001Please rise and join us as we recite the pledge of >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Are there any additions or corrections to the agenda? There there are none. Okay. Do I hear a motion? >> Make a motion we approve the agenda as presented. Will >> there a second? >> Second. >> As moved by Mr. Wallace, second by Mr. Handy. Are there any questions or comments from the board? >> All right. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. >> All those opposed? Nay. >> Motion carries. All right. Next up in the board meeting uh for board members and the executive secretary uh to discuss items
002of information and topics from our participation in various professional organizations and committees. Uh we will start with the DSBA uh which stands for Delaware School Boards Association. We have any updates for the legislative committee Mr. >> Yes. We uh the the legislative committee met on April 22nd. Uh there were many things that were discussed. The three prominent uh house bills and senate bills that were discussed um house bill 349. This is an act that modified the eligibility standards from 100% disability to 80% disability or greater for veterans to qualify for credit against school taxation. Um the SBA legislative committee supports this um unanimously and we voted unanimously to vote to support this bill. Um the next one was House Bill 350. This act required that the Delaware Department of Education in collaboration with school districts,
003charter schools, and vocational technical schools make uh recommendation to allow homeschool students to participate in our sports programs. Um this was opposed by the DSBA legislative committee. Um they voted no to allow this to happen except for Ricklay. Rick Clay voted yes to allow it to happen. Uh the next was a big one that we discussed um Senate Bill 277. So this act established comprehensive protections and reasonable accommodations for pregnant and and parent and students in Delaware schools. Um so that way um excusing them from absences for medical appointments self for themselves and their child and for the birth of a child. Um shockingly um it did not pass. um every well or less states committee um they were they were opposed to it except for Red Clay, Brandy Wine, Colonial, Caesar Ring and Polytech
004representatives. Um not really understanding why um we wouldn't still support our um students who u were expecting a child as the student excusing their absences. Um especially when we have student the conversation that happened was that we have students who are suspended from school who get excused while not excuse somebody who needs to go to a medical appointment. But the other most downs were >> our next meeting is going to be on May 27th. >> Thank you. That that vote just represents the viewoint of SBA. >> Correct. >> Doesn't mean it's DOA. >> Yep. It continues to move on. It's just that the DSBA legislative committee opposed it except for as I said the representatives from great play colonial Caesar policed as opposed to >> correct they opposed >> uh for executive committee Mr. H.
005Yes, actually our meeting is tomorrow evening at 6 p.m. that will slowly turn to Dr. Chiefs. >> Uh this is we have not met since the last meeting. We meet on Thursday because this meeting was moved up on the calendar of one week. Uh I have nothing to report at this time. And for reading, >> yes, we met last uh we met on April 30th. Uh provided the board with the information that was presented at reading. Uh primarily it was the we approved these pending budget expenditures for the FY26 school year. Uh the FY26 FY I'm sorry FY27 fiscal year. U writing is slotted to be allocated $10 million. We approve the u budget allocations for that. If that passes and if it's approved, we know they knew it was all speculative at this point
006because budget hasn't passed. But this is just allows uh the systems to move forward when budget is approved specifically when it comes to developing request for proposals um for projects and efforts. uh sooner than later have we experienced the first two years we were behind the schedule on that we didn't have it in minutes so that was approved we also uh reviewed uh the planning documents for the conversation around the redistricting work there was a timeline and then a process document shared there are going to be framing up the conversation board has those in their packets for their for your review >> thanks um for strategic planning. >> Great. Um Dr. Mer, those documents I mean I saw them in in um Diligent, but are they also available to the public if they want to
007be able to see? >> They will be they are already available to the public on the writing website. Okay. But they will be after this meeting they'll go live in the minutes on our website as well. >> Thank you. So the um strategic plan committee uh as everyone knows the the plan itself has been uh adopted, written, adopted uh by the board. Um and so the team is u working on finalizing the the scorecards which will be the documents that will allow the district to self evaluate how they're doing on this plan. Correct. And uh the next meeting is scheduled for May 13. Thank you. Um >> uh for major >> Yeah. Major capital construction review committee. We meet in two weeks. Um and then so we now have updates for citizens financial oversight committee.
