001Good evening. Welcome to the May legislative meeting of the Rose Tree Media School Board. This meeting is called to order. Please stand if you are able for the pledge of allegiance. And please remain standing for the playing of the national anthem 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. You may be seated. >> I'm thrilled that this evening I'm thrilled this evening that we have with us our incredibly talented string quartet from Penrest High School. These four talented seniors have made an impact not just here in our community but across the region. And for a special piece this evening, they're going to play the American Quartet by D'vorek, the fourth movement finale. So sit
002back, relax. This is a phenomenal way to start a meeting for us to listen to these four talented musicians. This is the Welcome. Okay. Well done. That's great. Dr. Scott, please take the role. >> Tamita Austin >> here. >> Michael Fox >> here. >> Jackie Gusk >> here. >> Susan Henderson >> here. Shelley Hunt here. Carlen Kreniki >> here. >> Miles Foster Loner >> here. >> Erica Jonah >> here. >> Grace Moore >> here. Ken Dennit >> here. >> Theresa Napson Williams >> here. >> Madame President, we have a quorum. >> Thank you, Dr. Scott. Let's now move to the approval of minutes. Is there a motion? >> Some moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. All in favor? Opposed? Motion passes. Next up, we'll move down to presentations and awards. Rose Tree Elementary first grade student
003Olivia Melon was recognized as a Philadelphia Philly's Allstar student. The program honors 10 outstanding students in grades preK to 12 from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware who go above and beyond both inside and outside the classroom. Olivia was nominated Olivia was nominated by her teacher, Miss Harner through an essay contest recognizing students for their academic excellence, leadership, empathy, and positive impact on others. In her nomination essay, Miss Harner wrote, "Olivia's combination of academic excellence, empathy, and leadership makes her truly deserving of recognition as an all-star student. She represents the very best of what we hope all our students will become, supportive classmates and compassionate leaders. In conjunction with this recognition, the Philadelphia Phillies have generously donated $1,000 to the district. Congratulations to Olivia and Miss Hner on this outstanding achievement and recognition. Next up, we
004have Mi Mitchell D'Angelus, who has received Eagle Scout recognition. As part of his Eagle Scout project, he dismantled two old picnic tables and replaced them with four new tables at the Pennsylvania Colonial Farmstead. Next up, we have recognition of the Pennsylvania Music Education Association performers. Founded in 8th grade out of a shared love of music and community, the Rose Tree Quartet is a fully studentrun volunteer ensemble that performs at concerts, ceremonies, art shows, community events, and retirement homes. Blending classical and contemporary repertoire, the quartet creates engaging programs for audiences of all ages while independently managing rehearsals, arrangements, outreach, and performances. This past April, they were honored to represent Penrest and RTM at the PMEA annual state conference. Next up, we have recognition of our student board members. The board of school directors proudly present the
005Rose Tree Media Award to Grace Moore, Erica Jonan, and Miles Foster LNER in recognition of their outstanding dedication as the 2025 2026 student school board members. Each month, Grace, Erica, and Miles kept the community and the board informed with highlights from across the district. Their commitment of time and effort has made a meaningful impact, and we deeply appreciate their contributions to the Rose Tree Media School Board and community. And let me also recognize that this will be Grace's uh last meeting. She is graduating. All right. And now we will move to the student liaison reports. All right. Good evening. I'm Erica Jonan and I will be reading the reports for Glenwood Elementary and Indian Lane Elementary. In early May at Glenwood Elementary, Mrs. Nurelli organized an amazing interactive event for families to celebrate art and
006participate and create in the Under the Sea Glow Room. For the month's musical productions, Mrs. Coatsworth held the first ever fifth grade coral showcase complete with coral songs, gymnastics, dance, and instrumental talent. Mr. Bossh and Mr. Walls directed the talented orchestra and band students through a variety of musical selections. Congratulations to the talented fifth grade Glenwood team who proudly presented represented sorry the school at the K next challenge hosted by the DCIU and earned the award for breast presentation. And congratulations to our outstanding students in grades three, four, and five for earning the top scores of media in the continental math league competition at Indian Lane Elementary. On May 8th, Arlene Oprah, artist and book adapter for the popular Bait Beats Sitters Club graphic novel series, presented to third, fourth, and fifth graders about perseverance,
007positivity, and staying true to yourself. On May 11th, Michael Samson, PhD, met with second, and third graders to discuss his work as an author, literacy professor, and advocate for animal shelters. He shared his latest book, Jojo the Tornado Dog, and his classic picture books. Congratulations to Indian Lane's two second grade winners in the Delaware County Bar Association Law Day poster contest. Their creative and thoughtful posters were recognized during the annual law day ceremony at the Delaware County Courthouse. Thanks to all the students who participated on May 15th, Mrs. Deine hosted her final artist breakfast before retiring. Students from each grade level shared their artwork, which was displayed in the main lobby for families to enjoy before school. The selected artwork remains on display in the principal's office until the next artist breakfast in the fall.
