Good evening.
I like to call the May 24, 2021
meeting of the Derry Township School District Board of Directors
to order and announce that this meeting
is being livestreamed on audio recording.
This meeting is being conducted both in-person and virtually limiting
our in-person attendance to ensure the ability to social distance
during the COVID 19 pandemic.
I'd like to request the board members to please state your name when speaking.
Mrs.. E.g. Roll Call.
Mr. Abel Here.
Dr. Cronan Here.
Mr.. Here.
Ms.. Abersoch Here.
Ms.. NAMI Here.
Dr. Shore Here.
Mr. Secker Here.
Mr. Singer Here.
Mrs. Steiner Here.
Nine total. Eight present.
In-person. One virtually. Okay.
Thank you.
Flag salute.
Please rise if you are able and join me for the Pledge of Allegiance.
I of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which
I know that it has all.
Thank you.
Can all be seated.
I would like to make a statement
as board president at the outset of this meeting this evening
as previously communicated.
The high school was closed on May 9th and 10th,
although I had no knowledge of Mr.
Macfarlane's decision to close the high school
without hitting the required case count until after Mr.
Macfarlane initiated the process.
I fail to fully informed the full board of the decision.
I also failed to inform the board of Mr.
Macfarlane's indication that he would not share the basis
of the closure with my fellow board members unless directly asked.
Despite Mr.
Macfarlane being directly asked about the closure by at least one
board member, I did not disclose the circumstances with the full board
until Friday, March 14th, 2021.
I deeply regret
my error and failing to keep the board fully informed.
Once I became aware of this information and this is an important duty
of the President, therefore I hereby submit my resignation as President.
Thank you.
This is Terry, sir.
I move that President Abel's
resignation be accepted.
If there are a second.
This is Tricia Steiner. A second.
Any discussion?
We can do this by way of a roll call.
Vote, please. Ms..
Mr. Abel? Yes.
Dr. Crane? Yes,
Mr. Room? Yes.
This is Harris.
Yes, this is Manny.
Yes, Dr. Shaw.
Yes, this is.
Yes, Mr. Sanger.
Yes, Mr.
Steiner? Yes.
Nine. Yes.
Okay.
Thank you, Mr.
Abel.
Given Miss Mimi's participation virtually this evening,
typically she would step in as the vice president and run this meeting.
The fact that Mr.
is here is the Treasurer and the next officer.
My recommendation is that she run the meeting this evening as.
As the President
so effectively hand the order of business to Mr.
Correct
for the.
Thank you, Mr.
Abel.
Approval of Board of Directors Agenda.
May I have a motion to approve the May 24th, 2021
Board of Directors Agenda.
Donna Cronan So moved
second.
Cathy Sikka Is there any discussion?
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say i, i, i.
Any opposed.
The agenda is approved.
President Communications.
I would like to announce
that the board met in executive session prior to this meeting
and then special executive sessions on Friday, May 14th at 3:30 p.m.
and thursday May 20th at 4:00 PM to discuss matters of personnel,
purchase or lease of real estate
in consultation with attorney or other professional advisors.
The board will meet in post executive session following this meeting.
Recognition of Citizens.
This is an opportunity for residents and taxpayers
to address the board on matters related to the agenda.
Those who speak, if present, are asked to come
to the microphone and state your name and address for the record.
Those who are attending virtually you are asked to raise your virtual hand.
In order to be recognized, you must have your first
and last name typed into the livestream registration.
Once recognized and unmuted, please state your name and address
for the record to provide other residents with an opportunity to speak.
Each speaker during the public comment portion
is limited to 5 minutes of speaking.
Time once recognized and limited to one opportunity
to address the board during each of the public comment periods.
If necessary, the board may set a maximum
time for the public comment portion of any meeting.
This portion of the board meeting
is for comments to the board and is not a question and answer period.
Those wishing to present private concerns or questions needing follow up
outside of the board
meeting may go to the district website and submit a committee correspondence.
Are there any residents or
taxpayers who would like to comment at this time
having participants in person?
We'll start with those and then move to virtual.
Hello, John Miller from 329 Cocoa.
I originally wanted to start off
talking about Memorial Day coming up,
but what we just experienced, I think is
is admirable for for explaining the situation.
And we appreciate transparency.
But what it shows us is that
when when we have a moving target, COVID,
we're open. We're not open.
People have good intentions.
I respect I respect the effort to to reset the clock.
To be honest with you,
I wish we would have seen a little bit more of that earlier on because
it's not consistent.
There's no consistency.
And that just pigeonholes us and gets us into situations like we like we just saw.
So that being said,
with the unofficial
start to summer are nearly upon us
observing Memorial Day.
It's a time that we can honor and mourn the military men and women who have made
the ultimate sacrifice for the American way of life.
The significance of the American way of life, as reflected
multiple times in the school code, references to curriculum.
The principles and ideals of the American Republic
representative form of government as portrayed in the study of the history
of the United States, shall also be
such as will emphasize the good
and the best features and points of the social,
economic and cultural development and growth of the American family life.
High standard of living in the United States.
As a citizen, the privileges enjoyed by such citizens.
There's a discourse that's floating around.
Some call it critical theory, some call it wokeism.
But if you go to reopen TSD that us,
I compiled what I perceived
to be a history of where this language comes from.
It has its roots.
Hegelian dialectic in 1700s.
Gramsci In Italy, all the way through the postmodernists
of the Frankfurt School in Germany, this is
diabolical language.
It is rooted in Marxism and got twisted
through the postmodern revolution and mixed with intersectionality.
Sometime in the early nineties to we're at a point now
where language doesn't make sense and it's not supposed to.