008Do you have anything, Emily? >> I see it's on the list, but >> um just want to report out the committee actually met earlier this evening because the board meeting got moved up. Um Both the variance report, budget variance report and the financial position report were approved by the committee. >> All right. And that would be it. >> All right. So now it's the time of the board meeting for a celebration of the E and the power of wheat. Uh we're going to begin with our student board member May uh to provide us with her report. >> Good evening Colonials. Today, I'll start with athletic updates. As we end the season, sport teams are getting ready for their senior night games, which will all be within these next few weeks. Boys volleyball and boys baseball
009are on the track to make playoffs with volleyball's game being May 12th, and baseballs on June 2nd. And track finished their Blue Hen Conference with girls in eighth place and boys in fifth. and they'll be having their counties and states over the next two weeks as well. For social updates, this Friday, May 8th, William Penn's garage band will be playing at the Wilmington Flower Market at noon. Not that much else is new. We have prom next Friday on the 15th and the senior Poconos trip on May 27th. Graduation practice is on June 3rd and 4th and graduation day on the 5th. And lastly, academic updates. The only thing I have to say is happy AP season to all AP students. Wishing us all fives and great luck for the for this and next week. And
010happy teacher appreciation week for all Colonial teachers. >> Are you Are you having to ask? >> Probably just Taco Bell. But as my age, >> are you gonna host it? >> We'll have. >> All right. Thank you very much, man. And uh to continue our e and the power of we storytelling going to turn Uh the mic over to Colonial's executive coordinator but is yours >> speaker. Good evening everyone. Stand back for a little bit. >> Thank you. Um, tonight we are proud to recognize a group of outstanding colonial students who receive who recently represented our district at the 7th annual Newcastle County Mikva Challenge Project. Soapback showcase was held at the University of Delaware alongside of peers from neighboring districts. These students demonstrated exceptional commitment to civic engagement by researching important issues, crafting thoughtful
011speeches, and presenting innovative ideas for change. Their voices, passion, and dedication to making a difference in their communities truly reflect the values we strive to instill in all of our students. When I say your name, you can come up, accept your recognition, and you'll be asked to take a picture. Allison Church from William Penn. >> Alison. We're gonna do a great shot. >> Oh, okay. >> Stay. All right. Got it. >> Joel Bastik from Gunning Bedford. Alexa Bonito Martinez from Gunning Bethford. Megan F from Gunning Bethford. and Usher Hashmi Gunning Bethford. >> Congratulations. Next to be recognized is a group of students who have demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and creativity in mathematics. Through their participation in this year's math 24 competition, they challenge themselves to think critically, solve problems quickly, and push beyond what they
012thought possible. These students have not only achieved success in a competitive setting, but have also shown a genuine enthusiasm for learning and a commitment to excellence. Their accomplishments reflect the power of practice, perseverance, and the willingness to embrace challenges. It is our honor to celebrate their achievements and acknowledge the hard work that brought them here today. Please join me in congratulating these outstanding young mathematicians. When I call your name, you can come up, take your certificate, and stand for our picture. John Ubles Felix Michael Hopkins, Emmanuela Ishmichi, Dorothy Charerizard, Robert Fiser, Frank Robertson, Rocky Rudlo, and Dorian Oak so bad over there. >> No. All right, guys. For for the record, we were running a little late because Ford President PQ has to play 24 game with the students win because he thinks he stands
013a Every year he is bragging about how this was his favorite game of Pleas. He was there and how he's so awesome at it. And I we could just wait to hear how he did here uh at the table just this evening. >> How'd you do there, Mr. PQ this evening? Any hands? >> Not a single one. Not a single one. They're like, "Oh, do you want single or double digit?" I said, "Let's do double digits. It's fine. I'll be easy on them. And then uh two of them, Frank and what was the other gentleman who absolutely hooked up. That was utterly embarrassing. Tell my wife about it, but uh I thank you guys so much uh for coming out. I'm glad that we invited you out here. Uh I'm planning on not inviting you
014guys out, but no, seriously, 24 game was one of the funnest things I ever did um in elementary school, middle school. The competition great. I fell in love with it. It's a game that my wife and I still play and I'm so proud of you guys for doing it and uh you know, just showing how amazing you guys are. You guys really kicked my butt, so I appreciate it. Congratulations. >> Now, we have our staff recognition. Kristen Rosenthal was selected by the National Art Education Association to receive the 2026 Eastern Region Elementary Art Educator Award for her exemplary contributions to the field of visual arts and education. Congratulations, Miss Rosenthal. And that was on the heels of we were around an amazing art show on Friday and Saturday here at Wayne Bank. It was just
015an awesome experience. Definitely recommend you come out next year uh when you if you get a chance. Miss Rosenthal's presentation was awesome as well for Eisenberg and Newcastle Elementary. Miss Ross in the back. >> We do have one unannounced uh one last minute staff member we'd like to recognize. I think they're here today. Uh, Jeff Chabbo. Those of you who don't know, Jeff Jabbo is Jeff Jabau is retiring, not Jeff Menser. Exactly. I got a text from somebody last night said, "Hey, I heard you're retiring." And then I realized somebody sent out an email the other day. Jeff's retiring. This Jeff. >> So we wanted to recognize Jeff for his 30 years of service in Colonial. We have a plaque. We have a little gift bag and we would ask that you take a look
016at your gift. >> It's like you forced open your presents for the whole family. All right. So, >> think it's important >> a fishing rod. You don't know. Fishing is a >> cherry and black. >> Cherry black fishing rod. >> Very important. >> Got my cherry and black. >> Got my cherry black sunglasses. And >> I got my cherry back black beach. Don't go into the beach. Don't stop. >> Best wishes. I'll be right behind. Thanks, Jerry. >> That concludes our our staff recognition. >> Thank you so much. >> All right. Uh now, moving on to uh public comment. At this time, we're going to pause the meeting real quick to allow for the families, uh, students and staff that need to leave time to do so. However, you're always welcome to stay and enjoy
