001I call the September 9th, 2020 25 Colonial School Board of Education meeting to order. Uh please join Mia Cassinetto Okampos in reciting the pledge of allegiance. >> Algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. first official act as a board member. [Applause] >> You want to welcome me into the the board as well. She's our student representative for the next two years. >> All right. Now, moving on. Um are there any additions or corrections to the agenda? >> Yes, I have a correction to agenda item 8A. I have an addition uh of a word. It should be a the motion that we are seeking is and the intent to terminate employee number 26-02. That's in the
002recommended action. And so then in the public comment content area, I'm going to be asking to change that also to the intent to terminate. It is not a strict termination. It is a intent to terminate. That's the only uh correction that I have for the board agenda. >> Thank you very much, Dr. Menser. >> All right. Now, moving on. Uh do I hear a motion to approve the agenda? Make a motion that we approve the agenda as corrected. >> All right. Do I hear a second? >> Second. >> As moved by Mr. Laws, seconded 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. >> Uh the agenda with the correction is approved. >> All
003right. Now is the time in the board meeting for a celebration of the E in the power of we. Uh we're going to begin with our student board member, Mia Castanetta Okampo. Did I say that wrong? I did. >> You said it right. >> I did. Sorry. I have PTSD with Lun. Um to provide us with her report for the start of the school year. >> All right. Um, on the academic side at Penn, we have officially begun the first the school year and without the first marking period. I think at this point we are well past the iceberers and into our school work. We have had a few hiccups here and there with scheduling and classes, but thanks to our amazing faculty and staff, we've been able to get past them. I think the
004biggest change we've had this year was our change to Infinite Campus, which I will say for students and parents at least, it was a very easy system to use. Everything is very accessible and the website is easy to go through to be able to find any and all information that we need to get to. Um, on the athletic side of Penn, fall sports has officially begun. One of the biggest news that I've heard this year is the new girls flag football team. I've heard a couple of classmates talking about it and I can tell it's going to be a good team. You'll probably see me at several games this year this season. Um cheering my classmates on, especially girls volleyball. I wish all fall athletes much luck this season. Go Pens. Lastly, the social side.
005I know I'm not speaking for everyone when I say it's so good to be back. As a senior, it's me and my class's job to be obnoxious about everything we're doing for the last time. Um, as a matter of fact, this past Saturday, we had our senior sunrise and it was it was nice to see a lot of the senior class outside having fun together. I'm not sure how much more is planned out, but I can tell it's going to be an exciting year, and I'm looking forward to one of the last years with all my peers. >> Thank you, man. >> Let's not spoil and clap every time. >> All right. Thank you very much, man. Uh to continue with our E and the power of weed storytelling, I'm going to turn the mic
006over to Colonial's public information officer, Miss Lauren Wilson. Uh Miss Wilson, the floor is yours. Good evening everyone. Tonight we begin with a full circle moment. The first group of students who were enrolled in Colonial's Spanish immersion program as youngsters are now starting the 10th grade. They've come a long way and it's shown in their AT exam scores. Some did so well they are now qualified to continue with dual enrollment courses for high school students at the University of Delaware if they choose to take them. Let us recognize and congratulate the following accomplished Spanish speakers. Israel Bell and Bill Confer and Macy Swanson. Miguel Lopez. [Applause] >> Come on up here for a picture now. >> Yep. >> Where is my guy? Right in the >> center. Everybody center up for me. They might not
007be able to understand. [Music] >> All right. Three, two, one. >> Congratulations to all of them. Miss Wilson, if I may, this is a actually while it seems like just a piece of paper and a recognition up here, this is a monumental moment that started back I don't what year did you all start in Spanish immersion program? >> Kindergarten, right? >> That is what's beyond impressive about this group. So when you hear Spanish immersion, it didn't just start last year or in ninth grade when they came to William Penn. They've been doing this since kindergarten. That's why we see smiles and joy over there. No, that's awesome. That I think it needs to be put in context. That is truly a huge huge accomplishment. Kudos to you young folks for that. Awesome. >> And I
008I just wanted to follow up with that that I just want to make sure I'm understanding that you you took your AP courses, your AP test in ninth grade. >> Yes. And so now you're going into 10th grade at least or 11, but some of you as 10th graders have the opportunity to start to be getting earning college credits. Is that correct? >> Yep. >> That's fantastic. You know, just for perspective, when when we were in high school, you didn't take AP exams uh until your senior year. So, um that's a hearty congratulations. And now moving on to our outstanding staff. Our transportation department is an integral part of the day-to-day success of our students and the office team is like a key to the ignition of a bus. They embody the power of we
009when they are called upon to wear many hats to ensure that our students are rooted safely and correctly to school, even if that means pitching in by getting behind the wheel. The Colonial family is very proud to have them as a valued part of the district's team and wants to recognize them for their hard work. Would all the members of the team, if they're present, to come forward, please, at this time? [Applause] >> That is true. We did really >> they get up very early [Applause] still read off the names of these individuals. We have Mark Emerick, Miles Kamacho, Grace Colin Baros, Kevin Gart, Aturo Harris, Newan Hell, Gail Novak, Elaine Sandelier, and Jennifer Sarco. So, as Mr. Keart pointed out, most of these folks are up at like 3:30 in the morning. So, we
010probably should have rethought this strategy uh in the evening. Um but what's really more important is every year they do this in and out to make sure our students buses are on time and things flow, but as Mia pointed out, the infinite campus thing is great on the front side for parents and students, not so great on the back side for transportation. That was, if I use the word nightmare, I think it's not strong enough for those folks to route buses using that system in the transportation system that they have to get it where they got it by day two was a herculean feat that they they were working all summer long. So they if you ever get a chance to talk to anybody who works in that office, they did an amazing job. I
