001Good evening. I'd like to call the Thursday, January 29th, Springford Area School District Board meeting to order. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. >> I aliance 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. The Springford Board of School Directors believes the community has the right to bring before the board issues and concerns they may have about items on the agenda or about items in general which affect the district or their children. Because of this belief and philosophy, the board will schedule a time at the beginning and conclusion of every meeting to have an opportunity for community members to share their concerns with the board. At the start of the meeting, members from the public
002may comment on agenda items only. The school board will move through the meeting agenda. Then at the end, when prompted, there will be a time for public comment. This meeting is being filmed to be broadcast on community cable channels and online. Individuals intending to make public comments should be aware that they are being filmed. Speakers will be asked to state their name in the area in which you reside before your comment. >> Good evening, everyone. Thank you for being with us today. Mrs. Schmidt, could I please have a roll call? Tonight in person we have Mrs. Goldsmith, Mrs. Ute, Mrs. Herman's >> here, >> Mr. Lackey, Mrs. Westwood, Mrs. Weine Garden, Mrs. Deerorf, Dr. Chararma. Not present. It's Dr. Wright. >> Thank you. I do not have any announcements tonight. Dr. Scanland, do you have
003anything to share? >> No, just that uh Dr. Wright did have a a previous conflict for tonight. We had to reschedule this meeting from Monday because of the snow. >> Thank you, Dr. Scanland. Next up is public to be heard. This is on agenda items only. If you wish to speak, please approach the podium with your name, township of residence, and the agenda item number. You will have three minutes. Seeing no one approaching the podium, I will move on. Uh section three on our agenda is presentations. We do not have any presentations tonight. Uh the agenda also then has action items as this is our voting meeting. When we get to SE section six, that is all action items there. So we will move into section five with board and committee reports and we will
004start with Mrs. Wearten for the Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center joint operating committee report. >> Thank you, Mrs. Deardorf. The joint operating committee or the Joocc met at the Western Center on January 5th. Uh we had a presentation from three ninth grade students who came to share their experiences at the Skills USA leadership conference. Um the school our school brought uh well the Western Center brought 60 students this year. There were 350 kids participating and it was basically um the highlights was were an opportunity to learn as they created a school and had to make decisions to make that school function. They learned that it was fun but not very easy to make decisions. Uh in this particular recap we there were three culinary students who presented. Uh Jazelle Francisco from Springford was there
005and um she joined the fall leadership. She's joining the fall leadership conference and she's running for state officer. So hopefully we get a report from her um and wishing her all the best in that endeavor. Um Mr. Living good presented the preliminary budget. This is the lowest percent increase in I believe it was 10 years. It's the lowest budget in 10 years. It's at 3.3%. Um our focus has been on hiring two instructors for carpentry and health science. um and the increasing health care and supply costs um and providing more dollars for the Skills USA participants. Uh enrollment for next year is open. Uh it closes on March 15 and we will provide more information uh as that closes. Let's see. So basically with that budget, the more students we add, the more support we
006need, which doesn't just include room in the classrooms, it includes counselors, support staff, etc. of supplies. So that's where we're thinking. Um, sorry. And we have 40 students uh joining attending the HASSA conference in Hershey this year. Uh Madison Johnson is speaking at the workforce symposium representing Skills USA and the Western Center and Madison will also be giving that speech at the state dinner which the Western Center is hosting on February 19th which is very exciting. I hope everyone here returned their RSVP cards. And oh December 5th we had an open house that was very well attended by parents and students and former students. At this point well as of January 5th we have 165 applications for the programs and last year at that time we had 96. Cosmetology and introduction to meds are the
007highest requested programs. And another note, uh the skills over stereotypes will be held on February 26. This is for sixth and eighth graders, sixth through eighth graders, sorry. Uh they will focus on two programs of interest and spend time visiting those areas. And I believe that concludes my report. Uh our next JOC meeting is at 7 p.m. on February 2nd. Oh, and I should note that uh Mrs. Herman's is our vice president of the JC and she and I will tag team the reports going forward. >> I had to fight her for the position. >> I know I resigned >> as the outgoing VP. >> Everybody cried. >> Yeah, [laughter] good. Um I will say though, uh Mrs. Wangarten, thank you. Um as it relates to the WMCTC, uh Mr. Living Dr. Dr. Scan, I