017the rest of the fun, entertaining meeting, but if not, Uh and Dr. Mentor has something to share for public comment. >> So just we have no public comment for in-person attendees. We did receive this afternoon two online submissions from the same person. The first request online was for them. They wanted to upload a document for the schoolboard candidates. That was all the message. There was no attachment. The second email was uh the same person sending what I believe to be the pasted contents of that document in the message field for public comment. So, it's all there. There they were given the link to join on Zoom. They are not here in person. I just want for the record to know that their information was received will be forwarded to the board and someone will be
018reaching out from the superintendent's office to explain to them how the public comment process works in the future. But that concludes our and we did receive a public comment similar to that with nothing in it after the deadline five minutes before or 10 minutes before the meeting maybe that came in. And so that's past the deadline. We will also reach out to them and advise them to submit uh in the proper manner. It's on the website. So that concludes public comment. >> Thank you very much. Uh moving over to the next agenda item is the consent agenda. Um the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through board review including documentation documentation concerning these items that have been provided to all the board members and the public in advance. Items in the consent agenda
019generally include routine personnel and business office actions and updates as well as approval of previous meeting minutes and education related items such as choice and student placements. Uh with that being said, do I hear a motion? >> I move that we approve consent agenda items as consent. >> All right. Do I hear a second? >> Ask moved by Mr. handy and uh quickly seconded by Miss Smith. Um are there any questions or comments from the board? >> All right. All those in favor, please signify with saying I. I. >> All those opposed? Nay. Motion carries. All right. Next up on the agenda is updates and action items. And I'll turn it over to Dr. Mensor. So, uh, every year for the past two years now, we've had a, uh, mental health awareness presentation from our
020health and wellness team in uh, the district and they have come out and shared all the all the significant work going on in that space across schools and staff. Tonight, we're fortunate to have Dr. Cooper, Dr. all here as well as a team of folks from schools in Newors to talk to us about what's what's happening in the world of health and wellness for our students. I do want to point out something that I should have done while the rest of the group was here that uh the 24 has had been renamed the Mike Snow 2014 honor Mike Snow who we know was a mull educator William Penrad who tragically suicide several years ago during the school year and was the was the inspiration for our go green in May that spring and continues to
021be an inspiration to us uh as we move forward um in the world of mental health school. So that said, I'll turn over to Dr. Woodall uh to take over the presentation and I believe there's a slide deck for the folks on the TV. All right. So, good evening, President PQ, Dr. Mensor and members of the Colonial School District Board. And as we shared each year in May, our division looks forward to highlighting some of the work being done to support wellness throughout Colonial Nation. Last year, we set the stage by talking about the whole school, whole community, and whole child model, and how this model is implemented to support some of our students who are experiencing homelessness. This year, we wanted to share a story of how one of our community partners is supporting
022student wellness throughout the district. Tonight we are joined by representatives from Neores Children's Health, Pleasantville Elementary, and McCullum Middle School to describe their pathway to wellness through community and family partnerships. I'm going to quickly pass the mic to Denise Hughes from Neores to kick off the story of this journey over the past several years. >> Hi everyone. Um so I'm Denise Hughes. So we've been with you guys for several years. um precoid prechoolbased health centers doing lots of different things in the district. Um some of the big things that we just wanted to share today are you know we have the schoolbased health centers we're in eight of your elementary and makulla then we have the dash program which is helping with student attendance so we work very closely with your schools to help keep
023kids in the seats. Um, we have the Neores Link program where we give your school nurses access to our health records with parent permission so that they become an extension of the child's care team in the school. They can see medications as an action plans etc. Um, so the kids get the best care still while they're at school by your staff. Um, and at McCulla we've done asthma self-care program so the kids got um certified so to speak to carry their inhaler with them during the school day. And then Project Adam just happened and I'm gonna let them talk about it, but it's basically a cardiac program that they became certified in two weeks ago. So I'm gonna turn it over to McCulla and Pleasantville so they can tell you the story of Boots on
024the Ground. >> Good evening. Thank you for having us at tonight's board meeting. We are very excited to share with you the exceptional work and collaboration between our wellness center and Pleasantville Elementary. We're gonna start just by introducing ourselves because it definitely takes a full team. I'm Megan Null. I'm the principal of Pleasantville. Okay. >> I'm Natalie Casper. I'm one of the pediatric nurse practitioners that provides services in five of the elementary schools. >> I'm Lena Sandival. I'm one of the medical assistants um from Neores um that provides care with Natalie um at the five elementary schools in Colonial District. >> I'm Donna Robinson. I'm the school nurse at Pleasantville. >> I'm Debbie Husfeld. I'm a parent of kids at Pleasantville Elementary School. >> And I'm Tamika Wingo. I'm a student advisor at Pleasantville. So,
025we're going to begin by sharing some of the data that uh displays the impact that the wellness center has on our community. Then, we're going to um highlight some of the collaboration between our wellness center and our school nurse. And we're going to end with some very personal thoughts from one of our very own parents at Pleasantville. So, I'm going to pass it over to Natalie. Okay. I'm just going to go over um our data in terms of Pleasantville this year, which we're very excited that almost 56% of the students um at Pleasantville are currently enrolled in our school-based wellness center. This year we have seen, and these numbers are as of the end of March, so we've actually seen a bit more than this, but total was 395 visits um for this year just
026at Pleasantville. and that accounts for 151 individual students um at that school. So myself and Lena, we are um in charge of the physical health aspect. We have seen over 50 physicals this year at Pleasantville. We have um this was new this year for us with the giving as many vaccines as we have. So we've given over at this point 150 vaccines to students. Um, and we see numerous different illnesses, sick visits, and really the goal is to try to see them and get them back to class if we're able to do that. Um, our behavioral health therapist, Miss Jannine Hakoni, she provides mental health support, individual counseling, and her numbers are shown above, 163 visits this year um for 17 students at Pleasantville. And then I'm going to let Lena talk about our collaboration.
