001It's just it is what it is. It's unfortunate, but he's excited. He's excited to get there and get started. Um they um name I think it was already because he played potentially another state. Yeah. >> But he laughed and the other guys laughed and they got very good. He's he's he's been changed about a lot of stuff. I mean, spending money like this upgraded. And we were down. This might be There's many Oh, thank you very much. different than what was >> I think that Are you ready? >> Good evening. Spring Grove Area School District meeting will take effect. If we could please stand for the pledge. To the flag, the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice. Okay, welcome everyone.
002At this time, we're going to do a roll call. >> Archinger >> present. >> Tom here. Ramsey >> here. >> Riffs here. >> Sher here. >> Stein here. >> Wersto here. >> White here. >> Wilson here. Thank you, Suzanne. And we uh let's see, announcements regarding executive sessions held since the last Sunshine meeting. Uh January 12th, January 16th, January 19th, January 22nd, and January January 28th. Uh at this time, we'd like to welcome visitors. Anyone that is interested in addressing the board, please stand, come forward. None. Okay. Thank you. Um, at this time we have student representative report and we have a new candidate sitting with us this evening, Ella Miller. >> Hi. Um, just a little bit about me. I'm Ella Miller. I'm the secretary of student council. I'm filling in for Cameron who
003got her wisdom teeth out so she's not feeling the best. Um, I'm a senior and I'm so happy to be here. So, a little bit about what's been going on in Spring Grove Elementary in December. The SGPTO sponsored a hot chocolate and snowball fight the day before break. Kindergarten enjoyed a Polar Express Day and they went to the high school for the Christmas event. During January, the PTO sponsored a movie and popcorn night for all students. In Paradise Elementary during December, Paradise students worked hard to collect tokens as part of the project team reward program. The reward was a movie day with a concession stand. The Paradise PTO host a holiday shop for all students to shop for holiday gifts for family members. It was a huge success. The Paradise students and families sent in
004dry goods for the fill the bus food drive and held a great competition. First grade students won a movie day and for bringing in the most food. During January, the PTO hosted an indoor snowball fight and hot chocolate event on the 27th. The Secretary of Agriculture, Miss Brooks Rollins, and Dr. Ben Carson, paid a visit to Paradise Elementary to promote the new food pyramid, including Whole Foods for students in New Salem. During December, Sundays with Santa, build your own Sundays, craft, face painting, and visit with Santa was held. Let's keep warm winter drive was sponsored by their student leadership team, which collected distri and distribute hats, scarfves, and gloves. During kindergarten, the kindergarters visited the high school for the holiday spectacular event. During January, the Buck a book reading program started. They had an indoor
005yard sale for for New Salem Elementary gymnasium sponsored by the PTO and they had a Magic Elm skate night on the 22nd of January sponsored also by the PTO. They had a Lilo and Stitch movie night. Um they had a book drive and exchange collecting new or gently used books throughout January. and they will host a free communitywide book exchange event on the 12th of February from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to build everyone's at home library sponsored by the student leadership team. In Spring Grove Intermediate during December, the SGI Snowflakes staff and retired subs from SGI played music for students. The PTO had a popcorn loft fundraiser pickup on December 15th. Student council sold 3D Christmas ornaments before break. Student council gave each student a candy cane before break. Students watched a Christmas movie the
006last half of the day before break. And during January, the PTO had their weekly Wednesday school store during lunches. In the middle school during December, they had the Fill the Bus, a holiday music concert hosted by the Springrove Alumni Concert. Um, music students participated in several music events at Windy Hill Sweet Sounds Coral Festival, Pigeon Hill Strings Invitational, and a jazz concert at Trinity Lutheran Church. They had a fun day before the holiday break, and students assisted with the tree lighting at the square. The Minithon kicked off their had their kickoff assembly meeting and during January they had parent teacher conferences, the winter dance and hosted the York Country Middle School chorus festival. And in the high school clubs at the high school took time out of their day to come together to help with
007the Christmas tree set up. Student council took a field trip to New Hope Ministries to help families shop for Christmas gifts and help restock items on the shelves. It was a great opportunity and we are glad we can help out in the community. Every year, student council members are excited for this event. Student council hosted lunch events during the full week before break. We had cookie decorating, ornament decorating, free hot chocolate, and pin the nose on Rudolph. So many students were excited for these events and had a blast. Student council had a staff lunchon giving free staff lunch as a way to thank them for all that they do for us. And on the 23rd of December, we had a winter pep rally. It was a great success and there were so many fun games.
