001I'm sure you know I als please remain standing for a brief moment of silence. Thank you. Item 1.1, call the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Item 1.3, meeting announcements. An executive session was held on July 28th at 6 p.m. for personnel and legal discussions. A board meeting was held on July 28th at 7 p.m. in the boardroom. An executive session was held on August 11th at 6:15 p.m. for personnel discussions. A special board meeting was held on August 11th at 7 p.m. Workshop meeting was held on August 11th after the special board meeting. An executive session was held prior to this meeting at 6:30 p.m. for personal legal discussions. And a board meeting is being held just now at 7 p.m. Item 1.4. Mr. President, Mr. Richard Bell here. Miss Mark Bose here. Mr.
002Dwayne Delair here. Mr. JL, present. Mr. Sean Leaves here. Miss Heather Ne. Mrs. Carrie Sitler. Miss April Walker. Thank you. [Music] No presentations. Do we have any public comment on the proposed agenda? All right. Item 1.7. Do I hear a motion to approve the agenda as presented? Second comments or questions? All those in favor? Sorry. [Music] Abstensions. Hearing none. Moving on to item 1.8. Do we have any traditional public comment on any motions? All right. Moving on to item 1.9, reports the student board representatives. Welcome back. Yeah, it's great to see you. First day of school days with each. Good evening everyone. Uh our first topic is about our fall sports. Our football team had their first game on Friday, August 22nd and they played Northern Lehigh. Unfortunately, the team up came up a bit
003short of a win, but the band and cheerleaders were there for some crowd entertainment. We highly encourage all of you to come out to a game this season for a fun game and an entertaining performance from the marching band at halftime. The team will be taking on Banger this Thursday at 700 p.m. away at Banger for their second game of the season. Girls soccer had their first official game on the 23rd and they defeated East Strawburg South two nothing. The boys soccer team had their first game of the or has their first game of the season on Wednesday, August 27th away at Banger. Field hockey defeated Beth Catholic 70-0 in their first game. Volleyball is currently 2 and 0 and defeated Der 3 to1 in their last match. Cross country has also had their first
004meet of the season and they came out very successfully. Golf has also begun their season and they are a young team this year, but they're excited and willing to learn and grow over the season. and these teams are all looking forward to a great upcoming season and we hope all of you can make it to a game meet match summit this season. On August 14th, the incoming freshman class of 2029 and the newly enrolled students had an opportunity to tour the high school with members of student council. During this orientation, there were presentation about how to prepare for high school and how to manage stress. Student council officers gave a brief introduction about themselves, the school and clubs to join. Incoming students showed lots of interest and were excited for their first day of school
005um was today. Everything went well. It was a special milestone to many for many students. Freshman stepping continuing chapter full of excitement along with seniors excited to begin their final year of pickles ahead. In meet the tribe on August 19th was held. All levels of fall sports were introduced to the community along with fall sports clubs such as the VA student council and NAHS set up tables to make the community aware of their activities. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, for superintendence report this evening, I really want to focus on assessment reporting from the spring PSSAs and Keystone exam results. So, what we're looking at here are uh third through 8th grade PSSAs in both math and ELA. Students in last year in fifth grade and 8th grade also took science PSSAs, though those
006scores were not reported as normal. It was a field test year. We simply got percentiles for each of the students. So no proficiency no proficiency rankings in sciences last year. There will be this year. In the high school Keystone exams, we will be looking at algebra 1, literature, and biology results. Those are the three tested areas of the Keystone exams in the high at the high school level. So first of all a simple bar graph of either proficient or not proficient on math PSSAs. These are grades three through eight. When I say proficient versus not proficient, what you what that means is not proficient includes below basic and basic and proficient includes both proficient and advanced. I will also provide that breakdown with all four reporting categories available here. Do you see in math uh
007we very similar to the year before? We're still in third grade there below that 50% but that number a little higher than it's been in previous years. We still see very similar numbers across the board. There is that drop off that is pretty common that happens in seventh grade. Sixth grade scores are a little a little better than what I would have anticipated. Quite frankly, the sixth grade also typically tends to see major percentages drop off as well. This is the all four reporting categories and you see so the blue and the green would blue would be advanced, green is proficient. And so this mirrors the last chart except it breaks it down with a little bit more detail. And you see our number of advanced students and our number of below basic students and
008basic students there across all grade levels. Again, 45% in third grade is is our highest with about 40% 39 39 that drop off in seventh grade which again is pretty much in line with what is what happens in the state. Although we don't we don't want to accept that as an excuse. when we looked into the the data because it's it's not it's not really helpful just to look at how many students are proficient and how many aren't. It's it's a lot more powerful than that. If you start actually peeling back the layers of the onion so to speak and what we what we looked at was okay so you think about that last chart basic is the one before proficiency we are striving for proficiency we will always strive for obviously 100% proficiency is
009that realistic no it is not but that is always going to be what we strive for how many of those students that are in that basic range that makes up such a high proportion of the percentage of of our overall student population was actually within three raw points on the test. And this shows you what percentage of those students were. So if you think about a grade level being at, let's just say third grade was at 45% proficiency. So 55% of students were not proficient, but overall 15% a little over 15% of the entire grade was within three points. of being proficient. Now, what that tells us is if people if our students get three more raw points correct for the test, all of a sudden we're at 60% proficient and advanced. That's a huge
010jump when you start thinking about the range of of of testing results and achievement results. And you see that, you know, at least 5% in every grade on average about I got to do the average, but I would say it's probably around 10 to 12% of our students of our entire student population with three more points on the test are proficient. And all of a sudden, those numbers that are at or slightly below the state average actually get over the state average. So when we start talking about norm reference assessments and understanding where exactly where each individual student is at that's why it's so important three questions gets them into that next range and as a district we're you know yielding much better results then but more importantly for those students they are yielding much
011better results. We move on to types of questions. So the blue bars represent our proficient percentages on multiplechoice answers and the red is open-ended constructed response answers. And so if you look at this blue, our students are actually doing very well in terms of how many of them are proficient on multiple choice items. Where they are not is on the open-ended constructed response items. This is in math. So when you think about understanding that slide before, how do we get those other three points? The other three points are there to be gotten pretty easily quite frankly through open-ended constructive response. Any questions so far? What does EBSR stand for? Evidence-based short response. So that is more of an ELA term. It means that they read something and when they answer the question, they have to
012site a piece of evidence from the text. Gotcha. So you'll see they'll show up in ELA. Great. That's a great question because they don't show up in that. Um, as we move on to ELA results, you see that in our third grade, only 36% of our students were proficient or advanced. And at no grade level did we actually hit 50% proficient advanced. So when you first see these scores and close if they come close I would say this when I first see this and I you know before you peel back the layers because there is some good news in the data there's not good news on this slide I I I do not believe we can live in a society where this is acceptable and that might sound really lofty but if we're going to
013be okay When we say 49% of our students are reading on grade level, that is literally a crisis. Again, when you go deeper into the data, there's some news that that is a little bit reassuring. We can get there. We can make mighty strides in a short amount of time by putting in some sound practices. So I but before I say that I want everybody to know publicly the board administrators we have spent a lot of time with this and teachers and and by the way I do not blame I do not want teachers to feel as if we are saying this is in any way shape or form their fault. This is systemic. This is across the board. It means we have curricular and assessment issues that we need to address. And so when
014we've talked about strategies of curricular frameworks with explicit instruction on learning how to read and then transferring into reading of reading to learn, this is what we're talking about when we talk about an assessment system to have norm reference criterion and criterion and criteria based reference assessments to know exactly where students are. This is why we can do better. We will do better. It will take time but we will do better. So in third grade that 36% only 2% were actually advanced. You see that to me is again those numbers our ELA advanced numbers are generally overall as a pattern lower in terms of number of advanced than math. That is actually rare. That is actually rare especially in the lower grades. So broken down into those four reported categories drills that down. But again
