001Good evening. Welcome to the October 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. >> 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. Dr. Scott, please take the role. >> Hillary Fletcher >> here. Jackie Gusk >> here. >> Susan Henderson Udis >> here. >> Shirley Hunt here. >> Robert Kelly >> here. >> Carlen Kreniki >> here. >> Miles Foster Lorner >> here. >> Erica Jonahan >> here. >> Grace Moore >> here. >> Ken Dennis >> here. >> Terresa Napson Williams >> here. >> Madam President, we have a quorum. >> Thank you. Dr. Scott. >> Madame
002President, I would like to make a motion to amend the agenda to add Garnet Valley Virtual Contract to the addendum as letter F and to table addendum item B. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Discussion. All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. All right. We will now have a special presentation by our students in the Penrest. >> Thank you, Dr. Napster Williams. I'm excited to have Miss Jen Smith uh come up to the podium. Jen is directing two shows here at the high school this fall. Little Shop of Horrors, fantastic, and Cinderella. Uh so we have a special treat this evening to start our meeting off. Uh and she's going to introduce some student performers. Uh you actually said pretty much everything I needed to say. Uh we are doing two shows. Uh
003we have a lot of kids involved this year. So we want to make sure there was opportunities for everybody. Uh our first selection is the very beginning of Cinderella. That is the uh main show this fall that most of the kids are in. And then we have a selection >> from Little Shop that is >> That's lovely. Um we have a selection from Little Shop which is the uh show that most of the older students are in. Uh, that was an audition only for the kids who've been here a while and are ready for something a little bit more challenging. So, uh, I think that's all. I hope you enjoy. The first is Cinderella and then Little Shop will follow. Thank you very much. The prince of all. The prince of all The princess message
004He proposed to me. Why shouldn't he propose to me? Easy. [Music] Princess wish. I wish you girldy. Sydney is giving a ball. The prince is giving a ball. The princess. [Applause] start [Music] the child. [Music] Home to Skittle. [Music] Down the hedgehog. I'll tell you. Down [Music] world [Music] God tells me I'm not I started took me shel [Music] is just [Music] out I'll get out of here. [Music] Down [Music] Get out of [Music] there. [Music] [Applause] Wow, that was great. Uh, we look forward to Cinderella and the little shop of horrors and I'm glad so many people um are here >> could witness that and tell your friends and family. Make sure they come to the shows. All right, let's see. We'll move on to the approval of minutes. Letter A. Is there a
005motion? >> I will move for it. >> Second. >> I will second that >> discussion. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes. All right, we will move over to presentations and awards. We have National Merit Scholarship finalists, semi- finalist, I'm sorry, semi- finalist. It is an honor to acknowledge three Penrest High School seniors, Nolan Durans, Adita Murphy, Alen Gwyn. These academically talented students received semi finalist recognition in the 71st annual national merit scholarship program. Congratulation [Applause] All right, we will move on to reports. We will start with the student liaison reports. [Music] Good evening. I am Miles Foster Lner and I'll be beginning tonight's student reports with Glenn Elementary School where at the beginning of September, excuse me, at the end of September, Glenwood students celebrated earning 500 paws for praise by having
006a pride assembly. The Glenwood students earned pause by being ready, respectful, responsible, and kind. As a reward, each grade received extra recess and an all school assembly complete with Glenwood trivia, games, and the traditional Glenwood school song. Glenwood celebrated math story tank telling day this month. To celebrate, each grade level had a story problem to solve. Each grade level had a winner who had the correct answer and showed their work and and thinking in reaching the solution. The Glenwood PTG had a wonderful turnout at the annual trunk or treat held at the Aerosafa Farms. Families transformed their trunks into different themes such as the Eagles, Glenwood, Roller Coasters, McDonald's, and Rose Tree Colts. Students went from trunk to trunk playing games and collecting treats. Thanks to the Bates family for allowing the use of their
007property for this fantastic family and community event at Indian Lane Elementary School. October began with our PBIS kickoff assembly where students reviewed what it means to be ready, respectful, and responsible in all areas of the school. Indian Lane also introduced a new schoolwide incentive focused on positive hallway behavior. Each day, Mystery staff members recognized students who show safe and respectful transitions. On October 1st, Indian Lane welcomed author and illustrator Chris Van Dusen, who shared how he creates his stories and artwork. First, second, and fourth graders were inspired by his creativity and humor, leaving them excited to write and draw their own ideas. A special thank you to Miss Hatton for organizing this memorable experience. In fifth grade, students have been working on personal narratives. Students have focused on strong openings, sensory details, and clear transition
008transitions to bring their stories to life. Firefighters from Middletown Volunteer Fire Company came to Indian Lane on October 9th to share fire prevention and safety tips with kindergarten students. The firefighters even let the kids try on some of the equipment, touch the fire hose, and climb into the fire truck. Thank you. >> Good evening. It's great to see you again. I'm Erikica Jonahan and I will be presenting the reports for Media Elementary and Rose Tree Elementary. At Media Elementary this month, fifth grade students at Media Elementary began studying the ancient civilizations of the Americas. Students are learning geography skills as they read and write, can identify Meso America on a map, and can describe the varying landscapes of Central America and South America. Students especially enjoy learning about the ancient Maya game of pocket talk,