008Student council also hosted a door decting contest where teachers got to vote on the winning door. And lastly, student council had a gingerbread competition outside the IA where students could bring in gingerbread houses and the winner got to pick a prize. >> Well, thank you, Ala. appreciate your uh report and welcome. >> Thank you. >> Were you nervous? >> A little bit. >> You did a great job. >> No. [laughter] >> Okay, moving on. Uh superintendence report. >> Yes, I am nervous just for the record. >> Great. But now I've got nothing. And all of your information was in a little phone and I have all got it all ready for me. different name. Okay, very good. Um, very quickly, I'd like to um shout out some folks uh specifically two more YA graduates, Rober
009Roberto Mendes and Zachary Colin. Um, congratulations to those folks from the high school and also to Karen Bomb who's now the president of the YAA board. So, congratulations Karen and Dr. Guanino and I had the fortune of being there at graduation and and up on stage was Mrs. Bomb handing out diplomas. So, good for her, too. Um, in the thespian world, there's 19 high school students recently participated in the Pennsylvania State Thespian Conference in Allentown. The troop was awarded the highest honor, which is called Gold Honor Troop, and Violet Chedester, Hope Vogue, and Warren Parkhurst were named to the Hall of Fame. Congratulations to them. In the world of music, um, out of hundreds of students m of musicians from eight surrounding counties, Brian Meyers earned the top spot, ranking number one in the cello
010section at the 2026 PMEA District 7 Orchestra Festival auditions, and then he placed second at districts, which qualified him then for regionals. Congratulations to Brian. Um, the district is proud to share that Dan Brener, one of our very own music teacher, uh, who oversees the modern band program at the high school, has been named a 2025 educator of note by the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame. This pre prestigious honor recognizes educators who have made a lasting impact on music education and inspired students through excellence, innovation, and dedication to the craft. Also connected to that, the high school modern band was nominated for a Central Pan Music Award by the Central Pen Music Hall of Fame in the category of best youth band, while two SG students, Bin Brosman and Addison Buffalo, received individual nominations.
011In the world of athletics, a familiar name, senior David Zap earned significant recognition this fall, being named the defensive player of the year for Yiaa and Pent Live along with the Pennsylvania football writers all state team defensive line and the PFN class 5A coaches select all state second team defensive tackle honors. Congratulations to David and his dad. Um, senior [laughter] and his mom, of course, is senior Elena Ziggler earned recognition this fall for volleyball, being named first team, all districts, and all state team by the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association. Junior Elijah Henning continues to do well in the pool by setting numerous diving records. There are many of them. I'm not going to read all of them. We wish Elijah and all the other divers and swimmers well as they participate in the league and
012district championships upcoming. Congratulations also to the following wrestlers who meddled at the Y AIAA wrestling championships. Individual girls um Lindseay Byer, Sylvia Rivera, Mallalerie Stedutter. Um Ava Dietrich, Melena McCormick, and Grace Cornell. And the boys, Ryder Linker, Ezra Henning, Davis Bomb, Jack Roarball, Alfonso Rivera, Chase Amsspacker, Cam Hershey, and Oliver Rumball. The Springrove boys wrestling team completed an unusual undefeated regular season in dual meets at 20 and 0. It's very rare. And won the Yiaa Division 1 title for the second year in a row while also qualifying for the district team championships, which were held here in Springrove this past week. We will also host the district 3 individual boys championships February 20th and 21st at the high school. Congratulations to the competitive cheer team coached by Hannah Patruchi and Patrrui and Janelle Newwork for
013qualifying for the PIAA state championship in Johntown. Finally, we would like to wish any or all of our winter sports teams who qualify for districts and beyond. They're just getting cranked up now. Go Rockets. A few other acolyte accolades before we move on. The high school mock trial team had an incredible performance at the Ben Franklin Invitational Mock Trial Tournament, which is the toughest in the state of Pennsylvania. Team one earned a second place finish, which was the highest result of any uh high school team in the history of our mock trial. Uh Ben Nadavik and won outstanding witness award. Congratulations to Ben. That's quite an honor. 11 high school students were recognized at the Pennsylvania Future Farmers of America FFA at the State Farm Show for earning their official FFA jackets through the FA
