I'd like to call the June 24th, 2019 meeting of the Derry Township
School District Board of Directors
to order and announce that this meeting is being audio recorded.
Mr. Friends, Roll Call.
Mr. Abel Here.
Dr. Cronin. Here is Drew.
Miss Harper, Stick here. Ms..
Dr. Shore Here.
Sicker here.
Mr. Singer. Here.
Miss Steiner. Here.
Nine present. Zero. Absent.
Please rise, if able, and join me for the Pledge of Allegiance
at the United States of America
and to the Republic for which it stands.
Opposition under God, indivisible, with liberty
and justice for all.
May I have a motion to approve the June 24th, 2019
Board of Directors Agenda Second May, Lindsey and Maria.
Is there any discussion?
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I.
I was opposed.
Say no.
Okay. The agenda is approved.
Tonight,
we have a presentation to the Hershey High School Boys varsity lacrosse team.
I'd like to read this proclamation.
And then after that, we'll have you come up for a group picture.
Did you want to say a few words first?
Yes, absolutely.
Okay, Go ahead.
Hey, good evening.
My name is Scott Garrett on the athletic director and
I had the privilege of serving our boys lacrosse program this year.
They finished with a record of 19 and five.
And not only were they 19 and five, they were the first time we've ever
had district champion in Boys Lacrosse.
They also were state runners up for the first time in school history.
So it was at the start of the season.
So with us tonight, we have Coach Shine.
Coach Spangler, Coach Gilbert, Coach Briggs, who led us to this
first time place where we were at.
And it was a great opportunity for us.
I think our schedule that
you guys have afforded us the opportunity to have helped us with where we were
as far as the level opponents that we played were predominately triple-A,
and then we went to districts and postseason states.
We played Double-A, so that helps us and we
fell short of Bishop Shanahan and postseason.
We also fell short of them the regular season,
but we got to see what it looks like.
So I couldn't be prouder of our kids.
The quarterfinal game we had the privilege of playing at Penn State
after lacrosse complex, and they gave us the keys to the castle.
We didn't just have the locker rooms. We had the sound system.
They gave us everything.
And it really gave our kids
that opportunity to be in a big time program,
which was fantastic, which they earned and deserved.
We also have a captains here are Collin KONDRACKE
and Elijah Duck, and they're both returning for next year.
So I couldn't be prouder of this.
This group of young men and the coaches, and I can't wait to look for the future.
So I'm one of those, you know, at the same time.
Well, thank you very much for coming tonight.
I'd like to read this proclamation.
Whereas participation in interscholastic athletics enhances
the education experience by providing invaluable lessons
and teamwork and collaboration, communications, leadership,
dedication, resilience, time management and sportsmanship.
And. WHEREAS, high school sports teams are often seen as representatives
of our respective schools, and the athletes who compose those teams
are ambassadors of the student body and role models for younger pupils.
And. WHEREAS, athletic teams are known as a source of hometown pride,
and their games combined provide a unique opportunity
for community members, alumni, staff and students to unify
and rally together in a common desire to show support and allegiance.
And. WHEREAS, competing in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic
Athletic Association, State Championship game is the highest
determination of excellence in this high school sports team
can achieve on the playing field in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
And therefore, be it resolved that the Derry Township
School Board of Directors does hereby recognize,
honor and commend the 2019 Hershey High School Boys Lacrosse team on its historic
run to become just the Second District three lacrosse team to compete in a
championship game.
You guys want to say anything?
You don't have to.
Okay, Hang out.
We're going to take a picture.
Okay. You guys are going to be over here,
have the captains up front, other members of the team,
if you would like to step forward as well.
That's that's that's not enough for us.
On a monday night, the coaches
government side.
Yeah,
it may be tough to guarantee that.
Okay.
I would like to announce the board met
in executive session prior to this meeting to discuss matters of personnel
and consultation with attorneys or other professional advisors
under Presidential Communications on behalf of the Board and Administration,
I would like to thank you for your interest
and input on agenda items in all district matters.
While I recognize that it can be frustrating that the board is unable
to respond to specific specific comments during the public comment portion
of our meetings,
please understand that the Board and Administration
must carefully consider all information available when making important
decisions impacting our school community.
At times, this may include information that is not available
to the entire community.
Confidentiality restrictions do not permit me or any other board member
to discuss specific specifics regarding specific personnel decisions.
While we recognize that at times we do not all agree
on the best course of action on a particular issue,
please know that the board remains committed
to ensuring that all of our programs remain consistent with our shared values
and provide the best opportunity for all students to be successful.
This is just a reminder that there are two public comment
portions and opportunities during our meetings.
