001Good evening and welcome to the November 24, 2025 regular meeting of the Teriffan Easttown School Board. We'll begin as always with a salute to the flag. Regular school board meetings are business meetings that are open to the public during which we provide several opportunities for public comment on items before the board. The first comment period is reserved for announced additional agenda items and items on the consent agenda only. Additional public comment will be heard for the actions listed under other actions under consideration. The final comment period near the end of the meeting is reserved for all other matters of concern, official action or deliberation which are or may be before the TESD board of directors and which are not covered by the other comment periods. Each public comment period is reserved for residents and taxpayers.
002Additionally, the board will accept comments from sitting public officials for non- campaigning purposes and by agreement with the TEA and Tenig, the board will accept comments from the union presidents. All comments should be directed to the board as a whole or to the presiding officer. No comments or questions should be directed to individual board members. All public comments and responses should be in the spirit spirit of civil public discourse. Also, please be aware that intentionally disrupting a lawful meeting or the administration of a government function is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania. The school board values the opportunity to hear from the community in person and appreciates your cooperation in advance. Next on the agenda are student reports. We will hear from our student representative, Maggie Neri. >> Thank you, Mr. Canoursk. Good evening. Good evening,
003everyone. Um, I'm rolling solo tonight. My partner, Lucy, has decided to take an early Thanksgiving break. Um, but lucky enough, it's a pretty short report. Um, and to start, I would just like to talk about the past week's fall drama, Clue, was held here from Thursday to Saturday. All reports of people that went have been so um awesome and the theater always does an awesome job at per the performances and I highly recommend everyone coming to see future performances. Also recently the GSA club hosted a well- attended Friendsgiving at Konesoga and it was just an overall fun community bonding event. And coming up tomorrow at the high school is another fun event called Cornucopia held by peer mediation. Uh the first half of the school day will be a regular half day with all classes
004and the second half will be a wellness day which consists of wellness programming just some schoolwide fun activities where students can really get in the mood for the Thanksgiving break and just um be sent off on a high note. Um switching over to student council, the canned food drive concluded today and our school donated a total of 3,888 cans which surpassed our goal of 3,000 cans which is totally a win and was awesome. Currently, the ongoing Toys for Tots drive ends before winter break. So, we still have a few weeks left in that and we're just promoting everyone to bring in new and unused toys for that drive. Switching over to sports. All fall sports have concluded and we are now switching gears to winter sports whose competition start this Thanksgiving break. With over 400
005students who tried out for these winter sports, I'm excited to report next month about how things are going. Hopefully have some positive updates for you. That is all I have. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving break and I'll see you next month for our last meeting of 2025. >> Thank you, Maggie. Next on our agenda are student and staff highlights. But before we begin the highlights, I'd like to draw attention to the student artwork which was supplied by Bumont Elementary School for this evening's meeting. First graders combine two art concepts to create colorful leaves. They choose either warm or cool colors for a tissue paper background and then design leaves with various lines to go on top. Second grade students drew lava lamps out of geometric shapes and then used organic shapes for the
006lava inside. They used water-soluble pastels to paint the lava. Third graders were inspired by the work of artist Mikalia Gatau and her use of lines in landscapes. Students then created their own designs with brightly colored markers. Fourth grade students learned how to create values while coloring objects. Using colored pencils, they incorporated both light and dark tones to make their pumpkins look more dimensional. Now, please join board members Sue Titi and Rachel While and Bumont Elementary School principal Dr. Stephanie Deming in greeting students and staff during the highlight session of tonight's board meeting. Special Education Supervisor Lisa Snidle Snider will be our reader for the evening. Hi, good evening everyone, students and staff. I'm so excited to be here tonight to be a part of your special recognition. When I call your name, please walk by
007Mr. Katali and then you'll greet your school board members and Dr. Deming and then proceed over to the corner there where Miss Roy is to receive your certificate. Each month, the school board of directors invites TE students and staff members who have demonstrated outstanding achievement to attend the regular schoolboard meeting to be recognized for their efforts. The board invites parents and teachers to accompany their students this evening as the board recognizes them. Those who are unable to be here tonight will receive their certificates at their schools. Bumont Elementary School fourth grade students helped to organize food drive. Bumont Elementary School's fourth grade students and teachers promoted a food drive to collect non-p perishable items for local food banks. Fourth grade students, Jack Goldberg, Nandita Gotti, Yoy Young Louu, Declan Marx, Melanie Nichols, Henry Zang, Teddy
008Morali, Nathaniel Gonowski, VA Sunderam, and Cam Strip Mad. matter decorated posters, counted items, and created collection boxes. Bumont school counselor Judith Root, school secretary Amanda Kerman, and mental health specialist Amanda Martinez supported the food drive activities. Thank you, fourth graders. [applause] >> [applause] >> Bumont Elementary School fourth graders students serve as bus buddies this fall. Bumont fourth grade students have been wonderful guides and role models as they lead kindergarten students to their buses. The fourth graders help the younger students get in the correct line, walk them to their bus, and ensure they find the right seat. Representatives of the bus buddy program are fourth grade students. Zoe Smith, Teddy Morali, Jacobe Herman, Nev Landers, Juliana Donahghue, Annabelle Hudac, Prim Olsen, and Isabelle Blattenburgger. Fourth grade teachers Donna Green, Alex Thompson, Kristen Winrich, and Phil Munger.