014FFA jacket scholarship program organized by the Pennsylvania FFA. Receiving an FA FFA jacket is a significant milestone that symbolizes a student's participation and commitment to agricultural education through the FFA program. and Ozra Musik, a ninth grade student, placed third in the state in the Bright Financial Futures Stock Market Challenge, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Council on Financial Literacy and was part of a contest in the introduction to business course taught by Mrs. Riser at the high school. Um, and this coming Friday, a big event at the high school, the York County Junior High Coral Festival. So, there'll be hundreds of students from all around the county. Um, Friday evenings they're they're there all day practicing and then they in a culminating concert at 5:00 pm and it's free. So, if you're not doing anything Friday night,
015I would suggest you check it out. Last but not least, thank you for your non-verbal vote of confidence. Um, [laughter] January is board recognition month, a time set aside for school. Do you want me to pass this one up? A time set aside for the district for school districts to recognize school me school board members for their volunteer service to our students, our school district, and our community. Our school directors voluntarily give their time toward the advancement of public education. They are key decision makers on issues like policy, safety, security, budgeting, and much, much more. They are dedicated volunteers, neighbors, community leaders, parents, and engaged citizens. We give them special recognition this evening, but their contribution is truly all year long, and they are always have our appreciation. Side note, the board convenes meetings beginning
016at 4:00 this afternoon. So, if you're wondering what they've been doing all afternoon, they've been sitting in the room over there um at since 4:00. Just a side note. Um, and at your seats you will find, may I take yours? This lovely gift obviously connected to go Rockets. So, thank you all. My virtual handshake. I'll catch you later, but thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Um, please join me in giving him a round of applause for our appreciation. >> I That's all I have. President White standing in novation would have been better, but that's all right. Take that. You mean from everybody and just me? >> Okay, moving on. So, correspondence, uh, at everyone's seat, you have a minutes to, uh, spring musical. If you, and it's called anything goes, if you have an interest,
017please fill out your name and what seats uh, or dates you're looking for, and please turn that back to Suzanne. Uh, moving on, we have York County School of Technology. Mike, >> going on. What's going on at York Tech? Uh the board the JOC board had uh its uh reappointments of some new members. Uh John Blevens from Red Line was reelected as president. Lozanne Schroeder was reelected as vice president. Our next board meeting is February Thursday, February 26. Some good notes. Uh well now I'm afraid don't want to screw up. Our Hot Rodders Association teams which we had four. One of them won first place in the national championship where they tear a 350 Chevy apart and reassemble it. Their time was like in the 15 minute 15 minute mark for doing that. Um we
018had JooC orientation program. I'm missing something here. Uh our superintendent from the county were there on January 9th. They have recognized our need for more CTE programs across the county. um trying to work in collaboration with York Tech to reach more students one way or another. We appreciate our superintendent working with uh with York Tech trying to solve that problem. That's it on my report. >> Thank you, Mike. I have a York Tech meeting Thursday. Um, if anyone [clears throat] was out at the uh uh I guess it be York County Racing Saturday at the uh uh UPMC changes names every year. Uh the Yorkotech hot rodders were out there. Um so if anyone got to witness it, what an incredible event. Turn te turn tear a motor apart and then put it back together.
019And and and here's something to think about. Europote Tech out of a whole United States is still number one vocational technical school in the United States and a lot of schools come back to us to see how York Tech does their programs. But to go to Las Vegas with these kids and and you're with a whole, you know, school of United States children of vocational and becoming number one that that's pretty impressive. So our uh >> group [clears throat] kids on that number one team too. >> Yeah. Uh so unique thing uh the uh uh teacher on there uh Josh His both boys were on there and he teaches that class and now he teaches uh adult uh mechanics. So it's funny how things come back around. So moving on we have York Adams Academy.
