001Good evening, everyone. I like to call to order the March 24th, 2026 Methacton School Board of Directors regular board meeting. Please stand for the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Nathan, from Skyview. Thank you so much for leading us in the pledge. And now we have Avery to tell us how much we love Skyview. Good evening, Methacton School Board. Before I get started, I would just like to thank the people who gave me the opportunity to do this. My name is Avery Power, and I'm in sixth grade on Team Constellations at Skyview Upper Elementary. I think Skyview is a great school because we get to experience what
002school is going to be like in high school. That shows us that Skyview is getting us ready for the future. I love that Skyview is proud of their students. It gives us the opportunity to be responsible and lets us know that our teachers are watching over us as we grow and mature. Skyview hosts fun assemblies and offers different ways of learning since not all students fit in one box. There are groups you can join, for example, BLAST. BLAST is a group of kids that come up with ideas and make posters for upcoming events for our school. I am a proud to be a BLAST member and usher in the new upcoming students from elementary school. Skyview has amazing students and amazing teachers. That is why Skyview's community scores and is great. Thank you, Avery Power.
003>> [applause] >> Nathan and Avery, could you join Madam President Purdue and myself out front to issue you your junior school board certificates. All right, the public is hereby advised of audio and video recording of this meeting for the purposes of rebroadcasting. And I also like to announce that the board had an executive session prior to this meeting to discuss personnel um matters um with the district solicitor on several confidential student matters. At that, we I would like to say we have all board members here in attendance tonight. And by connection of special guests and speakers, Dr. Zerbe. Thank you, Madam President. This evening, it gives me great privilege to introduce a principal of Skyview Upper Elementary School, Dr. Berkel, who will be introducing our Spirit of Methacton awardees this evening. Dr. Berkel. Good evening.
004The Spirit of Methacton Award is an opportunity to recognize our student, staff, and volunteers. Spirit of Methacton Award recipients are individuals who consistently model the qualities of the nine core values of the Methacton School District. These individuals enrich our school community with their knowledge, commitment, and support. First, I would like to recognize Mrs. Elma Numerado. Elma is an outstanding member of the Skyview team whose positivity and dedication are felt throughout the entire school community. As a physical education teacher, she works hard to engage students and create an environment where everyone feels encouraged to participate and grow. Elma is a true problem solver. Whenever a challenge arises, she willingly steps in to help find solutions and supports the planning of special schedules and events that keep Skyview running smoothly. With her great sense of humor and
005uplifting spirit, Elma brings energy and optimism that radiate throughout her department and our school. Mrs. Numerado, PLEASE COME DOWN. >> [applause] [applause] >> NEXT, WE WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE MRS. Kristen Brun. Kristen is a dedicated fifth grade teacher at Skyview who consistently puts students at the center of everything she does. Her classroom is filled with engaging and creative lessons that keep students actively involved in their learning. Kristen has a special talent for building strong positive relationships with both her students and their families, creating a supportive and welcoming classroom community. As a valued member of the PBIS core team, she thoughtfully approaches situations with a focus on student growth, making her a tremendous asset to our Skyview Skyview school community. >> [applause] >> Next, we would like to recognize Mrs. Janet Bowers. Janet is truly Skyview's
006secret superpower. If anyone has a question, Janet has the answer and with a smile. Her enthusiastic work ethic, warm and kind demeanor, and wonderful sense of fun have helped set the welcoming tone of the Skyview main office for so many years. Janet has dedicated 24 years of service to the Methacton community, supporting students, family, and staff with care and commitment every single day. While we will certainly miss her when her time with us comes to a close, we are so happy that she will be beginning an excite be beginning an exciting new chapter with her soon-to-be-born grandchild. We thank Janet for the lasting impact she has made on Skyview and wish her all the best in her well-deserved upcoming retirement. >> [applause] >> Next, we would like to recognize Mary Ann Reese. Mrs. Reese is