011mean, hands down. And so that's why we felt really important that we got them in front of the community to know how valuable they are and a part of a team. Most of you will never see them because they're on an office, they're on a dispatch, they're punching things into a computer, they're driving the buses when a driver's out um and and they made it happen. So we really felt strongly about recognizing. So I wanted to make sure that was said even though they're not here. Hopefully Kevin will go back and say we said really nice things about him. >> I promise. All right. Thank you. I just wanted to make sure that was stated. >> And that concludes our recognitions. >> I do have I do have one other last minute one and I
012hate to hog and white, but uh will we just got word today and this is almost like an annual occurrence and it'll be more news when we don't actually win it. William Penn won the sportsmanship award for the 24th year in a row uh at the state level and that's something that just that also Um I just know that we are the only one that's ever won 24 years in a row. Um so you know while me and also indicate there was a bit of a rocky start at places and times but uh those are the kinds of moments when you know you know staff and students collectively step up to do the right thing represent Colonial positively on the athletic field in the community and in the hallways. You know, those are the kinds
013of moments you want to go viral and everybody to see and hear about. So, I would just say remember that those things are happening on a regular basis, not just at William Penn, but in schools across the country. And so, that's just one that we're really proud of here. 24 years in a row. I tell you what, I hate to be the athletic director and the principal when they drop that ball. That's a that's a tough one. I can tell you right now, that's a high bar and there's a lot of sweat and pressure that goes into that one. So, kudos to them for for that. >> Jeff um Is that run through DIA? >> DIA. >> And there's just one winner per state or county or >> there's multiple winners year in and year
014out. Sometimes there's five, six, half dozen, one. It all depends on who submits applications and who passes the application and the process. >> Yeah. >> So, we're super proud of William Pen. Uh, yet again, demonstrating how to do do it the right way even though it's difficult and sometimes not always the most popular way. Okay. So, now is the time in the board meeting uh for our board members and the executive secretary to discuss items of information uh and topics from our participation in various professional organizations. Specific updates and documents are listed in the agenda. Um are there any concerns, questions, or points of interest board members would like to discuss? Uh first we'll go through um the committees and the updates that we have on them. Uh we'll start with the uh Colonial School
015Board DSBA. Um that is Mr. Handy. How's everybody? Uh we met on the um the third. The highlight of the meeting is was the conversation that we had with the Delaware Secretary of Education, Miss Cindy Martine. Um she's very very um excited about coming here to Delaware. She actually came from California and served in a very large district, made a lot of innovative moves to improve test scores, and she wants to bring all that stuff here to Delaware. Um, she also want to make it a priority that she comes through and talk to all the school boards throughout the state to get a better perspective of what's going on. And the one thing I would say about her, she's very passionate about her job and I believe personally that she's going to do well here
016in Delaware. >> Thank you. >> And for the legislative committee, we haven't had a meeting. Is that correct? That's correct. No meeting there. All right. And then for the executive committee, That was that was his I'm sorry CSOA with the chief school officers association. >> Uh you we met last week uh discussed a variety of issues. Infinite campus being one that was prominent front and center uh as well as some of our budget priorities and legislative conversation for the coming cycle. And we too had the time to interact with Secretary Martin uh and also the Delaware Academy for School Leadership. We've received some professional development around AI and its future implications uh in public education. So, we'll um we'll uh keep you updated on that as time goes on the AI conversation. >> Thank you.
017And um as far as for district committees um for the strategic planning committee, I know Miss Smith has something. Uh yes, there was a um a virtual meeting I think last week with some members of the district administrative team and some folks from the University of Delaware who are are interested in uh crunching and analyzing and uh and gathering uh uh various types of data. um that would help inform what uh priorities we should be setting for the strategic plan. It was a very interesting meeting >> and um I figure since we're discussing the other committees, what's the name of our committee? D construction >> major construction. >> Say major construction review. >> Major construction review committee. Um I'm a board representative on that along with Ted Laws. Uh we met last week in Zoom
018and discussed uh new updates that we have going on planning with William Penn for the the football stadium new designs and then uh it was Gunning Beard or Southern Gunning Beard with that one. So more updates but um with that one Drew updates the board as well board meetings every two to three months on that one. Every third month. >> Okay. Uh do we have anything else Dr. Member? Okay. All right. Um, moving on. Do we have any public comments? >> No, we do not. Not physically here in the space, nor uh just for the for the record and for the community at large. You know, we did have uh virtual public comment offered this uh time starting this month. Um so we did not receive any comments both in person or virtually. >> All
019right. Usually at this time, um, I'll invite everyone, uh, who have family, kids, and all that where they can actually leave, but they kind of already scooted out. But I do advise you too, we have a very interesting, we have a vacancy, uh, for our board coming up here, and we're going to be doing interviewing with the two candidates that have filed for it at the end of this meeting. So, if you do want to stick around and see uh, you know, a live civics uh, lesson going on, uh, feel free to hang out. It's very interesting. Um, but other than that, we'll give a second for anybody else who feels they need a chance to scoot out before we go through the rest of this. Um, give them a moment. >> Yeah, apparently they
020all left. All right, so the next agenda item is the consent agenda. Uh, the items listed on 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 placement. Uh with that being said, do I hear a motion from the board? >> I move that we approve all consent agenda items as presented. >> Do I hear a second? >> Second. >> All right. As moved by uh Dr. Dorsy, seconded by Mrs. Breedy. Um, are there any questions or comments from the board? All right. All those in favor, please