020Karen, >> right? The York Adams Academy in addition to the reorganizational meeting and graduation also held their regular meeting uh where we worked on the budget and it will be brought to uh the our board next month. That's all I have to report. >> Well, thank you so much and congratulations again. And we have special committee reports uh for those who've never joined us. uh every uh meeting we learn more about what's going in uh our elementary, middle schools, high schools, uh for education, uh anything with our facilities. So these are reports that um our administrators uh produce to us. So, Bill, okay, the York Learning Center joint authority met December the 10th. Reor reorganization took place. Scott Wingard from Dallas Town appointed to president. Todd Gettys from West York is is now the vice
021president. Treasurers report reflected that the end fund balance was 2.8 mill$2.8 million. The public, excuse me, the the building and grounds reported several concerns. The building requires new electrical power service. Um there there are ongoing boiler issues. The roof needs to undergo infrared scan to assess conditions and determine next steps. The current student enrollment stands at 145. That includes the three students from Springrove. An action item was introduced to approve $8,000 stipen for superintendent of record for the Y LCGL. A vote is scheduled for next meeting to approve Bob Bryson from Southern School District for that role. The next meeting scheduled for March 18th. The primary focus will discuss financing strategies and determine next steps for the building project. I'm going roll right into the YMCA. The YMCA of the Rose branch board meet met
022virtually on the 13th of January. The YMCA project punch lists are being worked on, anticipating being completed first week of February. The YMCA admin team is attending the Jackson Township meeting asking for temporary occasy to move items that were already previously shipped. A pre-construction [clears throat] meeting took place last Friday for the site work. Utility markings would be taking place this Wednesday. That would be followed by temporary f fencing being put in place. An upcoming event is scheduled. Egg hunt day is March 21st at four locations. The 2026 meeting dates were posted. The branch is onboarding a recreation and sports coordinator in April. Next meeting is scheduled for March the 10th. >> Thank you, Bill. board. Any questions? Okay, thank you. All right, moving on. We have approval of official minutes. This is from uh
023December and January. Do I have a motion? >> Second. >> No. Okay, look at that. Moving right along. Ladies and gentlemen, we have treasures report. Jess, >> thank you, Doug. All right, so we're looking at the month ending November 2025. And in the general fund, the total is 38.9 million. Nutrition services fund total 1.4 million. Capital reserve total is 1.5 million. The bond fund total is 7.9 million. and our student activity funds is 170,000. Also moving on to December, uh month ending December, our general fund total is 36.2 million. The nutrition services fund total is 1.2 million. Our capital reserve total is 1.5 million. The bond fund total is 7.9 million with the student activity funds total 88,945 >> and so moved on the treasures report. >> Did have a second. Any questions? Roll call
024vote. >> Nine. >> Yes. >> Ritz. >> Yes. >> Mom, yes. >> Wilson, >> yes. >> Vinger, >> yes. >> Ramsey, >> yes. >> Sher, >> yes. >> Werstodorf, >> yes. White. >> Yes. >> Okay. Moving on. We have our business finance reports. Budget and finance. Jess. >> Yes. Thank you. All right. Budget and finance board actions requested. Please see A. Accounts payable list. Approval of the October accounts payable as presented 1 through 88. B. 2026 to 2027 York County School of Technology budget resolution as presented with an increase of 6.78% as noted reflecting an increase of $118,000 approximately. C. PA leadership charter school settlement agreement as listed. D. Disposal of obsolete equipment numbers 1 through 7 as listed. And e services for Paradise Township school real estate tax collection approval to continue to authorize
025and appoint York and the York County Treasurer to collect Paradise Township school real estate taxes beginning January 1st, 26, ending December 31st, 29. So moved on budget and finance. >> Thank you. Second and questions. >> Yes. Uh Mike, I apologize. I'm going to put you on the spot a little bit. This is a tech question. >> Um so I saw the 6.78% increase. Um but the 2025 the CPI was only 2.7% nationwide. And it looked like they were projecting Spring Grub to have seven fewer students there this year. Is that is like the seven students. Is that correct? >> I don't know. >> Okay. Um All right. Yeah. I Is there any reason why and I'm right now leaning a no on this just because of the incredibly high number and I was looking for
026insight for you because you have >> Yeah. >> more of a knowhow what's going on than the rest of us as to >> the last meeting. It was definitely it's a mixed feeling on it. >> Thanks Mike. >> So Mr. Barsher, if the >> the if you're looking for an answer as far as what the the major increase is for the York County School of Technology, it's um the the I would say the the major increase would be due to uh them purchasing new school buses. So, if you remember last year, um York County School of Technology um made a commitment to have uh fewer hours runs at the beginning and at the end of the day for their students. So, they did a commitment for 12 buses. Uh they purchased four last year, they'll