007a valued member of our school community whose calm, positive, and nurturing presence makes a meaningful difference for the students she supports. She has worked intentionally to build strong relationships grounded in trust, helping students feel safe, supported, and ready to grow. Through these connections, Mary Ann helps to foster incredible progress for the students she works with. She is always willing to lend a helping hand, and her genuine kindness and positivity make her an incredible asset to our entire school community. >> [applause] [applause] >> Next, we would like to recognize two of our parent volunteers. First, Brianna Waltz. We would like to recognize Brianna as one of our dedicated parent volunteers who generously supports our school school community. On band rehearsal mornings, Brianna arrives early to hold the door open for our students, allowing them to enter
008the building safely and efficiently before the school day begins. This simple act provides an added layer of safety and ensures our students can begin their morning rehearsal rehearsals smoothly. We are incredibly grateful for the time and commitment this parent gives to support our students and our school. >> [applause] [applause] >> And next, we would like to recognize Claire Evans. Claire is one of our wonderful parent volunteers for her continued support for our students and school community. Again, on band rehearsal mornings, Claire generously arrives early to hold the door open for students, helping them enter the building safely before the school day begins. Her willingness to give her time in the early morning hours not only supports our band students, but also provides an added added layer of safety and care. We are incredibly grateful for
009Claire's kindness, dedication, and the positive impact she has on our school community. >> [applause] [applause] >> Next, we would like to recognize two of our Skyview students. First, Elena Krats. Elena consistently exemplifies the spirit of Methacton through her actions each day. She brings a positive, enthusiastic attitude, and shows a genuine commitment to collaboration, often encouraging her peers to engage meaningfully in our school community. Her thoughtful and creative approach contributes to our positive school community, and her presence has a positive impact on those around her. It is truly a pleasure to work alongside her. >> [applause] >> And next, we have Ms. Anna Larkin. Anna is a confident Anna is confident and always demonstrates perseverance and resilience. She is kind and welcoming to all students. Additionally, Anna possesses a quiet strength. She knows response She shows
010responsibility by participating in activities like soccer, volleyball, and dance, and working hard in school every day. Anna. >> [applause] [applause] >> We'll just give her our word uh winners there uh just a minute or two to leave if you want to do that. Yep. And then we will continue on with our our uh next announcements. Next on our agenda for guest and scheduled speakers, I have our director of athletics and activities, Ms. Parker, to present the M Awards for outstanding athletic achievement. Ms. Parker. Thank you, Dr. Zerbe, and thank you, school board. We have three uh different groups of winter sports teams that we'll be honoring tonight. We have cheerleading, and then swimming, and then wrestling. Uh first, we are going to start with cheerleading, and I will introduce our head coach, Dina Allison. >>
011[applause] >> Uh thank you, school board, for having us here to recognize the 2025-2026 Methacton varsity cheer team. Um this group of athletes is truly something special. This is my more than I'd like to count years at Methacton, and this team is near and dear to my heart. Um it's my honor to share that this is our third consecutive PAC conference championship, but >> [applause] >> But truly, what makes this title different is the journey to get here. Our season's long. It goes from August until March. Um with a season that long, you always expect challenges, but as any of the girls can attest and their families as well, this year certainly presented one obstacle after another. Uh there were moments when we all genuinely thought their competitive season would not continue. Um but this
012group never wavered. They showed up every day with determination, held their heads high, represented Methacton to the highest degree, and gave their very best no matter what that looked like on a given day. Um, their accomplishments this season speak for themselves. They placed first at our first local event um at William Tennent. They earned a bid to the PIAA State Championship at uh the District 1 competition. They competed at the State Championship in Johnstown. Um, and through incredible hard work and community fundraising, they also had the opportunity to travel to Texas to compete at the NCA National Championship, a first for our program. That was a big one. >> [applause] >> They got a few bonus days in Texas as well due to the snow. Um, again, one obstacle after another. Uh but it really
