001Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending our May 20th regular school board meeting. Prior to this and excuse us being a little late, we had much to talk about in executive session. We discussed matters of labor, uh pending litigation, and personnel matters. Let's go ahead and raise the Pledge of Allegiance. Okay, guys. In a tradition, we have uh three lead the pledge students who came to join us, so I'm going to if I can get out there, too, then. Uh I like to introduce to everybody. First one is Allison Reed. Allison. You have to stay there. I'll give you this in a second. Sebastian Jacobs. That's you? Okay. And Blaze Barco. Thanks for coming. Uh what we do every every uh board meeting, the regular voting meeting, what we do is
002we have our elementary kids come. Uh they're going to tell you what building they're from and what grade they're in. And what they we have them do is they have them lead us in the pledge. Uh they get to come and experience a board meeting for a few minutes. They also get a little bit of candy. And uh we get to see some of our kids uh who are just uh outstanding students who've been recommended by some of our teachers to come. So, if you guys want to come over here with me, we want to get in front of the cameras so everybody can see us. Over this way. Lights over there in the corner and nobody will start until you say "Start." So, if you put your hand over your whenever you're ready. We
003take a quick picture? Blaze, will you hold this in front of you? And Sebastian, you hold this. Alison, you hold this and then we're going to face Dr. Terry first and then we'll turn around and face your parents over there, Dr. Terry. All right, we'll turn around and face if there's any parents over here want to take a picture. There you go. Okay, what grade are we in and what school do we go to? First of all, you, Alison. Fourth grade at what school? Mount Vernon. How about you, buddy? Blaze? Fourth grade at Central? And Sebastian? You know that guy in the back with the t-shirt? You know that guy? He can't just let you do the Pledge of Allegiance, can he? Hey guys, let's give them all a big hand. Thank you very much
004for coming. Uh we love to have these guys around in the summertime. We really do appreciate it, but if you guys want to go home, you guys can all go home and take off. Thank you so much for coming. You guys can all Yeah, if you guys want to go home, >> Superintendent's report ahead of time. Uh every year, every quarter, if you recall, uh we have the opportunity through our SHASDA, which is a South Hills Area School District Association. Uh they like to recognize one of our students. So, we have uh recognized the middle school Brent, my middle school student, a William Penn student, and today we're going to acknowledge a uh Green Oaks student. Important part about The important part about this for Evelyn uh is that this is a person who uh
005was was recognized by her teachers as showing just incredible effort, working incredibly hard, and being persevering. Uh she was a student who her teachers had given her some support, had provided her with a couple of tools to get better, and she has taken off. Uh of all the students in Green Oaks Elementary, her teachers recognized her, and her principal recognized her as being the most dedicated, improved, uh demonstrating perseverance. Uh so, you are a special student. So, what I'd like to do is I'd like to bring Evelyn up here, and recognize Evelyn for her hard work and being named the SHASDA third quarter student recognition award winner. There you go. How about parents? You got parents over there with them? Her kids picked her her teachers and her principal picked her as as demonstrated as
006incredible hard work. So, good job, Evelyn. Give her a big hand. You told me she wants to go home, guys. So, Does her brother not want to be here or does he not want to be here either? Is that that him? Next, we're going to do some sports recognition. Uh first of all, just uh we got our winter sports and we get a good opportunity to recognize uh our athletes uh and also some other folks today. Uh but in this case, our basketball team. We'd like to recognize our girls basketball team. And I think some of them are will struggle to be here. But Kaylin Settles, uh who had a fantastic season, scored 1,000 points. Yeah. Means and Sarah. Those two uh young ladies have just made incredible contributions to the basketball team. Uh in
007May, I know everybody has so much going on that they're not able to be here. But I will sure make sure that those two students uh recognize the appreciation of the school board and the public and how they represent themselves to the district. In terms of boys basketball, uh first of all, I'd like to recognize coach Nolan Leary. Is he out there? Not out there, either. Good job. That's who I was really looking for. Now, is coach Larry out there? How about Tyler Basic? And she got it. Tyler Basic also scored 1,000 points this year. He comes back next year. He's been uh he was at a baseball game on Tuesday, so I'm guessing that might be where he is now. And an update is we won the baseball game. So Daniel Spence also played
008baseball tonight, so he is not here. So a big hand to those guys. I use this joke every year and I'll use it again. Uh I guess our high school wrestling person coach's name is Richard Sherman. I know him as Sherm only. Is she out there? Yeah, he's here. >> Okay. Come on in, Sherm. Uh I didn't even know he had a first name, so the joke. Come on up, Sherm. Can I come in? I'll bring him in. Oh, okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Oh, good talk. Good talk. Uh first person we'd like to recognize is Dominic Cece. He's a Western uh fourth place at sectionals and a WPIAL AA qualifier. Dominic here? Yes. >> All right. Warren. Warren here? Yes. All right, Warren's Warren Warren He was uh WPIAL AA
009Eastern Sectionals runner-up, uh got triple or AA Championships third place, PI Southwest Region fifth place, and PIAA state qualifier. Congratulations. How about Logan Clark? Logan out there? Okay, no Logan. Coach, you hold Logan? Geo Thompson. I think I saw those guys. What grade are you? Ninth. Ninth. Uh he was uh section Eastern Sectionals champion, championship runners-up at the W- Westfield double A. He was second place in the PI Southwest Regionals and a PIAA state qualifier. Lucas isn't here? At practice? That a boy. Uh Rocco Thompson. Uh Rocco was double A Eastern Sectional third place and a Westfield qualifier. So, congratulations to him. How about Preston? Preston here? Okay, Preston was double A Eastern Sectional champion, double A Westfield double A champion, Southwest Regional seventh place, PIAA state tournament seventh place. So, great job to him.
