001[clears throat] Everybody stare at Ron. Don't stare at me. >> [laughter] >> I'm going to turn the mic on [laughter] question. I press the button. >> Thank you, Gabe. >> All right. I call the November 4th, 2025 Colonial School Board uh school board meeting to order. I'd ask uh Miss Aaliyah Stewart to please come forward and lead us all in with the pledge of allegiance. is a student from Eisenberg 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. So before we get going um with the meeting tonight, uh the board would sadly like to acknowledge uh the loss of a member of our colonial family. Um Kaden Cobb, a student at Leech, passed away suddenly on October
00228th. Um we send our sincere condolences to her loving family at home and at school. Uh, I'd like to ask that in Kaden's honor, we pause for a moment of silence and reflection uh for her, her family, and staff and everyone who loved her. Um, and just have them in your prayers, please. >> Thank you very much. All right. Um, moving on over to the addition corrections. Do we have any additions or corrections to the agenda, Dr. Mensor? >> No, we do not. >> All right. With that being said, do I hear a motion? >> I move that we approve the agenda as presented. >> Do I hear a second? >> Second. >> All right. As moved by Dr. Dorsey, seconded by Mr. Handy. Um, are there any questions or comments from the board? No
003questions or comments. All those in favor, please signify with saying I. I. All those opposed, nay. Motion carries. All right. [clears throat] Now is the time in the board meeting for a celebration for the E in the power of we. Uh we're going to begin with our student board member, uh Mia to provide us with her report. >> Okay. For academics at Penn, we are now at the start of the second marking period and we have started no school November. Exciting. [laughter] We have also started the peer tutoring program for students who might want a little extra push. Students are able to sign themselves up or parents can sign up their children for tutoring during our enrichment period. And this last part isn't for all of 10, but it's something I do want to acknowledge.
004Um, I am one of the lucky few that were able to take the AP European history class this year. It's a new AP class offered at Penn and I'm so cla glad to have chosen to take it. Our teacher, Mr. Winterbottom, does a great job explaining content while keeping the class fully engaged and interested. For Penn Athletics, most teams are not done with their season. With only football waiting on their senior night this Saturday, United Flag football has their last game this Thursday. And cross country has one last tournament also this Saturday. Um, winter sports is coming up soon and we've already been seeing tryyout information being posted for several sports. And lastly, for social events going on, there's several clubs and sports that have started to announce their fundraisers. So students at Penn, please
005support your extracurriculars. And the care closet is also open for any students who need winter clothing or hygiene products. They can fill out the care closet Google form and submit it to Miss Hubert. Thank you. >> Thank you so much, Amanda. All right. And to continue our e and the power of we storytelling, I'm going to turn the mic over to Colonial's public information officer, Miss Lauren Wilson. Miss Wilson, floor is yours. >> Good evening. Good evening, everyone here from Colonial Nation. Tonight, let's begin with giving a big shout out to the Big E. The Big E at Eisenberg is a group of 18 fifth graders who are selected by staff because of their outstanding academic and leadership qualities. These standout students complete a variety of volunteer and community services throughout the year, one of
006which takes place at the John G. Leech School. The Big E students are all actively engaged in environment and settings at Leech. They develop relationships and understandings for others unique abilities and learn how treating others the way they'd like to be treated is the primary goal of the Big Buddy program there. We'd like all of the Big E students to come forward at this time to be recognized along with their teacher Tim Hilosski and principal Dave Dysler. >> [applause] >> Don't be shy. [snorts] I have to say I met this group last week. Was it last week? >> I came to meet them during their time. I asked them a few questions like what was going well this school year and then what could we what could be going better. So I'll just do a
007quick report out. The bulk of the children love math. [laughter] Miss Clark, I know the math teacher William Hen loves to hear that. I was floored. That's awesome. And then when they asked what could be better, I'll whisper this. The kindergarteners. That's what they [laughter] most of them said the kindergarteners. And I don't see the young lady who in here kind of leaned over and said and the third grade, [laughter] but she just kind of gave a really good sidebar conversation. It was great to talk to them. I plan on meeting up with them next month when um they're out doing uh volunteer service in the community around the school when they're picking up trash. I'm going to go out and be talking more with them. My goal really is to learn from them what