027In terms of collaboration with Neor's um bonus center, we wouldn't be able to have this great collaboration if it wasn't with the help with the staff at Pleasant Elementary School and along with the other schools that we also are involved in our in the school buildings um with the collaboration um with the physical health aspect of specifically um the physicals um that are required by for the school and also vaccination. and um screenings like lead screenings that are required um for students to have completed at the school that um those students constantly get referred by our wonderful nurse um nur um Donna Robinson and she's constantly having that collaboration with us and we're here to provide um open access to care um to students and meeting them where they're at at the school. This allows
028students to not miss school and able to attend um reduce absenteeism and also allowing them to um just miss um few minutes of time. Um and we try to grab them from class when it's not learning um during recess time and things like that. And same thing with our behavioral health therapist. Um I assist with scheduling the appointments with our therapists and we um collaborate like I mentioned with the school to reduce the absenteeism and con have consistent care management with our students. So, I felt like the best way to let you know how um the wellness center supports our students, families, our community um by telling a story. So, we had a little boy who entered our school very very first day of school. Um he was from out of state, came to Pleasantville,
029went out to recess, our blue dome out at recess. He was just climbing like a normal child. His hand slipped. He went down, cracked both of his two front teeth. So, he also needed um immunizations and other services. So, he was seen by Natalie at the wellness center. And I said to her, um, this didn't all happen on the same day, but I said, "We need to see what we can do about this poor little guy's teeth." Mom didn't drive, didn't have a car. Um, she did not have insurance. So Natalie and Lena with coordination with the care manager at Neores and their financial services um we were able to provide an Uber driver through Neor's financial funding and um they were able to find a dentist that would see and Neores funded it and
030this little boy had his teeth fixed. So that's just how we all coordinate together to provide services for our kids. >> Bravo. >> For me, they're a lifesaver. As a single mom working, if I had to take off every time my kids needed something or they were sick or like, is it something that's contagious? I didn't go to school or not, I I probably would never be able to do anything with my kids for vacation or anything. my time would literally be spent taking time off to take them to doctor's appointments. But Donna is amazing. She loves these kids like they're her own. She always makes sure they get it. And she will recommend if she thinks they need to move to over to the AI and AI is there to answer your phone calls
031if you say, "Hey, look, I think this might be something and I need it looked at." And they're instantly right on it. The professionalism among these ladies is amazing and the love and care that they give to our children is just topnotch. Thank you so much for having us and we are so grateful for the opportunity to share um how the wellness center has been able to support our building. You're fine. You're fine. >> All right. Um, so I'm Hi Lewis. I'm the proud principal of McCulla Middle School. And so I'll give my team a chance to introduce themselves before we get started. Hi, I'm Dr. Paige Morris. I'm the health teacher and also athlet athletic director at McCulla Middle School. And my biggest fan, I'm Kathleen Sawyer. I'm the nurse practitioner at McCulla Middle
032School. >> Hi, I'm Brenda Reyes and I'm one of the medical assistants at McCulla Middle School. >> Dr. Ramirez Sanchez. I'm the behavioral health provider at McCulla. So there was once a time in McCulla when a sick student will be sent directly home from the nurs's office or when our counselors could not fully meet the needs of our growing social, emotional, mental health needs of our students and when some students missed the opportunity to try out for sports team simply because they did not have the completed DIAA form on file. But in March of 2023, all of that changed with the opening of our school-based wellness center in partnership with New Morris. As seen in the pictures, our building identified a space within our building, and it felt as though that space had always been
033meant for the purpose of having a wellness center. With a private entrance that's accessible from both the exterior and interior of the building, the center provided a convenient and discreet access for students attending appointments during the day as well as for families visiting from the community. What once was a barrier has now become a bridge to access. Our students receive immediate care for minor illnesses and it reduces their time away from instruction and and provides our families a sense of peace. What's most equally important is the strength of the partnership between the Neores team and the McCulla team. This collaboration is grounded in a shared commitment to serving the whole child and supporting our broader school community. Through ongoing communication, aligned goals, and a true spirit of teamwork, both teams work seamlessly to ensure that
034our students and families receive the care, resources, and support that they need. >> That's me. They're making me do it. So, this is how they've grown over the past two and a half years. So, I say two and a half because we started middle of the school year in 23 24. So that's why there's a big old zero um for January up until January. And then we saw 73 students. But if you look at our first full school year, we grew to 804 visits by the end of the year. And this year we're at 877. And the school year is not over yet. So they really have bought in. The schools and our staff work seamlessly together. It's a great partnership. Um and enrollment keeps climbing. It is my turn. Hi everyone once again. Um
035I'm Dr. Paige Morris. I'm the athletic director. So before the wellness center was added to our school, on average we had between 80 to 100 student athletes get their physical. And this could have been from a primary doctor or it could have been from someone we brought into the school. But the concern with that was they were only there for one day. And with the wellness center, which I was like praying like please let this happen because they were able to increase our athletes. These are athletes clear to be on the field even if they have a medical diagnosed still get their resources and things that they need to be on the field at all costs. And that grew to over 130 athletes. And these are athletes from sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. And I
036can say with the new push after April 1st, they're allowed to get their physicals. we are already jumpstarting our eighth graders to make sure they have their physicals going into the high school year. Um, so with the medical uh wellness center, they're able to clear our athletes, give them the treatment that they need, keep our athletes healthy, not just during the season, but after the season as well if they need support and help. So, when it comes to the Wellness Center, I cannot thank you enough um for all that you do. You're really saving not just myself, but also parents the time as well to get their kids what they need. Thank you. I just wanted to highlight one case study just to show an example of a student that I had. Um DA is