021signify by saying I. I. >> All those opposed, nay. Motion carries. >> All right. Uh, next up on the agenda is updates and action items. I'll pass it over to Dr. Miller. >> Uh, our first action item is, uh, we're seeking the board's approval of the intent to terminate employee number 26-102. All right. Do I hear a motion? >> I move that we approve to I move that we approve the intent to terminate employee 26-102 as recommended by administration. Do I hear a second? >> Second. >> Can I can give the tag Mr. Handy there? Um as moved by um Dr. Dorsy, seconded 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. Next
022up, we uh are excited to present the board with the final construction drawings for Leech. Uh we need the board's approval to send these down to DOE so we can we're inching closer to groundbreaking or the >> bidding so we can get out to bidding and move forward. uh with this approval. Um so uh at this time we ask the board's approval. >> Motion >> I move that we approve the new Leech School final construction drawing as presented. >> Do I hear a second? >> Second. >> All right. As moved by Mrs. Smith, seconded by Dr. Dorsy. Are there any questions or comments? >> All right. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. All those opposed? Nay. Motion carries. Let's get to building leash. Uh >> next up, uh we are
023fortunate, uh as you know, every couple of months, we have different curriculum areas present and interact with the board. Uh in the October or November, it's uh reading and then we have reading again in April and then we have math and then we do math twice. And then mid May we have social studies. We're going to designate uh September is our science month. And so that said, uh Dr. Nick Baker, our our supervisor in the area of science is here to kind of share with the board some things going on in the world of science and colonial. So turn it over to you Nick. >> Good evening everybody. And um Mr. PQ, thank you for the civics reference uh before. Appreciate that. But tonight I am wearing my science hat. Um, so good evening, uh,
024President PQ and esteemed members of our Colonial Board and the Colonial Community. It is my pleasure tonight to be joined by our K12 science instructional coach, Miss Kimberly Mulvena, and Mahira Rogers, science teacher and department chair at McCulla Middle School. And we are going to showcase for you our middle school science program. When many of us think back to our middle school science classes, we remember a very familiar routine. uh open the textbook, copy down the vocabulary, memorize the steps of photosynthesis or the water cycle, maybe like me, remember uh painstakingly uh trying to remember the periodic table of elements. Uh which is why I became a social studies teacher. Um by the way, so regardless of the class, our experiences were the same. We were often told the answers first, and it was our
025job to recall them on a quiz or some sort of a test. And science always felt like a subject where everything was already figured out. But now I want you to walk into a colonial science classroom today. And you're going to notice a very different picture. And you're going to capture a glimpse of that this evening. Instead of beginning with a definition, teachers start with a phenomenon of some sort. Something puzzling that the students are seeing in the real world. And as a class, they might watch a video of a bridge of swaying in the wind, or they may look at satellite images of hurricanes, or investigate why some materials conduct heat faster than others. Students are not told the answers right away. They figure them out by asking questions, testing ideas, analyzing data, and
026building models. Tonight, Miss Mvena and Miss Rogers will walk you through how science instruction has been transformed in Colonial School District through the implementation of the open SIED program. Let's get ready tonight to do the work of scientists here. So, Kim, >> thank you so much. My name is Kima and I'm the science instructional coach for Colonial School District and I'm extremely proud to be here. um as our first time presenting to the board um I hope you all get to see a glimpse of some of the work that we've been doing in Colonial School District um over a very long period of time. So we have a group of lead science teachers from every building across Colonial School District who have worked on creating a science vision for Colonial. So, what I'd like you
027to do is each of you should in your folders have a copy um that is color copy of our science vision. What I'd like you to do is to independently read that science vision and I want you to think about what is happening in the science classroom. What does the science classroom sound like? What does it look like? What does it feel like? And I want you to choose three words that stand out to you or three phrases that stand out to you. So, what we want our science classroom to look like, to sound like, and to feel like. All right. So now what I'd like you to do is to turn to a shoulder partner, someone who's sitting next to you, and I want you to share one of those one of those words
028or phrases, and why you chose that word or phrase to be an important part of what we want our science question to look like, sound like, and >> picked problem. responsibly. [Laughter] They want you to walk across that street. >> Yeah, that's something's never changed. I thank you for reading our science papers. Um appreciate you all um engaging in this exercise with us. Is there someone who wants to share out one of the words that kind of stood out to you or a phrase that stood out to you? >> Analyze. Anybody else? >> Things like curiosity. >> Curiosity. One of our most important things. Excellent. Excellent. So, we have someone with us tonight. very important teacher, an amazing science teacher in one of our middle school classes that we call middle school, Tyra Rogers. She
029is going to ignite your curiosity. She is going to engage you on a phenomena. You're gonna be so excited. You're going to get to actually do this with us. So, Ty, let's all welcome Ty to do this with us. >> So, I'm going to need you all to break up into three groups of three and one group of two. And you all are going to come over here. No, not today. >> Do I have to? >> Yes. >> See, now I have a sirly student, right? >> Thank you. You're up over here. Oh, you and I are >> Yes. >> If I take this cup, flip it upside down, put this your index card underneath, and let it go, what's going to happen to the index card? Like if I just let it go. If
030I let Going to get wet. >> Just going to fall. Oh, okay. That's not supposed to happen. >> It's going to just fall off, right? There's something sticky on there. But how about if I take this cup [Applause] with some water in it, place this over top of it, secure it. Hopefully this works. Flip it upside down. What do you think is going to happen to It's going to get wet and it's going to leave. >> So, I want you to turn and talk with your partner and I want you to think >> we're not supposed to do anything yet, are we? >> Not yet. Okay. >> I saw Mia looking. We're looking in here. We're We're getting a little ahead of each other. We're done talking about it, right? >> It's got to be