010And then how about Zack Boyer? Okay, Zack was also Sectional sixth place and a qualifier Westfield. So, um you know, everybody knows I have a little bit of a a special place in my heart for wrestling. Um I also recognize that these guys did something special this year. I'm going to let Sharon talk about that. Uh but but this is a sport that I've spent a lot of hours in the gym watching my son wrestle and and a little bit of involvement myself. So, coach, you want to talk about something special that happened this season? >> Um first of all, as you may know, uh the scholarship thing that we do to that my friend does, we didn't have any seniors this year. So, we're going to do two next year. I didn't want you
011think I dropped the ball on that. I'll get back going next year. It'll be two. Uh This uh Section championship, uh the last one was in '89. Uh these guys, each one of them had a uh uh a part of it. When you when one uh maybe had a bad match, the other one would pick it up. So, uh and and with that, you know, we were successful to win the win the Section championship. Uh we we didn't have any seniors. We we were three freshmen, seven or eight sophomores, and three juniors. We have head coming up. So, obviously we're we're looking for, you know, to to even be better next year. But, uh uh Other than that, uh uh kind of a special mention like Preston. Preston's a sophomore. He's won two Whip Appeal
012championships. There's only been about 10 or 15 people that has been a four-time Whip Appeal champion. And he's on he's on pace to do it, so uh he, you know, he's uh He he's he's preparing right now for the uh team national championships in Virginia coming up. But uh you know, those guys are you know, they're they're kind of obsessed and it's all good. And Luke Luke Boyer, who was a state placer last year, he'll probably break the uh all-time win uh win win number of wins at 123. I think he's like 108 and 10. So uh you know, so you know, We got some good leaders, some good mentors, some uh Some lead by uh with words, some lead by example. So we have a nice mix of uh of our team that's supportive
013of one another. And they uh We have fun, and uh but we also You know, I never yell, right? But anyway, um I appreciate everything, and uh thanks for listening. Yeah, guys, can we just get a quick picture and turn it over to the wrestlers? Coach Sherman, can you smile? Thanks, Sherman. You can smile. Hurry up. Let's give them all a big hand. >> Okay, last group guys. I appreciate all the students coming in here and and having the opportunity to recognize them. This next group that we're going to recognize is a very special group to us. Board meetings can be exciting, can be interesting, they can be a lot of things. But our favorite part of every board meeting is when our students speak. And and one thing we've done differently with this this
014board especially since since I've been here, they used to sit back in the corner and I thought that that wasn't probably an appropriate place for them. I think that because this board's focus should always be on students, I think that literally we want their your focus to be on these students and see the wonderful things we're doing. I thank them for the good news that they bring. I thank for them for the way that they represent our school district. We're going to lose a few of them and we're going to have some back. So I'm really excited and I just want to thank you. I know these are sometimes, you know, interesting meetings. I think it's good that you have the opportunity to see kind of, you know, civics in in action and I appreciate
015you sitting through there and always bringing us good news and always having a smiling face. So I really appreciate that. So first one I recognize want to recognize is Claire Balog. And Spencer, come on up. Another thing that we have is I had the opportunity to sit down and write each of you guys a letter for myself. Talking about just some of the things that I'm aware of. I'm going to apologize in advance what you're probably going to find here that I haven't included all the amazing things that you've done. Example, Spencer nominated for a Gene Kelly award outstanding artist, correct? We'll find out when. Uh this Saturday. >> This Saturday, exactly. So Alice, all of your all the groups that you're involved with is just incredible. So thank you for that. Claire, president of
016the group. You got some What are you doing tomorrow night? Afternoon. Soft ball. What are you doing tomorrow night? Elite one. So see you there all day. Samantha, you have something going on tomorrow as well at 3:00. Yeah. Okay, good luck to you. And Emma, Yeah. all the organizations that you're involved with just incredible. So I appreciate the night of service was a big success. Uh I know you guys were a big part of that. So uh I'm going to miss these guys. I want you to please give them a huge hand uh for coming to all of our board meetings and the We got to do the picture thing. So let's face her for the very first and then we'll turn around for your parents. I just want to thank you for meeting you
017guys. I really do appreciate it. Reagan would you Paul Thomas. I'll do that. Director balance. Here. Director Cummings. >> Here. Director Evans. Here. Director Faro. Here. Director Henry. Here. Director Hornett. Here. Director Novacek. careful. Director Sharkey. Here. Director Stover. >> Here. All present. Thank you, Mr. Reagan. Voting procedure will be alphabetical with the chair last. At this point, I'm going to turn it over to uh Ms. Turnbull. I'm going to note um some two changes uh from the posted agenda. It is consistent with the agenda as it currently sits um and as had been re uh re-posted earlier today. There are two items. One under facilities, a drivers list was removed because there is no action to be taken. It's reflected correctly in the agenda before you this evening um for the board. And then
018on under 12.1, uh there is an additional position that was that is reflected in the now posted position. It is the grade two grade up elementary um position that was eliminated. Um this is part of the the annual configuration based on tallies and needs. Uh is there a motion to adopt the agenda as currently presented? I second. All right. Director Ferrara seconds Director Sharkey. Any discussion? Questions? All those in favor? Aye. All those against? I think they're all set down. Um I'm sorry, Superintendent Conklin. Yeah. I just uh I took care of my superintendent report. Uh end of the year activities, graduation on June 10th. Uh the board in front of you will see that we've uh changed the board meeting to be the 17th and the 24th. Uh we'll evaluate whether both meetings are
019needed or not. Uh those will be advertised in the newspaper as well. Uh June 10th, we will all be at the high school for our graduation. Uh preparations are going forward with that, so I just want to say thank you. The only thing I want to do is I want to turn it over to Dr. Samala. Uh this is the last of our school presentations. We've had the high school to middle school, Green Oak, Mount Vernon, Central, and we are following up with Dr. Samala over at uh William Penn. I think Dr. Samala is going to talk about somebody we've met already. Is that correct? >> That is correct. So, uh I think I'll stay back here. I would My dad always told me I had a face for radio. I never really related with
020that message. And I think I got lied to. Uh Mr. Conic said he'd save the best for last, but then I realized this morning, I'm the only one left. Yeah. I'm pretty sure he lied to me. Today I want to talk to you guys about something we started. This actually started at the end of the '24-'25 school year when we did our annual PBIS assessment. Um we brought all the PBIS team in and we started talking about things we can do to enhance William Penn and things we can do to help kids. And one of the things that came out, uh Mr. Secor, who is our gym teacher, said he would love to start Partners in PE. Uh Partners in PE, for those of you don't know, are mainly for, you know, we have it
021in the high school, we also have it in the middle school, but nobody had ever tried in the elementary. So, we figured, "Let's try it." Um '24-'25 school year, we have life skills class that was introduced to William Penn. We had nine life skills students. Most of those students were kindergartners, uh non-verbal, um and they were While they were part of the building, we didn't see them like the the regular classes didn't get to see them for who they were as kids. Uh so, we thought this is a great way to introduce them to the building. So, this year we started Partners in PE. My high school population here probably know all about it, but what is it? So, Partners in PE simply if we pair regular ed students with students with special needs. Um
022in this case, we pair fifth grade. So, the idea of Partners in PE is every time they have a PE class, every 5 days, we would have five students that rotated into five fifth graders who would rotate into that class, and they would have PE with those kids. And they went from being mentors to friends. And it happened pretty quick. Uh my you know, our kids our our regular ed kids I I told our regular ed kids when we started this, you're going to gain more from this experience than they are. Trust me when I tell you. I For me, I became an educator because of special ed. Okay? So, that was something to me that I'd never forgot. So, I wanted to give back and I wanted to have our kids our regular ed
023kids experience something like that. And this is a great opportunity to do it. So, again, I just highlight the you know, what we do. It helps all children feel included, active, and successful in PE. It also teaches kindness, cooperation, leadership. Uh you met one of my uh students a few months ago. Um I will tell you that student it completely changed his life. At least this year. Okay? He He was a boy who who had some difficulty and he now realizes that if he lets himself down, he's also letting his friends down. So, he did he he he's a he's walked straight and narrow. His grades have improved. Nothing but compliments from him. And not only him, but from everyone who did it. So, again, this is Partners in PE. Uh what are the activities
024they do? Obviously, we do physical education class. They also go on field trips. So, every month I have 15 partners. All the partners go on a field trip every month with our life skills class. Okay? They have been to places like uh the museum or the um children's museum. They've been to uh they went out to eat in the park just to eat. They've been to They're supposed to go to Wild Things game. So, like all of these activities they go and and I've had parents in meetings this year say to me, this is the first time their fifth grade daughter ever spoke to them about school. So, again, it's that whole idea of getting them just acclimated to the building and and having someone I guess I'm going go with way um with the
025kids. We also do other activities. We do brain breaks. Um so every day around 2:00 we'll have a couple of students regular students go down to the library and you'll see them dancing, you'll see them doing brain breaks with the kids. Um so again it's just a it's a it's a great experience for them. Um and then lastly we do assemblies and you'll see this guy here this is the one that that uh you guys had met a few weeks ago. But watching him walk down the hall with one student in each hand is kind of funny. He's the biggest kid we have in the building um and he has two little ones walking with him and they look up to him. I mean they one little boy that you would swear they were brothers.