037a 15-year-old female who recently immigrated to the United States. She and her father are both Spanish speakaking. She had no medical care and no health insurance. She was referred by the school nurse for a toe injury and also her counselor had concerns of daytime tiredness and dizziness. When I sat down and talked to DA, she reported shortness of breath with everyday activities, walking upstairs, getting dressed, taking a shower. She also complained of intermittent dizziness. On further evaluation, I diagnosed her with a severe anemia, low hemoglobin. Her anemia was so severe, she could have been treated with a transfusion. Because they were uninsured, the father and I had a very difficult conversation and decided to treat her with oral iron. We were able to follow her up very closely every two weeks and you could see
038with my little curve her hemoglobin gradually improved and her symptoms improved as well. She was also born with a cataract. She had no vision in one eye and her pupil, the black part of her eye was very opaque, giving off a white appearance. She was very self-conscious of that. We were able to work very closely with father her father and financial services at Neores to get her some sort of insurance through Neore's funding. She is now currently being followed by a specialist and we are working to get her established with a primary care provider as well. I've also connected with a nurse practitioner at William Penn High School for her continued monitoring. Sorry, I got roped into this one last minute as well. Um, Project Atom is uh a nonprofit organization that pairs medical professionals
039to partner with lay people to recognize and respond to a sudden cardiac arrest. I have been working with the team at McCulla for two years um in making this happen. We've had 29 staff members trained in CPR, 13 staff members trained into the use of AEDs. We have incorporated a new code at Atom response plan and a 333 number is activated. When that 333 number is called, we recognize that as a sudden cardiac arrest, the code atom team is activated. 911 is called immediately. We had our first code atom drill um just the 15th of April. We called the code atom a class sorry classroom was evacuated within 8 seconds. Chest compressions were started by 14 seconds. The first AED arrived on the scene after 31 seconds and then the remaining members of the project
040atom team arrived. roles were delegated and the first shock was administered in less than two minutes which is incredible. We have three minutes to get the heart recirculating in order to save a life. And before um Miss Ramirez goes, I just want to jump in and say that Project Adam was very important to us as a school community. um almost two years ago in the summer following a student's eighth grade year um he had a cardiac arrest and passed away. And um as a school community, we thought if that had happened 30 days earlier, he would have been with us and how prepared will we have been? And so this work was really important to us as a school um because we did not want to ever be in a situation where if something like
041this happened in our building that we would not know what to do with either a staff member or someone's child. So this work was really important and we really could not have done this without the partnership of the wellness center. I'll give you the last slide of the evening from our end of McCulla. Um, just to let you know that so far this year as the behavior health provider, I've been providing services to 27 students on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Um, and again, just to break down sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. I'm primarily treating generalized anxiety disorder and depression, which is surprising. I mean, nationally, we have mental health needs within our young adult community, our our middle school students. And, you know, it's also an opportunity to engage with parents. The first appointment
042is with the parent and the student so that we can talk about these symptoms. What does the household look like? How do these symptoms and some of those concerns kind of seep into the school day when it comes to attendance and all those types of things like grades, school work? And you know, so far this year, I'm the only provider there, but I've had 422 appointments and that is at the end of March. April is still probably averaging about 105 appointments for April and I still have May to go. So, we will probably be way over that. And it is a pleasure to be allowed to come into the middle school every day and serve some of these kids that most of them would not have access to therapy services if this wasn't allowed. Thank
043you. Um, there's not much I can say after those presentations, so I'm really not gonna I'm just going to quickly get to questions, but I'll just say that uh, so my name is John Cooper. I'm director of health and wellness. Extremely proud of the work that we've been able to do here. Uh, I had one of the first wellness centers here at William Penn back in the early 90s. Uh, we've since expanded. We're now the only uh district in the in the state that has wellness center access to all of our elementary schools and we are one of the first to have a middle school access too. Going forward, we're hoping to have the opportunity to get our two final schools that don't have wellness centers yet, Gunning Bedford and George Reed. And we're also
044working on a partnership with our early education program, the SE program. Um, this just shows what what can happen when you work together, when the community works together, uh, with families, with providers, and do amazing things. And I'm very grateful for all of you for what you do and what you do for our students. So, I just one more time applaud these folks. So, at this point, if there's any questions from the board, I'll be willing to field what I can and otherwise hand them over to our experts. Sorry. Um, is there any particular reason why George? >> We had an opportunity several years ago to apply for a competitive G grant Newcastle County through COVID relief money uh for one school. And at that time, um, the school that was most ready, I mean,
045you could tell from principal Lewis, they were actually been begging for it for years and previous to her, the previous principal, Mr. Johnston, they were ready to go. Uh, so we were able to get grant funding to get that off the ground, but at that point, we only had the money for one school. So, >> uh, the estimates vary widely. Um, probably close to $250,000 a year, something like that >> because more than that, 300,000 say probably around the place the 200,000 mark because it would be a hub site because of the money, >> right? >> So 200 plus for George Reford. So it is finding the funding and that's something that I have to say we're especially grateful for. The Morris is constantly looking for grant opportunities. We're looking for any options that come
046available. You know, we're definitely looking for those take advantage of it, but we're also having ongoing conversations of what else can we do? How can we make those, you know, some of that? So, it's ongoing. It's on our priority. Um, but we're working. >> This is a crazy question. Is when the kids come to the health center, that kid insurance is not being built, right? >> They are being buen some sort of income that can supplement the salary of the person that is there, right? >> But we also see a lot of uninsured. >> Yeah, we also see a lot of insurance. We're aware of that one. >> The students that we see don't have insurance. >> Okay. And um so what is the I'm sorry that's 250,000 is just the building. >> So that's