015I want you to I want to look at something that is quite positive here. And this is where the good news is. As I said you start peeling away the layers. Look at the high percentage of students who are in that peach color which is basic. 43% of third graders 37% fourth 45% fifth 54 52 37% Those are students who may not be, as we're going to see, too far off. And so, you talk about lowhanging fruit. We talked about yielding early wins. These are the students that we can catch and close those gaps pretty quickly. In one year, we can get a a good swath of them. In two years, we can get even more. The other thing that I would like to point out in sixth and seventh grade is the incredibly low
016number of below basic Well, even across board of basic is pretty well. It is. It is. Uh, sixth and seventh grade though to be five and two is that is actually there is some good news in this data. So I I don't want to be the sky is falling on anybody, but we have to take an honest look at it. Now, for ELA, we looked at within three points on math, but for ELA, we specifically said within four raw points of proficiency. There's a reason why we said four raw points. About 33% of the PSSAs on average are based upon what is called a TDA, text dependent analysis. We talked about this a little bit at the workshop meeting. It's where students have to read passages and write responses that draw evidence to support their
017answers from one or more passages. This is where we struggle the most. And if you remember, we're looking at AP scores and I noted that constructed responses on our AP scores were some of our lowest areas. It's not surprising if you look back and start looking at third through eight to see how these students were doing on TDA because essentially they're being asked to apply the same strategies of text to comment analysis at a much higher rigorous level when they complete an AP exam. Four points represents the number of points on the rubric for TDA's students and one of them gets scored. But here's the kicker, and this is the part that is critical to understand. It's not just four raw points. It gets multiplied by three. So that one TDA is worth 12 raw
018points out of approximately, depending on the grade level, anywhere from 45 to 55. So I'm sorry, 16 points. It's multiplied by four. 16 points. So that high percentage of the test is based on that one text dependent analysis constructive response. If you look here, one point on that on that question actually gains them four points total. Four raw points total. So with one more point on their TDA, you are looking at the percentage of students who all of a sudden move from that basic to proficient or from proficient to advanced. That's critical to understand if we want to address this systematically and thoughtfully as a school system because that's not actually an incredibly heavy lift. And if you remember, we talked about professional development and text dependent analysis. This is why we're sending two teams
019from the elementary center and from the middle school. And we're going to ask those folks to come back and work with the with the rest of the teachers at large to really kind of bolster the performance of what we're doing during TVA instruction, get some common grading in, understand what it actually takes for students to score well. And so we're following the data in a very thoughtful way in order to improve student outcomes. That is the goal. So here you see the by question type for ELA. And again blue is multiple choice, red is the open-ended and green is that evidence-based short response larger question now kind of goes to that. And you see in most cases the green and the red are below or just on par with the blue. not as much of
020a discrepancy as in math, but the reality is is if we hit those those TDA strategies very well, it will also have benefits beyond just a constructive response. The evidence-based short response is a short answer that has to be written. They'll improve in that area as well because we we're asking students to extract information from what they're reading to answer the questions that they are asked. So to those TDAs, here's a breakdown of how students did across grade levels. And so essentially what you do is multiply whatever number they got on the TVA by four and that's what they got on that whole section of the test, which represents again around a third of the test. Once again, you see a really high number of students in that peach color. Look at sixth grade for
021instance. 118 kids in that swap. So if they go from a two to a three, you're at 83% proficient or advanced in TDAs. That's bang for your buck essentially. So again, not great data, right? We should not be happy about where we're at, but but by by kind of layering this and peeling it away and looking deeper into it, we can find out exactly what we need to do to help our students do better. You can see a path. Yes. Moving on to questions about PSSAs. I don't want to belabor the point. We look at keystones. This is a general overview of biology literature and algebra 1. Again, we're right around those state averages, at least according to other years. We don't have this year's state averages out yet. And you see us at 53,
02253, and 30. Once again, looking at Keystone results, students within three points of being proficient, almost 8% in well, almost I guess 9% in algebra, almost 7 and a half% in biology, and you see literature with over 10%. So those numbers with some really high focus, those numbers could change drastically. And that's what we want to do. And that's why we're putting that those kinds of systems in place to really dive into that student data as it's unfolding throughout the school year and not just waiting until the end of the year and finding out where our students are at. by types of questions. Again, you'll see multiple choice on the left for the three different areas and constructed response on the right. Congratulations to the literature teachers on the constructed response results. That's amazing. That's
023great because multiple choice is kind of easy. You usually get four guesses. So, when when you're up at 70% of students proficient in that area, uh that that is those are pretty those are pretty strong results. So definitely kudos and knowing that our constructive response items at the lower levels are not that strong that means that there was there was a lot of great work done there. All right. So a data informed analysis for each test in PSSAs and keystones. Obviously we had data broken down by standards and anchors in order to help us target instruction. We did not show you all of those pieces tonight because probably eventually most people glaze over when you're looking at too many data points at one setting. Please note though, those are the conversations that we look forward
024to having. Those are things that we're doing. We're working with teachers. Um both both Mrs. Foster, Mrs. Lobbylette, myself being able to go in and have those conversations about what does what does this standard or anchor actually mean at this grade level? because sometimes just thinking about it and having the conversations professionally kind of unfolds and reveals a lot more than what what what we all knew at first. So that's really important. Another thing is we look for those common themes in order to help us strengthen. So our overall data does not look good. I will be the first to say that. However, when you start peeling it back, there there are a lot of great opportunities here and we feel as if we are moving in the direction of getting pieces in place, getting
025training in place, getting professional development in place and those practices in place, curricular pieces and assessment pieces in particular to really help us take advantage of those opportunities moving into the spring of this year. The common themes there are a high number of students scoring very close to proficient. We can get more students across the line undoubtedly if we know that information much earlier than when the PSSA results come out. So that is the key in terms of our norm reference criterion and our in our I'm sorry our norm reference assessments and our criteria reference assessments. If we look at many of our students are not scoring well in the written portion of assessments regardless of subject or grade level with the exception obviously of high school literature keystone that has to be an area
026of focus and it will be it is action steps concentration on text dependent analysis instruction and assessment across grade levels. You will see these next month in administrative goals. We are already taking steps for professional development to make sure that we start having common language both horizontally and vertically across grade levels and above and beyond grade levels. We will design, refine and implement comprehensive curriculum maps in periods K through five that our standards align so that we can see how much time we are spending. How many times do we assess each specific standard and align that to our assessment data to know that we're spending the right time and doing the right things in accordance with what is what is required by the state of Pennsylvania. Implement a system of assessment which triangulates student data
027in order to identify exactly what supports students need in order to improve and ensure that those common assessments are used across content areas and grade levels. Triangulated data is really really critical. I had the opportunity at the opening ceremony the teachers spent some time going over this and explaining why I think this is so incredibly important. So I I thought it was important enough for me to also share here with both the public at large and the board in particular. When we talk about triangulated data and you start hearing about data in education oftent times it gets misconstrued and misrepresented as if we are chasing test scores. That's not the point of utilizing assessment data. We're not just chasing test scores. We're literally changing lives. And if you think about that student in the middle
028of that triangle and those three points and all of them being critically important to the student success there in the middle, it becomes to be a picture that all comes together. You need norm reference. You need to know how a student is doing against their peers because that's how you actually know if you're closing gaps, if you're successfully putting supports in place to get those students where they actually need to go. You need criterion reference. That means against a benchmark. So the PSSAs are a criterion reference. We will mirror that a couple of times throughout the year by giving CBTs which are very similar to PSSA dead questions. And then you also need that local data. Local data is not just quizzes and tests that classroom teachers give. It's behavioral data. It's attendance data. It's
