School Board Meeting: November 13, 2025

001Thank you. Good evening everyone. It's Thursday, November 13. This is a meeting of the Council Rock School District Board of School Directors. It's terrific to see so many people here. Thank you for coming. appreciate it. And we will call to order, please. Um, Dr. Sango, if you would. >> Thank you, Mr. Tate. Madison Miller, would you lead us in the pledge, please? >> [clears throat] >> 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. >> Please remain standing for the national anthem. gone. [music] [music] to the [music] highle. [music] [music] Twinkle, [music] >> [music] [applause] >> seated. Thank you. This is the combined brass ensemble. Tonight we are pleased to have representatives from

002New Town Middle School, Holland Middle School, Council Rock South, and Council Rock North. It is our pleasure to honor our veterans with the playing of the battle hymn of the Real. Let's [music] go. Hallelujah. [music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> You love me. [music] glory. [music] Sh. [music] Heat. Heat. >> [music] [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Rud. And thank you to the uh Council Rock Brass Ensemble. Appreciate it very much. Thank you, gentlemen. Dr. Senko, would you get us started, please? Madam Secretary, uh, could we have a roll call, please? >> Mr. Tate, >> present. >> Mr. Hidalgo >> here. >> Mr. Hickey >> here. >> Mr. Roosevelt >> here. Miss Paulie >> present. >> Miss Osaki >> present. >> Miss Khan >> here. >> Miss Stone >> here. >> Miss her >> here. >>

003Thank you Dr. Senko please. >> Thank you Mr. Tate. Welcome and good evening to the board of school directors to the staff and community members joining us here tonight and to those tuning in on the Council Rock YouTube channel. Thank you to the Council Rock Combined Brass Ensemble led by Mr. Scott Slutter and Mr. Keith Rudat for their performance and to the student advisory board who will be reporting for us this evening regarding Council Rock South activities. With November, we formally enter the season of gratitude, notably Veterans Day, which was observed this past Tuesday, November 11th. To all veterans in our community and beyond, thank you for your service and sacrifice and know that we appreciate your service to our country. It's also time when we pause to focus squarely on student growth through parent

004teacher conferences which are important for the following reasons. These conversations are not just simply updates or report outs. They're dedicated conversations between parents and educators about the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally. We set aside nearly three full days each year for this purpose because these conversations matter. Conferences give parents a window into the school day, a chance to hear directly from the teacher, and an opportunity to share insights only a parent can provide. These meetings strengthen the connection between home and school and set the tone for the rest of the school year. We'd like to strongly encourage every parent to treat their scheduled conference time as essential. Your presence, your engagement, it sends a powerful message to your child that their learning, their development, and success are a priority to the adults who guide

005them. Each year, the National Merit Scholarship Organization recognizes talented students across the nation. These students demonstrate exemplary academic achievement and the highest level of scholarship. Tonight, we are fortunate to celebrate the achievement of 13 National Merit Scholars from Council Rock High School South. At this time, I would like to ask Council Rock South principal, Mr. Anthony Venziel to come to the podium and for Mr. Tate to join me as the as we recognize these special 13 student scholars and their extraordinary accomplishments. Mr. Venziel [applause] Good evening everyone. It is my great pleasure this evening to recognize a group of students whose exceptional academic achievements have earned them national distinction. Each year approximately 1.5 million students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program, a prestigious academic competition administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. >> [snorts] >>

006Eligibility is determined through performance on the PSAT NMSQT qualifying exam. The students we are recognizing tonight have demonstrated outstanding excellence ranking among the top scorers nationwide. First, we honor our commended scholars. These students are among the 50,000 highest scorers in the nation, representing roughly the top 3% of all test takers. Their performance reflects not only their commitment to learning and personal growth that enriches our entire school community. I am proud to present to you in alphabetical order Council Rock High School South's National Merit Commended Students Ean Dogger [applause] Owen Hamnet [applause] Darshit Mangala, [applause] Chris Patel, [applause] and Christa Vargies. [applause] Next, we recognize our National Merit semi-finalists. These students represent the top 16,000 scorers nationwide, placing them within the top 1% of all students who took this exam. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament

007to their dedication, their perseverance, and their intellectual curiosity. I am honored to present also in alphabetical order Council Rock High School South's National Merit Semifinalists. Ibraim Chudrey, [applause] Dale Dye, [applause] Cameron Dellesandro, [applause] Gabriella Hetler, [applause] Sophie Cornv, [applause] Ian Karatkin, [applause] Samar Sara, [applause] and Benjamin Wong. [applause] Congratulations to all of our National Merit School um National Merit School recipients on this extraordinary achievement. At this time, would all the board of school directors please join us for a picture? Congratulations. [applause] Thank you, Mr. Venziel. And congratulations to our Council Rock scholars. At the October board meeting, the district approved a partnership with Smart Social, an online platform designed to help parents, educators, and students navigate social media safely and responsibly. Through this partnership, every Council Rock parent now has a VIP, very informed parent

008membership. This gives families full access to Smart Socials resources. On Wednesday, November 19th, Council Rock will participate in a live webinar titled Snapchat and Instagram Risks: The Hidden Dangers of Disappearing Messages and Secret Accounts. All Council Rock parents, guardians, and educators are welcome to participate. This event is designed to educate parents and families about the risks posed by two apps likely to be on your child's phone, Instagram and Snapchat. The Smart Social Catalog contains more than 450 resources that educate parents on social media, apps, trends, challenges, video games, and other screen related activities that can sometimes put young people at risk. This is an investment in our families and I encourage every parent to register that is a Council Rock family. Since we launched the program on Monday, we have 333 Council Rock families signed

009up already and I'm confident there will be more. Find the link to register your smart social account and for council for Council Rock families on the district website in the upcoming Rock report and in your school's newsletter. Council Rock continues its support of the American Red Cross as this year's district charity. To date, we've exceeded our donation targets with a total so far of 188 units of blood donated. Since each pint saves three lives, Council Rocks donations could potentially save 564 lives. If you can donate, please visit the Red Cross website at www.redcross. redcrossblood.com. Information on upcoming drives can also be found in the weekly rock report. [snorts] As I previously mentioned, the Veterans Day holiday was observed earlier this week recognizing the service and dedication of the military veterans in our community and across

010the United States. Many of our students participated in activities that express gratitude to our local veterans, including Veterans Day traditions at our elementary, middle, and high schools. Tonight, we're going to share an act of appreciation for two veterans who are also Council Rock graduates, both Purple Heart recipients who gave their lives in duty to our country. Both Master Sergeant Kenneth Elwell, Council Rock class of 1997, and Private First Class Robert H. Dumbowski, Council Rock class of 2005, lost their lives in battle. Though they died protecting their country, their legacy lives on in Council Rock. And at this time, I'd like to invite some members of our community. Mr. Eric Sarasino, a United States Air Force veteran himself, and Mr. James Gallagher, also a US Air Force veteran, to the podium to share more about this

011special remembrance project. Gentlemen, Anthony, would you mind open the door for the gentleman come? They're going to come in that door. Thank you. Good evening. Thank you everybody. Appreciate it. What Jim's holding up right now. So today we're here to discuss and talk about two remarkable um American heroes from our area, Master Sergeant Kenneth Kenny Elwell and Private First Class Robert Bobby Denowski, whose courage, sacrifice, and devotion to our nation will never be forgotten. The reason we're here today is about three or four years ago, I went to a holiday party and I've been involved with the Northampton Townships Veterans Group for a couple years then. Kenny Lwell's sister. Um, I was introduced by Bernardet Henan back there who's um, who's very instrumental in this as well and introduced me to Sue Elwell. I got

012to talking to her for a little bit, getting to understand um, the whole situation and, you know, how much her brother and her family meant to her. Um, as I was leaving that holiday party, um, she approached me and she handed me two small boxes or two regularsized boxes and she said to me, um, the first one contains the Pennsylvania state flag and the [snorts] other is the United States flag that was presented um and demonstration at Kenny's funeral at Arlington Cemetery. With tears in her eyes, she says, "Please take good care of these flags and make sure my brother is properly remembered." She added, "I know you will do my brother proud." So, a lot of pressure on me. Um, for three years, um, Jim, well, Bernardet and I have been trying to figure

013out a way how do we how do you honor how do you honor two, you know, an individual like Master Sergeant Kenny Elwell? See, not only did we want to interview I mean wanted to recognize Kenny, but we also wanted to remember Bobby as well. Um so today we're here to display is that um we're here to remember both Kenny and Bobby. These two young men also attended schools in the Council Rock School District, grade schools and high school. They grew up in our neighborhoods. They walk the same halls as our own children and they're a part of our community. They died serving this country, but more importantly, they're our boys. Their courage, sacrifice, and love for others will never be forgotten. Bernardet and Jim Gallagher here next to me are huge and instrumental in

014working together as a team to figure out what is going to be the best place for these. Today, we are proud to say that we have found a home for these flags. This military shadow box will be dedicated in the lobby area of the Council Rock Star Center in Richboro. The display will stand as a permanent tribute to both Kenny and Bobby. It represents not only the remembrance but also gratitude, unity and a continuation of their legacy through future generations. With the help of the special needs students enrolled at council at the star center, we are going to hold a formal dedication ceremony in sometime in January so that everybody can be a part of it. Um, this shadow box is going to remind all who sees it year after year um that freedom is

015never free and it's a safeguarded by men and women like Kenny Elwell, Bobby Dembowski who love their country enough to give everything for it. So, thank you and may we always honor their memory. [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank Thank you, Eric and James. And um uh on a personal note, uh Eric, I mentioned this to Eric when we spoke. On a personal note, Kenny was a fourth grade student of mine many, many years ago. So, thank you for uh making the legacy, helping the legacy of these two fine young men uh continue. Um, some important dates to remember. Thursday, November 20th, there will be an education committee meeting, 700 p.m. at the Chancellor Center. Monday, November 24th, will be an early dismissal for students in grades K through eight, and there will be parent teacher

016conferences. Tuesday, November 25th, early dismissal, grades K to 8, parent teacher conferences. Wednesday, November 26, schools are closed uh for parent and teacher conferences. On Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28, schools and offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. And just for those folks looking ahead to December for the winter break schedule, Wednesday and Thursday, December 24th and 25th, schools and offices will be closed. Friday, December 26th, Monday, December 29th. Tuesday, December 30th, schools will be closed, offices will be open. Wednesday, December 31st, and Thursday, January 1st, schools and offices will be closed. And Friday, January 2nd, schools will be closed and offices will be open. Tonight marks the final board meeting for two long-erving members, Mr. Bob Hickeyi and Mrs. Yoda Py. Board service is demanding work requiring significant personal time and