047the operation of the center. So it's having staff there, the materials there, all of those things, all of the pieces. So it's not just the place, it's not just like the renovations, make sure it's set up. So again, part of it, we have to have space to be able to accommodate it. We have to go through DPH certification to make sure that it's approved site. There's a lot of steps that go to it. Uh this has just been wonderful though in helping us walk through those steps together. Um, but it takes time. It has to be done thoughtfully. So, it's not something that we can rush into. Um, but again, I mean, it's it's a process and definitely one that we're continuing to look. So, there's opportunity. And um can we say or it is
048an estimated for every dollar that is put into this wellness center, how many doors will we save in the future for medical placement for that kid? >> So I can say we're actually in the process of figuring that out. Um at the end of this year, we'll be able to track it much better because we've been here long enough to trend it for the students. Um So that's our hope this summer is to really look at how many kids we got connected to primary care so they're getting the care they need. How many kids are avoiding the ED so they're using the wellness center versus going to the emergency department which >> that's the main that's the main one. >> We're seeing how many were connected to specialists. So at the end of the school
049year that's our goal to look at the kids. So we tracked the kindergarters through third grade because we've been able to watch them grow and long enough. And we're also looking at like what their attendance has done, what their grades have done, how their behavior has changed. Um so hopefully by this time next year, you'll have all that information. >> Um yeah, because that's that's the first step to pitch this to the grow community. And um another question, what is the cost of AED? And um is is that cost influence the training of the person who's going to use it. >> So, the training is separate from the AED. The AEDs are provided by the district, but athletics trains all of their coaches, but we had to get additional training for other teachers um and
050staff members and as well as the use of the AED. And that was an additional cost. It was I think 65. >> Yeah. And I covered for my staff for project Adam that weren't coaches. I cover my building budget >> for the train >> for project >> $65 a person >> 65 >> that's to get the CPR and a certification and then I ran the drills um along with a nurse practitioner from the cardiology >> and in terms of the AE so again those are purchased by the district nurse works with all of our schools to make sure we have the adequate number of AES that are available not just in school but also working with our athletic So we there is access to that a if they're out on the sport field things along
051those lines as well. But that is something that we work very very closely on to ensure we have the right number to make sure that we are getting new ones when they need to be um replaced every uh every seven years we have to replace them. Um and then we also work on maintaining like all the undeter >> and Dr. Conley who's a cardiologist at the Morris who is the head of project Adam for us is looking into expanding to more schools. So I have been talking to Heidi about what schools that she thought was a priority. So we are working through that as well. >> Thank you. Um Carlin said that whatever is needed he'll find it personally not an issue. >> Um being around Mulla for a while looking at the wellness centers
052and then looking at the increase in academics. Do you think that they are hand in hand but the kids feeling better not only about themselves with just the school within the academics increasing? >> Yes. So when kids feel good inside they can focus in the passion they come they come with a good night's rest food in their belly they're happy they can focus. Notice that sometimes when they're unhappy or things are weighing on them that's when they that's when they have a hard time focusing. So being able to get them to the right um resource and having those resources in our building and not having to say, "Oh, we have to contract out or get somebody else to come in." Like we already have that that support in the building. Um in addition with the
053wellness center has been more than a help to us. Our kids know exactly where the wellness center is. Nobody's asking where is it. They all know where it is. They all know I have an appointment. I have a patch. I go down. I bring the buzzer. I get buzzed in. They know the process. They know where it is. Um the staff has reallyated building. So our students don't see them as new staff. Our students see them as call staff that work in the building. Like they just so happen to be doctors and nurses and help take care of them too. Um but happy kids makes for a happy school. And so they're happy and healthy and we can do we can do our job a lot easier with educating them. >> I can speak to
054that too. Just because my kids my son I told him I was going to keep him home from school one day and this was last year because had some I don't even remember what it was and he said no I can go to school they can check me at school so for like for them to want to go to school and know that they can get it handled at school and my kids do have enough right so it's not even just that like and I don't mean that in a smart way because I know there's a lot of kids that are struggling and everything I'm just saying like so it makes an impact on those that aren't even in that dire you know situation as well to know that there's somebody there who cares about
055them and who will treat them and treat them kindly. So it all all levels of people and income and everything it does impact in a positive way. >> I don't have any questions, but your your data is very impressive and it it it makes a very clear case for why wellness centers in schools are so important. >> Thank you for your hard work. question set up mobilization cost >> I was going to say and it's a fee for a year >> that's what's the operation >> I can pull the exact numbers for you >> I know >> so the way that we're currently set up we have a contract set up that we pay a flat fee X amount for hubs, X amount for spoke sites, but we know that what we're paying is not
056enough. Like they're not paying to >> Well, don't give any idea. >> I think we don't know. >> I think the secretary say it is not a money- making endeavor 100%. >> Understand that, but what is the industry cost of the operation? >> I say our current But yeah, 500 500,000. >> So for all I think part of the reason for the difficulty is that um when um getting the billing process situated when when they started uh serving multiple schools um was was pretty arduous when you know they had to kind of jump through the boots of public health system and Medicaid billing and the way our wellness centers work didn't align very well with the Neor's billing systems. So there was a lot of um jamming square pegs into round holes on the side
057of the Neor's financial team. Um so getting kind of one year's cost broken down like represented in one year's worth of invoices hasn't actually happened yet. We got I think a year and a half worth of invoices. Um so having kind of a clear number of what the annual cost is. Um it is still, you know, something that we're trying to like reconcile and pull the data apart to figure out. Um but it it is u it is a costly endeavor to support the wellness centers um because you know we're dealing with uh medical insurance and you know uh the medical is is probably even more opaque in terms of how costs work in education. Um so it has been a a partnership in the true sense that you know they have been as as