029environmental factors that quite frankly we don't get to control. But we need to understand them. If we're going to help that student in the middle, if we're going to help that student in the middle get where they can go, then we have to have all three of those pieces and have a firm understanding to the best of our ability of where a particular student is on all three points so that we know what the best next steps are. And that is critically important. Again, if if we have the we you know, we talked about this the last time when we talked about APs, I said it's about opportunities. This is about making sure that more students have access to those opportunities. So, we can have every AP class in the world, but if we don't
030have kids who are ready to take advantage of those, likewise, we got every work-based experience prepared for a student to take advantage of. But if a student has if we have not helped the student get where they need to go in order to take full advantage of those opportunities, they're just going to be for the same kids that they've always been for. And the reality is is we want to make sure that every student in our district has access to the opportunities that are best for them. I will end with that and I will say I had the opportunity in terms of superintendent report and that but um had the opportunity to spend about an hour in each building today. Very smooth start. I commend our administrators, our teachers and our students, our par professionals,
031our support staff across the board. I it it looked like we could have been day 30 quite frankly. I was very impressed. Things were smooth. Maybe it was only for the hour I was in each building. Um, but one of the things I got to see was actually kindergarten lunch and I I opened a couple milk cartons and I opened a couple sandwich bags. And I will tell you though, it was great to be in there, number one, but also just a job well done. Kids were great. Everybody in there helping out. Fantastic job. So, I just commend everybody across the district for a very successful, smooth day one. That's my report. Any questions? I have a question. Yeah. At the workshop meeting, we discussed the AP results here. Have we had the opportunity to
032look back into our records and see how we compare over the last number of years? Gretchen is preparing a five-year analysis for you for the September workshop. Perfect. Thank you. Absolutely. Thank you. Oh, one other thing I would do here. We got this a little bit ago. uh Mr. Belts for your ongoing schoolboard service and the long-term contributions of individuals who bring energy, talent, and values to the lands of youth and public education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Honorable School Board service from PSDA. Congratulations All right. Business. The um business office has been working with tax collection over the past month as well as finalizing our expenditures as we prepare for audit. Um we'll have our auditors um already beginning the process um for the prior fiscal excuse me fiscal year. Um as well as
033uh we've started to work through um navigating the landscape of managing our cash flow out of state budget uh as well as u starting to move forward on um expenditures and purchases uh for the successful start of the school year. Great. Thank you. David, just a couple of items this evening. Mr. Roser had asked about uh how many summer students we had from Leighton at LRYC and we had a total of 39 uh various capacities. uh dual enrollment early college were five uh new students there were five returning four category they call guest or visiting which I guess they just go on and take a class or two seven and then continuing is 18th so if we're not only getting students in but they're continuing to take summer classes which is pretty good and the
034other item is LRIC is excited to announce announced that Zoom AI companion is now available for hosts and participants. The AI companion is a digital feature that can help the host with a variety of tasks, including meeting summaries, which is a quick overview of what was discussed in the meeting with key takeaways and action items. chat summaries which would help you catch up on lengthy chat conversations with an automated summary as well and also it can help provide draft emails suggested responses in the chat and assist with brainstorming. So pretty neat thing. I did talk to Dr. Bieber about it because this just came out in the newslet their most recent newsletter and it is really only available for dual enrollment instructors as the host. So the student or somebody that's sitting in on the
035Zoom has doesn't control it. It's all for the benefit of whoever's providing the Zoom to to give them all that information. And I should remind everybody with AI uh the output isn't always correct. So reviewing all content um for accuracy is uh very important to do regardless. So it's going to be a great tool. I think it's just one example of how AI can help especially just assembling all that information. We think at the time, you know, collecting a report, making bullet points and sending that out to everybody. But, uh, yeah, I think it's important to check and I I did a quick GG chat, uh, check on Michigan State's football, uh, prognosis for this year. They actually have Notre Dame on the schedule. So, they don't play Notre Dame this year. So, it's important
036to check that AI stuff. They can get it wrong. But unless anybody has any questions that concludes my report, well uh you know we had a presentation with Dr. Coons and the administration about uh CLIU's opening day which was August 11th uh with the theme called individually united where Dr. Coons encouraged staff to embrace individuality while working together to support students. Um, we also have a short video which is included about the G club which is in partnership with Girl Scouts of America where special needs girls get to attend Girl Scout camp. Yeah, it really looks like they had a great time. She was excited about it. But it was a very nice video and um it's a very nice program that the Girl Scouts do in cooperation with the IU. Next, we were told
037about um Heather Soki, who was honored for her innovation and dedication and awarded the Annie Sullivan Award, which is an annual award. Oh, that's okay. We don't need to watch the full video. The videos are available on IU's website and also on their Facebook page. our students and the countless families who touched. It's my honor to present the 2025 Andy Sullivan Award to multiple disability support. [Laughter] [Applause] When I started teaching, I started working with ESY and I met people at the IU that were absolutely wonderful. And the people at the IU have guided my entire career and this was my own goal was to be a teacher here at the I'm honestly have no idea that I was going to be up here. Um so thank you whoever nominated me. I appreciate it. Thank
038you. [Applause] And she was again um emotional and excited with her career. She had told a story about how she didn't think she was going to be at the IUF first year she was there. She's like I can't I can't do it. But then she found herself missing it before the year started and she came back. So it was great to see her presented though. Um that's pretty much my report. Thank you. Others keep you in. Um we started out the meeting by welcoming Mr. Moer as our superintendent of record in the 256 school year. Mrs. Connor, the new principal gave us an update on the social media page. Our career and technical student has a Facebook page that is run by Mrs. event and marketing students like to follow stay up to date on
039any achievements or happenings that are going on at CCTI. Mr. George gave a brief update on the budget. He does not foresee any increases for the operating budget for the 13th year in a row. Um recognition date has been changed and updated to May 28th at 5:00 pm. that is to accommodate the skilled students. We have the abundance going again that we did the past few years so they don't miss out on graduation. Upcoming events September 4th and 5th are picture days for the seniors. Um, September 25th is junior senior info night from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and October 15th is open house from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This was medical. Thank you. Um, Jerry is normally the library person. She's not here today. So, move on to item 1.10. Do I have a motion
040to approve the minutes of the July 28th board meeting, the August 11th special board meeting, and the August 11th workshop? So, second comments or questions? Um, when I looked and downloaded stuff, the only the special board meeting was online. I didn't look at minutes after that. So, um, I can't vote on it. Other comments? I haven't read the others. They were all online. Well, what day did you look? So, I downloaded everything on Thursday night when it first came out. So, I didn't realize. I just I was looking at other stuff and didn't go back and look, but it would be wrong for me to vote on them and say yes when I haven't read them. Other comments? All those in favor? I abstain. Okay. Anyone opposed? Want to understand? Great. Moving on to item
041uh part two, item 1.2. A motion to approve consent agenda items 22 and 23. Move. Second. comments or questions? Yes, I had a question from Micron J that I would like pull out so that Mac can explain. Are you making? Yes. I think it's important because Okay, I'll take that. I'll second the motion. That's a second. Any discussion? I'm going to basically we'll just discretise these things and take them separately. We'll do 2.1 and 2.3 right away and then just do 2.2 if you want. No, we'll just track through them. So all those in favor changing. I I opposed abstensions. Okay. We'll just take the moment at time. Item 2.2. Do I hear a motion to approve the submission of plan con to close out the project accounting for the elementary? Second. Hi. Um, when
042I went through this, I don't know how many people went into it. Um, probably not a lot. It's kind of boring. Um, I noticed that it lists um a bond on here that says 2015D. Now, I have all the bonds. Um, and there is no 2015 date. So I called Jason because we all know that back then not everything came to the board and got passed in motions like the NEF contracts and all that kind of stuff. Okay. So, um, I guessed that the cash part of it, which I believe it came to like $38 million total. Okay. The cash part of it was probably the ACE grant, which I believe from reading minutes was around 2 million. So, the cash part of it was 1.7 something million. So, I'm assuming that's what it was.
