sophomore year and really invested an unbelievable amount of his time into the game and improving his game and turned himself into someone that reached a ton of his potential. Um exceptional student athlete, had a number of colleges that he was thinking of, including the University of Chicago, um Johns Hopkins. He's settling on uh Howard University. Uh the un- um you know, the guy that doesn't shine in the game as far as making the big the big baskets. And without him, he was the transmission of our team as far as the post play and the bigger guys go. And he could cover four different positions. Um uh all the unsung stuff that you don't notice, but without him, we don't accomplish what we accomplished.
015He has a great future ahead of him. Micah Thompson. >> [applause] >> I'm a coach that loves to play fast, but when you're given giants like we had the last couple of years, I had to change it a little bit, but Terron Davis became our secret weapon, our sixth man that allowed me to change back to the style I love. And when Terron got on the floor, he's basically a jet. And he had moments where he would drop 12 points in 3 minutes just cuz no one was even aware what was about to happen. So, the role he played for us was invaluable. And I'm just so proud of him and I'm proud to see where he's headed with Misericordia College next year, University. Terron Davis, best of luck to you. >> [applause] >> Jack
016Hayes, senior captain, 2-year starter. Correct? And drew the attention of probably six to seven schools by the end of by the middle of his senior year. And he's going to If anyone watches at all, they know Jack is not going to win the the the jumping contest for highest jump. He's not going to win the You know, he's not going to He's not going to beat Monty too often in the three-point shooting contest. But it doesn't matter because Jack Hayes does the things on the floor, the floor general stuff, the the play that you need when it looks like it's all going the wrong way. He is old-school grit. Fiercely competitive, high IQ. And if I was going anywhere where I needed back up, he's the first guy I'm calling. Jack Hayes. He's headed to
017Misericordia. >> [applause] >> We're um We have a few guys couldn't be here tonight. Big Mike Pereira uh is in Brazil right now. So, Mike plays with the Brazilian national team. He's been there a few times in the last year. He's down there right now for about 10 days. And it's a great experience for him. Jack was the captain, Monty was the captain, Michael's our third captain this year. Michael Pereira exceptional well-rounded student athlete headed to the University of Penn early admissions Wharton School. So, as you can tell, usually the arguments I have most years with the players by, it was really difficult this year with some of the IQs I was dealing with. So, I had to up my game in that category, too. But, Michael, I wish you could be here tonight, but
018I'm I'm glad to see he's continuing on. Um Buddy Denard is not here tonight and Buddy had a great role for us this year, as well. Junior, he's going to be advancing his game at the Perkiomen School, so we wish him well. Um And then Mani Sajid four-year varsity player, three-year starter, three-year captain all-time scoring leader full ride to Towson University um incredible work ethic, incredible drive, great competitiveness, wonderful guy. You know, hate to see him go. Honored to be able to coach all these guys, humbled to be able to know a lot of them, and Mani's right up there at the top. Mani Sajid. >> [applause] >> Thank you. Thank all of you for your support throughout the season. >> [applause] [applause] >> Look at you. Here we go. >> We're good? Thank you.