So I'd urge everybody to look at this stuff.
We all want the same thing.
We need to come together for our kids.
I mean, we're on the same team. Mr. Miller.
This is not a topic on the agenda, so this portion would have to be reserved
for the last public comment, I guess.
I guess I appreciate that.
So I'll let you go.
I appreciate the time.
And I just urge, urge everybody to think
beyond what our political aspirations are
and what we need to do for our kids and the future of this community.
Thank you.
Is there anyone else in the public audience
who would like to speak at this time?
Thank you.
Then, Ms..
Landry, we can open it up to virtual attendees
who would like to raise their hand and
participate in public comment.
Now, Ms..
Drew, I'm not seeing any virtual hands raised
at this time.
Okay?
There is one person here in the audience who would like to comment
at this time.
I'm sorry
you were so quick and I didn't want to be rude, So thanks.
I'm Catherine English.
I'm at five, four or five Hell, Church Road and Hummelstown.
I appreciate the time and service of all that.
Volunteer for your board position.
I appreciate that this time this is time away from your families and lives.
So thank you for your service.
I wholeheartedly empathize with all that.
All in these unchartered waters parents, teachers, kids and admin alike.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone
that has suffered loss and struggle through this last year and more.
My family moved here in 2012
but did not enroll our kids in Derry Township until five years ago.
I will admit to being woefully naive to many standards
and politics at large in Derry until this last year.
My eyes have been open considerably.
Overall, we have had great experiences with teachers and staff in Derry.
My kids are not gamers.
iPad owners are generally submerged in technology
and in that context you can understand that
the nightmare of this last year or more has been for our kids.
Although I have loved having them at home,
I have a
driven eighth grader that felt no academic pain but emotional
and opted to go hybrid as she felt that school had become like a prison.
She requested to return prior to summer just a few weeks ago,
wanting to reconnect with her peers and could only be brought back two days
while outside for gym with classmates, she had her mask below her nose.
Seeing the mask below her nose, her gym teacher asked in front of other students
if she had been vaccinated and requested it to be placed back over her nose.
The teacher further documented that mask infringement or whatever
we are calling these mask infractions on her coursework.
My daughter is a straight-A student
that has never had a disciplinary infraction in her entire student career.
But now has it documented that she didn't want English?
Yes. I'm so sorry to interrupt you.
Similar to when Mr.
Miller, unless this is referencing a specific item on the agenda this evening,
this comment is more than welcome to me at the second public comment period,
but this one is only for comments related to agenda items.
Okay. Thank you. Thank you.
Address 1740 East Caracas AV.
Just point clarification.
It really isn't supposed to be discussing what agenda items are clear to discuss
before we start any of the items that are posted on the public agenda
for this evening that the board will be taking and opening comments at the end.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Thank you.
Are there any virtual participants who wish to provide public comment
at this time?
Seeing on the virtual are the first public comment
period will now be closed and we'll move on with the agenda.
Standing
Committee Meeting Report As the Finance Standing Committee.
The Finance Standing Committee met today
as Chair of the Finance Committee and Treasurer.
I will provide that report.
Today we reviewed the capital plan
items for the 2122 school year and had presentations from technology,
food services and building and grounds related to items on the capital plan
for next year.
The Finance Committee recommended
the approval of the Capital Plan for 2122 to the full board,
and that will be on an agenda in June for full board approval.
We also focused on goal focused setting for the 2122 school year,
which will include the food services budget,
the Milton Hershey Trust performance, long term capital planning
and monitoring revenue and expenses,
as we always do, including post pandemic performance
as it relates to revenue and expenses.
And that concludes my report for the Finance Committee.
If no one has any questions,
Student Representatives Report.
Mr. Barto and Mr.
Padayachee, would you like to give your report now, please?
Yes, we actually don't have a report,
but we would like to thank the board for Dr.
Smith and the high school administration for this
prestigious opportunity that we've been able to have this year.
The Communicators presentation on collaborative skills
that we have attained from this experience have been invaluable,
despite the long hours at times, being able to observe
the process of local government has provided a new understanding
and appreciation for all that Derry Township has to offer.
And sorry, Miss Lois, I didn't see that you were on here.
So it's you and. And Mr. Podolski.
It's all right.
We wanted to mention that,
you know, obviously, this year hasn't been easy for any of us,
but we just feel so fortunate
to have been witnesses to all of your amazing leadership and work.
And it's been an honor representing the student body
and informing both the board and the public
regarding Hershey's various very impressive events and achievements.
And we just wanted to thank you again for your meaningful experience
as we head out on our own and for always respecting our time and contributions.
So thank you so much.
Thank you both.
And since this is your last meeting before graduation,
on behalf of the board, since you were not able to be here with
us this evening in person,
we do want to just thank you for being student representatives
to the board and congratulate you on graduation.
Coming up on Wednesday,
Dr. Winslow is holding a folio
that you will be receiving Wednesday at graduation practice.
In addition to the scholarships.
Once she has the ability to see you there in person.
But please know that on behalf of the board, we thank you
and congratulate you and wish you the very best.
Thank you. Mr..
Is there any other board members
that would like to comment before we move on?
Okay.
Thank you both.
The listed items are on the anticipated
June 14th, 2021, Board of Directors Meeting Agenda
Unfinished Business.
Dr. Winslow.
Thank you. Mr..
Just a few.
So a few quick updates.
We are just to reconfirm that we are finishing out the year with
limited
restrictions in place, but continuing with our masking.
We really appreciate everybody's cooperation.
And with that, until that has been officially lifted by the State Government,
we are finishing up with, we have graduation on Wednesday,
which is very exciting, very excited that we got six tickets for families.