008don't know if he has reached out to you, but I know this time, you know, typically in February, he uh likes to offer doing road shows to the sending school districts. Um, one to talk about the budget, but also just to talk about, especially for new board members, some of the good work that's happening over there. One of the things, Mrs. Weart, I think you may have mentioned it in the November update, uh, but we did vote on it in the January meeting, which is to approve a feasibility study, uh, with actually GKO, who we're using here at Springford. So, I just know that there's a lot going on there and um you know, it might be good to have him. So, just want to throw it out to Mrs. Dearorf and Dr. Scandlin. >>
009Thank you, Mrs. Herman's. Mrs. Goldmith, do you have anything to add? I know you're on the Joc as well. I do not. >> Okay. Thank you. Any um questions or comments from the board regarding Mrs. Weardens report? I will say I'm very excited for the state dinner and my RSVP card did get stuck in the mailbox with uh Martin Luther King Day. So, um I hope that I get on on the attendee list because I already have my dress. [laughter] Um so, moving on to the Montgomery County School Director's Legislative Committee uh with Mrs. Yut. >> Thank you, Madam President. Um there was no meeting and there is nothing to report at this time. Thank you. Moving on to PSBA with Mrs. Goldsmith. Uh the only part of the report uh that I have for
010today is that advocacy day this year is May 4th. And while there is no theme given, I am suggesting that we do May the 4th be with you for our advocacy day. Uh but so far no one has taken me up on that. So but that's the highlight from PSPA. I got your back. >> Any other questions or comments for Mrs. Goldsmith? Okay. Uh, next we'll do Spring City American Legion with Mr. Lackey. Thank you. Uh, before I begin my update, I just want to take a moment to acknowledge the recent passing of John Grispond. John had a long and meaningful connection to both this board and the Springford community. He served at Ram Stadium for over two decades as a scoreboard operator and announcer and he dedicated more than 30 years to Springsteen American
011Legion baseball as a board member and secretary. His steady presence, reliability, and commitment behind the scenes helped sustain the program and the game day experience for generations of students and families. I felt it was important to recognize that contribution and and express our appreciation. With that, I'll move on to my update. The Spring City American Legion Baseball Board did not meet in December. The January meeting is actually occurring tonight. So, it conflicts with tonight's board meeting. Uh, the next one is scheduled for February 26th. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Mr. Lackey. And our our thoughts and wishes do go out to the Grisbon family. Thank you for sharing that. Um, and next we have our superintendence report with Dr. Scanland. >> Sure. Thank you very much. Uh, thanks first of all to
012our custodial and maintenance staff. uh since Sunday, they have been out working round the clock to keep up with clearing our lots, our sidewalks, uh making sure that all all of our heating systems are up and running. Uh last weekend storm was one like that we really haven't seen in about 10 years. Uh and our our staff did an excellent job preparing us to get schools opened again uh this week. And with another eight weeks of winter ahead of us, uh we may need to call upon them again uh to to continue to to do the great work that they do to keep everybody safe and and keep our schools open. Uh so please join me in just saying thank you to uh all of our men and women who tirelessly work for all of
013us uh clearing lots and and keeping our our uh our schools open. So thank you. The Giant Food Stores uh have been a great partner, as many of you know, with local school districts. Uh and our local Reuters giant is participating in a rounding up for schools campaign. We are in the middle of that right now. Each time you make a purchase at the Giant at this giant store in Reutersford, uh if you round up the change, the money that goes to support our children here in Springford, uh this money helps students and families to pay uh pay off some of their lunch debts. Last year, Giant raised about $8,000 uh in this campaign for spring for uh families. And the program runs until the end of March. So, if anybody needs to grab something
014on the way home before you jump on 422, stop in at the Giant Roundup and uh and continue to support Giant. And we thank Giant for all they do to to support our students here in Springford. Just a reminder that we will be holding our second community meeting with an update on the capital planning that's been taking place. Uh that meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 11th at 6 PM at the high school uh over in the audi high school auditorium or the herd or we'll see which which one we're going to need based on attendance. And we'll we'll be presenting additional information about full day kindergarten, reducing the number of transitions, the middle school model, and the costs for renovations and additions to our schools uh over the next 10 years. We anticipate
