001I'd like to call this meeting to order. Would everyone please rise for a moment of silence? >> Pledge of allegiance. >> All right. Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible and justice for all. I'd like to thank everyone for coming this evening. There is a log in the front. If you haven't signed in, please do so. If you'd like to bring anything in particular to the board's attention, please also write that down. At any time during the meeting you'd like to mention something on an agenda item, please raise your hand. Be recognized. After the normal business, there's also time for public comment where you can bring up additional issues. This meeting is being recorded and I would like to announce
002that there was an executive session conducted prior to the leader to discuss personnel matters. With that, Mr. Hol >> here, >> Michael Hess here, Hoffman >> here, >> Cecilia Hall >> here, >> Jason C >> here, >> Jeremiah Light here, Dennis Dishes here, Daniel Whismer here, Laurel Ziggler here, >> Olivia Boss here, >> Lindsay Schmeck here. Thank you. >> Thank you. We can start with the approval of minutes. Uh >> Mr. we agreed in the executive session that you will be making an announcement at the start of the meeting. >> Oh, sorry. I was going to do it before public comment on agenda items better. >> That would be >> That's fine. Okay. We will be switching GN um F this evening on the agenda in new business. >> So, I would like to make
003a comment on this. Tonight during the executive session, an ethically troubling series of events took place that the public deserves to be made aware of. Without any prior public notice or transparency, Mr. Cup informed the board that >> he informed the board that he intended to alter the order of this evening's agenda. This maneuver, while discussed behind closed doors, was designed to enable Miss Angle to cast a vote on her own opponent. Let me be clear, this is a glaring and undeniable conflict of interest. When several board members objected and asked that the original agenda order be maintained, Mr. Clap refused. And to make matters worse, he openly admitted the reason that he wanted Miss Engle to be able to vote to appoint herself to the board. That statement leaves no room for interpretation. This
004was a deliberate and coordinated attempt to secure a political outcome. The public deserves to know accurately and in advance what the agenda is, especially when such consequential votes are involved. Manipulating the agenda in secret to benefit a single board member is not just improper, but it is fundamentally wrong. Our community expects integrity, transparency, and respect for the democratic process, and tonight's actions violate those principles. >> Uh, thank you, Miss Sigler. Um, as I said, I was able to inform the public that I intended to switch it. I think that's ethically just is perfect perfectly acceptable. Um the agenda and the order that we take things um they all get voted. It doesn't matter which order. >> Mr. Cuck, it is not ethically appropriate for Miss Engle to vote on her own appointment to this board.
005Thank you. >> She is a current sitting member of the board. Uh so I think she has a vote. Thank you. >> We can let the law decide. Thank you. All right, moving on. Um, I'd like to have a motion uh to approve the minutes from November 3rd of 2025. >> So moved. H >> second. >> Any uh questions or comments? >> Uh roll call, please. >> Aaron Angel, >> yes. >> Michael Hess, yes. Rea Hoffman, >> yes. >> Cecilia Holt, >> yes. >> Jeremiah Light, >> yes. >> Dennis Udishious, >> yes. >> Daniel Whismer, >> yes. >> Laurel Sid, >> yes. Jason >> Yes. Motion carries. Four is the treasures report. I'd like to entertain a motion to approve A through I. Do we have a motion? >> Second. Hoffman. >> Questions or comments?
006>> Roll please. Mr. >> Michael Hess. Yes. Refman. Cecilia. >> Yes. >> My light. >> Yes. >> Dy dishes. Yes. >> Daniel Whismer. >> Yes. >> Laurel Ziggler. >> Yes. >> Aaron Angel. >> Yes. >> Jason Cuck. >> Yes. Motion carries. Five is approval of bills for payment. A through G are listed there. We have a motion to approve the bills for payment. >> So move. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? >> Mr. Rea Hoffman. >> Yes. Cecilia Hope, >> yes. >> Jeremiah Light, >> yes. >> Dennis Sudish, >> yes. >> Daniel Whisper, >> yes. >> Laurel Ziggler, >> yes. >> Angle, >> yes. >> Michael Hess, yes. Jason cut. >> Yes. Motion carries. >> G is communications and reports. A is the superintendent report, Mr. >> I have a small report that I'm going
007to give afterwards, but first I want to, you know, welcome our guests here this evening from the center high school FFA. They annually come to share a presentation from their national conference visit. Gonna hand over hand it over to you. >> Yes. That way everyone can see me. Um in case you don't know um my name is Aya Blat. I am the agriculture teacher and FFA adviser here at Kutztown. Um with me I have a few members of our FFA officer team. um and they're here to give a little bit of a recap. Um back in October, we attended the National FA Convention um held out in Indianapolis, Indiana. Um so with us today, we have our vice president uh Natalie Voucher, our treasurer, Gabby Loe, and our secretary, Amelia Lewis. Um we have two
008other FFA officers that are not able to be with us tonight. Um BB Stman is our president. She's currently down in Louisville um for a national livestock judging contest. Um, and Sage Brown is our reporter. Um, unfortunately she went home sick today. So, I will let these ladies uh give you a recap of our great trip. >> Perfect. So, we started out on Monday. We left the school at about 7:30. Um, on the way out there, we got breakfast. It was very good. Um, it's about a seven hour drive that day. So, on the way, we did a lot of tour, a lot. Um, we ended up and then our first stop was at Western Trails. It was a trail riding place and then we drove some more, did more school work, and then we
009got to our hotel and got dinner at Pens Road House. So, here are some pictures from one day. Yeah. Uh, so we met horseback riding and it was really cool for me because I never went horseback riding. So, it was definitely a very fun experience for me as well. Um, and I do a lot of stuff with horses, but it was really cool to see how like other people run like their horse businesses and like the different opportunities that they have available. >> We learned a lot about that farm like the area and the people were really nice and helpful and they had a huge doggy pet. Okay, so on Tuesday we had breakfast at the hotel and then we drove some more and did a lot of school work and we arrived at the
010Kentucky Derby Museum and then for lunch we had lunch at Culver's and then we went grocery shopping at Old and then um we then arrived to the Airbnb. >> So we went to the Kentucky Derby Museum. We got a tour. It was really really cool. There were a lot of different things you could see. There were like career things. Uh you can learn about jockey horses. Um they talked about the horse secretary. It's really famous. They had and then we also got a tour of like the actual Kentucky Derby track and they talked about all the races that they have all year. So it's also awesome if they had the Kentucky Gors showing school and one of their FFA officers, Sage, actually got accepted in. And it's awesome because they only accept in 14 people
011in the nation and she got accepted in. So she'll be joining that in I think next September. So that's very awesome for her. >> Yeah. And I thought it was really cool like along with the horseshoe thing like the different kind of shoes they use for like the different like events that they have. Um and yeah, it was really big. Like you think it looks big on the screen but like it's a lot bigger in person. Um, so then on Wednesday we made breakfast at the Airbnb. Um, and then we had time in the convention center to walk around and then we went shopping and then we had dinner at home and then we went to the concert with both Ernest and Ella Langley. So Wednesday was more of like a chill day before Thursday
012and Friday which were really busy. So um, we went to the convention center. We spent some time shopping because they had a huge FFA shopping mall. Um there's also the expo center which we went to on Thursday. Um but yeah, this day was kind of more chill and fun. Um and then we went to the concert that night. It was really really cool. There was Ernest and Emma Langley. >> Yeah. No, and we met a lot of different people shopping and as well like at the concert as well. Yeah, it was really cool to hear like how people live in like Alaska or like Montana, like just how their everyday lives are different than what we experience here. And then Thursday, we had opening session at the Lucas Oil Stadium and we heard Eric Jackson