So those restrictions being eased was was very helpful for that celebration.
We are finishing up the Keystone exams at the middle school this week.
US is at the elementary school.
Next week we will be doing actually the day
after graduation when we starting Keystone exams at the high school.
In lieu of final exams.
This year we will be doing Keystone exams
and students will have between
now and the end of the year on June 3rd to work with their teachers,
finish up assignments, get caught up with anything that has been
hanging over them.
As we finish off the year
and tomorrow we will be sending out information
to families on what our virtual models for next year will look like.
If you'll recall from our presentation previously, the elementary level K through
five will be working through the IU and using Kayla resources
for our elementary students and at the middle school
and high school level, we will have a virtual model
that is similar to what was offered this year.
There will be details in that family communication,
so please read it very carefully, particularly at the high school level.
The high school schedule is very complex and there are certain courses
that just do not lend themselves well to virtual learning.
And we also want to really emphasize that we anticipate this year
we believe that the best place for children is at school,
that is where we can provide the best instruction.
It is where we can provide all the social opportunities for students.
And ultimately, we really do hope that the majority of parents
will choose to send their students back into school.
But for families that do have extenuating circumstances or are not comfortable
coming back yet in the fall, we will have those options available.
So families will have about a week to review that information.
You can call and ask questions that either to myself or the building level.
And then on June 1st, we will send out calling it a survey.
It's really a sign up
If you are if you are planning on signing up
for virtual, you would have between June 1st and June 15th.
That will close off June 15th.
I know it feels a little bit early.
Please know that we are moving to a new student
information system that everybody is learning.
It will be unavailable to us until July 1st.
So closing the survey on June 15th allows us to get students into sections.
It allows us to have individual conversations
with families again, particularly at the high school level.
That's going to be very, very important.
And then it gives us the month of July to get them scheduled into their section
so that schedules will be ready when we begin school in August.
And that's that's pretty much what I have available for that.
If there's any questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
Okay, No questions.
Thank you. Dr. Winslow.
Moving on to consent agenda items.
The consent agenda contains routinely adopted items and items that do not
or normally do not require public deliberations on the part of the board.
A board member may pull items which will then be discussed and voted on separately.
May I have a motion to approve the consent agenda items as listed?
So move Donna Cronan
second session second.
Is there any discussion?
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say i, i, i and the opposed
the consent agenda is approved.
Moving on to new business.
First item of new business is the Safety and Security Warehouse agreement. Dr.
Winslow the administration recommends
the board approve the agreement with warehouse for professional services
in the amount not to exceed $127,575 for the high school traffic flow project.
May I have a motion to approve the warehouse agreement
for the high school traffic flow project?
So move.
Donna Cronan.
Second, Tricia Steiner.
Is there any discussion at all?
I was going to say
this is this is Capshaw, Ms..
Drew and I talked about this earlier today.
And this is really not ready for approval.
It's it's an outdated agreement.
The this is dated August 7th of the year 2020.
And the agreement itself specifies that it's only good for 30 days.
In addition to that, it will need to be modified,
reflecting the change in board president and then also the change in the timeline
on the final page, which has timing through the fall of 2020.
So I was those are the high points we go ahead.
And you know, the other detail.
Thank you, Dr.
Shaw, all of the points that that you stated, but also for me,
because a portion of this project is being funded
by grant dollars we received from the Dauphin County Gaming Grant.
And so I personally cannot vote on this particular agreement
that's on the board while I am in support of the project occurring,
a contract agreement that is presented to the board
without a current date and one that is almost ten months
in the past with no current timeline provided,
I think is not something that is responsible on our part to approve
with use of taxpayer dollars and and grant dollars.
So I would request
that should this not pass this evening, that Mr.
Friends would have this agreement updated by warehouse
to have an appropriate updated timeline and dates on there
and bring that back to the board for approval at the next meeting.
Donna Curran This is a question,
Will are we at risk of losing any grant dollars in that process?
If funding was Wong could miss Mr.
Friends, please let me know if I'm speaking out of turn here, but
it is not contingent upon a two week delay.
Thank you.
The other the other developments since this contract was issued
has been the public presentation of a plan by the Milton Hershey School to
for a construction project at the corner of Homestead and governor.
And certainly that traffic flow would impact
that intersection and and also into our high school.
So I think that it would be certainly reasonable to expect
warehouse to have some conversation with the trust regarding
or not with the trust, I'm sure with the school
regarding what their what their traffic survey is
is showing so that there is some coordination
regarding the
the impact of of their project on our traffic flow
study.
Is there any other discussion,
Mrs. Agee, could we have a roll
call vote please?
Archer Burnham. No.
Mr.. No, this is our SEC.
No, this is many. No.
Dr. Shaw. No,
this is no Mr.
Singer. No, this is Steiner.
No, Mr.
Abell. No.
Nine opposed.
Thank you.
The next item is the approval of affiliation agreement.
Dr. Winslow,
The administration recommends the board approve the affiliation agreement
with Derry Township School District MSA University effective May 24th, 2021.
May I have a motion to approve the affiliation agreement with Messiah
University?
Terry Singer So moved.
Second, Donna Cronan, Is there any discussion?
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed
motion carries
approval of CAA.
Are you agreement for an internet and building to building services?
You talked to Winslow.
The administration recommends the approval of the SIU agreement
for an Internet and building to building services commencing April 30th, 2021,
through June 30th, 2026, with an automatic renewal.
Thank you.
May I have a motion to approve the air?
New agreement.
Some of Patricia Steiner
Second, Donna Cronan is there any discussion?