027be purchasing four this year, and they'll be purchasing four next year. So, it's a three-year commitment for 12 buses. Do you do you know if have they stated in three years they're going to reduce how much they're asking for or is this this hike is going to help pay for buses or is going to pay for buses for the next three years and then they will continue to get $17,000 from us. I mean they don't need to purchase buses have they? Does that make sense? >> They haven't expressed that to me. Um the like I said in all the meetings that we've been at um the the largest line item was buses. There was also some increases big larger increases in health care as well as salaries and retirement but the number one was uh
028was the buses and it was due to the capital outlay as well as the drivers and everything for that three-year commitment. >> So yeah. So who transports our kids? Do we transport over there or do they come and pick up our kids? >> They have their own busing system. So again um a lot of the students um were having some longer runs and I want to say approximately hour an hour plus runs and they wanted to reduce some of those um those longer extended runs. So working with their contractor and I have to apologize I don't know who exactly who specifically is their contractor but working with their contractor they were putting a capital outlay out for additional 12 pluses. Did we get uh do we receive some sort of discount because we have seven
029students dropped? Do we pay per student or we just pay as like a lump sum? >> We pay per student. >> And can Mr. Zap, can you explain to if we vote no on B, could it still be passed if other districts do not? >> Correct. Nine districts, >> right? Yeah. Correct. Thank you. >> Uh 14. That's what I was my question is if we vote no here um does that have any impact on negotiation or >> Yeah. >> It'll make them go back in. >> Yeah. So if we vote no here would would that impact their negotiation >> with the other schools. So, in order for us to get a better percentage, right, >> they have to get a majority of the schools to agree to it or >> they if they don't get
030the majority of the schools to agree to it, then they have to go back and give us a new presentation. >> Go back and redo budget. >> I I I I'm unfortunately, you know, being alumni of there, I'm on the fence. Uh, you know, we turn a lot of children away from that school that don't get in. U you know, and I understand it's now a four years. Me personally, I they should leave it at three. A lot of kids that even, you know, eighth grade still don't know what they want to do for a career. But, you know, that's give or take. That's just one opinion here. But the sad thing is, and I don't know, and and we have an attorney sitting right beside us. Unfortunately, I think they're at a point where
031I don't know why they can't be a regular school district instead of using everyone's funds to uh feed that school. two, I I think somewhere along the line, if you're going to have that type of school, you need to start having an outlook of putting a location in the southern, northern, eastern, so they can offset their bus runs and make it a little more efficient and have more children be involved in there. So, uh, me personally, I I was going to ask for a separate vote for B. Make a motion to have a separate vote on B. >> Thank you. >> Second. >> Okay. Roll call vote. >> That be for we'll do A through E and then we'll do B. >> A through E minus B. Ram. >> Right. >> Yes. Baringer, >> yes.
032>> Ritz, >> yes. >> Werstoorf, >> yes. >> Shear, >> bomb, >> yes. >> Stein, >> yes. >> Wilson, >> yes. >> White, >> yes. >> Budget and finance item B. Ritz, >> no. >> Ramsey, >> no. >> Wilson, >> no. >> Waterstoorf, >> no. >> Baringer, >> no. >> Stein, >> yes. >> Bomb, >> no. Sheer. >> No. >> White. >> No. [clears throat] >> Okay. Moving on. We have uh buildings and grounds. Um >> for white. I'd like to make a motion for building grounds. If there's nothing else on the agenda. >> Absolutely. Please do. I motion that the board consider building a rear access road to the high school. >> Second >> and go ahead. >> Let me redo that one. >> That we cons Did I say the word consider when
033I said that? >> Yes. >> Okay, that's both fine. >> This is just opening it up to reook at it to we're not voting. I it was very short just so everyone else is aware who's online. We're just looking into it to figure out how to move forward different options that we have not voting on what we >> just revisit. We we voted down a road historically and it just came to our attention that there's a potential grant that we may be able to get and also looking at a more cost-effective way to do it. So we are reintroducing the road so uh the members of our administration team can do some work and represent that to us at a later date. So alls we're doing is saying we would like to get some more
034information and understand the grant. >> Thank you everyone and we'll do a roll call vote on that. Suzanne >> Walersf >> yes. >> Ritz >> yes. >> Ramsey >> yes. >> Stein >> yes. >> Baringer >> yes. >> Bum >> yes. >> Wilson >> yes. Shear, >> yes. >> White, >> yes. >> Notate that somewhere is a 90 just for on the calendar. [laughter] >> It'll go in the minutes, sir. >> Thank you everyone. Uh Doug, thank you for bringing that up. And moving on, we have transportation. Doug, >> transportation actions requested. Item A 2526 Christ bus van drivers approval of the following additional contracted bus drivers as listed. Item B 2526 faithful van drivers approval of the following additional contracted faithful company drivers as listed. So move on transportation >> questions. Roll call vote.