043Um Matt looked into it and we had two bonds in 2015. We had 2015 and then 2015A. And the bond for 2015 for $5 million was for the renovations at the high school and the middle school, not the elementary center. So, I had an issue with that. I figured that's probably what the bond was, but it says 2015 date and there is no such bond. So, um maybe M can explain what he found. Yeah. So what we found was that in our initial submission, so when you get a reimburseable project at the time that that gets approved as a project through PTE through Plancon, you identify the the various funding sources for the project. So these two issues have been identified and then subsequently spent uh for this project and as such our project accounting
044which we've completed and has now been audited to make sure that what the district during this time period identified for expenditures that went against the bond and is now audited to send to PTE to say yes, what's in here was spent for the identified project um you know to PTE um is what we have here and so there were the two issues um that were done in um there should have been identified to be an A and a B that's what we had established with PE and as said we identified 22 5 2015 A and in fact we've uh in 2023 we refinanced the uh 23 million amount from the 2015 from 2015 into reduce the the interest rates uh associated with that. Well, that was 2015 A that was refinanced. Correct. All right. Now
045I have a question for you on that. This plan conjur and the PD is not going to have a problem with the original 5 million bond being targeted at the middle school and the high school. So the bond the the word I mean it's in it's in the bond itself that that's what it will be used for. I I don't know what the legality there is. believe it says in other uses as it relates to district facilities. Um I would have to look when the initial application would have been made at the time to PTE that was what was identified because you've been receiving reimbursement against these bond issues for this project based upon what was submitted to them because this actually reconciles that we get our final definitive allocation moving forward. Right. Which is
046going to be spread out over a number of years. Correct. So the state's already accepted the project, the bond being uh for this. Well, at the time and from the years since the East was built, there were a lot of questions about um the money that was spent. And there's no way it was only $32.55 million. $ 32.055 million. And this probably explains it because it's like an extra 6 or 7 million. So that would be where the money came from for all the stuff we couldn't explain cuz if if you remember Joy and and the PE and Rusty, I mean, you've been here a long time. There were a lot of questions about that. So, I'm assuming and we all know what assume does. Um, it it just explains it. I have an issue
047with it because I think that certainly the public should have been told this a lot sooner. Um, and I don't know if this information would have been in the previous plan submissions, but we never saw any of that. Whether the board saw it or not, I couldn't tell you. But until November of 2018, the public didn't see any of the motions. They only saw the motion. They didn't see anything that was contained in it. So, um, I just had an issue with that because there is no 2015 B. And actually 2015, the bond from 2015 was issued on April 9th. So that one should have been A. Yes. That's where that's where that makes up the original act, right? And and because 2015 A wasn't issued until November, right? And that should have been B,
048right? So and that would have explained it all to me. But I just thought given there there's a lot of conjecture out there about money that was spent and what happened to it and etc. this might be a good explanation for it. So Matt, the plan J financial statements where it says revenue sources referring to bond issues 2015A and 2015 B are accurate on this report then based on what was initially submitted that the intended financing would for the project at that time. Okay, that's to point about at the time nobody realized that that was how it was being set up, right? And then it transpired and again if you already had an A the logic was another issue, right? But as soon as I saw and I didn't see it the first time I
049looked and I went 205 and I called you right away. What is this? And I mean there were a lot of arguments and meetings over the money spent. Um and certainly the uh general public was misled about how much it did cost. Thank you. We have other comments or questions on plan. All those in favor? I opposed. Abstensions. The eyes have it. Item 2.3. Do I hear a motion to approve the agreement between James R. Shaw, psychologist, and the Lake Area School District for school year 2526 in the amount not to exceed $20,700 to be paid from the special education budget? Second. comments or questions vote. No, I'm sorry. It's a contract contract. Even though it says agreement. No, I was thinking you didn't say what it's all about. Oh, you thought I didn't say
050that. Yeah. Drifted it off for a second. Sorry. Mr. Jeremy Glass. Yes. Miss Heather M. Mrs. Carrie Silver's accident. Mr. Richard Belts. Yes. Miss Barb, yes. Mr. Dwayne Delicer, yes. Mr. Sean Leaves, yes. Miss Joy, yes. Right. Item 2.4. Do I hear motions to approve the CSIU FIS accounting package for the 25 to 26 school year at a cost of 42,49722? Second. Comments or questions? This is an in. Yeah, this is essentially this is the fist system. This SC used every day by our residence office by our administrator by just making sure we don't need a roll call. It's a contract. Is it still a contract? Mr. Sean Leaves. Yes. Mr. Jeremy Glass. Yes. Miss Heather Ne. Yes. Mr. Richard Belts. Yes. Miss Baros. Yes. Mr. Joy Delicare. Yes. Miss. Yes. 17 cars. Item 2.5.
051Do I hear a motion to approve the transperfect consortium contract or on max needed basis according to attachment a service pricing? I'll move. We have a second. You can second it. Fine. I'll second it. Comments or questions? Question. According to this agreement for transperfect remote interpreters products and services, it says the IU is going to provide language interpreting relation services to the school district. Why do we need language interpretation services? Do we have kids who don't speak English in this school district? We don't pay for it unless we use it. So if the occasion this is that wasn't explained in previous years if the occasion should arise where we do have one sometimes it's parents too um that it would be available to us and the answer is yes we've had a couple meetings in
052the past maybe four months alone where we used trans perfect because the parents still have English as their first language and we're reviewing an IEP an individualized education plan. Um, we need to make sure that the parents understand it in their kind of federal law, but we only pay for it when we use it. It's not like we're I understand that. I I just have a problem, right? You're in this country, speak English. If you don't understand it, go back to the country you came from or learn the language. Well, but if if they're people that maybe they've been here for two or three years, um they're not going to be proficient in the language, and that's where the law comes in that they have to understand unequivocally what they're being told. That way, we
053don't get sued down the road for not providing something that they thought we were going to provide that wasn't in the So no matter how we feel about it personally, we need to make sure they understand their legal documents. Other comments or questions? Roll call. Mr. Dway. No. Mr. Sean Gleeves. No. Yes. Mr. Jeremy Glash. Yes. Miss Heather Ne. Yes. Mr. Richard Belts. Yes. Miss Barbos. Yes. Mr. Beers. Yes. Item 2.6. Do I hear a motion to approve the administration to issue the attached RFP for special legal counsel for investigations and solicit bids for work performed? So move. Second. Thank you. Comments or questions? Um, I'll comment. I think it's a huge waste of money. Pomedan just passed it. Um, $250 now. Then there's expenses on top of that and everything else. I don't see
054a need for it. It's just my personal opinion. Just just to clarify, this motion is just to issue the RFP. I know, but I don't think the RFP should be issued. I don't think I don't think it should be. I just find it we never had a detailed discussion in executive session like we were going to on what this would actually be used for um and where it would be used. It's just I think the discussions that were had were satisfying to other board members. Do we have any other comments or questions? All those in favor? I opposed. Name abstensions. We have six. Moving on. Item 2.7. Do I hear a motion to accept the following donations? A donation from ladies O a in the amount of $50 to be used for school supplies and
055a donation of various school supplies from ladies OA to be distributed to students. So ask Becky what it means. She knows. Let's have a first and a second. Second. Becky, it is the order of ancient Hiberians. It is an it's an old Irish group. They're located in Jim Thorp and they do service work for those in they basically fund raise. Well, I never heard of them and neither and Becky so it was kind of interesting to find out what it is. Yes, I remember. Are you very Irish? Other comments or questions? Thank you. Big thank you for the donation. Yeah. All those in favor I opposed abstensions. The eyes have it. Item 28 July. There are motions to approve Height Area High School and height area middle school activities funds for July. So second comments
056or questions? All those in favor? I opposed abstensions. The eyes have it. Item 2.9. Do I hear a motion to approve the exemptions from per capita and or occupational tax for August? Comments or questions? [Music] All those in favor? I opposed. extensions. The eyes have it. Item 210. Do I hear a motion to approve the following refunds from per capita and/or occupational tax for folks? Second comments or questions? All those in favor? I opposed extensions. The eyes have it. Item 211. Do I hear a motion to approve the following reports? The density summary, expenditure, revenue, treasures report, and home summary. So move second. Comments or questions? Yes. Um can I ask how many of you actually looked at these? Um did you find anything that concerned you? All right. Now to point out because at