The first is reserved for agenda items
and the second is reserved for non agenda items.
I will be limiting each public comment portion of the meeting
to 45 minutes total.
Each speaker gets 5 minutes.
I will be giving each speaker 3 minutes, a three minute warning
in case you want to yield your minutes to another speaker for the sake of time.
Also, I'll be asking anyone who is here to speak on anything
not related to athletics to come to the microphone first.
We are also voting on our final budget and tax resolution tonight,
and there might be citizens here to comment on that.
Okay.
And this is recognition of citizens.
This is an opportunity for residents and taxpayers
to address the board on matters related to the agenda.
Those who speak are asked to come to the microphone and state your name
and address for the record, to provide other residents an opportunity to speak.
Each speaker is limited in the public comment portion to 5 minutes
of speaking time once recognized and limited to one opportunity
to address the board during each of the public comment periods,
speakers are asked to review the protocol for addressing
the board, which can be found at the sign in table prior to speaking.
Those wishing to present
private concerns or questions needing follow up outside of the board meeting
are asked to fill out a comment card which can be found at the podium.
Completed cards may be turned into members of the administration
to facilitate a reply.
Are there any citizens or taxpayers who would like to come forward
at this time related to anything other than athletics?
Okay.
Are there any citizens who would like to come forward at this time
in general?
Okay.
Including Italy and Germany?
This is if you don't have anything other than athletics.
I didn't see any.
So this is anything related to the agenda now, athletics
or anything.
Hi, my name is Katie Lett and my address
is 311 Beech Avenue, Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Hi, my name is Katie Hoover, and I stand here
on my own behalf and also on behalf of my peer and friend, Jessi Moore.
I can stand here confidently today and read the letter that Jessie composed
for you all to hear, because I agree wholeheartedly with every statement Jessie
has written in support of Greg Sestak, as I've known Greg for over 20 years.
This is what Jessie wanted. You all to hear,
too. The Derry Township School Board and members of the community,
I'm writing to you in support of Greg Faster and his leadership of Hershey
High School, swimming and diving and Hershey Aquatic Club.
My name is Jessie Moore.
I graduated from HHS in 2004 and was lucky enough to swim for Greg
when state championships with Greg and for Greg and be friends with Greg
inspired by him.
I now enter my 12th year of coaching Division one level universities,
including Duke, Northwestern and presently Minnesota.
I'm heartbroken to hear of any accusations toward Greg.
The word abuse in this profession and in education is powerful,
and I have heard many people in different sports across college
athletics inappropriately and appropriately use the word for me.
Abuse is personal.
As I experienced it while growing up.
I was in the Palmyra school district and began
swimming for the Palmyra Aquatic Club in high school.
I began coming out of the closet and embracing my sexual orientation
as a freshman.
I was gay, bashed, insulted daily and constantly threatened
at the state championship.
My freshman year, I spoke to Greg about swimming for the Hershey
Club starting in the spring of 2001.
I joined Hershey and was welcomed warmly by Greg and his amazing,
amazing student athletes.
These relationships are some of the closest I have ever had to this day,
even while living across the country, Greg created an environment of growth.
He challenged us in the pool.
He created dialogs with us to help advance ourselves in sports and life
and in a deep and meaningful way.
He raised us to be who we are today.
We all wanted to win championships for him, and we did.
We all wanted to make him proud because he loved and cared for us
and the student athletes, and he helped us grow in ways
that our parents couldn't through the sport.
He taught us how to lead and how to hold our peers accountable.
He taught us how to
set goals and achieve them in all facets of life.
He created a safe and growth based environment for our team
because my experience was so positive and because my parents trusted Greg,
I switched to legal guardianship,
moved to Hershey and attended Hershey High School.
I started coming out towards the end of high school
to a few of my teammates and to Greg.
I was treated with love and kindness and because of the environment
Greg created, I never experienced abuse again
because of the safe growth based environment Greg created.
I felt loved by everyone and that saved my life.
I'm so disappointed by the accusations being made against a man,
a friend and a coach who was a huge reason why I am even alive today.
And my
amazing parents who believe in me and believe in Greg
have to read a letter to a group of strangers
that they shouldn't have to write the three minute mark.
They shouldn't have to have to read or for any of you to hear in the first place.
Greg is the greatest coach and mentor I have ever had.
I have a debt to him I could never repay because he proved
he provided me with an opportunity to grow.
And while growth is uncomfortable,
he always made me and our whole team feel loved.
I wholeheartedly support Greg Foster pitch to Coach Hershey High School
and Hershey Aquatic Club,
and I would be honored to have my future children swim and learn from Greg as well.