013all came together on the day of the PAC Championship. It was their best performance hands down of the season and they truly stole the show that day. Uh this team is the definition of perseverance, grit, and poise under pressure. They proved that no obstacle's too great when you refuse to quit. We couldn't be more proud of them um and everything that they've accomplished this season. So, I was going to say this is not the cheerleader. Um, girls, you can come down when I call your name. So, our first athlete is Captain Marin Wells. Uh Captain Carmela Petta. >> [applause] >> Zoya Abdulla. Sorry, I'm doing my best. Zoe, come on down, girl. Avery Blazic. >> [applause] >> Chrisette Broussard Kimber. Breanna Burkhart. Sophia Battaro. Evelyn Carr. Everly Coco. Layla Dennis. Lacey Eberlin. Kendal Laraway. Emily
014Lindsey. Corey Logan. Sarah Miller. Madeline Verna. And last but not least, Kayla Watson. >> [applause] >> Next our boys swim team with head coach Sarah Stevens. >> [applause] >> And her three assistant coaches, Bobby Griffith, Kelsey Killian, and Holly Bucamp. Um, hi. I just want to thank you for allowing us to present the boys team um and acknowledge their accomplishments uh for this season. Um, this was a first since 1996 that the boys team were PAC champions um for this season. >> [applause] >> Um, some of our accomplishments this year, our record was 9 and 1. Um, Jason Fan, our amazing diver, was undefeated in the PAC conference this year and he won first at the PAC um swim meet. Um, at our districts meet, we had nine kids go to districts this year. Um,
015at PACs we also had 24 uh personal best swims um out of I believe 32 total swims, so that was awesome. Um, 10 swimmers, as I said, just uh went to districts. At districts, our medley relay placed seventh out of um many districts that were there. Um, Jake Roberts got eighth. Kelly uh Summer placed first in the in breaststroke, so he was a district champion in breaststroke, second in the IM. And then we also took our largest team to states this year, which was six different boys. Um, Kelly Summer placed fourth in breaststroke. Um, some individual PAC champions this year was Kelly in backstroke, Luca Petrillo in breaststroke, uh our 200 free relay also got first at PAC championships, which was Davis Reese, Luca Petrillo, Kelly Summer, and Jacob Roberts. And again, Jason Fan took
016first in diving. Um, our all-league recognition this year, um our medley relay took first team um and that was Kelly Summer, Luca Petrillo, Jason Fan, and Davis Reese. Um, in the IM, Luca Petrillo took first team as well. Diving, Jason Fan took first team um all recognition. Kelly Summer in backstroke first team and in breaststroke was Kelly Summer again. Our largest group getting first team recognition. Um, second team all recognition was Davis Reese in the 50 free, um Luca Petrillo in the 100 breaststroke, and our 400 free relay with Davis, Jacob, uh Luca, and Kelly getting second team all recognition. An honorable mention was Jacob Roberts in the 200 IM. And Davis Reese in the 100 freestyle and uh Dante Petrillo in the 500. So, overall very competitive team this year, very deep team with
017um lots of things to recognize for this year, so um we had four records broken as well. Kelly Summer broke a pool record at Upper Marion um Kelly also broke two different records. One was a 42-year-old record um for Methacton, which was a 200 IM. >> [applause] >> He broke his breaststroke record three different times throughout the season. And then our 400 uh freestyle relay also broke our team record for this year and that was Davis Reese, um Jacob Roberts, uh Kelly Summer, and Luca Petrillo. So, great season. [applause] Um, boys, when I announce your name, you can come on up. Just give me a second. Um, Robert Battaro, uh Anderson Chan, Captain Jack DiPietro. I guess I'm going too fast for them, sorry. They are very fast in the pool. >> [laughter] >> Um,
018Jacob Drabinski, Charlie Gottfried, uh EJ Guy, Daniel Kim, Dante Petrillo, Captain Luca Petrillo, Jason Fan, Dante Pinheiro, Nilavan Prasad, um Mc McGeehan, uh Prathap, uh Davis Reese, Jacob Roberts, Kelly Summer, Teddy Thiel, Ethan Ethan See, and William uh Van Buskirk. >> [applause] >> Oh. Oh, okay. >> [applause] [applause] >> And last but not least, we have Coach Horner and Coach Springer who are here for wrestling. >> [applause] >> All right. Um, tonight we're here to honor a Levi Dell. Um, it's about four years ago, eighth grade I think, yeah. I went down to the middle school and I looked at this kid and you tell me he would have been a PAC champ by his junior, I would have said, no, no, not going to happen. All right. Um, but through, you know, a lot
019of hard work, um our PAC division is our PAC league, four of the teams typically are in the top 10 of District 1. That's 64 teams, so it's it's pretty big honor to win the PAC conference tournament. And he did so by pinning a kid named Liam Diamond who went to states and he a match, so he was seated third. That was a big upset, tell you the truth, okay? Uh he's a team captain. Uh he's absolutely probably the definitely the hardest worker on our team. Uh I could tell you now he's not happy, but you know, he's getting better every day. Wrestling's he's practicing year round now. >> [snorts] >> Uh he uh undefeated in PAC competitions. He took second to Jim Thorpe, sixth place in Solanco, and his final record I think was
