June School Board Meeting - 6/25/2020

001Right. I'd like to welcome everyone to this evening's meeting of the Colonial School Board public meeting of Thursday, June 25th, 2020. If everyone could please rise and pledge allegiance to the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, to the public for which it stands, one nation under under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Um, I would like to announce that the board met in executive session on June 8th to discuss the creation of a new administrative position. That meeting lasted 30 minutes. We also met in executive session on June 23rd to discuss staffing and student safety issues related to the pandemic. That meeting lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes. And we also met in executive session prior to tonight's meeting to review this evening's personnel

002report, a tax assessment appeal, and several special education agreements. That meeting lasted about one hour. I'd like to ask for a motion to approve the minutes as presented in items three 3B through 3 I which include the HR committee meeting of April 13th, board business meeting of May 21st, special meeting of June 1st, FMT committee meeting of June 1st, finance meeting of June 1st, curriculum committee meeting of June 8th, Community Relations and Student Life Committee meeting of June 8th and the policy committee meeting of meetings of May 18th and June 15th. If I could have a motion to approve those minutes, Rosemary. And is there a second? Beth Patruno. All in favor, please raise your hand. Okay, it looks like we're good. Thank you. I'd like a motion to approve the financial reports as presented

003in items 4B through 4M for May 2009. That has to be 2020. um including capital reserve fund, food service bills and cafeteria report, outstanding investment report, cash flow summary, comparison of taxes collected, real estate tax escrow report, trust fund report, reconciliation of cash accounts, budget deficit status report, bond report, general fund and federal programs bills, budget transfers, and they are All from May of 2020. If I could have a motion to approve those, please. Ununice. Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Who was that? Kathy. Yes. Okay. Um I just want to make sure Mr. Sherman gets the motion and the seconds. And all in favor, please raise your hand. Okay, we're good. Thank you. Um, I'd like a motion to approve the treasures report of May 2020. So moved. Thank you, Kathy. Second, Chris.

004Thank you. All in any comments or questions on it. All in favor, raise your hand. Great. Thank you very much. Um, now is the time for any public comments. Dr. Christian, if there or Mr. Sherman, if there are any public comments on tonight's agenda. And I guess I should remind the public that if you have questions, please email them to. Mr. Sherman, do you want to read that email? What is the email that you have to send questions to? Public comment colonialsd.org. Okay. Public comment one comment at colonialsd.org. if you have any questions. Um, are there any public comments on tonight's agenda? No, there are not. Okay. Thank you, Dr. Christian. Superintendent's report. Thank you, Mrs. Moore. Uh, we have a couple several items for the superintendent report. Before I uh uh talk about the

005personnel report, I do want to congratulate I just got word 10 minutes ago uh from our athletic director, Mr. Bretts that Justin Adler uh won the Danour Award along with a few other students in Montgomery County. I don't have all the details yet, but congratulations to Justin. I know the Danour Award is a highly competitive award. It's huge. Students have uh students um must display uh leadership, scholarship, service. Um it also uh uh athletic ability. uh really you have to be a very well-rounded student to be recognized. It's and it's there are 30 plus schools involved uh in the Danau Award and uh they weren't able to have the dinner this year but when you read the bios of the kids that are nominated uh they're very impressive. So I will make sure that we

006have just we invite Justin to uh the July board meeting so that we can properly acknowledge him. But um it was a great email to receive uh at about 6:55 today from Mr. Brett. So he sent a very nice thank you letter to all to his teachers and to uh Mr. Brett's uh which is obviously epitomizes the type of young man young man that he is. So congratulations Justin. Uh secondly, we have a motion board action is requested for the attached personnel changes and extracurricular appointments. Appointments for promotion, employment or transfer are subject to the presentation of valid credentials, employment verification, documentation, and statemandated requirements. Uh on tonight's personnel agenda, uh we are uh and we have invited uh Rosemary Gregitis, who is our current principal at Plymouth Elementary, uh and pending board approval will

007become our new director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. uh Rosemary uh will be an outstanding uh person for the job. Uh we spoke uh we had a rather involved interview process and um I just know that she's going to hit the ground running. Uh I will say this uh for our families at Plymouth Elementary because of the uni unique circumstances in which we live with the pandemic. Rosemary's first uh task is to make sure Plymouth opens successfully. Uh and so she understands her responsibility to wear two hats for a little while while we seek her replacement. Uh but her first commitment is to the children of Plymouth Elementary. Uh and the folks in central office know that means that we will uh assist in picking up some of the burdens within the curriculum office. Um

008but we're very excited uh about her nomination and look forward to board discussion on it. But thank you Rosemary for attending this evening. Thank you Dr. Christian and thank you everyone. Good evening. I am absolutely thrilled to be taking on this new role in Colonial. I can't wait to bring my expertise of curriculum and instruction to the entire school district. Uh and I'm also looking forward to getting started but helping as Dr. Christian just said with the transition back to school at Plymouth. So, thank you everyone. Congratulations. Rosemary is a decade of experience as a building principal. Uh she's also a certified reading specialist. Uh and I can tell you that in my tenure here, she's also uh volunteered, not been volunttoled, volunteered uh for any committee that we put together, whether it is on

009assessment, uh curriculum, uh calendar committees, uh she is one of the if not the first person, one of the first people to immediately send me a text saying, "Hey, whatever you need, I'm here to help." and uh and we're very blessed to have a strong administrative team in Colonial. Uh and we uh pending board approval, we you know, we look forward to Rosemary assuming the new job. Rosemary, we're very excited. Congratulations. And um I know I'm going to have two very unhappy grandchildren, but we're very excited to have you on board in this new position. Um do we have is that it? Are you done, Dr. Christian, with your report? I am. All right. Can I have a motion to approve the superintendent's report? So moved. There a second. Second. Truno. Oh, Jen. We pick

010one, Dave. Um, all in favor. Okay. Officially, congratulations, Rosemary. Now you have to come to all these meetings. So, I can't wait. All right. Your Mondays and Thursdays are now full for the next uh for for the for the long term. Excellent. All right. Now, um I still have more. Okay. Go ahead. Uh we have another guest with us this evening. It is Dr. Bruce Campbell. Uh Dr. Campbell has uh is a professor at Arcadia University and Dr. Campbell has partnered with the district uh when we established our diversity, equity, and inclusion advisory uh committee uh that is comprised of administrators, parents, students, and teachers. Uh our work began uh and and Bruce will go through this, but our work began last fall and was obviously abruptly interrupted in March. Uh we do look forward

011to uh continuing that work this summer uh as we wrap up our pandemic uh subgroups that have been taking place for the past two weeks. Uh but I asked Mr. Campbell to come this Dr. Campbell, pardon me, to attend this evening and and share a synopsis of what the what the committee started doing and and where we are uh and also talk a little bit about our future, our direction moving forward. Dr. Campbell, thanks for coming out this evening. Yes, absolutely. Good evening everyone. Um, so I have a very very short PowerPoint, but I I did send that along so I don't know. Drew is going to share the screen uh momentarily. Great. Thanks, Drew. So, I I guess I'll just maybe say next slide if that's possible as we go through. Yeah. So, um

012yeah, I just wanted to just give an update of where we were, but I wanted to go back a little bit. So, for people who aren't aware of the um uh committee, they get they're caught up to speed. And I'm going to actually minimize the view on my side so that people so I won't see myself but if people have questions just stop me at any point. Um so this group actually started uh last spring with a focus group at the middle school. Um and at that session there was uh discussions about some concerns that parents and students had. Um also discipline cases were brought up. Um and also um they wanted to increase more student um participation in the black cultural awareness club. Um after shortly after that there was a session where the