017a deep commitment to public responsibility. Both Mrs. Py and Mr. Hickeyi have embodied those qualities. Their steady leadership, thoughtful decisionmaking, and unwavering support of our students, our schools, and our community reflect the highest standards of public service. Through their years on the board, they consistently demonstrated what it means to keep students first always. Their efforts have strengthened our district and made a meaningful, lasting difference for students we serve. On a personal note, I'm grateful for the professionalism, partnership, and integrity they brought to their work. I have seen firsthand how deeply they care about Council Rock and how fully their actions align with their words. Their service has mattered to our staff, to our families, and most importantly to our students. On behalf of the entire Council Rock community, thank you, Mrs. Py, and thank you,

018Mr. Hickey, for your years of service and for the positive impact you've made on both current and future generations of Council Rock students. Your leadership will be remembered and your contributions are truly appreciated. Thank you very much. [applause] [applause] And each of you should have or should have found a little momentto uh at your seat when you got to your seat this evening. Finally, this is a reminder to our community to use only the Council Rock School District resources, websites, and official social media platforms for the most reliable, up-to-date, and accurate information about our district. We urge the public to verify information on social media and be discerning in where they obtain information relating to Council Rock. If you question what you're seeing, need clarification, or want a reliable fact check, please contact the district

019directly. Our contact information is available on our website at www.crsd.org. Mr. Tate and board, this concludes the superintendence report. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, Dr. Senko. I got us started off on the wrong foot by skip skipping over roll call and then we went ahead and skipped over the CR South student advisory board. But I'm glad you're here. I'm glad you got to appreciate the superintendent report. So Mr. Benziel, if you would. >> Thank you again. Good evening members of the board of school directors, Dr. Senko, fellow fellow district level administrators and to the CRSD community, [clears throat] thank you for this opportunity to share with you all the wonderful things that are happening at Council Rock High School South. It is my pleasure to introduce to you our student advisory board members

020for the 2526 school year. Class of 2026, representative senior Artur Kiss. Class of 2027, representative junior Daniel Thomas. Class of 2028, representative sophomore Mia Lefredo. Class of 2029, representative freshman Ellie Chow. And class of 2020 2027 representative junior Olivia Mitsus, who also attends MBIT. At this time, I would like to ask senior Archer Kiss to begin with his report. Good evening school board members. My name is Arttorius and I am the 12th grade representative for the student advisory board. Last month, our school held our annual blue, white, and gold night where teams from each grade level competed in a v variety of activities in the name of school spirit. Congratulations to our senior class who won the blue gold white won the blue white gold night by by a thrilling score of 30 over 29

021over to over the juniors. Way to finish strong and take home the win in the final event. Additionally, in September, we had our annual homecoming dance on Saturday, September 27th from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The dance was a huge success with a large turnout rate with attendees having a lot of fun throughout the evening, helping us start off the school year on a positive note and getting back into the Golden Hawks spirit of things. Now, obviously, we can't talk about the senior class without talking about the senior trip. As per tradition, the senior class will be having their Disney trip to Florida from April 7th to April 11th, 2026 with half the trip taking place at Disney World Parks and the other half at Universal Florida, including Epic Universe, with over 300 students committed

022to attending the trip this year. As for deadlines, the second payment deadline is coming up this Friday, November 14th, 2025 of $715. For those attending, roommate submissions are also due on this deadline. And keep in mind, no refund with our travel insurance after this date will be given. The third and final payment is due on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 with payment amount depending on the number of roommates present. For those attending, please see the senior trip canvas page for more information. That is it for me from today. May all have a wonderful evening and we'll be back soon with another round of updates and events. Good evening, school board. I'm Daniel Thomas, the junior representative for SAB, and I would like to inform you about some recent events from this current school year. Uh, starting

023off, I would like to talk about our athletics over at South. Firstly, our women's varsity volleyball team had an amazing season. Overall, their record was 17 to5 and lost in the quarterfinal of the district 1 playoff. For the men's varsity football team, they had an they had a season record of nine wins in one loss, winning multiple important games such as the blue out the blue out and gold out, but had unfortunately lost in the quarterfinals in the PIAA championship this last Friday to Heford. Next, our girls soccer team had a good season with 10 wins and eight losses and two ties. In the first round of playoffs, they took the game to double overtime versus Springfield and eventually won in a shootout. Then in the next round, they also brought it to overtime, but

024ultimately lost in a shootout against Penridge. In men's cross country, Jude Olsen and Nate Catch both were state qualifiers this year with Jude Olsen being a medalist as well. The team came came in third in the so championship and became team champions in both the Cherokee Invitational and Soldertown Twilight Invitational. For cross country girls, they had a record of four wins and one loss and became Suburban one league champions for the seventh year in a row. Our field hockey team had a total season record of seven wins and 12 losses while also becoming a state qualifier. Our men's soccer team was also successful having a total record of 10 wins, five losses, and four ties, and also becoming a district champion qualifier. For a women's tennis team, their total record was a staggering 11 wins

025and zero losses. They were also SL champions and a PIAA state semi- finalist. Now, during our f during our recent fall fest on October 18th, our student council representative for the class of 2027 had a loaded loaded apple station. It turned out to be very successful for raising money for the junior class. Finally, we recognized Veterans Day two days ago out at South. This year, Roappa introduced a new initiative for Veterans Day. They introduced Alpha Bravo K9, a nonprofit organization that trains and raises dogs for veterans with PTSD. Representatives from the organization were on hand to speak about their valuable service. Mr. Jacobe and Roappa members decorated and welcomed the veterans to school with a clap. Thank you all for listening and have a good rest of your night. Good evening everyone. My name is

026Mia Lefredo and I'm the sophomore class SAB representative. The class of 2028 has been busy this school year raising funds and promoting school spirit. Working with our new principal, Mr. V, student council implemented a new idea called common home room to help promote more school involvement and raise school spirit. Every marking period for one week, we have an extended home room where each class's student government prevent presents to their grade about past and future events. In addition, each class does an activity to increase class participation. For the sophomore class, we had minute to win it games which were very successful. In isi in addition to promoting school spirit, the class of 2028 has completed two fundraisers. One at our annual fall fest where we sold loaded hot chocolate and fried Oreos. And the second was

027a Halloween bake sale at lunch with brownies, cake pops, cookies, and rice krispies. As a whole school, we had an activities fair on September 26th to promote school clubs and activities. We had over 50 clubs participate in a lot of great activities. One of our many clubs was our Red Cross club, which just had a fall blood drive. Thanks to the club's generous donors, the blood drive provided life-saving blood to patients in need. Upcoming events for the class of 2028 include decorating Dr. Murphy's door for our door decorating contest, our annual candy cane hot chocolate sale December 19th through the 23rd, and a Valentine's Day bake sale February 10th through the 12th. Thank you very much for your attention and have a wonderful evening. Good evening. I'm Ellie Chow, the ninth grade representative. This fall

028has been an exciting and productive season for the class of 2029. During the fall fest, the 9th grade student council ran a stand to raise money for the class of 2029's future senior trip to Disney. The Hawks marching band was successful at their band competition in Abington on October 25th where they won with a score of 85.7. At this competition, they won best overall effect and best visual. At their November 1st competition in Upper Morland, they got third in their division with a score of 88.9. Our school's fall musical is the Phantom of the Opera with Tonight as the opening night and additional shows on November 14th and 15th. The Council Rock South Vocal Ensemble will be entering the B 101 competition this year in hopes to make it to the semi-finals which will take

029place on December 5th. There will be a winter concert that will take place on December 18th. This coming March, the Council Rock South Choir program will be performing a farewell a farewell concert followed by a trip to Germany and Austria. Thank you for your time and I'm very honored to be part of SAB for the next four years. Good evening everyone. My name is Olivia Mitz and I'm a student in the dental occupations program at Middle Bucks Institute of Technology as well as a member of the class of 2027. I'm excited to share some of the great things that are happening at MBIT. This past month, Middle Bucks Institute of Technology has been named a winner and finalist in the Bucks County Heralds 2025 Best of the Regions contest. The winners are the trade vocational

030school, the afterchool program, and the cosmetology program. The finalists are the nursing program, and the preschool. Huge thank you to the community for supporting MBIT. In October, students from the cosmetology program hosted a fundraiser to support Empowering Cuts, a nonprofit that provides free haircuts to individuals experiencing homelessness. They raised $580 and collected shoes and hoodies to donate. MBIT is also getting ready for its annual open house on Thursday, November 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This event is a chance for students and families to explore MBIT's 21 career and technical programs, meet instructors, and see what MBIT is really about. Lastly, MBIT students are representing our school across the state from the Skills USA fall leadership conference at Kalahari to HOSA's leadership training in Hershey. Also, our automotive and collision repair students are running a

031drive away the cold fundraiser to provide winter coats for kids in need. It's been great to see how students at MBIT are using their skills to help others and make a positive impact. Specifically at South at the end of October, an MBIT representative spoke with our 9th grade students about the programs. Applications for the next school year will be available soon. Thank you all for listening for all the great things happening at Middle Bucks Institute of Technology. Thank you all very much for your reports. I thank you. >> Very nicely done. Thank you very much. [applause] >> And how how many days until senior trip did I hear? >> April 7th. Very good. Thank you. Moving on the agenda, we have the solicitor's report. If you would, Mr. Amuso, please. >> Uh, thank you, Mr.

032President. I have nothing public to report. The board has our uh written report we submitted and the board did meet in executive session tonight before the meeting for a personnel matter. >> Very good. Thank you, sir. Moving on to public comment. This is an opportunity for members of the public to address the board. When speaking to the board, we ask that you limit your comments to no longer than three minutes. Please consider the fact that there may be young children in the audience or watching this broadcast live on CRTV YouTube. Your ideas are welcome and will be considered in deliberating an issue. The board is likely not to respond to your comments or questions in real time. And we have this this uh first segment of public comment is dedicated to agenda items. We have

033one person signed up, Cheryl Karns Hills. And if there's anyone else who wishes to comment now about an agenda item, you may do so after Ms. Hills. Thank you. >> I thank you. Good evening and I'm assuming Chancellor Center is an agenda item. I want to just make sure that I'm in the right place at the right time. Appreciate it. Cheryl Karns Hills, lifelong resident of New Town Burell. Many thanks again to the board, administration, and community for all the work that they do and the work that they've done in discussing this building. The time is right to move on this chancellor center renovations. It's been over 20 years since anything was done. You know the importance of purpose and sharing your skills as a board to create and foster lasting change to allow this

034building to continue to stand. Some of my comments tonight have been inspired by Bill Shores the cathedral within. The board's collective effort and shared vision is needed now more than ever for required lasting impact. Option three is the best solution and it will last this building to serve administration to its best for the next 20 years or more. Let's not have additional repairs needed in 5 years as this is a waste of money in the long run as costs will rise and cause significant disruptions to the workforce that resides here. You will also be seeing me again quickly in 5 years. Option three is also the administration's selection and these individuals know what is best for a productive and efficient workplace to lead CR students first. You owe it to the counc community to give

035back. Let us believe in the power of community by your decision to create transformative changes at this center. You have the power to make the right decision this evening to uphold Council Rock's history and the beauty of this historic building that can continue to serve this continue community well into the future, well beyond my lifetime. The time is now. Option three does it all for all of us. Thank you again for your time and all of your efforts. Appreciate it. >> Thank you, Miss Hills. Good evening. And you'll introduce yourself, please, and tell us where you live. Just the town or burrow. >> Good. Good evening. Terry Kylie, New Town Burough resident. Um, I want to thank the board for all the time that is spent on this very serious decision. I've been at all

036these meetings for more than a year. You've considered so many different options. You've gave a lot of time and effort to this decision. I truly appreciate this, especially because I've got a chance to sit at these meetings and see how much time you put in. And again, I'm going to second Mrs. Hill's recommendation that we go with option three. I was here 20 years ago with my son Chris who was born at that time and advocated for this building to be used by the administration. I really want to see you go with option three so that I too don't need to return again to many of those meetings. But again, I want to thank you all. I know this is volunteering your time and giving up many evenings and many days. Thank you very much.