02020 28 and 13, right? Cuz it that was submitted beforehand. Um Do you have anything to say, Mike? Come on. Hi, I'm Mike Springer. I'm one of the assistant coaches for Methacton wrestling. Um I I could talk all day about how great of a kid Ali is. He really is one of the best kids that we have on the team, you know. First day I came in to uh help with Methacton, I actually didn't think much of it. Um didn't really have many plans to coach, but I saw him and I was like, "Wow, this kid really has something." I can't tell you what it is, but like I watched him wrestle and I'm like, "He's got He's got it in him for you know, that other kids don't have. He's got it, you know?
021Um the night before PACs, he had texted me and I thought he might have, you know, needed help with something. He said, "Hey coach, can I call you real quick?" I'm thinking the worst like, "Oh man, is he overweight? Uh you know, what could this be? Like uh we're going to have to get him on weight." Well, he called me, said, "I'm really nervous. You know, I really want to do well tomorrow." And I say, "You know what? You just got to start telling yourself right now, Ali Vidal, 139 lb, 2026 PAC 10 champ. And you're going to fall asleep a lot easier when you start believing that." So, the next day he, you know, I we talked the next day. I was like, "How do you feel? Did you get a good enough sleep?"
022He said, "I did." I said, "What are you going to do today?" He said, "I'm going to win the PAC 10 championship today." I was like, "Keep telling yourself that." So, after every match, I'd go up to him and say, "What are we going to do today?" And he said, "I'm going to win the PAC 10 championship today. Ali Vidal, 139 lb, PAC 10 champion." And you know, after every match, we believed it a little bit more and he got to the finals. He was going to wrestle a kid that tech fall him the year before and I was like, "You got something for this kid. He doesn't know yet. You believe you're going to win this match." So, you know, I'm really big on getting you to believe before you do it. Get it
023in your head now cuz it's something I I suffered with myself. I I psych myself out a lot. I didn't want him It's it's hard for kids to get over that. I wanted him to be able to get past that hump cuz that's something that will hold him back. And you know, long story short, he won the PAC 10 championship. He beat the kid. He was up what, 10 to 1 I think? 11 to 1. He It was bad. Um and you know, he came off the mat and I said, "I believed in you the whole time." He said, "I believed it too eventually." Um but I got nothing but good things to say about him. Like coach Mark said, he's the hardest working kid that comes in the room. Um and I I really
024hope that we we got goals set in front of us. I have no doubt in my mind that he comes in, he puts the work in, he will accomplish all of those goals that he sets forth for himself. >> [applause] [applause] >> I do want to say thank you to all our students here in coming out tonight. Um just to be honored here at the board meeting. We really appreciate all your hard work and um looking forward to hearing more of from you all um on all the things that you achieve. So, thank you also to the parents for bringing them here. And you guys are free to leave, but also welcome to stay for the rest of our meeting. Thank you. How are you doing? Good? You good? All right, so we'll continue with
025the rest of the meeting uh and at this point we will now go to the committee reports. I will start with North Montco, Miss Austin or Mr. Mersky. Yes, thank you. Um North Montco met virtually this month um due to the inclement weather, um but we did approve um our search for a new director. So, it is um Darren Van Do you remember? Yeah. >> [laughter] >> So, I don't have Van Norman, sorry. Yes, I don't have my notes in front of me. Dr. Da- Darren Van Norman who's coming to us from uh Technical Career Center um in Lehigh Valley and he is he has a lot of experience and he's very excited about starting this position and he's he's really ready to go and we're very excited to welcome him um to begin with
026us on um Dr. uh Dr. Hazzard's retirement. So, um and then the other major thing that we approved was um to move forward with our contractors to revamp the health science uh area so that we can hopefully um get more students in that area. By revamping it, we're opening the space to allow more seats into the area and um hopefully that will address our waiting list issue that we always seem to have in in health sciences. So, um that was the major events of North Montco Tech. Thank you very much um Miss Oquendo for the legislative updates. Thank you. The um legislative committee of the MCIU met on March 4th of 2026. We had a great presentation from a group called Voices for Education. Um they have a program where they actually invite um students