009Support the bus buddies. Great work, bus buddies. [applause] [applause] Bumont Elementary School students receive fish certificates. Throughout the year, Bowmont students are recognized for their random acts of kindness and helpfulness and can earn fish certificates for their positive behaviors. The fish certificate program is modeled after the children's book do unto otter as otter would do unto you by Lorie Kelly. Many students earned fish certificates and following the following representatives of this recognition. First grade student Michael Dockerty. Second grade students Tiana Pogue, Eva Sun and Chase Guttowski. [applause] Third grade students KY Prushad and Su Yash Duvidi and fourth grade student TJ Lawler. Nice job everyone. [applause] Bumont Elementary School students participate in family culture evening. Earlier this fall, 36 Bowmont families representing 19 countries shared cultural items, food, activities, art, and games at family culture
010evening. Participants pride pridefully shared their heritage by decorating tables, highlighting cultural activities, providing ethnic food samples, and modeling clothing items. students Valentine Ditriov, Leah Kari, Owen Wang, Addie Ays, Neil Chopra, Adeline, Adeline, Goo, William Reese, Camp Emmanuel Akatoy, Ilana Cantonia were among the students who participated in the event. Bowmont teachers Shaunette Brown, Jade Samrich, and Dawn Jan Yuzelli, and librarian Porsha Davis Taylor attended and assisted in organizing Family Culture Evening. Wonderful job, everyone. [applause] Knes Stoogga High School girls golf team capture state title. Congratulations to the Knesogga girls golf team for securing the PIAA 3A state championship and finishing four strokes ahead of the defending state champion. Over the course of their successful season, the team finished with a 6-0 record in matches, earned a first place finish at the girls golf of Valley Forge
011tournament, and was eventually crowned district 1A champion. The 2025 roster includes Jill Burks, [applause] Karen Mcrenolds, Nichollet Bats, [applause] Siri on Alex Meyers, Cat Shrum, [applause] Lana Lanta Shanta, Lana Shanta, and Journey Holt. [applause] James Moran is their coach. A big congratulations again. [applause] [applause] TESD purchasing supervisor named PA certified school business specialist. TESD purchasing supervisor Shannet Bernard has recently be been granted status as a Pennsylvania certified school business specialist by the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials, otherwise known as PASBO. This certification recognizes Shannet's commitment to meeting the high personal, ethical, and professional standards set by PasBo, including formal education, school business experience, and ongoing professional development. Thank you, Chanette. We appreciate you. [applause] Congratulations to all of you for your outstanding efforts and achievements. We commend you for your accomplishments. [applause] Before we
012continue to the consent agenda portion of our meeting, we would like to recognize two members of our board who will be leaving their positions this December. Susan Audraine and Dr. Yolanda Allen. We have a special presentation to begin tonight's recognition. Hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. [music] Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. N. Hey, hey. Heat. Heat. How about that? I would now like to give Dr. Robera Hatinsky the floor to recognize Dr. Yolanda Allen. >> Thank you, President Kantosk. It is my pleasure to acknowledge the service of Dr. Yolanda Allen. Dr. Allen joined the board in December of 2021 um and it's been on for four years. She served as the chair of the public ad hoc public information committee and also on the finance and policy committee uh finance with me
013and was on the board she was also the board liaison for flight and for tran township. She is uh additionally a board representative to interchool council and the district's wellness committee. During her time as chair of the ad hoc public information committee Dr. Allan memorably oversaw the process of naming the district's new elementary school. [laughter] [applause] After comm the after the committee invited the community sub to submit suggestions, she led the process to winnow the 678 submissions from over 400 people uh down to a final four with memorable sometimes passionate discussions of the merits and challenges of each name including security issues and history and um probably the most public participation we've had in meetings in a very long time. It's a testament to Dr. Allen's characteristic good humor and patience that even those whose
014favorites weren't picked came away supporting the process and the final choice of the name Bear Hill Elementary School. Yes, [applause] I have known Dr. Allen since our children attended Hillside Elementary School together um a few years ago and when she joined the board I looked forward to benefiting from her considerable experience in government and nonprofit organizations and youth and workforce development. She has more than lived up to those expectations serving as a resource in those areas and in many others. Um she is a steadfast supporter of public education and a wise and pragmatic voice on the board. I will miss those qualities and her sense of humor and I know but I know she will continue to be a supporter in the community and a resource for TE into the future. Thank you Yolanda and
015we wish you all the best in your endeavors. [applause] >> Dr. Allen, would you like to say a few words? >> Absolutely. Wow, what a way to go out. I love the band. My daughter, I was a band mom and that last song, it was my favorite song. The good thing is is that I live close to the district. So, every summer I get to sit out on my porch and listen to the band. So, I am just so excited and thank you all so much. I just wanted to take this opportunity to really thank the residents of Trefin for electing me to represent um them and on the school board. You know, four years ago when I decided to run for school board, I was so concerned, so concerned about, you know, whether our
016kids were going to be able to come to school safe, whether all the values and what I loved about this school when my kids were elementary students and they would come home with books that where the characters looked like them and the discussions that we would have was about Chinese culture, you know, Indian culture and all the various cultures that they were learning about. I learned about the school fight from my children, not here on the school board. And I just I I I found it a real privilege because 30 years ago, more than 30 years ago, but many years ago when I was a student, I never learned anything about my culture or anyone else's culture really. Um, everything was the same. And I found it was very emotional for me for my little
017kids to come home with books that look like with characters that looked like them in the books when our country was going through the toy and moral or whether we were going to keep diversity, equity, and inclusion. My a teacher at the Trefin East town when my kids were in middle school gave my child a point that said, "I too am American." And I just it did something for me and I just wanted to run for school board because I wanted the experiences that my family had in this community to remain. I wanted every kid to feel like they belonged in this community. The brilliant thing about all of that is when I joined this school board and I interacted with this administration and the teachers in this district, they were more passionate about making