013Colonial Middle School students uh presented to the staff and as a result of that meeting and other conversations the district decided to work with a consultant um or bring in a consultant to help with this work. Uh next slide. And there I am. So as a result, uh, I came through. Um, as Dr. Christian just mentioned, so I'm an associate professor at Arcadia University, which used to be Beaver for those who remember Beaver. Um, and I am the director of the educational leadership program there as well. um in terms of the committee work. So I started in 2019 in the fall um around the middle of that time. I presented a timeline and action plan to move this work forward and I started I guess it was in November was the first meeting where we

014were working on a mission statement for the group and if Dr. Christian and others remember I sort of just jumped in right away uh and said if I can I can I sort of steer this this uh meeting and worked on the mission statement. Next slide. So we continued our work and early in uh 2020 I think it was in February Dr. Christian expanded the work. Originally, it was just the middle school that was looking at um diversity, equity, and inclusion, at least in terms of this committee, but he uh extended it district-wide. And one of the uh action items that I had as a plan to start off with was doing an equity audit. So, what we did as a group, we came up with a survey that was sent out to parents and

015students um throughout the district. and February 26. I have that on here on purpose because that was actually the last face- to-face meeting that we all had together before um COVID 19. So during that meeting, we looked at the results of the surveys that were sent out. We broke up into individual groups, I'll get to in a second, uh to discuss different areas. Um and I just gave a a a broad view of what we should be looking for um throughout the data. Next slide. So the groups were broken into six the the main committee was broken into six different groups. So focusing on human resources, professional development, curriculum, community outreach, and student life. And as you can see on this slide here, there was a district representative administrator and then there was also um

016a parent co-f facilitator for those sessions. So we started off as a big group and then we broke up into these small groups to start looking at the data and we came back and as a large group and individuals or leaders from each group had to present some of the strengths and weaknesses for their subject that they were looking at. Next slide. So, in terms of next steps, um my hope is that we can regroup. Um it's been been a while. I know uh people are anxious to see what happens in the fall, but I think we don't need to really wait until the fall. I had proposed to Dr. Christian that hopefully the group can reconvene at least virtually during July to continue this work. The next steps after that would most likely be

017setting smart goals for each one of those six groups that I just mentioned. And then of course, you know, goals don't really mean much unless there's action behind it. So setting action plans for each one of those goals and benchmarks that we can hit throughout the year. Um so if I can go to the next slide. And in terms of my own reflections on this process so far, we're you know several months in. It's really three. Uh the first one is uh we have to keep a steady pace. Um I I say this quite a bit when we have our committee meetings that this is not a a sprint, it's a marathon. So sometimes especially around these topics that we're talking about and not just for colonial as we all have seen it's become a

018national and international conversation quite a bit. So some of this stuff is not going to change overnight but uh you know we have to take our time and be strategic as we move forward with this work. The second is communication is key. Um, I've said this quite a bit in these meetings as well and and the survey also uh came out with this as one of the main findings that there's tons of good work that's actually happening in the district but sometimes the message isn't always uh received. So we need to make sure that we are communicating to all parties in multiple ways so the good work that we are doing as well as that we want to do moving forward is being heard. And then the last piece I would say is meaningful collaboration.

019So I'm really impressed with the inclusive team that has come together. Um and that is not just uh Colonial School District uh personnel but also families that have volunteered their time to come to the meetings and actually do this work which is not easy work. Um but then also I just wanted to say that last part that I have had there the engagement needs to be done on multiple levels and needs to be significant for any success to happen. Um so those are my reflections of where we are right now and I look forward to what we do in the future. Last slide is any questions that anybody might have. I didn't want to take up too much time. Uh, does the board have any questions for Dr. Campbell? No. Dr. Campbell, thank you for

020all that you've done. We've um I've heard really good things. I think the board has all heard good things about these committee meetings and hopefully we can really um continue to move forward in our attempt to do better. Dr. Campbell, are you working with any other school districts? Um, presently, no, but I've done this work in other districts. Um, before I was at Arcadia, I was at the Pennsylvania Department of Education. So, I was doing doing a lot of this work. Um, I was assigned the eastern part of the state. There was the program I was in. There was 50 of us across the Commonwealth and I was one of I don't know maybe about 20 that were assigned from Chester Upland all the way up to Route 80. Okay. So, I'm sorry because we

021I came on the board in uh in December, I guess, when this was starting already. How did we how were we lucky enough to come across you? How did that happen? Um I don't know if well I I'll tell you my version and I'm sure Dr. tell you his. Um so at Arcadia I teach in the M's program and the doctoral program and uh there are a couple doctoral students that are um staff and administrators in the district and my I think one of them might have recommended me. Okay. after after they've taken classes with me. I'm no longer their professor. So, let me be be clear on that. And I'm not the dissertation I'm not their dissertation chair either. So, Got it. Got it. Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much. When we realized

022that we needed to expand uh the advisory group to K to 12 uh especially 6 to 12 um and needed to include students. uh Phil Chang uh and Bob Failer mentioned to me uh Phil in particular mentioned that he uh had this professor who was very good and so uh he gave me Dr. Campbell's contact information. Uh, and we had a couple very candid uh, conversations about the direction. Um, and you know, Bruce mentioned already in his in his presentation and he's emphasized this with us uh, several times, communication is the key. Uh, and so we had, you know, very good dialogues about, uh, and he asked a lot of questions about, uh, what my vision was for the group. Um and then I asked him about his experience and uh and then we hit

023the ground running uh in November December time frame. Yeah, if I if I could ask a question of Dr. Campbell. Um so thank you that was awesome. Um I have been sort of working alongside and and trying to gain as much knowledge from PSBA um with regard to their equity equity toolkit. They're really trying to encourage school districts to it's a really laidout action plan and I'm just wondering you know if you're familiar with that and if so or if not if that's something that we could maybe try to work in with the work that we're doing with the committee that you're helping us with. I am familiar with it and I I do think that we we could pull that into the work here at Colonial. Um, if I can go back a little

024bit to talk about the equity, I want to say the equity survey that we did. It was a combination of um, a couple different tools that I've used. Um, and then some that the district even recommended as well. Um, I know there's I'm trying to remember them off the top of my head, but one of them is like from Harvard, one of them is from uh, from DC. So, I didn't want to do a hey, let's take somebody else's stuff and then just make it work for Colonial. Um, so I know the administration team as well as a couple of parents um volunteered to help craft some of the questions and we went over and over um them. So, it's really a uh pieces of different ones, but I think especially when we're talking about

025the action plans and connecting them to these goals that we're going to set for those those six groups, I think it makes sense in terms of looking at how do we do it? Like, you know, for example, one of the um or two two off the top of my head that come up in terms of the findings was communication and then also recruitment, right? So, there's a zillion different ways that you can do recruitment. So, let's look at what best practices are and see how we can apply them for colonial. Some things might not fit Colonial. They might fit other districts in Montgomery County, but not Colonial. So, like, let's do what makes sense for us. Thank Thank you, Adam. Did you have a question? I I I do. Just a comment. First of all,

026Dr. Campbell, uh, please give my best to your family. Uh, good to see you. Um, and second of all, um, you know, it occurs to me that that in the time since, you know, you met in person and and now we've had, you know, that that we've had, as you said, a national really a national international conversation about um issues of racism that, you know, that persist in our society and and the trauma that it it causes. Um, but our kids are home. They're not in they're not in school. Um, so I guess I mean this probably more of a comment, but I mean I think it's it's a good thing that, you know, if we can get the the committee meeting again in, you know, in July because it it it occurs to me

027that it we're in addition to all the issues we have around COVID and reopening schools, you know, we're going to be bringing kids back who, you know, who who've processed things at home, maybe not with their friends. Um, and then suddenly they're going to be, you know, back with their friends and teachers and having to process uh, you know, a lot of of really weighty issues. And it'll be good, I think, to hear from parents um, about maybe some of the conversations that have been taking place um, at home about, you know, about issues of race and equity and injustice in in our society. So, I I really appreciate you doing doing the work, and it just occurs to me it's something we're going to have to be prepared for once schools reopen. Yeah. And

028I I think that um similarly parents are going to be asking for additional resources. They're doing what they can um but then they're also looking to have us as educators continue that conversation right when they when they send their kids to school. So other questions from the board? If I may just mention something. the Centennial School District uh on I believe Monday or Tuesday evening adopted um a very broad-based equity policy um addressing some of these issues and uh it may be of interest uh for the board to look at that. I'm going to be uh sending out the board some dates for policy meeting in July. Uh we probably need to have an FMT meeting as well. U trying to be mindful of people's personal schedules. Uh with the chance that since we go

029green, there may be some board members may actually want to go uh spend some time with their families on vacation uh or stations. Um and that will be uh that will certainly be an agenda item. We also have the draft resolution that we're still crafting. Um and I really thought it would be I'm sending a copy to Dr. Campbell to review for his input. Uh, and we're still accepting input from the board. But, uh, I think it's important we have either the equity policy andor the draft resolution adopted prior to the beginning of the 2021 school year. I'll try to share a copy of that equity policy with you. Thank you. And I believe Policy News Network from PSBA also sent out u some suggestions as well. They just the other day. Yep. Other questions?