026That's how he treats them. So um again just a great opportunity. Why do we do it why it's important? Again it builds knowledge and skills but more importantly it shapes character and mindset. Right? We want our kids to feel included. And we all know everyone here has been to school. You know the kids who are successful in school are are they are part of the building. Whether you're in the chess club, whether you play softball, whether you play football, whether you're a cheerleader, whether you're in a band, as long as you're part of that school you're going to be successful. We know that as educators. We all know that. This is an opportunity to get kids at the elementary level involved in their school to be connected to their building. So what are the role?
027Again I talked a little bit about this but they attend every PE class, they attend um every field trip and then again we do assemblies um and other activities. This is probably the most important part how they selected. So it's an application process. Now I won't let the cat out of the bag but everyone who applied gets into Partners in PE. Okay? We won't turn anyone down. We had 15 students, 15 students made it in. Now the key though is they have to and they had to do this. This was consistent with the with the middle school. They had to do a 3-minute video or submit a written application. Most kids, believe it or not, did a written application. I thought more would do a video, they did not. Once admitted to the program though,
028they have to maintain grades. They have to have behavior proper behavior, attendance, and adhere to PBIS Tier 1 expectations. And I sit and and they know this. If they screw up, not only do they let themselves down, they just let nine friends down. And that keeps them, believe it or not, liking coming to the building every single day. Um and they want to be there. They want to go on field trips. They want to do and I If they screw up, they get grounded. That's what I'll tell them. You're grounded this week, you don't get to go on the field trip. Sorry. And they know next time to try harder. And my partners have really really done a nice job. Um Where are we this year and going into the next year? Not only do
029we have partners in PE, Miss Honaker decided she could use help in art. So, this year we did fourth graders were allowed to do Partners in Art. And we have 13 students who do Partners in Art. Same exact idea. The difference is they go to art class instead of PE. Now, what's nice about next year is I always have I always have a feeder program. My fourth graders who are in Partners in Art do not have to apply for Partners in PE. They want in, they're automatically in. So, it's just a nice opportunity again for them to be connected to the school. So, now I have not 15 students, but nearly 30 students who want to be a part of these students' lives. So, that's all I have today. Mr. Conic said I had to
030keep it under 10 minutes. So, I'd like to thank you Do you guys have any questions about Partners in PE or Partners in Art? And I would like and I thank Mr. Soccorsi for thanking him for I will definitely Mr. Honaker as well. Yeah, thank you. Thanks. Hey, public comment. I know that which is correct. The one we have on paper or the one on board has. We need to get that one. I think that's the one that's on paper. The one we need to have on paper, Jerry. The one we passed out except for 12. Um The one. There's a discrepancy here. You know, the the the one that the board has Still has 10 more minutes. And yeah, one. >> removed 10 one because there's no So, we're going with the electronic. Yep.
031So, we removed 10 one because there's no driver to approve. So, everything moves over. But, you can come to the driver's booth. Um public comment, Mr. Phil Martel. Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Um I will give you a copy of this to admit in the public record under policy nine and three, which is public comment. Um I'm here to ask you to talk about the complaint that Mr. Shrub and I made with some questions that I know you're probably not going to be able to answer. Um my concerns tonight are whether public work was initiated before lawful board authorization, whether private citizen improperly exercised governmental authority before taking office, and whether the January 21st emergency resolution used inaccurate or frivolous language. So, I have questions starting with with regard to Mr. Honig. At the time
032the contractor activity allegedly began in November 2025, wasn't Mr. Honig still a private citizen? What legal authority did a private citizen possess to authorize or direct nearly $50,000 of public work, allegedly? Who within the administration or school board permitted a non-sworn private citizen to exercise authority over district contracts? Did any administrator verify whether Mr. Honig had the legal authority before the work was commenced? Would the district permit any other private citizen, any of you, come in and direct public work outside of public meetings in the internal process? If Mr. Honig did not authorize the work, then who did? Was there any written authorization before excavation began? The timeline. January 21st resolution intended to legitimize prior unauthorized conduct retroactively. Was the project substantially completed before the emergency declaration? Why was the emergency procurement invoked months after
033work allegedly began? And why I think the the resolution is frivolous. The emergency revolution the emergency resolution characterized the building as uninhabitable. If it was truly an uninhabitable, why did students and staff remain in the building? I think we have a number of central teachers here tonight, so you should be asking that question. Was the district willing to expose children and staff in the building if the district claimed it was uninhabitable? What engineering report, health report, plumbing report, safety report, what assessment declared the the building uninhabitable? Can the district produce any documentations supporting supporting this emergency declaration? So, procurement and bidding process and questions. Why does the emergency resolution reportedly identify no quotes of whatsoever, no timeline, and no explanation why ordinary bidding procedures could not be followed? Were any other vendors contacted? Under section
0347-751 of the Pennsylvania school code, what documentation exists showing the district complied with the emergency procurement requirements requirements before authorizing the work? Why did the invoice state a 15% emergency charge when the district apparently waited months to declare this thing a formal emergency? Who approved paying an emergency surcharge before the emergency resolution existed? Why was the buildings and grounds director allegedly unaware of the project until after the work was already occurring? Or did the former board president decide to bypass district procurement guidelines. So, my questions for the solicitor, did you advise the board of the procurement statutes that cannot legally be used retroactively? Did the solicitor advise the board that no individual board member, especially one not yet sworn into office, possesses no contracting ability? The public deserves to know why a private citizen was
035allegedly permitted to exercise governmental authority before taking office, and why the emergency declaration appears to have been created after the work was already done. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. Nardella. Uh next, Mr. Chris Palmer. There were comments made at the May 13th board meeting that were very concerning to me. Comments that referenced the chorus teacher, band teacher, and members of the musical staff. I'm a resident of this district, and I am that band and orchestra teacher. At last week's meeting, nearly $14,000 in a change order was presented and discussed. It was explained by our architect, Mr. McClain, it's for additional monitor, microphone, and camera locations requested by the school district. It was further explained that it was to connect the music rooms to the auditorium for production purposes. To quote Mr. McClain, "Those