008Poetry Cafe, a cherished Indian lane tradition, was held from May 15th through 22nd. Throughout the week, students in 1st through 5th grade shared original and favorite poems, and families and special guests were invited to attend. Many even read poems of their own. At Media Elementary School, May has been a busy month in first grade. Students continue to apply their reading strategies and practice how to be successful reading partners. It's been exciting to see them support one another and grow as confident readers. To top it off, students celebrated a happy horseshoe milestone by decorating the front of our school with colorful chalk drawings. Second graders celebrated the start of May with an educational excursion to Tyler Arboritum. This visit provided a wonderful hands-on connection to our science unit as students explored various seeds and plant life.
009This month, the Mustang Corral and Media's orchestra and band students all presented outstanding performances for their peers and families. Thank you to Mrs. Verdur, Mr. Bugosh, and Mr. Walls for leading our fourth and fifth grade students and creating a love for music. In a salute to America's 250th birthday, the musical club performed a very patriotic pagent, which was a collection of songs, scenes, and way too many dad jokes celebrating America. The hilarious accounting of American history sorted the facts from the fiction. It turns out the Continental Congress never met at Pat Stakes in South Philadelphia to discuss the making of the first American flag. At Rose Tree Elementary School on May 8th, second graders at Rose Tree celebrated the the conclusion of their social studies unit on maps and communities with community day. After exploring
010topics such as community services and good citizenship, students selected careers they may want to pursue in the future and created posters to share their learning with families and the school community. Schools proudly presented their projects, sang songs, and recited poems connected to their studies. May 14th was Rose Tre's Cultural Heritage Day. Families shared traditions, customs, experiences, and cultural artifacts through engaging presentations and hands-on activities. Students explored cultures from around the world, fostering connection and appreciation for the diversity in the school community. On May 18th, fifth grade families participated in our career showcase by leading 20-minute sessions about their professions. Students gain valuable insight into a variety of career paths while learning how individual talents, experiences, and backgrounds contribute to our broader community. May has also been filled with outstanding musical performances at Rose. In addition
011to our band and orchestra concerts, students also took the stage to perform the musical Jungle Book. Hi, I'm Grace and I'll be reading for Springton and Penrest. Springton Lake students proudly represented the school at the high note festival at Hershey Park on May 15th. The eighth grade band, Spartan, Jazz Band, and Choice Voices earned the superior ratings, while the eighth grade orchestra, honors orchestra, and select choir received the excellent ratings. Following the performances, students celebrated with wonderful day at Hershey Park. On April 29th, 26 students in grades 6 to 8 participated in the World Cafe Experience under the direction of console of Dr. Barbara Moore Williams. Students were randomly questioned, grouped, and signed to a teacher or admin administration. Um the facilitator posed seven reluctive sorry I'm lost appreciation for caring adults and positive learning
012experiences while also identifying opportunities for growth. The students emphasized the importance of relationships, emotional safety, fairness, and inclusion. On May 13th, SLMS art and music departments had an open house for an evening of the arts. Guests enjoyed viewing the wonderful student artwork in the lobbies, hallways, and art rooms, while the grade level concert and jazz band provided background music. Penrest held its annual Pride Day on February May 22nd. I mean, sorry, Friday, May 22nd with a day full of service projects, activities, games, and competitions. This included a new mural in the library sponsored by the National Art Honor Society. The classes competed through the year for class points accumulated with pep rally wins. Attendance accumulated with points earned during pride day. At the end of the end of year pep rally, the sophomore class came
013out on top and were awarded the pride day lion trophy this year. Thanks to a yearly donation from the Philadelphia Eagles, Penrest was able to purchase metal outdoor tables. The physics Olympics group spent an afternoon assembling the four picnic tables so that the students and teachers can now utilize the nice outdoor field area adjacent to D-wing. We look forward to using the seating for 32 students during the nice weather this spring and beyond. The Environ Gold team won the state championship this week. This team took first place in the categories of forestry, soils, and aquatics and took first place in their 20inut oral presentation on non-point source pollution. The team will represent Pennsylvania at the national competition held at Mississippi State University in July. Good luck, Environ. Congratulations to Ryan Gallagher, who earned a civil