057the last meeting um there was the comment made we have $18 million in the bank I'm not worried about. So note the treasur's report shows us almost $4 million less than that. Um not quite 4 million but this month it's almost 4 million less with the only revenue we've seen come in is global. um because I don't believe there's anything from the state or at least not showing up in the revenue report. Um in the expenditure by object report um I'm a little concerned. This is for last month because what we approve tonight doesn't get taken out of those figures until after we approve it. I mean, it might be gone, but it's still not technically accounted for until after. So, we're always a month behind. In the expenditure by object report, we are five
058already $5,000 over in workers comp over budget. And in books and periodicals, we are $144,000 over. It's 3700 times per 3,700%. Now, it was budgeted very low and I get why we bought textbooks and all that. However, it's the first month and I find that concerning and I think that people that look at it I was up at 3:45 this morning when I woke up because I couldn't go back to sleep because I hadn't looked this up and and make sure I was correct and I couldn't fall back to sleep till 5:00 a.m. I think. And if I had seen it prior last night, I would have reached out But I went through other things and I looked at this last night. I didn't go through all 196 pages. I mean, once I found a
059few things, I was like, "No, this this is enough." I think as treasurer that you need to be a little more proactive on that. I would ask that you do it. We've had treasurers in the past that didn't look I wish you would have supported my vote against spending $93,000 on textbooks. We need textbooks, not inaccurate ones. They're all inaccurate. All of them. Matt, Matt, if there's if we're $144,000 over budget in period folks, periodicals, I think it's page seven if you want to bring it up. Is that is that a is that a coding thing? Yeah. So, we can't do any budget transfers to do any adjustments until for the first three months. Correct. Right. I I get that. So that that's why in the essence of getting purchases through there can be uh
060changes to where grants are allocated to where uh we get state funding ready to learn right all those pieces but uh at this point we go off of what was budgeted. So that's where that comes up. We also have to do changes in distributions based on any technology that's part of our curriculum purchases because that actually gets distributed down to a technology code. We don't necessarily have that breakdown when it's curricular related at the purchase time. We do that um later with our distribution to make sure that it goes to those levels. Which is why I said I understand why it's that way. However, the general public doesn't. And I still think that these need to be looked at and understood and explain it to the public cuz what if somebody from there said, "Why
061are we $144,000 over budget here?" I remember Bradley did that a lot. Um, you know, I have my other reasons and thinking it was done on purpose to keep them focused on that, but um, it needs to be explained for transparency. Other comments or questions on the reports? All those in favor? I I opposed abstensions. The item 212. Do I hear a motion to approve the following payment of bills for August in a total amount of 3,272,780.91? So move. Second. Answer questions. Yes. BL, are you comfortable with those bills? I'm never comfortable spending this kind of money, but unfortunately we have a school district to run. Okay. So, you're you're comfortable that they're accurate because I didn't get through them all. I I spent a considerable amount of time looking at all of this stuff.
062Admittedly, there's I don't know 50 different documents to look at and maybe even reference Well, let's see. No, you don't need to count. There they are. Are there comments or questions on this item? All those in favor? I opposed. Abstensions. The eyes have it. Part three for no item 3.1. Do I have a motion to approve the following job descriptions? Future job descriptions. Any comments or questions on this? We've seen this before. All those in favor? I opposed abstensions. The eyes have it. Item 3.2. Do I hear a motion to approve the following candidates for employment in accordance with the respective uh contracts? We have a music teacher and math teacher, lunch aid, and the appointment of the department heads. I'll make that motion. Second. Any comments or questions? Question. Jason, during the interviewing process,
063was it verified that these candidates have no direct association relationship with the board of directors or other administrators in the school district? It was. Thank you. Other questions? All those in favor? I I opposed abstensions. Item 323. Do I hear a motion to approve the following list of requested communities in the 25 26 substitute list pending in second comments or questions? Always happy for substitute teachers. All those in favor? I opposed abstensions have it. Item 3.4. Do I hear a motion to approve the following requests for athletic coaching and manager candidates as contracted rates pending any necessary paperwork on the board? Comments or questions? All those in favor? I I opposed abstensions. The eyes is added. Item 3.5. Do I hear a motion to approve the following professional development opportunities? There's two of them. So
064move. Comments or questions? All those in favor? I I opposed abstensions. The eyes have it. Item 3.6. Do I hear a motion to approve the following requests for preapproval of courses and programs of study for employing continuing education items one? So move second. Comments or questions? I I just have a comment to make. I I think it's really great that we're getting millions in. I'm a huge advocate for continuing education of our staff. That is the best way to stay at the top of our field. Other comments? All those in favor? I opposed extensions. The eyes have it. Item 3.7. Do I hear a motion with appreciation to accept the following reservations? Mark Mahalik second. How many questions? Very sad to see to see Mr. Mahal go. Certainly is is in my short time here
065I've got a couple conversations with him. Very student centered. Definitely the the a great approach and a a great loss to the middle school and the district at large. Perhaps we'll see him on a future list for substitute teachers. [Music] All those in favor? I opposed. Abstensions. The eyes have it. Item 3.8 to a motion with accept the resignation of the following employees. We have two of them. So moved. Second. Comments or questions? All those in favor opposed abstensions. Part four item 4.1 a motion to approve the following policies for second reading and final approval. So moved. Second. You've seen these before. There are change from the previous meeting. Any comments? So there they there have been no no changes since the workshop. Okay. Cuz I didn't have time to go through them. There were
066a few changes prior to the workshop meeting, but since the workshop when they were public, right, I I read them then. All those in favor? Opposed? Extensions. The eyes have it. Item 4.2. Do I hear a motion to approve the administration to execute upon final approval by the district's insurance carrier the creation of the high school clay target club which will follow all approved schoolboard policies with all events take place offsite and all transportation provided by parties other than the school district second to answer questions. Yes, you're about to and approve to approve an openended and in motion that we do not yet know if there's going to be any insurance cost. There is not. Well, that's the first I've heard of. So, the the motion obviously was written I got this after the agenda
067went out, so I did not want to change that motion. Uh the insurance carrier was able to provide me a list of a comprehensive list of all things that we need to do prior to the actual any any any activities taking place that there is no additional insurance costs. But we haven't been told everything we have to do yet. Would you like me to read them? I'm happy to. I'll sh It's not going to make any difference. It's going to pass. But I'm h I'm h I'm happy to share. Well, I'll show how many actually what most of the things we have in place already um it has to be approved uh and sanctioned uh we background checks and clearances for any for any coaches for each member of the club that may interact with
068students which we that's normal practice we do that anyway and then uh let's see participant training qualifications we talked about this before the hunter trapper education certification or equivalent prior to participating in the club. So all students would need to do that prior to be able to participating. Uh we do have to have a log of that. We have to have documentation of that. We have to ensure that all things will be stored at a third party range because we essentially said we will not store or transport any firearms or ammunition For the club. Yes. Uh cuz we do have ammunition for the school police. I just want to make sure. Yep. Uh we need the certificate of insurance from the club who is hosting all events where our students are participating. We need So
069this one's for coaches. coaches should consult with their independent licensed insurance reps before loaning any firearms to any any participants. So those are obviously things that we need to do. We need to put together policies, a waiver, sign permission slips, liability between the district and the organization where the practices are held. So that needs to be done and they already did a review of policies with the solicitor. So making sure that that all student participants are made aware of specific gun range rules. Ensure that coaches are always present for anything that is actually labeled as a practice or an event. We have ensured that it is going to be a student use only zone that is off limits to the public during that time. instructor to student ratio needs to not it needs to be