030Dr. Campbell, thank you so much. I'll be in touch soon. And uh that concludes the superintendent's report. Thank you. Thank you all. Oh, actually it doesn't. I have one other I need to backtrack. Sorry, Mrs. Mark. Uh uh as you know we announced uh and I want to remind our community that the board announced a new administrative position uh that we will be u including in our act 93 group and that is our diversity, equity and inclusion officer. The po the job posting uh comes down tomorrow. Uh so we have uh we've already received uh multitude of applicants which is great. Uh I just want the board to know that I uh as we set up the interviews which will occur in early to mid July, the goal is to have a recommended candidate for

031the July 23rd board meeting. Uh we're also I I am putting together uh a group of parents and teachers who will help administrators with the interview process. I've followed this process uh previously when we have such important administrative positions to hire in the district. I spoke with three parents today who all uh readily said yes, they would happily participate and they're all parents who have uh participated in our uh diversity, equity, inclusion advisory group. Uh and I should have the teachers name shortly. Um, so I just want the public to know that our goal is to have that position established and ready to go prior to the start of the school year. Um, obviously there is a confidential nature to uh hiring an administrator. Um, because you do get applicants uh that come from private

032industry, applicants from other potentially other school districts. Uh, and so confidentiality is certainly essential through this process. Uh, and we will maintain that. Um, but we're looking forward to uh, and Mrs. Gregitis is now that you are approved, Rosemary, uh we'll be taking up some more of your time because you're going to be part of that committee as well. Dr. Christian, will that the parents both the parents and the teacher represent all levels of school, middle school, and elementary level? Yes, we'll do our best to have a cross-section. I I can't have the group be too big because it would be unwieldy. No, but at least one from secondary, one from elementary, and maybe one from middle. Yes. Thank you. Any other questions or comments for Dr. Christian? Dr. Campbell, thank you very much for

033being here tonight and presenting to us. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of you at the future committee meetings. Thank you. Thank you very much, everybody. Have a good night. You, too. See you, Bruce. All right. Now we're moving on to the Adam Shupac show. New business, Mr. Shupac. AB, C, D, and E. Yeah, I guess it's uh my luck to to have it be that time of year again uh with the budget. Um the first item, item A, is a motion to approve and adopt the final budget totaling 137,673,735 which includes a real estate tax rate of 23.364 uh an increase of 2.6% 6% which is at the act one index second is okay. I just didn't know if you were going to continue. Is there anything else you want to say on that

034subject? Uh I'm I'm uh I I can I can read the public content if you would like me to to do so. I think so. It's a big enough issue. We should probably get everything. The uh the 2020 2021 final budget totals 137,673,735 which is an increase of $4,971,262 or 3.75% over the 2019 2020 spending plan. The final budget includes a real estate tax of 23.364 mills, an increase of 2.6%. The new real estate tax equates to an additional $5921 per year for each $100,000 of taxable assessed value or an increase of $89.95 on the district's median assessed value of a homestead property which is $151,950. The final budget includes the use of $3,24,757 of fund balance. Uh the 2020 2021 final budget in the state required format utilizing form PTE 20228 is attached and

035is available for public review on the district's website. And then I believe it's attached uh on board docs as well. All right. Thank you, Mr. Shupek. And I assume that is a motion. And could we have a second? Mrs. Paduzi, is there a comment or questions from the board? I wonder if Mr. Sublowski could just sort of re recap the process to get here. Um, and you know, especially given the environment we're in with with COVID and you know, the the uncertainty um that is uh you know, that's that's particularly pressing uh in this in this year's budget. Sure. U tonight is a culmination of a very long budget process. Shortly after uh the children arrive back at school in September, we begin the planning of the next year's budget. So, we've been working on

036this in September 2019. We've been thrown quite a few curve balls uh thrown a pandemic uh uncertainty about student enrollment. We are still projecting that our enrollment is increasing, which is the baseline of this budget. We need to educate the kids, keep the class sizes low. of the $137 million spending plan, 80% of that goes towards our personnel, our salaries and benefits. This does uh uh this this budget will will uh meet our collective bargaining agreements at all levels. It does include uh new positions. We have five new teaching positions in this budget to handle the uh increased enrollment. Uh we have the increased uh administrative position that we just talked about. Uh a a couple of the highlights besides the the salaries uh benefits are always a big issue. Uh our uh pension liability

037is increasing. Uh the rate of contributions that the school district uh is projected to pay next year is 34 and a half% of all our salaries has to go towards pension. It's a huge number. uh that uh cost along with the cost of health care benefits which every single business and every single industry has to deal with. We are uh part of a consortium and this budget includes almost a 7% average increase on both of our medical benefits and our prescription benefits. uh with those costs going up at at those clips, we had to look at our controllable cost and try to bring down as much of the cost that we can control. Uh so we have done a lot of and thanks to the board refinancing of our debt to take advantage of the

038low interest rates and we believe that um where we were in January when we passed a preliminary budget, we were at a four and a 4.4% 4% tax increase. Uh by May we got that down to 2.6 and uh even with the additional costs that were added since May uh we are still bringing in at 2.6 but with $137 million spending plan we are only projecting $134 million of revenue coming in and that had a significant impact due to the pandemic and uh we are proposing to use some of our fund balance. Now, we have saved some money in the 1920 budget uh through our transportation, and the plan is to use some of that savings this year to help level out the budget for next year. So, uh we believe it's a good budget,

039but in my 20 years of putting budgets together with the pandemic, there's still a lot of uncertainty in passing this budget because we don't know where we're going or what school is going to look like come August and September. So the the challenge after the board adopts the budget tonight is how do we administer the budget and we will have to do that very carefully as we progress towards the the next fiscal year. And I would just like to add that the board never takes raising taxes lightly and we had a lot of lengthy painful discussions. And um I think this is, you know, somewhat of a a compromise that we we tried to keep our tax increase as low as we could given all that Mr. Sublowski just talked about. Does anyone else have

040any comments or questions? All right, we have a motion and a second. All in favor, raise your hand. Anyone opposed? Okay. Thank you, Adam. Keep going. Uh item B, this is a motion to approve the 2020 2021 taxation rates, fees, and billing dates as presented. Uh so the 2020 2021 real estate tax rate will be 22 23.364 mills. The act 511 earned income tax rate uh will be 1% which is 50% shared with uh the residents municipality. The real estate transfer tax rate u of uh 1% which is also 50% shared with the residents municipality. An amusement tax rate of 10% which is 50% shared with Plymouth and White Marsh townships. Uh real estate tax certification fee of $25 per property. And the billing date for 2020 2021 real estate tax bills um will be