013speak. He's really good. And then we spent the day in student leadership workshops and the expo center where we could talk to colleges and like armies and businesses. And then we got dinner. Okay. So, one of the amazing things about the Expo Center is they had a bunch of colleges that you could talk to and one of my like dream college I'm trying to get into is University of Tennessee Knoxville. So, they were there and it was awesome that I was able to talk to them and just learn more about their school. So, and I know that the Army was there as well for >> I want to go to the Army in the future maybe. And so it was really cool to get to talk to people and like hear their stories and like
014how like I learned about the ROC which is like a through colleges which is really cool. So I get the best of both worlds. Um here's just more pictures from walking around the expo center because we spent a lot of time there that day. There was like lion dancing where you could like dance with people from all over the country. We made some friends. Um, and then there was just like tractors and like a bunch of different like agriculture businesses that you could talk to and learn about. We went to a lot. We talked with a lot of different people. >> And then Friday is when we went to the general session at the Lucas Oil Stadium and we heard a speech from Coach Ka. And then we also did community service for about like
015four hours for a national day service. And then we went to the rodeo and we're all dressed as Loraxes. [laughter] So for the community service we did, we helped out at the Boon County Fairgrounds. It was their a center. So we were like planting new plants and cleaning up their gardens. Um we were with people from I think North Dakota. So that was really cool. And then you also heard coach Kache was very personal and helped you like get out of your comfort zone a little. Yeah. And we also got like kind of like a tour around where we held the community service at. So we got to learn new things on I think it was like a 4. So that was pretty cool to that. >> Yep. And we dressed up and we learned
016how to get out of our comfort zone. That was awesome. >> No one else is really dressed up. N [laughter] >> so we got a lot of attention. A lot of people talk to us but it was a really good way to end the >> Yeah. And we just wanted to thank you guys again for allowing us to have the opportunity to even attend this convention and it was super beneficial for us as well. So thank you. >> Sorry you did a great job. You don't get off the hook without a couple questions. We get to ask a few questions. >> What the what were the there were two speakers uh that you mentioned. What were the what were the best parts of their speeches? >> Eric Jackson was the first one. His was really
017really good. Like he was so emotional with it and it was so personal and like I think everyone was like crying for it. Like yeah, it was really good. It was about it was about like limitations that everyone has and how to overcome them and you're kind of like stuck in this box and you just you cannot let other people like bring you down and like you need to get out of it by yourself type thing. So >> yeah. And then where's coach Ka? >> She was just very lighthearted. I don't think you had to think about hers as much. I think she was more trying to relate to all the FFA members also about how like she was an FFA member herself, so she was definitely coming from like a similar background as everyone
018else, but it was still very beneficial, but it was definitely very lightarted compared to Jackson's. >> She talked a lot about getting out of your comfort zone, and that was really >> Yeah. >> Excellent. Thank you. I have two questions. One, did you think everybody else other people were going to be dressed up? >> No one else dressed up. >> Yeah, there was like a smurf maybe and there's one other >> some people had like dressing up where you were [laughter] someone's >> I have to couch my next question though. talked about the impact, you know, meeting meeting other FFA members from other parts of the country and what impact do you think what impression other than the world do you think you left on others that you met? >> I think just like learning
019how to teach people to get out of their comfort zone and like when you when you're able to do that, you can talk to so many more people and you can learn more ideas from them and like just how they not run things but like go about things different ways and I think that's so beneficial. They also like don't know where you're like they know you're from Pennsylvania but like they might never see you again. So it helps you really like try new things out because they might never see you again. So you just get out of your comfort zone a lot and make a lot of >> So >> um so I kind of have I have two questions. You don't have to answer both of them. Um my first question would kind of
020be um asking like does the FFA talk or at these conventions do they talk about um kind of like the commercial takeover in agriculture versus like the small business? Um that's kind of one question like like what you guys think about that and then the other question is um AI seems to be getting integrated into everything and um did they touch on like how that might be impacting agriculture. So, so they definitely talk about like the commercial and personal like they cover like a lot of different things in agriculture and they also have leadership workshops and one of them actually talked about AI in agriculture and like how to like how it's helpful and harmful and yeah [clears throat] >> thank you so much. >> Thank you. Thank you everyone. >> Next, before we get
021into the next part of the agenda, you'll notice on the agenda number C, we have a donation. Um, the donation is to our high school rifle team from the patriotic order, the Sons of America. And I would just like to give Scott Shrader an opportunity who's here representing the organization just to share a few words. >> Thank you. Short and sweet. Two paragraphs. School board members, administrators, teachers, and attendees. Good evening. My name is Scott Schroeder. I'm a 38-year member of the Patriotic Social Order known as the Patriotic Order Sons of America. We are America's oldest chartered patriotic order instituted in and reorganized in 1867 mostly due to most of the members losing their lives in the Civil War. My home lodge is located in Centerport, PA and we support our country's constitution, form of
022government, system of free public schools, veterans and American values. We participate in many celebratory and solemn events in our communities and also provide honor guards for veteran function. The order was also instrumental in preserving our country's history, purchasing and then donating Washington's headquarters in Valley Forge, contributing to the restoration of Admiral Dwie's flagship, the Olympia, and funding monuments and tributes. Uh we bought the land that uh Washington's Crossing State Park is on and turned that over to them. There are monuments there that we put there. Penn State, there are two giant obelisks at Penn State Maine uh dedicated to veterans that were put there by USF members. We also have uh monuments in Gettysburg and uh we have a space in the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg. something I would suggest a field trip
023to that and the the Civil War Battle Flag Museum, which is a very out of the way place, but I've seen more history in that place on those flags than than I've learned in school. And I'm a history buff, believe me. [clears throat] Anyway, let's get back to it. Uh here we are. Uh local camps as they are called sponsor essay contests and scholarship awards for local school districts. Okay. I'm here tonight to offer a $500 donation for use by the Kutztown area school district rifle team. We feel that the shooting sports can teach discipline, commitment, poise, patience, respect, firearm safety, and teamwork. We also think the best place for learning these things is by having the structured setting of the school district and its teachers and coaches. We believe that supporting youth programs is
024an excellent way to further this mission. We are proud to support the school's rifle program and its dedication to teaching marksmanship and safety. The donation is intended to support the needs of the rifle teams. Whether for equipment, safety training, or other team expenses, we are honored to contribute to the success of these student athletes. Thank you for your time and consideration. I also have some uh I'll give to Mr. Yuga. I have some uh brochures with information about our product, our excuse me, platform of principles and what we stand for and some of the things we do. It's in different forms, but it's all the same information. So, thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Schroeder. And and thank you to uh the Patriot War Sons of America as well. We appreciate the we