070better than at least what the league recommends or better. We've already talked about that one to 10, isn't it? That's that's the highest it can be. One to five is preferred. That's preferred. That's what we want to shoot for. That's what we want to aim for. Same difference. Can't win. I have a question. Yes. Does this um gun club have a designated range safety officer? So it would be at Lehigh Valley Sporting Club. So they would be they would have the responsibility of making sure that all things run there are in line with safe practices. So I assume that they have to have somebody there. And then there's personal protective equipment that has to be worn. So a lot of this is more about what you know in terms of the expectations of of what
071has to happen and we have to we have to document and prove that we have all these things in place and and keep all that documentation on hand. In the event that there is an accident, god forbid, then we would be able to say, you know, we be able to kind of exemplify that we've taken all reason. So, we do actually have liability should something occur. We we don't we don't as long as we ensure that all these practices are in place. Other comments or questions? I fully support having a club that number one promotes the second amendment of our constitution. Number two teaches proficiency in the use of firearms and teaches the responsible use thereof. I'm 100% behind this. Other comments? Um um even though I've been called out for being against this because
072God forbid one should disagree, I have um an obligation to my principles in that I cannot support this because of the number of school shootings that have occurred. heard since Coline. I don't believe that a school district should be promoting, endorsing, or running any club that I don't have any problem with it shooting the guns or anything else. I just don't think we should endorse it. And that's I've gotten phone calls from various members and other people in the community um trying to convince me I just can't do it because I cannot compromise that principle. I just can't. Does that minimize school shootings? No, I don't. It doesn't matter. the fact that we've had them. And I said this before, when I went to high school, the guys came with their, you know, they went
073up cuz I lived on the shore. I mean, you know, it was not a big deal. Nobody even thought about it. Um, but life was different then. And we have all this extra money being poured into um school districts for uh mental health. These kids were damaged with COVID and the lockdowns and all that stuff. They were that's where a lot of our numbers are down because these are the kids that went through all that and they had learning loss and we did our best to correct it. I just don't I can't reconcile it. I can't. But like I said, it's going to pass anyway. So, I'm just of the opinion that this will help situations that children being familiar with firearms and understanding them and respecting them will be less likely to use them.
074That's we shall see. Well, I I certainly hope nothing ever happens. I mean, that is not I would never want to be proven right that way. God forbid. Um, but it's sad that we've had to hire school police. And it's all because of that. And they have to be armed. And it's just my own morality. I can't I can't do it. I cannot endorse it. So, I don't know. But and I understand where everybody else is coming from. That's fine. I just think putting up a sign that says all weapons are prohibited on these premises attracts the nut jobs of the world. I'd rather see a sign that says staff heavily armed and trained. Any attempt to harm children will be met with deadly force. Other comments or questions? All those in favor I opposed
075they abstensions. The eyes have it. Item 4.3. Do I hear a motion to approve the following school enrichment journey requests? Items one through five. Second. Comments or questions? All those in favor? Opposed extensions have it. Item 4.4 motion to approve the use of school property to the following requests. Items one and two. Second. Comments or questions? All those in favor? [Music] Opposed? Abstensions have it. Item 425. Do I hear a motion to approve the disposal of the attached unneeded surplus unusable and/or obsolete property from the district that is consuming valuable storage space policy 706? Second. Comments or questions? Yes. I I believe I saw in here there's one that's um recommended to be transferred because it's not in use in that building. Um I was just wondering about that. Is it being transferred to another
076building or a different use or and I don't remember. I think it was the last one but I'm not sure cuz I read it on Thursday night. I think it's a um HP desktop computer. Yes. Um we can certainly look to do so. I don't know exactly the age of this device until it comes. Well, I didn't know if it was being transferred. Maybe there are any definite plans for I didn't know if maybe being transferred like to donate it like to a preschool or something like that. Yeah. Well, yeah, we certainly will get into I mean, if it's still running and and it's usable for somebody, right? Absolutely. Because I know we don't have computer labs anymore because everybody's got their own device. We do still have labs though, do you? Yes. Yeah. At
077the um actually at all of our buildings, we have labs that students are actually working on Windows devices so that they're getting to know both the Google platform as well as Microsoft platform. Okay. Okay. Some projects require certainly require a desktop as well. Oh, I agree. I have one and I like it much better than my laptop. So, all those in favor? I opposed abstensions. The eyes have it. Okay. Old business policies and consequences. ly you said you were going to look into this for us. Yeah, I've looked into it quite extensively. Policy 317 which is entitled conduct disciplinary procedures. It says it actually directs the superintendent or the designate to develop and implement disciplinary procedures for violations of board policies, administrative regulations, rules and procedures that provide for progressive discipline, including but not limited
078to verbal warnings, written warnings, reprimands, suspensions, emotion dismissal, and or pursuit of civil and criminal sanctions. Whether or not these exist, I really don't know. They're not in policy. However, se several of our policies actually include statements that say a district employee who volat violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination in accordance with all applicable district disciplinary policies and procedures. Can I interrupt you a bit? Yes, please. Um Jason, do you know if there are administrative regulations that have further disciplinary procedures that are not included in the policies? There there are some administrative rights that are quite frankly probably out of date. M where I want to be. So, so it occurred to me if no policy actually exists, how can anyone be held accountable for actions that
079violate board policies? So, I think policy 317 needs to include language that provides for progressive discipline, including but not limited to verbal warnings, written warnings, reprimand, suspensions, demotion, dismissal, and/or pursuit of civil and criminal sanctions. such as and I've actually put together it's really not that long. All work performed on behalf of the LSAD shall be conducted in a harmonious, friendly and efficient manner consistent with board policies, administrative regulations, rules, and procedures. All residents, visitors, staff, and students are to be treated with courtesy, respect, and understanding. Recognizing that conflicts may arise, the following procedures are hereby established. In the event of conflict between employees and an outside party, the superintendent or his designate will at the complaining party's behest convene an informal hearing within seven days of such complaint. A written summary record of such
080hearing will be prepared and the superintendent's decisions will be prepared. The decision will be communicated in writing to each party. The decision of the superintendent may be appealed to the board of directors. The decision of the board is fine if either as a result of conflict resolution between employees or for other serious reasons such as carelessness, inefficiency and subordination, violation of ethical principles, violations of board policy, administrative regulations, rules and procedures, etc. It should become necessary to invoke disciplinary action on an employee. The following progressive steps will be taken as directed by the superintendent. A. A first time offense will result in verbal warning and reprimand with the facts of the warning placed in the employees personnel file. B. A second offense will result in warning and reprimand outlining specifics of the offense. A copy
081of the warning shall be placed in the employees personnel file. C. A third offense will result in a three or fiveday suspension is deemed appropriate by the superintendent. D. A fourth offense will result in the termination by the board on recommendation of the superintendent. E. Any offense due to its seriousness may result in immediate suspension, demotion, dismissal, and/or pursuit of civil and criminal sanctions when determined to be in the best interest of the LD or violation of law. Three, all disciplinary actions are appealable to the board of directors. In the event an appeal is filed, the board of directors shall meet in executive session with the attorney. Four, suspension in or discharge proceedings against any bargaining unit employee will follow provisions stated in the most recent approved bargaining agreement. Now, that's what you personally remember.