037>> Is there anyone else? >> Good evening, Diana Vlic from New Township. Greetings to the school board and the community. Our board members have listened carefully, reviewed detailed reports, conducted site visits to this historic building, and absorbed countless hours of comments and research. All of this has been done with one purpose, to determine the future of Chancellor Center. The time has come to make this decision. After weighing all the information, there is only one clear path forward. Throughout your meetings, it has become evident that the most efficient and cost-effective choice is to authorize option three with full repairs and renovations. By taking this step, we ensure that the Chancellor Street Center will continue to serve our school district with pride and purpose for many years to come. As an aside to this, my daughter was

038the last class that went through this school in kindergarten. And 20 over 20 years ago, I did this fight already when the building was going to be just totally closed. This building has become besides the gem of the district. It is an appropriate choice to authorize these renovations and repairs. Please go with option three. Make your family and community happy and we would like you to consider that as the biggest option. Thank you. Thank you very much. One more. At least one more. >> Hello, my name is Joe Piso. I've been a resident from New Township for 23 years. Um, I don't know the numbers of each option, but I advocate a pay as you go approach. Um I I assume the t uh the cost of this will be passed on to the taxpayers,

039but my taxes have gone up I think 40% in the past few years and we have $140 million uh budget in the in the school district. I just don't think we we have to go full boore. That's all I have to say. Thank you. Thank you. And is there anyone else who wishes to comment on an agenda item? We also have public comment at the end of the meeting for non-aggenda items. So, I think we're done for now with public comment. Thank you very much. Moving on to approval of minutes of the meeting of the board on October 23. Um, Miss Py, if you would please. >> Sure. I move to approve the minutes of the meeting of the school board directors held on October 23rd, 2025. >> I second. >> Thank you, Miss Khan.

040Any comments, questions, concerns hearing? None. Madam Secretary, please record this motion as passing unanimously. And education committee, Miss Py, please. >> Yes, thank you. Uh the last education committee meeting was on October 30th. It was a long and very productive meeting. Uh we discussed different educational initiatives and I'm going to try to summarize them quickly. So the structure literacy plan is completed and has been added to the district website. The structure literacy professional learning plan is underway. Um there is the Lexius letters leadership development course for our 25 administrators and again letters stands for language essentials for teachers of reading and spelling. Uh there is also the leadership uh there's also lexious lead letters for teachers in grades K 1 2 3 special ed and literacy specialists. That's a total of 216 teachers. The purpose

041is to build teachers knowledge and skills in effective instruction of reading and spelling. It is a two-year program and I think it's eight in service days. Then there is Lexia's Aspir training. Um this is for higher grades where there is the shift between learning to read to reading to learn. This is 400 226 total participants and it's again a two-year program. I understand it's 8 to 10 online uh courses. Finally, there is a SAS PD course for other teachers who are not in ELA related notes roles. Um and it will be the same training for special ed and for regular teachers basically learning how the kids learn to read. Uh another topic we talked about the multi-ter system of support the MTSS for 2526. The new elementary school schedules provide for 30 minute win time

042which is intervention and it is rolling out this month with flexible groupings. My understanding is that it started before COVID then it stopped and now it's it's starting again. Um the district assessment calendar is posted on our website and there's also information about that on the rock report. As you will see, the district provides a lot of assessment opportunities and there's always discussion about whether we provide too many or it's enough. And I know we will discuss this at the next uh educational committee meeting. Um then there's a comprehensive plan. different stakeholder groups work on the district's comprehensive plan and it was going to come to the board for approval at the March board meeting on special education. Uh we talked about the special education cyclical monitoring. Uh and this happens every six years because

043the department of education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education reviews every district's specialed program for compliance and continuous improvement. Council Rock's last cyclical monitoring took place in the spring of 2020. This cyclical monitoring will start in December and we will know the results by June 2026. Uh happy to also report that cancer rock had its first uh special education parent advisory council on October 8th. The objective going forward is to shift the current model of districtdriven meeting to a parentled and district supported meeting. So fostering shared ownership. I think we're heard already, but I'm sure my MBIT [clears throat] reps on the board will talk about the open house for November 20th. So um my our next committee meeting is next Thursday, November 20th. And that concludes my report. And should I make the motion for

044the >> Yes. Thank you, Miss Pi. >> Okay. May I move to approve consent agenda items B through E as contained in the attachments to this agenda. >> A second. >> Thank you, Miss Khan. Comments, questions, any concerns, objections? None. This passes unanimously. Thank you. The Bucks County Intermediate Unit 22 report, please. Miss Oeki. >> Sure. Um, the IU actually hasn't met since we're meeting earlier for our board meeting this month. The IU has not met since our last meeting, but we do meet this coming Tuesday, November 18th. Uh, I I can share that I know that uh my fellow board members at the IU and the executive director are very happy that we finally have a state budget. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. And thank you for representing the district at the

045IU. uh MBIT Mr. Hickey. >> Good evening everyone. Uh the executive council met on November 3rd few different items that we discussed and my apologies to Miss Mitsus if I repeat some of that information. Uh one of the big things that was done uh the financial audit of MBIT for the 2425 school year is already complete. Uh this early and there were no issues uh to report. So that is good news. Uh also in reference to the state budget, we are also glad that it is passed because we had a discussion about possibly moving funds from our capital reserve fund to our operating budget due to the impass. Um unlike Council Rock and some of these other places, we MBIT does not have a huge surplus or you whatever you'd like term you would like

046to use. So there was major concerns about how we would pay for some of the things going forward and uh fortunately it appears that a budget has been passed and things will get back to somewhat normal. Um as far as upgrades are concerned, the next major upgrade will be a walk-in refrigerator freezer for the culinary arts program. It's been talked about for the last three years, but finally something is getting done with it and construction is underway. Will hopefully be finished sometime in the spring. As mentioned, there's an open house on November 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. It is open not just to parents and students. It's open to everyone where you can see the many course offerings and tour this amazing building. It's up on York Road in Jamson. Uh speaking of which,

047applications are now being accepted for the 2627 school year. Uh, Miss Mits did mention some of the winners in the Bucks County Herald, including best trade vocational school, uh, best afterchool program, uh, best educ adult adult education evening courses, and also the cosmetology cosmetology school. Uh in addition, one thing that she didn't mention is we had a student named Halley Sigler who won the 2026 HOSA pin design compos competition. And HOSA stands for the Health Occupations Students of America. Her original design features a heart that will electronically blink and a dangling clapper. It's hard to explain without a visual, so I would suggest that you go to their website at mbit.org org and look at it. It's really phenomenal. It was a phenomenal design and like I said, just another one of the ways that

048MBIT keeps on putting themselves out there in the uh local and regional arena. Uh our next meeting uh it's listed on the website as December 2nd, but it will be on December 8th. And this concludes my report. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Hickeyi and thank you for all the time that you put into representing Council Rock so well at MBIT. We appreciate it and we appreciate your work as a board member and Miss Py, we appreciate your work as a board member as well. Thank you. Next is Council Rock Education Foundation that is I uh two dates please um to put on your calendar. Monte Carlo night is February 28th. That is a fun event. Northampton Country Club again this year and uh it raises money for innovative education programs in our school district.

049The other date to put on your calendar is if you're interested in playing golf at the beautiful Jericho National Golf Club. It's the CF Golf Classic on June 25th. You could also volunteer to help with the uh event. It's a fun event at a beautiful location. So that's Council Rock Education Foundation. We'll move ahead to policy committee. >> Okay. The policy committee met on November 3rd. Um we had a second read, several policies for second read. Policy 224, care of school property. Policy 226, searches, policy 227, controlled substances paraphernalia. Um, and we had the first read of three additional policies. Policy 204, attendance, policy 220, student expression and dissemination of materials, and policy 223, the use of bicycles and motor vehicles. uh two years ago we decided to take uh a full inventory of all

050of our policies and it's uh a a major undertaking. We decided to start with first with the policies that affect students which are the 200s. And uh I am thrilled to say that with the the first reads tonight um we will have completed at least first reads of all the 200 level policies. So, uh, beginning in the new year, we will move on to policy 300 level policies, right, Ronnie? That those, uh, affect our teachers and staff, correct? And we'll go from there. But the 200s are really the meat of the policy manual. Obviously, they're the they're the most important. They deal with our students. So, we're really happy to be wrapping that section up. So, thank you, Ronnie, for that. I know it was a lot of work. Uh, and with that, here we

051go. Here, I move to approve consent agenda items B through G as contained in the attachments to this agenda. >> Second. >> We have a second. Any >> a second. >> I I said we have a second. >> Oh, >> thank you. Very good. >> All right. Comments, questions? Are there any concerns? Mr. Roosevelt? >> Sure. Thank you. Um I struggle with some of these uh as has been discussed ad nauseium I think and many of us also struggle with these. These are policies that uh are necessary but thankfully have not been utilized in at least 35 years. Um, I continue to struggle a little bit with policy 220 as I believe, as I've previously articulated, this is a slippery slope against First Amendment. Um, and so I continue to be concerned about that regardless

052of where students and families and administrators and teachers fall. I believe Council Rock is filled with a wide diversity, thankfully, of a variety of different opinions. They all need to be heard, but we also need to maintain this as an educational facility free of disruptions. Um, a couple of disruptions have been articulated in previous meetings and that administration of that remains a concern and I just want to make sure that all students maintain their first amendment rights. Um, that's all I wanted to say. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Roosevelt. Other comments? questions, concerns. Okay. Um, could we have a roll call vote, please? Madam Secretary. >> Mr. Tate? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hidalgo? >> Yes. >> Mr. Roosevelt? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hickey? >> Yes. >> Miss Paulie? >> Yes. >> Miss Oeki? [clears