025appreciate the donation very much. We've been around a long time with the the problem of course with any social order or even like you know some of the the Rotary clubs and stuff is you can't get members. I mean I know it. I saw it growing up. I'm 38 years and and we've gone from 800 camps in Pennsylvania to about 15. And uh many of the state camps are gone now. There used to be camps all throughout the United States and they're all going. So people don't have the time. People don't have the, you know, but we try to keep it alive and >> good for you. >> We do that through the schools and and through the community. >> That's great. >> So thank you for your time. I appreciate it very much. >>
026Yeah. And you know, we'll be in touch next year. >> Absolutely. Thank you, Mr. Thank you very much. >> In addition to those have a short presentation tonight, although there's many exciting things going on in the school district, you know, we want to hand over the, uh, time most of the time to our presentations. First, u, and very important coming up here this weekend, we do have the KZtown Area School District presentation of Foot Loose. Uh, tickets are on sale now. There's three showtimes. Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7. I know our our students had a preview today and Olivia and Lindsay are stars of the show. Everyone looked sounded fantastic. Really excited to see Foot Loose and hope as many of you can join us as possible this weekend. Do you
027have anything? Well, maybe in your your record, you might want to say something. >> So, we had our uh uh student presentation today. In the morning, we had the elementary schoolers come and in the afternoon we had the middle and high school come. So, and they're always such a great audience. I'm so grateful that we can like just show a little part of our show to them. It's always nice and elementary kids are always such a good audience. [clears throat] Um, so yeah, I'm really grateful and you guys should all come see the show now that you're here. Uh, the only other thing I have is regarding the new phone policy. Uh, I've received some feedback about uh contacting parents throughout the school day. That's just by >> and and just um for something just
028to share, I mean students during class have to put their phones to the side. If you look over behind kind of that corner, you see um what we would call a caddy hanging on the wall. Most classrooms have that. Some classrooms that aren't designed exactly like that have a little bit of a different device. Um you know, but those students then would be able to contact the parents in between classes. So, you're really looking at about a 40-m minute gap there, you know, and um you know, if it's really an emergency, parents, you know, certainly can call the office and the office will then call the classroom, you know, if it's something they need to get to their get to their kids. Um so, today was day one um of kind of official implementation. So,
029um, just it's all about just reclaiming our kids attention and making sure that they during instructional time that they're fully attentive to because it's it's beyond the ability sometimes to even just choose to pay attention because these are such powerful devices as I sit with two of them and three I guess in front of us, you know, with all types of different um notifications. So, I think we'll all get used to it, right? Believe so. But I can I appreciate for you for bringing that feedback. we jumped into the report. I'm sorry to put you in that position, but I didn't want I didn't want to pass the show without giving you an opportunity to promote it. Next up, just um over last week, uh Veterans Day celebrations across the district were just beautiful celebrations
030of our nation's uh veterans, of our community's veterans. Uh everything at Kutztown Elementary School, students got to read uh their own prepared statement about someone who they were honoring. Most were family members. just some, you know, some just beautiful uh statements simple as my grandpappy's the best grandappies. You know that they were it was really fun to be there. At the middle school there was sort of two components to it. There was a rededication of the P MIA flag in the morning and placing the flags out around the flag pole and then they have a traditional veterans um veterans lunch where students get to invite a veteran in to have lunch with them. uh at the high school we had a morning breakfast uh which included some incredible musical performances from our talented students uh
031in addition to some comments from Lieutenant Colonel Durr. And um at Greenwood Elementary School, there was also another presentation kind of similar to the KES one that described just great events throughout the district engaging our local community and our students and and uh honoring our veterans. A and last uh last but not least, you know, we're as we look here, the last meeting of the uh 2025 calendar year, um we do have some board members that um will be leaving uh you know, leaving the the board here. Uh first, Mr. Michael Hess, a board director since 2013, 12 years here with us on on many many many Monday nights. Um, you know, and if you if you come to meetings and uh have paid attention in recent years, you know, it's impossible not to walk
032away with just an unbelievable amount of respect for Mike Hess and the way he conducts his business. Um, always thoughtful in his deliberation and um, respectful engaging in disagreement. Um, I think just bringing that approach is something that, you know, truly a model of what civic engagement can and should look like. I'd like to thank Mike for his time here on the board. Um, in honor of Mike um, leaving the board, we're gonna the district's going to place a brick out in the walkway to the stadium that's will look something very similar to that. Just a small brick to to honor those years of service here. >> Whoever didn't like me could we don't say that in the average size. >> We also have when you look at the agenda, Mr. judicious uh two years
033here on the board if if um he's voted his resignation is voted on um this evening. Um similarly would have a brick. Dennis with his two years here on the board brings a different perspective which is you know always appreciated in terms of being a business leader in the community. Um having a background always often bring his background to ECC and facilities for from previous career and coaching. um and and just a true gentleman in the community to to always have dialogue with sometimes um again in a respectful disagreement about different um uh topics here with that our board grapples with um just always conduct himself in in completely gentlemanly way I think is you know is a good way to to describe it. So I want to thank Dennis for two years on the
034board as well. Um, and also I guess as Mike pointed out, a brick to be placed for people to step on if they choose to. Um, those bricks will be placed sometime before the spring season. So again, thank you Dennis for your service in >> get to mix each other or >> what's that? >> Do we get to >> I mean >> I guess for time sake now >> that's certainly up to you. Mike, I' I've really appreciated um your levelheadedness and I've told you before that you've made me think so about stuff and because of the way you come across you you come across as truly caring and I appreciate um the two years that we've served together and I'm I'm for one I'm sad to see you leave for >> appreciate that. That
035is super for this evening. >> Thank you. The board committee reports then the first one it is BCTC. Mrs. Hoffman is not able to attend the meeting and the minutes are in the the agenda. >> Okay. Thank you. Next is BCIU. Mr. Whisper. >> Thank you. Uh we meet Thursday. So, no recording. Okay. Next one. Burks tax collection committee. >> No. >> Extracurricular. Well, this go down to PSPA. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Cob. Um, so I have a few things. SW since elections have just passed, it is time for those reelected and newly elected and appointed to um fulfill their Pennsylvania legal requirement for uh school director training and uh PSBA promoting their um you know they have virtual and in-person events coming up. Um then besides that um it is another season
036for the student leadership scholarships um that are for seniors graduating seniors from PSBA member districts which includes us um four different ones ranging from 2500 to $5,000. Uh there is one the feric scholarship that um the for students planning to enroll in an education related major at a Pennsylvania state system school and have a record of leadership during high school. Then there's the Marcus scholarship. Um, and that is for students again demonstrating leadership in high school and pursuing a bachelor's degree in public safety, criminology, forensics, or other law enforcement or safety majors. Um, the third one is the HH Quimby scholarship. Um, and that is for anyone who has play served as a student direct their local board during their high school career um and also demonstrating leadership um and pursuing a degree focused on