041July 1st, 2020. Is there a second for that um motion? Unice. Thank you. Any uh comments or questions from the board? All in favor? Okay, I think that's everyone. Okay, keep going. Uh item C. This is a motion to accept $3,224,730.70 in property tax relief as provided by special sess session act one of 2006 and to further establish the 2020 exclusion of $13,350 from each eligible homestead and farmstead within the Colonial School District to produce a maximum tax reduction amount of $311.91. Um, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has certified that pursuant to special session act 1 of 2006, it will distribute 3,224,730.70 during the 2020 2021 school year to the Colonial School District for property tax relief. 50% of the funds will be received in August 2020 with the remaining 50% due in October. A

042resolution which is attached uh is sought in which the district res resolves to accept the funds and to set the maximum property tax reductions for its approved homesteads and farmstead properties of $311.91 by authorizing an assessment reduction to each eligible property in the amount of $13,350. The assessment reduction amount multiplied by the 2020 2021 real estate tax rate of 23.364 mills produces the tax reduction amount of $311.91. All right. Thank you. Is there a second? Chris, any questions or comments on the homestead farmstead exclusion? Dave, I I assume that this reflects that the I think there was an issue with this and the state fixed it. Am I right about that? That is correct. We received certification that there was enough money in the uh gambling revenue fund that is uh used to reduce property

043taxes uh uh April 15th and by May 1st we received uh a letter from the Secretary of Education stating that we were going to get this uh $3.2 million. Uh then with the pandemic there was a miscalculation that we were are supposed to only get half of this. Uh the governor and the legislators stepped up and they made all the school districts whole so that we we do have the full $3.2 million to distribute. Uh just like the state that this is a revenue neutral um action. When we receive the 3.2 2 million from the state. It is passed through on every single homestead and farmstead bill uh in the uh and we have over 10,000 uh properties that are eligible for this $311.91. So, the school district does not retain any of that 3.2

044and has passed right through to the taxpayers. Thank you. All right. Any other comments or questions? All in favor? Okay. Uh, technology. Sorry, Mrs. Moore. Did we Did we lose Mrs. Dao? Oh, yeah. Oh, yes. I guess I don't know whether she uh she has a technology problem or what. So, it is an 80 vote. Dr. Christristen, you want to see where she is? What happened? Find out. Yeah, I don't see her in the waiting room. I'll find out. All right. Thank you, Adam. technology lease agreement. Um, this is item D. It's a motion to approve the lease agreement to finance technology purchases of Chromebooks and projector upgrades at Plymouth and White Marshall elementary schools at a total project cost of 310,216. The 4-year lease through First American Education Finance would provide for 2.69% financing

045and a cost of $80,854.70 per year. Okay. Is there a second to that motion? Rosemary. Thank you. Any comments or questions from the board? All in favor? Great. Thank you. And lastly, capital project transfer. Item E. This is a motion to approve the trans transfer of $1 million from the general fund unassigned fund balance to the capital projects fund. Um due to the projected surplus in the 2019 2020 general fund budget and the need to fund the capital projects fund fund 32 uh administration recommends the transfer of a million dollars from the unassigned fund balance fund 10 to the capital projects fund. The capital projects fund will be utilized to upgrade the district district infrastructure, specifically the upgrades of lighting to the lighting and paving at Plymouth White Marsh High School and the paving around

046Colonial Elementary School. The general fund surplus is due to the closure of schools um because of the co of co the co 19 pandemic and the delay of the issuance of general obligation bonds to January uh 2020. Is there a second to that motion? Kathy, any questions or comments? And if no one's noticed, the paving and electric project at electrical project at the high school is underway. All right. All in favor? Great. Thank you. All right, Adam, you can take a break. Mrs. Pedi. Yes. Um, as discussed at the June 1st, 2020 FMT committee meeting, the administration recommends the approval of a change order to Penners for the installation of underlab drainage. This change order is recommended due to the extremely high water table. The installation of the drains is necessary to avoid moisture issues

047in the new middle school building. So, this is a motion to approve the administration's recommendation of the change order for the installation of underlab drainage for a total of $45,566.86. Is there a second? Rosemary. Thank you. Any comments or questions? I just want to make sure the public is aware that this money is money coming from our contingency fund that was already in the budget for the middle school. Thank you, Chris. Sure. Any other questions or comments? All in favor? Great. Um Kathy, continuing um just to interrupt, Mrs. Dao is on the meeting. We're just trying Oh, there she is. There she is. The last two votes should be 90. Hi, Jen. Okay. Um, this is for the Kraken Elementary School wall repair wall repair. As discussed at the June 1st, 2020 FMT committee meeting,

048the administration recommends approval of the emergency repairs to secure and stabilize the south exterior wall at Kahaken Elementary School by Walter Bucker Construction in the amount of 82,300. So, this is a motion to approve the administration's recommendations for the repairs uh in the amount of $82,300. Is there a second? Mrs. Epstein and um any questions or comments, Dr. Christian, um after you're done looking for whatever you're looking for, can you can you explain what it is we're doing? Just so that when you say wall repair, it sounds a little ominous. Yes. Uh down at the end of the building uh between uh the wall between the school and uh some homes right there by one of our third grade classroom, we noticed some settling uh and it was right around the time uh when school

049was dismissed uh due to the pandemic. So we brought in KCBA and an engineer to take a look at it. Uh and while they didn't think it was an immediate concern, the long-term effects uh uh necessitated a repair, uh we were still able to have occupancy, uh the plan was to do it, uh uh over the summer, uh you know, pre- pandemic. Um obviously we had, you know, uh that changed everything when it took place. So um one of the biggest challenges is the uh lack of space between the school and the home right there. So, uh, getting the scaffolding in and the the manpower in there is about, uh, 25% of the cost of this. So, it came in a little higher than we wanted. Uh, but it is a necessary repair and, uh,

050we are planning to open school in the fall, so we should have it finished uh, uh, in July and we'll be ready to go. Great. Thank you. Any other comments or questions? All in favor? Okay. Thank you. Uh, Mrs. Sutland Teamsters. Thank you. Uh, so this is a motion to approve the administration's recommendation of the memorandum of understanding dated June 25th, 2020 between the Teamsters Local Union uh 384 and the Colonial School Board regarding usage of eligible 2019 and 2020 vacation days through August 31st, 2020. And so what we're doing here was, you know, because of COVID and everything else that was going on, uh, we're extending the amount of time that, uh, these folks can take their vacation. And that is a motion. Is there a second? Kathy, thank you. Any questions or comments?

051All in favor? Okay, Beth. Non-bargaining unit rates. Yes. Um, this is a motion to approve the administration's recommendation of the 2020 2021 Colonial School District non-bargaining unit pay rates. Uh, Dr. Rodriguez, can you just explain quickly what that means? Sure. It's uh it applies to our uh non-bargaining unit support staff folks. So, those who are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Um, we did make some adjustments to a number of those uh particular rates. um and they have not been changed in a couple years. So that's why we elected to do that at this point for next school year. Thank you. So there's a motion. Is there a second? Mrs. Dal, any questions or comments? All in favor? And the last one, consortium? Yes, Mr. Sland. Sure. So, this is a motion to approve

052the administration's recommendation to continue the appointment of Colleen Tekman, support staff and benefits manager as Colonial Districts, school districts management trustee on the Bucks and Montgomery County Schools Healthc Care Consortium effective July 1st, 2020 through June 30th, 2022. Um, I am making that a motion that is we are I think as Mr. Sublaski talked about earlier, we're part of a consortium for our uh health care costs and every district has a representative and Colleen I think has been for maybe the last three years. Dr. Rodriguez, is that correct? Yes, that's correct. Okay. So, the administration has a representative. Uh the union has a representative and so uh that is our motion. Is there a second? Mrs. Northcut. Thank you. Any questions or comments? All in favor? Okay. Mrs. Northcut, breakfast lunch pricing schedules. This is