018sure that our kids were seen and heard and felt comfortable in this school district as I was. So, it has truly been an honor and a privilege to be among these folks around this horseshoe because they are so passionate about our kids. They are so passionate about our taxpayers and making sure that every single dollar spent in this district is going toward educating our kids. And more important than that, I'm excited about our new school board members. I know both of them and I know that they are going to uphold the values that I that I try to uphold on this school board. So I am just so delighted to have served. It has been a true honor and a privilege to not just be in this community but to be an active participant in
019my community. So thank you Thank you, Dr. Allen. Now, Mrs. Susan Titi, our vice president, will recognize Mrs. Susan Audrain. >> Thank you, Mr. Contosk. So, in 2021, at that same time that Dr. Allen was running for the school board, Miss Audraine ran for the school board as well. And it was a time when our world was beginning to recover from the pandemic. Susan Audraine stepped forward to run. Having moved to the true different easttown district from another state after her own children were grown. She immediately immersed herself in all things TE. She became versent in issues of facilities, of budget, of policy, of educational program and district safety. During her first two years on the board, she was a member of the education and policy committees and I had the privilege of serving with
020her on that education committee. Uh she was also the ad hoc legislative le leg legislative committee uh chair. She became the board representative to the district safety committee as well. In years three and four, she continued on the legislative and safety committees. She joined the facilities committee and became chair of policy. Susan also represented our board on the middle school advisory at a time when the middle school uh was considering a change of schedule and redesigning the schedule to allow more support time for students who had various needs. And that all redesign has taken place and has gotten very favorable reviews. So we thank her for that work. Uh Susan was a nurse before she came to the board and her nursing career knowledge was particularly helpful when the policies were being revised in terms
021of medications and some of the safety issues around those things for our students. Also, her nursing expertise was helpful to the safety committee as they developed and implemented a program called the cardiac emergency response team. People in every one of our buildings were trained in cardiac emergency responses and Susan's knowledge was so helpful in setting up that program. And it's just another safety measure that we have put in place to ensure that our students and our faculty and staff are safe while they're here with us every day. Susan's energy, dedication, thoughtful consideration of every issue before her made her an impactful board member. Her attention to detail was stunning, and her ability to look at issues from every single angle brought great perspective to our board. I know that I speak for my fellow board
022members when I say that it has been both a pleasure and a privilege to serve with Susan on this board. We will miss her presence every time that we meet, but we also wish her the very best in the future and thank her sincerely for her service. [applause] >> Mrs. Drain, would you like to say a few words? >> Of course. [laughter] I tell you that drum corps was just the heartbeat of uh TE school district and I appreciate that uh that tribute here uh on our my last uh board meeting. It's been such a joy and a privilege to serve the TE school district community along [snorts] my alongside my fellow board members. Our board is very diverse age, education, uh professional background, cultures, but there's one thing that we share and that is
023a serious commitment to the public education system as well as to the students and the staff of TE school district. Although we didn't always agree on every decision, surprise surprise, you know, [laughter] uh it no one person directs all activity of the board. It takes the majority. So any decision, it's it's a decision made by the five and the four that didn't agree with it still agreed with it. if you understand what I'm saying. Um, we have a a commitment as well as an environment of respect. Even when our decisions and our opinions were different, there was an environment of respect and nobody went out of a meeting uh uh holding any grudges because someone else held a different opinion. And when you have people that are educated, that's saying quite a lot because people
024with education can be opinionated. So I just appreciate that environment. And to Dr. Gusk and the administration, thank you for all your support. You know, with my nursing background, there are four different blood types, A, B, A, B, and O and Rh positive. this administration and especially Dr. Gusig, their blood type is TE and it's very positive. [laughter] [applause] The administration has played an integral role in the various projects that we have uh been involved in these last four years. We had uh construction of handicap accessible playgrounds, construction of our athletic fields which are nearing completion now. Development and implementation of the new steels science curriculum. evaluation of enrollment numbers and facility room utilization and educational space needs which drove our decisions regarding the need for uh a sixth elementary school. Evaluation of full day
025kindergarten which we hope to implement in 2027. A search for property for possible construction of that sixth elementary school. There aren't many properties in the TE school district that have 15 or more acres that you can purchase which led to our decision of uh ultimately purchasing the Switzford Road Bear Hill School uh site. Now, uh there was presentation of the uh enrollment numbers and our facility needs to so they could understand the needs of our community, our students and our staff in order to continue that uh reputation of excellence in education, the selection of the property of Sixth Elementary School, the ongoing construction which is currently happening at Bear elementary school and the current redistricting of student enrollment to disperse this uh the population to the six elementary schools. Throughout this whole process, there were
026so many administrators that were involved in supplying the information to direct our decisionmaking. We could not ask for a more dedicated group of people to lead this community and not only provide for the academic needs of our students, but to ensure that they have a an environment that emphasizes positive mental health and that values every culture throughout this community. So there's so many that have contribute contributed to that and I've just been privileged to participate. So thank you. [applause] Uh lastly, I'd like to introduce Dr. Kim Morris to read certificates of recognition from Senator Carolyn KDA and Representative Melissa Schustman. Thank you. From the Senate. The Senate recognizes both Dr. Allen and Mrs. Ardraine. And it says, "The Senate of Pennsylvania recognizes Dr. Yolanda Allen and Susan Ardrain. In appreciation of your service to students