036things they've added after the fact, it's not a criticism to them to add those things, but like I said, they are just now realizing how they're going to use the spaces there." On March 24th, 2026, a meeting with me and other members of the music staff, uh we discussed with Mr. McClain McClain, uh as well as our audio-visual designer, lighting designer, uh the details of our new spaces. At this meeting, it was learned that there would only be about 9 ft 9 in in front of the stage. Not enough room for a proper pit. As a result, a discussion ensued with the video audio visual designer. Additional audio and visual connections would need to be made to accommodate the lack of pit. It was also learned that day that the actual dimension of the front
037of the stage is 8 ft 7 in. As a result As a result of the auditorium's current design, we compensate for this lack we must compensate for this lack of space. Hence the change order for the additional equipment. In October of '23, the music staff was consulted on the design of our classrooms. Changes were made but we were never consulted on any details regarding the auditorium, specifically the space for the pit. For many years this district has had an award-winning musical program with a top-notch musicians and kids who have won countless awards and accolades. The high school and its music staff have also served as host for the various PMEA choral and band festivals where our students are recognized at the state and national levels. But most importantly, the auditorium has been home to hundreds
038of concerts featuring ensembles with singers and players from across our communities. Our students deserve to once again have a performance space. One that is better than the one we lost in the fire and that should have been completed before the new gym could have been opened. If we are supposed to be a building if we're supposed to be building a state-of-the-art art auditorium then why is the pit not been properly addressed? Furthermore, if the space of the pit is decreased in size, was there a change order that passed through this board? Finally many high-quality auditoriums are often rented out and used outside by outside organizations. If the goal of this board is to rent this facility to outside organizations, much like our neighboring schools do, with a lack of pit space and appropriate audio and
039video connections, this will not be a state-of-the-art facility worthy to use of our community and the community at large. As a teacher and taxpayer, I have genuine concerns about the functionality of this space. Thank you, Mr. Collins. Mr. Collins, next, Ms. Margaret Morgan. Good evening. My question and comments concerning the general fund budget, page 15, that was in the in the agenda, lists long-term indebtedness. Estimate for 26 was 92,300,011. The projection for 27 is 101,307,70,449. So, are we assuming that there is a $9 million increase to our debt? Is the board planning on another bond issue of $9 million? Is that Is that why this is showing an increase of $9 million? Yes. Okay. So, that being said, and I brought this up in previous comments, I really feel that community's been misled on this
040entire project. So, from the PowerPoint of the school district, phase one funding, insurance reimbursement, district fund balance, money borrowed in '23. The money borrowed in '23 was $10 million. The newspaper article from February 24th, the uh Phase one is being funded through insurance reimbursements, the district fund balance, $10 million borrowed. The ground breaking article, the project is estimated at $52 million with an additional $14.5 million earmarked for other costs. The school board has said most of it will be covered by insurance reimbursements. So, that's what the the community is being told. So, then we now have the 2023 bond issue, $10 million. 2024 bond issue, $10 million. 2025 bond issue, oops, I'm sorry, $53 million. So, all told, so you got 53 plus 20, you got $73 million in bond issue over the last couple
041of years, where we've been told $10 million for phase one. Now, we're adding another $9 million for phase two to complete this project. We are million to borrow the next $9 million. And that's just for the actual that's not counting the interest. The interest almost doubles that. So, we're really looking at approximately $200 million in debt. That some of that doesn't you know, was already previous, but $74 million, double that, 150. So, most of it's coming from the project that we were told $10 million for phase one. Again, I just feel that we've just been so misled on this project and how it's getting paid for. And then, as was stated very very politely from our band director. We have a state-of-the-art auditorium, which is that is how you guys sell it to us. It
042is a state-of-the-art auditorium without an orchestra pit. Thank you for your time. Thank you, Mr. Morgan. Uh next, Mr. Don Straw. I'm going to respond to what I wasn't permitted to respond to at the last meeting, when everybody said that we were on budget. Um there's nowhere that I've seen that um we had a budget of who knows, it's either 72 .6 million or 72. Or 74.9 million. Um depending on what paper you look for from Mr. McLean. And um this is terrible. I asked a few meetings ago if five votes bypass all regulations, laws, and procedures. When we signed a contract with Dave McLean for phase one, it was for $22.5 million. Of that, 5.75 million was for site work. His fees were based on 16. uh 75 million dollars. Somewhere between when we
043had our meetings in uh they were February, March, and April 2024, that was after we signed this contract. The public was told what um Margaret just explained that it was going to be we had the money to pay for it. We have since borrowed 50-some million dollars, 60-some million dollars now. And what I would like to thank people is by saying that we're on budget we answered my question that by vote getting five votes we bypass all laws rules, and regulations because nowhere was there a budget for that amount of money. And if there wasn't we should be holding Mr. McLean accountable for not bringing the project in at the price that he said he could bring it in at if nobody made any changes. We know that there were changes made. One of them
044being air conditioning. I'm not saying that we shouldn't have done it. But the board in full should have voted on it. That's 15 million dollars. We know now that the site work is over well, somewhere around 10 million dollars. So that also increased. So something had to change that the full board did not vote on and somebody had to authorize it to do that. Um the the district as a whole has put Well, I just like to say something on transparency. Um this is terrible. When made your statement last week, you claimed that the um project was $62 million. It's actually $72 or $74 million. So, with transparency, I put a request for information in to try to find out what the soft cost and the responsibilities are. I did everything that was asked. Then
045again, I sent an email to Keith and all of the board. And then I had to fill out the proper paperwork. And now it's at the um open records. And now we're paying the lawyer to not give me what you were all able to look at. In an act of transparency, why does a dumb steel worker got to take on a lawyer? It shouldn't be that complicated to get to get what we should get without asking. He was from Our last public comment is Mr. Don Thornton. I'm going off the numbers that uh back in October, I think. I asked the L what the budget was, and I think you said $130 million. But Mhm. The or they're spending $130 million. The last time I stood before the board, I explained why the project needed