019>> [applause] >> Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> Thank you to coach Moyer and coach coach D. Uh I want to say it's really nice that to have teams that win championships in Unified Bocce and boys basketball amongst many other teams at PW. Um but to receive phone calls and comments from other schools that we visit that our students not only are strong student athletes, but the way they carry themselves and their sportsmanship and to receive compliments about that. It takes a lot for somebody to pick up the phone and pay a compliment and I received several calls about both of those teams this year and emails. So, thank you for your contribution not only as student athletes, but the way you carried yourselves as well. This concludes our student recognition for this evening. All
020right, thank you. Um this is a motion to approve minutes as presented in items 4B through 4D. May I have a second, please? Sharon? Any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. This is a motion to approve financial reports as presented in items 5B through 5M for April 2026. May I have a second, please? Chris? Any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. This is a motion to approve the April 2026 Treasurer's report. May I have a second, please? Rick? Any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. And now, is there any public comment on any items on this evening's agenda. All right, seeing none we'll move on to the superintendent's report. Thank you. Motion to approve the personnel report and extracurricular contracts as outlined in item 8B. Board action is requested
021for the recommended personnel changes, appointments for promotion, appointment, or transfer are subject to the presentation of valid credentials, employment verification documentation, and state-mandated requirements. May I have a second, please? Chris. Any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. And now I'll turn it over to our student representatives. Good evening. Hello. All right, so for Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, more than 25 Latin students received awards from the 2026 Philadelphia Classical Society competition and from their performances on the 2026 National Latin Exam. The Plymouth Whitemarsh High School flag football team won the Suburban One League American Division championship and finished the season with a 16-2 record. The girls lacrosse team won the Suburban One League championship title on May 8th with a 14-2 win. This was their first title since 2018. PW student leaders from cultural
022clubs came together to organize a collaboration session in the LGI on May 18th. Students rotated through different club tables, listening to an elevator pitch for 2 minutes, asking questions for 2 minutes, and providing feedback for 1 minute. This event was the result of a year-long effort to cultivate connections by the district. Um at Colonial Middle School, the Best Buddies program in CMS ran a successful fundraiser for their upcoming walk. The chorus performed the national anthem at the Phillies game and students showed extreme involvement and leadership in their environment with their Earth Day efforts in a student-run program through No Place for Hate. The week or for Colonial Elementary School, the week of May 4th, all third grade students visited CES and the week of May 18th, fifth grade students are visiting CMS. CES is once
023again continuing our one school one book experience. Monday, May 18th was third grade family orientation night, which was a huge success with over 700 parents and students attending. Wednesday, May 20th, all fifth grade students took a trip to the Iron Pigs game in Lehigh. Um at Plymouth Elementary, on Tuesday, May 5th, uh third grade students visited CES to learn about the instructional program and meet some of the teachers and administrators and tour the building. Uh we have continued to focus on building shared ownership of our school climate and community belonging initiatives through student and staff learning opportunities, No Place for Hate activities and school-wide spirit activities, with each staff member leading one month of planning along to ADL observances. On May 13th at CES, students and staff attended performances at school. The third grade students,
024led by Miss Tracy O'Shea, put on a fantastic performance. We were so happy to welcome back Mr. O'Shea and the rest of the band who played along with the students. On Thursday, May 21st, families are invited to attend our annual achievement day. This is an opportunity This day is an opportunity for families to view much of the work students have accomplished throughout the year. For Conshohocken Elementary, on May 1st, first and second grade students performed their Willodean inspired puppet shows for kindergarten and third grade students. Students explored how to manipulate recycled materials to create their own characters from the book. May 20th is the CSD Interscholastic Games. Colonial or Conshohocken Elementary is looking forward to cheering our students from Miss Levin's class on to success. May 21st this the CE third grade concert, which will
025also showcase the Coyote hand bells. CE second and third grade sports club continued until May 13th. This after school activity has been a huge hit with our students. On Mondays in May, CE held a free after school nature club that is for second grade. This club is run by Riverbend Environmental Center and sponsored by ASTM. The CE PTO spoiled the CE staff during teacher appreciation week with lots of kindness and appreciation around the theme the '90s. In May, CE will reopen its plot at the Conshohocken Community Garden. Students will weed the plot and plant vegetables and flowers, which will be tended by families over the summer. Produce donations will benefit the Colonial Neighborhood Council. CE packs will gather for one final pack party on May 29th to complete a memory page highlighting their year and