008we can do better for students. Uh, and while they were a little bit shy at first, it was funny on Friday last week when we v when we did cafeteria duty for the the paras at Eisenberg, several of them saw me and they all they actually said hello to me. So, I think they actually remembered who I was. So, I'm really excited to be involved with them. They are super awesome. By the way, the fact that they walk over to Leech, sometimes rain or shine in really cold weather or hot weather to go over there and work with the students in that program is awesome. You should be very proud of your children because I know we are as well as Mr. Hvoski and what he does for them. So, thank you very much. [applause]
009Three, two, one. Three, two, one. >> Cool. Thank you. One [applause] moment. One moment. Go ahead. Eisenberg We are exercising the power of we tonight. Thank you. [applause] Moving on to staff. We'd like to recognize technology coach Tara Amsterdam. Tara recently won the class awards of excellence, specifically the data storytelling award presented by Class Link. The data storytelling award celebrates a leader who turns complex data into clear narratives that guide teaching and learning. Tara, you have always been a winner in the hearts of students and staff, and we congratulate you for being recognized with this award. COME FORWARD. [applause] THANK YOU. Thank you so much. >> Ready? Three, two, good. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations again. [applause] Next, another award winner, William Penn teacher Lindsay Jenx. Lindsay was named the Shape Delaware Health
010Teacher of the Year. She was recognized at the annual conference on October 10th. Lindsay, we are proud of your outstanding work. [applause] Three, two, good. Thank you. >> Moving on. The 2025 fall festival and homecoming parade, as you know, was another huge success, but it took a lot of teamwork and self-driven effort. Students and staff pulled together so families could enjoy the day. But one person, Corey Gatson, went above and beyond with setup and takeown duties. With multiple events happening during homecoming weekend, Corey's ability to set up and take down the event was a huge part of what made this festival so successful. We want to take a moment to thank Corey for being a big part of what makes Colonial Nation the great place that it is. [applause] Congratulations. Next, a sad occasion, but
011one that was made more bearable thanks to two very caring Colonial employees. The community of Kingswood recently experienced the death of one of their four-year-old students. Staff and families there were all struggling with the after effects of the tragedy. Kingswood reached out to the Colonial Early Education Program to see if anyone there could help them, especially in articulating the loss of a classmate for those children who were old enough to understand. Melissa Wilson and Christina Centro graciously went on their own time to Kingswood to speak to the staff, families, and the children about experiencing loss and grief. The Kingswood staff shared that it was truly a healing experience for everyone who attended, including the parents and family of the child who passed away. We want to thank both of these ladies for exemplifying the power
012of we [applause] look at me. Three, two, good. Thank you. [applause] >> Finally, tonight you heard about the success of um homecoming weekend. We wish to publicly express our gratitude for the incredible generosity shown by our company, business partner, and neighbor, Croa. The company's thoughtful donation of rally towels for the homecoming game was very much appreciated. The crowd was fired up for the homecoming game, cheering on the Colonials with towels in hand. This is just one example of the many ways CRO strives to make an impact in Colonial Nation. We thank them for their continued support and we have two gentlemen here representing CROA. if they come forward at this time. [applause] >> Thank you so much. It's one of the many for the district. So seriously, we appreciate everyone. Appreciate you. >> Thank you.
013>> Three, two, >> good. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. [applause] >> Thank you. And that completes our recognition for tonight. Just one thing I do want to give context to what and the SA CRO does many things. You know, they provide uh career college mentorship to many of our students here at William Penn High School. Uh so much so to the point where they actually fund uh engineering students opportunity to attend a summer camp at Bucknell University. Uh where we've actually had students who've ended up going there to Bucknell with support also from Kota to [clears throat] major in engineering. So when they say they are all in for the Colonial community, they definitely are. We appreciate the their gesture every year in the fall festival and you know bringing the
014rally to. So thank you. [applause] >> Yes. Um all right. Normally I um uh I wait a little bit longer in in the meeting uh before I'll allow the parents to escape out here, but I know there's some work that's got to get done for all these great children uh that we got to recognize here. Uh I will say before you guys leave, it was it's so [snorts] nice to see the excitement and the joy on the parents face when the kids come back with that and how uh proud you guys are and you should be proud. We have amazing children and we thank you for believing in the district and bringing them here tonight and um you know thankful for the community that you guys give us. So, but we're going to let you