046a truly independent construction manager to protect the interests of the Elizabeth Forward School District and the taxpayers. I commend Jamie Evans for having the courage to do what the board refused to do. Man, independent oversight needed. And accountability. Instead, that request was voted down by Rick Cummings, Scott Henry, Keith Allen, Travis Stouffer, Tom Sharkey, and Ken Honaker. But that tonight, I want the taxpayers to focus not only on what they are paying for, but more importantly, what they are not getting for $130 million. You You are getting a 14,000-square-foot uh gym at 4 and 1/2 million, a 22,000-square-foot auditorium at 8 million, 77,200-square-foot renovation of the existing high school with 8.4 million. An additional An addition of 91,850 square feet for 10 million, and you're paying the architect fees of about 10 million. Even using
047these figures, taxpayers are still left asking where tens of millions of dollars are actually going, approximately 50 to 80 million dollars. Because what we are not getting, we are not getting a new high school. We are not getting uh a new football stadium. You are not getting a new natatorium or Olympic facilities level facilities. You are not getting arts center comparable with other districts spending this kind of money is typically to build. You're not getting major new academic wings, advanced STEM facilities, or large-scale educational expansion that would justify a $130 million taxpayer. What we appear to be getting instead is enormous spending on excavation, roads, parking lots, grading, and athletic fields. A soccer field, despite one we already have, a baseball field, a softball field, outdoor tennis courts, two outdoor basketball courts, and what appears
048to be an 88- car parking lot for all these facilities. And from everything the public can see online, that what Chad showed that he published last week, that everyone can go online and look and see what you're getting, um all these facilities do not even appear to include basic public restrooms, locker rooms, adequate parking. The closest amenities are at the high school, approximately a mile away from the field. At this cost, taxpayers should be getting stadium-quality facilities, not basic athletic fields uh surrounded by extensive site work. That's the issue. The public keeps hearing the phrase within the budget, but a budget created internally means nothing when costs continue to escalate and the district has already admitted that it's borrowing money just to make the payments. That's not sound financial management. That's financial damage control. And
049this is exactly what happens when there's no independent oversight. The clerk of the works, the individual supposedly responsible for protecting the district's interests, I will, is also tied financially to the project through multi-million dollar subcontract. No reasonable taxpayer can look at that arrangement and believe there is true independent accountability on this project. You cannot oversee costs impartially when benefiting from the work that you are performing. The board members who voted to continue this arrangement should be ashamed of themselves. Their duty is to the taxpayers, students, and future district community, not to protect contractors or bad decisions that you make. People say "Vote them out on the next election." By then, the money's already spent. The debt's already will already exist and the taxpayers will be paying for decades for bad decisions. People who live before
050deserve answers, they deserve transparency, and they deserve independent oversight before even more damage is done. Like I said, you can go look at what Chad put up there and look at who the facility is limiting limiting pointing to the $30 30 million dollars. Mr. President, I don't think that is on the public comment. Thank you, Mr. Ford. I realize that we have a voting board in here and out in the hall. Did anybody wish to speak to the individual a chance to sign up before we grab the board. No? Okay. Swan. Special reports. Fuel center. Nothing. 147 students technically at this time registered to attend the center. 147? >> Yes. PSBA, Mr. Carney. Uh PSBA, they have a resolution President Evans, which was sent to all PSBM PSBA members >> districts last month asked for
051increased state funds to bridge the gap between state mandated programs and the money the state pays to cover them. Especially for special special education, cyber charter. So, they're recommending all districts um support that PSBA. I think so. That comes from the iPhone. Is there an actual Is there a res- a draft resolution for consideration? And then we can we can take a look at that and and have it ready for you next month. Thank you, Mr. Carney. I'll just really quickly on PSBA, there's also an opportunity for any board member there. We can send as many as two to the delegate assembly. We talked about advocacy and working with PSBA. So, if anybody's interested, please let me know. That's due by June 26th of this year, so. Anybody interested, please see Mr. Carney. Very good.
052Uh SHASDA, Mr. Henry. I think there were four. Uh I just want to recognize you again, Evelyn Dority. You did a fantastic job. We appreciate that SHASDA is uh making this opportunity That's how she made Thank you for that. She's so proud. So, thank you, Mr. SHASDA, for that. Our students. I got my phone half the screen, so I come up and try to fix a pool pump so I can relax right? All right. Hey, so a couple of weeks ago the green team donated their time, their school time, to cleaning up the stadium. They brought trash bags, rakes, and gloves and cleaned up all the trash under the bleachers, which was pretty bad. So, it was good that they did that. And then, Leo Club clean out. On April 25th, the Leo Club held
053their annual clean out or clothes donation drive. Items were donated to St. Vincent de Paul. Leo Club members dodged raindrops and assisted in unloading cars filled with donations. Proceeds from the donation drive will be used for various community service projects next school year, including things like bus driver appreciation gifts, projects for the Ronald McDonald House, and donations to local food banks. The International Foods classes went down to the Strip District last week on a field trip, where they got a tour while stopping at many different food places to try different cultures' foods. Some of the foods that they tried were different types of cheeses, chips and salsa, donuts, and pepperoni rolls, and those are just a few of the foods that they tried. Softball have finished their regular season games by winning their section. Um,
054on Tuesday, we won our first round playoff game against Mary 8-4, and we will be playing tomorrow against Hampton for our semi-final game, which if we win, we'll head off to the Westfield championship. Baseball has also finished their regular season games by winning their section and they won their first round playoff game against West Mifflin 5-1 on Monday and they just won again tonight 4-3. So, they'll be moving on to the WPIAL championship on Tuesday. Last week, Ryder Jarvis, Meadow Walton, Elena Wafle Tot, and McKenna Bitner all went to the WPIAL championships. McKenna Bitner placed sixth at discus and she also placed fourth in shot put. And Elena Wafle Tot placed third in the 400 meter dash. And they're both going to states at Shippensburg and Elena's also going to the New Balance Nationals, which
055is really big. Students in Miss Dushack's and Miss Dubinsky's classes created their own Matisse-inspired underwater canvas pieces. These two teachers received a grant from the Agency by Design to purchase two kid-friendly charm saws so the students could complete their projects. Members of Miss Cartelli's creative writing class, Shania Gouter, James Gyle, and Heriah Scanlon competed in the WPCTE's Slam Poetry Competition at Beaver Area School District on April 9th. Shaniah earned honorable mention for her poem My Hair in competition with students from several secondary schools in Allegheny, Beaver, and Westmoreland County. The EF Future Ready Leaders group sponsored the second annual career day at the high school on March 27th, which included both career fair and guest speakers in classrooms. 50 different employers and over 60 professionals attended and talked with students individually and in small groups.