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I, i any opposed
motion carries
a resolution authorizing the 2122 proposed
final budget display and advertising.
Dr. Winslow,
resolved by the Board of School Directors of Derry Township
School District as presented to the one school Board
on May 24th, 2021, available for public inspection at least 20 days
before the date scheduled for adoption of the final budget and to at least
ten days before the date scheduled for adoption of the final budget.
The Secretary shall advertise a final budget notice in substantially
the form is presented to the school board.
The notice shall be advertised once in a newspaper of general circulation
and shall be posted conspicuously at the school district offices and website.
Thank you.
May I have a motion for the resolution authorizing the 2122 proposed
final budget display and advertising?
So move.
Donna Cronin, seconds.
Harris Sir, is there any discussion
I would just like to add
as finance chair that I'm
really proud of this budget, given all of the circumstances that we've had?
There were a number of challenges that were before us, and
there were certainly a lot of things that the Finance Committee had to
get involved.
And further, the understanding with
this year, especially including
some of the more complex things like the the giant center
and the financing in the way that we receive payment from from that.
So thank you to everyone that has been a part of this budget process.
And while we will approve it finally at the end of June,
it going to public display right now is as good as final.
And I'm proud that we're able to offer a budget
to the taxpayers that does not include a tax increase.
There's no other discussion.
Then this will be a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I, i any opposed
resolution passes
Approval of managed print program agreement. Dr.
Winslow, the administration recommends the board approve a three year agreement
effective upon approval with higher information group for the print
management program at a cost of $475 per month.
Thank you.
May I have a motion to approve the managed
print program agreement with Higher Information Group?
So I move.
Donna Cronin,
second.
Cathy Decker
Is there any discussion?
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say are any approved by
the motion Carries
approval of Community Services Group Agreement.
Dr. Winslow.
The administration recommends the approval of the agreement
with Community Services Group to provide school based outpatient therapy
services starting the 2122 school year.
Thank you.
May I have a motion to approve the Community Services Group Agreement?
So move to Kathy Secker
second.
Tricia Steiner Second, Is there any discussion?
This is a standard voice vote.
All in favor.
Say I i any opposed I
motion carries
approval of bus purchase.
Dr. Winslow.
The administration recommends the purchase of one new 2022 model year
Bluebird Vision 77 passenger propane school bus
to replace the 2012 model year Bluebird Vision
77 passenger diesel school bus recently lost due to an electrical fire.
The cost of the new propane school bus through the source while contract
and delivered through by bright bill Body Works
is $101,216
with an estimated 12 week billed delivery time.
Thank you.
May I have a motion to approve the bus purchase
sale Moved Kathy Seger
second. Trisha Steiner.
Is there any discussion?
This is a standard voice vote.
All in favor say I think any opposed
motion carries
approval of postponement.
Memorandum of Understanding. Dr. Winslow.
The administration recommends the approval of a Hershey education
Support Professionals Association Memorandum of Understanding
for School Bus Drivers Medical Benefits.
May I have a motion to approve the Jasper MRU
So moved Kathy Zika
Second.
Donna Cronan Is there any discussion?
I would just like to thank Jason
Wright Snyder once again and Mr.
Bell of the Transportation Department for this year.
Our administration, when it comes to staffing
needs, with so many areas struggling with staffing,
we keep seeing them be innovative
and creative for for ways to continue to staff the district
so that services are not interrupted for students.
And I'm appreciative of that.
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I, I first
motion passes,
revised athletic Trainer Services. Dr.
Winslow, the administration recommends the board approve the revised contract
with Drayer Physical Therapy Institute to provide
athletic trainer services for the period of July 1st, 2021,
through June 30th, 2024, at a cost of $42,500 for 2021.
2022.
School year $43,775
for the 2022 2023 school year and $45,088
for the 2023 2024 school year.
Thank you.
May I have a motion to approve the revised contract with Drayer
Physical Therapy Institute to provide athletic trainer services?
So move Donna Cronin,
Support Center.
Thank you.
Is there any discussion of right may
this is a standard
voice vote on favor say i, i, i.
Any opposed
motion carries
approval of 80 Memorandum of Understanding.
Dr. Winslow.
The administration recommends the approval of a Hershey Education
Association Memorandum of Understanding for Professional reimbursement
rate for the 2021 2022 school year.
May I have a motion to approve the memo?
You some move some of Cathy Zucker second.
Terrie Singer Is there any discussion?
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say i, i, i.
Any oppose
motion carries approval of giant center banning venue use agreement. Dr.
Winslow, the administration recommends the board approve the venue use agreement
with the giant center for the 2021 graduation ceremonies
at a cost of $8,310 plus rental expenses.
May I have a motion to approve the giant center venue
use agreement for the 2021 High school commencement
ceremonies?
Donna Cronan Second.
Trisha Steiner Is there any discussion?
I asked.
Donna Cronan I actually just want to just acknowledge all that.
I want to acknowledge all of them, but all the people that were involved in
all of the craziness surrounding graduation, moving the date,
then adding extra tickets and
and certainly not the leases that the class advisors I know, Lori
Ogle and Jeff Mcnear have been working tirelessly, tirelessly with Dr.
Smith, and it's been a rigamarole and a roller coaster ride.
But thank goodness I am so happy for all of the seniors and their families
that that we have a location that allows, you know, six tickets per person.
So thanks to everybody involved, huge.
Thank you. Dr.
Cronin, is there any other discussion?
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I, I opposed
motion carries.
Section four of four of school laws of Pennsylvania stipulate
that in each school district of the third class, the school director shall elect
a treasurer to serve for one year, beginning the first day in July.
Following such election,
I will now accept nominations for the position of Board Treasurer.