009which is over 3,000 years old. Up next, they will compare the Maya, Inca, and Aztec civilizations. In October, Media Mustangs held the annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day. Each classroom had an activity for students and grandparents or special friends to do together. Kindergarten enjoyed a perfect fall day exploring a working dairy farm. Students went to Milky Way farm and watch how cows are milked. They got to pet a real chicken, calf, goat, and lamb, and even tasted fresh ice cream. As part of this g this year's school theme of resilience, media elementary art students listened to I am courage written by Susan Verde with illustrations by Peter Reynolds. Students drew many bouncy balls that will be part of schoolwide murals that promote resilience and spread the message be resilient, bounce back. At Rose Tree Elementary,
010as part of an exciting library author visit, elementary students in fourth and fifth grade had the opportunity to hear from Jennifer Swanson, co-author of the Atlas Obscured Explorer's Guide to Inventing the World. Swanson captivated young minds with fascinating stories about the global history of STEM, inspiring curiosity and imagination across continents and centuries. During the week of October 6th, Rose Tree celebrated fire prevention week with activities and safety lessons for all grade levels. A special highlight for kindergarten was a visit from our local fire company. Firefighters taught them about the essential tools they use to keep our community safe and shared tips on fire safety. Students even got an uplose look at a real life fire truck. Ro Elementary students have been diving into the world of social sciences across all grade levels. In fourth grade,
011students are exploring the roles of social scientists, economists, historians, geographers, and political scientists and discovering how each helps us understand the world in unique ways. Meanwhile, our second graders have been studying different types of communities. Students create posters that illustrate the key characteristics of urban, suburban, and rural communities. Thank you. Hi, I'm Grace Moore and I'll be reading the reports for Springton Lake and Penrest High School. At Springton Lake, students in Mrs. Boschelle's seventh grade class teamed up to escape the classroom. In small groups, they took on a math escape room challenge focused on writing and solving proportions in real world situations. To break out, students had to collaborate, think critically, and apply their math skills to crack the codes for three different levels. Each puzzle pushed them to use what they learned in class
012while racing against time and having a blast. Outpost space is a specialized elective for eighth grade. In this class, students experience different technologies that could be used in developing outpost in space. Students are growing their foods using hypotonics. Students prepare their nutrient solutions for hypotonics by adjusting pH and nutrient levels. They are also planting seeds for germination and also while germinated transferring their young plants to two different types of hypotonic systems. The Springton Lake Middle School Spartan 8th grade band kicked off at the annual Penrest Fields of Band on October 11th with a powerful performance of the Star Spangle Banner and this is my country. Under the direction of Mr. Reno. The students set up an inspiring tone for the evening, showcasing their musicianship, pride, and school spirit. The Springton Lake and Penrest Fair program
013held their bilay Latinics dance se celebrating in the Springton Lake gym on October 10th. Parents and students from fifth grade and up came for a fun night out with the dance teachers from Salsa in the suburbs to learn traditional Latin dances. Choice Voices Club, an extracurricular chorus club for eighth grade students, had had started for the 2025 2026 school year. The ensemble performed at the sixth grade concert as a part of field trip to Hershey Park in the spring. This year, 93 students signed up and have had a blast at the first few rehearsals. The students are eagerly preparing for their winter concert on December 2nd. At Penrest High School, this year's homecoming dance theme was Tangled and 800 tickets were sold. Students enjoyed the cafeteria being per transformed into elaborate DJ setup, including suspended
014lights, rigging, and smoking effects. The homecoming king and queen are Taylor Knox and Paul Graham. Court members are Olivia Nika, Brady Donahe, Kira Ridath, Chase Hamilton, Zana Alvarez, Gabe Autia Parker, Amelia Gusk, and Dean Gabriel. Penrest is off to a great start for fall I mean fall sports season. The golf team has two district qualifiers. Adrien Civerlli and Kian Naggle. The field hockey and girls soccer teams have also qualified for the district playoffs. Football is off to their best start since 2009 with a record of six to3. In September the Eco Adventure had a successful trip to Asetique Island National Seashore. Students spent four days exploring this unique ecosystem, observing the night skies, fishing, swimming, and biking, and travel travel practicing survival skills. Mrs. Starky's entrepreneurship students attended the fall innovation sprint held at the