053throat] >> Yes. >> Miss Khan? Yes, >> Miss Stone. >> Yes, >> Miss Hero. >> Yes, >> that's nine yes and zero nos. >> Thank Yes, please. >> Uh, I just wanted to for the public satification. Um, then Mr. Roosevelt is 100% correct. A couple of these were very difficult policies and we spent a great deal of time on them. Uh, particularly uh 226 which just passed for a second read. But I did want to uh point out and and Mr. spring, please. I'm going to turn to you in a moment, but the policy 220, which Mr. Roosevelt referenced, the student expression and dissemination of materials. I just want to be clear for the public, while we did have some changes in that policy, none of the changes were substantial. They were like kind of

054um moving words around, but the but the actual practices, none of that is changing. Correct. >> Correct. I'm sorry. the standards that are set forth and and Mr. So, correct me if I'm wrong. With respect to expression and free speech, both in school and out of school, I guess school oversight of out of school expression are really set forth and the parameters are pretty strictly set forth by both state law as well as the US Supreme Court. Um, particularly out of school expression. Um I I'm sorry I'm going to pronounce the name of this uh case wrong, but Mahoney um and is a 2021 case that really fleshed out the specific standard um for oversight of out of school expression by the schools. And so the policy itself from a substantive standpoint is based on

055the the law set forth throughout the country and and the state commonwealth of Pennsylvania. >> All right. Thank you very much. Next on the agenda is facilities committee. Miss her, please. >> Okay. Thank you. Um [clears throat] before we get into the chancellor center and everything on the agenda on that for voting, I'm just going to talk about that we met facilities back on Thursday, November 6th. We'll be voting first on the purchase of four trucks and one box truck for use in the district. There's a change order for HVAC at Churchville Elementary for Johnson Controls failed commission communication card. Uh there's a termination and an approval of a contract on an emergency generator and maintenance services and there's asbestous abatement work at Salehouse and Twining Ford. Uh with that I will move to approve

056consent agendems G through L as contained in the attached agenda. Second comments, questions, any concerns? Yes, Miss Ozeki, >> just quickly I wanted to for the public and I know we talked about this in the facilities meeting, but anytime we hear the word asbestous, uh, we get nervous, but at no time the asbestous that is, uh, being, um, remediated is nowhere near where any of our students are or were, and nobody's in any danger. And I just wanted to put that out there. Thank >> Thank you. Are there any objections to this motion? Hearing none, Madam Secretary, please record it as passing unanimously. Um the next motion, item B, I will make I move to approve design and planning for option three, which is the full renovation of the building for the Chancellor Center renovation.

057>> Second. Second. >> Um, thank you, Miss Py. All right. Um, comments, please, questions, >> Mr. Roosevelt. >> Sure. Why aren't we starting with option one or why aren't we discussing all three? >> Because I made the motion for option three, which is the option that is recommended by the administration. Could >> Mr. Amuso, could you please remind us any reasons that a board member might recruit recuse oneself from a vote? Could you also specifically deal with Pascal verse Pennsylvania Supreme Court case? Pascal verse the zoning board of Pittsburgh. >> All right. So, uh, you only, uh, abstain for a vote if you have a pecuniary interest, which is defined as you're going to make some money, either you or, uh, a member of your family. Is there is there a concern about that with

058this? >> Well, didn't the case discuss personal interests? I >> I can look I mean, I'm not familiar with the the case you're citing right now. You're saying that if somebody has a personal interest, what what what is it? What do you >> I'm not saying that. I'm asking you as our solicitor to remind the board for some reasons for this and citing a specific Pennsylvania Supreme Court case. >> Does anybody have a pecuniary interest also personal interests, I believe? >> Okay. Well, if if you want, we can I can review this case. Is there somebody in particular you're concerned about? No, I just your role as solicitor is to help ensure that this district and the board members are protected. >> All right, we'll take a fiveminute recess. Thank you. Why are we having

059the three options then? We we are giving the three options. Thank you everyone for your patience. Um, we took a recess to allow our solicitor to uh look up the court case that was mentioned and a question was raised about it. If if you would, Mr. Muso, please. >> Thanks. Uh, so I haven't had a chance to review the case of Pascal versus City of Pittsburgh zoning board. Uh, I mean, I'm happy to continue discussion on it. It's not a case that would apply here. It was a due process case about zoning. And in that case, a member of the zoning hearing board, which is a quasi judicial body, was making a decision on an application before it. and one of the members of the zoning hearing board didn't disclose that he was actually on

060the board of the entity making an application to the zoning hearing board. Uh and the Supreme Court ruled, look, as a matter of due process. When you have a a quasi judicial uh body, they have to have the appearance of neutrality. That simply doesn't apply to a school board. Uh the decision before you is how you want to repair or fix your own building. you're not making any kind of neutral decision uh where there's some kind of due process. Again, happy to discuss it, but I I don't see how it would apply here. >> Mr. Roosevelt, >> thank you for providing that analysis. I'm not a lawyer. This is not a courtroom. I don't see this as an appropriate venue to have a further discussion and debate. I just wanted your eyes on it and

061I wanted every board member to be thinking about it. That's it. Thank you. The reason we had a discussion was because you raised it and I wanted to get a good answer for your question. So, thank you. >> Um, Mr. >> Yes, Mr. Hickey. >> Yeah, I like I said, I have a question. I know we talked about this and we had some discussion at at the meeting itself on how we're going to present this option of which even at the end of that meeting, I said, I'm still confused on how we're doing this. Um generally when we are presented with three options, we discuss three options and then we eliminate one and then we have two and then we vote on that option. Um we've had situations in the past where there's three choices

062and that's how it operated. So but but basically you're taking those choices out of our hands by jumping right to option three too. Not even option one or option two. like we went right to option three and you obviously got, you know, being the board president got to jump in right away with the option that you most likely prefer. Whereas I thought we would have discussions on all three options. We would go around the room even if you're you didn't have any disk I prefer option one or I prefer option two and then we tally those votes and then one is eliminated and then we can vote on the other two. That was my impression of how this was going to work, but obviously I am incorrect. >> Um, Miss Stone and then Mr. Hodago,

063>> I still think we regardless of which motion is made first, we still are in a position to have the open discussion right now, which is what we should do. Mr. Dgo. >> Uh, thank you. So, I'll just start with some questions before I comment. So, the grant, federal grant money that we had, uh, possibly applying for and it's kind of on hold. Just because we make this decision to start architectural work doesn't mean that that that that still could materialize. Is that true? >> Yeah, correct. Tony, would you um just give an update on [clears throat] the grants, the federal grants we applied for, where we are, what we learned? >> Yes, we we applied for an appropriations uh for appropriations from the uh US Congress for um for this project. Uh I was

064told by the uh person I was dealing with at uh Congressman Fitzpatrick's office that uh it doesn't seem likely that uh uh we were going to receive any funding from that. uh it it was tied up in with with the shutdown and and with the the budget um discussions and that even the discussions that they were having would not have included this project uh as as as being awarded to the district. Uh we uh uh obviously they they did come to a budget uh recently. Uh, I have not I don't know what's in that budget yet, but um I have not heard anything from Congressman Fitzpatrick's office. So, I believe that uh uh I mean I I can check with him, but um I don't know that anything's going to be happen anything's going to

065happen with that. I would say that we will have the opportunity to apply for this next year when uh the budget is occurring or we we can at least talk to Congressman Fitzpatrick's office about that. The only thing I would add to that, um, Kevin, the man we spoke with and been in contact from, uh, the congressman's office said that he would keep us close to it if anything were to change in the near future, even though he gave us a dim outlook for, you know, this this year. >> Okay. Thank you. So, uh, even though, uh, you know, because this wasn't really a budget, this was more like an appropriations bill. So, they'll keep working on it. And I think we should all maybe put a petition together to uh to our to our

066federal uh colleagues to uh ask for that money very and put it in a good reason and all the reasons why which kind of piggybacks one of the reasons why uh that I'd ask about now is our architect friends over there. I'm sorry I don't remember your name right now. I apologize. But he did make a good good uh comment uh that you know it's not registered as a as a historic building. this this building, but uh we should treat it as such, which uh so I think that's where we're kind of uh stuck in a in a between a rock and a hard place. So I'd like to understand if it was registered as a historical building, would we be entitled to more funding or anything like any advent anything? Does anybody know? >>

067So I'm not an expert in in in historical funding. Uh, I do know that if it were a historic building, we would have we would have a better and and please, if I'm wrong about this, we would have a better shot at at receiving funds. But from what I understand the makeup of the building because as we learned at last at the at the facilities committee meeting, this is actually five separate buildings constructed at various points in time that this would not be able to be classified as a historic building. Well, I think we should advocate to change that rule number one and and and I'll keep moving on with my questions if you don't mind. This is a big this is a big building. So, uh and a big big to-do and it is

068a community center. Uh I think we'll we will fix the building. Um the future of it seems to uh the future of the use has kind of also been completely tied into this without explicitly a conversation that I would have liked to have had because um you know we talked originally and I proposed that we do a comprehensive plan and Mr. Tate was was very uh accommodating in in having the architects put together a comprehensive plan. It was a big thing to do. Uh a big a big uh you know um project to undertake and I think we only brushed on it to be honest with you because it's that big. Um and I think they did a good first crack at it. But what we fall back on is the maintenance manual and we

069just basically followed the same uh we came back just to the maintenance manual and we're just going to fix the buildings that are next on the lists keeping the administration here. So I don't know if there's a better uh you know choice than keeping the administration here that's separate than fixing chancellor center. I think we the building will be fixed no matter what. the school district will do that. If we can get federal funding, it will make it even easier. But not just are we fixing this uh building, but we're investing maybe another 12, 13, 14 million, I don't I don't know. I'm just guessing on numbers to have the administration here. Maybe hopefully for the next 20 years. And that's not a bad price tag to be honest with you. after I think that's

070why you're recommending it. Um because the administration is recommending it to to that they can uh they're happy with you know moving forward with a full renovation which will make it not completely like we're not going to change things but we're going to make it so the administration can can stay here in a safe way. Um and really the basement is is my biggest concern. So understood. I think from a dollar standpoint, it's probably it's even though it seems like a lot of money, if we go build a let's say with the Richboro Middle School and renovate that, it's going to cost more to make the administration there. Even though you could do things a little bit different, more space, less rules probably to to to do what you want to do to make something