014silver medal in the 300 meter hurdles at the PIAAA state track and field competition at Shippensburg University. The girls lacrosse team made it to districts and the boys team beat up Upper Dublin yesterday to win the district championship. Thank you. Good evening again. We are glad to be welcoming the warm weather back and we are definitely ready for the summer. We do not have any concerns in this report. All the AP students are very happy that the AP exams are now over and we are all starting to feel this school year come to an end. The cooling system in the school has been good this past month, and the seniors have been wrapping up their high school careers by getting their cores from various honor societies and clubs. Speaking of seniors, thank you, Grace, for
015representing the students of Penrest for the past 2 years, helping me and Miles figure out the system, and being your awesome self. We wish you the best of luck at Penn State, and we will miss you so much. We hope everyone has a wonderful summer, stay cool, and stay safe. Thank you. All right, we will move down to board liaison reports. We'll start with uh PSBA, Miss Austin. >> Thank you. Um I am reading some of this the summary. I attended the liaison the PSBA liaison report Pennsylvania school board association for those who don't know what that is. Um some of the highlights were um that the PSBA is asking school districts to adopt a resolution to call for adequate state funding. Um they also have a um PSBA advocacy day video on their YouTube
016channel um which is PSBA video um that recaps what they did in Harrisburg. Um and there's also a deadline for the delegate assembly u voting delegates and other trainings for the board. Thank you. Next up, we have uh Delaware County Community College. Miss Hunt, >> thank you. Um there's a lot of things going on. They just ended their first um semester in the new center. But um the three things that I think are most important for our community and especially for um our students that are not graduating um is that the Southeast Center is now opening the early childhood education center. Um and it will be open starting in the fall. there is a structured program for early childhood education. If people are interested in it or students are interested in it, they can pursue
017that through dual enrollment. Um second, uh there's also still scholarships available for students who want to pursue um a four-year teaching degree and become a teacher in the state of Pennsylvania. When you graduate high school, you could walk away with I want to say it's like 25 credits um towards your four-year degree. That's about a year and a half's worth of credits. Um and then the third thing is if any of our students are really interested in um a significant trade program like ship building the $8.5 million grant from the department United States Department of Labor and the Hanwa ship building company that is also getting off the ground this fall and uh people who really excel in the program will actually be sent to Hanwa's ship building headquarters in South Korea for more advanced
018training. So those are three big programs that are available to our students. So please let them know. Next up, we have the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, Mr. Dennit. Thank you. As the uh Rose Media School District's representative on the Delaware County Intermediate Unit board, I'm pleased to report that DCIU continues to expand services and community supports to strengthen student outcomes, family engagement, and district participation across Delaware County. Some of the highlights uh in recent weeks has been the uh legislative breakfast uh earlier in May focusing on the burden of unfunded mandates with speakers from PSBA and state senator um uh and state and a state senator emphasizing the need for sustainable funding. Uh it's the end of the school year uh all over the county. So, the Delaware County Technical School Senior Rec recognition night
019honored 725 graduates across 22 programs and earned many of those students earned industry credentials and pathways to work or further their education. Uh we've had 96 kindergarten transition meetings in the early childhood program. Uh early intervention ends regular year on June 12th with summer services resuming July 6th after the 4th of July break and uh the early education head start early head start prek counts uh programs are 97% uh enrolled combined. So DCIU's expanded services, professional development investments, and community partnerships are continuing to improve equity, mental health supports, instructional quality, and readiness for school and careers across Delaware County. >> All right, the committee highlights and reports are contained within the minutes. So we will move to the superintendence report. Dr. Malashsh. >> Thank you, Dr. Napsson Williams. As we enter the final two weeks