056Heidelberg Materials visited Miss Dushack's construction class to guide students in mixing and pouring concrete in the molds. During the visit, they discussed volume, materials, and finishing techniques. These students are currently repairing and painting benches for the Sisters of Divine Redemption on Rock Run Road. So, April 9th through 12th, the high school musical program put on their performance of Prince of Egypt. Uh the two-act musical is inspired by another animated film based around the Bible book of Exodus. If you've ever seen it, if not, it's really good. You should watch it. Um their performance was greatly received by the community with returning community members buying multiple tickets and also multiple show sold-out shows. This year the music the musical program was nominated for several Jean Kelly Awards. Um including musical budget three, outstanding vocal ensemble, outstanding
057dance ensemble, outstanding student or scenic design, outstanding lighting design, costume design, um and outstanding senior artist, which Spencer Callahan. And a special shout-out to Emerson Henry who got uh singular nom for supporting actress, and that's really big if you don't know. But, and then a few months ago, we had our PA SC conference and some members of SGA and the eighth grade student council attended the Region B PA SC conference at Deer Lakes High School on April 7th. Students participated in workshops and enjoyed the message of keynote speaker and former Pittsburgh Steeler Charlie Batch. SGA members Tommy Furst and Haley Le Blanc presented their own workshop on public speaking to two groups of students from several local schools. For Teacher Appreciation Week chair, Izzy Isbur with other members of SGA decorated school with superhero themed
058stickers and signs. Teachers were also treated to breakfast and that morning. And later in the day Izzy delivered bundt cakes to all of the teachers. Leading up to the week, members of SGA and the student body took the time to write thank you letters to the faculty and staff as well. It was a great time to take a moment and reflect on how vital our staff is to students everywhere. So, in Ms. Misuraca's AP bio class recently uh the students recently had a gel electrophoresis lab in which they utilized tools such as micropipettes, gels, etc. that were all bought by the district. And in the lab, they learned how to interactively learned interactively how doctors and scientists study and measure repeating genes. The lab not only helped the AP students better understand the process of
059gel electrophoresis, but it also gave them a view into how college labs and just general lab settings in the real world real world work, allowing our students to get ahead of the curve in collegiate classrooms. And then on March 26th, Honors English 12 held their annual Canterbury Tales storytelling contest. After creating their own characters and stories, the students competed in a contest hosted by Ms. Weems. Characters ranged from ballerinas and singers to bakers and clowns. After listening to all of the amazing tales, the students voted for the best story, which was Macy Rankin, the dragon slash fruit critic in the middle. Uh and she walked away with the prize. Um all of the students in the AP research course presented their final projects to a panel of teachers on April 27th. Each student created their
060own research projects and went with their own interests, had their projects evaluated by an internal review board of EF staff, then carried out their projects. Their work culminated in 20-page paper, presentation, and defense, and will hopefully hopefully result in each student obtaining credit for the course through the college board. They will receive their results in July. Both the Spanish Honor Society and the National Honor Society inducted their new members, which are all members of the junior class. The Spanish Honor Society induction was held in the high school media center on May 12th and also honored seniors that have been active in the society. The National Honor Society induction was held in the middle school auditorium on April 15th. Um this past month Interact, in preparation for Mother's Day, sold flowers potted in mugs during lunch
061periods. Later that week, members of Interact potted the flower mugs and wrapped them for delivery. In a few weeks, members of Interact volunteered to do road cleanup along the high school. TSA completed competed at the Technology Student Association April 22nd through 25th. Students competed in various STEM events. Honorable mentions are the audio podcasting team who made it to the top of the event, as well as the battlebots team who used money from various local sponsors to build a robot that competed in a tournament. The school chapter was represented by Taylor Kennedy and Maggie Douglas as voting delegates and Edward Denney as president. The EF indoor guard and indoor percussion teams competed in Wildwood, New Jersey during the first weekend of May. They put on a performance themed around Beauty and the Beast and played to
062the song Beauty and a Beat by Justin Bieber. Their performance was amazing and they are excited to go back to Wildwood and compete next year. Ninth graders Ava Landrum, Macy Anthony, and Natalie Tomko along with some of our middle school musicians represented EF at the PMEA PMEA junior high high district band in early May. The high school band and choir ensembles also performed their spring concerts on May 14th. These concerts included several senior soloists performing at their last EF show. Junior Elizabeth Blazer was the first EF student to present her global scholars project. The global scholars project, started at the high school by Miss Thurston, is a way to provide high school students with the opportunity to develop global awareness and citizenship by selecting interdisciplinary activities that prepare them for today's global economy. The annual
063Camp of Champions took a different approach with a new flag football incentive rather than a tradition rather than the traditional stations. There were four schools and over 200 kids present. It is called Unified Flag Football with the help of Special Olympics. The Steelers donated some flag football equipment and sent mascot Steely McBeam to represent. 10 local businesses donated to help supply the food including Dog House Diner, Foxes, Mama Pepino's, Inferno Pizza, Central Coffee Shop, and more. Students definitely enjoyed this day and it's something they look forward to every year. SGA held their annual EF Night of Service on May 6th in the high school cafeteria. The event topped last year's with over 100 attendees, 10 service projects, and nine student organizations in attendance. It was organized by junior project chairs Brooklyn McPherson and Abby Michaels.
064Students packed 750 bags for Operation Troop Appreciation, 45 bags for teen students at Western Psychiatric Private Academy School, 15 blankets for Ronald McDonald House, 90 bags for seniors at Oasis Senior Centers and others. They also made 40 bags for chemotherapy patients, 150 cards for first responders in the community, and collected four boxes of food for the local food bank. The annual EF Tribe Trot had 25 participants and raised $350 to go towards Life Skills Kiddos and Club 136 for field trips and upcoming events. Dr. Harold broke his personal record. Pennant ice was available and snacks and waters were also on hand. Participants could either run or walk. Georgetown Center at Pleasant Hills was decked out in the theme of old Hollywood glam for the junior prom held on May 16th. Prom court included Luca Valerio,
065Macy Smith, Aaron DeGennero, DeGennero, Lauren Alvarez, Spencer Callahan, Dolce Ochap, Luke Holdren, Kaylin Sebold, Dominic DeNunzio, and Madison Segelsky, Luke Boyer, and Gianna Valerio. Spencer and Dolce were crowned king and queen. Several of our students also attended the Partners Prom on May 7th. Breanna Drury was crowned queen at that prom. And that's all we have. If I could just make one big comment, again, I want to thank these students personally for coming and bringing us good news. The other thing I want to mention is when you look at all these organizations or all these events, there's an adult behind every one of them, a sponsor, most typically a teacher in our district or some other staff employee. But, I want to thank them for making all these things possible for our kids. So, thank you
066for that. In terms of uh the Night of Service, uh Dr. Spiegel informed me that we will be uh we the Night of Service, they will be recognized for their work because one of the things that we dropped off were bags for chemo patients at the UPMC Hillman uh Cancer Center. So, what's going to happen is they have a Facebook Dr. Spiegel, I didn't see it up yet, but They She said today, but they don't have it up in time. Okay. So. >> Okay. Uh uh what we have to once that thing gets posted on their Facebook page, we'll put a link on our Facebook page. Uh and I understand that those things are have a real value to those folks who are struggling right now. So, thank you for doing that and thanks to
067all the adults who helped. Thank you. That's all I have. Thank you. All right, we're going to move into the voting portion. Secretary's report. Items 6.1 and 6.2, can I have a motion? I move. Motion Director Ferrara. Second director Sharkey. Yes. All right. Do we have any further discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Against? Aye. Motion carries. Section seven, treasurer's report, Mr. Bellin. Yeah, the treasurer's report for March of 2026. Uh beginning balance $250,323.91. Total cash receipts $5,053,783.86. Uh total disbursements $4,062,330.87. With an ending balance of $1,241,776.90. Thank you. Item 7.1 and 7.2, can I have a motion? Motion. Second. Director Sharkey, second by director Cummings. Do we have any questions? All those in favor? Aye. Against? Aye. Motions carried. Section eight, finance and technology. Item 8.1. Can I have a motion? Motion. Second. Director
068Sharkey. Second by director Cummings. Do we have any questions? I have a couple. Order. Um on the PowerPoint presentation, slide 10 to be exact, it says school real property taxes and assessed valuation. It says that the equity index of the tax increase to the index, they bring in a little more than 1.103 million new school property But then when you go down to and I kept inserting slides by accident. So, I think it's 12 slide 12 the revenues slide. Real estate tax increase index it's it's only stating 953 million. So, I was just wondering what that Well, that's the 1.1 million is the increase over this year's actual. The 900 some thousand is the increase over last year's budget. Okay. And then Is there anywhere where we've looked at budget cuts across departments, you know,
0695% whatever? You know, we I know athletics went way way over budget last year. I don't have the line items of all of those. What did we do with athletics for 26-27? Did they get an increase because they went over? Have we told them to cut like Athletics actually told them to cut. Okay. Okay. So, are >> is less than the increase that was there this past year. Okay. Are there unilateral cut requests across the board to all departments for the so what percent? There's not unilateral cuts across the board by any percent, but there were specific cuts based on opportunities. And re-organizations. I don't know if Cliff you want to talk about that more. Yeah, just some staffing things. I know that we talked about that as a board some of those opportunities we
070had with some retirements and some uh to make some changes there. Examples like we just talked about with the athletics they were told that since they've been over have to cut. So, we really looked at those that have been increasing on a regular basis. That means with all the departments, principals at building levels are looking for opportunities to cut the one that So, we've all been really scrutinized it pretty heavily with Mr. Ray. So, how do you without giving a flat number, how do you what exactly do you base it on? We just have those conversations about what things have the least impact on kids. Things that will be you know, they do wish with you know, the administration really feel like I've heard that over the last couple of times with the traditional coordinator.