071that might be longerlasting than 20 years. So I actually look at this as a temporary fix. Even if it's 20 years, it's I'm not sure we'll be able to we're going to see. So So all I'm trying to get at is it there's a lot of questions. I don't think we fully vetted the the comprehensive plan on what other options. I think Mr. Hickey spoke about purchasing a building that's might be, you know, that there are commercial buildings that we could do and how much would it cost to modify that? that possibly could and staying in New Town could possibly be a good option that we haven't really um explored publicly at least. But understand the transfer center has been on this for 10 years. We've been on this for 10 years trying to see

072what have at least fixed the basement and now we've basically just coupled the administration staying in the building. So I see this as a uh a temporary uh thing. If we get 20 years out of it, that would be great. And the only last comment that I'll make is I worry about, you know, I would have liked to have seen the geotechnical survey done first, digging in and see what we're looking at from the soil standpoint and some samples of what the what we're going to get into. But I think as we discussed last week, if during this process of design and investigation, we find that there's a bigger price tag, we should definitely come back to the drawing board and start discussing it, you know. So, this isn't a vote to um complete the

073full renovation, but to do some architectural work. So, uh, there's still, uh, but I think we're we're it's not the it's not the worst option in the world because I think the building works, uh, the way that it is, which is what I wanted to ask the administration, if we were, this is my only last question. It's my last question. If we were to just do what we were going to do and we're recommended to fix the the drainage in the around, you know, dig out around the buildings um and not do the full renovation, would the administration still be able to uh work in the conditions of the building is now if we just worked on the basement? I guess I would ask the administration that. >> So I mean the short answer to

074that is yes. I would I would say that um I I don't think it would be when you talk besides the water issue, I think the HVAC issue is is is a is a is a now problem. Um it it it replacing the HVAC while the building while the foundation issues are being worked on is the smartest move for that because of of areas such as under the steps in the front being open so that we could so that equipment new equip old equipment could be taken out and new equipment could be brought in. Um but I mean could could we stay in the building without doing all that? Yes. But um but I'd like to get into what the administration recommendation means and and the and the and the um situation that that we

075in in which we're making that that recommendation. And we were asked by the board to investigate different solutions to locate locating the administration including renting a building, buying a building, renovating um Richboro Middle or another building. Um we talked about building a new Ritstown and moving in there. We talked about um uh buying a building and and and equipping that. And uh we brought those options and I think we we we saw that for the most part all those options were more expensive than renovating this building. Um so in June we were asked to go out to RFP for an architect and a construction manager for this building uh under all three options. We did that. Um, we found uh a construction manager in Boille that we're very happy with and an architect in Marada

076Maine that we're also very happy with. They've done an excellent job in working with us and we you uh you'll and you know we we we went through an arduous process to select those two contractors and we're very very proud of of our of our um selection. Um we met in October and we were advised by the board to have them evaluate this building and make a decision, make a recommendation as to what option is the best. We we brought we worked with them um facilitated their their observations. We did not influence their observations and their expertise showed [snorts] for all the reasons that were articulated at the facilities committee meeting that option three was the best option. Um, we're making our recommendation on we're not making a recommendation as far as whether or not

077we stay in Chancellor Center. That is a board decision and uh we but we do feel based on uh our experts opinion that of the three options option three is best. And I say that because of of the various reasons that they gave. Um we're looking at um shutting down the building noise and and you know being a good neighbor the noise and the the um traffic that that's going to be caused by any type of renovation um to only do that once. We're looking at costs um eventually anything that we're talking about. We're not talking about uh a renovation here where we're going to tear up the bu building and tear everything out and um and and and and put in, you know, I I believe the word that's been used is Taj Mahal.

078That's not what we're looking for. We're looking for the ability to do what's right one time so that it doesn't have to be done for a long time and that um we we we're following the recommendation. We want to we also look at construction costs. As the business manager, I have concerns that every year that we don't do something, the costs get higher to do other things. So we if we get to the point where we have no more room in this building for administration, if the board wants us to stay in this building, if we have no room for administration, we're going to have to go out and do this again. And it's going to be a lot more expensive then than it would be now. And um a a point another point that

079I'd like to bring that I didn't mention at the last meeting is this administration is extremely hesitant to want to spend money on an on on on an administration building. We want to spend you know students first always means something to everyone in this administration. We want to we don't want to spend money on an administration building um unless we have to and we have to. But the but the thing is about that is everybody feels in the community and and we feel as well that we shouldn't be spending money on this type of thing. But we have to and when we have to, let's do it right the first time so that when we we can say we don't have to think about spending money on administration building other than upkeep and general means

080for a long time. And that is the basis of our recommendation, you know, to to to to get that problem out of out of the way for the next 10 boards or, you know, however many boards, you know, every every two years. I guess there's there could be a new board. So, um I'm just saying for for for for the administrators, the next three sets of administrators and superintendents that follow us that that is not a concern. That is not a concern in the community. That's taken care of once and for all for a long term. >> Just follow up. >> Thank you, Mr. Rap. >> Yeah, I think what I heard one of the evaluators say in the presentation at the facilities committee meeting is if we did option number three, we wouldn't have

081to touch this building for 20 years. and clarified. Yeah, we might have to do a little painting here and there and so forth, but but in terms of major renovations, um you know, the expectation is option three, we're looking at a 20-year lifespan. Um Miss Polly, you wanted to Oh, I'm sorry. I just wanted to follow up on what you were saying because that was the qu that was kind of the only thing. I mean, I appreciate the passion and everything just like I have and um you know, you did a lot of good work. You know, I want to talk to you. I'm not supposed to talk to him. I want to talk to you. You sure? [laughter] So, uh, by the way, I mean, um, you know, so you're but to say that

082you're not making a recommendation of where the administration's going to go, if you're making a recommendation for option three, that is planting the administration here for the next um, you know, 20 years. And I don't say that that's not the perfect option. I just and you said you did look at some other things and we I mean we saw the lists but uh again uh we're going to determine in this process whether or not this is going to get more expensive or not because there's a lot of question marks coming into this and I really do feel like at the end of the day grand scheme of thing even if it's $10 million it's a lot of money but we we're going to be spending a heck of a lot more on capital improvements over

083the next uh 10 next decade. So, I I just think that um I'm I'm a little hesitant to commit the administration here. I not hesitant about fixing the building. Um so, that's where I'm at. But again, I I'll be okay with, you know, doing the architecture. Even if it's one, two, or three, I don't care. We're going to do the architecture. I want to get the down to the investigation as quick as possible to see whether or not we have to pivot. And that's where I'll leave it. Thank you. Thank you sir. Miss Pie. >> Yeah. So um first of all as a lot of people from public comment said we have been talking about that for like over a year looking at different options going through possibilities. But even when I joined this board

084like four years ago there was always discussion about the chancellor center. And I understand that even before there were discussions and nothing ever happened and every year the more we wait the more and more expensive it is to fix things and now we're at the point that you have to fix things. So uh we went out and we had an appraisal and we found out that the value of the building is negative. So you cannot really do anything with this building. You have to fix it. uh we cannot abandon a building that is in the heart of New Town and it is a historic building for us and for cancer rock and uh we I I mean this was the first school right and um we I don't think we're even if we wanted to

085abandon it I don't think we're allowed to so you have to at least keep code so we looked at all the different options And um it sounds like for me option three gives make can make it an efficient workspace that can be utilized over the next whatever 20 years and um it's also going to be safe because it's the only option that provides a sprinkler system. Would you like to work somewhere that say you're in the basement there is fire and there is no like a sprinkler system. I mean these are like the basic things that we can do. Um but again this is the design and planning. So uh we are not going to impose that on the next board. That's my understanding. So we are just going to design and planning for all

086the possible options that by the way it's option three is not does not provide any luxury. It's just like the basic renovations to make it an efficient workspace and and then I think uh if there is funding from the federal government or from somewhere else or if the next board has different ideas they can always look into that and vote and take some of these options out. Also uh we renovate this using uh we issue bonds. We do not raise taxes for that. and we have enough debt service available to cover that for the time being according to our financial uh situation. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Polly. Miss Khan. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Tate. Um I just wanted think uh thank you, Mr. Rap. I think that was an excellent I

087had a bunch of notes everywhere here. um kind of taking us back to where we got to this evening to make this um decision which is as Miss Polly just stated a contractual agreement to have Marada Main and Boil Construction start their design process for the future of Chancellor Center. So back in 2024 when I co-chared facilities with Mr. Tate um we had discussed one of the first things endeavor to take on as a district the district-wide facilities master planning. Um, it's an ongoing process. It still continues. I know Mr. Roosevelt uh alluded to it at the last facilities meeting that we had stopped. We we haven't uh it was on hold while we were kind of going through a few things as we are currently discussing the chancellor's center this evening. Um when I

088joined the board in 23 and then in January at a board meeting, one of the first things I had to vote on at the time was the approval of the fixing of the elevator here at the Chancellor Center. Um it had been I believe out of service since 2022. Um I so for over a period of a year to two years there were um no elevator use and where administrative moved offices moved entire departments without an elevator. Um also having individuals that were not able to climb stairs. So, I know the history of the Chancellor Center goes all the way back um you know when it was built in 1871 and through its multiple um additions and changes throughout the decades. Um part of that facilities master planning district-wide facilities master planning, we also did

089the the cropper study. Um, I just I guess for the audience and for our community members wanting to know that this decision is obviously um a it's a hard and challenging decision to make as a board member sitting here. You know, spending $18 million is not an easy easy task. We've been wrestling and discussing and debating um this topic for a year and a half. We've had we have exhausted all of our options as Mr. Rap had stated from uh the appraisals to bel to buying to selling to renovating to renting to adding to an existing structure. Um we have we have gone through a rigorous thor a thorough deliberate um and diligent exploration of what what the future of Chancellor Center will be. I feel at this point that we do have to make

090some sort of decision to move forward. Um, as Mr. Rep had already alluded to that, you know, part of our district-wide uh facilities master planning, you know, we also went to RFP for, as you will see on the agenda, the future of New Town Elementary School um, in addition to Holland Middle School. And then there's there's projects beyond that. So, this is in the next couple of years. Um I also wanted to state that the remediation of the chancellor center number one um the biggest issue being for safety. um when part of the structural integrity and the water infr infiltration in the basement which several of the board members had witnessed. You know, one of the things that sticks out to me the most that um Miss Binda had mentioned a year and a half

091ago when we started this is there's an entire wall in the basement or a area that houses all of our electrical, internet, cables, everything. there's water actually leaking through that basement surface of the wall and it has been doing so for many many years. Um there's walls that are crumbling in our in our foundation and our structure. So we're talking about um option one just fill just correcting and remediating those basic things of our foundation water infration uh structural integity integrity and the safety. Um, option three allows allows us to renovate this building. So, we have a future here for the district, a home for the district for the next two decades or more. When removing earth soil, it makes sense to do other options such as the HVAC, which is a completely custom situation