031pressure. It's got to be >> the water. >> Oh, I like I like these kind of students. No, you skipped all the way to the end. >> Sorry. >> Can I have two share outs for two notices? >> No, please don't notice. >> Two share outs. So, I need What did you notice with what you saw? >> The car didn't fall. And how about >> uh notice as well? >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, >> it was pretty fast. There was no There wasn't supposed to be leaking, but >> there was a little bit of leaking, but it wasn't supposed. >> So, how about a few wonders? Do we have any wonders? >> Well, you would think because of the weight of the water, it would have pushed the >> So, we're wondering, >> we're wondering
032why, right? So, what you all have in front of you is a few items in your bucket. I want you to take a Look at those items in your bucket. I want you to test out what we just did. Try it. Try it out. See if it works for you. And then I want you to look at the other items in the bucket and see how we can further investigate this phenomena to see if we can figure it out. Yes. Ask questions. Look at it. Touch it. Just don't put your nose directly. That is definitely not >> everybody. Everybody's so >> Are we only doing water right now? >> You can try anything you want in that bucket. Whatever you want. >> This is what the students do. >> Wondering if the level of water
033in the cup makes a difference. >> That's a good one. Should >> we try it? >> I feel better. better than me. >> Are you afraid to work? >> Wow, you did that really well. >> You can tell this is >> try it. >> It's kind of like the bucket full of water. >> I would love to see what it looks like with the soap. >> Can you try it with the soap? >> Want to watch Chaos? So you even rubbed it and created a little bit of >> soap in it. >> I didn't try. >> I think put a little soap in. >> I want to go with >> No, I feel like >> Okay, go ahead. Real question. >> Ready. >> It's not doing it. >> Take a picture. [Music] >> Cardboard. >>
034Nope. Cardboard works. >> So, we just So, we are going to turn our attention back. We're going to turn our attention back to the teacher in 10. >> Nine. >> What are we doing? >> Eight. Turn your attention back to me. Six. Put your materials down. Take a look. You're going to have to use a louder voice. >> This is a tough one. >> Four, three, two, and one. >> So, everyone looks so excited. >> I need about three because it seems like I I heard a lot of interesting uh comments, a lot of interesting notices, and I actually heard some questions. So, what I would like is for about two people to share out what they what they saw when they tested out these items in the bucket. What did you what did you
035really observe? What did you notice? And what are what did you find really interesting? >> Well, I noticed that the we had a little bit more trouble with the soap and we had some leakage, but ultimately it did stick >> after on the index card. >> Okay. after it all settled. >> The the laminated thing is slick. >> Did it work? >> Didn't work. >> That worked for us. >> The only one said the rest of ours. >> So, in science, what would you do? >> There's something wrong with that. >> Do it again. >> What was that? >> Look, the picture said there's evidence. you would do it again. So that's something that you would test multiple times to see if it would work. Now I understand that we did this in a short
036amount of time, but students would generally have 30 to 45 minutes in the classroom to do this and they would be able to come up with different questions and it would drive our investigation further. So in open sedent something like this because it wouldn't take us that long to figure it out. But our phenomenas would take us anywhere from what four to well six to 10 weeks to actually figure out the answer to a question. And students through each lesson are able to drive the investigation further. They come up with the experiments so that they figure out the answer to the question by the end of that six to 10 weeks. So, can you imagine this in a classroom? Quite frankly, that's impressive. >> Yes. >> So, what is something that you found enjoyable >>
037trying different things rather than just, you know, to opening up textbook and just copying things down. >> Fair. She was a teacher. >> It was hands on. >> And the hands on >> the hands on. So that's what we hear every day. Students enjoy the hands-on. They enjoy not having to open up the textbook and take the notes and listen to me in the front of the classroom and just talk to that's what they would hear if you all >> Thank you. We want to keep playing. >> I want to say if the stopwatches were in there because we were going to compete against something, I think we all want to get back up. We competition. >> Yeah. This left me with more questions than the bucket. >> Why did that why? >> Why? >>
038I don't know why. >> Six to eight weeks. We'll come back to this. >> Got to Google it. >> Yeah. >> All right. So that phenomena which what is what's amazing about it is that it's can span from a kindergarten classroom all the way up through the high school classroom depending on the standards you want to focus on the teacher want to focus on. So in your folders um we also gave you a copy of our colonial um model of instruction. So if you want to it is a model of instruction and Tai actually demonstrated for you guys the first two steps of the model of instruction. This model of instruction we created in Colonial to make sense of our curriculum and so that teachers would know and that students would know what is happening
039in every step of the way as we're figuring out the phenomena. So as you're looking at that model of instruction, this is something we're very proud of that we worked on in Colonial and that we created to kind of make sense of how science looks K to 12. >> I'm going to turn it over. So you really saw a snapshot tonight of how you know scientists do their work and grapple and critique each other as Holly and Jeff were doing um in that and teachers you saw in here's example uh was assuming the role of a facilitator not the what you hear the term the sage on the stage with all the science information possible you know and so now you know we really this is our students doing the work of a scientist making
040sense of a phenomenon learning the content through the process process and through the discovery across that entire unit. And our curriculum really harnesses that curiosity that the students have um and really helps them explain why things are happening in the world. Um not just what's written in the book. Uh and it's it's gives them a message and it empowers them through discourse through agency as well um to really share um what they're learning and think through and become problem solvers. So um that's our a little little bit of a snapshot into our program. If any of you ever want to see our uh units in action, our teachers are happily getting started with these right now. Um as as we were bouncing around Makulla today, we saw them rich in their first units um as