This is not real money.
I would like to nominate Lindsay.
Drew, I think you've done a fantastic job in that role
and it's very crucial to what we do at school board. And
I don't know whether you want to say that or not, but I would like you to there
does actually have a stack.
I second that. Thank you, Judy.
Are there any other nominations
seeing?
There are no other nominations. The nominations are closed.
Is there any discussion
This is a standard voice vote
or I guess I will discuss and just say thank you for Mrs.
Murray for the nomination.
Mrs. Harris deck for
the second.
I have actually really enjoyed being treasurer for this past year
and diving a lot deeper into the budget process
and appreciate your vote of confidence in allowing me to continue doing that.
You're welcome.
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I, I and any opposed
motion passes.
Section four or four of the school laws of Pennsylvania stipulate that once
every four years each district of the third class
shall elect a secretary for the term of four years,
beginning the first day of July.
Following such election,
I will now accept nominations for the position of Board Secretary.
I nominate Michelle Agee.
Second on this very
second, John Abell.
Okay. I believe Mrs.
Sicker and Dr.
Cronan first motioned and seconded that.
Are there any other nominations
hearing?
None.
Nominations are closed.
Is there any discussion?
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I.
I opposed
motion passes.
Thank you, Mrs.
Agee.
May I have a motion to approve an administrative leave of absence for Mr.
McFarlane beginning Friday, May 14th, 2021, through
June 30th, 2021.
So moved Miriam any
second.
Cathy sicker is there any discussion?
Yes, Mrs.
Drew, this is Judy, however sick in regards to this motion,
I will be voting no for ten years. Mr.
Macfarlane has served the district with integrity and students.
Best interest in mind.
This year was probably the most challenging, requiring
many difficult decisions.
I truly believe Mr.
Macfarlane made this current decision regarding school closure based on
what he thought was best for the school and the students and did not intend
to cause any harm during this decision making process.
He was dishonest with the board school solicitor and coworkers.
He recognizes this and has apologized.
His dishonesty warrants disciplinary action.
However, I do not feel ending his career with Derry Township
School District warrants this severe consequence.
I do not feel it's appropriate or necessary.
Thank you,
sir. Any other discussion?
Mrs. Agee?
Roll over, please. Mr..
Yes, Miss Harris.
Sick? No.
This many. Yes.
Aftershock? Yes.
Mrs. Secor?
Yes, Mr.
Singer? Yes.
Mrs. Steiner? Yes,
Mr. Abel? Yes,
Dr. Crane? Yes.
8 to 1. Yes.
May I have a motion to appoint Dr.
Stacy Winslow as the substitute superintendent?
As of Friday, May 14th, 2021, through June 30th, 2021.
So moved.
Kathy Sicker second.
Maria NAMI, Is there any discussion?
Yes, Mrs. Drew.
This is during harvesting again, to be consistent with my vote of not
approving the administrative leave of Mr.
McFarland, I will be voting no for the substitute superintendent.
Thank you. Mr. Sanders.
Is there any other discussion?
Mrs. Agee?
Could I have a roll call?
Vote, please
restrict
how many
this many.
Sorry. Yes,
Doctor shop. Yes,
Mrs. Secor? Yes,
Mr. Singer?
Yes, Mrs. Steiner?
Yes, Mr.
Abel? Yes.
Dr. Cronan?
Yes, Miss Drew? Yes.
8 to 1. Yes.
Thank you.
May I have a motion to approve the substitute Superintendent Employment
agreement between Dr. C.C.
Winslow and the Derry Township School District Board of School Directors.
So? So don't worry.
I'm having second term, sir.
Thank you. Is there any discussion?
Yes, Miss Drew.
This duty, however, stick
again, because I don't approve of the administrative leave for Mr.
McFarland. I won't be voting no for this contract.
Thank you.
Mrs. Haverstock, is there any other discussion?
Mrs. Agee, roll call, please.
This money.
This is money.
Yes, Dr.
Spock. Yes,
Mrs. Sacker?
Yes, Mr.
Singer? Yes,
Mrs. Steiner?
Yes, Mr.
Grable.
Yes, Dr.
Cronin. Yes,
Mr.. Yes,
Mrs. Harris? No.
8 to 1. Yes.
Thank you.
May I have a motion
to approve the personnel resignations?
So moved on to Cronin
Second Murray Army.
Is there any discussion?
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say aye.
I, i, i any opposed
motion passes, personnel, General?
Dr. Winslow.
Sorry.
The administration recommends
the approval of the list of personnel and recognition of any listed transfers.
Thank you.
May I have a motion to approve the listed personnel recognition
of any listed transfers?
So move. Donna Cronan second.
Kathy Secker.
Is there any discussion?
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say aye.
I, i any oppose
motion passes
delegate reports.
The Dauphin County Tax Collection report is attached.
Dr. Shaw, do you have anything to add? Nothing to add.
Thank you. Board member reports.
Are there any board members who would like to give a report?
Actually, this is Donna Cronin.
I just want to remind folks, not only senior families,
but the community, that the road to commencement parade is on Wednesday,
March 26, May 26, this coming Wednesday.
Of course, it begins at 445 and you can line the parade route
at any time thereafter.
The parade begins at Hershey High School, goes down Homestead Road, turns left
onto Cocoa Avenue, right onto Ridge Road, and then proceeds to the giant center.
So we'd love to see as many families as possible supporting our seniors
as they've achieved graduation
amongst a amidst a very trying year.
So congratulations and we hope to see you all.
Thank you. Dr.
Cronin, are there any other board members that would like to have a report? Yes.
Special congratulation to the Hershey High Boys tennis team.