092here in this historic um, building, which is part of the reasons there's such a hefty price tag. And I remember four years ago when the board was discussing it at the time, you know, there were board colleagues at the time were like absolutely no, we will never spend that for HBAC on this building. Um, so I as a board member sitting here now today, I just want to say that we really truly have exhausted all options. We're here today to make a decision. There's no finalized decision other than the fact that we're we're getting into a contractual agreement um to move further and move ahead with the future of the Chancellor Center. Thank you, >> Mr. Hickey. >> A question before I have any comments and I'll I'll wait for later for that. >> I

093was under the impression from the meeting that the option that we pick is the road that we're going to go down. Like if we choose, I believe the contractor had said, please correct me if I'm wrong, that when we make the decision to approve the construction management, that that's where they're going to go starting next week. Like there's not going to be a pivot to something else unless something dramatic happens, as Mr. Hadago alludes to, which would, you know, make that cost $30 million instead of $20 million. So, I mean, I could say yes, let's go for this, but I believe the option that we pick is the road we're going down. So, if we go for option re renovation, it says total budget, not to exceed, which is also a misnomer, $18,420. Or am

094I mistaken? So, if I do vote, then I could, you know, it could be the eight or $9 million option as opposed to the other one. Am I mistaken in that assumption? Because if that's the case, why did we even have options here? >> So, the only options that you're approving tonight, the only spending that you're approving tonight is the cost of the contractors to design the building. Um, and and again, uh we have uh I believe it's $1.2 $2 million and $600,000. Is that correct? Um for for option three. Um I I don't have that number in front of me, but that's the only thing that you're approving tonight is that if if for some reason other options would be considered. I believe we would still have to pay them for for what we

095agreed to, but that doesn't mean we're spending the $18 million on on the on the work that needs to get done. But um again uh but but but right now all you're approving is hiring them to design the building at the option that you approve um at the option that that that is approved here. So you're only tying the board and the district into that cost for the uh construction manager and the architect to design the building. a board down the road can make a decision not to do that but we would still have to pay them what we've promised them in in this and that that is my understanding as well and the other example that we discussed at facilities committee to Mr. Hago's point if the geotechnical came back and said I think

096I even asked a question along these lines if somehow the the geotechnical the ground survey disclosed a much [clears throat] worse drainage problem than was originally budgeted for. We would have to readjust in we wouldn't necessarily take that $18 million not to exceed and suddenly make it a $25 million project. We would look at the scope of the project and decided what adjustment needed to be made because tonight we are not voting to spend $18 million as Mr. Rap said. Tonight we are voting to hire the architect and the construction manager to design the $18 million project. So yes, we're committing to option three if we vote in favor of it with the not to exceed of$ 188 million, but we are not we're not awarding construction contracts for example. Yes. So so the the

097process from here would be that they would design the building. They would meet with uh the various members of cabinet to discuss the areas that that they have in the building, what they need, talk about ways to improve the space so that it is more efficient for the people in this building and so that there is you know room for the future. Um from there once the plans are finalized then it would go out to bid and that would be the point where um the construction contracts would be approved once those went out to bid and contractors general there are four general contractors at least which they explained last week I can't go any further I don't know enough but um that uh they they would then um that that would be when when that

098those dollar amounts would get approved. >> Yeah. And and again, um I you know, there would be a lot of prep prep work before all of that happened to say, you know, where are we? You know, there there's going to have to be work done in the building to say, you know, what are we looking at for the the water penetration? Obviously, we're not going to have 100% of an answer till you have a a backhoe in the ground pulling the dirt away from the building, but um I I think I I think uh uh it um we're not we're not 100%. I mean, do do I still think that's the best route? Yes. Am I saying we're 100% committed to that? No. and we might find that we have too many other costs to

099do that. >> Miss Stone, >> I think um part of it also is we can't have we if we want them to plan and design for option one and option two and option three, they're different plan designs and we would be paying triple cost. So we really are looking to look ahead and okay let them design for this more comprehensive plan design because if you are going to redo the floor or or let's say move one wall now you have to look at the heating also it has to be adjusted. So, you know, your plan design for three takes into uh takes into account many other items and as well as making the building more efficient. But we're also only paying then for one plan design. If we have to make a if we have

100to pivot, we we will have to pay again for a different plan design. So we have to start somewhere and you know we should move forward. Um you know I'm I'm very skeptical about spending a whole lot of money and spending $18 million. But you know the piece of this that makes me lean in that direction is we have to spend $8 million to fix this building no matter what. So now go out and find a building that would suit us and redesign it. What's that going to cost plus the 8 million to put into this building? Are we going to rent a place and redesign that because that's tremendous amount of cost and design to do that and still put 8 million into this building. So add all of that and I think unless

101something unless we have to pivot, I see the 18 million as a more um reasonable cost going going forward in the most uh the most essential, you know, and we don't want to have to move people out of this building again. We can't, we know we can't rebuild and if we do look for leasing or buying, we've looked into that. We can't go and buy a place up in Doylesstown or down in Feasterville. So, we have now a limited area that we're looking at either buying or leasing. And we've had realtors go out and look and lo and behold, they came up with maybe one or two options. If you were buying a house and they said [laughter] you have two options to buy this house do you want to feel you know will you

102buy that house or you going to wait until you find the right place and that would leave us at waiting another year another year so I think at least this gets us moving in one direction if we have to pivot we pivot but I see this um is the most financially uh smart thing to do. Um, and I'm pretty pragmatic about things, so, you know, I don't have a lot of emotion attached to anything, but I I'd like us to get going as opposed to more band-aids and being put in a position where we're uh coming up with where we're not making not finding solutions. we just c keep finding problems and uh I think this is one way to um get us moving forward in a positive direction. >> Mr. Roosevelt, thank you. I

103just want to add a couple additional facts both to this community, this district, and this board. Option one states abatement of the water issues, replacement of the HVAC system, and other minor work. Total budget not to exceed 8,690,000. Option two, all items in option one plus renovations from the capital improvement plan. Total budget not to exceed $9,900,000. Option three, full renovation of the building, total budget not to exceed $18,420,000. Additionally, in the contract that we are about to approve, presumably the next item C under article six, cost of work, it does not indicate that it is uh not to exceed. Instead, it says, "For the purpose of this agreement, the cost of the work shall be the total cost to the owner to construct all elements of the project designed or specified by the architect

104and shall include the contractor's general conditions, costs, overhead, and profit. Additionally, this district did find a building that we could buy with substantially more square footage, substantially larger parking lot for about $5 million. I expect that that building has probably been purchased at this point. There were a couple other buildings that were found for sale that were less than $7 million. Our master plan or capital improvement plan that this board asked for the conduction of which may or may not be completed at this point depending upon different people's opinions. Listed about $400 million worth of work including two high schools, two elementary schools, and a middle school. And yet this is the first one that has been called into. Later on in the meeting we have New Town Elementary School and Holland Middle School additions

105and renovations also. But there are several projects that are not included in this. For me I've I'll reiterate some comments that I've made before. I think this building has a rich history to this district, to this county, and to this country. And this beginning of this meeting where we had a beautiful presentation of recent members, I think connects us to all of the other servicemen and women that adorn these halls that have fought, bled, and died for this country. I think that this is a beautiful building architecturally. It is historic. whether it's on the historical registry or not is absent of my opinion at the moment. Um, this building does need to be repaired. We do need to fix it, but we're not in the historical preservation business. I support options one and two, which

106resolve some of the major issues that have come up, which is the abatement of the water issues and the replacement of the HVAC. This contract could be amended to include sprinklers in either option one or option two. Option two is better because it also improves a lot of capital improvement plan budgets and is under $10 million. For another $8 million is option three. This doesn't include anything directly for the students, but that isn't a reason to kick the can further down the road. So, I am in support of fixing this building. option one or option two. I have a hard time supporting option three with the understanding that we're probably at the limits of this building right now. We are about to outgrow this building. And if we're here for 20 more years, that doesn't

107mean that the administration needs to be also. And we do go out for bonds and those bonds are paid back by taxes. So taxpayer money is going to this in a roundabout sort of way or direct way depending upon how you want to focus this. So I I I think that we should have voted for option one and option two to avoid further I don't know political media that circles around here. Um and I don't support option three. But the question that I've got, I guess, to these board members and the future board members that are in this room, is this what you really want to do? Thank you, >> Mr. Hickey. >> Well, since we made comments, I'll I'll make mine. And now, um, I thought Mr. Roosevelt, your words were very well put

108as far as it related to the history and what is actually going on. Uh, a couple things. I kept on hearing about how the all the experts are saying, you know, we got to go right to option three. Option three. And no offense to the uh, construction management or anybody else, but I think I would also recommend the most expensive option where there's probably the most profit as well. But as it relates to facilities here just in Council Rock, we've made mistakes before. Look at Writestown Elementary. spent $17 million on a building that we still can't fit kids in, where the band still plays in the gym, where new new residents who come into this district can't go to their home schools. They have to go somewhere else because there's just not enough room. We

109built two middle schools the same exact size. As a matter of fact, we're voting on a construction management for one of them today to spend another $15 million. So, we've made mistakes even with the best intentions as it relates to our facilities. And I'm just afraid that we're going to be spending a lot of money making a possible mistake if we go with option three. Option one and option two allows option three to still happen in the future. Well, and it does allow for more work in a safe environment because it does handle the basement issues and it will offer more space in that basement to work. I don't think anybody in our administration should have to work in that basement in the condition that it is now. Absolutely not. That's deplorable. But perhaps our

110biggest mistake that we made was probably 20 years ago was moving this administration building into a schoolhouse. [clears throat] Square peg, round hole. I'm not sure any of the options that we decide tonight are actually going to fix this problem. So we might be still dealing with this problem with the square peg and the round hole no matter how long this administration is here. This was a school building, not an administration building. To the neighbors, I give you all the credit in the world. You showed up at every meeting. You've made your points known, email after email. I I give you a ton of credit for the great job that you did. And as your neighbor, we owe it to you to some degree to fix it. We've lived here for years. We do owe

111it to you. We've lived here. We we have to fix what we've done over the past 10 years or so that we've been here. And like you said, even though this building is not historic, it's in a historic district and it has a lot of great meaning to not to the Council Rock community. But say this is a house on your street and we are all neighbors. Say your sidewalk needs repair, but you also need a new kitchen. You may not have enough money to do both. Sometimes you have to choose knowing full well that if you wait on your kitchen in a few more years, it's going to cost a lot more money to get it done than it does now. But you might also have other repairs that need to be done. Sometimes