027to come in and participate at the MCIU into four uh distinct sessions where they learn about like actual advocacy in action. And the program culminates with an actual visit to Harrisburg where they can sit and meet with uh legislators and actually practice their advocacy skills that they've gained. I did learn that Methacton isn't participating in the program this year, but I think it's a fantastic opportunity um and if our students were interested, um I think it's something worth exploring. Um another update is the legislative breakfast is going to be happening this Friday and it's going to include Matt Bradford um on the legislative panel. And so, any school board members, um I think RSVPs have closed, but I hope that some of you have registered and are able to attend. And then finally, the MCIU
028provided some updates for us on the state level budget issues to keep in mind as all school districts are going through their budgeting process now. And I thought one of the more interesting parts of the discussion was um hearing about how the legislature is thinking about creating new revenue generating opportunities that could best benefit school districts um as well as loopholes that might be closed so that um school districts could see um you know, greater subsidies coming in from um from the state level. And so, that concludes my report. Thank you. And now we'll go to the um student board rep. Good evening, everyone. My name is Gabriella Madrak and I am a junior class representative here at Methacton. It's good to see you all tonight. With prom less than a month away, upper class
029congress members have recently begun working with members to form prom committees responsible for decorations, advertising, and ticket sales. Prom will be held at Presidential Caterers and feature a theme called A Night Around the World. After prom, post prom will be held at the high school and feature a fun and games theme where students can play laser tag, hang out in the game room, and enjoy a ton of other themed activities. Volunteer sign-ups for those interested in helping set up and supervise post-prom have been sent out. On March 6th, Mr. Methacton took place here in the auditorium, organized by Methacton FCCLA. Many students, faculty, parents, and alumni showed up to support the 12 senior contestants. The competition featured an opening dance, talent, formal wear, and a question portion for the finalists. All proceeds benefited the charity
030selected by the winner. Ultimately, Liam Greenberg was crowned Mr. Methacton 2026. The boys basketball team was competing for the District 1 6A title. Although they lost in the semifinal round, they then went on to compete for third place against Souderton, which they won. All games had a packed house, and ticket sales were extensive. The boys were then sent to two state games, and although they lost both, it was a memorable season filled with student spirit and high strong energy. Good evening. I'm Marissa Apollo, the senior board representative. To start off, I will update last month's with the blood drive update. Due to our students' generosity, we the Red Cross reported that we were able to save 225 lives with the blood we have collected. As I'm sure most of you know, at the beginning of
031this month, the Methacton Theater Company has closed their fourth night of Little Shop of Horrors. I'm glad to report most seats were filled all four nights. And I want to say thank you to all the staff that has helped it everyone that came out to support the cast, the crew, and of course all of production staff. And the 74 the 74 students who took part in it. Spring sports has officially begun this month, and on March 9th, to show our school spirit, everyone was requested wear green and white to help support our our spring sport athletes. Mini thon is approaching, which every year Methacton's favorite tradition of Stall Day is coming this Friday. Where students are encouraged to bring in change to stall their teachers' classes. This is one of the most active days of
032school, as students try to outwit their teachers in creating puzzles for them to solve to get the change. St. Patty's candy grams from class 2029 has been given out where to bring school spirit and some good luck. Class 2029 was selling candy grams to help fundraise all their class events. And that's all. Thank you, both. And we will now go to the foundation. I believe we don't have a report today. And then communications. Let's go back. Good evening. This week, we're excited to welcome more than 2,000 residents from Meadowood and Shannon Dell to our Methacton campuses. We've invited them in to experience firsthand some of the programs and opportunities that our students are engaged in every day. It's one more way we're trying to strengthen the connections between the district and our local senior living