020of the school year, two weeks, there's a tremendous sense of accomplishment across the district. This time of year always brings reflection, celebration, and anticipation for what comes next. Our students have demonstrated resilience and growth, creativity, and determination. Throughout the year, they've continued to show us what is possible when young people are supported, challenged, and encouraged to succeed. This is a season that is defined by transitions. One week from tonight is Penrest Graduation Eve and on June 5th, we will come together as an educational community to celebrate our high school graduates as they cross the stage and begin the next chapter of their lives. Graduation is more than just a ceremony. It is the culmination of years of effort, perseverance, and personal growth. Our graduates leave us prepared for college, careers, military service, and countless opportunities
021that lie beyond our schools. Most importantly, they leave knowing they are part of a community that believes in them. On June 11th, we will recognize our eighth grade students as they have reached a milestone, ready for the important transition into high school and the increased responsibility and independence that comes with it. We are proud of the maturity and leadership these students have developed throughout the year. And at our elementary schools, moving up ceremonies for our fifth grade students on June 9th and June 10th will celebrate our emerging learners as they prepare for the next stage of their educational journey. All of these ceremonies are joyful reminders of how much growth can occur in just a single year. The confidence, curiosity, and enthusiasm our elementary students bring to school each day continue to inspire all of
022us. These milestones go hand in hand with many individual successes. Some accomplishments are visible in awards and performances, recognitions and championships, and a special congratulations to coach Evan Pettit and the boys lacrosse team for winning the district championship last night. Others are quieter and equally meaningful. a student gaining confidence as a reader, overcoming challenges, building friendships, improving attendance, or discovering a passion for learning. Every success matters. I want to thank our teachers, our support staff and administrators, and especially our families for the care and commitment they bring to our students each and every day. The strength of our schools comes from the relationships we build and the shared belief that every student can succeed. As we finish this school year strong, we do so with pride in what has been accomplished and optimism for what
023lies ahead. The future of our district is bright because of the students we serve and the people who support them. Thank you and congratulations to all of our students and families as we approach these meaningful celebrations. and Gracemore, a special thank you from all of us for the time that you have spent during the last two years serving as our rep, giving thoughts and perspective and being genuine in all that you've done. Thank you for your contributions to the Penrest community. All right, we'll move to the president's report. On behalf of the board of school directors, I want to thank our students, families, staff, administrators, and community members for their continued partnership and support throughout this school year. As we approach the final two weeks of school, there is so much to celebrate throughout the
024district. Our students continue to achieve at high levels in the classroom, on the stage, in competition, and through service to others. Those successes reflect the dedication of our educators, staff, and families who support them every day. Thank you to everyone who contributes to making RTMSD a strong and caring school community. We appreciate the thoughtful engagement, collaboration, and commitment that help us continue moving forward together. We'll now move to schedule presentations and we have Janette Verdor, RTMEA. Good evening. Uh, we wanted to start with a little recognition of one of our members. Last night, Mrs. Lisa Lobitz led her AP Capstone research students in a wonderful evening of sharing their research projects with the community at large. Mrs. As Lobitis presents the course as a year-long study, providing students with the freedom to explore areas of
025study that suit their interests, students identify a knowledge gap and conduct their own original research. Mrs. Loitz teaches her students to narrow their ideas to a specific scientific question and plan how they will research it. They gather and analyze data and present a 5,000word paper and a 20-minute presentation with an oral defense. The students learned how to navigate databases such as JStore, ProQuest, and EBSCO Host. Because to their dismay, they found that Google and Reddit are not scholarly resources. Mrs. Lobus identified the research project topics, found professionals in the various areas of study that the students were working on, and paired them with a mentor in the field. The presentations to the community were very well done and the parents and visitors could not say enough about the work the students have completed under Mrs.