027and families of Traiff Easttown School District, State Senator Carolyn T. Kamida extends sincerest congratulations to you on this occasion and wishes you success and happiness in all of your future endeavors. Carolyn T. Kamida 19th senatorial district. [applause] The other certificate is from the house. Certificate of achievement to Dr. Yolanda Allen and Mrs. Susan Audraine in recognition of your four years of service to the Traiffan Easttown School Board, PA State Representative Melissa L. Shusterman. [applause] >> Well, I will take this opportunity just to quickly say uh it has been an honor and a privilege to serve on this board with both of you, Susan and Yolanda. um your dedication to this district is admirable and uh as I said, it's been it's been my honor. So, thank you very much for your service. [applause] And so,
028with that, we will take a pause now uh before we get to the rest of the business section of our meeting. And that'll give an opportunity for folks who may have other things they want to do like you know celebrate uh maybe go to Handles or something like that for after your award. So feel free to we'll give you five minutes and then uh we'll resume our meeting. Thank you. Okay, we're going to go ahead and continue with our meeting. The next item on the agenda is public participation from district residents and district taxpayers. Uh, I'm sorry. Let me back up. I I skipped I skipped an item. I think my last time doing this. You would think I would get the agenda right. Okay. Announcement of additional agenda items. We don't have any. So
029now we get to go to public participation from district residents at district taxpayers regarding items on the consent agenda. And this is regarding items any items on the consent agenda only. If you would like to make a comment on the consent agenda, please line up. When you come to the microphone, state your name and township of residence. We will end comment with the last person in line. All public comments this evening will be limited to three minutes. Again, this comment period is limited to the consent agenda only. To be help with the timing, please make your entire comment and then the board will determine an appropriate response. Seeing no uh no comments on the consent agenda, we'll move on. Board action regarding amendment of agenda to include additional agenda items. As I indicated before, there
030are none. So our next item is the consent agenda. Although board action is required, it is generally unnecessary to hold discussion on these items. With the consent of all members, they are therefore grouped and approval is given in one motion. In the event a board member wants to discuss any item, the board president will move it to an appropriate place on the agenda. A board member may vote nay or abstain with respect to a consent agenda item without the need for removing the item from the consent agenda. The action under consideration is that the board of school directors approves the following recommendations on the consent agenda as printed starting on page seven of the agenda. Do I have a motion? So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> A for proper first
031and a second. So all those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? Eyes have it. 90. We have no priority discussion for this evening. So then next item on the committee will be the committee and ambassador reports and we will start with the policy committee and Mrs. Susan Audrain. Thank you President Cantorsk. The policy committee met on November the 5th 2025. The following policies either had no revisions or nonsubstantive revisions and will be marked as reviewed or revised accordingly along with accompanying regulations. Policy 3210, revenue from local sources. Policy 3220, revenue from state sources. Policy and regulation 3230, revenue from federal sources. Policy and regulation 3240, tuition charges. Policy 3250, revenue from sale or disposal of district property. Policy and regulation 3260, commercial advertising. Policy 3291, short-term loans. policy and
032regulation 3380 travel reimbursement. The policy had no revisions and will be marked as reviewed. The regulation was revised to update the current mileage rate reimbursement policy and regulation 7095 certifice animals in schools. The policy had no revisions and will be marked as reviewed. The regulation was revised to explain the differences in the nature of service animal accommodations available depending on whether the individual is a district student, district employee, or visitor to the district as well as to include a new section on therapy dogs. The following policy is on tonight's agenda on a second reading basis. policy and regulation 4340, electronic communication devices used by employees. The policy and regulation are being revised because of the change in the state law which prohibits drivers from holding or using handheld mobile devices while operating a vehicle even
033when stopped. The regulation will go into effect upon adoption of the policy. Further details will be provided later in the meeting regarding the policies listed on tonight's agenda for approval on a first reading basis. The next policy committee meeting is scheduled for January the 6, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the district office. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mrs. Odra. Our next report will be from the diversity committee and Dr. Robert Singh. >> Thank you. Uh the district diversity committee met on November 11th at the TE administrative office. The topics of the evening was shining the light in the historical landmarks that humanized the experience of the Burwin school fight, a presentation by Miss Penny Washington, and a student-ledd discussion on equity work by two Konosoga High School clubs. Dr. Kim Morris welcomed attendees and introduced
034Miss Washington who highlighted historical landmarks central to the Berwin school fight. She developed the walking tour for teachers and administrators to humanize the experience and emphasize the importance of acknowledging local history and diversity. Miss Washington shared slides of significant sites and explained their connection to the people affected by the school fight while Dr. Matthew Stenzac, curriculum supervisor, explain how insights from the tour will be integrated into third grade social studies, 8th grade English, and 10th grade US history curricula. The second portion of the meeting features students from studentled anti-racism movement, S or SLAM, um, as well as BSU, the Black Student Union. The representatives discussed their mission, personal growth, and activities such as student speaks and freshman orientation. These activities gave them the opportunity to share their personal experiences and positively affect their peers. They
035explained how the principles of their club teach them how teach them to use the intersection of their hearts, bodies, minds, and spirits to remain centered as they engage in difficult conversations. Back student union members outlined their goals to strengthen and unify their club while positively impacting their school and local community environment. This year, the BSU plans to work on empowering students to make a difference by engaging in community service projects that address food and other insecurities within our local community. In addition, they plan to invite speakers to highlight alternative post high school pathways such as military trade schools and non-traditional career options. Finally, they plan to work with the SLAM students on joint initiatives to build up each other and positively affect their school community. That concluded our meeting and the next diversity committee meeting