058Dr. Woodall said you know they have applied for grants and tried to figure out ways to to keep the funding going on their side to supplement what we are able to provide for them. Um but you know I what I will say is that wellness centers at the high school are funded by the state. That's it. There's no elementary school funding. There's no middle school funding for wellness centers. So that is a possible area where um you know whether it's an infusion of funding coming from you know a new hybrid funding model um or something that could infuse uh additional dollars into our ability to support the wellness centers would be you know would be looked upon favorably um but that is a gap in what the state supports right now >> and you had
059mentioned that we are building various insurance companies >> say we is Is that >> so you go through Medicaid all >> and it's different billing rules that normal healthcare >> to the better or the >> worse >> it can't be much tougher than everybody else >> it actually is because Delaware has a high number of self-unded plans and self-funded plans don't recognize school baseball centers as a place of service so anyone who really has private insurance they're getting services for free because we don't get reimbured at all. Wouldn't that be something that one of your representatives be from the healthcare side or from schools to be on the legisl >> senator get the job? for selfunded plans that >> how do families sign up to access services. >> So we have enrollment packets um all
060over the school. We're at um back to school nights, parent teacher conferences. I work very closely with Dr. Morris with um the athletes and getting them signed up and getting them cleared. Um there's also an online link um that sends out um with her snores. So, yeah. So, there's multiple multiple avenues to get enrolled. Um the secretaries in the front office really give out the packets, tell all about the wellness center. Um so, it's it's a team effort. >> It's part of holding back. >> So, we um when registration moved to a district office, we did ask for them to include that um in these packets when families register. But when registration happened at the building, we did give it to them in further packet. So, one of the things we do look at is
061trying to do a mass push at the start of the school year. So, again, really try to during that exciting time of everybody's filling out everything, it's one more, let me look up this form, let me fill it out. But really, the I think the thing that really helps us as we go throughout the year is the referral because I think sometimes our found is white police. They're hearing it, they're hearing it, they're hearing it. When they need it though, when we make that referral, when you know school nurses here's an opportunity with the school counselor, the administrative team, you know, all of the things are reaching out to say here's an opportunity and we can make that direct connection and we can really hand that off. That's when I see biggest success. Sometimes at
062the start of the year, we can do the enrollment and get people enrolled. But if we're enrolling kids and they're not utilizing the service, it's helping us, but it's not helping us. We really want to make sure we're getting enrolled those students who do need the services and are going to take advantage of the services so that we're successful. >> And we are able to see a student like if the school nurse has a student that's sick and they're not enrolled, they can email the enrollment package to the parent. The parent can fill it out online and it gets dumped into our basket. Then we can see the kid that safety it right in the moment. >> Do you have any questions or comments? Um, no questions. My only comment is that you guys are
063really cool. I live here in campus. >> Um, for me person first thing I have to ask um, principal. So, who was your runner uh, or in the AR? I got there quite fast. Was it Dr. Pitch? >> No, it was not. It was I think >> coach Miss Jones one of our profession student teaching in my building as well. Um she's one of our track coaches. She was the first one there. That's >> and the first hands on CPR. She was right next door and she is also a coach. >> I was just like where there were excellent numbers that I saw. >> They practiced hard to get that drill down. They didn't know when the drill was happening what room it was going to be. >> It was like for them it was
064a cold drill. over the intercom. They knew that um they knew if they were a classroom teacher, I had to get I have to put my kids somewhere. I just can't leave my kids alone. So, they had they had a team. They had a plan for their teams of I'm on Project Adam and if that number is called, my kids have to go to these rooms because I have to go. And so, the team did a really good job of coordinating when that drill gets called, what we all have to do um regardless of what time of day it is. So, they really plan that out really strategically and that's why that drill I think went so well. So we're hoping that next year the team stays the same and grows >> um so that
065we can continue to be ready if that were ever happen. >> So that code goes out that teacher how explain how that works just like got to go kids you know where you got to go. >> So how the code works is um same about a fire drill except it is an all call. So, a teacher is in the classroom, a child or adult goes down, not responsive. The teacher now in our building, we have a 333 code that is dialed by the teacher. She um he or she holds the phone that goes to whoever the secretary, whoever has all call phone. They ask the teacher the question, what room? What do you see? What do you need? They're the one that calls 911. So, the all call the intercom goes out in room 225,
066second floor, 8th grade hallway. Then the whole team, they hear it. they run to that room. So, it's almost like a fire, so to speak. If it happens in real life, that's really what's going to happen. Whoever is in that room needs to know. I dial 333. I give them information permission so the all call can go out. I'm in a team response. And then we're also prepared where when that all call goes out and I'm not near a phone, I've got to get to one or I've got to go over the walkie and say where it's coming from if I need to. >> And I did provide education to all the staff. The between cardiac arrest and a medical emergency and the procedure code and the fact that you know who's on your code
067of team who you might have to cover a lot lot of coordination so every staff member in my building was trained on code Adam what does it mean what do I do who's on my team that's trained who responds who holds kids so it's really a whole building effort because you just never know when that may happen and Kathleen again did all the training so kudos to her for coordinating that for um our safety team They really ran with this once we said this is something we wanted to do. It took a while to get it off the ground, but we're so excited that on Monday, you're going to get happy. Yep. >> So, you have you have teams strategically placed throughout the building. You don't just have one or two teams that have >>
06813 staff members that are on the team and they are they're clustered, but they're all across the building. >> Yeah, they were they volunteered. They were not assigned or told. >> Yeah. >> Do you have any number of uh how many uh emergency room visit happened the year before this program has been established and how many have you done the year after the program? >> Yes. >> This is our first year. This is your first two weeks ago. >> Okay, good. >> Under my we have not had a cardiac emergency and the cardiac emergency has um the child had finished eighth grade year in June and then within a couple of weeks over the summer had had a cardiac emergency where he did he ended up passing away to go to William Penn. Amazing kid.