015guys take a second to escape out of here before we get through all the other >> or you can stay and enjoy the meeting. [laughter] >> Yeah, that that a lot of good business items here for you if you'd like to stay. We definitely love to have you. If not, we're going to take a pause so you can get everyone do their homework. >> Thank you. They always do. Yeah, I think you got that hint. [laughter] >> Cy, that applies to you, too. We know you don't have homework, but you got to get here, [laughter] turn on the lights in the morning. So, >> [laughter] >> And then we see the true >> always die. >> Yeah, the die hards there. >> All right. Um, moving over now is the time from the board meeting
016for the board members and executive secretary to discuss the items of information and topics from our prec uh precipitation and various professional organizations. uh specific updates and documents are listed in the agenda. Um and any concerns or questions or points of interest the members like to discuss uh outside of that we kind of ask them that. Now um we will go through and just give a brief uh synopsis everything. Legislative committee uh would be Dr. Dorsey. >> Yes. Our our next meeting is going to be February 2026. >> Cool. Uh nothing for the executive committee right now, Mr. Actually, we have a workshop tomorrow. Okay. All right. Um, and then for you, Dr. M. >> Uh, our chief's meeting is scheduled for Thursday, so I have nothing to report [clears throat] new since the last
017meeting. >> This is what happens when you schedule a board meeting one week earlier than normal. >> That is [laughter] true. That is true. >> All right. And nothing else for there. So, and uh Christine's not here for the strategic planning. Um, so move on to the next part. That was quick. All right. Uh, public comment. >> We have no virtual public comment and we have one public comment in person. >> Okay. And, um, real quick, I'm just going to read a >> uh, for public comment. Um, as indicated on the public comment sheet, when your name is called, you have three minutes to speak. You're expected to remain in the designated area for speaking with the board. If commenting virtually, you are expected to turn on your camera. Failure to do either will result
018in your forefeite of your allotted time. Please note the board members are not obligated to respond to you within your three-minute time slot. Administrative staff may be identified and asked to provide followup on specific questions or personnel issues regarding your child or children after the meeting. Um I have one public comment from Dr. Barbara. Is it Pryin? >> Pryin. Yes. >> Pryin here. >> Thank you. Sorry for the back. >> One minute warning. >> Okay, I'll try not to be too long. >> Um, I'm here this evening on behalf of the Delaware Teachers Institute, although I am a teacher of 29 years at this point in red clay. Sorry, but red clay. But I'm here on behalf of the Delaware Teachers Institute. And I'm here to thank all of you. I'm here to thank Dr.
019Mensor and the entire Colonial School District for the longstanding partnership and support that has been shown for the Delaware Teachers Institute or DTI as it's commonly known. Since 2010, Colonial has partnered with the University of Delaware and other Newcastle County school districts so that your teachers and ultimately students can benefit from their involvement in this special type of professional learning. By participating in seminars, teachers gain more sophisticated content knowledge through their own research, writing, and seminar engagement under the guidance of University of Delaware professors. Teachers prepare standardsbased curriculum units specific to their students needs. William Penn's own teacher and the former Delaware State Teacher of the Year, Shelby Horst, has participated and written a variety of units, including one about the psychological vulnerability in natural disasters for her AP psychology courses. Joseph Parrot, a kindergarten
020teacher at Wilbur Elementary, as well as a DTI teacher leader, has written various units to help his teachers better understand, for one thing, measurement, how big things are, which included traveling to the Amazon jungle with the other teachers from that particular seminar. DTI provides opportunities for teachers to engage with her colleagues across all grade levels, kindergarten through 12th grades, and across five districts in the Newcastle County. And that is how I came to first meet Joe when we were in a seminar together in which he was comparing Joseph Campbell's hero's journey, our reading for the week, to a children's book, Ricky Ticky Tavi. There's leadership opportunities for teachers so that they may remain in the classroom yet be teacher leaders. We appreciate the continued support as our latest cycle has begun. All of us at
021DTI are excited to keep you updated on your teachers learning experiences. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. >> All right, we have no other public comment. Um, next up on the agenda, uh, next item is the consent agenda. Uh, the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through board review, including documentation concerning these items that have been provided to all board members and the public in advance. Items in the consent agenda generally 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, uh do I hear a motion? >> Uh I move that we approve all consent agenda items as presented. >> Okay. Do I hear a second? >> Second.