053a motion to approve the proposed breakfast lunch pricing schedules for the 2020 2021 school year as outlined in Mrs. Lorie McCoy's memo to Dr. Christian dated June 11th, 2020. There is no increase in the prices for student meals. Is there a second? Mrs. Sutland, any questions or comments? All in favor? Great. Thank you. Um, okay. Educational service contracts. Mrs. to Truno. This is a motion to approve the educational contracts as outlined below. They are with the Vanguard School, Melmark, Aills Rea Rehabilitation Services, EIUS LLC, DBA Learnwell Services, Elwin Davidson School, Martin Luther School, the Timothy School, the Vanguard School, HMS School, and the Lincoln Center. Is there a second to that motion? Mrs. uh Franklin Becker and any comments or questions? Mrs. Burke, do you just want to generally say what these are? Certainly. Uh

054these are renewal contracts for the most part. Um services for our students. Um some of them are pertaining to extended school year services for students who attend uh schools outside the district. Um mostly approved private schools. Um one of them the Lincoln Center is a contract um between us and and them to provide our secondary community counselors. Um and I believe uh there was one for a which is related service provider that provides related services to those students who attend the Timothy school. None of these are new contracts. They are all renewals. Any other questions or comments? All in favor? Okay. Thank you, Chris. board policies. Okay. Um sorry. Motion to approve the policies um outlined below on a secondary read basis. Policy 200 enrollment of students. Policy 2011 admission of students. Policy 608 bank

055accounts. And policy 609 investment of district fund. Is there a second? Mrs. Northcut. Thank you. Any questions or comments about these second read policies? All in favor? Okay. Chris. Okay. Um, board policy deletions. A motion to delete the policies as outlined below. policies were recommended for deletion at the June 15, 2020 policy committee meeting. Um, policy 221, bullying prevention. Policy 348, unlawful harassment. Policy 402, appointment of doctors and dentists. Policy 448, unlawful harassment. Policy 449, early retirement incentive program. Policy 911, firearms, ammunition, and other weapons. and policy 922 smoking on school property. Is there a second to those deletions? Uh Mrs. Petruno, thank you. Um any comments or questions? It does bear worth repeating even though we've said it multiple times, right? All all of the we are not eliminating those policies. They are covered

056under currently adopted policies. So, uh, obviously we still prohibit weapons and, uh, but, you know, they are just older policies that are covered elsewhere that the board has already revised andor adopted. Any other comments, questions? Thank you. All in favor? Great. Okay. Um, Rosemary, this is a motion to approve the tenative trips and academic athletic competitions our Plymouth White Marsh High School and Colonial Middle School students will participate in during the 2020 2021 school year is presented. These trips are out of state or require an overnight stay. And Dr. Christian is going to speak to the uh tentiveness of uh all of these excursions. We we the board annually approves uh traditional trips that require out of uh board approval which is out of state or overnight. Uh obviously uh it needs to be a

057safe environment to participate in those field trips. So, as we plan for the reopening of schools in a pandemic, uh, and the environment in which we're in, uh, you know, some of these trips, we'd love for all of them to take place. Uh, some simply may not depending upon the scenario in which we're in. We will air on the side of caution and student safety. Uh, but I did want to have uh, the trips approved so that if we're able to participate, um, the board approval has already been accomplished. Okay. Is there a second to the motion? Uh, Ununice, any comments or questions? All in favor? Okay. Um, Beth, conference request. Beth Patuno. Um this is a motion to approve Plymouth White Marsh High School mathematics teachers Michael Tornabby Kurt um Comfort and Michelle Mccclaclin

058to attend IB conferences in Houston, Texas from October 10th to October 13, 2020. This training is mandatory for IB authorization. Okay. Is there a second? Uh, Rosemary, any comments or questions about this? Dr. Christian, is this also tentative in light of COVID and travel restrictions that may exist uh by the time October rolls around? It is. And the international balorate program has a backup plan for virtual attendance as needed. They prefer in person. I'm pleased to report that in the past uh past couple weeks between our last board meeting and tonight the Plymouth White Marsh High School has been approved as an international balarat school uh for the certificate uh program. So we're very uh very proud of them. In particular, I'd like to thank Becky Duffy, uh our team of teachers, uh Dr. Beccani,

059uh Mike Ezona, and the rest of the administrative team for their leadership through this. Um, but we had a great review. IB uh did a full virtual review with us uh about three weeks ago, which was two or three days of interviews with a variety of people and we received our approval uh just recently. So, we're very very very pleased to offer this program. Okay. Is there uh are there any other questions or comments? Did we have No, we need a second on that. Beth Suchelin. Any questions or comments? All in favor? Great. Um, Beth Suchin, summer personnel hiring. Okay. This is a motion to approve the administration's request that authority be granted to the district superintendent for the time period of June 25th, 2020 through the next regularly scheduled board meeting in September 2020

060to appoint qualified personnel to vacant positions contingent upon the board ratifying the employment of such personnel at the next regularly scheduled public meeting. And so we do this I think Dr. Christian every summer uh because of vacation schedules and etc. We want to give the administration the ability to continue to recruit and it's important when we find a good candidate to hand out those offers as quickly as possible so we don't lose them to somebody else. And so this is something we do every summer. It's not that the board isn't aware uh of these folks or of the offers that are being made, but sometimes time is of the essence. And so that is a motion. Any questions or comments? All in favor? I think we need a second. Sue. Oh, I'm sorry. We didn't

061get a second, Chris. All right. Now, any questions or comments? All right. All in favor? Thank you. And Adam, this is item R, the last item of new business. Um, the attached 2020 2021 athletic supplies bids were solicited, received, and reviewed by the athletic department leaders at both Plymouth White Marsh High School and Colonial Middle School. Both buildings recommend these bids as the lowest responsible biders and request uh board approval. The uh Plymouth White Marsh High School total bid award is $82,1181 and the Colonial Middle School total is $23,7721. And this is a motion to approve the 202021 athletic supplies bids for both Plymouth White Marsh High School and Colonial Middle School. Is there a second? Mrs. Sland, any comments or questions? All in favor? Thank you. Solicitor's report. Mr. Sultanic. I have no report.

062Nice and brief. Thank you. Committee reports. Uh Rosemary, safety, community relations, student life, safety, and wellness. This committee met on June 8th. Dr. Christian provided an overview of the back-toschool focus groups which have begun holding their Zoom meetings getting feedback from the Colonial community on a variety of topics as we plan for possible scenarios for the reopening of school. Mrs. McCoy described the meal service program which began when our school buildings closed and will continue through the end of June. Our dedicated food service and facilities teams will continue this program later into the summer if funding becomes available. Mr. Brett gave an update regarding activities refunds and fall sports. The opportunity for late summer small groupoup practice sessions is dependent on the state of COVID restrictions in Pennsylvania. U Mrs. Berke noted the normal immunization

063timeline requirements for students to return to school will still be in place and the district will work with parents guardians who may miss the deadline if they have a plan in place. The adult evening school uh will begin depending uh on the uh COVID restrictions but plans are in the works of to continue. But as with everything else, it remains to be seen what the actual um schedule will be. The publications um though for the Colonial School District will uh be maintain the uh normal schedule. The annual magazine is being produced and will be mailed to the community in July and the activities calendar will be mailed to families in early August. U Dr. Christian responded to questions from the floor about the potential opening of facilities and at this time um that facilities within

064buildings including the sp swimming pool would not be made available but outdoor facilities may be uh such as the tennis courts will be open to small groups but not to organized team practices. Um that was the case as of June 8th and Dr. Christian, I don't know if there are any updates. Uh we uh well hopefully uh we go to green tomorrow night at midnight and so we did open up the tennis courts a couple weeks ago. Uh and we have had um some informal uh gatherings on very small groups on our fields which we're allowing. Um doc Mr. Brett has put together uh a reopening plan uh for our uh sports teams which requires the superintendent's approval. Uh we're hoping that that can start in early July. Um but R.J. is still working on