You may know that they finished second in the state championship
this past weekend are completing just an outstanding run.
The only thing that prevented them from winning
four district championship in a row was a pandemic.
And outside of a very, very few
D1 powers, there was nobody that could beat this team.
So really, really excellent, excellent work, boys.
Well done.
Thank you. Dr.
Shah, I would just like to congratulate all of the seniors
who are graduating on Wednesday evening.
And as we head to the since this is our last meeting of the school year, I
say thank you
to all of the families and students and teachers and staff
that have made this year possible under very difficult circumstances
and also congratulations
to the athletic teams that are entering into various
competitions and championships
in the coming days, as well as everyone who are taking tests
and for the those seniors finishing up their tests.
And I guess they're now finished right now
or taking their AP exams.
So best of luck to them.
Dr. Winslow, do you have a report
for the Superintendents Report?
I would just echo all the sentiments that have already been expressed.
It's been a phenomenally difficult year.
We are looking forward to a success, a successful
end to the year, and really have our sights set on
an exciting reopening in the fall.
Thank you, Dr.
Winslow.
There is no board president's report this evening.
Recognition of citizens.
This is an opportunity for residents and taxpayers to address the board on
matters related to the agenda or matters of district governance.
But were not on the agenda.
Those who speak are asked to follow the same guidelines
as outlined at the initial public comment portion of our meeting.
Any residents or taxpayers that would like to comment at this time in person
is English.
If you would like to finish or Mr.
Miller, if you would like to finish your statements, now would be the time
and then we'll open it up once we finish in person.
For anyone virtually who would like to raise their hand to be recognized.
Thank you, Ms..
Drew.
I'm going to pick up and make this brief where I left off.
The point being that we're approaching Memorial Day, we need to reflect.
We need to
look beyond what
the current contemporary,
trendy lingo is without recognizing the meaning behind it.
Words have meaning, theory has meaning,
and if they are not in alignment with the American way of life, with
our curriculum leading to straight out of school code,
this solemn duty to exercise intelligently voting privilege
and talking about teachers teaching their kids
to exercise their voting privileges and to understand the advantages of
the American Republic form of government as compared with other various forms.
So I don't are we doing that?
Are we making sure we're focusing on on the opportunities we have?
Are we reflecting on the sacrifice that was made for so many years,
so many men and women? It's something to be cognizant of.
As you mentioned, this is the last meeting of the year.
I can tell you, I
right here in town,
the feeling in the community
is that there's a loss of trust.
And I don't know where it goes from here because I have
prayed.
I've met a lot of really nice people.
It's not in the best circumstances, but
everybody from, every political affiliation, non
politically affiliated, everybody kind of seems to have the same concerns that
what goes on in this room is out of touch with the people.
I would I would suggest if we could have a forum where
we could have more people and just have more of an informal kind of,
you know, leave your guard at the door.
This isn't an attack session.
This is a this is ideas.
This is let's we have the capacity to do some great things.
So please, let's do it.
We can do to make it happen for our kids.
Thank you.
Thank you. Mr. Miller.
Is there anyone else in person who would like to public comment at this time?
I think
I'm sorry about that.
I thought it related to.
No, that's okay. Thank you. So my apologies.
I'm I'll just kind of pick up where I left off.
Overall, we've had a great experience these last five years in Derry Township.
My kids are not gamers.
iPad owners are generally technology technologically submerged
In that context, Maybe you can understand
what a nightmare this has been for us this past year or so.
I have a driven eighth grader that felt no academic pain, but emotionally
I was disconnected and opted to go hybrid as she felt school had become a prison
She requested to return prior to summer, wanting to reconnect with her peers
and could not only but could only be brought back a few days a week
while outside for gym class in the heat.
She had a had her mask below her nose.
Seeing the mask below her nose, her gym
teacher asked in front of other students if she had been vaccinated
and requested it to be placed back over her nose.
The teacher further documented the mask infringement or whatever
we are calling these mask infractions on her coursework.
She is a straight A student and has never had a disciplinary
infraction in her entire student career, but now has a documented that she didn't
want her full mask covering over her nose while outside in warm weather.
This seems beyond petty and damaging to a kid that just returned to school.
I have a sixth grader that has struggled for nearly the whole year
without any contact from the district and just now was allowed back for four days.
When I protested, I've spent my entire adult life advocating for businesses,
employees and organizations close to my heart and values.
I have listened intently with great admiration to the amazing kids and parents
that have spoken from their hearts and shared their own stories and concerns.
I have been very disappointed in the advocacy
and responses to my concerns and that of other parents.
Like many other parents, I'm trying to make decisions for this next school year.
I know that there's a lot to juggle and a lot of things that are still great,
but if we could have any information on contingencies, on contingency plans
and some question answers,
we could all move on with better understanding and comfort.
Some questions that are unanswered.
Are we going to mandate or advocate that parents dosed their kids with a shot
that has not been fully FDA cleared or tested thoroughly on kids?
Have you researched the emergency authorization history of the FDA?
It gives any rational adult an abundance of pause.
Will it be what will it be like for vaccinated versus vaccinated kids?
Are you permitting teachers to discuss vaccination vaccination status with kids?
Are you permitting
vaccine status to be discussed or identified in front of other kids?
What instructions have you provided your faculty
on the privacy of this medical information?
How will you be dealing with masks and nondiscrimination policies and issues?
We can talk about killing viruses,
sanitizing to kingdom come, but what about immune suppression?
What about educating about building our immune systems?
What about the social repercussions of kids that were already
at a social deficit due to technology isolating them?
Have we not doubled down this past year?
How do we mitigate those new deficits in our curriculum?