112you got to choose between what you want and what you need. So the question comes at some point in time, how you going to get the money for that kitchen down the road? Well, maybe your neighbors could take a collection for you to help you to get it. Or maybe you have a rich uncle who will give it to you or leave it to you in a will. Or maybe you just can't justify doing both at the same time. You have to spend your money more wisely. We're no different than than a house in your neighborhood [clears throat] just because we're a school district. Now, apply those same principles to this district. How do we get the money for the things we want? not the things we need. I've suggested this before. Maybe the borrower

113could do some fundraising because the renovation in this building has a direct impact on your community both historically, aesthetically, and financially. That option will never go away. We also tried asking our rich uncle, Uncle Sam, for money. But you know what? He said he isn't as rich as we thought. You know, maybe in a couple years he'll be in a different position and he can give us some, but I wouldn't count on it. Or maybe we just can't justify doing both. We have to spend our money more wisely. As Mike said, we have massive repairs on the horizon. You'll hear about two of them tonight. One is New Town Elementary. It's going to be a $44 million price tag. And one of the major reasons for this price tag is to give the school parody

114within the district to the other elementary schools. Which brings me to my final point. There's a community about 2 miles up the road serves over 2,000 students and staff. It also serves an entire township. It's been waiting for parody for 25 years. It's called Council Rock South. You know the Council of Rock South the only public school in Bucks County without its own stadium stadium would do wonders for school spirit and the community at large. Could also hold events there. For example, we just had a meeting last month where Dr. Senko had a reference having graduations at Council Rock North because of questions about Council Rock South. And yes, a stadium is on a future agenda here, but again, so is turf, and we all know how long that took to get turf. There are

115no guarantees. My concern is that that is when the board will decide, you know what, we just can't do it. By going with option one or option two, it leaves enough money for a stadium and is still under the budget for option number three, spending our dollars more wisely. For all these reasons, I will support option one or two. Thank you, >> Miss Oeki. >> Thank you. As a district, we invest in our community. We value our history and we appreciate the people who work in this district and in this building. We want them to be safe at work. We value our neighbors. We've heard from many. Mr. Hidalgo talked about even option three being temporary. And we know everything is temporary in a sense, but they don't build things like they used to. In

11650 years, this building will be here. I think we all know that the more modern buildings that we've bought will or built will be obsolete. We've experienced that they don't build things like they used to. Option three achieves all of the goals set by the administration. It addresses the water infiltration concerns. It replaces the outdated mechanical systems. It keeps the building's historical integrity. It ensures minimal duration in the swing space. Maintains fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers. It provides a good neighbor to the community. It creates a warm, safe and dry place. And it increases the efficiency and utilization for staff to better serve the education of the students. It's the most coste effective and financially responsible for the district. If we don't do it now, we'll have to do it later at a higher cost.

117I can't support moving our administration out of the building and not painting the walls and not refinishing the floors because then they'll have to move out again and that's an undue disruption. This is the best choice for the district and the community. It would have been cheaper to do all this work before prices of everything went up in 2020. It will be more expensive to do this work if we wait until 2030. As Mrs. Hills said, the time is now. We do it once and we do it right. Mr. Hickeyi mentioned that we were trying to force a square peg into a round hole. And to some degree I I agree with him, but the only choice that solves that square peg round hole problem is option three. So that's why I think we have

118to do this. We owe it to our district. We owe it to the people who work here. We owe it to our community. We do have other projects. We have a lot of other projects as you know from the capital plan. This plan leaves the most resources and the most options available for future projects. So, I'll be supporting option three. Thank you. >> Mr. Rap, I'd like to correct something I said earlier. The total amount of the dollar amount that you would be approving tonight is actually only one only is as compared to what I said before is 1,211,000. That's um 786,500 for the uh architect and 424,500 for the construction manager. >> That was close. >> I was only off by 600,000. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Dargo. >> Yeah, thank you. I

119really like everybody's comments. I'm excited that, you know, we're going to get closer to fixing the building. Um Mr. wrap it just or Andy um if uh the $18 million.4 does that that and what we're approving tonight the $1ome million is that included in the total cost because it says here design was about design contingencies would be or estimate would be around five or is that additional 5%. So, the contingency um I believe is part of the cost. Um so, if we didn't use the contingency, that would be a reduction of that 18.4 million. Um and the cost that we're talking about that you're approving tonight, that would be part of this cost as well. So, it's built into the >> built into the So, so um and just just for the edification of the

120public, the the actual cost of building the building is um $13 million, which is what the architect's fee is based on a percentage of that. Um and um so [clears throat] we uh uh uh that so that would be part of that. And um the art I'm sorry uh we we um [clears throat] that that would and anything that we don't spend would be a reduction of that. And I I I also, you know, want to want to say that, you know, we we try very hard in administration to spend as little as possible and, you know, we we will through all phases of this. Obviously, administration is going to be very involved. Uh we have a very good um person working for us and Jess who knows what she's doing with with this type

121of of work. She did it for I believe in the Philadelphia school district. Um, and you know, we'll be watching to make sure that costs are down and and to keep your costs down. Um, you know, our goal is to come in should should this project be approved uh to come in under $18 million to come in under that number when when all is said and done. >> So, just to clarify, these costs were approving today are probably in the soft costs. >> Yes. And that's what what I was was blanking on. >> Okay. Thank you. that additional cost is are the soft cost, permit fees, um architecture fees, all what we're doing today. >> Um this is Yes, this is part of the soft cost. >> Okay. Thank you. Anyone else? Um, you know,

122one of the interesting things about serving on the board is that, um, anyone who was tuning in tonight to this discussion might think, my goodness, they're talking about spending $18 million and they've, you know, really not explained why and and what their considerations are and so forth. But as was alluded to earlier, as was mentioned, we've been discussing this for well over a year as an active project and the chance the challenge of chancellor center goes back many years. Um, and I I don't want to keep doing this history thing, but you know, not long after I joined the board, we were discussing the the challenge of Chancellor Center, and I suggested, why don't we get it appraised and see what we could sell the building for? And I was thinking, boy, if we could

123sell the building for $6 million, we could probably use that to build a new administrative center, so forth and so on. And we what we find out is um six years ago or whenever um that really the building has no value on the market as is because of of the condition of the foundation and so forth. And so, um when we started the conversation again a couple of years ago, we went out and got another appraisal. I think that was about a year and a half ago. and and as as Miss Pi said, uh you know, essentially it's a negative value because of the work that needs to be done. So, we can't sell this building. We can't walk away. We have to renovate it. And I think the the um the option three that

124we're looking at is the most coste effective and smartest thing to do and and our independent appraisal verified that. I just want to clarify the point about sprinklers. Um we hadn't really discussed that previously, but that came up last week. Uh we asked the question, oh are sprinklers part of the project? And yes, uh sprinkler system is in option three. It is not not in option number one or option number two. And I can't see renovating this building and not putting a sprinkler system in. That would be unconscionable in my opinion. Um so we have um and I think I should reread the motion since we've had such a long conversation. We have um option three on the table and if the board votes on this motion and it fails then we will look at

125option two and option one. Um and to repeat the motion that has been made and seconded. I move to approve design and planning for option three full renovation of the building for the chancellor center renovation. Second. >> You did already. >> Yeah, we had it. Second. Thank you. >> Um, so we'll have a roll call, please. Madam Secretary. >> Mr. Tate, [clears throat] >> yes. >> Mr. Halgo, >> yes. >> Mr. Roosevelt, >> no. >> Mr. Hickey, >> no. >> Miss Paulie, >> yes. >> Miss Osaki, >> yes. Miss Khan, >> yes. >> Miss Stone, >> yes. >> Miss her, >> yes. >> So that's seven yes and two no. >> Thank you. The next motion is item C. I move to approve the agreement with Marada Maine for the Chancellor Center renovations architectural design

126services subject to solicitors review and audit >> for option three. Correct. >> That is for option three. Thank you Mr. Muso. >> I'll reread it. I move to approve the agreement with Marada Maine for the Chancellor Center Renovations architectural design services option number three subject to solicitors review and audit. >> Second >> thank you questions comments objections Mr. Roosevelt, >> I'll just reiterate if this is not to exceed, please make it clear whether it's not to exceed for the contractor and the construction manager or if it's not to exceed for the entire project budget. Thank you very much. >> Mr. strapped you know I mean this was >> oh >> not to exceed for the whole project >> that was not to exceed for the whole >> options have specific costs right >> yeah these

127options have specific cost this this cost is based on a percentage of the total cost of construction not soft cost so construction only um then the not to exceed was related to the budgets for the three options this is related to actual cost there will be actual costs depending on the size on the spot. Do we know what the actual cost of option three, the RFP response that we're approving? Now, >> the actual cost for this contract is $786,500 at 13 uh at a $13 million budget, which is the construction cost part portion of the budget of $18.4 million. >> $786,000, you said? >> Yes. All right. Um, Madam Secretary, could we have a roll call vote, please? >> Mr. Tate, >> yes. >> Mr. Halgo, >> yes. >> Mr. Roosevelt, >> yes. >> Mr.

128Hickey, >> yes. >> Miss Polly, >> yes. >> Miss Oi, >> yes. >> Miss Khan, >> yes. >> Miss Stone, >> yes. >> Miss her? >> Yes. Thank you. Item D. I move to approve the agreement with Boil Construction for the Chancellor Center Renovations Construction Management Design Services option three subject to solicitors review and audit. >> Miss Rap, what's the total for this contract? >> The total for this contract is uh $424,500. Um, I would say that there is additional cost should the project take longer than um than is projected of uh 28,500 per month. I think we need a second. >> Second. >> Thank you. Comments, questions, concerns? No concerns. Madam Secretary, please record this motion is passing unanimously. We move on to approval of New Town Elementary School additions and renovations. And I'll

129make the motion. I move to approve the agreements with Shrader Group for the New Town Elementary School additions and renovations and Holland Middle School additions and cafeteria expansion architectural design services in the amount of $1,246,600 and $346,800 respectively subject to solicitors review and audit. Second, >> Miss Stone, thank you. Comments, Miss Oeki, >> I'm going to ask Dr. Senko, if you don't mind, to just explain kind of a quick overview of uh the renovations and additions, particularly as we talk about additions um at New Town Elementary and and what exactly are we adding there, but also at Holland. Thank you. So, New [clears throat] Town Elementary, um, no additions with regard to that renovation project. >> Go [clears throat] ahead, Tony. Let me out here. >> There there is a small, uh, addition to the