036will be on Thursday, January 8th at the TAO at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Singh. Next we'll get a report on the finance committee from its chair Dr. Robera Hatinsky. >> Thank you, President Canoursk. Uh we met on Monday, November 17th and uh we started with our reviewing our financial reports. Um overall local revenues are higher this year than last year by $4.5 million. The primary difference from this year to last is real estate tax collected. Total revenue is over $140.3 million. Expenditures and incumbrances show that instruction expenses are higher as a percentage of budget from compared to last year at 85.7% of budget. Special programs are lower and regular programs are a bit higher when compared to the respective budgets last year percentage- wise. This year,
037the percentage of realized expenses and incumbrances to date is 79.2% uh compared to 76.4% 4% overall last year. So slightly higher percentage-wise. Uh general fund expenses and incumbrances at the end of October are $155,526,881. The finance committee um recommended that the reports be placed on the next board meeting consent agenda, which you can find um pages 25 and following. There's many pages, and I just like to point out those are included in every one of our board meeting agendas if people are interested. There's a lot of material to dig into. Uh next, uh as part of the financial reports, we had um a a report from our special education do director, Mrs. Nicole Roy, who briefed us on uh special education expenses that look like they'll exceed ex budget. They will exceed budgeted amounts in
038two areas. First, expenses for extended school year were about $24,000 above budget due to higher than expected expenses for tuition for students who attend programs placed outside the district's ESY camp. Second, although we were within bud, we are still within budget for contracted services this year, if spending continues at the current rate, we'll probably be over budget by the end of the year. So, we'll continue to monitor this um expense the expenses and their potential impacts on next year's budget as we go along um in this year and start planning of planning for next year. Uh we then reviewed uh the last year's financial data uh the present Mr. McDonald our business manager um presented on the 2425 financials. Um he showed that 101.4% 4% of budgeted revenues were collected and 95.3% of budgeted expenses
039ex expended. Um and we also made a $5.5 million c contribution to the capital fund. Um as a result the fund balance is expected to go up slightly based on these assumptions. Um but it's small and the percentage of the total budget can of total of the general of the fund balance percentage of the total budget continues to to decline slightly but it's still above the percentage our ratings agency Moody's would reference as concerning. So our fund balance um is still looking healthy. The audit is not yet completed. Uh so that will be presented with the annual comprehensive financial report at our December meeting. Uh then we talked about this year's budget. We're always talking about three budgets at a time. Last year's budget, which we just see how it's turning out now. This year's
040budget, which we're in the middle of, and then we're already starting to plan next year's budget starting in December. So for this year, um uh Mr. McDonald showed our first projection for the 2526 general fund, and we're showing at the moment a $2.8 million shortfall fall of revenues relative to expenses, uh when including a $6 million transfer to the capital fund. So, we'll keep um watching that progress as we go through the year. Uh Mr. McDonald also reported on the state budget and its impacts uh for TE and um you might have heard that there are um you know millions of dollars going uh to to um public education but when you divide that among 500 districts and particularly because we're um one of the more well-resourced districts our our percentage of that tends to
041be to be smaller but we did get an increase. Um so for our basic education uh we re will receive $103,000 more which is a bit more than 1.8%. Special education um we're for our funding will from the state will increase by about $30,000 and our ready tolearn block grant which has been flat for or for a long time increase by $50,000 which is a 25% increase. Uh and then we are also looking at some potential savings um through charter school tuition um which could be on the order of about $100,000 but we need to see um given the the new forms from the state um to see exactly what our our potential savings might be all which also depends on um our enrollment and and how things evolve throughout the year. So, we'll keep
042an eye on that and hopefully we'll have uh more good news on on the state funding side. Um, finally, we looked at our capital funding um and capital funding plan including borrowings uh our transfers from the general fund and fund and fund balance. Uh Mr. McDonald um had showed us an updated capital and uses report. Um we've been looking at uh you know we pay for our capital projects through a combination of um of our contributions from the fund balances and borrowing fund balance and borrowing. And so um we had discussed last year timing of a potential bond year issue later this year because both the Fields project and the Bear Hill Elementary project bids have come in under the original budget. We'll have a little better scenario than um the last time we looked
043at it. And so um in a future meeting we'll have our bond adviserss come and present a revised borrowing strategy um for for the board's consideration. And then finally we had our uh 2627 budget development calendar. So um Mr. McDonald will return in december with um the preliminary budget uh the first look that will be presented to the finance committee and uh so we're all looking forward to that. So it'll be that and the pres presentation of the audit in de at the December meeting which will be December 15th and the next um meeting in January will be January 12th. So as always the public is encouraged to attend. We also have two budget workshops that will be coming up in the spring that um you're also um welcome to welcome to come to and
044learn. Thank you very much. >> Thank you Dr. Hatinski. We'll go back now to Dr. Robert Singh to give us a report on the facilities committee. >> Thank you, President Kentosk. The f the facilities committee met on November 18th. We began talking about the construction infrastructure uh bids that were received for our summer 2026 projects for HVAC renovations and upgrades as well as interior and exterior renovations and upgrades for the area buildings. two bid packages, one for the HVAC renovations based on the lowest bids was 4% over our budget, amounting to 1.906 million. However, bid package number two for interior and exterior renovations based on lower bids was 21% under budget amounting to 1.492 million. We then proceeded to talk about the athletic fields. As uh you know, this is a ongoing project that changes
045daily if not weekly or weekly if not daily. Um an aerial drone overview was given. These pictures and the aerial drone is available on the district website. Uh as of the meeting, turf fields one, two, track and tennis courts were completed. The site power has been on. The softball field is completed. Internal roadways and parking areas base paving was completed. Ongoing uh pendot required work on Casat road, Irish road and old state road continues may be completed as we as I speak. Fieldhouse insulation, roofing is on. Tile work, duct work, electrical and wall painting has all been ongoing. And site fencing and landscaping is also ongoing. There were three change orders needed overall for this project. One for the uh uh DOP work uh HOP work on Casat Road uh required by the state for