082Yeah, I put this, Jason. Yes, we have labor laws and Oh, yeah. This would all have to be reviewed. This is only preliminary ball. Okay. So, this is you're you're recommending that this be added to policy 317, correct? So, I'm okay with your suggestion and I would like to have your suggestion submitted to the solicitor. I think that's the appropriate way to proceed. Jeremy, what's your preference? Um, it's it's a cost money. I mean, I don't know. I'm not reading what the actual policy is. I think that particular policy is just an outline of what other policies should have in them. But I I don't think and I could be wrong. I don't think because of um labor laws and everything else that we can say at this time you get terminated or at this
083time you get this or at this time you get that. And like you mentioned the um the collective bargaining agreement is going to um going to have something to do with that and so does labor law. I think this personally could be and it may not be. I think it could be uh quite expensive with the attorney. Jason, did you see that document before tonight? Do you know? So, I think it would be a great idea. I think Barb's got a very good point on that. I think it'd be a great idea for to submit that with a couple corrections that he made a little while ago to Jason and possibly the board. We all take a quick look at it before it goes to the toy because maybe Jason can answer some of those
084questions. Maybe someone in the office can answer some of those questions before it goes to an attorney. And it's I mean maybe I don't want to spend $5,000 on making those changes. I don't think it's going to cost. You would be surprised. I'll send it to the person who deals specifically. I will tell you in particular A through E of number two is is pretty standard practice. That is so actually the the professional collective bargaining agreement the professional employees collective bargaining agreement actually and I I didn't have a chance to to compare it but there is actually language in there right that might be very very it it it seems very similar to me as I'm as I am rereading this now again as to what is already in the collective bargaining agreement. Um, I
085I think what's what's new in this language is the appeal process and the appeal process would I mean you you you also you also have to have you also have to follow due process. That's I mean ultimately right and and if there's a hearing before the board the person who's requesting the hearing can have it open or closed. Is that correct? They have the right to. So I think so I think the issue here is Jeremy saying let's have Dwayne send his suggestion to the entire board and Jason so that people can have some time to think. Does that sound Well, I would rather do that than just send it to the attorney. Does that sound okay? Can I make a request as well? Sure. Um can we look at 011 principles for governance and
086leadership? I think that have some adjustments as well. Which policy? I said that a year ago that we need to be updated again. Okay. Hurry. Now on on policies and consequences, I know this was another favorite of Mr. Bradley when he was a director. And I'm not saying that it shouldn't be looked at. However, if we're going to do one policy and meeting, uh, we're all pretty much going to be dead. We get through all of them. So, I just want to and and there's some that don't have to have consequences to them. I get that, right? And it's a daunting task. And good luck to you, Wayne. to get through it. I think the most appropriate place to actually have this is in policy 317 where we actually outline what we expect. Yes. But
087we have other policies where you have to list what the consequences are. I mean there's a number of them. There's a number of them for staff as well as students. So why not simply You can't just put in 317. It specifically states in those other policies that this is how it has to go. And there there might be some differing language in there. We'll take a look at that, but it seems the most appropriate place for it is under the policy manual section 317 which is the conduct and disciplinary procedures. And what is all of section three? What is the head of employees? Okay, so that only applies to employees, but you also have this same issue of consequences and discipline for students. That's that's addressed in student handbooks that go but not just there
088I mean it's also in policy script. Yeah. Yeah. So student handbooks have policies outline a framework. student handbooks provide the level of detail that so maybe we should have policies that provide a framework and then have a handbook for teachers and parents and I'm I'm kidding but you understand what I'm saying so do we have other comments on this item right 6.2 to construction referendum policy. Um Jason had sent us uh the wall and uh you know I I read it and my thoughts were that the threshold is is very high. Um you know like a cost per student and you know you can have construction at like $25 million not requiring a referendum. So, um, well, the 32.55 or 30.55 did not require, but correct. It makes me wonder if that 5 million had
089been pointed at the EC, correct? Would that have put it over the threshold? And I think that's probably a good point. Yeah, they discretized it. Members of the audience were here during that time. So, my suggestion would be that I think we should have construction referendum and policy and I think we would just debate on uh you know my opinion if we're doing maintenance we're repairing our facilities I think that's construction that does not require a referendum but I would as someone who's in the construction industry I could suggest something as any type of construction that increases the square footage of of the campus you know that might fall under it um because There are three pretty small uh construction projects. I think like Palmer has a $15 million construction project right now. The stadium
090here was in the $6 million range. I think that should have gone to the taxpayers to decide. I think should they should have left the person that um offered to pay for the whole thing just to get his name on it to do it personally. Correct. I mean that would have saved us $6.5 million. I know I'm so stupid. But um so as board members agree um I'll I'll work on this in the same way that Dwayne has worked on it. If people agree that we should have a referendum policy that the one thing I would ask is that you ask Jeff, are we allowed to to put on a lower bar? Okay. um legally. Sure. Because we could be sued by um taxpayers that because it would be a referendum that they would have
091to vote on which would also mean that it would have to wait until an actual election. Yep. So, so I mean it may not be an issue. having normal repair and maintenance. I mean, maintaining your facilities is essential. We're not talking about that in any way, shape, or form. We're saying if they want to build something new, that's not what Joy said. Increasing the stair square footage. That's new. This isn't item. Heather wanted to extend the environmental center. Correct. That would increase the square footage. Now, it wouldn't cost a ton of money, but you know, I mean, under what you're saying, that would have to go to referendum. I I think there's some need to be some tighter limitations than what the state I'm not saying you're wrong. I told you I lived in New
092Jersey. the people had to vote for them to pass the budget. It was the taxpayers that voted on the budget. And forget construction. Can't tell you how many times I've voted no for certain things. Um but it's not that way in Pennsylvania. I just want to make sure that we're not going through all of this to find out that legally we can't do anything about it. It's a simple question, just a pretty easy. So Jeremy, what's your opinion in general? Well, I say, you know, I think it's a great idea to have a referendum. I think calling Jeff before you waste too much time on it is a good idea. Um, I think if we can lower the threshold, that would satisfy some of the taxpayers who would definitely get sale. Um, I I think
093the conversation is worth having. So, you had a conversation with Jeff. write something up if he says we can lower that bar and hear what you have to say and then we discuss it at the next workshop. I'm fine with that. Yeah. Okay. So, I'll make a call into Jeff and if he says okay, I'll do some additional research and then we'll more uh All right. Part eight. Uh, item 8.1. Um, I thought this was a motion. Do I hear it as a motion? I Yeah. And I requested it to be placed as a motion. Do I hear a motion to censure director Jeremy Glaus for comments made in a public forum? Can I um change that motion a little bit using his director's Facebook account? Okay. Because that was the whole point of it.