037policy political science advocacy and nonprofit. Um and then finally the Swopee scholarship um for students pursuing a bachelor's degree in the arts and having a record of leadership in the arts during their career. So further information about that is available from pspatrust.org and uh applications are due by March 13 of next year. And then lastly, I have brought this up for the last two years. So this is the third year of the opportunity for to join the international education study group traveling to Germany to um observe their uh education system, meet with their education and civic leaders. Um, and it requires a $500 commitment on the part of the attendee. Uh, but there's a reimbursement for airfare. Accommodations and meals and meetings are covered while you're there. Our applications for that are due by November
03828th and it is open to I know board members and also other education folks that I forget exactly who um anyway uh further information for that is available from >> okay thank you very much and Next we can go to extracurricular and facilities committee. Mr. >> We did not need >> and Mr. Wilson policy curricul uh we have one policy on the agenda for tonight and then um Mr. Lynch gave us a presentation on the multi-tiered support system at the middle school um how that was rolling out. We looked at several data points in the process of selecting students for that and helped us understand um kind of where we're at with that right now and the roll out of that program. >> Okay. Thank you. Um next is the student representative report. >> Excuse
039me. >> Uh is there anything to add to your report from earlier? >> No, just come see Foot Loose. >> Another plug. Very good. Lindsay. Okay. Well, then we can move into public comment on agenda items. I will since we have a handful of folks that uh want to speak this evening, I will read the uh I guess we'll call the guidelines. The board requires that public participants be residents or taxpayers of this district or anyone having registered a legitimate interest in a contemplated action with the board. Participants must be recognized by the presiding officer and must practice their timely sign announcement of their name, municipality, and group affiliation about applicable. Each student made by a participant shall be limited to three minutes duration on a single agenda or non-aggenda item. If a participant wishes
040to speak on more than one agenda item and time remains after all other participants have made their statements, they may then they may then speak on additional agenda or non-aggenda items. All statements shall be directed to the presiding officer. the understanding that individual board members are not required to respond to the participants comments or questions. Whereas an officer may interrupt or terminate a participant statement when the statement is too lengthy, personally directed, abusive, obscene, or irrelevant. Request an individual to leave the meeting when that person does not observe, reasonable decorum or call a recess or adjourn to another time when the lack of public decorum interferes with the orderly conduct of the community. Thank you. First on the list this evening is uh Mr. Mr. [clears throat] >> No comment at this time. Thank >>
041Pat Marzy. >> Yeah. >> I'd like to talk about the appointment of Aaron Angle to region two. Uh my name is Pat Marzy. I live vote and pay taxes in region two. That's Maxoni. I voted along with my neighbors to remove Aaron Engel from the school board. I disagree with her right-wing national agenda and found it to be divisive and damaging. Aaron went from winning a seat on the board by a comfortable margin four years ago to finding herself on the wrong side of a 5050 split this month. Let let me remind you that losing a close one is still losing. Voters in region two have expressed their dissatisfaction with Aaron's performance and have elected to vote her off the board. Forcing her back on us is cynical and unethical maneuver. It antagonizes me as
042a voter and as a taxpayer and I take voting rights very seriously. There are some of you on the board who like to brag that you're anti-wood. You install Aaron back on the board in spite of our vote. You label yourselves as anti-dem democratic as well. And Aaron, to you, I say personally, show some grace. Take the L, learn from it, try again, and do better. That's the correct lesson to model for our students after suffering a defeat. If you push your way back onto the board after losing, I'm afraid that you'll be modeling instead the traits more aligned with a bully or a bad sport. Thank you. >> Next on the list is Sharon Aub. >> My name is Shireen Au. I live Township. I'm here as a concerned member of the community regarding
043the proposed resignation and subsequent appointment process. It appears that a current board member, Mr. Dennis Sudicious, may be resigning in a way that would allow a recently defeated incumbent, Miss Aaron Engel, to be reappointed. I want to respectfully remind the board that the purpose of elections is to reflect the will of the voters. Using a procedural maneuver to circumvent that choice risks undermining public trust in the board and its commitment to fair representation. Additionally, past KASD practice has included public interviews and open consideration for vacancies. If the board moves forward with this action, I urge you to follow the established precedent of holding a transparent public process rather than rushing an appointment behind closed doors. Finally, I encourage the court to carefully consider the legal and procedural implications of resignations and appointments, including issues of
044quorum and effective dates to ensure that any action is fully compliant with Pennsylvania school law and board policy. Our community values transparency, accountability, and respect for voters choices. I urge the board to honor those principles in this process. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Next is Diane. >> I'm actually not sure if this is a gender or non-gender, but it it kind of um pertain for everybody on the board, all the hours you spend. And I think I particularly appreciated the fact that you gave the voters a voice. You know, this is a formal community very different than community. But you seem to understand that the farm home impacted children just as much or more much more actually than whether they have a second journey teacher. you're you're really the advocate for the children and
045their family and I sure appreciate that. As far as I wanted to voice in support, um I I am so pleased to see the direction of this schools starting to turn around from a school of indoctrination to a school of education. You know, I've seen a lot of steps that have been taken to make education more relevant and more useful to the student. And Erin, when uh one of the things that you did that really impressed me about a year or two ago, uh we had a issue with a with a book that was actually very very uh divisive and appropriate and you took the time to really read that and to make a a careful decision on it. And we still have work to do because we still have these issues as we move
046from a school of indoctrination to a school of education. I think we need that kind of careful consideration. I appreciate your service and I look forward and hope. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Excuse me. Point of order. The Zoom meeting uh is not uh the people on the Zoom cannot hear the members of the public. So this meeting is not being appropriately recorded. >> They can't hear because it's not loud enough. Is that what it is? >> Or just be or there's no audio >> because it's not loud enough because people are being asked to move up to the microphone. >> So rest of our speakers have move up to the microphone. >> Come stand in front of everyone if you please. >> Uh next is Matthew Venique. Hi, I just >> I just
047have a procedural qu question about the um appointment. On the district website, there's a guide that says that the board is responsible for publicly advertising the open position and conducting a selection process, including interviews before a vote is held by the remaining directors. Is that actual or that is not in our policies? >> But it's on your website. >> Okay. But it's not in our school. It's not his school policy. >> Okay. You should remove this from the website. I would agree with that. Thank you. >> Next is Eric Johnson. All right. Is this close enough or should I move closer? >> Come all the way over. >> Hey. All right. >> I can hear you. >> Okay. Um, my main reason for being here is to uh thank my cast for his 12 years.