046approximately $24,758. We also needed a swing gate access to 312 Casat Road for safety and for our maintenance crew. That was for $5,648. And another safety consideration was needed along the sideline of turf field one. It need it required a ball stopper netting. Uh and this amount change order was for $37,323. Again, as a reminder, these changes, pictures, um if you don't drive by the site, are available on the district website. We then discussed the Bear Hill Elementary School. Uh some project updates. Uh again, the the new building pad stripping has been completed. The new building pad cut and prepped for excavation at the new gymnasium at the school. Trenching and plumbing lines have been installed. existing stair towers were demolished and the footing footings for new stair towers were completed. The new water pit
047installation um what I'm sorry the new water pit was installed and the retention basin drained and prepped. There were a couple of hidden conditions uh discovered as this is an adaptive reuse site. There was a void discovered below the existing concrete slab. Um uh this was discussed at our previous meeting and a change order was needed for this slab removal. The fill ele the fill elements for this uh void and re and remediation uh change order was for 13,000. There's also a change order needed for a dumpster enclosure wall that was required and this was for about 9,000. There it was existing underground piping that served the rainwater conductors um during slab demo that did not properly slope away from the building. Our design team is is currently um kneedeep in developing a plan and
048this will be addressed at a future meeting. Fiber optic cables were active um under an old Verizon network and we're coordinating with them on the removal. Um the existing footings also in some areas of the building were found to be overpoured and will this will also result in a future change in rerout rerouting of underground plumbing. The elementary school also uh project also has uh the Bear Hill Elementary School project also has videos and time and pictures available on the website um uh for the public to view. Next, we had uh the committee was uh saddened to learn of the passing of a long-term consultant to the district. Uh Mr. Peter Habin was acknowledged for his significant contributions to our district district networking infrastructure over the last 30 years. He was one he pioneered um
049the only privatelyowned wide area network of any school district in Chester County and that is in our school. We are currently looking at other options in continuing our networking infrastructure projects and that will be discussed at a future meeting. Uh a brief discussion of capital sources and uses uh was reviewed. Um and again we continue to work and and are impacted by uh our finance uh committee as we look at our infrastructure portion um uh of the budget. And finally um we were updated that nine trees were planted along uh the Valley Forge uh middle school as was mentioned in a previous meeting. That concluded our meeting and our next meeting is December 16th at 7 p.m. at the TAO. All are welcome to attend. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Singh. I I would
050like to to echo the the sorrow of this board of the loss of Peter Hein. He was a a great asset to the district and his work for the district, you know, has impacted and and touched all aspects of it within the within the district. So he will he will definitely be missed. Uh now I will turn to uh Mr. Suti who will give us a report on the education committee. Thank you Mr. Contorsk. The education committee met on November 6th. Mr. George Sindell of Sundance Associates presented the district's annual demographic report. Mr. Sundell is demographer and has for the past dozen years or so provided the district with analysis of all our demographic trends that are specific to the school district. He uses data from the October 1st enrollment report that we submit to
051the state of Pennsylvania as well as information on real estate transactions, new building permits issued in both townships, census data, and live birth numbers from Chester County. The report provides a projection of student attendance numbers in each of the eight district schools. This year, the total enrollment on October 1st was 6,766 students, which is 30 stu 32 students fewer than projected last year. Although our enrollment has slightly dipped, in general, it remains at a high level. And Mr. Sundell pointed out that the elementary projections were based on our current half-day kindergarten program. With the addition of new building and a full day kindergarten program in the near future, it is likely that the kindergarten numbers will rise uh from what they are now. The report looks at trends at both middle schools and the high
052school as well. And for those interested in a very thorough look at the numbers, the full demographic study is posted on the district website. It's about a I would say a 30-page report with lots of graphs and information on all aspects of our population and it's uh actually available in the education committee uh under the board section of the uh website for the November 2025 meeting. Uh then the uh second item on our agenda was uh related to a resolution that the school board passed several years ago in support of environmental sustainability. Uh since the time of that resolution, uh the administration updates the school board each year on what has been accomplished in the prior year, both operationally and educationally as it relates to environmental sustainability. Dr. Wendy Tol provided an update of the
053educational enhancements accomplished last year. Some of the highlights are outdoor learning spaces created at the middle schools and environmental literacy and sustainability science units developed for the elementary and middle schools which align with the new state steel standards and elementary school gardens developed to provide hands-on learning experiences for our students. The this concluded our meeting. The next meeting of the education committee will be held on January 15th, 2026 at the TEAO at 7 PM and the topic will be an update on artificial intelligence as it relates to our schools and Dr. Michael Simander will be our speaker. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mrs. Titi. Next, we'll have a report on our ad hoc legislative committee from Miss Maryanne Pition. >> Thank you. Three items for your information. The Chester County Intermediate Unit is proposing legislation
054titled Federal Funding Pass through Protection Act. Uh the proposal requests that Pennsylvania lawmakers establish a federal funding pass through mechanism ensuring that essential education and community programs continue receiving federal dollars without interruption during state budget impasses. The proposal contains specific implementation parameters. This legislation would protect Pennsylvania students, families, and communities from the harmful effects of budget delays, ensuring that federally funded programs continue without interruption and that political gridlock does not hinder public service delivery. In addition, I will report on a resolution that was passed when I deliver my Chester County Intermediate Unit report. Item number two, the Pennsylvania School Board Association is working to develop a resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to reimburse borrowing fees accured as a result of the budget impass. And item number three, Newsweek has published an article titled full