094Sure. Do I a motion to censure director Jeremy Glausouch for his comments made in a public forum using a Facebook page called school board director Jeremy LD school board director Jeremy Clash. Do I hear such a motion? So moved. I'll second it. Comments or questions? I would like to make a comment. It's kind of more of a statement. So for the better part four years I've served on this board. First I was appointed then I was elected. During this time I've helped this board accomplish many great achievements. I have made have I made mistakes? Yes. I can freely admit that there are some things that I would have handled differently. Have I worked with the board to rectify some of those mistakes? Yes, I have. The majority of the time I spent on this board.
095I have been targeted with unending harassment. Not only but from a few community members but certain members of this board. Some of the har harassment has been out loud in public. Some of the harassment was done in quiet or done through some of your children to my children which is disgraceful in and of itself. I have also been the target of many accusations which of course are done without the full story being explained. When I received court and sworn in, I do not recall the part of the swearing in that asked me to give up my constitutional first amendment rights. For a good amount of this time while I served, I have refrained from defending myself against my attackers. At the end of last year when I was leaving the presidency, I created a Facebook
096page so that as director I could either answer questions posed by the public outside of the boardroom or let people know the great things the board has done to promote or sorry what great things the board has done or to promote the many great sports and activities the district has to offer. I also decided to finally defend myself against the unhinged attacks coming from my detractors. Director Bose chose not to include any of those attacks in her quote unquote evidence against me. I find this to be completely and totally disingenuous to the public. My comments made in a public forum in our public forum and are able to be scrutinized as well as the comments of those attacking me. Those who know me know that I have never been afraid to say what's on my
097mind sometimes to a fault. But I own those statements and will not back down from defending myself. My director page is not run by the district, nor is it a reflection of this board. It is the thoughts and statements of one of nine directors. I will continue to serve on this board and making sure that the children of the district get the best education that can be offered. I will continue to vote my conscience and will be bullied not be bullied by certain board members or disgruntled members of the public. All right. Now, I'm going to speak up as an elected official. Everybody has a first amendment right to attack you and harass you. I understand that in your official capacity. In my official capacity. In your now stop. I did not harass you or
098attack you. I only tried to correct you and make you stop. Back when this first occurred with Jamie Cooks last year, it was under the same circumstances. No, it was not. You were asked you were asked to stop commenting on the Times news article. Joy asked you, I asked you. You didn't stop. Then that whole thing blew up. Although that was under your personal account. Mhm. And you in these comments, look, I could have given you 20 pages. I gave you nine. And like I said, the attackers weren't the attackers comments. The whole point is they are the voters and the taxpayers of the district. So they weren't they weren't it was actual personal attacks but go ahead if not always if you included those they would have been there anybody could there were 342
099comments which is ridiculous you were asked you were asked not to do it finally we got you to stop with the Tammy Cooks thing and then you did it personally okay but obviously you're going to do it again cuz you did it again instead of just not looking and ignoring cuz that's your job. It's also your job to represent everybody. It's embarrassing to the board and it's my page. And now Jeremy, I'm not going to argue with you. A center is a freaking slap on the wrist. It's a shame on you. Don't do it again. Jeremy, don't argue with Barb, please. I don't I don't agree with her on this point, but just let her read her comments and others can. And that's that's I brought this because I want you to stop doing this
100crap. So, stop defending myself. Exactly. Okay. You are a an elected official. You can defend yourself if you want, but don't do it on the Times news page. It's embarrassing. You called Carrie out for something she didn't even do. You actually meant that for me and then you put her name into it after all she has been through over the last couple months. Okay. And you didn't correct the comment. Yes. I believe everyone is entitled to voice their own opinions. I think this behavior needs to be addressed as a whole, not just in Germany. I'm going to make that clear. I believe in having open discussions and respecting different perspectives. However, it's crucial to address the bullying and personal impacts. As public figures, we should all maintain a high standard of respect for everyone, even
101when we disagree with them. Do you think we start thinking that logically and engaged in a more professional and respectful manner, we can create a more positive environment for everyone? I feel like it's getting to the point where everybody is being petty and we need to understand kids are looking at this. What example are we setting for our children? Exactly. So, do you have a comment? I I agree with with Heather to an extent. We are supposed to be the ones setting the example for the kids, holding people accountable for their actions. But we also have to worry about the Constitution. The first amendment is not there to prohibit somebody from speaking their mind. And no matter how aborn I may found my may find what somebody's saying, I don't like it. That doesn't mean
102that I'm going to tell them they can't say it. I think people have the right to defend themselves. This is why I choose to stay away from social media. I think it just dumbs everybody down, including our faculty and our students. And I think everyone should stay the heck off of it. Sean or Rusty, do you wish to make a comment? I don't go on Facebook anymore. So, I say stay off of it. Sean Sean, would you like to make a comment? Yeah, I mean, pretty much all my opinions already stated. Uh, I agree with your constitutional rights. I don't personally agree with how you word things, but that's the beautiful part about uh freedom speech is I don't agree with it. Um I think as elected officials we should have professional deform in the
103public setting. Uh I've been guilty of on Facebook before I choose not to engage most of the time. I I've seen stuff that I don't agree with and I personally just stay away from it. Um, I mean I I don't think this is a warranted uh center. I would recommend, you know, improvement of how we work things that personal opinion. I mean, I'm not going to tell you can't do it, but this is rooted in I think political theater um to campaign candidates and I think a lot of it is very unprofessional. Um, but at the same time right 100%. So, like I said, I'm not gonna, you know, there's no already, but in general, it's uh a constitutional right to know agree with it. Thanks, Sean. I'm gonna call a question because I don't
104want us all arguing here. Um, all those in favor of censuring Jeremy Clark, I opposed. Name. Great. Motion fails. Move on. 8.2 public comment. Do we have any public comment for the end of the meeting? I I have something to say um about the policy uh violations that that we're discussing. It it it it wonder it makes me wonder how the actual violations are going to be determined. Um we don't have a way to monitor the classrooms with the kids and the the teachers to to see actually what was said. How are we ever going to determine if a policy violation occurred? I mean, it's he said, she said, you know, you're going to have who you going to believe and then you're going to say, well, we have witnesses that more people are saying
105this than they're saying that. It reminds me of the Salem witch trials. They have witnesses, too. And people died over over lies. Just complete lies. I've been around a while. I've worked in a number of a number of of different occupations and settings. I've seen how, you know, vandettas be get developed and people start to not like, you know, the group together and click and don't like this person, I like that person and people get hurt over nothing, over just nothing. So I think it's important to really know the facts of what happens in the school so that we can actually do the proper thing for everyone. So I think a monitoring program of some kind basic just audiovisisual an intercom system or something that that can record we can find out actually when it's
106been done and we can determine policy violations accurately. I'll put it on the next uh workshop agenda. We'll discuss it. Thank you. Um I think I asked this question before. How many classrooms do we have? It has it has been brought up before but it hasn't been brought up. I just like to know the cost involved 10 million 6 million. I mean, we we saw the what is it? The Merkai Moroi Moroi cameras that there weren't that many that we purchased. Oh, no. Those are Thank you. I was blanking all of a sudden. Yes. Cameras. Okay. I I knew I know the two names are in there somewhere. Something else. Okay. Well, it was in the same meeting, I think. probably. So, I mean, those things are very expensive. And as far as audio recording,
107you have to have a sign that says it's being audio record because this is a twoerson consent state. The people that are being recorded have to consent to it. That's the law. I think that I think that we'll put so I think that role needs to be correct. I think we'll put it on the workshop agenda. We'll let Jason contemplate it and then he can bring some thoughts to us in a couple. Okay. Well, it may not be in a couple weeks cuz school just started and I think everybody's kind of a little busy right now. So, I mean, if he has the time to do it, yeah, we'll see. It's on the list. Other public Item 8.3. Do I hear a motion to adjurnn? Second. All those in favor.