026Loit's direction. I heard it was a great night last night. I wish I had been there. Sharon was there. Um, in legislative news, I wanted to just to bring up uh House Bill 1919, which is still in committee. This legislation strengthens protections for school employees who sustain an injury as a result of student behavior by permitting them to take the time they need to recover without losing pay or benefits, including the acrual of service credit for retirement. So, um it's no secret that more and more teachers are being injured on the job and when they have to lose time at work and possibly even have to take a leave of absence and lose pay. We are hoping to get legislation passed to help find a way to keep those teachers whole while they're recovering from
027their injuries. Um, Senate Bill 1014 is the cell phone bill that we've heard about a lot lately. It is back in committee. If this bill bill even uh gets to a vote and passes, it doesn't uh come into play until the 2728 school year. So, RTMA overall would support this bill because it's good for kids and it's good for learning. And I encourage the district now to solicit feedback from classroom teachers on this topic of cell phones and watches. We had sort of this year at the high school of no cell phones. And it would be great to get some feedback on that. But the the new thing that we're kind of all on the lookout with is watches. So it's added a whole new layer, a whole new dimension, and I think the teachers
028voices need to be heard about how that impacts student learning in the classroom. So good time to reach out about that. And finally, one of my passion projects, feeding the kids. Uh, universal free breakfast and lunch PSEA and RTMA will continue to lobby for funding for our breakfast program. I heard Jenny's report to you in committee and it was fabulous. Uh, the kids that are able to take advantage of that and also um throughout this throughout the Commonwealth trying to get universal lunch for for all students in the Commonwealth. So, we'll be on top of that in Harrisburg. Thank you very much. All right. Now, we'll move to unscheduled presentations. District residents and taxpayers wishing to address the school board are encouraged to do so at this time. Written items are strongly suggested. Speakers will
029state their name and their municipality for the record before commenting. Comments are limited to three minutes. The school board may suspend the public comment period after a reasonable amount of time. Use of profanity, shouting, or personal attacks are discouraged. Please note that the public comment period is intended to provide an opportunity for citizens to address the board. However, it is not an opportunity to participate in public debate or a question and answer dialogue. Therefore, contact information should be provided to the administration and board so that the school district can follow up with citizens concerns. Following the meeting, we have Cynthia Savatini. Good evening, Cynthia Sabatini, Upper Providence Township. I contacted my Pennsylvania state representative and posed the following question. Can local taxing entities use local taxpayer funds to support improvements on roads under the jurisdiction
030of PENDOT? The response was as follows. Municipalities such as townships, burrows, and counties may in certain circumstances contribute local funding toward PENDOT roadway projects through formal cooperative or cost sharing agreements with PennDOT. The situation is less straightforward for entities such as school districts whose spending authority is more narrowly tied to educational and operational purposes. In those cases, any contribution would likely need to demonstrate a public safety concern, school access, or transportation need. My question is, doesn't increased traffic raise a public safety concern rather than mitigate it? Importantly, local funding does not automatically override PENDOT's planning and scheduling requirements. State and federally funded transportation projects are still subject to regional planning processes, environmental review, and PennDOT approval. My question is, doesn't the school district's road fix butt up against andor interfere with PennDOT's schedule scheduling requirements?