033communities. So, during the visit, they're going to be visiting Arcola Intermediate School. They'll spend time in the planetarium with planetarium director Adam Chantry. He's going to show them how the space is used for both student learning and for the broader community, and then he's going to provide a demonstration showcasing the planetarium's full capabilities. After that, they'll travel to Methacton High School for a tour of the hydroponic farm. That will be led by science teacher Mr. Steve Savitz. We're looking forward to giving these residents a meaningful look at the work happening across the district and helping them gain a deeper understanding of teaching and learning here at Methacton. Our next edition of Methacton Matters will be released next Monday. This issue will feature stories about Skyview's career day, the string jamboree, and more, including a video
034about the Methacton High School tribe, which brings school spirit to sporting events and pep rallies in the district. I encourage you to check that out. It will be posted on our Facebook page and our website next Monday. And then finally, a reminder that our community education summer camps are now open for registration. There's a wide variety of camps to choose from for all ages, from Snapology to Firebird Theater and Warrior Basketball Camp. We have half-day and full-day options available. Those run from June 15th to August 1st. And just a heads-up that some of the registration deadlines are in early June. So, even though it doesn't feel at all like summer out there just yet, we do need to start thinking about your summer plans. So, feel free to sign up now at methacton.org/commed. Thank you
035very much, and we'll go to the superintendent's report. Thank you, Madam President. Uh this evening, uh there are there's one advisement on the uh on the agenda, which is setting an update for the budget timeline as listed there. Um but the but also the monthly right to know report. So, in I posted on the agenda uh is the right to know report ending February of 2026. The report reflects that there is a significant uptick in the number of right to know requests. Uh typically, for quarter one, we had eight. Quarter two, we had five. We had 26 in quarter three, and this is only partway through that third period. Um knowing that the total year-to-date is 39. Of that, we've spent about $16,600 in legal costs associated with right to know, and a total of
036$85,700 in total cost of staff labor. That ends my report. Thank you, and I will give um the MCIU report. Um I am aware of the recent or last week the publication in the inquiry in reference to professional development um in reference to uh resources by two members of the executive board. I will say currently, we we have not met as a team as the MCIU. We do plan on having an executive session um tomorrow where we will look into, but I am aware that the MCIU executive board um the legal team and also the current board president are working have have worked on a communication, which was provided to um the board um to all school districts that the MCIU support. And we will be discussing tomorrow this matter and then trying to get
037details around it. Some of these schools back to before I was even on the MCIU board. So, I'm looking to get more information. I will share an update with the with the current board as I um I'm providing more details. And then with that, I will share the um regular MCIU um updates. Um one of the first matters was the MCIU math team, known as the math sharks, won in a tiebreaker for the northeast regional um championship for their math competition, and they are now going to advance to um nationals, and they'll be um in nationals this week in New York, Rochester. Additionally, the Dreaming Forward um program by the MCIU also met with 12 high school students um um 12 high schools. Methacton was part of it to review some of the programs that
038they have in reference to um belonging in their communities. This this program also provides them opportunity to make sure their leadership voice is heard and what type of opportunities or programs they would like to bring to their specific school district. So, that um that happened last week, and then they will continue to um move forward with this program going forward. The Envision students, um which is part of the MCIU, also designed t-shirts for Chestnut Hill um college women's flag football team, and this gives them opportunity to um build real-life skills and career um and job skills. And then it gives them opportunity to um showcase their connections with the community and uh also showcase their talents. Um Additionally, the MCIU also held a spring education fair or um spring into education fair um last week