026the special bonds they created with their pack members. Uh at Ridge Park, Read Across America was celebrated across Ridge Park during the week of March 2nd. We had many guest readers including many from the district office and school board families. Students also enjoyed virtual author visits coordinated by Mrs. Farrington and spent time reading with their buddy class. On the evening of March 10th, a group of students and third graders shared with the community shared with community members at the district EIB meeting about their learning experience so experiences so far this year including No Place for Hate, Diwali, and Black History Month. Sydney Oh, music teacher, and Jen Fitzgerald, art teacher, designed a variety of student activities for Music in Our Schools Month and Youth Art Month. We enjoyed theme days and students participated in variety
027of related activities. Lastly, for Whitemarsh Elementary, on Thursday, May 21st, students who participated in the Read for the House fundraiser benefiting CHOP will receive a treat from Rita's. Participating students raised more than $16,000 earning third place among schools participating throughout the Philadelphia area. Students and staff participated in the Smile Mile on Friday, May 15th. The Smile Mile is an annual school-wide event that promotes physical fitness and perseverance. During the event, students in grades K through 1 completed a half-mile walk walk-run, while students in grades 2 and 3 completed a 1-mile run. Hosted at the Plymouth Whitemarsh High School track, the event provided students with an opportunity to challenge themselves and work toward personal goals. Families were invited to attend and cheer on participants. Thank you. Thank you. And I know I know Nariani couldn't make
028Nariani could not make it tonight. William, you're headed to UCLA, I believe. Where's William? There's William. >> [applause] >> I apologize. And Nariani is headed to University of Pittsburgh, and we have gifts for you from the board that I'll be dropping off at the high school before graduation. So, we wish you the best. Wish you the best in all your future endeavors. Congratulations. >> [applause] >> And now we'll move on to new business. Um Election of board treasurer. Section 404 of the public school code directs the Colonial School Board of Directors shall during the month of May elect a treasurer for a term of 1 year beginning on the 1st of July following such election. Motion to appoint Mark Digian for the position of treasurer. May I have a second, please? Jeremy? Any questions or
029comments? All in favor? Congratulations. >> [laughter] >> Uh Rick. It's a motion to appoint Beth Petruno as the Colonial School District voting delegate for the 2026 PSBA Delegate Assembly meeting. May I have a second, please? Uh Chris. Any questions or comments? All in favor. Jeremy. Motion to accept $4,758,664.23 property tax relief as provided by a special session Act 1 of 2006 and to further establish the 2026 exclusion of $17,051 from each eligible homestead and farmstead assessment within the Colonial School District to produce a maximum uh tax reduction amount of $467.57. Of the $4.8 million, 50% of the funds will be received in August 2026 with the remaining 50% in October 2026. Thank you. May I have a second, please? Sharon. Any questions or comments? All in favor. Thank you. Jeremy. Motion to approve the Colonial
030School District real estate tax installment payment plan resolution that is an option for all taxpayers. May I have a second, please? Chris. Any questions or comments? All in favor. Thank you. Jeremy. Motion to approve the attached list of banking and investment institutions for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. May I have a second, please? Rick. Any questions or comments? All in favor. Thank you. Sharon. Sir. This is a motion to approve the educational services for the 2026 uh 2027 school year as outlined below. May I have a second, please? Chris. Any questions or comments? All in favor. Thank you. This is a motion to approve the physician dentist agreement for the 2026-2027 school year as presented. May I have a second, please? Rick, any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. Motion to approve the subcontract
031for the access program for the 2026-2027 school year as presented. May I have a second, please? Sharon? Any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. This is a motion to approve a settlement a settlement and release agreement due to student confidentiality. This agreement was discussed in executive session. May I have a second, please? Chris, any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. Uh this is a motion to approve the administration's recommendation to ratify the agreement between the Colonial School Board of Directors and Teamsters Local Union number 384 effective July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2031. May I have a second, please? Rick? Any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. Mark. A motion to approve the administration's request that authority be granted to the district superintendent for the time period of May
03221, 2026 through the next regularly scheduled board meeting in September 2026 to appoint qualified personnel to vacant positions contingent upon the board ratifying the employment of such personnel at the next regularly scheduled public meeting. May I have a second, please? Sharon? Any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. Uh Jeremy. >> Motion to uh motion to appoint McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC as solicitor for the Colonial School District for the time period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 based upon the following an annualized retainer of $22,500 for the year and a base rate base hourly rate of $210 along with several other um um items. May have a second, please. Chris, any other questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. Uh this is a motion to approve the participation of two