048Um, I was trying to remember what year uh we both started together because we came onto the board uh on the exact same night. These two naive freshfaced uh uh budding uh elected officials. And um uh I'm proud of uh what we were able to do uh when we were on the board together during my eight years and everything. Um and uh I also admire you for uh taking the extra uh third term and and you know making it a dozen. So um you know, thank you for your service. I'm I'm glad that we were on the board together. It allowed us to become friends and to get to know each other and our daughters hanging out and um so thank you for all of that. Um, I wish I could end this on a
049more positive note, but I'm also very concerned. I don't really have much to add to everything that's already been said. Um, it has always been the while it's on the website, but it always has been the norm uh to have an open and public process for uh replacing a board member uh when a seat becomes vacant. And I I just think it's very very unfortunate um that uh you know it might not technically be against the law or against the rules but um I really don't understand why it's so urgent to um you know go with the established uh go against the established procedure to to accomplish this. Um so it's sad we were promised better but um anyways Mike thank you very much and uh I hope we can uh celebrate in person sometime
050soon. Thank you, >> Robin Underwood. I'm >> Robin Underwood from the Kutztown Bureau. Um, the constituents of the KSD would like to know who was part of the process of adding items EFG to tonight's agenda. Are you able to answer that question? I mean we we built the agenda in my office but as it says under number G I was asked by Mr. >> I ask for G >> and the others were you know predicted by conversations and then subsequent emails of resignation. >> Okay. Just um thinking about the Sunshine Act and how board discussions are supposed to take place in an open and public setting. Um, this feels like it was contrived in a back room somewhere. And it also seems really strange to me that there was already a Facebook post days ago
051saying that Aaron Angel will be stepping into Dennis's seat for Maxatonyi and continuing her service on the board when the vote has not even occurred. Published public discussions have not even occurred. So, how could that possibly be known unless more than four people were having a discussion in a back room? So, it seems like uh you should each be coming here tonight with an open mind, ready for an open discussion in public and making individual votes. That's how this is supposed to work. So, I'm quite concerned about how those three things ended up on the agenda and the Facebook post was made that this decisions already been made if there was not a violation of the Sunshine Act. Thank you. That is all we have signed up on the list this evening. Dr. Myers, is
052there anyone online? >> No, there is not. >> Before we move on to the agenda items, is there anyone else in the Got a couple hands being raised. >> So, yours first. >> Yeah. A simple question. So, there's a lot of frustration being expressed, concerned, and upset. And I just wonder if you're going to come forward and explain anything about the process, your thoughts, why you're pursuing it in the way you're pursuing it. And I don't expect you to do that right away, but just after >> Thank you, >> Michelle Fister. Um, I'm the high school right coach and Scott assistant coach. This year is our 80th anniversary of the team. So, we are inviting uh former alumni of the team and current and board members as well uh to come on the 13th, Saturday
053the 13th to the basketball game and we're starting at 11:30 with the reception before and then we'll be recognized uh during the game. >> Excellent. Thank you for the information. Well, let me raise your hand again. >> We can't hear you at home. >> I am Diana. I'm in Greenwich Township and I just like to make a second comment. I you know the one thing about being old, you've been here a long time and back in or around that I think that was the uh school board situation where we did have uh this exact same situation. Someone stepped down and the interviews were you know put out and you know there were a couple of really good exciting people um that I was looking forward. It was absolutely clear that the school board had was
054not going to consider any of the people that were being interviewed. They had already made their decision and I realized then that it was the prerogative of the board to make their own decision. Things are not always as we would like them to be. Um, I remember a couple about four years ago with the equity committee. Uh, there was this thing called the equity policy and it was devastating to the community and a whole summer was spent with people coming and spending hours and hours commenting and the board had no intention of changing anything. They just sat there and did it because they had to. So, I was just saying this as a a perspective. You know, this is if it's a legal ability, then the parties that are in the majority will often make
055the decision. And we may wish it was a different situation. But that's the way it is and it's always has been. And unfortunately, it goes both ways. you know, tonight, you know, the people who are unhappy with the with the procedure >> time >> and didn't restart it that time. >> I'm sorry. Well, I I'll end up because topic on non-aggenda items. >> It's coming to >> Diana, please. Yes, please finish your point. >> Okay. Well, that that is the that is the point that there are times when when uh the the board has the prerogative and sometimes you're happy with the decision, sometimes you're not, but that's the standard procedure. >> Thank you. >> Yes, please. >> My name is Kurt Krepto. I also live in Maxon Township and uh I don't know contrary
056to some people I don't think there was a vote against Aaron on the ballot and a lot of people voted for her. I think she's done a fantastic job and I for one think that she would do a great job if she stays on the board. >> Uh Kurt, what was your last Oh, thank you. Well, we can >> I think it's an appropriate time to also thank Mr. Hes for serving as the board secretary. We can move into new business. A personnel. It is the recommendation of the administration that the board of school directors approve the following personnel items 1 through eight are listed there. Do we have a motion? >> Move to second. >> Motion second. Any questions or comments on the personal items? >> All right. Then Mr. Cecilia. >> Yes. >>
057Jeremiah. >> Yes. >> Dennis D. >> Yes. >> Daniel Wisner. Yes. >> Marl Ziggler. >> Yes. >> Aaron Angel. >> Yes. >> Michael Hes. Yes. Hoffman. >> Yes. >> Jason C. >> Yes. Motion carries. All personnel are approved pending receipt of all mandated credentials. B is policy maintenance. It is recommendation of the policy and curriculum committee that the board of school directors approve the following policy for first reading. Uh one is listed there. Policy 626 and the attachments below 135. We have a motion with moves. Second. >> Any questions or comments? Roll calls. Jeremiah Light, >> yes. >> Dennis Dishes, >> yes. >> Daniel Whismer, >> yes. >> Laurel Ziggler, >> yes. >> Aaron Angel, >> yes. >> Michael Hes, yes. Hoffman, >> yes. >> Cecilia Hulk, >> yes. >> Jason, >> yes. Motion carries.
058C is donation. is the recommendation of the administration of the board of school directors accept with gratitude a donation from the patriotic order sons of America in the amount of $500 to the area high school faculty have a motion move second any questions or comments on the donation that Mr. Schrobert presented earlier >> Mr. Dennis Dishes, >> yes. >> Daniel Whismer, >> yes. >> Laurel Ziggler, >> yes. >> Aaron Angel, >> yes. >> Michael Hes, >> yes. Hoffman, >> yes. >> Cecilia, >> yes. >> Jeremiah, >> yes. Jason, >> yes. Motion carries. G is also a donation. It is the recommendation of the administration that the board of school directors accept with gratitude a donation from the Ktown Optimus Club for adjustable basketball hoops at Ktown Elementary School and Greenwich Elementary School at a value
059of $19,81 elementary. >> Second pass. >> Okay. Thank you. I'd like to thank the Kan Optimist Club and the other donors that contributed. >> Yeah, I'd like to thank I mean this is uh Mr. Ben Haw through the Optimus Club kind of leads this so we can the ultimate goal is to be able to have quality baskets that'll go down to 80 feet for our youngest basketball players. Um so you know through the Optimus Club and with um you know the like to also thank Lyn Silent and Bob Tolini for continuing to you know honor the tradition of Kutztown basketball um in honor of Mr. John Silent, former legendary coach. So just a lot of great community actors here coming together and just providing more opportunity will also be used for our elementary students and
060gym class of course as well. So thanks a lot. >> So excellent but wonderful donation roll please >> Daniel Whisper. >> Yes. [clears throat] >> Laurel Ziggler. >> Yes. >> Aaron Nel. >> Yes. >> Michael P. Yes. Hman. >> Yes. >> Holy Light. >> Yes. Dennis Judicious. >> Yes. Copy. >> Yes. Motion carries. E is board member resignation. It is the request of Dennis Judicious that the board of school directors accept with regret his resignation from the Piston Area School District board of school directors region 2 see cycle 2023 through 2027 effective November 17 2025 immediately upon board approval. Do we have a motion? Thank you. >> Whisper second. Questions, comments. Mr. Yes. Um, before I read my comments, um, I would just like to say that the last couple weeks were super emotional for
061me. Um, my wife asked me yesterday how I felt about this, whether I felt relieved, and honestly, I said, "Yeah, a little, but honestly, I feel guilty if anything else." uh partly because I'm a believer and have tried to instill in my kids that you finish what you started. That being said, um I'd like to read my comments. Um a lot has changed since I first committed to running for school board back in 2021 when I met Aaron Engel during her campaign four years ago. Since then, I've opened and now operate two local businesses that require a 7-day per week commitment for nine months of the year. Additionally, since then, I started and now run a youth group for my church. Also, since then, I added serving on the board of my church. If that