069Um so when that happened we were really rocked as a building about that and what do we do if that ever happens when we're here? So, that kind of is how this ball got going. Um, it was just something very personal for us. >> I just ahead of my head is planning to teach this and I'm trying to put my notes together. >> So, one of the things I will say is you each have a folder in front of you um has a lot of information. I know we included our um 242 sum report that the put together. great story telling of it. There is also a packet of kind of give you the updated information to our 2425 overview. The next packet behind it is the data as of March. Um so that'll kind
070of walk you through some of the numbers every month sends us a packet like this to give us the details of what's going on. Um so we wanted to kind of give those numbers to you but not walk you through all those numbers tonight. Um we also included some otherformational flyers information about you heard about um as well as how this work is in alignment with our new strategic plan. Um but I would say you know if you're interested in hearing more about this you know please reach out. We would be happy to set up visits whether it's to whether it's to any of our elementary schools. We would love to kind of bring you in show. >> How about how many of your employees you have at your school CPR training? Sorry, >> not
071including coaches. Coaches have >> all all coaches are certified. um head coaches, assistant coaches, anyone that's involved here. So then coach >> he's looking for nonathletic >> staff the whole staff >> John 29 I think 29 >> is that a voluntary thing that they can get senior um so I have a question but more I want to thank you guys for presenting this But more importantly, I want to let you know, you're not just presenting to what you're presenting to. We're representatives of the public. You're presenting, and I thank you for this because you guys are presenting right now to prospective parents, um, community members that are seeing this, other school districts that are seeing this, because I know we've led the way when it comes to wellness centers across the state. That's why I
072as I asked Dr. before, Dr. Cooper mentioned it. Are we the only ones that have all elementary schools um wellness centers? Been very proud of that for quite a few years. You know, we had a couple walls uh that have passed funding been put in place to get this started. But this is exactly why we present these things um in these meetings so that we can get a chance to show this is the connections that this district does to create this scenario to protect our children, protect the community. You're you're not I mean there's a financial aspect here that you're saving a ton of money with case management avoiding ED cost um that you'll never be able to show on a statistic uh because you guys are doing that as you can see with the
073the type of students that we have and where they're coming from. It's extremely important. Uh and that's a reason why people need to look at Colon a as a place that they want to actually have their families live in the community and attend our schools. So I thank you and you may not feel like you're seeing it what presented to but I am very proud of it because when we showcase this put this online this is what we brag because again there's no other school district in the entire state that has this as organized as we do. So we thank the mor and we thank the staff for getting involved in it. But just know that every time you come and present this and talk about it and you're involved and you're getting your staff
074to volunteer they're changing what's going to It's 2026. We assume these connections are already made. They're not. And these parents just showing you get an extra 50 students to play sports just because you have that moment center there. That's incredible for something we think, oh, we can just go get a physical somewhere else. No, that kid misses it. They wait two weeks, it's already past due. Parent says, never mind. You've given them a chance that could alter their entire pathway throughout their career because they've done that, because of what you're doing. So I just thank you guys for that and just know that what you guys are doing matters beyond show statistics. So thank you very much Dr. Do you have any? >> No. >> Well, thank you guys so much. >> Next up we
075have uh the board has in front of them the recommendations from the William Penn admin team and council department staff. uh the replacement for our soon to be graduating media. Uh they have done their interview, they've done their process. The board has rank order of four candidates for the student non- voting member of the school board. Upon your approval, I will then go as the board is directed offer the position number one. They accept they're right. If they decline, I'll go to number two, number three, and four etc. So at this point we I ask for the board's consideration of approval of the recommendation following them. >> I move that we approve the recommendation for non voting student board member as presented. >> Do I hear a second? >> Second. >> All right. As moved
076by M. Smith, second by Mr. Handy. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. Those nay. >> Motion carries. >> Next. It's time of year we ask the to approve our ability to post in the newspaper for two consecutive weeks on all and on all of the entrances to all of our buildings our uh intent to wave the opportunity fund to submit a waiver for our opportunity funding. We've done this the last every time we've had up done it. We're doing it in the fall. Now we may June. So June we have the approval. We can start building our plans using the flexibility that the waiver grants us to work with our most struggling students needing families. So at this time I'm just seeking the approval to post the notice of meeting
077in the waiver process for two consecutive weeks in May. >> I hear a motion. I move that we approve the opportunity fund waiver posting approval as presented. >> Second. >> All right. As by Dr. Dorsy, second by Carlos. Um, are there any questions or comments from the board? >> All right. All those in favor, please signify by saying I >> I carries. >> And last, just for the board's information, there's a safety and security update in there. You will see Uh we had camera upgrades to Kerry Downey and we als security coming and I believe there's one other it was banner access not super spectacular like what certain fixing plan not selling fast cars big this is just the nuts and bolts of things that make schools run and stay safe just wanted to provide
078Uh yeah, on sometime this evening, Gab will be putting out posting about getting out board elections, school board elections. Um and just as a public announcement for everyone watching and here, uh please spread the word. We do have school board elections that are on May 12th, Tuesday, May 12th. Um that we're discussing and we will have the public locations uh it'll be out. Uh but more importantly, it's to get out there. We have three open seats that are election. So just obviously look out uh take interest in that. And then um besides that, do I hear a motion to adjurnn? >> So move. >> Do I have a second? >> Second >> as moved by Miss Smith and as by Mr. Laws. All those in favor, please signify by saying I.