039with over 200 attendees and reps from over 20 school districts. Um I was told it was a very well um pro- a great program for the MCIU and well-attended. Um And then we also had appointment of um new um board vice president. So, Robert Lejeune from Perkiomen Valley School District was um voted in as the new board vice president just because the current vice president um her term was up. So, he will serve um on the board till 2026 of June. And um Miss Miss Okendo provided about the legislative breakfast breakfast, which is still currently um scheduled for Friday, March 27th. I believe the theme for this year is school facilities, and as mentioned, um Matt Bradford and Penny Cook will be there, and students from North Penn will be serving as moderators. And that
040ends my report. Like I mentioned, we'll be meeting tomorrow, and I'll provide any additional updates on any matters that's coming. And then, just to make the board aware, there is a PSBA Day on the Hill currently for May 4th. So, um looking forward to any additional information um to share with the board for that. And then that ends my report for the MCIU. And then with that, we'll continue with our agenda. Um this is opportunity for public comment. The board will now take comments on board action items. Um residents uh can comment on matters that are to be decided upon as outlined in the agenda. The board will ask that you keep your comments to 3 minutes or less, and the board of school directors may choose to respond to the matters following the conclusion
041of comments on board action items. I will check if there's any Seeing none, um I will move on and then just check. May I have a motion to approve the February 17th special meeting and work session and then February 24th, 2026 regular board meeting minutes as attached. Ms. Austin. And second, I saw Ms. Clary. Can I see if there's any discussion of this from the board or any comments? Seeing none, may I have a um all in favor? All right. So, that goes nine carries 9-0. And All right. For fiscal items, may I have a motion to approve the fiscal items as presented? All right. Ms. Graf. Second. Ms. Steel. All right. Can I ask for any um discussion or comments from the board? Seeing none, all in favor? All right. 9-0. All right. Personnel
042items. May I have a motion to approve the personnel items as presented? Ms. Clary. Second. All right. Mr. Mersky. All right. Any comments or questions from the board? All right. All in favor? All right. 9-0. Um All right. Curriculum and programs. Um let me just see. All right. May I have a motion to approve the items under curriculum and programs as presented? Ms. Graf. Second. I'm sorry. Sorry. Can we take 11C1 separate? Can I go back and take all items except for 11C1 um as presented under curriculum and programs? Ms. Graf. Second. Ms. Clary. And then can I just ask if there's any comments from the board on all items under curriculum and programs except for um 11C1? All right. Seeing no comments, can I um all in favor? All right. 9-0. All right. May
043I have a motion to um approve 11C1 um student service agreement? Ms. Clary. Can I get a second? Ms. Austin. All right. Can I see if there's any comments from the board for 11 um C1? All right. All in favor for 11C1? All right. Any opposed? All right. One. Two. Any abstain? Abstentions? All right. So, that's um seven two and zero, right? Okay. Thank you. Um and then we'll move on to policy. May I have a motion to approve the policies listed for second um read as presented? Ms. Steel. All right. Ms. Austin. And then I saw Ms. Steel. Any comments? All right. All in favor? All right. 9-0. All right. And looking at just want to see if there's anything. All right. And other, may I have a motion to approve items under other
044as presented? All right. Ms. Clary. And Ms. Austin. Second. >> [snorts] >> All right. Any comments from the board? All right. All in favor? Okay. 9-0. All right. With that, um I have dates for board members' calendars, and uh board meeting dates are listed on the agenda and available on the district website. Um and then now can I check for any old or new business from the board? Yeah. Ms. Austin. I have some I guess new new business. I um have been serving on the career advisory committee for um for Methacton that um it's the K-12 career advisory council. And there's an upcoming meeting on April 14th at Arcola at 9:15. I'm unable to make it, so I'm looking for someone who might be able um to do that. And basically, it's uh different stakeholder
045groups, um community, parents, staff um to talk about career just career ideas um for the students. And um it's been it's been a valuable opportunity. I I likely won't be able to continue this role, so I'm just maybe looking for someone else also to take that over. Any Oh, I see a hand. Love it. Um so, looks like I have a taker. Thank you. >> Can I just ask what time is that meeting? >> It's at 9:15 a.m. 9:15. That's good. Uh April 14th. Yes? And looks like Ms. Chanda. All right. Thank you, Ms. Chanda. If you can share with her any details that you have by email, that would be helpful. And thank you, Ms. Chanda, for um stepping up to support. All right. At this point, I'll check if there's any Ms. Steel.