The pandemic and vaccine are indeed unchartered waters.
You may mitigate the virus which we now know has a very low mortality rate,
but you may cause irrevocable harm to do so and do so much more damage
in the wake of the mitigation plans or lack thereof.
I am praying that this is a giant wake up call for all of our society.
I pray that it is a call for higher levels of transparency, a higher call
for standards in our politics, a call for greater
about mental health and the individual hierarchy of needs
for each individual person,
and how we can come together as a community to repair and move forward.
Thank you. Thank you.
Is there anyone else in person here that speak, Mr.
Brooks
ever wrote?
1740 East Caracas itself?
I want to start off with why there has been so much
speaking from people in the community and so much gathering.
And I apologize in advance
that you're actually listening to the less eloquent Brooks in the family.
But I'm the one who can be here tonight.
There are concerns that have been highlighted by COVID,
that have been highlighted by these political times.
And we live in a community together.
So I want to start off with we should appeal to the angels of our better nature.
Everyone in this room and everyone out there
all want what is best for our kids.
And we all are at a paradigm where we feel that other people
doing something or teaching something or pursuing policies that may be damaging.
We need to find a way, probably outside of this forum,
probably where there is more interaction.
And I do respect the time that you guys sacrifice to make this happen.
But in light of the divisions, in light of the feelings,
if we could find a way to have a better forum of actual discussion
where we respect each other's views, where we hear each other's opinions,
and we try to build consensus as a community, I think that
those who are pursuing CRT are doing so in good faith.
I do recognize the realities of inequality within our country.
I do not think that
that is the way to solve it, and I do not think many tenets of it are true.
And I think that there are ideologies embedded in there that are dangerous,
so much so that I am compelled
to fight against that and compelled to fight against my children.
Hearing that ideology without it being challenged, without a counterpoint.
And as a member of this community, as a member of the school board
is supposed to represent and someone who does not stand alone,
I think we need to come together and find out how we present those
two views, how We present the situation
for what it is in America and in history
and have both sides represented, but not a single solution
that demonizes one side and puts politics in terms of good and evil.
Again, we have had political disagreements in the past.
We've had political disagreements throughout history.
This nation is built on a tripartite government
that was hoping for disagreement, to keep the government small.
It's how do we do so with the respect for each other's views
and the assumption of goodwill on all parties.
The second so that's CRT.
I have serious concerns. Many have serious concerns.
We don't want it in the schools, especially not unchallenged.
Know I'd love for a better, wider topic for those who do want it
sincerely believing that they want the best,
where we can discuss what we think should and shouldn't be taught
or what we absolutely don't want without a counterpoint.
But I think the truth is the best disinfectant.
And amongst adults
we could come to consensus on that again in some other form and some other way.
But I would encourage the school board
to try to build such a forum because this topic deserves exploration,
and the division that it has within our community is only just going to lead
to more division and more vociferous actions right.
And let's all take a step back and know
that, like we're not saying good example for our kids and doing that.
So I'm willing to make the time, effort, whatever
to try to come to a better consensus about what we teach and how we teach it.
I would hope the school board could help find a way to make that happen.
Also, I can be contacted.
Obviously, you guys have our number, you guys know our Facebook pages, etc.
Moving forward.
As far as the opening up
that that ship sailed for this year.
But we're opening up next year.
Thank you guys, for your efforts on that.
The next issues are obviously going to be masks.
I would encourage the board to consider
actual risk based decision making come August and September.
There's just going to be two sets of people.
There's going to be those who are vaccinated and are safe,
and there are going to be those who have assumed risk for the under
12, for the 12 and under population.
You're talking about a group that are less risk from COVID than the flu
to continue to
mask them when they're at that low level of risk,
it gets to the point of what level of risk are we not willing to take?
Are we still going to put them on busses?
Are we going to hold everyone masked up in the flu season?
I expect this is a traumatic event for our nation,
but I think that we can do better in our risk decision matrix,
especially moving forward to a place
where all people who want the vaccine can have the vaccine.
I myself am fully vaccinated.
I wouldn't have taken my mask off in here, but I respect those who
don't want to take it.
30 seconds, 30 seconds.
Anyways, I want to work with you.
I don't want to be an enemy.
I want to work in community with you and raise our children together.
And I plead with the board to help us find a venue to discuss these things further
than just this form. Thank you.
Mr.. If I just may, there has
been a lot of discussion in the community about critical race theory.
I know it's all over the news.
It is not something that we have implemented,
nor do we plan to implement it at Derry Township.
So I would really like to put that rumor to rest.
We do not implement any curriculum without it going through a full
vetting process that is done at curriculum counsel once a month.
If anything new is being introduced and it is brought before the Council,
there is a public opportunity to speak at that time.
It goes through to read.
So ultimately information
from curriculum counsel is on public display for 60 days.
The newest materials that are on display right now
are right out on the credenza out front.
They are always out there for people to look at.
And and
there's plenty of opportunity before board approval
for things to be voted upon and for the public to speak on them.
Additionally, our full district curriculum is available on the district website.
If you go to the curriculum tab and you scroll down to, I think curriculum
information, there is a large icon that says Rubicon Atlas.
You click on that icon and go to browse.
You can see pages and pages and pages and pages of district curriculum,
and our curriculum is based upon state standards and school code.
So I just want to clarify that piece.
I know there's a lot of concern out there about it.
It is not something that we are doing.
Thank you, Dr.
Renzo.
Unfortunately, this is not a question and answer
upon the advice of our solicitor.
Dr. Winslow did respond,
but I would encourage you to reach out to Dr.
Winslow directly to have any further dialog or
any further questions that that you have regarding this.