015a final recommendation coming to the board uh at the March board meeting uh after we again gather some feedback and continue working down uh the details on on this uh 10-year plan. January is school board recognition month. Uh the Pennsylvania School Boards Association designates each January as a month to recognize the good work of local school boards. 4,500 people serve on school boards across the state, including our own board members here in Springford. School board members are elected officials and they serve a four four-year terms. They make decisions about school programs for students and each year they have to prepare and approve a budget to fund those programs in our schools. In Springford about 85% of that funding comes from our local taxpayers with the remaining coming from state and federal funds. Board members here
016are not paid uh nor are they paid anywhere in the state. And in my opinion, they given the decisions that they must make about taxpayers uh the two most important priorities, their children and their money, the job of a school board member is one of the most challenging yet rewarding volunteer positions in the state. Here are some of the state statistics about school board members. 17% of them have uh more than 10 years experience. 60% of all school board members in Pennsylvania involve students at their local board meetings. and we have our two student reps every every month and we enjoy hearing from them. 94% have children who attend school in their districts. 85% of board members say their main reason to serve is their desire to contribute to public education or improve educational outcomes
017for students. I heard that from every board member here um ever since ever since August. Pennsylvania school board members identify student mental health, budget pressures, and staff shortages as the top three concerns to address. Board members make decisions for public schools, private school students, as we provide transportation for many of these students, also for charter school students, as school boards are required to pay for the tuition for those students attending charter schools. As a token of our appreciation to our spring for board, we have some gifts for each of each of our school board members this evening. Uh you have in uh with you a certificate from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association thanking you for for your service uh to your community and to and and being a school board member and a piece of
018framed artwork in front of everybody's seat that came from some of our elementary students. We hope you'll hang it proudly in your homes or your offices as a reminder from our students that you make a big difference. Finally, we conclude with a brief video thanking our Springford School Board members for all that they do to help our staff, our parents, and our community. Most importantly, thanks for making a difference to our 8,000 public school children, our nearly 1,200 private school and charter school students that we also provide service to. Thanks for all you're doing. >> Every day across the Springford Area School District, [music] students are learning, growing, and preparing for their futures. Behind those classrooms, programs, and opportunities are dedicated community leaders who quietly work to make it all possible. Our Springford School Board
019members are volunteers, parents, neighbors, [music] and advocates who devote countless hours to serving our community, students, [music] and our schools. They oversee public education, establish policies, and make thoughtful decisions that guide our district forward. They manage [music] complex budgets, support educators and staff, and ensure resources are used responsibly and effectively. [music] Much of their work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every day in our classrooms, [music] on our fields and stages, and throughout our community. Their leadership helps create safe learning environments, expand opportunities, and support student success at every level. During Schoolboard Appreciation Month, we proudly recognize and thank the members of the Springboard Area [music] School District School Board for their dedication, service, and commitment to public education. Your time, your leadership, and your care for our students make a lasting
020difference. Thank you for serving Springford, and thank you for supporting the future of our community. >> Well, I don't know how to I don't know how to follow that up, but um it's so appreciated. Um, and I think speaking for myself, I didn't get into this for accolades um, or for recognition or anything like that. So, it it it means so much to receive that, especially the artwork from the students. Um, and to my fellow board members, thank you. I want to recognize you as well. I couldn't imagine doing this with anybody else. So, I thank you guys, too. Do you have anything else, Dr. >> That concludes my report. >> Okay. Thank you so much. >> Quick question. Sorry. Uh uh for the support staff you mentioned uh for events such as last weekend,
021do we have any PDM allowance for them where they're working around the clock uh where they can get lunch, dinner while they're taking care of facility? >> Well, let me tell you first uh first of all, we do we do pay overtime for for the work because it's it's a lot of work. um um um our our assistant superintendent um Kelly Kelly Murray was going around with coffee and donuts in her truck uh and they really appreciated that. Um so it was it was kind of her way of saying going out saying thank you. So while they're out there doing the, you know, doing the plow and the shovels, Dr. Murray was out there serving them up some uh you know, some some hot coffee to warm up out there in the cold. So Dr.