033Plymouth Whitemarsh High School students in the Future Business Leaders of America National Conference in San Antonio, Texas from June 28th through July uh 2nd, 2026. May have a second, please. Chris, any questions or comments? All in favor? Thank you. Um and now is there a solicitor's report this evening? There is none other than thank you for the reappointment. Thank you. Um and now committee reports. Sharon, None at this time. Uh Chris, Okay, the curriculum committee met on uh May 11th and uh Dr. Gregotski and the curriculum supervisors highlighted the 2025-2026 conference showcase um featuring district teachers who shared instructional strategies and best practices gained through attending professional conferences this school year. Mrs. Willitscheck also provided an update on the AP business and personal finance course and the district's efforts to align the course with Pennsylvania's
034graduate requirement with three I'm sorry, with personal finance standards. >> [clears throat] >> Dr. Gregotski also reviewed the district's ongoing review of um ed- educational technology use emphasizing intentional, balanced, teacher-led instruction and outlining guidelines for instructional-only device use. Teachers highlighted the purposeful use of technology tools to support security, literacy, math instruction, differentiated learning, assessment preparation, and data-informed instruction. Thank you. Um Rashida is not here this evening, but for facilities, uh just want to say thank you ahead of time. I everybody's going to be working extra hard to get everything ready for graduation, move-up ceremonies, and all the things that go on at the end of the year. So, Joe, thank you to you and your team. Uh Jeremy. The Finance Committee met on Monday, May 4th, to review fiscal year financial activity through April. And
035as a reminder, the proposed final budget is available for inspection on the district website or available from the business office with a recommended real estate tax increase of 3.5% to offset a projected deficit of 3.9 million dollars, which will be voted on at the June board meeting. Great, thank you. Um Gail's not here this evening for personnel. Um Tech School, Chris. Yeah, there's a lot of great things happening at the end of the year now. Um the CMT graduation is next Thursday, May 28th, at 7:00 p.m. at Norristown High School. Um and also Dr. King will be retiring at the end of this year in July, and we have a new replacement, Mr. Craig Robinson, who will be the new director coming in. Also, just a let you guys reminder that they have a summer
036career experience camp this summer. Um and it's a career camp that include barbering, baking and pastry, cookie and cake decorating, cosmetology, Hawk Tank, which is similar to Shark Tank, um landscape design and construction, networking and robotics, public safety, and sports medicine. And these camps run um uh from the first week is July of July 7th, and the last week is July 28th. There's 4 weeks in there that they run. So, please check out their website. And if you have any students that are rising 6th through 9th grades that might be interested in any of those programs. It gives them a leg up, and they are really fun. They do a lot of really fun things. So, thank you. Great. Thank you. Um Thomas. Um they are you met uh April 22nd, and um they did
037a beautiful presentation on uh the Reading Olympics, which is great. They said 156 schools in our district like in Montco is involved, and over 900 teachers volunteer every year. So, they just wanted to make sure they said thank you to everybody, and thank you to Colonial for being involved. And uh also um May 19th, they'll have their mental health awareness um event. So, you can go online and find more information on that if you would like. Great. Thank you. Sharon, legislative. Uh no major updates, just continuing to keep our eye on the cell phone bill policy, which is gaining a lot of traction and advocacy um up in uh Harrisburg. Great. Thank you. Um any community liaison reports this evening? Uh Whitemarsh 4th of July parade is planned on schedule. No surprise cancellations this year.
038If you or group is interested in marching, uh please contact uh Parks and Rec. The Parks and Rec meeting will be Tuesday, June 2nd, um and there's all information on the website as well. Great. Thank you. Um and Jeremy, foundation information. Um next big foundation outing will be the golf outing on Monday Monday, June 29th at the 1912 Club on Plymouth Road. Um there's several options, including a cocktail package for someone anybody who's interested in not golfing. Um all proceeds will fund the Food for Thought campaign with over a quarter um of Colonial families on um free or reduced lunch. It's really critical at this time, especially during rising costs to help um you know, support support our families in need um and contribute to the foundation. So, again, the foundation can, um, provide funding
039and and, uh, food options for for those in need. Great. Thank you. Um, attached to this evening's agenda are the school activity accounts for CMS and PMW, the athletic accounts for CMS and PMW, the curriculum report, technology report, and building reports. And now, is there any public comment this evening? Is there any board comment this evening? All right, seeing none, this meeting is adjourned. Thank you.