031I raise these questions and concerns because the school district is sinking taxpayer monies into a project that has more hurdles than was originally anticipated with no backup plan. And these monies are all sunk costs for the taxpayer which cannot be recouped if this endeavor goes south. As I've noted in my public comment at the May legislative meeting, it's troubling that RTMSD taxpayers are now being asked to fund a road project for which we've already been taxed by the state of Pennsylvania. Additionally, we're not getting answers to estimated costs. The fully lend fund the fully loaded estimate of the road fix and the costs of the eminent domain seizure. These unanswered questions give me pause because some decision makers and advisors in this process do not live in this district or area and therefore are shielded
032from the tax and traffic burdens the K through one mega center will impose. Thank you. Next up we have Mary Anne Wolf. Good evening. Maryanne Wolf, Middletown Township. I'm here tonight to talk about the elephant in a room. The K through1 learning center, which is not just a kindergarten, first grade learning center. Over 25% of the building is dedicated to 18 to 20year-old adults and 9th through 12th grade autistic students. There's only one reference to the adults in the linking tolearn program on the time to bloom website. When I tell people about this decision that will occupy the same space as a kindergarten, they think I'm wrong. Many say that can't be. Not with five and six years old. Just as your school me board member Shelley Hunt told a group of us when we
033suggested using part of the Elwin compass campus. Her comment was you can't put children on a campus with adults. I also believe she said it was illegal. Who, when, and how was this decision made? People are very confused and conf concerned about this. It's about time you tell the whole story to everyone. The other elephant in the room is the continual push back that it's impossible to add on to existing schools. One was when at the March 2026 Upper Providence Township meeting, it was announced the plans for a two-story 74 foot by 84t addition 11,000 square feet to the Springton Lake property. This is the same size structure, funny enough, recommended in the 2018 study for school expansion, which also noted and recommended adding to exist in elementary schools would be faster, cheaper, and most
034acceptable because it would keep the children in their neighborhood schools. We asked time and time again why this was not done, and we were denied with no other response other than no. And finally, the largest elephant in the room is Rose Media School District itself. It can't afford this monster of a building. You already deferred payment of bonds that are due now, costing taxpayers an additional $11 million in interest and statements in the March work session was expenditures exceed revenues. And you're planning to increase school taxes by 3.5%. Not even addressing or touching the cost of the K through1 center. Are you trying to turn us into Cherry Hill, Dr. Malouch? >> Next up, we have Lori Reynolds. Good evening. I'm Lori Reynolds, Middletown Township. After last month's meeting, I received an email questioning the
035factual accuracy of my comments. I provided screenshots, quotes, timestamps, and source material demonstrating my remarks came directly from district presentations as and meetings. In return, I was told, quote, "It appears to me that you are conflating a number of items as being the same and that there isn't clarity for you on what has taken place or the sequential progression of the board's process." I then asked several straightforward questions. One involved the Penrest Stadium turf replacement project. At the September 2025 work session, the superintendent stated a June resolution included replacing this turf field. However, the resolution does not mention Penrest. I asked three times when the Penrest turf replacement project was approved by the board. On May 5th, I was told March 2026. I do know March 2026 is when the board acted to award the
036turf replacement bid and I understand that project approval is sequentially before bid award in the progression of the board's process. I also raised questions about the field study. I asked why middle middle school fields ENF were admitted from the report and was told they have quote similar conditions to other fields. That doesn't explain why they were entirely excluded from the report. Our fields ENF the intended location of the planned twotory six classroom building at the middle school that was told to Upper Providence Planning Committee on March 2nd, 2026. I do not recall any board discussion or approval of this significant capital project seemingly announced out of the sequential progression of the board's process. It's interesting that such a common sense solution, one the public raised and were regularly told it's not possible to build at
037the 73 acres at Springton Lake is now being implemented and should be considered for Glenwood Indian Lane and Rose Elementary Schools. Finally, I asked whether a microphone would be provided for public comment at work sessions. The response, no. The board provides an opportunity for question comments as a courtesy. Every work session begins with reference to the Sunshine Act. Pennsylvania state law states the public has the right to attend, participate, and comment before official action is taken. Deliberation is defined as discussion of agency business held for the purpose of making a decision which describes work sessions. It seems allowing the public to speak is more accurately described as compliance with the law while providing a microphone to the public's voices would be a courtesy. Since every board member was copied on these exchanges, the clearest answer
038provided is the extent of the board's involvement and oversight. Thank you. Dr. Hson Williams, if I could just make I know next on here is superintendent's comments. Just a couple of follow-up comments. Um, so for the folks that got up and that spoke and we have all communicated individually via email, some of us have met in the office. I am always willing to stand and have additional discussion. I think it makes it a little bit more productive than just words contained in an email because I do believe that there is still some confusion about what you're presenting and asking and what the reality of what's taking place is. And there is conflation of information that comes through. So, so please Mrs. Bcher is always willing to set up time. We can meet in the office.