022Murray, thank you so much for doing that. Any other questions? >> Okay. Finally, our solicitor's report with Mr. Fitzgerald. >> I have no report this evening. >> Thank you. So, next we're going to move on to our voting portion of our meeting. Um, so we will start with section six, the minutes, sections A through C. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. Questions and discussion. All those in favor say I. I. >> I. >> Any opposed? That motion carries. 8 0. Moving on to section seven, personnel. Uh we have sections A through K. Uh Dr. Scanland wanted to make an announcement. >> Once we put the motion up. Okay. Um this there's a lot of different things in personnel. Are there any sections that anyone would
023like to separate? >> Can we separate K? >> Separate section K. Any others? >> No. Okay. So section seven personnel sections A through J. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? Second >> questions and discussion. >> I Yeah, I have a couple things on on this uh on this resolution and this motion. We have uh 13 staff members who are retiring. And I want to just highlight uh just a couple pieces here. There's 13 people here uh that combined have some 362 years of service to students in our schools. I think that is is quite remarkable. That's quite a dedication. I want to highlight a couple really really really I mean some milestones here. Um you have Deianne Snelling, a gifted teacher in the seventh grade center uh
024is is leaving with 30 years on on her resume. Uh Karen Shodel, music teacher at Brook, 35 years here in the district. Uh Lisa Poopo, English teacher at our high school, 32 years. Um we have Alice Alba at at Limrich, grade four, 37 years. Heidi Hoots at grade two at Brook 37 years and one I'd like you to notice Marilyn Neps a reading specialist at Brook 41 years in our district serving children each year. So uh congratulations to all of these staff members and thank them for for all that they do and and those that made it 30 plus and 41 years that is uh that's quite a feat and quite a lot of service to children. So uh we commend them. We wish them all well in retirement. They certainly deserve it. Any other
025questions and discussion for personnel sections A through J? Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? That motion carries. 8 Z. So next we will take section seven section K uh for the motion to elect Dr. J. Birkhart to a 5-year commission as superintendent of schools beginning on or about April 1st, 2026. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? Questions and discussion. Um I did have something to say. Uh Dr. Maggie Wright is teaching tonight in a course. Um, so she just wanted to let the board and community know that due to work she's unable to attend um, and cast her vote in support of Dr. Burkheart. And then I also wanted to uh, thank the MCIU, our staff, our board, and our community
026um, for being part of the process as we selected our new superintendent. I'm looking forward to Dr. Birkheart's leadership. Um, and I also want to thank Dr. Scanlin for his time with us in this transitional period and as we settle into uh Dr. Burkhard's journey with us as well. Is there any I guess I I just said that I didn't do so. Do I have a motion for section K? >> We have a motion on the table already. >> Oh, already we're in questions and discussion. Any other questions and discussion? >> No. Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. I. Any opposed? Congratulations, Dr. Birkhart. That motion passes. 8 Z. >> Would you like to step to the podium to say a few things? There's just a button there to push. >> Okay.