041well. So happy to show any of you around uh to see this program in action. And we've actually been really proud to um host some districts from Pennsylvania specifically because of the implementation of this. they're a little more behind in Pennsylvania um on implementing the next generation science standards and uh they've actually been visiting us and spending time in our classes because of really the work we began with this program starting during uh co actually um and uh really engaging it uh at that time. So thank you uh for enjoying uh our opportunity tonight. >> Thanks. Um, do we have any uh questions from the board or Dr. Baker or anyone else? Uh, starting with uh Ron questions or comments? >> Oh, no. I I just enjoy that because I really uh when I was
042in school, I really enjoy science because I like making a mess. >> Made a mess bucket. >> The bucket. >> That's right. >> Speaking of making a mess, uh, Miss Phil, do you have any questions? I still want to know why that works. >> Tim, do you want to give a snapshot? >> Should I give him the answer? >> Let him leave with this curiosity. >> Go find We can out. >> Yes, I agree. >> We can do that. >> The social studies in me wants to give you the answer on that. But I I will, you know, let Kim uh take the lead. So, >> I'll just ask my son who graduated from here and knows everything about science. >> Seriously, he should know the answer to that. Can I more give you a
043kudos for the fact you have board members now who want to go home and immediately Google something? That's exactly the point you wanted to get across. >> Exactly what we want the students to do. >> Do you have anything? >> Yeah, I mean probably I'm probably dating myself. Um, are you still using what were considered the Smithsonian kits? >> Good question. Uh, no. >> Uh, because it's not the date. Uh, there. No. Um in elementary we use amplify science specifically which is aligned to this this concept that you see here with the phenomenon based instruction. Um and now we use the open sed kits um as well. So the Smithsonian ones needed to be they really weren't presented in the way that the the new standards came um really requested it to or showed them.
044>> They weren't aligned with >> they were not at all at the time. And so this was right around 2016 that we started the checking. >> And are they still warehoused in do and they get shipped up up and down the state? >> They do. Yes. >> Refurbished and Okay. >> They do. Yes. >> Good. >> Dr. Dorsey, >> no questions. But um that was that was awesome. And I always like uh students having hands-on experiential learning. Um because even as a student myself, that's the way I learn. You can tell me what you want to tell me, but let me do it. >> Mia, >> questions. And I second everything Dr. Dorsey said. >> I just think it's really great because it does I mean it really got our curiosity going and it would
045certainly get a young mind's curiosity going to make them want to learn more. >> Yes, >> Miss Mulana. Uh this is something by the way I want to start um harping on every every month as we notice it because I've talked with do Mr. Phillips um about this a lot. Where did you go to school and graduate from? >> Oh my gosh. Where you pen? Where you been? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Um you >> class of 93. >> Oh, you asked. I wasn't willing to ask it. >> Very good. I I love it because I I I talked to Gabe about it and I I truly think we're an outlier in the group of how many homegrown talent we have in this district and it truly is a community love that we have and
046and the power of we is a real thing. So just thank you for coming back and and working for us after you, you know, went through school here. So we appreciate everything all of you guys. >> I wouldn't work anywhere else just so you know. [Applause] >> Well, thank you guys very much for the presentation. Thank you very much. >> Come back soon. >> All right, moving on to the social studies portion that Dr. Baker did not know that uh he was also get a presentation for. Um we have an open board seat and is this something you'd like to announce or discuss or we don't really have any plans? >> Uh anything you say about it, Jeff? >> No, I think that the board approved the process last month. The process was shared publicly.
047The process was shared with candidates. We received the district received uh two candidates um to interview. We have Carlos de and Kanye Karns. >> Kanye Karns, I'm sorry. And um the board approved uh an interview, an open interview, and then following the interview, a nomination process for the appointment. Um, I will just point out that the appointment is for the term up until the next board election in May where the candidate will have to run again to finish out an abbreviated term that I'm not sure the duration, but it's not a full uh it's not a full term. I believe I think there's like only three years left on the term at this point. Um, the path forward was for you, Mr. Q to begin facilitate the interview by calling on board members to ask
048a question and I believe you're going to be leading it off. You'll pick a first person to respond. They'll have a twominut window to respond and then the second candidate will respond to the same question. Then the next question, the candidate who went second will go first and then the candidate who went first went second and we'll alternate going first and second throughout the question process. So everybody, so it's a kind of even shape in terms of who gets the time to think or who gets the first answer first thing. Some people like to go first, some people like to go second, but this way it's an even balance throughout the process. >> Yes. Uh we're going to ask that Mr. Phillips give uh them a microphone uh so that they can answer their questions
049and we'll we'll pass the microphone along here. >> Should probably take Dr. Menser's problem. >> Yeah, mine because I'm not going to be part of the interview. Thank you. >> And so at this point, uh, I'll turn it over to you, Mr. PQ, to facilitate the, uh, the interview, the question of the candidates. Um, we want to let them maybe introduce themselves just by their name since they're here. I mean, I did call them out and it's kind of obvious since there's not a lot of people here. And we know Kim Barbo. >> We know her. So, I think it's pretty straightforward, but why don't they just we give them a quick second to introduce themselves. >> Invite them over to the podium. speak. I know I figured more more comfortable conver this is more
050of a conversation. I think it's the board's prerogative, but I felt like them sitting here on camera. >> Yeah, he's going to swing. >> Yeah, whatever's best for you. >> Do we have two mics? One for each of them. I can >> So, as he's getting the microphones, um I figure we'll just start in um alphabetical order and we'll start with Carlos answering the uh first question first and And Carlos, that means and and Tanya, you'll answer the second question first. We'll just go back and forth like that. Um, >> you can stay in your seat. We're just going to be here. >> Same side. >> Yeah, you can. We're just going to be casual. >> Feel free. Go ahead and introduce yourself first. A little bio. >> Good evening. Buenos. My name is Carlos