022>> All right. As moved by Dr. Handy and uh uh Dr. Hannah, sorry. Everybody got it, man. You know, [laughter] >> nice job, Ron. >> Long as we have a party. [laughter] >> As uh as you guys mess as moved by Mr. Andy, seconded by Miss Breed. >> Uh are there any questions or comments from the board? >> Those no questions or comments. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. All those opposed? Nay. All right. Motion carries. All right. And now moving over to updates and action items. Uh what do you have for us, Dr. Men? >> Okay. First off, uh we have the we're seeking the board's approval of the class size and 90% of unit waiverss uh as outlined in provisions of title 14 PE admin code 1704 and
0231705A. The information has been provided to the board as you reviewed in board docs. Uh the waiver was posted last month for two weeks in all newspaper in the Delaware newspaper and it was posted outside of all schools for the same two weeks. >> I make a motion we approve the waiver request >> as per provisions of title 14 of Delaware Administration Code 1704 98% of unit and 1705A class size for the 202526 school year. >> Do I hear a second? >> Second. >> All right. As moved by um by Ted Laws, second by Carlos >> Dris. I'm sorry. I'm so bad. Um uh do I have any questions or comments? All right. with none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. All those opposed, nay. Motion carries. >> Uh the next
024action item is for public information. Uh we annually present the board the status of the uh state early the Delaware Department of Education state funded early care and education program. It's formerly ECAP. Now it's that. And I need to change that on the board agenda because I didn't change it on the agenda. I've ever thought that uh you have the information flyer in your board doc packet. Uh if there's any questions, Miss Sarah Milner, the coordinator for the program is here. She'd take any questions that you might have. [snorts] >> I'll break the ice for you. Um we we caught you a little off guard right in the beginning last year. How's everything been going since then? >> Everything has been going quite well. It's um it's Thank you. Everything has been going well. It's
025um it was it was a tough deer in headlights experience last year presenting. I was very excited to provide you with information on the program. [laughter] This year um lots of updates and um you know still continuing with the initiative to meet the needs of unserved and underserved families within the community. um to link families to um community supports, resources to ensure that all of our students, especially those with the highest need, have access to high quality early childhood education experiences. And that's really what the state funded early care and education program is all about. >> We have 50 seats. >> Yes. Yep. Colonial has 50 seats right now. >> How many people? Um, right now we have, um, in our BK weight list, I think we have about 30 applications that are for families
026that, um, have possible income, um, needs that are on our weight list. We do provide all the families who are on our weight list with information about other um state funded early care and education programs throughout Newcastle County um and trying to support our families with as many resources as we can as the state funded early care and education programs all work together um in coordination to support the families. What's the tuition price for? >> Um so, >> uh for our state funded students, the tuition is covered by the Department of Education, Office of Early Learning through a grant. Um for our preK students, the tuition for our three-year-old half day program is $200 per month for 10 months. And for our full day students, it's $400 per month. Um for a full day program,
027>> full day program, five days a week, $400 per month. Oh, what's that? >> Yeah, that's per month. >> Per month. Yeah, it's a wonderful Yeah, >> that's really good. >> Really? >> And again, high quality. I mean, wonderful. I mean, we're biased, but it's >> What building? >> Uh, what building? Um, so right um on 12 Landers Lane at the Cwick Center is where the Colonial Early Education Program is. So, that is our only early education program. We do have itinerant teachers currently. We have, and I did bring our information, we have 61 itinerant students in the community um that are receiving special education services in their um feeder program that they're in. Um some of those are also state funded early education programs. >> What's the total number of students even with the
028tuition? What's the total number of students you want to be? What's the goal? >> Um oh, for our state funed program? >> No. >> Or just in general? >> Yeah, just in general. I mean right now we have 329 students total and we don't have a lot of space left >> and so some of those students or 329 total students BK EC and itinerant inhouse at Colwick we have see what's >> you can hip shut that off >> I know [laughter] I would I can't give you an exact answer I think we had what six students start today. Um >> probably >> or eight >> ongoing enrollment. >> Yeah, we have ongoing enrollment and so children turn three every day. Children move from districts every day and so right now we have 21 classrooms. We
029do not have an open classroom in our school. Um we we have maximized every inch of space in the school. So I think you know the future of Colick is that we would >> I understand that but I just trying to bring it out >> be transparent about it. >> But my point is it's all a >> students that are up at that school are coming from the lower end of the district. Um well all of our peers uh require transportation and so that's often um one of the barriers for our families of our seat peers is that they we start at 9:25 and we end at 3:15 is when the doors open. 3:30 is the end of our school day. So transportation and work hours is often a a concern. We have families throughout
030the district that do um really push to have their kids in our program. So >> would would it be helpful to the district if we had partial that program if we could free up the space in the lower part of the district and have both in the upper end lower part of the district? >> That would be a beautiful thing to offer uh prek in northern and southern prek would be fantastic. >> Right. because I have a feeling I don't have the numbers in front of us, but I have I have a feeling that you're not getting very many from the southern part of the district. >> Yeah. I imagine for families that the transportation is often a barrier, >> but there's a need >> and there is a need. >> Yep. And based on