065that. Uh it will still be done in small groups. We need to use an abundance of caution. Um we're seeing in other states uh Florida, Texas, and Arizona where they're seeing an increase in cases. So, um, we need to be cautious with this. Uh, we know our coaches are chomping at the bit and so are our athletes. Um, but and, uh, as well as our musicians, uh, who want to participate in band and, uh, other activities. So, we're going to be very careful. Uh, we also are, uh, going to be asking and we've reached out to our, uh, user groups with, uh, Joe Lai and R.J., All of our youth groups that use our facilities who would like to commence practices, uh they must submit their safety plan to us uh along with their application

066to use our uh use our facilities, our our outside facilities and fields. Uh we're not approving the plan. We just want to ensure that they have a plan that they have shared with their constituents. Uh and so those conversations are ongoing. Um, but it is nice to see people outside and exercising and uh and the campus you being used uh even if it's on a limited basis. All right. Thank you, Rosemary. Oh, do you have more? Yeah, if I might interject. I'm sorry. Um, Mrs. Northcut mentioned the summer meals program. Mrs. McCoy has received approval to continue that through mid August. And also because of construction work at uh Colonial Elementary School, we'll be putting the word out tomorrow that the location for pickup will change next week to Plymouth Elementary School. So meals will

067now be available at Plymouth Elementary School beginning next week and the program will run through mid August. And then wonderful news. That is great news. Do where did the funding come from for this? I think it was the federal government. I'm not certain. It is the federal government. Great. That's awesome. All right. Thank you. Curriculum, Mrs. Patruno. Um, good evening. The June curriculum committee met on June 8th and the meeting began with commentary from Dr. Christian acknowledging the community for their support for his statement in response to the recent death of Mr. George Floyd. He also went on to outline a number of actionable items on behalf of the district to emphasize that there is no tolerance for racism um at the Colonial School District. Specifically, he discussed Colonial has established a partnership with Dr.

068Bruce Campbell to assist with research, facilitation, and professional development around diversity and inclusion. He also discussed that the board would be examining all policies relating to non-discrimination and discipline in response to the acts of racism, cyber bullying, and equity. He also went on to talk about that student and family handbooks will be reviewed prior to the beginning of next school year. and um he announced that the district has crafted a job description and posted for a diversity and equity officer to assist with curriculum development, staff training, recruitment, and creating culturally supportive learning environments. Um in addition, the curriculum supervisors prepared an overview of Camp Colonial, which was being offered to students entering grades 1 through 5. that began June 15th and is running um I believe it ends tomorrow, June 26th. And those were in

069the areas of literacy, math, and science. The second item on the agenda was an update on Canvas, which will be our new learning management system for um our secondary schools. Um, supervisor Ed Murk detailed the professional development plan was being offered to staff prior to the end of the school year. And then the building principles um featured our virtual end of year ceremonies by posting videos, snapshots, and memorable moments from the 2019 2020 school year. And then Dr. Christian concluded our curriculum meeting by highlighting our back to school transition subcommittee groups. um which I believe will be wrapping up next week. And we also would just like to welcome um Mrs. Rosemary Gregitis to the curriculum committee. We're very much looking forward to working with you. Thank you. So, thank you. And that concludes my

070report. Mrs. Padusi, facilities and transportation. Yes, thank you. Um the FMT meeting uh we met on June 1st and uh went through an update of the middle school as well as the the the wall at uh at Ka Haken. Um, we also talked about summer cleaning and making sure that all of our schools are uh in tip-top shape and um healthy uh when our kids return in the fall. Um, and I didn't know if Dr. Christian wanted to give some more detail on what's been happening at Colonial Middle School. I mean, we had our meeting on the 1st, but it's now the 25th. I think it's the 25th. Um so if you can give a little update on what's been happening at the middle school. Um I'm sure there's three stories up at some point.

071So tell us. Sure. Certainly can. The uh three story threetory wing is constructed. In fact structural steel is almost completed for the whole building. So they've moved over um they describe it in parts A, B, and C. So, they've moved to the middle of the building where the offices are and the uh where you walk into the building and then over to the cafeteria, auditorium, and music rooms. Uh underground utilities are being installed. Uh and all inspections with the township have gone very well. Uh the underlab that the board the change order the board approved tonight was originally estimated to be about $80,000. Uh the board approved it at $45,000 and change. Um, and so Joe Joe Lai uh and KCBA and Jamie met with uh uh our pen builders to make sure that we

072could uh reduce that cost and and cut a portion of that out while still maintaining the safety uh and the integrity of the building. We certainly don't want any mold issues uh from water coming up from the bottom. So we're very confident in that. Uh so I'm glad it's one not 80,000. It's 45 and two that the building will be safe. Uh they're starting to pour decking uh on in the three-story wing. Um and once again, I don't think I can ever say it enough. Uh I want to thank uh the neighbors and residents um with the storm that hit. We had some some trees on the perimeter of the property that were damaged and so I think we've taken care of those. Uh and Joe's make sure that he uh keeps in contact with

073the neighbors. Uh they've been fantastic, particularly the Pang family who live right next door to the building. Uh so we appreciate their patience. Uh as but it's really neat to see. Uh we'll get some more pictures out to the board. I sent some shots recently. Uh and we'll get an update in July. Uh and the retaining walls are are are completed. So uh it's really starting to take shape. Um I wish we could move in this this a nice big building. I wish we could move in this August rather than next August. Uh but we'll be patient and uh we'll get there. Awesome. Um and then I know we have the we talked about a little bit earlier uh the the road work that's that we're working on, but we have some additional work happening

074on main campus uh with Aqua coming in. Um how I know they're already been digging up. How how much longer do you think they'll be there? and if you can just talk about how um it could possibly even save us some money uh with them coming in there and uh doing this work. Certainly. So, Aqua America has an easement for the water man that runs under the campus. I'm sitting in my office right now. It essentially runs uh from the fire hydrant which is about 15 feet away from my the back corner of the building right under the baseball field and down towards the high school. So, um they need to complete that work. uh it actually splits and goes out towards Flowertown Road as well. Um so they informed us uh they volunttoled us

075that we will be they will be doing the work uh this summer which is an ideal time. Joe is coordinating between our contractors who are doing the paving project uh with Aqua America so that we have the water man replaced. They are not putting the new line under the baseball field. It will not be disrupted. It will run next to it. Uh so they've mapped that out. Uh and as a matter of fact, uh because they're going to be disrupting some of the pavement in front of CES, uh they will be responsible for repaving that. So, we'll make sure. We're hoping that they just hire Draco, who's already there with all the equipment. Uh and uh I would guess paving would match no matter what, but it would be nice if the same contractor was

076just doing the work. Uh so we'll get a nice additional piece of paving in the front of the school. Uh because right now the only thing being done at CES is the horseshoe uh around the back by the play area back by my al back by my office. That will all be done uh in July into early August. Uh the goal is still to have everything completed uh by about August 10th or 11th. And they are because of the good weather we've had. Uh knock on wood uh they're making uh good progress. Wonderful. And then the only other thing that I have here that uh might be related that I I feel like I might be putting you on the spot here, but uh have there been organizations reaching out to you with regard to

077using our fields and facilities and um you know, obviously we have regulations with yellow and green phases, but if you just want to take this time to just sort of give a general uh feel of of what we're able and not able to do for those groups. We have uh mostly for outdoor facilities, a few for indoor. Uh we're still limiting indoor facilities because that can lead to large gatherings even in the green phase. I'm very cautious about that. Uh we are going to be allowing our user groups, particularly the youth organizations hopefully to start the week of July 6th. So uh we sent out information to each of those groups. We are asking them to resubmit their information into master library. So Joe Lai and R.J. Bretts are working together on that and so

078we've received several emails and we've responded to them. Uh and I believe uh everybody understands what the new process is going to be and they need to give us as I said before they need to give us a copy of their safety plan uh to make because their kids are our kids. So uh and it's our community and we also have uh obviously neighboring homes on the border of our property. So we want to make sure everybody's safe. That's all I have. Thank you. All right. HR Beth. Oh, no. Finance. I'm sorry. Adam, no report other than to thank Dr. Christian, Mr. Subowski, and and uh his team for working hard in uh in getting the budget done this year in very trying circumstances and with a lot of uncertainty because of the pandemic. Thank