062wasn't enough, we cared for my dad during his hospice at our home. And now, my mom is declining [clears throat] with has declining health that has me regularly traveling to her about an hour away and managing all of her affairs. I just find myself in a place that I am simply overcommitted. All that being said, I had communicated to Mr. Cup a couple months ago that I was concerned about completing my term through the end of 2027, but I assured him that I would not resign unless at some point there was a qualified candidate that shared my valuable values available to replace me. I believe I have an obligation to my voters to ensure that they continue to get what they voted for. When the recent election results came in and Aaron lost by only
06310 votes, I realized that the qualified candidate may be available now. As I have got to know Aaron over the last four years, she has exemplified the highest character and has served on this board for four years with dignity and professionalism. Despite the fact that some board members may not favor the process that will allow for her continued service, the reality is that if Aaron was not committed to continuing on, I would not have resigned. And the makeup of the board would be exactly the same either way. Those who oppose will put forward the position that this board should not be able to fill the vacant board seat as it sees fit, compliant the current policy, because previous boards with different people leading chose to do it differently. also compliant with the current policy. They
064believe they should have the opportunity to try to change the makeup of the board despite voters choosing uh to support the positions that I ran on for a 4-year term. In my opinion, the most obvious solution is to confirm the most highly qualified and proven candidate, Aaron, then take this issue to committee for revision for future vacancy appointments if the board so chooses. With that in mind, I would urge all of my fellow board members to vote in unity in favor of Aaron to be seated for the remaining two years of my term. It has been my honor and my pleasure to work alongside this board. Even when we disagreed, and I would add, I think I've disagreed with everyone in this room at some point or another. Um, and to serve this school district
065and our community. I will always appreciate and value the relationships that were developed while serving as a member of this board. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Thank you for your time and your service. I know we've agreed ourselves with everyone. >> Any other comments? I just um want to comment that one of the things I enjoyed about serving with you Dennis is um whenever we disagreed about something uh when we would counter each other's point I think we always started with I would like to respectfully disagree with what you're saying. Um so I just I I thank you for that uh courtesy that we that we showed each other over the past two years. I agree. I I've enjoyed your respect. >> I would like to add that I appreciate your couple years of service
066as well, Dennis. Um, I think that uh you've been considering vacating your position. The most fair way to the voting public would have been to resign in time for someone to run for your position and let the community of voters decide who would replace you instead of you deciding who would replace you as one single person. Um, and you refer to the process that was used in the past that in my estimation was just a lot more transparent to the community because it advertised vacancy gave anyone with an interest in the region the opportunity to apply, interview, present themselves to the board. Maybe other people who have previously served on the board who's also have excellent experience and qualifications and um everyone gets to see who is interested, who is capable and who is ready
067to serve in this Any other comments? >> All right, Mr. Roll, please. >> Laurel Ziggler, >> yes. >> Aaron Angel, >> yes. >> Michael Hesman, >> yes. >> Celia, >> yes. >> Jeremia, >> yes. That is judicious. Do I vote? >> Yes. >> Yeah, you can vote. >> Yes. I don't know why I told you. I was asking. You only got a week left. I guess >> Daniel. >> Yes. Motion cars. Thank you again. Um as I announced earlier, we will move to G at this moment. Board member appointment appoints. is the recommendation and I will move assuming that I'm no longer on the board. I'm going to move to the audience. That's been your name tag was here. [laughter] Okay. >> It is the recommendation of the board president and I will move that
068with the board of school directors appointing Eron Engel to fill the vacancy on the board of school directors region two for the remainder of the term 2023 2027 effectively effective November 17 2025 immediately upon board approval. I move. So just a second. >> Second. >> Thank you. >> This is all we have a motion in a second. Um do we I will since I moved that I will I will open up with with the conference. When an important decision arises, elected officials have a duty to offer their recommendation. I was elected to res represent this community and I am deeply humbled to have just received the highest number of votes in our school district's history. That trust carries responsibility to act to uphold principles and is to serve the best interest of the district. Before
069making this recommendation, I ensured full compliance with good center school district policy and state law. While I was disappointed that that Dennis has to step away, I am grateful that Aaron is willing to please turn. Any recommendation I make requires a majority vote and I fully expect it to succeed because Aaron is the clear qualified choice. Some argue that Aaron should not continue because she nearly lost the most recent election 50.4 to 49.6 against Mr. Vinak. Congratulations Mr. Vinick. Um we'll see you at the next meeting. Yet even in the close loss, Aaron maintained substantial support. She earned the third highest vote total in any contested school direction school director election in Maxatoni history and that she followed that follows in 2021 and she received the highest vote total ever recorded in the Maxon school
070director race. That level of support is not accidental. It reflects strong public trust in the overwhelming of voter confidence across two consecutive election cycles. And let's be honest, in the most recent election primaries and uh general, no one else in Maxani demonstrated the willingness, dedication, or courage to run. There are no potential candidates with anywhere near Aaron's proven level of voter support and the ability to continue providing the representation that voters endorsed two years ago when Dennis was elected. Aaron is the correct individual to complete the term. To ignore that reality is not just wrong. It is an attempt to disregard the will of our community, install a handpicked individual who didn't run for election, and seize a seat for ideology that the voters themselves did not choose. So my support is behind uh Eron.
071Sorry >> I I wasn't going to comment but then I I really want people to hear my part. There's in my heart there's nothing nefarious about this. There's nothing conniving about this. This is not me being like I'm going to stick it to somebody. When I heard that Dennis was stepping down, I was shocked. So, no, no Sunshine Act was violated in my book, I was just as shocked as the rest of us when we got um Christian's email saying that this was going to happen. Um in my mind, it just made sense to have Aaron step up because she's already a member. She already knows a board. So, I was excited. I was excited to hear that that's what was going to happen in my heart. Um, now after I've seen all the division
072that it's causing, I'm like even shocked that we're here. Like because in my mind it makes sense to do it because Aaron is qualified. She is an amazing woman who cares deeply about our community. She's not doing this to stick it to anyone. She's she, you know, she she's doing it because she loves our community. Um, I don't see this as her being well, the voting I don't see it as her being voted off. I saw the voting as Matthew being picked and he's still going to get his seat, which is great. Um, had she lost by like 300 votes, then maybe I'd be like, Aaron, sorry, Bren, maybe not. But um so just know my heart. This isn't a conniving uh move that we're doing. I'm excited to to serve with Aaron again and
073that's why she's getting my support. I would move to table this in favor of following the more transparent process that we have followed over the past 20 or so years and many other school districts follow as well. >> Um did you make a motion on this or would you second the table Mr. Full call vote on the tableling of the motion please. Guess not to table and to proceed with the motion. >> Aaron, >> no. >> Michael Hess, yes. Hoffer, >> no. >> Cecilia, >> yes. >> Jeremiah Light, no. >> Dennis, sorry, Dennis. Daniel Whismer, no. [clears throat] Arl Ziggler, >> yes. >> Jason C, >> no. Motion table does not carry. >> Okay. I have another comment which is for Mr. Cochen. Um I as a fellow board member as a board member who
074has served for a long time for 14 years with a variety of boards. I think it would have been courteous to communicate with all of us and perhaps help us understand why we're not following prior procedure. Why this is the best for the community and the district. I understand that you just made a speech about it. Now, um but it feels more like a combative power play that it was just announced to us, none of us knowing anything about it on Thursday night in an email. Um >> honestly, I don't think I knew until Tuesday. So, >> but he didn't reach out to any of us. Well, I don't know. He may have reached out to people who he just said he told you months ago. >> He was considering it. It's not saying Jason.