046Yeah, thank you. Uh just uh old business, but also just because I probably should have said something before voted on it, but we but the Keys for Literacy contract, I just wanted to state again. I know we talked about it at length last week, um but I'm so grateful that we've a um voted to support this initiative for another year, and I wanted to thank the work of Dr. Regina, Dr. Gorla, and Dr. Ravenis in particular for leading the effort and for coordinating because it's it's a massive undertaking for our district, and it's so vitally important to serving all of our students. So, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, and also for the rest of the board for supporting the work cuz it's really vital for our students and our community. Thank
047you. Thank you. I'll see if there's any other Okay. And then with that, we will go to courtesy of the floor. The board of school directors will now provide an opportunity for residents to make comment on matters that are or may be before the board. The board asks that you keep your comments to 3 minutes or less. The board of school directors may choose to respond to the matters following conclusion of the comments. [clears throat] You can also submit questions via email to [email protected]. Please state your name and municipality. Jim Malick, Worcester. I really don't I don't understand why you keep reading send your questions to Methacton. They don't get answered. I got questions that are 2 months old that haven't been answered. Um PFM stated at a meeting that you guys had to get
048the mills up in order to afford your new high school scheme. I started going It's kind of strange. According to a presentation made by your business manager, the tax rate began to approach the Act 1 index beginning in 2022. That's when it started to come up and eventually meet it and exceed it like you guys have. Coincidentally, in 2022 is when Dr. Zerby started talking about a new high school. I mean, it's a heck of a coincidence. Um I learned at the finance committee that $35 million of borrowing for the high school {slash} master plan are included in the proposed budget. But with $12,600,000 to be spent on the new high school scheme in 2026-27. Well, when did you guys pass this high school plan? You're getting the financing for a plan you haven't passed.
049Doesn't make any sense to me. $35 million. Um when did you pass it? Who Who was the one that approved it? Um what happens if you decide not to move forward with the plan? And you have the 35 mil. Obviously, you're going to spend it. Um what happens to the current proposed budget if you don't include the 35 million borrowing? Well, what happens is you don't exceed the index. So, somebody's made a decision that is affecting our budget and finances, and I haven't seen it. I've checked the video. Nobody up here approved the plan. So, can somebody explain all that, how that works? Um another thing, a large part of your high school scheme is based upon the lack of parking, traffic flow, and traffic congestion. I said to myself, "How could that be when
050you're down 800 students in 20 years?" Well, I got to find Finally think got an answer. It I just heard that the reason you've got this parking situation is because anybody with a car and a license can park at the high school. And 11th grade is off-limits to limit their parking privileges. How the heck is that? We're going to spend 300 million cuz you want everybody to park at the high school? That's not going to fly. I think you guys got to think about that in relation to your project. All you got to do is limit some parking. Limit it to seniors, and you don't have a parking problem anymore. Thank you very much for your comments. And I will just check if there's any comments from the board or on any matters. All right,
051seeing none, I will ask for may a motion to adjourn the meeting. All right. Miss Austin is ready to go, and Miss Chanda. All right, with that, thank you all for your time. The meeting is adjourned. Have a great evening.