015University of Delaware on October 9th. Our students worked with many others from other school districts to come up with the best solution to a real world problem. They pitched their idea to several innovator innovators. At the end of the design sprint, Penrest Sydney Reed and Jackson McNamera were members of the winning team. All students did a great job and can't wait for the spring innovation challenge. Penrest hosted the 8th annual Festival of the Bands on October 11th. The panel of esteemed judges included our very own Craig Snder and Leanne Kon provided vulnerable field feedback and commentary for the visiting bands. Our district lake Spartans kicked off the night's festivities with the national anthem followed by a patriotic showcase. They were accompanied by the Valley Forge Military Academy color guard who along along with the alum
016Aiden Robinson proudly presented our nation's colors. 12 marching bands from around the counties performed their halftime shows. The Roaring Lions closed their program with their 2025 field show. It's not a phase, it's a field show followed by a mass band finale. Over a 1 a,200 members from all 12 bands joined together as one cohesive unit to perform the 1984 hit classic Talking Out the Side of Your Neck by Cameo. Hello again and good evening. I hope that you have all had a wonderful start to this school year. This year has had an amazing start and I am confident that it will continue to be this way. This Monday, Panker replaced all of its cafeteria furniture with brand new tables, benches, and chairs. At the last legislative meeting, we had requested to see a change and
017we are thankful that you delivered. As was the sentiment during last month, the change to block scheduling is still widely viewed by students in a positive light. And many teachers say that they feel the block schedules or the block periods fly by, but they feel that some teachers have struggled adjusting their class style to incorporate block scheduling and wish to see changes in order to make class time more engaging. Thank you, and we hope that you have a great Thank you. All right. Um, we'll move to board liaison reports. We'll start with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit. Uh, Mr. Thank you, Madam President. Uh the DCIU uh has been uh hard at work uh renovating campuses. Uh two of theirs are under massive construction right now. of the Marple campus uh where they have completed
018in early fall a parent waiting room for the uh early educ intervention students and families, a lobby and front entrance, a brand new pre playground that's uh equipped appropriately for the population there. a new stage in the auditorium, new fencing, new parking and coming in December uh we expect to be completed with the new uh nursing program building which is very exciting. Uh the the nursing program features uh nurses taking the national council lensure examination and for 2425 88% of students passed which is well above the 80% required rate from the state. Uh work is continuing on early intervention classrooms there and at Falcraftoft. Uh massive uh renovations are underway and will continue for more than a year on uh storm water management on uh the entrances and traffic control and redoing the entire parking
019lot. Um, the IU also has been in the midst of a search for a new executive director uh for to start after this school year is over in August or September of 26. uh and we've gotten through uh the half of the first round of interviews and uh are planning for the second and third round of interviews and hopefully uh we'll be able to announce uh a new executive director candidate uh you know nominee uh by December. Uh I also wanted to point out uh a scholarship opportunity for uh the families of uh children heading to college. America 250PA is offering a $10,000 scholarship, 25 scholarships, uh, and they will be awarded uh, for students who are applying for schools in Pennsylvania. Applications will be accepted through January 31st, 2026. And again, that's America 250PA
020if you want to look it up online. Thanks. All right, we will move to uh Delaware County Community College, Miss Hunt. >> Yep. Uh hello. Usually, um the annual sponsoring school district dinner is this time of year in on a Wednesday evening in October. Um but this year's dinner has been postponed until um the spring because they want to host it at the new facility um at the old Archbishop Prrenast High School. They have finished or they're in the process of finishing the construction on the over 200,000 square foot facility and they want to have the culinary students who will be hosted in that building actually cater the entire meal for everyone. So if you were wondering where that went, that's what happened. Um this year, this semester, we have 21 students from the Rose
021Media um school district um high school students who are doing dual enrollment with Delaware County Community College. Just a reminder to everyone if you're not familiar, it's about $200 for a full three credit course if you're a high school student in the um Rose Media School District because we are a sponsoring school district. That is significantly less than if you're not a sponsoring school district and certainly a very economical way to um take a course that may not be offered at the high school or may only be offered at a collegiate level or some sort of certification for job training that you want to tackle early on in your career. Um, as many of you know, there's over 20 colleges that you may start your education at Delaware County Community College, do two years there,
022and with, I think it's a 30 GPA, you can automatically transfer to over 20 different colleges and universities in the area. Delaware County Community College has just offered two more colleges to that, the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design and Ursinus College. And um last year I think if you remember I talked about the welding program that got a big grant and said that if you wanted to apply to the welding program it was covered free of charge all materials tuition etc. This year they have gotten a grant of $190,000 for the um college's electromechanical program which is for folks who want to work in industrial machine mechanics. So, if you're in the community and you'd like you're interested in a change of career or change of job, um there is a grant right now