071We re-evaluate those in every case. At the high school, I think you'll see out there there are some eliminations. We'll have conversations with those folks that and how we staff those places positions by ourselves. Those are the conversations >> No, I'm I'm not looking at staffing so much as Yeah, well, that's 80% of your budget. >> It is and then there's another Okay, thank you. It's not a lot of things that I discussed, especially with Allen and Pete. Got us to a point of getting those numbers Where we where we got to I still have further ideals. I mean, I'm looking at freezes. I'm looking at travel being stopped. I'm looking at I mean, I can read you athletics are over budget, hiring freeze across the board, freeze all district travel, free or not transportation,
072pull the bus routes, average daily ridership, check that. Uh courses with little to no participation, we need to take a look and cut those. Um I've I've also and this may not go well with people with this table, I've asked for I've made it known that I would like the administrative and act 93 freeze on those pays. We're in a bad time right now. Um I think that's a lot of avenues that as a top manager in this position, you have to look at some of the things that I'm not bringing up or some of the things I already put in place to get us into that that number. We're not in a good position at this moment from what I see and I think we need to further look into this budget and I
073think we need to cut, freeze, and slash even more. That's how I feel. I just thought everybody I think there's a couple of new board members on that the adoption this is just a proposed budget. This is just to stay on the timeline. This is no way indication supporting the budget. What about the I mean this would be made public? Correct. What uh they'll be had put out. When it's adopted this will be the version that the public would would then also review and my comments on um in all likelihood in next month's meeting the district has an obligation board has an obligation to to adopt a budget by June 30th. So that's that's kind of what we're we're up against um in terms of statutory timelines and and things can change in this budget
074between this point in time should the should the board adopt this as the proposed final budget and the time where you actually vote and approve a budget and a related millage rate. Any further discussion? The motion was by Mr. Sharkey seconded by Mr. Cummings. All those in favor? Against? Motion carries. Item nine education and grants 9.1 through 9.7. May I have a motion? I'll move. Director Sharkey. Uh Director Balance? Yes. Okay. Any questions? All those in favor? Against? Motion carried. Section 10 would be 10.1. Facilities and transportation 10.1 through 10.8. May I have a motion? I motion. Director Sharkey. Second Director Cummings. Do we have any discussion? Yeah, I want to talk about what is now library. Yes. Okay. Um first of all, thanks to you Mr. Thomas for coming and explaining all of that.
075Mhm. Um that was very helpful information. I'm curious. When we talked about it in the committee of the whole, the response was that it was what the band director or the music department wanted. Um it seemed they were under the pressure the impression that they had a larger space between the stage and the front row. And I know that there were meetings. Did that change? Did Did the Did the prints change? Was there a misunderstanding? Cuz I I'm a little surprised that there is this room in the new auditorium for the orchestra. >> Yeah, and we did. We brought, you know, and Mr. Thomas was a part of that. This is my line. I dropped the line. We're part of those meetings in October when the initial design was shared with McClain, the folks from
076Pittsburgh Stage and the school. So, those conversations happened then. Then it goes to the Mr. McClain and then the final product comes. And we had a meeting again recently, probably within the last month. We can talk about that just to make sure where those things have changed since that. So, so what happened is they're all pretty good in their own right by the architect, which are feasible and Mr. Klein is not here today. But there are things that are feasible about requests that are made and so forth. But some of those things are just not in final plans. As a feasibility, besides the auditorium and things like that. So, and is there a budget for it as well? So, is there any way that this because this set up seems a little hokey, you know,
077to have I I if if I had a child in the orchestra in a musical, and that's what we do. We get nominated, you know, eight times every year. Um, to go to see the musical and my child's in a classroom somewhere else, that's unfortunate in a state-of-the-art auditorium. Is there some way these can be if if there are seven months that can be done instead of five months Just in terms of the musical, this architect this year I can speak for this year was not was not comprised of students. That after Mr. Mr. Thomas That is correct. So, they were not comprised of students who were in the play. It was folks who were adults. So, it's not a student orchestra. We will be putting it back. So, there are we I can explore
078options with Mr. You know, there is the option we talked to I talked to Mr. Klein about this. There is the option to remove seats. I know in the auditorium in the middle school there were some some accommodations made where the first couple of rows weren't used to make more room for those so they could be out there near the stage. So, we can I definitely have, you know, look into that maybe by removing seats. Well, let me ask but we don't have student orchestra or is So, you're talking I'm just saying talking about the orchestra this year was not comprised of students. And again, Mr. Thomas, you correct me if I'm wrong. No, you're correct. Okay. It was not comprised of students in the musical. It was adults. Has it ever been comprised of
079students? I I don't not in my not in my Yeah, and I've been here for Mr. Scott, Mr. Henry, yeah. Since were you talking? Yeah, I mean, the last I would say four or five years it's been professionally efficient. Um my understanding is that they don't like to try to fit the band and the orchestra. They typically have those on stage. We've never had a traditional orchestra pit like Thomas Jefferson does. Um so you know, I'm in favor of looking at maybe having some seats removed if that's possible to accommodate um a live orchestra pit. But you know, the people that I've talked to is if we can accommodate technology they can they can accomplish the same type of experience with the professional musicians during the musical. So, ideally if you have more space, that
080would be great, but I think this was a fix that was a kind of a and then you gather that was the decision that was made. Um whether or not Mr. Thomas or Dr. Byron were consulted, I can't speak to that with the meeting, but nobody would ever think to put students in a room for the program. Inside of the thing with the pit, they would always be on stage. That would be the That would be the anticipated outcome for our student orchestra strings and and bands. Thank you, Mr. Henry. I will I will talk to Mr. McClain further about options. He talked to me about how Yeah. I know the Baldwin High School in Charlotte pit afterwards it was it was rather expensive. We had that discussion a couple days ago. Do you have