035>> Marshinger >> yes. >> Ritz >> yes. Sheer, >> yes. >> Waterstore, >> yes. >> Stein, >> yes. >> Wilson, >> yes. >> Ramsey, >> yes. >> Bomb, >> yes. >> White, >> yes. >> Thank you everyone. Uh, management reports, we have policy. Rodney, >> yes. Policy board actions requested. First reading, approve of the first reading for the following policies. Policy number 317, employees conduct disciplinary procedures. And number two is policy number 320, employees freedom of speech. Item B is donations. Acknowledge and or accept the following donations in accord ordinance with the board policy number 702 gifts, grants, and donations as listed. So move. >> Any questions? >> Roll call vote. >> Ramsey, >> yes. >> Bomb, yes. Water store, >> yes. Ritz, >> yes. >> Stein, >> yes. >> Baringer, >> yes. >> Wilson,
036>> yes. >> Sheer, >> yes. >> White, >> yes. >> Okay. Before we moved on, move on, I would like to thank all the uh donors for their donations to the various uh um clubs. Thank you very much. Do tr do truly appreciate that. Okay. Personnel Nicole. A personnel board actions requested. Letter A um retirement um acceptance of the following retirement with regret. Melissa Arts Springrove Area Middle School nutrition services support. Letter B teacher appointments approval of the following teacher appointments. Provisionally hired pending receipt of updated clearances and completed act 168 disclosure forms from pre previous employers um as listed. Letter C, transfer approval of the following transfer with compensation established at the hourly rate included on the minimum compensation matrix for the position and commensurate with years of experience as listed. Letter D. Appointments
037approval of the following appoints provisionally hired pending receipt of updated clearances and completed act 168 disclosure forms from pre previous employers with compensation established at an hourly rate. um as listed. Letter E, classified substitutes. Approval of the following substitutes for the classification is listed for the 2526 school year according to the hour hourly rates indicated on the compensation matrix um as listed. Letter F, teacher substitutes, approval of the following individuals holding a PA teaching certificate or a bachelor's degree and completing the district guest teacher orientation program to substitute teach in all subject areas during the 2526 school year at a daily rate of $125 um as listed. Um, letter G, an extracurricular position, approval of the following individuals for the 2025 2026 school year with compensation determined by the extra extracurricular minimum stipen matrix and
038authorizing discretion to reduce prate or cancel an appropriate payment because of delayed shortened or canceled events as listed. And letter H, appointment of superintendent of schools, approval to appoint Dr. Dr. Daffhne Kirkpatre, PhD, to the position of superintendent of schools for a term of 5 years, commencing on or before July 1st, 2026, and ending on or before July 1st, 2031 at a sal at a starting salary of $185,000 pending receipt of all professional documentation with recommendation that the board president be authorized to execute the employment contract on behalf of the board of school board of school directors. So moved on personnel. Any questions? >> Roll call vote. >> Bum. >> Yes. >> Ramsey, >> yes. >> Ritz, >> yes. >> Wilson, >> yes. >> Stein, >> yes. >> Baringer, >> yes. >> Walters, >> yes.
039>> Shear, >> yes. >> White, >> yes. >> Congratulations, please. Do you anyone in the I didn't get the chance to ask you. Is there anyone here that you'd like to Yes, please. Or do you want to do you >> wave? There we go. Hello. Oh, they don't know they're >> very good. Congratulations. Thank you. Now, um I also will come back to you in a moment if I may. Melissa Sebum, where are you? I didn't get a chance. There you are. Hello. We're waving at everybody tonight. There we go. Just a real quick introduction. Melissa Melissa was approved to be the Paradise School elementary counselor. Um, Emma Ty is moving from Paradise over to the middle school and that's why we have an opening in Paradise. So, she's coming with 24 years of experience
040in counseling and other things. And she's also down at Southern right now. So, she'll be short starting here in a couple months as well. Congratulations, Melissa. Thank you for >> Just for the record, that's not rocket blue. It's blue, but it's not rocket. Okay. I'm sure someone will help you out later. Melissa, go ahead. >> Okay. So, on behalf of the entire school board, our sincere congratulations to uh Dr. Kirkpatrick. I hesitate because the board will tell you I'm not a big doctor fan. [laughter] >> No, no offense. nor tides unless you're a, you know, a medical, but we'll go there another day. [laughter] >> Just keep reading. >> Sorry about that, Daffy. So, it all kidding aside, a huge thank you to Ed Albert for all of his hard work, preparation, and communication with
041us as a board and his input, guidance, and facilitating this search that has been remarkable. He has done an impressive job and we truly appreciate him. I will be first to admit I was the only one that voted no not to bring Ed on. Uh we have re since then hugged it out and we're we're good to go. But in all honesty, I truly will say topnotch gentleman. Uh he brought to all things. He brought a lot to the table. He was very honest. I think with the uh administration, teachers, staff, students, community, with every one of us as a board, and I truly appreciate it. Thank you. So, you're >> I knew I would have some tears tonight. Thank you. There's a few things I need to say. First of all, to the audience
042out here, to the staff, I send that letter to all of you. Um, right around Thanksgiving, thanking you for the Spring Grove way. When I was told the Spring Grove way, I really didn't know what that meant. I now know what it means, but if somebody would ask me to explain it, I can't tell them because you have to be here. So, I have that letter here and you saw it before. So, I wanted to thank you and I want to thank you tonight. Secondly, I just like to recap um but not much of it because I think you know that we went through the timeline. We went through everything that I put together where I stood up here to make my presentation that we were going to do. We were going we did. But