023that's supporting students pursuing careers in the industrial machine mechanics. Um and then a big highlighted student um from Delaware County Community College is Christa Hayward. She's a carpentry student at Delaware County Community College and after a very competitive application process, she is going to serve as the public college and university student representative in the newly formed Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education. There was a big reorganization of that. So, she will be the student representative. She is also at the same time completing a two-year fellowship with the US Department of Energy's building technologies office in Washington DC. So, she has been highlighted as the student this month um to watch. And um the welding program I mentioned, CBS News visited it on October 1st to showcase that program as well. So, there's a ton of
024stuff going on at Delaware County Community College. Um if you haven't looked into it lately, I urge you to do so. It's a really, really cost-effective, highquality educational system that's available to us. All right. Uh 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. Very pleased to report that the 2025 2026 school year is off to a tremendously positive start across all six of our schools. First weeks of the year have been defined by optimism, energy, and an unmistakable sense of forward momentum. Students and staff have settled quickly into routines that support both academic growth and personal connection, hallmarks of our district culture. We continue to see strong attendance and a genuine sense of enthusiasm from both staff and
025students. Families have been supportive and patient as we implemented new systems and I'm deeply grateful for their partnership. We are nearing the completion of multiple construction of renovation projects across the district. From upgraded HVAC systems at Glenwood and Rose Elementary Schools to classroom modernizations and safety enhancements at Penrest and Spring Lake, these improvements will serve our students for decades to come. The K1 Early Learning Center project remains on schedule as our extensive team of professionals is preparing the application submission to the folks at Middletown Township. We are eager to move through the interactive process with the elected officials and professionals in Middletown Township to address any and all questions as we seek project and permitting approval. We will continue to update the community at each of our work session meetings and with our monthly time
026to bloom update e newswsletter. As each day brings us one step closer to providing fullday kindergarten and state-of-the-art facilities for our youngest learners. Community members may sign up for the monthly e newswsletter through the portal on the web page time tobloom-rtmssd.org. Each of these projects has demanded persistence and flexibility from everyone involved. Our facilities and business office teams have maintained steady leadership in managing the complexities of the multi-sight construction while keeping our our schools safe, open, and welcoming. Our instructional and support staff have constantly, air quotes, made it work, even on the challenging early days of the academic year. A special thank you to all of them. At the elementary and middle school levels, we successfully launched our new English language arts program this fall. These resources, rooted in research-based practices and aligned with our
027commitment to learning, are already transforming reading and writing instruction. Early feedback has been positive as we examine student engagement and the progression of literacy skills across grade levels. At Penrest High School, the implementation of the block schedule designed to deepen learning, reduce transitions, and create more time for student inquiry, collaboration, and support is going well. Teachers are using extended periods to build project-based learning and individualized instruction into each day. Students have adapted quickly and report that the schedule allows them time to focus more deeply and manage their time more effectively. With anything that is new, there are continued adjustments and varying levels of comfortability with the schedule. I received valuable feedback when I met with a group of senior students at 7:30 this morning and heard about their personal experiences. We've also had a remarkable
028start to our fall athletic season. From the energy of Friday nights under the lights to the teamwork displayed on our fields, courts, and courses, our student athletes are representing RTMSD with pride, sportsmanship, and heart. Beyond the wins and records, what stands out most is the character our athletes display. The same resilience we aim to nurture in every classroom. We celebrate their achievements, but also the lessons they model for us. that success comes not from ease, but from effort. Not always from comfort, but from commitment. If there's a theme that unites this first part of the year, it's grit. The quiet determination to stay the course, to adapt, to persevere. Whether it's a teacher mastering new curriculum or a new schedule, our facilities, teams, and transportation department always delivering under pressure, or a student pushing through
029a challenging text or difficult practice. We are seeing the positive results of resilience across our district. These moments, the ones that demand resilience, are the ones that build strength. They remind us that real learning, real growth, and real excellence comes not from avoiding challenges, but from embracing them. I want to express appreciation to our families and community members for their engagement. Whether through attendance at school events, participation in PTG or fair meetings and events, or thoughtful feedback at schoolboard meetings and email exchanges, your partnership makes our schools and community stronger. As we move forward into the heart of the school year, I remain incredibly proud of our students, our staff, and our community. Their persistence and positivity embody what makes Rose Tree Media such an extraordinary place to learn and to lead. Please come out