027So, first, that's stressful. Um, but [clears throat] thank you. First, I I guess I want to start with a thanks to everyone who participated in the interview from start to finish. culminating tonight with your vote of confidence in what we're going to do together on behalf of children. Um it was wonderful this evening to come out and spend time with the board members to get to know you in an setting other than a formal interview. And also I want to extend my thanks to the administrative team who gave of their own time tonight to come out and meet with me took time away from their own families and that meant a lot. I'm very excited about the opportunity to be here. Uh, Spring Forward has done great things prior to my arrival and my hope
028is to contribute in some way for that greatness to continue. Um, to say I'm excited is an understatement, but also anxious. So, I look forward to my arrival, which as the contract states on about April 1st and I know that I'll build a lot of great relationships and I want the community to know who may not be here but is listening. If you see me, stop me. Talk to me. Let me talk to you. Let me get to know you because we are all in this for the same reason and that is to serve the students of this district and I could not be more excited to take on this role. So, thank you for your vote and look forward to my arrival. >> You go away. >> Oh, okay. We have some things for
029you and probably the first thing that you'll need to learn is it goes we are spring for Rams. Rams Rams. >> Okay. So, got it. You are all geared up now thanks to that crew. >> Yeah. >> Um you know you can share these with your family. >> no no. Okay. >> So but thank you and my son and kids are watching. My son and daughter are watching and so Jacob if you're watching you don't get the hat. >> So thank you so much. >> Congratulations. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Okay. Section 8, finance. Uh, we have sections A through I. Let me know if there's anything anyone would like to separate. No. Okay. Um, so finance sections A through I. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Do I have
030a second? >> Second. questions and discussion. All those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion carries. 8 to zero. Moving to section nine, programming and curriculum. Just one section here. Section A. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. [laughter] >> Questions and discussion. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. 8 Z. Section 10, conferences and workshops. Section A. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Do [snorts] I have a second? >> Second. >> Questions and discussion. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppo? I. Any opposed? Motion carries. 80 section 11 property section A. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Questions and
031discussion. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries 8. Section 12, other business. Items A through E. I did want to >> I'm sorry. Items B through E. A is first read. >> Oh. Oh, thank you. So, items uh B through E. Item B, we did amend uh the agenda. It now reads that the funds for this were partially funded through activity fee. So section 12, sections B through E. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Questions and discussion. All those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion carries. 8 Z. Section 13formational items. We have the two same items from last week that were on the work session for your review around tenure and IRA mileage rate which
032will take us into board comment. Do we have any board comment tonight? I have a comment. Just want to see if anyone else wanted to jump in first. If not, I'll go. Um I just wanted of course to congratulate Dr. Birkhart, but more importantly, I just want to recognize this board. I know I said this at the end of one of our uh one of our meetings together in January, but I'm really proud of this board. Um if you think about where we started back really in kind of like September, you know, we knew that in order to get through this process, we had to have really effective communication. We did our professional development. You know, we're not perfect, but we've made a lot of strides over the last year. And in particular, I want
033to recognize Mrs. Dear Dorf, because um handing over the reigns to you in the presidency role in the middle of a superintendent church is a is is a lot and um you've done a wonderful job taking over and leading the second round of interviews and getting us to this point today. So just want to say I really again in the spirit of board appreciation month I'm very proud of to work with all of you and again congratulations Dr. Bart. >> Thank you Mrs. Hermans. Any other board comment? I just want to say thank you again for these amazing pieces of art. Every year this makes me so happy because I just love kids drawings and my [laughter] kids don't do that anymore. So, thank you so much. It really means a lot. Anybody else? Um,
034so it's a very exciting night. Again, congratulations Dr. Burkheart. Um something else that I just wanted to touch on uh too is to thank uh the staff that came today to to meet with you and also um Erin Crew for setting up the meeting for us and and graciously hosting Mrs. Birkhart as well. Um I appreciate all of you stepping up in these new roles as we're as we're learning how to do the superintendent search and hire together. Uh so thank you. I also um just wanted to note this is an exciting time. It's a great night with a lot of positive, happy things happening, but behind the scenes there there there's some sad times for different people in the community, which is not my news to share. Um but I just want to the
035whole community to know that we are all always here for you. the resources on our website. Um the safe to say reporting um or any kind of emotional resources as well as financial um if you need anything go to a trusted adult um or co-orker or something like that and we'll support each other and lift each other up. So with that, if there's no other board comment, is there a motion to adjourn? >> Oh, public comment. I am so sorry. >> Would anyone like to make public comment? If so, I'll read all the rules about it. No. Okay. >> Thank you all for coming out. Uh do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So move. >> Thank you. Second.