051Dress. And uh, for the first question, briefly describe your understanding. Actually, Carlos, before that, instead of answering the first question, we want you to give a little bit of a bio about yourself. >> We're going to we're going to ask you questions that you don't have in front of you. >> Oh, okay. >> So, if you just want to say a little G, can you check the mic? The speaker sounds like feedback something. >> That's your microphone. It's been the whole time. >> Just a a one minute like who you are, why you're here, and and you know what you do kind of thing. And then that's it. Just a quick bio. >> All right. Again, my name is my full name is Carlos Andres Ramirez and um I was born in the Dominican Republic
052and I have 28 28 years living here in Delaware. Um this is being a board member or we choose to be a board member is a great honor for me or be to be here in the interview is a great honor for me and um I'm willing to dedicate my time and my energy to make sure that the kids at the Colonial School District get the best quality education that they deserve. Um, you want to know my day job? >> Yes, sure. >> As a day job, um, and the senior community relation for WM and, um, I've been doing that job for the last, uh, four years. And before that, uh, most of my experience has been working for nonprofit for probably around 20 years. and uh most of that has been being a community
053advocate. >> Thank you, Carlos. >> Sure. >> Miss Tanya, tell us a little bit about yourself. >> Uh good evening. My name is Tanya Karns and um >> I am Is it working? >> We can hear you. There you go. >> There you go. >> No, this is good. I'm good. Um, my name is Tanya Karns and um, I am a parent in the district. Um, I have two graduates from William Penn. I also have um, a bonus daughter who is in middle school. I am a native Delawarian. So, I've lived in Delaware all my life. Um, I grew up actually downstate. I went to Woodbridge High School, the smallest school in the state. Um, and then I transitioned up here when I went to college. I have been volunteering in the Colonial School District
054um for about 30 years, pretty close to that. Um prior to that, I worked at several um several nonprofits. Um my first job out of college was actually in preschool and Head Start. Um and then from that point on, I've just been involved in education. Um either in that area or being on the board of directors policy council at Head Start. Um so I've been very active I would say my whole entire career. Um my day job before I retired was an accountant. Um but even when I was an accountant, one of the things that I did was um I mentored college students so that they came and worked for me um and learned their accounting background and accounting career. So um I've been involved with community service and working with the district schools and
055students um for several years now. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um, so first question, I'll give the first question now. Again, you guys have two minutes to respond. I'll give you a 30 second warning. Um, when you got 30 seconds left. Um, Carlos, uh, you're the first one to answer. What experiences and abilities do you have that would make you a good board member for? My experience is based on uh being I have been member of many boards of education for test u school and community um organization right here in the in the new in the 1972 vote. Um, I can bring a community organizer, a community outreach experience and a more than that a parent involvement uh engagement which is a I did when I was for about 10 years I was the
056um the state PTA Hispanic rep. So I work with um organizing that community or the community in general to um make sure that they get the best that they can get from the public education. >> Okay. Thank you. And Miss Curts, same question. I'll repeat it just to make sure you probably heard it. Uh what experiences and abilities do you have that would make you a good board member? Okay. Um, I guess I could say my my first experiences is that I have been board members on um, nonprofits. I am currently a board member on a nonprofit. Um, in addition to that, um, I've worked with board members in some of my positions. Um, I was in the in the position of preparing the board packets and answering questions, financial reports. So, I've done both
057sides of being a board member. In addition to that, um I have a very good relationship with a lot of the students and staff because I volunteered a lot. So, I think with um with my collaborative and being able to speak to them and represent um the community, staff, and students um that that would benefit me as far as being on the board and help provide um additional resources um to have our students excel. >> Thank you. All right. Uh, next question will be asked by Miss Christine Smith >> and and I'll be directing this to Tanya, correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> First be a first answer. Y >> Tanya, what do you see as the major issues facing Colonial District and how do you believe you can assist in addressing those issues? It's
058a two-part question. Okay. Um my the major issues I see um I actually have two that I think are are the most the major one is discipline within the schools and the other is um test scores. As far as discipline, um I think that a big part of how we can solve some of that, not all of it, but some of it is that we need to enforce the student code of conduct. Um I think that piece of it alone would help with some of the discipline, not all of it. Um and then I mean there's other things we could do, but I think that's a big piece of it. um and going around in the schools, having students in the schools. I've seen things where we're not enforcing the student code conduct and I
059I believe that leads to um additional um unwanted behavior on the students and then um the other thing is the test scores and I think um we have to work with the students um hands-on. I like the hands-on approach. I think that's a very good approach. Um the one thing I I think we probably should give more attention to is repeat repeatedly doing um assignments and learning things. I know a lot of times we don't do homework but for most students, most children, most people, they learn by repetition and doing. So I think the more they're involved, the more they do, I believe that will help bring up those test scores. Thank you, Carlos. I'll repeat the question. What do you see as the major issues facing Colonial School District and how do you believe
060you can assist in addressing those issues? >> One of the first measure it's okay. >> One of the first issue that I see is that Colonial School District is losing a lot of students. For example, I know one district have 333 students that belong to Colonial School District. That's over a million plus dollars that went off the window. We need to create a tax force to work with those students while they are still at school while they are exiting. The parents meet with the parents. Why there are why do you want to take your school? why you you want to take your school uh your your students out of the the district. That's one big issue. Another issue and is something in general is that all the school district are losing funds and um we