030to see Little Shopahara and Cinderella. As always, please visit our website often to keep a breast of the activities in each of our schools throughout the district. There's a direct link to the time to bloom website which is dedicated to the development and design of the new full day kindergarten and first grade center. Thank you, Dr. Napsson Williams. >> Thank you, Dr. Malash. All right, we will move to the vote on the solicitor's report. Uh, I ask for a motion on the commercial taxpayer assessment appeal and the residential taxpayer assessment appeal settlements. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. Next, we'll move to the president's report. As we near the end of October, on behalf of the board, I want to take a
031moment to recognize the hard work and collaboration that continue to define our Rose Media School District community. Our students are thriving. Our staff is deeply committed and engaged each day, ensuring that the decisions that are made keep student success and well-being at the forefront. As we move forward, we remain focused on ensuring safe, inclusive, and enriching learning environments and experiences for all students. Together, we are building on the proud tradition of excellence that exists in our community while preparing our students for the future. Thank you all for your continued support and commitment to Rose Media. We will now move to scheduled presentations. Uh Janette Verdor from RTMA. >> Good evening everyone. I I'm going to begin tonight as I've mentioned at the last three school board meetings that I encourage all constituents of Rose Media
032School District to contact their legislators at the state and federal level and have them put their personal differences aside and sit down and have conversations with people who can get our budget passed. Um it it amazes me um that this can go on for so long and the teach the teachers themselves. We were discussing tonight about that um we need to have our public schools fully funded and we need the the government to do their job there. So to the constituents who are listening, thank you for contacting your legislators. A few hours ago, I had an opportunity to gather um the membership of our TMEA. We meet twice a year as a full body and one of our activities was called open conversations and it's a really authentic way to talk to colleagues across buildings
033across disciplines etc and just talk about things that we work with every day. Um my next remarks come out of our open conversation and this is from the high school. One of the emerging themes tonight was the high school teachers are so happy that Mr. Roth put himself out there, took a chance and created a cell phone policy at the high school asking kids not to have their cell phones out in class or not, you know, not allowing that. And that's a big risk because there's a lot of push back that can happen with stuff like that. but he was willing to do it and the teachers are extremely grateful because the engagement is off the charts. That's words from their mouths tonight. Continue to move forward as a district. We might want to examine
034similar situations at the middle school and at the elementary school. We should check in with our kids, see how it's working for them. How is not having a cell phone available 247 in class working for you? and um and continue to move forward this. I was just really pleased to hear that and the teachers are so grateful that we were willing to that Mr. Roth is willing to do that and and hopefully we can move forward and let that spread throughout the district. So, thank you. And students, I'm looking forward to hearing from you on that topic. If you have a moment, reach out to me. Okay. Thank you. Good night. >> Thank you. All right. Uh, we'll move to unscheduled presentations. District residents and taxpayers wishing to address the school board are encouraged to
035do so at this time. Written items are strongly suggested. Speakers will state 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. See, we have Eric Schultz, Middletown. Good evening. My name is Eric Schultz from Middletown Township. Thanks for letting me speak. I want to talk on
036the K to1 school that you guys that's being planned out for uh the corner of Rose Road. I live on Hunting Hills, so I know there's a large constituent of us that are having some difficulty with that being placed there. Um right now traffic I used to live on paint road so traffic was terrible on painted road. It's very bad especially when high schoolers are getting out of high school. I mean I run down the street and I've almost been hit whereas the kids are going across the road different things like that. You're adding additional traffic on painter road or not you but it will be additional traffic on painter road and hunting hills will become a cutth through. So I just want to express my concern with that. I know that everybody has their
037own interest, but please be aware of other people as well. Um, I do have a acquaintance on the planning committee and he told me the township owns the property and it's a done deal. That's what I've been told. So, I know that we're getting a lot of not done deal here, but from from what I've heard from someone close to me, it's pretty much happening. Um I feel I'm a I do architectural woodwork for a living. So I feel that the estimate is grossly unest un under uh funded for what they're saying. I think it was around 80 million or so plus or minus. But I think especially with the way costs have been over the past uh year or at least even six months costs have really gone up. So I wanted you at