So thank you.
Are there any other citizens here in person
who would like to make public comment at this time?
Seeing none, I open it up to virtual participants.
If there is anyone participating virtually who would like to make public comment
at this time, please do so by raising your hand,
at which time you will be unmuted
and able to speak.
There are currently no hands raised.
I will just give this one more,
a few more seconds to make sure
folks have the opportunity.
There is one hand raised.
Currently
there are two hands raised.
The first one, Ms..
Landry, if you could please unmute is Alison Brooks.
Alison Brooks is unmuted.
Hi, Alison.
Brooke Hello.
Go ahead, Ms.. Brooks.
Alison Brooks, 1740 East Caracas Avenue.
I just wanted to respond
to the expression that there is
no CRT being taught at the school.
I agree that that is not in
K-through-12 curriculum.
However, the anti-racist statement that this board put out
is basically enumerating CRT theory,
and I think it's very dishonest to suggest that
just because you're not teaching K through 12 critical race theory curriculum,
it's not infused in the school district and in the atmosphere of the school.
So my concern is not that you're teaching CRT, it's that it is
the lens through which you are shaping the culture and the atmosphere
and the curriculum by your own standards in the anti-racist resolution.
And that's all I have to say. Thank you.
Thank you.
Ms.. Brooks.
Thank very.
Next,
we have Kristi Parker, if you could please unmute her.
LANDRY Kristi Parker is unmuted.
Ms.. Parker, please go ahead.
Yeah.
Ms.. Parker,
you are permitted you have received permission to
to speak, but it's showing that you are still on mute.
Is there anyone else
who would like to participate in public comment?
Ms.. Parker I see your hand raised.
You are permitted to speak.
It says talking permitted, but you're on mute.
So you would just need to come off of me.
Please.
Ms.. Parker, if you would like to exit the meeting
and come back in with the same link that you use to join the meeting.
Typically, that can sometimes resolve the the audio issue,
and we will pause to allow you to come in and leave and come back in
and see that Ms..
Parker has rejoined in her hands raised.
If we could go ahead and unmute her again, please.
Ms.. Parker, you're now unmuted.
Please go ahead.
Hi. Are you able to hear me now?
Yes, thank you.
Okay. Sorry. Sorry about that.
What?
I was saying is I as you stated, Krista Parker at 167 South
Hanover Street in Hummelstown, I've never been to a board meeting before.
I just joined a few weeks ago,
just in an effort to be able to express my voice just through
just social media about just wanting to have my kids back to school.
And I have two daughters, both of which one is a junior and one's graduating.
So our senior, you know, this has been like
almost a year and a half of this just crazy schedule.
So I just to say thank you to everyone.
And I also just want to say that, you know,
I think that I think that I think that if there's anything
that we've all learned in the last few years, both politically
and with this virus, is that courage is of the utmost importance right now.
It is so important that every person's voice is heard.
And I don't mean that because of a race or because of a gender.
I mean not because of just people or people.
And it just so important that everyone feels heard and validated.
And we don't have to agree, but we should all be heard.
And I just I really appreciate anybody who has the courage
to have an opposing opinion.
It takes a lot of courage.
And and I don't mean to praise any one particular person.
I just think that it is extremely important.
I see a lot of people on social media basically speaking about these issues.
And, you know, unfortunately, their time, time and time
limitations and all sorts of things that keep us from being able to speak up.
But I just want to say that,
you know, I don't necessarily agree
or disagree with, you know, a lot of the things that were said.
However, I would to just say two things.
Number one, I agree with what Ms..
Brooks just said.
My children both, you know, both great girls, very respectful
and kind and loving.
Of course, they can be crazy just like anybody else.
But they both have expressed situations where things that are being talked about
definitely seem like violations of of of even just civil rights,
like just the way that people are being talked about and talked to
and being, you know, not being able to express certain opinions.
And, you know, I just I just think that it's really important
that we're recognizing that, you know, in having a voice, it's
it's it's our Constitution that promotes that, that allows that
that, you know, makes that it's so important.
It's what divides our nation from other nations when people can't speak up.
So I would say that I do think that there are things that are being taught
that are teaching the kids to look at their race.
And I, I,
you know, I just think that it's very sad.
It's not what we're supposed to be doing.
And then the other thing I would like to say, and I understand that
it's definitely not a popular opinion, but I to appreciate what Mr.
McFarland has done.
I didn't know a lot about him, but I know that I had questions.
And, you know, he first called me and I so appreciate that.
It made me feel much better.
It made me feel that the school was really looking out to my kids.
I had reached out to teachers, had nothing.
And so to have the superintendent for me really meant a lot to me
and I to agree that it was the right decision based on the.
So I apologize if that's disrespectful.
But I think these kids have been through a lot.
And I think that, you know, have they're just one more thing.
You know,
feeling important and feeling
feeling valued is something that everybody needs.
Everybody wants not just people with titles.
So, again, I just I thank you all and I appreciate all of your time.
I appreciate the commitment to our kids, whether we agree or not.
I do, too.
I do.
Thank all of you.
Thank you, Miss Parker.
Is there anyone else who would like to speak during public comment?
There are no additional hands raised.
Is there anything else for the good of the order?
The next public Board of Directors
meeting will be held on June 14th, 2021, starting at 7:00 PM.
Please refer to the District website
for specific details as the meeting draws closer.
The board will now meet in Post Executive session.
May I please have a motion to adjourn this meeting?
So move.
Donna Cronin
in the second, please.
Second. Tricia Steiner there.
All in favor, say I II any opposed?
The meeting is adjourned.
8:09 p.m.. Thank you.