039I can come out to you if you want to do a coffee or something at the house. Have community members. We're always willing to bring some folks out and have discussion uh and go through that. I would much rather have the discussion whether there's agreement or disagreement about the direction forward that we are moving with the projects but to make sure that we all operating with the same uh factual information right as long as we can operate with the same factual information we can disagree about the different pieces I am good with that so please um do not hesitate to reach out to Mrs. fetcher. She's familiar with each of you. She'd be more than willing to set up time for us to go through. Um, a question was was asked directly to me of
040am I trying to make Rose Media Cherry Hill? Absolutely not. Um, I tell people all the time, the best professional decision I ever made was to apply for the job here and to leave Cherry Hill. Uh, this is an absolutely incredible community. Uh, the Rose Media School District is different than other school districts. I've had the opportunity to work other places as have many of my peers and my colleagues. There is something that's incredibly special about this place. I welcome the fact that people have the opportunity to talk about what their perspectives are and to disagree about the directions of the project. I can always provide additional clarification about what linking learning to life looks like. Again, the information that is being shared in the vein that I think it's it was presented tonight is
041not an accurate reflection about what that incredible program is. I am incredibly proud of the linking learning to life program. This the opportunities that we offer to the students who remain with us until 21. Uh and happy to talk about what does that look like in the building. Children are not in classrooms next to one another. Um and I'm happy to talk about the reality that many of our linking to learning life children currently are in our elementary schools on a daily basis and working in the elementary schools. That's not something that is new or something that would be added. It's a continuation and a building of the program um to go in. So, so please let's have those discussions, right? Let's have an opportunity where we can actually sit down and and talk about
042that. >> Thank you, Dr. Napsson Williams. >> All right. Thank you. All right. We'll move to old business. We'll we have letter A. Is there a motion? Second. >> Second. Discussion. All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. All right, we'll move to human resources. We'll start with letter A. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> I'd like to say a few words about our two retirees um for up for vote tonight. Um first is Mr. Willie Jones. For 37 years, Mr. Jones has been the kind of person everyone knew they could count on. No matter how much overtime he had already worked or if he had time off planned, he was always willing to step in and help. His hard work, pride in keeping the halls shining, sense of
043humor, and care he showed every day have left a lasting mark on the district, and he will be truly missed. And uh lastly is uh Miss Jackie Loper. Miss Loper has been a dedicated member of the Glenwood Elementary support staff for the past four years. She brings an energetic presence and consistently builds positive relationships with students and staff. She has always been willing to support all learners, sharing her enthusiasm, kindness, and smile each day. And we are excited for her as she begins this next chapter in her life. >> All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. Next, we'll move to letter B. Is there a motion? So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. >> Dr. Napsson Williams, can can we take a minute? Um, in letter
044B, the vote just approved the appointment of Mrs. Katherine Melenich as our new supervisor for technology. Uh Katie is here with us this evening. If I can just ask her to come down to the microphone so that um she can introduce herself to the board and to the community. Katie, congratulations. >> Thank you so much and thank you for voting. Yes, I appreciate it. Um I am so excited to enter this new role and just seeing all of our wonderful students tonight. I had these guys in middle school. You're so tall now. Um Eric, I hope your project went well yesterday. It was so great helping them and I'm just so excited to be able to serve the district in this capacity. I'm a graduate of Rose Tree Media. My dad always says that he