038least consider that as well. It's going to be much higher than what's proposed. Um and really just the traffic and the intersection there at Rose Street Road and um 352 is very dangerous extremely. So I would ask that at least you have a plan really thought about with Pico or no I'm sorry not Pico with um with PENDOT I'm sorry because it's a lot of work there and I don't know how they're going to extend that bridge that goes down toward uh direction of LWIN. there's a lot of things to consider and I just don't know that everybody has really considered all of the factors in there. So I just want to present that. Thank you for letting me speak. Um I know everybody has their own interest and for me it's I live very
039close to there. So that's why it's more you know to my heart. So thank you. >> All right. Next we have Mike Griser Edgemont. Hi, I'm Mike Rer Edgemont. Thanks again for letting us speak and giving our ideas and input. Um, we we've been talking about new schools for a while now. And back in 2018, you had a consulting firm that recommended that we renovate and expand our four elementary schools. and we could fill the need for kindergarten classes by adding on to three of the four schools. It was much more cost-effective. They recommended it and that consulting firm disappeared. We got a new consulting firm in and they pushed for the Edgemont Elementary School. We rode the wave with the Edgemont Elementary School. Everybody told it was a done deal. It's not a done
040deal. not done until the permits are done, the construction is started, and then it's pretty much you can't stop it. Then why was it wrong in 2018 to renovate and expand our elementary schools and that's what the recommendation was. Then we got rid of that consulting firm and we got a new consulting firm that all of a sudden wanted to build a new school. They wanted neighborhood schools so they wanted to put one in Edgemont. So, we went through the whole thing with the pipelines and the traffic and the cost and it didn't happen. So, now we're going to a K1 ne that's a total contradiction of neighborhood schools. You're going to ship your youngest kids in the whole district, the longest bus rides to one school, the youngest children, the kindergarten, first graders, they're
041not going to be going to school with their neighbors, their siblings. They're going to be separated, sent to this kindergarten, first grade school where the tra the the traffic is going to be horrendous because mom and dad are going to drive want to drive half of these kids. You know how the parents, they're not going to want their kids on those buses, you know, for those long rides, they're going to be driving them. If you drive by Glennwood, you drive by East Coast Elementary, you drive by some of the elementary schools, the parents that drop their kids off now, and that's not the kindergarten kids as much as first through fifth grade. the kindergarten kids are even going to be more so parents are going to want to drop them off. We really think that
042the idea that this is a done deal is not true. It's not a done deal. And people need to know that this is not a done deal. We are not just putting the flag up and saying yes, we're building a K1 center. Okay. What we're doing is we're looking at this as an option. But I really think we would have had full day kindergarten if we had did what they said in 2018, renovated our four schools, expanded three of them. We would have kindergarten right now and it would have been a lot less money. So can I please just say we need to look at that. Um I've getting a lot of feedback from taxpayers, seniors, a lot of people all about taxes, what it's going to cost. Our administrative costs have gone up 100%
043in 10 years for our Roster Media School District administrative cost. So that's a lot in 10 years. That's just administrators. That's not teachers. Thank you very much. All right. Next we have Michael Straw Media. >> Good evening uh Michael Straw Media. Um I also want to thank you for um letting us come up and uh share our ideas. Um, I too have concerns with um the construction of a K through1 center. Um, I've been up here before and brought my concerns. Um, but I have some additional concerns that um, I agree with Mr. Risser. Um, when it comes to the busing situation, um, currently parents walk their kids to media elementary school. Now, we're going to be expecting K through1 students to then suddenly be bust all the way over here um on Rose Tree
044Road. I mean, in the end of the day, I like the neighborhood school option better. Um there's one other concern that I thought about when it comes to um this K through one center. Um the previous Edgemont school, um when you took out the bond, the interest rate was so much lower. we're now going to have to deal with a higher interest rate which is going to you know just add on to the costs for the construction of this school in the long run. Um but I did want to um add one point as well um that's not with the K through1 center. Um, and I uh want to support the the um the school board's um I want to support the school board in terms of backing you in that we should have a
045cell phone policy in the other schools. Um as somebody who was um in school when cell phones first came out, they're a distraction. Um they take away time for learning. Um, and in the end of the day, I mean, the only reason why I needed a cell phone really when I was in high school or even middle school was to text my mom and dad and let them know that I'm coming home or I needed to to stay late because I was at a club for some reason. There really shouldn't be a reason to, you know, use it in a middle school or even an elementary school for any other facet because it's just going to essentially provide a distraction. So, I just want to say to you that I back you in backing your