061need to work together. community and the school to keep pushing our elected officials to don't take those funds out of the school because the time that we are living is very dangerous and we need to work together to don't lose those funds because that endanger one of the um right that the that the people have in this country that's the right to the public education. How can I help with that? I will go out and do advocacy for the school district. I will go to which is I already have done in many times and speak again in front of the legislature and talk to the local businesses to approach the school district and see how they can help them. >> Thank you. Thank you both. All right, next question will be asked by Miss Philip
062Breeding. >> Okay. What strengths do you see in the Colonial School District and how would you work as a board member to build upon these strengths? >> And that's Carlos. >> Carlos. >> Yeah. The strength that I see is um I was looking into the Suna data. and say that the uh Colonial School District is number six in teachers saying that they are feel great working here. We can work on that strenging their relation with the teachers providing with the opportunity to the teachers to be more um to get more education. For example, we have science here today. Some of those teacher they could apply to be um in the presidential award in science program. They can go to participate to be national board certificate. Those uh those strength is um with motivation to the
063teachers. Motivation is the number one thing to achieve whatever we want. And uh that's one of the strength that I see in Colonial Art is the number 16 out of the um the Philadelphia area in um uh diversity and parent engagement. Uh we should um we should help I should I will help to that not the 16 because and I always believe that second place or third place they don't get a trophy to be the number one or be on the top three. Thank you. >> And Tanya do do you want me to read it again? >> Sure. >> Okay. What I'm sorry, what strengths do you see in the Colonial School District and how would you work as a board member to build upon those strengths? >> Um, one of the biggest strengths I
064see is um the staff. I think it's wonderful that the staff are so engaged and a lot of the staff are alumni of the district. Um I believe that has a huge impact on how the staff present themselves to the students as well as to the community. So I think that is a very very good um strength for the district. In addition, um I also think we have a a really good curriculum. Um I like the hands-on. A lot of the students like the hands-on. Um there are tweaks that we can make to help students understand a little more. Um but I really think we do have a very strong curriculum when you compare it to um other districts either in Delaware or in other states. Um but I do um like I said before
065I think um the students should be more engaged not just at school. So, homework, additional work, things like that that will help them um just not just learn but retain what they're learning. And that's the key, being able to retain it so that when these tests come up that they don't have a problem remembering what they've done because they've done it so many times that it's easy for them. So, those are my tips. Thank you very much. Uh, next question will be asked by Mr. Ron Handy. >> Right. Stay right there with you. Um, how can a board of education best communicate with this constituent group? >> With the constituent group? >> Yes. >> Um, there's several ways to to communicate with the constituents. Um, attending events within within the school districts. um attending PTA
066meetings, parent meetings, athletic events, and even um attending events in the community. So, I think there's a lot of different ways board members can um associate and work with the constituents within the um the district. >> You need me to repeat that, sir? >> Excuse me? >> Yeah. How can a board how can a board of education best communicate with its constituent school? >> The best way to communicate uh with the constituencies uh participating in the community or activity of the community and more important district G probably have around 10 to 20 civic association or homeowner association. those where you need to be because those are the parents they care about the community and if they care about the community they will care about the kids to graduate from high from the school and that's
067a a good way to communicate another way and that's something that I would bring to the table is that I will be able to communicate with the 22.3% of Hispanic they are in the colonial school district in um which is at this moment being a board member um that would be a great addition to the board. >> Thank you. All right. Uh next question will be asked by Miss Man. >> Here we go. >> I got it. >> Power. Don't give away your power. Mr. DZ, how will you engage the community to solicit feedback to improve the Colonial School District? >> Getting feedback from the community is um you you will get it uh being where they are, not they are coming to you. you you you go to that and um again civic association
068meeting, homeowner association, uh public engagement from the district, from the school. Uh that will be the best way to engage um with the community. Um like I say, this position is a public position. You cannot expect that everybody come to you because you came to them to ask them for his vote. So now I will go to them to ask them for her feedback to make things better not only for for for the whole district. >> Miss Karns, how will you engage the community to solicit feedback to improve the Colonial School District? Um there's a couple of ways. A lot of people now use social media. So um one of the things to do is definitely um send out um a blast on social media, asking parents and community members for their input. um holding
069an event so that they can everyone can come together and discuss and talk about um the issues that that we're looking to get answered. And then the third is to definitely attend different meetings within the community. Um I'm a member of the civic association in our development and most developments have civic associations or some type of association. They don't all meet, but um they do all have um associations and the county usually has a contact person. If you look on the parcel um parcel information for each home, there is contact information for that civic association. So, I would look to um speak to them and try and pull people together to have a meeting um whether it's virtual or in person. >> Thank you. >> All right, Mr. Laws, you have the next question. >>
070Okay, so Mur, you're going to be first on this one. Are there any other organization or boards that you're associated with that would be in conflict assume conflict with your position on the board for clothing? >> I don't think so. Currently, I am a board member for the Wilmington Children's Course um which is more music. Um it's somewhat educational related in that we provides services in some of the um uh community centers, but I don't think it's a conflict of interest. And then the other um areas that I'm involved with on the civic association, I am the treasurer of the civic association. And then I'm on the the finance committee here at Colonial Industry. >> Thank you. >> Want me to repeat it? >> Sure. >> Like to hear your voice. You're one of few.