079you, Mrs. Sutland. human resources. Yes, ma'am. Um, so I don't have a report per se, but I want to take the opportunity to thank every member of the staff of Colonial School District for putting on an incredible uh display for the seniors. We had a parade that no one could match. Um, teachers were out in droves. It was just amazing. facilities, their work with the police and the fire, and I c I mean, I've never seen anything like it. The way it ran incredibly smooth. Uh the kids were so excited and there were a lot of surprises, even food services. Um as you all know, I have a senior and going through that event was just an incredible experience. And at the very end, uh, she got a cookie from food services who were handing

080out these chocolate chip cookies. And no offense to the teachers, but apparently those cookies at PW are really, really good because she was just so excited to get that cookie. So, it literally it touched everybody who works for the district and I just want to thank everyone. It was just an amazing experience for everybody. Um so that's that. So thank you. Um I also just want to um just make a a little bit of a statement. Um in HR a lot of what we talk about is confidential. Uh we have executive sessions where we talk about you know new positions, what we may look for in new positions, who we're hiring. Uh I'm sure anybody who's looked for a job can understand that those uh those discussions are confidential and should be as people are

081applying. Um public comment is great. I I think one of the positive things glass half full about all this is that we seem to have more people watching us. Um, that being said, I just want to remind the board that when we have executive sessions and when we're having conversations about possible positions or what we may be looking for in executive session that those should remain confidential. uh the last few meetings we've had some public comment which would indicate that um like the questions and the way they're asking those questions some of the a few of the questions um they would have had to have some sort of conversation with the board member to understand even what they were asking and so I'm not calling anyone out I'm not trying to make this you know

082a a debate uh but I just want to remind everybody that we need to be conscious of what the administration is trying to do, what we as a board are trying to do. And when we have an executive sessions, I just like ask I'd like to ask everybody to remember that that's what they are and that as we're considering future hires and what we're doing as a district um that we remember that and that's that's the end of my report. Thank you. Um Central Monaco Technical High School, Ununice. Okay. So, I want to commend um and tell you all about what incredible work the CMTHs faculty and staff did to recognize the seniors. Wrapping up there, they had an amazing virtual awards ceremony on May 26th where they awarded scholarships and awards in excess of

083$100,000. Um which speaks to the commitment of Mr. Tram and the staff and some anonymous donors and the community and the folks who are on all of the advisory boards and their commitment to the great work that's happening at Central Monco. Um that was um available on the website and is on YouTube. I highly recommend watching it because it was just a wonderful wonderful ceremony and speaks to the achievements of all of the kids at Central Monaco. Additionally, they did an fantastic virtual graduation ceremony last week, also available on the website and just did was a wonderful tribute to all of the hard work that the students did and speaks to the incredible commitment of the staff who really, you know, took charge and organized th this event. It was just wonderful and and a

084great tribute to all the hard work that the students at Central Monco do throughout their careers there. Um they are busy planning for reopening in the fall. Um we will actually have a July JC meeting which we typically do not have just because of there's so much work to do. So um again their meetings those meetings are also broadcast in the same way on YouTube and uh the details are available on the central monco website cmths.org. Um and you know just again tremendous congratulations to all the students who graduated from CMTHS and tremendous thanks to everyone there who has just shown as always incredible commitment to our students both from you know Colonial Norris Town and Upper Marian as well as other sending districts to the great work that happens at CMTHs. And that is

085my report. I just want I just want to add I don't know if you can uh hear me but my uh camera has locked up. So um the uh I did watch both the graduation and the awards ceremony from uh the tech school and I have to say the personal touches added by the staff was really added to the whole pro both of those programs and it was really nice to watch. Yeah, they did they did a wonderful job and the staff really took it to heart. So uh it was fun. You know this Mr. Dagy during the awards ceremony would stop and and say, "Okay, no air horns, everybody." I mean, he was just it was it was very sweet and they really tried to replicate what it would feel like if we were

086all there in person. So, thank you to them and if you haven't had a chance, you know, they're they're both done within an hour and I recommend taking a look because it's just inspiring. Thank you, Ununice. Um, Jen, intermediate unit. Um, I think we skipped policy. So, Chris, do you want to go now? Oh, I'm sorry. You're right, Jen. That's okay. Sure. I um I don't um don't really have a full report either, but uh in terms of what um Miss um sorry, Miss Petruno said about the curriculum uh committee meeting and talking about uh not going over uh policies uh regarding non-discrimination and discipline. Um, we're also this summer uh re going to be reviewing our policies with respect to the pandemic and um looking at those and seeing if any of those policies

087need to be changed for any reason. So, we have a pretty pretty busy summer all the way around. And that is it. Thank you. Okay, Mrs. D. Thanks. Um, I have a message from uh board president Mar. We are collecting clothes for Monco Works to help students have appropriate clothing for interviews and starting work. We are also collecting work and regular clothing for our sister school district in Harrisburg. A student started a closet for students whether it be for work or day-to-day clothing. If you want to donate for that, you can email the IU. And from uh Dr. Donna Gaffne, the Office of Professional Development. MCIU is dedicated to confronting inequity and removing barriers to ensure all children achieve and succeed. Recent events have sparked rich conversation among IU leadership and IU staff around the

088need to be more focused and intentional in our equity work. As a cabinet, we want to share that MCIU plans to establish an internal equity and diversity steering committee that will provide a safe space for the type of courageous conversations that can lead to long lasting systemic change. The benefits of this are twofold. MCIU will strengthen its equity practices as an organization. MCIU's leadership and commitment to equity will be evident in the opportunities we offer and the services we provide. Convening others to engage in a conversation is the first step. Join us on June 30th from 4 to 6 PM for a virtual session entitled Honoring Breath: Looking Back, Being Present, Moving Forward, Exploring Issues of Race, Equity, and Cultural Awareness. Enrollment is now at 287 of 300 available seats. And the MCIU will open

089their offices on July 6th. and a 15 member pandemic committee has been created to suggest um reopening procedures. Okay, thank you. Uh legislative I have nothing to report. Okay, thank you. Anybody with a commun um municipal or community liaison have a report? Yes, I have a report for Ka Haken. Uh the track at Ka Hawkins a field is now open during daylight hours for walking and running. The 8-week summer camp program for children ages 6 through 12 at Kaken Community Center at the Fellowship House started this week. Applications are still being accepted for weeks 4 through 8. Please call the FEL or check the website for information. There will also be a soccer shop, a series of soccer shots workshops for children ages 2 through eight starting on July 6th. Again, call the fell or

090check the website. We invite everyone to sample Kakan's many eeries that are still providing takeout options as well as our multiple sidewalk dining opportunities. No decision has yet been made about the holding of Khaken's annual fireworks on July 3rd to celebrate the 4th of July, but the annual July 4th soapbox derby has been cancelled due to COVID 19. Does anyone else have a municipal report or the liaison report? Okay, Sue, I do have the um uh Colonial School District Education Foundation. Okay. I'm sorry, Rosemary. That should be on our on our agenda. Okay. If you make purchases through Amazon, please consider designating the Colonial School District Education Foundation as your Amazon Smile charity. As of June 19th, the foundation has received $1,193.73 through this very easy way to contribute. The foundation was pleased to be

091involved in the awarding of scholarships to three Plymouth White Mar seniors this year. Congratulations to our seniors, Anakah Eisner, Marciela Allen, and Ben Belgosi. Thank you. Right. Thank you. Um for your information on on the um on our site is the technology report, school activities accounts, and the athletic activities accounts. Uh now is the time for public comments and Dr. Christian or Mr. Sherman, do we have any tonight? I have three comments and if more came in and uh Mr. Bowley or Mr. Sherman can send them to me. Uh the first is from Alice Muhof, 24 Decert Road, White Marsh Township. Earlier this month at the school board's committee meeting, Mrs. Paduzi said that she considered speaking out against Joe Gail's hateful racist comments, but didn't think it was her place. Mrs. Paduzi went on