046PR principles in instituting a um cell phone policy. It's a distraction and they're there to learn. So, thank you. Thank you. Just a note because it was mentioned twice, we do have a cell phone policy in all of our schools. It started last year and it is very successful in high school, the middle school and the elementary schools. All right, we will move to uh we have no superintendent comments. >> Um Thank you for the opportunity. Appreciate it. I wanted to talk about not the K1 school per se, but the the um the idea about bringing in a large uh artificial turf field component to uh that renovation project. This is just something that I don't hear talked about enough. I have four students in the district. My oldest graduated from Pancress last year. My
047youngest is at Glenwood this year. I'm a chiropractor in Middletown for the past 20 years. um specializing in pediatrics. I see a lot of students from our district, student athletes, very familiar with the um the injuries that can happen on the sports field. I emailed the board uh Madame President earlier today uh with some of this research uh that I put together and I just wanted to run through that really quick if that's okay. Okay. Artificial turf fields are often sold to athletic departments and school districts based on their cost-saving potential. A more accurate description would be to say the costs are simply transferred. This occurs in three primary ways. Number one, injury burden is increased for student athletes. This is in the form of a significant increase in lower extremity injuries. Number two is
048maintenance costs. They tend to be kicked down the road, giving the district the illusion of budgetary savings, only to get hit with massive replacement and disposal costs later on, which oftentimes aren't budgeted for or accounted for. Number three, health and environmental costs, specifically heat hazard and chemical exposure to crumb rubber fill, um, which leaves the school district vulnerable to liability concerns. I have a number of studies outlining the uh the the research behind the increase in um injury. It's very borne out in the research. If you wanted to kind of look at those 2001, I'm sorry, 2021 study showed a 58% more likely uh rate of sustaining injuries on an artificial turf versus grass. The NFL looked at this as well in the 2021 to 2022 season and they determined significantly higher rates of lower
049extremity injuries. And even more concerning, 60% of those required season ending surgery. My second daughter tore her ACL last year and you know has missed. She's a high performing soccer athlete, so this is very close to me. I've looked into it quite a bit. Uh the turf is cheaper myth is the second section of this document that you've all received. Uh you can look at that, but over this is pretty well borne out as well. In a 2025 sustainability journal study, it showed that over a 25-year horizon, natural grass had a lower total cost than artificial. Um and we do want to be conscious of the increased heat, heat stroke, that type of thing. Health and environmental costs. um significantly hotter temperatures. >> I'm sorry that that's time. >> Okay. >> But we do have
050your your email. Thank you. And I I do want to just note for the public in general on December 1st um we going to have a public discussion regarding synthetic turf at um Springton Lake Middle School. >> I will be there. >> School did a major project. >> Move on. But thank you. We have that your email with that information. All right, we will move to old business. We'll start with the vote for uh policies for second read and approval. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. Second discussion. >> All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. We will move to human resources. We will start with letter A, a retirement. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> Yes. So, I uh want to say this is for
051the retirement for Katherine Hall, who's a bus driver and has been with the Rose Tree Media School District since 2001, which means she's retiring after 24 years of dedicated service. I say it every time, and I mean it every time. 24 years is an incredible gift to our district. And if you've ridden a school bus lately, my hat is off to Miss Hall because that is a a very stimulating environment. So I wish her the very best for her retirement as well. >> All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Motion passes. Next up, I suggest we group letters B to S together. Letters B to S. B is in Baltimore. S is Seattle. Is there any objection to this? Hearing none. Is there a motion? >> So moved. Second >> second discussion. >> Can I
052make one comment please? N um sorry N which is a a a nominal thing about approving staff to serve as game workers for the football district 1 playoffs. I don't remember the last time our football team has made it to the district one playoffs or even had a winning. It's been a long time since we've had a winning season and I know that some very um concerned not concerned but involved parents came to this board to rebuild the program and I was cautiously optimistic about it and I just have to say the football program is not just about the football team. Our football team is inclusive and it brings in the linking learning to life students into the program. There's a cheerleading squad that's not just the high school students, but they also bring in
053the younger um students who want to participate. You have a marching band, which you just saw in the highlights going. We host the competition. The football program is much bigger than just the football team. And there's probably I don't know at least a third of the school who participates in it. So to see us turn around the program from really struggling to this is a huge win for the entire school. So thank you to everybody who supported the program and congratulations to the team for this great ride and for everybody to follow along and tag along. >> All in favor? I >> opposed. Motion passes. All right, we will move on to finance. I suggest we group letters A through M. A as in Alabama, M as in Michigan. Is there any objection to this?