043what's most importantly is I changed gears a little bit. I have a letter I want to read to you tonight. Please excuse me. I want to thank each and uh each of you for the opportunity to support the district through um this superintendent's search. This was not an easy search. The board entered the process with differing perspectives, strong convictions, and a shared responsibility to make a decision of great consequence for the district's future. That kind of work is demanding. It requires both courage and commitment. Over the course of these three months, I observed meaningful growth in how you engaged with one another and with the process. You listened, asked hard questions, challenged assumptions, and stayed at the table even when consensus did not come easily. Most importantly, as the search progressed, the board demonstrated a
044clear shift towards collaboration and shared purpose. By the end of the process, you came together in a way that reflected respect for one another and a genuine focus on what is best for the district. The unity you demonstrated at the conclusion of this search is not accidental. It is a result of an intentional effort, professionalism, and a willingness to work through differences rather [snorts] than around them. That ability will serve you well as you move forward with Dr. Kurpatre and the important work ahead. Thank you for your trust in this in the search process and for your dedication to the students, staff, and community that you serve. It's been an honor to work alongside you with respect and appreciation. Now, few names. First of all, I'd like to thank Hope. Every school I went to,
045Hope took me there. I followed her in her car, dropped me off, and said, "I'll take you out." Stopped by at lunchtime to make sure I had food. I always did. and uh came back at the end of the day. Suzanne, you're the best. I was blessed as a superintendent of having people like you, but you're the best. Dave, I finally met somebody who kind of mimics my style. You're the best. >> Make sure that was a compliment. you know, when I pray at night, I just we we would have been a heck of a tag team. Um, is really, but most importantly, the person who really touched my heart the most was a guy by name [clears throat] Michael Hine. So I was part of life and get back my father off. >> Thank
046you so much. >> If Thank you, Ed. Just real quickly, Mike Hind is one of our SRO's. He's at the middle school. I I meant for them. >> He's not like the guy walking down the street going to Kenny's. I just I just want to make sure the audience and those watching at home. Phenomenal man. And putting you aside for a moment, but he his office is filled with trinkets and candies and um his chair is a Spider-Man chair. I mean, he's an incredible man and he relates with his students like no one that I've seen. and you had that feeling after you met him. And I just want to make sure others knew. And he he buys that stuff out of his own money. Um, and it's a tremendous amount of candy and not
047just candy, but little trinkets and all kinds of things. But that's the connection. So, I'll be quiet. Go ahead. >> And Ed, there's a little parting gift for you. >> The bag there. >> You don't need to. >> No, you don't need to. But you can move it move it away from Daffhany. >> It's not for her edge. It's not for me. I think she also says >> so. >> I don't know how I'm going to follow that act. I don't have a check or anything. Um I I did want to thank Ella for admitting uh being courageous to say she was nervous because I'm a little bit nervous too. I kept telling myself the hard part's over, Daphne. Like why are you nervous now? Uh but I do want to recognize that as it
048has already been mentioned that the interview process was one of the best that I have experienced. Uh the board in collaboration with Dr. Albert and Dr. Enol us led a thoughtful and collaborative process. Communication was clear every step of the way. I never had to wonder when I was going to hear from Ed because I always knew uh on the spot and he kept his word every time. Uh the staff and community input was invaluable in helping me understand district needs and further solidifying my excitement for the position. For the special people who are here in support of me this evening, I want to thank them for their support and encouragement. They have been my cheerleaders, my mentors, and my best friends for more than 10 years. Uh I was privileged to work under the
049leadership of Dr. Kathy Keegan, who's in the middle back there. uh during her tenure as superintendent of the Milton Area School District where we worked together for nine years while I was director of education. Although not here in person, my mom and family and friends are watching live stream. Um and um while I have had the privilege of working with many amazing leaders, I would not be where I am today without the support uh and foundation of family and friends. Spring Grove's proud history and strong sense of community are exactly what drew me to this role. I'm truly honored by the board's trust and confidence in me as the next leader of the Spring Grove Area School District. I look forward to serving our students, supporting our staff, and working in partnership with our families
050and communities to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. This morning I read a leadership article and it said creating a shared definition of success cannot be done for a community cannot be done to a community but can be done along with and alongside the community. And that's what I'm excited to do here at Springrove. And I'm ready to get to work. Uh in the coming months I'll be shopping for a new home and working with the team to uh have a smooth transition. Right, Dave? >> Absolutely. Thank you. All right. I just have a couple of remarks, Ed. I do have some tissues for you and I'm going to need them and probably the board here and I I can't believe to say, but I did write this somewhat, but thanks to
051Suzanne, I cannot take all the credit. She she aligned some words for me. But I would like to personally thank each member and you know and and that is adding my vice president here of Nicole Wilson and the board of directors for coming to together and working together from start of the search through the six-month process to appoint a superintendent of schools for Springrove Area School District. We all gave up countless hours to consider how to conduct a search, select a consultant, work through the process, read through hundreds of survey responses, ultimately bringing us to the an unanaminous decision to bring Daphany on board. That in itself speaks volume to our co co collaboration. What's most important is that we heard you and that meant the community. We listened as a staff and community members.