075It's disingenuous. Very cool. At any rate, um this my vote for on this motion isn't about the person. It's about the process. But I will be voting. >> Doesn't it finally be sunshine act if we all discuss it? >> So you wanted a deliberation. It would have just been a notice that we were thinking of putting a motion on the agenda. But it it almost opens up the door to discussion when we know stuff way ahead of time. You know what I mean? Like you're not a very unique decision. We can certainly talk about things that are happening and information that happened all the time. >> This is decisive street Thursday. That was a little discussed. We did reach out to Reba to have a little bit of a conversation and I understand it's a
076two- rank street that I wish you would cross sometimes. As a duly elected member of the board, I would like to speak clearly and publicly on the matter of serious concern tonight. One that goes beyond just policy disagreements or politics and directly implicates Pennsylvania state law, public trust, and the rights of the voters within this district. Can't hear you, ma'am. >> Earlier this month, residents of the district participated in a lawful election. In that election, Aaron Engel was not reelected to the board. Uh she lost to Matt Biniac, whose results have been certified by the Burks County Board of Elections, and that result is not in dispute. And that is the result that reflects the voice of our constituents. And yet tonight, the board is trying to take action that would reverse the outcome of
077an election, not by preventing the lawful seating of Mr. Biniac, who will appropriately take office in the next meeting, but rather by using a coordinated sequence of resignations and appointments to retain Erin Engel on this board despite her electoral defeat. They are the for majority are attempting to use political maneuvers rather than an election by placing her into a seat that is only vacated mere minutes before. To be clear, I object to the process, the speed, the secrecy, the lack of public notice on the open board position, the lack of public opportunity to participate in the appointment process, and the very apparent pre-arrangement of the outcome. The Pennsylvania Sunshine Act is unambiguous. It requires that deliberation and official action by quorum occur in public, not through private conversations or serial coordination in predetermined outcomes. However,
078the evidence suggests that this decision has already been made before we entered this room. A Facebook post was published on Friday, November 15th in a public group with 739 local members written by Jackie overcast Bridges. Miss Bridges is not only the admin of that group, but one of the leaders of the KD Children First Pack. This political action committee lists the voting majority on this board as their current board members on their public website. Shortly after the e this evening's meeting agenda was posted to the district website, Jackie publicly shared the following post. I will shortened it for concis conciseness. Quote, I know many voters were disappointed to see Aaron lose her seat, but here's a silver lining. Aaron will be will be stepping into Dennis's seat for Maxatonyi and continuing her service on the
079board. Please join us on Monday at the board meeting as we thank Dennis for his years of dedication and congratulate Aaron on continuing to serve our schools and community. The post was written before this meeting tonight, before a vote has taken place, before any public discussion, and before an open application process. The only way that such a definitive statement could be made and as if this forum of this board had already discussed, agreed and coordinated this outcome privately, which is a direct violation of section 704 of the Sunshine Act. >> This pre-eliberation of this vote was further made evident this evening through Mr. Cox Thomas during the executive session and his decision to manipulate the sequence of tonight's agenda to support his preferred political outcome. It was also evidenced further by the lack of recognition
080of Aaron Egle's upcoming resignation through the brick recognition discussion this evening rather assuming that the outcome of the vote tonight would be her appointment. If this vote has already been discussed or agreed outside of this very public forum at this moment, then this board and not just not just the board but also the individuals face serious legal consequences, including civil penalties for individual board members, legal costs and fees to the district, and an invalidation of any of the actions taken here tonight. Therefore, I am asking that we delay this appointment until a lawful transparent process has been followed, including public notice, an open application period, public interviews, as has always been followed on this board in the past, and is also the lawful process recommended by the PSBA, the Pennsylvania School Board Association. If the
081board chooses to proceed with a vote this evening, then I am requesting a formal investigation into whether six members of this board participated in private deliber deliberations or communications about tonight's planned vote, which would be in direct violation of the Sunshine Act. The people of Kutztown deserve transparency. They deserve fairness. They deserve trust. There is not a prerogative of the board as an entity unto itself. Rather, we are here directly to represent the voters. Therefore, I will not participate in a process that appears to have been decided before this meeting even began. I am raising a formal Sunshine Act objection. This action appears to be the result of private deliberations by a forum outside of this public meeting which is a violation of section 704 of Pennsylvania's sunshine act. I'm requesting that the board cease
082further action on this item until we comply with the law and I move to adjourn this meeting. Thank you. I am making a motion to adjourn this meeting. Thank you. >> A second. >> Uh roll call to return. >> Wait, hold on. >> And we need to um go into executive session so that we can talk with Mr. Manuzo before anyone takes a vote on this. Are we allowed to to >> I guess it depends on what the subject matter is. This what is being voted on is public health matter. So we can't discuss it outside. >> I think it would just be to find out like what happens like depending on how this vote goes like what happens if we vote on other the remaining motions. I guess I just not going to deliberate
083but I just want to ask like questions as far as As far as like the board member's liability as far as voting on this position on this resolution, I mean anybody can allege a sunshine law of violation occurred again to vote to are some of the repercussions of that. I'm not aware of a sunshine mail violation, but I also don't want to go into tech session, you know, to stay with the public that now again, if there is a sunshine violation, there will be questions to it. However, voting on this, this is within sunshine law provisions. It was properly advertised. It was available to the public 24 hours ahead of time. I mean to me there's two distinct issues being but the mere act of voting on something doesn't implicate my based on what I
084understand the circumstances right now to comment on agenda item. >> Sure. I'd just like to state for the record that in the last two weeks I've spoken to exactly three people. Mr. Mr. Chhat and it comment. >> Yeah, you raised your hand. Steve Wilson Maxonian. Since no evidence has been brought forth this evening, is it reasonable for the sake of clarity for all of us? Is it reasonable to assume that the superintendent, the president, and the solicitor can affirm tonight that the agenda here and the items performed on it tonight are law. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Can I make one comment too? Yes sir. Um I um I [clears throat] always try and uh hold myself to saying some of the things that I think are are probably more than ready to be said.