071>> Are there are there any other organization or boards that are you associated with that would be in conflict or be construed as being in conflict with your position on the school board? Well, I belong to um the root night CDC just um up the street here and a board member also a read aloud Delaware and a board member and um I believe and also for Aspira chart school which is if it is a conflict I will resign of my position to to stay here with the colonial school No other boards >> that the lower community benefit agreement um does more nothing to do with the school with the school and um I think that is all the boards that I belong as >> just checking. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Do you want to
072clarify Yeah, I don't just for clarification purposes, there is no legal conflict with anybody being on any other board members chart uh whether it's a charter school uh or not. Uh I did know that that that question has come up before. I'm sorry there's no mic in front of me, but yeah. So that's not a not a conflict uh of interest. >> Yeah. Okay. And um next and final question will be asked by uh Dr. Dorsy. >> All right. So I get to wrap it up. You can relax after this one. Okay. So I'm start off with Mr. Priest. Um how are you connected to your community in your district? And also you both kind of answer. How are you part of a civic are you part of a civic association or any other community
073organization directly with me? >> Yes. Uh I'm part of um um various community organization that I meet with them not necessarily as a board member. Most of them are in the 19720 zip code which is the zip code where the colonial school district is. So that gave me a a knowledge of uh what's happening in the community and give me the contact with the with the communities. Um that's uh I think that uh I answered your question. Okay. >> Okay. >> Miss, you want me to repeat it or you >> um said why? >> I think I'm okay. >> You sure? Go for it. >> I do. I'm connected through in the community through the civic association in my development. Um also, um First State Educate. Um I'm not on any of their committees or
074anything, but I do attend a lot of their seminars. Um Wilmington University, I attend a lot of their free seminars as well. Um I am a graduate of Bloomington University. Um have my masters point that out. Um, and then as far as school districts, um, I am a member of the parent group at Gunning Bedford. Um, for the last couple of years I've been the book fair manager, so I ran a book fair. Um, and so we do a lot of things at at Dunny Bedford to help bring some money into the district. Other than that, that's probably it. Um, I haven't coached in a while, so um um I can't say coaching is keeping me busy in the community. >> Yes, sir. >> Um I need some uh to add something else. >> Are
075we allowed to do that? >> We had time. If it's something relevant to the discussion, I don't see a problem. >> Yes. >> Um and a founding member of First Day Educator and I need the board, too. >> Oh, okay. >> All right. Uh thank you the board members. Uh one thing I actually did want to discuss uh that I want to uh ask for both of you. I do want to ask one additional question. Um we have and it's a question we kind of had on one of our possibles but uh for each of you if you could tell me there's a lot of dedication that this takes and for you guys both of you are very busy in your different uh you know activities that you're involved with in your careers. Do you
076feel you'll have the time to be able to attend not just the board meetings but also other functions and everything else that uh a board member could be asked to uh participate in? Um I'll start with Mr. >> No, was it is it Go ahead. >> Um yes, I do believe I will have plenty of time to attend. I'm retired so a lot of what I do is basically things that I volunteer for. Um I do have a um a small business but that does not keep me busy at all. So yes um I will be able to attend. >> Thank you. Same question you >> uh yes I do have the time because uh some of the most of the boards that I belong uh except for two they meet every four month. >>
077Okay. Well, the the one thing I would say, um, no matter what, I think we're going to be blessed. Um, I thank you both for interviewing and putting your interest in this school district. And I I will very much say out loud that I I believe no matter who we choose, there's a lot of love and caring and it feels like you guys are in it for the right reason. So, I thank you both for doing that and for everything you've already done to for the district and the community. Um, I'd like to ask the board for a second to maybe just take a moment, review your notes, and I'll ask for a motion in a moment, uh, if anyone has one. Um, but just kind of take a moment to reflect, uh, if you
078need to go over anything you need. [Music] There it is. >> I didn't drop. [Music] >> All right. Um, so we have two candidates, Tanya Karns and Carlos Depris. Uh, with that being said, do I hear a motion on either of the candidates? >> I move that we appoint Carlos Depri to the vacancy in district G on the Colonial School Board. >> A second. >> All right. No, you're fine. Do I hear a second? >> A second. >> All right. That being said, I will do a roll call vote on that. Um, as moved by Mrs. Smith, seconded by Miss Breeding. Uh, we'll start with Mr. Handy. >> Yes. >> All right. Bronco Jess. Miss Breeding. >> Yes. >> Miss Smith. >> Yes. >> Mr. Laws. >> No. >> Dr. Dorsey. >> Yes. >> And
079I thought that was the rule. All right. Um I'll vote yes as well and with a vote of 5 to1 that is the majority with that. Uh so the motion passes >> Carlos congratulations. >> Thank you. >> And I will take a moment to also just say Miss Garns, thank you for everything. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. Been volunteering for a long time on the oversight committee as well as everything else. So, like I said, we're truly blessed with both you guys being involved. Um, and I hope that you guys continue to be involved. Um, with that, um, but with that being said, we welcome you to the board. We'll be >> Dr. Orchar reach out. We'll talk about how we're going to look moving forward starting in October, second Tuesday of the
080month. We'll do the swearing in prior to the next meeting. We'll arrange that. So, >> we're gonna wrap up this meeting and then we'll we'll catch up. >> Thank you. >> Oh, of course. >> All right. >> Oh, do we have to do this? >> Oh, yeah. >> All right. Uh, with that funnest motion of all. Do I hear a motion to adjurnn? So >> moved. >> All right. As moved by Mr. Laws. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Give that one to Dr. Dorsey. Second by Dr. Dorsey. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Again? Nay. All right.