052Your voice is what we were looking for in a qualified candidate. I want to thank you along with each member of the stakeholder group that came together to represent their respective areas of staff, key partnerships, and organizations. It is the board's humble opinion that Dr. Kirkpatre meets the high expectations of all stakeholders and we're very pleased to welcome her as our next superintendent of the schools. So again, thank you all very much. I hold those applauses. I I know we all have our differences. You know, we're nine different personalities, but truly we did come together and made this one right. So, thank you all very much. Okay, moving on. >> Dr. White. >> Yes, sir. >> Can I just throw something out there real quick? Certainly. It was touched on. Um, a huge part of
053this process was made a lot smoother, I feel like, because Dr. Albert, Dr. Renault, and Suzanne. Um, we had some extra people help us this time when we went through it, and that was really invaluable. Um, >> so I just I want to say a big thank you to you guys. we were elected to do this and you guys were there and helped support us the whole way and it it certainly uh got us to the right place >> and it did very much. Thank you, Ben. Suzanne, Dave, Albert again. Thank you, Ed. >> I thought you were on a last name basis. No. Hey, Albert, how you doing? [laughter] long story. >> This is a long story and it was a retaliation of our news. >> Let's get going so we can uh >>
054get to the cookies. >> So, we are moving on to curriculum, Eric. >> All right. Curriculum board actions requested. A dual enrollment agreement with Messiah University. approval to enter into the attached collaborative dual enrollment agreement with Messiah University and provide eligible high school students with the opportunity to enroll and participate in college courses offered by the university that satisfy both high school graduation and college credit requirements. B overnight conference request approval for Mark Zap, Jen Lepo, Bill Styles, and Kristen Hess to attend the Pasbo annual conference in Pittsburgh March 25th to 26th at the proposed cost presented during the January 12th DSF C. Trip requests as listed and so moved. >> Second. Any questions? Roll call vote. >> Werstore, >> yes. >> Ritz, >> yes. >> Balm, >> yes. >> Stein, >> yes. >> Sheer,
055>> yes. >> Baringer, >> yes. >> Ramsey, >> yes. >> Wilson, >> yes. >> White, >> yes. And we have athletics and music. Carrie, >> athletics and music board actions requested. Letter A, overnight conference approval for Jeff L, student athletic coordinator to attend the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association annual conference at Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania, March 17th to the 20th, 2026 at the proposed cost presented during the January 12th DSF. So moved on athletics and music. >> Any questions, comments? Roll call vote. >> Yes. >> Ramsey, >> yes. >> Ritz, >> yes. >> Waters, >> yes. >> Sher, >> yes. >> Bomb, >> yes. >> Wilson, >> yes. >> Baringer, >> yes. >> White, >> yes. >> And we are at adjournment of our regular voting meeting. >> Second. >> Questions? Roll call vote.
056>> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. Before we leave, uh, I'd like to, uh, thank the following, the community, the administrators, teachers, students, staff, everyone online, and the board for coming out this evening. Thank you very much. Truly appreciate it. >> And there are uh, refreshments in the next room if you'd like to stay and meet and greet with Daffany or the board or Doug [laughter] >> or anybody. Yeah. fight dear