031our numbers and the numbers in our lottery and on our weight list, there is a need for early care and education in the state of Delaware. So, >> and you want to talk about where that would eliminate possible choice out of the district? Absolutely. >> You can't get into seat unless you live in the district. There's no choice. >> Yes. Um unless you are an employee and you are outside of the district. Yeah. >> But my my point [snorts] is the southern part of the district is where the majority of the growth is happening, new developments, what not down there. And that part of the district, yes, I serve that part of the district down [clears throat] there, right? But that part of the district doesn't have the opportunity to get into this program where
032they should. >> They do, but it restricts them. >> It restricts them quite quite a bit. >> We all agree with you. >> So, with that being said, and Jeff and I have had this conversation, it's time that we start making the plans to be able to put some of that service down the end of the system. >> I fully back that. >> Noted, Mr. time. >> I want to see some action on the >> more I want to tell you. I was like, you're making her nervous. Let's just tell him, you know, he's speaking to me, Sarah. >> Yes, that was [laughter] >> Any other questions? >> Not that I can think of right now, but if I do, I'll call you. I look forward to it. [laughter] >> Do any of the other
033board members have any questions? >> All good. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Thank you so much. >> Absolutely. Thank you so much for the opportunity to come out and share. >> Uh next up, we have our update from safety and security. You know, we had a summit last year around this time and one of the things the community said was it'd be nice to know what's going on in that space. Uh so quarterly or three times a year we have the board uh get an update from that department. Um this month you will also receive the uh PowerPoint from the October uh safety security summit that we held here in this very spot. Um so there's that's just anformational item. And then the last agenda the next to last agenda item is another air indoor
034air quality report for the board. Uh we talked about this last month. These are things that when we get a report, we will share the board the report in its redacted form with the names and specifics of employees removed, the checklist of how we're investigating and the status of where we are with those reports. We're obligated to share that information with the board at every board meeting uh when we have them. The last agenda item is one that we pulled from the consent agenda for board action. Uh so at this point we would ask the board to consider uh acting on the waste management uh extension the waste management contract as recommendation as presented >> uh car Mr. the press uh recuses himself from this uh conversation andor vote. >> You can still stay. >>
035You can stay. >> We'll trust you not to speak. >> If anyone's asking, Carlos works for Are you okay with me saying that? >> Yeah. Yeah, that's fine. >> Carlos works for Waste Management, so obviously we >> Yeah. >> Just for and also for the record, this was previously a before the agenda was live. It was going to be a consent agenda item because it's normal business operations. But since uh Mr. Depress's employment is with the waste management, it was removed and he is will recuse himself from the discussion andor the vote in any way, shape or form. So that said, I turn it over to you, Mr. PQ. >> Um, do I hear a motion? >> I move that we approve the extension of the waste management contract as presented. >> Do I hear
036a second? Second. All right. As moved by Mr. Handy and Dr. Dorsy. Um, are there any questions or comments from the board? All right. With no questions or comments, all those in favor, uh, please signify with saying I. >> I. All those opposed? Nay. Motion carries. >> Thank you very much. >> Do you want me to do a roll call on it? >> No. No, that's fine. We We said it already. >> Okay. >> Um, that concludes the updates and action items. >> Yeah, now I see it. I didn't realize we're already at the end. >> All right. Feels too soon. >> Yeah, if I could say. No, I'm good. I'm getting out of here. All right. Um, uh, it's early in the month. Um, usually we get a chance, but obviously Veterans Day was
037coming up at on a Tuesday. So, we move this meeting earlier. Um, more we want to first obviously recognize Veterans Day coming up uh next week and thank all of our veterans here in the community and throughout the world for everything you do for us. Um, we're very proud of you all and we thank you for your service. Um, and then also we have Thanksgiving coming up um here at the end of the month. We want to take a moment. Usually the board always writes down something. Uh but with it being so early this time, I just want to say we're thankful for all of you and the community, the staff, uh the children, and everyone else here because you guys truly exemplify uh the power of we and just loving each other and no
038matter what and knowing that community is the most important thing. And in today's world, I think more than ever, we are recognizing how important our community is because that's what joins us all together. So, we thank you for that. We thank you for being a part of it and and um drinking the Kool-Aid, so to say, with it because I love it. I truly believe in it. We all do here. Um there's a reason we feel a little bit different here um in this part of the county, the state, the country. So, thank you for that. Uh we appreciate everything. Um, with that being said, do I hear a motion to adjurnn? >> No. Second. >> All right. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All right. As moved by Mr. Dri, seconded by
039Dr. Dorsey. All those in favor signify by saying I. Thank you. I'll depress. Sorry. Depress. I'll get [clears throat] I. >> All those opposed? Nay. depressed. I'm depressed about saying [laughter] goodbye.