092to say, and I quote, "Our county commissioners have hardly any relationship to what we are doing as a district. So for her as a school board member to come out against him publicly like this is a little over ambitious. According to a March 14th article in the Inquirer, contrary contrary to Mrs. Paduzi's comments, school districts and superintendents have been meeting and communicating regularly with the Montgomery County commissioners to discuss how to operate during the COVID 19 pandemic. I am disappointed that Mrs. Peduzi chose to use her platform to mislead the public instead of denouncing Commissioner Gail's hurtful and hateful words. Additionally, as a citizen of this community, she should feel compelled to speak out against this bl this blatant racism which hurts everyone in the community, especially the students she claims to represent. The time

093for silence in the face of racism is passed. The time to condemn it is at hand. History is watching. Thank you. We also received uh public comment from Paula Rose, 122 Wildflower Drive, Plymouth meeting. Excuse me. I read recently about the Metroplex Assessment Appeal lawsuit that Colonial lost two weeks ago in Pennsylvania's Commonwealth Appeals Court and have a few questions. Mrs. Moore was the board vice president when Colonial brought the suit in 2013. None of the current administrators were with the district at the time. And it is my understanding that Mr. Sultanic, who the board recently rehired, has a conflict of interest because his law firm represents the owners of Metroplex, whose tax assessment the district was attempting to increase. For Mrs. more. In ruling against col in ruling against Colonial, the court specifically said

094that the district's lack of an assessment appeal policy is one of the reasons our assessment appeal failed. Why did the school board not have an assessment appeal policy in place when this appeal was initiated in for Mrs. Moore? Since 2013, the attorney that repres representing the district on this case has been George Ozaroski. According to his website, Mr. Ozarowski has almost no municipal law experience. The 2013 meeting minutes do not reflect that the board appointed Mr. Ozarowski as the district's attorney. Who recommended Mr. Ozarowski and why did the district not put out a request for proposal seeking legal counsel to handle this appeal for Mr. Sublowski? Going back to 2013 through the present, how much potential tax revenue does the district stand to lose as a result of mishandling this assessment appeal in court? For

095Mr. Sublowski, how much in legal fees has the district incurred to Mr. Ozowsk's law firm since 2013? For Mr. Sultanic, are any additional district assessment fields in jeopardy because the district didn't have the proper policies in place until 2018? If so, which appeals? What is the total potential mis tax revenue to Colonial? How much in legal fees has your firm earned on these appeals since inception? For Mr. Sultanic, over the past 10 years, how many other colonial matters have you had to recuse yourself from because of private clients your law firm represents? for all board members. Has uh has George Ozarowski or his law firm Hughes Caulk Brener and Ozarowski ever done any legal work for any current or former board member, former board member, their family members, or any businesses that they have been

096associated with. I would ask that the questions you are not able to answer tonight be answered on the board's Q&A website. Thank you, Paula Rose. And I have one more that I just received. Uh, this is from Em A E A E A E A E A E A E A E A E A E A Earin Riley. I don't have an address, uh, but it's a parent in the school district. Hi, can you uh Hi, I am a Colonial School District parent considering homeschooling next year for my child who is high- risk. What is the deadline by which parents must declare their intention to homeschool? and could that deadline be moved to occur after the district's upcoming announcement about plans and protocols for the coming year? Thank you. So, the last one, uh there's

097no hard and fast deadline. The plan for the district, we're wrapping up our focus groups. I've been attending uh we're doing obviously uh all types of pandemic planning from facilities to uh curriculum and other uh other areas to address it. Uh right now, as of today, as we hopefully move to green tomorrow, our plan is to open uh in the fall. Uh and that is the plan for the other 22 school districts in Montgomery County. Uh right now, I'm aware in the four county areas uh that all districts hope to open in the fall. Uh but we're all planning for a potential uh need for a hybrid approach as well. Um, I had a meeting today uh with uh the four different counties that lasted about uh two and a half hours where we addressed

098a variety of topics, many of which are being covered on our sub in our subgroups within Colonial right now. So, I'll be presenting our health and safety plan to the board uh for approval on at the July 23rd meeting. So, it's currently being drafted. Uh and the reality is we need to be mindful uh that this is a moving target and things may change not only in the next week, two weeks, but next month. Uh we will be re-erveying parents. We just finished one survey that we had about a 70% return on of our parents and I'll be sharing that data with our public soon. Um and we'll need to survey again because things may change over the next month. So, no official deadline uh for officially announcing, but we will be asking more specific

099questions as we get closer uh to the start of school. Uh regarding the second comment, uh my advice to the board as a practical matter, while there were many questions related to the Metroplex, this is an ongoing legal case and generally my advice in that is not to make public comment about ongoing litigation. uh we want it to be resolved as soon as possible and I know it started before my time in the district. Uh but I would be very careful about uh responding to an open uh legal case. Um uh regarding the first question uh the comment related to Mrs. Paduzi, uh I can speak to what the district's initiatives are. I'm looking forward to the diversity, equity, and inclusion committee getting started u uh restarted. Uh, and I'm looking forward to employing our

100new uh, officer and our new administrator in the district. Uh, we're also planning on starting focus groups uh, uh, with our students uh, in July and August, our high school students uh, to talk about their experiences in light of the recent petition that the board received um, because I think it's one it's great to survey uh, our community. It's great to hear from our parents, but we really need to hear from our students as well. So, Dr. Beccane, his team, and I uh will be conducting those focus groups in a safe environment. It may have to be Zoom originally, but we're hoping for kids to uh uh we're hoping to do it in person as well, uh which will help us prepare um for the upcoming school year and ensuing school years. So, uh those

101are my responses to those questions this evening. Could I take a moment to to sort of address what what I'm sorry I don't remember the name of the of the person who Sure. M Alice Muhof. So um Mrs. Muh that correctly. Yeah. Alice. Um I I I I think it may have been taken out of context what what I said. Um, and just to clarify, um, I think, uh, Joe Gail is reprehensible. I would like him to resign. I think everything he stands for, well, 99% of the things he stands for that I've ever been aware of, I know that I do not agree. Um, particularly his statement he made um, about Black Lives Matter. My point was I don't believe well first of all the county does not have jurisdiction over the school district

102there there is we take advice from Dr. A Kush as our county commissioner and and a doctor um with regard to some corona virus things. We have conversations with them about having our facilities used for voting, but they have not really nothing to do with us. So I really thought it was inappropriate for fellow school board members to put out such a political thing denouncing what he said. the wasn't sure that it was our place as school board members. As an individual, absolutely denounce the heck out of it. I was very um happy to have the opportunity at one of the Black Lives Matter marches in Ka Hawaken um to speak to the group that was there and Mrs. Northcut and Mrs. Patruno also happened to be at that march and they joined me on

103top of the hill where we talked about how important it was for the district that all nine of our board members that we all are working as as diligently as we can with our administration to um make sure that our community feels as welcome in all ways as possible and that we're working as hard as we can to fix these problems. So, um, yes, it is. We all can speak out, but again, I my point was I didn't think it was appropriate as schoolboard members to make a political statement. That was all I'm very anti trying to be political. I just want to do my job and and be a good school board member. So, I appreciate your comment. I hope you know that yes, I do not agree with Joe Gail and um was

104uh was happy to speak out um you know against racism and not necessarily specifically against against him. So I may be fumbling my words, but I apologize if you took it the wrong way, but I I I agree with everything you said that we need to do better. That's all. Dave or Drew, any other comments come in? I have not received any. No. Thank you. Did we lose Mrs. Mort? I don't see her. All right. Well, as vice president, I'll take over and say this meeting is adjourned. Thanks, Beth.