045feels great writing his tax bill. They live in Middletown um because he knows it goes to us. So, I'm just so grateful for all the work that you do. Thank you so much. And I'm really grateful for this new role and to help continue to lead this wonderful district. Thank you. AND and Katie, I know that the time for comments have passed, but now that you officially accepted and came up here, I feel comfortable welcoming you. Thank you so much for continuing to serve the Rose Street Media School District for all that you have done for so many years and in so many ways. And to still show up, be engaged, be interested, bringing um your level of professionalism, your knowledge, and your tremendous enthusiasm. um it comes through in everything including late night meetings
046and that is really commendable. We are so grateful you're continuing your path with us and are really excited about all that you're going to be bringing. Thank you. >> All right. All right. Next up, uh I suggest we group letters C through double F. C as in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. And the double F as in freedom. Freedom. >> Does anyone have any objection to this >> hearing? None. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes. Next we'll move to double H. This is just a first read and review. So there is no vote. We'll move down to finance. I suggest we group letters A and B together. A and B together. Is there any objection to
047this? Hearing none. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. Second discussion. >> I would just like to take this opportunity. I just want to take this opportunity to say thank you to Dr. Scott, her whole team, and all the administrators. I know it goes down all the way to the building principles as they put together our budget. And um I know it was done with fidelity and an interest and keeping the tax uh percentage as low as possible. this year we are at the index um for which I'm thankful for the community for their continued support. So thank you Dr. Scott and your team. >> All in favor? >> Sorry. May I just apologies for Madame President? Um, I I just also want to add on not only to keeping things fiscally responsible,
048but also while maintaining the level of quality that the people of Rose Street Media deserve, which is a really incredible and delicate balance, but it's so important to the integrity of our school systems uh and the future um prosperity and comfort and uh wonderfulness of our district. So, thank you very much for keeping that balance there. >> All in favor? I >> opposed. Motion passes. Next up, I suggest we group letters D and E together. D and E together. Is there any objection to this? Hearing none. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> I would just like to also thank uh Miss Jenny Lee, our food service director. She is a wonderful addition to our district. If you have not had a chance, as I'm sure no one did, listen
049to the presentation. We listen heard from her. Uh you really should because she really cares about our students and just really filling their bellies and making sure that they're in a place to learn the best they can. And um so just a thank you to her and her team as well. >> All in favor? I >> opposed. Motion passes. All right. Next up, I suggest we group letter G through double G together. Letter G. G as in Gettysburg. It's Gettysburg address. All the way to double G. Government. A great government. Is there any objection to this letter G through double G hearing? None. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Motion passes. Next up, we'll move to financials and bill list, letter A. Is
050there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. All in favor? >> I. >> Opposed. Motion passes. We'll next move to the addendum. I suggest we group letters A through I. A as in America. I as in independent what >> are you a history professor if I >> Yes I am a history professor is did I ask is there any objection to this? Did I hear an objection? Okay. Hearing none. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. discussion. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes. >> All right, we'll move to announcements. There was an executive session held from 6:00 p. p.m. until 6:30 p.m. before the legislative meeting on Thursday, April 23rd, 2026 to discuss privilege matters related to real estate with the board's council. The executive session held from
0516:00 p. p.m. until 6:30 p.m. before the work session on Thursday, May 14th, 2026 was held to discuss privilege matters related to real estate with the board's council. future meetings. We will have a work session on Thursday, June 4th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at Springton Lake Middle School in the library. Our next legislative meeting will be on Thursday, June 11th, 2026, 6:30 p.m. at Penrest High School in the auditorium. And then our future legislative meetings will be on Thursday, August 6 and August 27th at 6:30 p.m. at Penrest High School in the auditorium. And as we have reached the end of our agenda, this meeting is adjourned. Have a good evening.