081any opportunity to get any Have you talked with Mr. McClain or No, we haven't figured this out. He He wanted to ask the director of sports if he wants to look at the pricing and kind of look at those options, but then his option was removal of the first couple of rows of seats. It would give more room for the orchestra to be out The pit The only thing is that that floor does it has an increase in slope. So we have to address Was that in the original? It was never an angle plan that was designed. So the wiring wasn't either though. So what was the plan to have the music in the auditorium? I could talk to Mr. McClain he sent those meetings so I could talk to him about it. Okay, because
082if this wasn't part of the plan I mean it that we have to change order so that wasn't part of the plan either. What was? >> Then then like I said we've accommodated those things in the current with without a typical pit in the middle school auditorium. We didn't have a pit in the high school auditorium in the original high school auditorium. So I think that you know the accommodations that were made in the past were fine. We talked about moving it to a different room but those are conversations that came from the meeting anyway. Grand audio Mr. McClain and then and the people like the other folks in the meeting. I think some of the confusion here too might be the fact that the the band that will be playing professional musicians that will
083be playing this is for the wiring is for them to be seen on screen out front not them to be heard in the facility. Right now with the way it's designed them playing where they're playing can be heard in the facility they just can't be seen. So now with this new wiring and TVs it makes it so that you can see the professionals playing the instruments. It has absolutely nothing to do with the kids. >> are still on stage performing and they could and the folks in the in the in the other room would be able to see the stage and what's happening on the stage as well. That that happens in other schools a lot where they have a TV so there's a visual representation. But it was an afterthought in our design. But
084we thought that we would accommodate with the space that we had. Believe that was with Mr. White's idea that we would have accommodated with that space that we had like we do with the other school. But what you can still not get that clarified. I'm just replying. I can't write an answer for you. What do we do in the inner realm with this change order? We don't want to spend I mean spend $14,000 to have it wired if that is away. 3 minutes late. I would so say yeah, I would have approved of running the wire and just because it's behind the wall. And then also I just wanted to note on 10-1 it does read that it says a decrease a change order which is a decrease of 30,000 but it is a net
085decrease. Um it is an increase in um 60,000 spending it would have otherwise been a decrease of 90,000. So I just think it's necessary to It's a net. >> Clarify that. It is a net amount increase not a decrease. >> Yep. Anything further? The motion was by Director Sharkey. Seconded by Director Cummings. All those in favor. Aye. >> Aye. Against. I'm opposed to 10-1 with 4. And 1 to 10-4. I'm opposed to 10-4. And 1 to 10-4 Director Flowers is opposed. 10-4 Director Balog is opposed. I'm opposed to all. I'm opposed to all of them as well. And 1 to 10-4. The motion still carries. That's it for the minutes. I have Mrs. Ferrara opposed to all. Mrs. Ferraro opposed to 10-1 through 10-4 along with Mr. Novesky and Keith Balan 10-4 only. Right. Director
086Novesky, were you opposed to all or just 10-1 to 10-4? 10-1 to 10-4. Thank you. Thank you, Director. No, wait a second. There's two Yes, 10-3. I'm sorry, 10-3. Thank you, Sharon. 10-3. Director Novesky? Are you opposed to the paper? Yeah. Can we move forward? Personnel. It's 11-3, Director. Request to separate item 11-3. So, we'll take 11-1, 11-2, and 11-4. May I have a motion? Motion. Director Ferraro. Second. Second. Director Stover. Any questions? All those in favor? Aye. Against? Aye. One against. Item 11-3. What did he say? Yeah, okay. I got it. No. All right, just to clarify, you're voting yes, just a little bit delayed. Oh, okay. That's okay. That's okay. That's okay. Thank you, Director Ferraro. Thank you. Motion is good. 11-3. Elect the following substitute school safety officer for 2026-2027 school year
087at $27 per hour and standard child as presented, no health benefits pending receipt of drug testing, pending receipt of the lethal weapons training act. And I have a motion. Motion. Motion director Farrior. Second. Second director Stover. Do we have any discussion? Based off the recommendation of the information that I've reached out to by what I would consider urgent people, I do not support moving forward with this either. I did. I should do roll call at this I would do roll call. It was um 11 3. And it'll be um when I call it's a yes means you're good with the item and no means you're not. Director Balint. Yes. Director Cummings. No. Director Evans. Sorry. Director Farrior. Yes. Director Henry. Director Hornek. Yes. Director Novacek. Yes. Director Sharkey. No. Director Stover. Yes. Director Evans. Yes.
088So that means motion carried. Motion carried. Professional section 12 professional personnel item 12 1. 3 12 12. May I have a motion? Motion. Director Balint. Second. Second director Sharkey. Any discussion? All those in favor? Against? Motion's carried. Section 13, support personnel. 13.1 through 13.4. I have a motion. Director Sharkey. Seconded by Director Cummings. Any discussion? All those in favor? Against? Uh item Yes. I'm going to I need to abstain from item 13.3, item 10. 13.3? Yeah, but I have everything else. Okay, 13.3, item 10. Abstention, Mr. Reagan. We'll get him a form to fill out. I have it. I need to stop. I abstained to get it. Thank you, Secretary Henry. Item 13.5. And I have a motion. Motion. Director Sharkey. Second. Director Honig. Do we have any discussion? I have a roll call vote.
089I. Sharkey. You know, I'm going to table that You can make a a motion to table at any time. I have a motion to table it. I just like to get some more Motion. I have a motion to table item 13.5. Grant the following educational professional support leave absence, employee number 101084, [snorts] effective May 20, 2026 through May 8, 2026. As presented. Leave as per agreement between Elizabeth Forward School District and Elizabeth Forward Educational Support Professional Association. Do I have a second? >> Second. Vocal. Okay, director balance here. Yes. I want to leave. Director coming. No. Director Ferrari. Yes. Director Henry. No. Director Hornett. No. Director Novacek. Yes. Director Sharkey. No. Director Stouffer. No. Director Evans. Yes. Let me take 40 more. Five. Five no's, four yes's. Section 14 EDR personnel items 14-1 through 14-5.
090May I have a motion? Motion. Motion by Director Sharkey, second Director Novacek. Do we have any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Against? Aye. Motion carried. Section 15 policy items 15-1 through 15-3. May I have a motion? Director Ferrari. Second. Second Director Novacek. Do we have any discussion questions on policy? All those in favor? Aye. Against? Carried. Mr. German. Second. All those in favor? Again.