130lobby area to expand that. >> Thank you. But basically, um, I'll use a phrase, I'll borrow a phrase I've heard used before. Basically, it'd be like we would take the building, turn it upside down, um, dump everything out of it, and we would, um, take care of all of the systems in that building. And we have made some headway already in that building. Jess, I know you're helping us from the back of the room. We've [snorts] made some um um adjustments to that building already for the chillers. Am I correct in that? >> Uh, and that would be New Town Elementary. So, new windows, new doors, >> and there I did miss I was reminded by Jess there is also an addition for the small additions for the kitchen and the boiler room which has

131to do with the chiller. >> I should have let Jess answer the question from the beginning. Thank you. Um Jess, is there anything else we're missing on that? If there is, can you come up and help us? Okay. So, there are a couple small additions, but it is not like some of the other projects where we have added on classrooms and and the like. Holland Middle School is a little bit different. That is an expansion of the cafeteria. Um, if anybody has been in Holland Middle School, the cafeteria is kind of a sunken in the middle of the building and then there are steps or or standards uh on um two sides of the uh of the cafeteria. Um, and so we need more space for the number of students that are projected there. And

132we're talking about a six room addition at Holland Middle School. And Tony and Jess, have I missed anything on that? >> Thank you. >> Mr. Hickey, >> the numbers aren't here, but could you give us the numbers for what both of these projects are expected to cost at Holland Middle and New Town Elementary? Um, give me a minute to bring them up. [laughter] >> Can I ask another question while he's bringing it up, >> please? Um, I'm not sure who would answer this question, but I know it's not Mr. Rap. Um the projected enrollment at Holland Middle School, can you tell me what that is as compared to the enrollment when the school was initially opened and where that projection is supposed to be going? >> I can't give you exact numbers, Mr. hickey without

133doing the same thing pulling that up. But based on the demographic study, we're expecting um several dozen uh up to about 96 or more students going to Holland Middle School in the coming years. And and Jess, I'm going to put you on the spot in the back. Do you know um off top of your head when we're expected to see that increase at Holland Middle? I'm sorry. >> Within the next five years, I can get you those um those numbers, Mr. Hickey. I just don't have them in front of me. >> Yeah. And then the only, like I said, the question I would like to see is if that number exceeds the number when the middle school was initially opened. Thank you. I have the numbers that you asked for. The uh renovation, the the

134renovation of the um New Town Elementary School, the construction costs are uh 33,665 and the uh soft costs are 10,99,600. Um based on inflation depending on how long it takes uh it it could be as much as uh 47 47,710,000. Um Holland Middle uh work is uh 9,49,000 9,460,000 in hard construction costs, 2,838,000 in uh soft costs. uh with inflation um it could be as much as 13,700,000. >> Thank you. >> Other questions? Yeah, Mr. Roosevelt. >> Thank you. Um things change and I just want to confirm in our facilities meeting regard to Holland there was a classroom addition. I believe it was six classrooms. But when I'm looking at article three of the contract in front of us, scope of scope of work, it seems specific and exclusive to the construction manager's basic services

135of scope. It does not indicate the scope of construction work. Uh I understand that in some cases these documents are referring back to RFPs. My recommendation would be to actually have the scope of work defined in the AIA contract document as opposed to connecting it to an RFP which makes it a little bit more challenging to defend and or bring up should that occur. Hopefully, it doesn't. So, I just wanted to confirm that what we are voting on here is consistent with the facilities committee meeting that we've previously held last week, which includes an addition to the cafeteria, I believe, the lobby, and I believe maybe six extra classrooms or some classroom addition. >> It is six six additional classrooms. Um [clears throat] and uh so so the this this contract is um subject to

136solicitor review and approval. This contract has not been finalized. Um obviously the the numbers are still going to be the same, but we will have um Mr. Amuso review this contract and and uh fix those issues, including uh having the proper scope in the contract. >> I I also believe we've we're hiring Shrader as the architect. I'm expecting there to be a companion document for straighter that we don't seem to have before us. And I also see later in this document there are several items that are listed as not included at this time or [clears throat] not applicable. So I recognize and I can plainly see on this there is draft across it as I'm familiar with seeing. So I recognize this is a draft and I understand it's subject to solicitor review. >> This

137this is the Shrader Group approval. document that you're being asked to approve right now >> under scope of work. It's just talking about construction manager and their duties. >> Okay. Like like I said, this was we we put this we we we know that it's not final and it needs to be revised. So, those revisions will take place. >> Yep. We're voting on it. Thank you. >> Okay. Are there other comments or questions? Are there any objections? Mr. Hickeyi, >> just a quick question. So, if we move to approve this, we're just approving the architectural design and construction management, not necessarily the entire 44 or $13 million. >> That is correct. >> Okay. >> It's the same same process. >> Okay. Hearing no objections, Madam Secretary, please record this motion is passing unanimously. Takes us

138to item F. I move to approve the agreements with Boille Construction for the New Town Elementary School additions and renovations and Holland Middle School additions and cafeteria expansion construction management services in the amounts of $857,615 and $513,450 respectively subject to solicitors review and audit. Second. >> Thank you, Miss Py. Other questions, comments, >> Mr. Roosevelt, >> just the same ones that I've mentioned. Can we please confirm that this is the Holland Middle School is including classrooms as well? >> We'll make sure that's in the We'll make sure that's in the contract that that that's in there. And it is it is includes I mean it it's based on the RFP. I know I know you wanted to say six, you know, the scope to be more in detail. So, we'll we'll we'll have that done,

139but um uh [clears throat] it it it is these costs include a six classroom addition. Okay. So, the the dollar amounts will not change on the motion that we're considering. It's just more specificity on the details are going to be added. >> Yes. >> Very good. Are there other comments or questions? Are there any objections? Since there are no objections, this one's passing unanimously, please. I believe that covers all of the motions for facilities committee, which takes us to finance committee. >> That's me. Hang on just a second. Let me find my notes here. >> No, Rush. We're all catching our breath. So, the finance committee met um last Thursday. I don't know where my notes are. I apologize. Oh, thank you. You found them. Callie is the best. Okay. All right. The finance committee

140met on November 6th. We had just one item to review. Uh we went over our first quarter operations as compared to budget. Uh there were some nuances related to the state budget and uh new software that this is the first year using but uh generally we're in very good shape and I thank Mr. Rap for for reviewing this. This was a request of the board to review how exactly we're tracking and now with this new software we can we can see that better. Um, I imagine that if we were to have that meeting today with the state budget passed, the the numbers would be different, but um, it is what it is. So, no. [laughter] Okay, I appreciate it. Um, and we have just one one item. Um, I move to approve consent agenda items

141B through G as contained in the attachments to this agenda. >> Second. Questions, comments, any concerns, objections? None. Very good. Passes unanimously. Please record as such. Madam Secretary, that covers finance committee, which takes us to public comment. This session of public comment is open to anything that folks want to discuss with agenda or non-aggenda. Again, let me repeat. This is an opportunity for the members of the public to address the board. We ask that you keep your comments to no longer than three minutes. Please consider the fact that there may be young children in the audience or watching this broadcast live on TV. I hope not. It's our goal to maintain a respectful environment so that members of this community have an equal opportunity to address the board without interruption. While the board welcomes your

142ideas and will consider them in deliberating an issue, we may not and we do not typically respond to comments or questions. I have no one signed up. Does anybody wish to speak? Sir, just come forward if you would identify yourself and tell us what uh township you live in. Uh Joshua Mars, Northampton. Um I'm a junior at Council Rock South and I'm a level 200 at MBIT and a Skills USA representative there as well. Um I just wanted to um thank Yoda and Bob for their leadership. Throughout board history, we had many amazing board members like Wendy Thomas, Kristen Marcel, Ed Solomon, Maryanne McKe, and the list goes on. I am here to thank one board member in particular for all he has done for our district throughout the four years, especially for our students.

143His name is Bob Hickeyi. Bob Hickeyi is not only a board member here at Council Rock, but he is the board president at MBIT as well. Bob Hickey brought homecoming to the table and got us our own dance at Council Rock South so we could call our school home. the past two years that dance has came back. Uh the past two years that it happened, they have both been amazing and us students really enjoyed it. He also advocated for a stadium to be built at South, which would be great for students entering so we can finally have our own games and our own events at our own school. So, I hope that plan is still being talked about. for our seniors. He voted yes to tax rebates and he fought to keep the adults taxes

144low because I can't pay taxes. I figured I would point out a benefit for the adults. Bob, thank you for all you have done. Region 3 and our whole district lost an amazing human being. You were an A+ board member to go to PI. I really thank you for volunteering your time and stepping up and doing what you thought was right for us students and those adults who are taxpayers. While I disagree with some of the things you said, I wish you the best of luck on your next journey. Thank you. [applause] >> Those are awfully nice comments. Thank you very much. Anyone else? No. All right, that'll do public comment. Takes us to board comment. New business. Is there new business? Is there old business? Seeing none, hearing none, we will I'm sorry. >>

145I I just wanted to take a second also and thank Miss Pali and Mr. Hickeyi. Um I think you'll both be be missed, so thank you. >> Thank you. Um I wanted to kind of echo um our public comment as well as Miss Osaki that it takes a lot of time and effort to campaign and then it takes a lot of time and a lot of effort to be an effective board director. Um it is truly a public calling when we serve with the best intentions which is for the better betterment of our school um and every one of our 10,500 students. I want to thank the candidates that ran for school board and I want to congratulate those who are elected to serve the next four years. With that, I would like to thank

146Miss Py for um her commitment, dedication, advocacy, and hard work for our students in council rock district the past four years. Uh we met um when we first ran for this office in 21. Um it's been an honor getting to know you the past four years and I'm proud of the work we have accomplished in the past two years serving as board colleagues. Um, thank you for your support, your guidance, your mentorship and and your friendship. Um, I remember you were the first director I had heard speak publicly in support of full day kindergarten back in 2021 sitting up here in this dis. Please know that you're leaving behind a legacy in helping uh bring full day kindergarten to our district. Something that will affect future generations of Council Rock students and our community for

147the better. So, I personally thank you and I hope you enjoy your extra time with your family and friends. And it was also a privilege to co-chair education committee with you this year. And I'd also like to thank um my board colleague, Mr. Bob Hickeyi, for your four years on the Council Rock School Board. Um I may go as far to say you're probably one of the happiest board directors I have met. Um I can distinctly every time recall um you heading into a committee meeting with your whistling or running into you in the parking lot with music blaring in your car. um what was in many cases long hours of meetings ahead. Um your you know your attitude and happiness was always a welcome addition. Um I do appreciate that you were always respectful

148and courteous as a fellow board colleague no matter the disagreement or heated discussion or outcome of a vote. I wish you the best and hope you um enjoy your time with your family as well and thank you for your years serving as our MBIT liaison. Thank you. Thank you both. [applause] Anyone [cheering] else? All right, we're journed. Thank you. >> Good luck. >> Hey, Jim. Cheryl. All right. Amen.