054Hearing none. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> I would just like to take a second to thank um Mr. Seini and Mr. Nolan for their continued um sort of oh my god my brain thank you service dedication uh constantly moving forward new capital projects uh here at the district we've been seeing um some great strides in the past couple of years under their leadership and I just wanted to thank them. >> Um I just wanted to thank the Rose Tree Colts for their generous donation too that we are voting on now. So thank you Colts. All right. >> Premature. Thank you. >> All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Motion passes. All right. Next up, I suggest we group letters O through X together. O as in Olympia. X
055as in Xanadu. >> That wasn't mine. Is there any objection to this? Xanadu is great. >> Hearing none. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> All. Okay. >> I repeat what I said earlier. >> Thank you. Rose Street Coat. All right. All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. All right. We will move to financials and bill list letter A. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. All in favor? >> I. >> Opposed. Motion passes. All right. We will move to the addendum. We will start with letter A. approve the appointment of an administrative employee. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> Well, I will hope to be the very first to say that we are very very excited to have
056Mr. Joshua Rehack come to us and be proposed as the new principal for Glenwood Elementary. Uh he has an illustrious career. He brings a lot of leadership and education experience and also as a former social studies teacher to another uh social studies teacher. Tremendously excited to have him on board as well. Um and we are looking forward to him I wouldn't say filling Mr. Buchcci's shoes but adding to Mr. Buchcci's legacy at Glenwood Elementary. So um thank you very much for coming. We look forward to welcoming you to the Rose Media family. >> All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. >> Dr. Napson Williams, if we can just take a second, uh, Mr. Rehack is here this evening, so I'm gonna ask him to come up to the podium. Uh, so he has a
057chance to meet the board and the community and introduce the folks that have accompanied him this evening. So Josh, if you would come up to the podium. I'm going to make a joke about my daughter. She just told me to lock in dad. So, uh, good evening. >> You don't want to crash out, my friend. Let me tell you. >> Well, good evening, uh, Dr. Malashsh, Madam President, members of the board, and Rose Media community members. I am absolutely ecstatic and excited to be, uh, named the principal at Glenwood Elementary School. Uh, I want to thank you all for entrusting me with, uh, with your confidence to continue the strong, uh, Glenwood traditions that Mr. Buchcci, uh, Mr. um have set over, you know, the many years. Um I'm in I know we are all
058in the relationship business and I am so excited to hit the ground running building new relationships with our kids, with our teachers, and with our families. Um, I look forward to creating uh some lifelong learners who uh are are creating a pipeline for not only a a continuingly growing Penrest football team, um, but you know, board members, future doctors, leaders, chiropractors, and things like that. So, thank you for entrusting me. Um, you know, I look forward to the challenge ahead. Um, I do want to take this opportunity. I know they don't want to be acknowledged, but uh my wife uh Carla who is a a high school psychology teacher and my daughter uh Mia and Ree who are high school and middle school uh students. So I do want to thank them very much. Um
059you know the life of all of our jobs uh you know there are sacrifices and they have um been troopers at the many hours that I have spent uh you know supporting kids over the years and and they'll continue to do the same. So, thank you so much for this opportunity. Look forward to it. [Applause] All right. Uh, I suggest we group letters C through F. Um, letter B was tabled C through F. Is there any objection to this? Hearing none. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> Yes. Uh I would like to read the contents of item F since we just introduced it at the beginning of this meeting. Here's the wording. ratify the agreement with Garnett Valley School District to enroll one student in the Garnet Valley virtual
060program for the 2025 2026 school year to provide regular education direct instruction. Rose Tree Media School District will maintain local education agency or LEA status for this students individualized education program. >> All in favor? I >> opposed. Motion passes. All right, we will move to announcements. Executive sessions. There was an executive session held at 5:45 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. before the legislative meeting on Thursday, September 25th, 2025 to discuss privilege matters with the board's council and the and the performance of an employee. The executive session held from 6:00 p. p.m. until 6:30 p.m. before the work session meeting on Thursday, October 9th, 2025 was to discuss privilege matters with the board's count. future meetings. There will be a work session on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Springton Lake Middle School in the
061library. There will be a policy committee meeting on Monday, November 17th, 2025 at 400 PM in the Education Center boardroom. And the next legislative meeting will be on Thursday, November 20th, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Penrest High School in the auditorium. As we have now reached the end of our agenda, this meeting is adjourned. Have a good evening.