085Um I'm going to try and do the same thing. Um but I need to actually make a few things clear. Um, when it comes to certain members of the board who are the most vocal, who we've heard all the different things about, Mike Hass, Mike knows where I'm at. Um, there's a way to handle yourself and then there's not a great way to handle yourself. And then there's >> Is this a personal attack? >> I said members of the board >> and you said and you pointed to me. >> Okay, I'm going to keep speaking and if you choose to interrupt me, then again, it's just going to be calling your own self out. So, what I'd like to actually make clear is when there's members of the board who make claims that are untrue
086over and over again, um it's it's damaging to the point where um a couple months ago in committee there was uh a similar situation where there was the same uh process, complaints that were brought up and um I voted to even though there was no process that was violated, it was just boiling down to a disagreement and we are not all going to agree. But in order to reach out, what I did was agree to go back to committee and talk about this item again and work it out. And that particular board member did not even have the courtesy to show up. And at that point in time, what I decided was um [clears throat] in order to effectively continue the work that matters on this board, I realize that the same methodologies of of
087delay and process have come up over and over and over again down to the point where I've even been told by previous board members how I'm supposed to conduct emails. Um, I've served on the board for two years. Um, while I appreciate help from from others who have more experience, um, it becomes challenging and I think somewhat of a lack of of insight to be able to see that different groups may govern and operate differently. And because that operation is different, it doesn't mean that it is illegal and combative power plays and and pre-arrangements and and I think the the desire to to just burn down everything that's in front of us, I think it's unfortunate and there's nothing that I can do about it. Um, but I do hope that we can do better
088as a board and I hope everything proceeds because everything that has been said about Aaron is this just makes sense in every way, shape or form. However many times I've been through this and so I I echo what Reeba had said. I this doesn't this doesn't really make sense to me other than the same thing that I've heard over and over again which I have only have historically seen to be disingenuous and I find that unfortunate but the way it is. So I hope that we can agree to disagree and have a procedure where a majority votes and and we can continue. Um, but that's only I have one vote and I'm one of a member of the entire board. Thank you. >> Second to let me uh >> no >> Michael Bess. Yes. >>
089Sorry. Hoffman. >> No. >> Celia. >> Yes. >> Jeremiah. >> No. >> Daniel Whismer. >> No. >> Laurel Ziggler. >> Yes. >> C. >> No. The motion on the board member appointments. So on this appointment, it's like how can somebody be illegally hold two school two school board positions? Should this appointment pass, Aaron will be a board member for two seats? How is that possible? How is that legal? >> So under law, you have 10 days to qualify to become a board member. Um, this often occurs in a situation where there are two positions open during an election, per se, where there's a four-year position and a two-year position. One candidate can run for both of those positions, and they can win both those positions, but ultimately they need to choose whether they want the
090two-year position or four-year position. And as long as that choice is made prior to that 10day expiration, there's no conflict with the bill. >> Right. But for that situation, Can I just real quick? Thank you. >> In in that situation though, that person isn't a seated board member. They wouldn't be a board member until um the our process that we have next week. I'm blanking on reorganization. And I understand that, but the statute, the school code specifically 24 PS-3 319 explicitly says that even situation as well. >> So basically she's not in that board seat until she's correct. So it says [clears throat] in the appointment motion in effective immediately upon board approval. >> It's really until swearing it. >> Okay. >> She's being appointed immediately, but she isn't swearing in until she appears before
091an over. There's a list of various officials that can can conduct swearing in outside of normal reorganization. >> So what's the point of resignation if this does that doesn't matter? Why resign? >> You have to resign seats eventually. >> But her seat would run out before reorganization. Then reorganization happens and she fills the other seat. >> So Mr. H, she's been appointed tonight. So she is 10 days from tonight. >> Technically, she doesn't have tonight. >> Correct. That is correct. >> It won't do it. >> So if someone wins an election, maybe I'm getting too technical. I apologize. Okay. Sorry. Um All right. So you're saying that it's that she legally can hold both of these positions and that she would have to resign within 10 days. She can receive appointment while being in position.
092She has to resign her existing position within 10 days qualifying for the newly appointed position. Um yeah, I think my stance on this is I just don't understand the speed to push this through when in my last 12 years we had three times we had um and a vacant position and all three times it went to the public. We had people submit applications. that came to subsequent board meetings, spoke, the board deliberated in public, I just don't I don't see why Aaron couldn't follow that. Um, and then we vote well the board at that time would vote whether to seek her or someone else who applied for it. Um although the intention um might be what Jason and Aribba are saying, the optics of it don't look anywhere close to to what your intentions what
093you're stating your intentions are. So because of this not following past practice and pretty much setting its own precedent for moving forward, it does not have my support. Um, but I would love to see um, if we don't have an official policy on this, I would love to see an official policy on how the board should be moving forward. And I think they should move forward with transparency um, like we have for the past 12 years up until this point. I think in a case like this when it is an open and transparent process we can be confident we can all be confident that the best candidate will rise uh to the top in that occasion and be able to withstand interviews and and public discussion and but again there may very well be the
094exact same outcome but the fact is that this process right now is shrouded in secrecy and and maneuvers that are disingenuous and are are extremely against the the openness and transparency with the public. So again, I I have moved to adjourn the meeting. So I would like a vote to take place on that movement on that motion. >> Okay, thank you. Let's keep on going then. We'll go to the appointment. >> Yes. >> Michael Pat. >> Yes. Celia, >> no. >> Jeremiah, >> yes. Dennis, sorry, Dennis. >> Daniel Wisner. >> Ziggler, >> no. >> Jason C. Yes. Motion carries. Congratulations, Aaron. Forward to continue to work with you for the next couple years. And then move in. Could I just ask one more clarification? Is it What was Aaron's vote on this last >> I
095say yes. >> So how could wouldn't it be a direct conflict of interest to vote for yourself? How could that not be an extension vote? >> So Miss Zer, often times in these situations that there is no conflict of interest. A it's not a paid position but B for example when a candidate can vote for themselves you know in an election circumstance a candidate can vote for themselves uh for example board president vice president officer positions there's no specific restriction against that >> thank you >> we will take F board member resignation is the request of angle that the board of school directors accept with regret her resignation from put school board school District board of school directors region 2 seat cycle 21 through 25 effective November 17th 2025 immediately above upon board approval we'd
096like to move >> second motion a second believe we can break into a roll call vote for this Mr. Michael, no. >> Yes. >> Cecilia B. >> No. >> Jeremiah. >> Yes. That is judiciary. I'm sorry. [laughter] >> Daniel Wizard. >> Yes. >> Laurel Ziggler. >> No. >> Aaron Angel. >> Yes. >> Jason C. Yes. Motion carries. H is introduction of new business by board members. >> Anyone want to introduce new business? >> Yes, I know Mike alluded to it before, but I um officially wanted to request a policy and curriculum um consider amending policy 04 to add the fair, ethical, transparent process for failing vacancies for this district. >> We can discuss those principles on the December 8th Dr. Myers, is there any public comment on non-aggenda items online? >> No, there is none.
097Anybody signed up in here? Then I'd be looking for a motion to move in. Well, hold on one second. Let me run through the All right. 10 isformational items. They're listed uh today. 11 is upcoming public meetings and informative dates. December 1st was the board reorganization meeting at 7 o'clock here in the high school library and by Zoom. I know they very likely we will not need to have the meeting after the reorganization looking ahead for two weeks. So we'll still reorg 7 o'clock, but it's very unlikely we would have the meeting in past weeks. December 8th is the policy and curriculum committee meeting at six o'clock between high school library and by zoom followed by the facilities and extracurricular committee meeting at 7. December 15th is our monthly schoolboard meeting at 7:30 here in
098the high school library and by Zoom. Got to be looking for a motion to adjurnn. So move second. >> All in favor say I. way. But I