055list of degrees not classified as professional by Trump administration. The list of degrees not classified as quote professional unquote by Trump administration includes educators as well as nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, aiologists, architects, accountants, and social workers. Under the terms of the Trump administration's one big beautiful bill, the repayment assistance plan will be brought in to replace previous loan programs. This means that the grad plus program designed to help graduate and professional students cover educational expenses will be scrapped while parent plus loans student loans available for parents of dependent undergraduate students will be limited. This means that what degrees count as professional and non-professional is now a determining factor in how much annual loan support students will receive. Kevin Kzer, professor of education policy studies at Pennsylvania State University, told Newsweek, quote, "We need nurses
056and teachers, yet loans would be unavailable to support people entering these professions." unquote. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Pitchion. Next, we'll get a report on ad hoc public information from Dr. Yolanda Allen. >> Thank you. The public information committee, ad hoc public information committee has not met since our last meeting. Um, so there is no report this month. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Allen. We'll go back to Miss Pition for a report on the intermediate unit technical school. Thank you. The Chester County Intermediate Unit board of directors held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 19th at the Technical College High School Penox Bridge campus in West Grove. uh tenn uh bridge campus programs highlighted how career technical and customized education transforms student learning with customized course selection and inter internships. The school's commitment
057to tailoring education to student goals was emphasized. highlights from the veterinary science program blends rigorous theory with hands-on projects, field trips, and real world experiences. Students learn surgical assisting, pharmarmacology, client communication, and digital imaging, and benefit from partnerships with organizations such as Forgotten Cats, Noah's Ark Rescue, and K9 Partners for Life. The program also includes future Farmers of America involvement, giving students leadership opportunities and competitive experiences at regional, state, and national levels. Highlights from the teacher leadership academy, a senioronly dual enrollment program, offers college coursework and three-week uh internships in Chester County classrooms. Students gain more than double the classroom experience of typical firstear college students and engage in reflection and peer discussions to deepen their understanding of teaching. TLA addresses Pennsylvania's teacher shortage by attracting, preparing, and retaining future educators within local communities. The
058presentation concluded with Gina Gallow, a Unionville Chadsford senior who shared her customized educational journey. Gina's schedule combines veterinary science, the uh teachers leadership academy, Brandy Wine virtual academy, and dual enrollment courses. She credited these programs for shaping her career goal of becoming an agricultural teacher. The preliminary 2026-27 CCIU budget was presented. A major focus was the recent Commonwealth and federal budget impass which created significant cash flow challenges and required a $25 million revenue anticipation note to maintain operations. Although the budgets were passed last week, the impass resulted in added costs and reduced interest income while leaving 58 million in grants temporarily unfunded. Despite these challenges, CCIU continues to secure grant opportunities to offset costs. The CCIU board of directors acted on the following business. reviewed and adopted the resol resolution to support of full and
059appropriate funding for early intervention programs. The election of CCIU board of directors, including the TE director, myself, uh will take place through a mail ballot between February 1st to April the 30th of next year. I'm happy to continue as the TE's representative. The next CCIU board of directors meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 25th, 2026 at 7:30 at the Technical College High School Brandy Wine campus in Downing Town. And that concludes my report. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Pition. And finally, we'll go to our newest committee, the ad hoc redistricting committee, and a report from Dr. Robera Hatinsky. >> Thank you. Uh so we met on October 28th, the day after the last regular board meeting. Uh it was our second meeting. Um we met in uh met initially in May. So the
060agenda recovered the redistricting timeline which we established back in May at the first meeting. We covered legal considerations for redistricting and uh introduced potential parameters for the redistricting which would serve as guidelines for the um for the redistricting steer committee which will be actually will be the group that uh is actually doing the the the establishment of the different catchment areas. So um as part of this we also uh the administration presented two proposed models parody in which would evenly distribute students across the schools and proportional in which alignment would vary slightly um in line with each school's capacity because uh some of our schools are bigger than others. The committee indic emphasized that the district's class size policy would be consistently applied across schools regardless of the school's population which is the case um
061as it is practiced today. Uh it was a very well attended meeting with um with a good group of parents who had lots of of questions. Um so after we had uh some discussion the committee outlined the next steps uh which will be uh reviewing the which were actually reviewing the de the 2025 demographers report at the November 6th education meeting that was presented um and we will look at that and any implications it might have uh for our redistricting process. And then uh we talked about um the next meeting schedule. We will uh reconvene in January to finalize redistricting parameters uh and to begin planning for the redistricting steering committee in spring of 2026. So we do not yet have a date for that uh January meeting, but we will establish that along with
062the timeline for the spring and let everyone know through the district website and the district newsletter. And uh as always, community engagement is encouraged um and public comment is welcome throughout the process. So we would invite anyone um to come and contribute their their input. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Hatinski. Now we'll move on to act other actions under consideration policies recommended for first reading. The action under consideration is that the board of school directors approves the following policies on a first reading basis as ready for adoption at the next regular meeting. Policy 3160, transfer of funds within the budget. Policy 3180, capital projects fund non-bond funds. Policy 3181, capital projects fund bond funds. Policy 3185, fund balances management. Policy 3231, federal fiscal compliance. Policy 3292, investments, and policy 6130, curriculum, curricular materials and
063resource materials. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> You have a second. >> Second. >> Proper first and a second. I'll turn to Mrs. Audrain for additional background. Uh yes, we are uh in the process of reviewing the finance uh area of our uh policies and procedures and uh the first uh policies and regulations 3160, 3170, 3180 and 3181 are recommended to be repealed or rescended because they're being consolidated in policy and regulation 3185. Uh the policies uh 3231 federal compliance. These have been updated uh due to changes in federal requirements or new sections to comply with federal requirements. Policy and regulation 3292 are just uh uh clarifications and updates regarding uh investments that are possible due to uh current laws and uh regulations. And policy 6130 just enables uh um the administration
064to make purchases uh during the summer when the board is not regularly meeting so that they can purchase additional supplemental materials uh that are available then uh for the new school year. So I have no further comments. >> Thank you Mr. Odrain. I will turn to the board, see if anybody has any questions or comments. Seeing none, the board now invites members of the audience to comment on this item. If you have comments or questions, please step to the microphone and identify yourself. No public comments. I'll turn back to the board, see if there's any further board discussion. Seeing none, we'll now go to a vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Any opposed signify by saying nay. >> Eyes have it. Motion passes. 90. And we are now at
065the public participation from district residents and district taxpayers regarding non-aggenda matters of concern, official action or deliberation which are or may be before the board. Residents and taxpayers may address the board on matters not included in the agenda. If you have a comment, please step up to the microphone and remember to state your name and township of residence. I see we have one. Come on up. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Mia Chow and I'm a resident of Trader Township. Uh I'm a senior here at Konos Stoa. So, I'm part of vote 16PA and we are a group of local high schoolers and college students who are trying to get legislation passed to allow 16 and 17 year olds to be able to vote in schoolboard elections in Pennsylvania. Students above the age of
06616 can drive, earn money by working, and even pay taxes. And as youth, we have unique perspectives. And as students of the education that school boards help provide, we have our voices should be heard. And yet we still cannot formally be a part of these decisions that affect us. Youth 16 to 17 are already allowed to vote in local elections in certain counties in Vermont, Maryland, and California. Research also shows that developing the habit of voting early can lead to a lifetime of civic engagement. At Konesoga, we have a rich history of students engaging as civic leaders. Last year um vote 16pa we researched the benefits of earlier voting drafted legislation to propose began communications work and started connecting with other civic engagement organizations. Our current goal is to build a coalition and get a
067prime sponsor for our bill. We will also be presenting to the Chester County Legislative the CCIU legislative council meeting in January. I'm happy to speak with anyone if you are interested or if you have questions. Thank you for your time. Thank you. >> Thank you and thank you for your comment and thank you for being engaged. Um I it sounds like that you guys are well on your way to making this uh issue front and center for folks. So we commend that. Always recommend always commend student and community engagement on on these sorts of things in particular with respect to the school board. So thank you for your participation and enthusiasm. Right. Do we have any more comments today? Seeing none, the public comment periods for this evening are now closed. This is the point
068in the meeting when we make any announcements required by the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act. Our solicitor this evening is Ken Roose and he will make any required announcements. Good evening. Uh the board has met in executive session three times since the last regular board meeting. Uh November 6 at 6:30 regarding and also November 11th at 6:30 uh both regarding a uh special education litigation federal court matter. Uh November 18th uh 8:30 p.m. regarding a confidential personnel matter. There was actually no executive session tonight. >> Thank you, Mr. Roose future meetings. Pay attention. Friday, December 5th, 2025, reorganizational board meeting, 6 pm here at Konesoga High School. Please note, this is a change from the previously published date. Due to the delay in the certification of Chester County Elections, we will be unable to hold our meeting
069as originally scheduled one week from today. Instead, it will be on December 5th, Friday, December 5th. The meeting will start at 6 PM next Friday, and will be advertised accordingly. Meetings after that, Monday, January 5th, 2026, regular board meeting, 7:30 p.m. here at Konesoga. And then Monday, January 2026, 2026, regular board meeting, 7:30 p.m. again here at Konesoga High School. And let's go to February. Why not? February 23rd, 2026, regular board meeting, 7:30 p.m. here at Knes Stoogga High School. That does it for the uh announcements of upcoming board meetings. I'll turn to the board and see if there are other announcements from board members. Yes, Miss Picion. >> I have two announcements. First of all, congratulations to Stoga Theater. As always, the their presentations are uh fabulous and uh this year we got to
070enjoy Clue which is very campy uh production and uh of course the acting superb and the staging was wonderful. Uh my second announcement is that uh I'm pleased to mention that uh Konesoga High School as noted on the website is proud to offer the Pennsylvania seal of biiteracy to students beginning with the class of 2026. I had mentioned this to uh Dr. Oscar Torres last year and he said that they were working on it. I'll just quote from the website. The Pennsylvania Seal of Biiteracy is an award presented by a school or school entity in recognition of students who have attained intermediate high to high proficiency in English and one or more additional world languages upon high school graduation. So uh please go to the website uh Stoga Knos Stoga website high school website under
071academics and then you click on world languages and the presentation and the um function of this uh award. Uh and I encourage everyone who is interested in world languages and engaging in the world economy to take a look at attaining this uh seal of biiteracy. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Miss Pition. All right. Any other general announcements from board members? Okay. Seeing none, I'll call everybody's attention to the correspondence received by the board. It's on page 155 of your agenda. Now, we'll come to the adjournment section of the meeting. We'll call for a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All right. All those in favor signify by saying I. I >> all those opposed you can stay here. >> Eyes have it. Meeting is
072adjourned. Thank you everyone. Everyone have a very happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.