I submit this letter to the board
and would welcome any contact from any board member.
Thank you for your time. Thank you.
Now, I would.
Good evening.
My name is Kevin Blacker,
73, one old trail road Hummelstown.
I'm here to support Greg Fast-Track
to be the next coach in the winter sports season.
He and his staff have been outstanding to what I've seen this program become.
We've been here.
We have two children that were part of the program, one in high school.
Now he's a freshman.
We've been part of the program for seven years before high school.
Obviously,
it's been a renowned program outside of Derry Township
because we came from a program that just worshiped
and appreciated what Hershey in the Swimming Aquatic program had.
So you always heard comments
and the accolades that they got and the respect that they deserved.
And it was great to move into the district, which we decided to do,
along with many other families.
And we're very happy and satisfied with the rich tradition
that Greg has upheld.
This is his life's work.
I mean, this is what Greg is dedicated to.
He's been here for two decades, over two decades.
He makes it a fun environment.
He while at the same time having parents
involved in and aligned with what their kids want to do.
I've been very happy to see what their community coming out for.
This support has been thus far.
You know, the the coach in this situation
is a unique situation that he coaches females and males.
He's with the club team and he's with the high school team, of course.
And when you have an age of ten or under and he's coaching for a decade,
some of these children too, when they graduate
and I experienced during the banquet, our seniors come out and just
show their emotion and how dedicated they've been in this program.
They just show it on the stage of their speeches
and it just tells me that he's done a terrific job in the coaching
staff, has done a terrific job in acclimating these kids to life.
He instills the
drive and motivation in each swimmer, but they also set their own goals.
And parents are involved in that at the very beginning,
meaning you sit down and you can talk with Greg about what
to look forward to, how to set those goals.
And these aren't goals just for swimming.
These are goals for life learning skills.
They're for the future.
And we've done that with our son.
And he's he's become more of a man this year than than any other year.
And he has had him for previous years.
But this year, in particular, he's navigating through high school.
He's looking forward to it.
He gets up, excited about practice, early morning practices.
But Greg's more than just just goal setter.
He also is at the state meet where we had an injury for one of our
swimmers and he drove back to the hotel while the boys team
this is the ladies team, they had an injury at the hotel.
He drove immediately back to the hotel to take care of this athlete
while the boys were getting ready to go off the blocks in their relay team.
You're at the three minute mark, so it just shows me that he is dedicated
about
putting the time and effort in setting goals, making sure
that everyone is aligned to those goals.
And I would like to see him continue as the coach.
Thank you so
anyone else who like to come forward,
I see somebody coming from the back
and the side of the three.
Yeah,
I'm Mark Lee.
I live at 1080 Sullivan Road.
I'd like to read a letter from my daughter
and also speak on Greg's behalf.
A letter from my daughter to the Derry Township School Board.
I had the absolute privilege as swimming for Greg Rastrick and his brother
Jeff, from their very first day coaching at Hershey Aquatic Club
to the day
I graduated from Hershey High School and went on to swim at Northwestern University
in 2007.
During those 12 years, our team started to become the powerhouse
Hershey Aquatic Club and the Hershey High School swimming is today.
All thanks to Grace commitment and his passion to making
his swimmers
his very best, the very best athletes and people possible.
Since I met him as a seven year old on the team, Greg has been instrumental
in my development as both an athlete and as a person under his leadership.
Greg taught us that by working hard together,
we can accomplish more than anyone can alone.
He showed us how to push our bodies and our minds to new limits,
helping us build self-confidence, thrive and dedication.
He helped us navigate through the high school's distractions
and keep us kept us going.
When we wanted to quit, he taught us how to build a family on a swim
team and, of course, friendships that have lasted more than 20 years.
I did not learn these important lesson lessons about work ethic, teamwork
and relationships in a school classroom
at Hershey or from the sport itself.
I learned that from Greg and Jeff, my swim family.
Thanks to Greg, the fearlessness and confidence I developed on the Hershey
Aquatic Club at a young age as a young as a group swimmer has modeled me
into the person I am today.
I now work at a large
sporting goods company and coach swimming at a Division two college.
And I wish my swimmers
would have the opportunity to learn from someone who has kept it as Greg.
I have never met a coach at the club or college level who cares more than he does.
Greg has coached
numerous state and national record holders and Olympic trials qualifier
and was inducted into the Pennsylvania Aquatics Hall of Fame in 2017.
While many of us veteran swimmers cannot attend tonight's meeting,
here are some comments after he received that high honor
to speak to Greg's character and his legacy.
Thank you for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself.
Thanks for pushing me harder than I knew I could push myself.
And thanks for being the leader I now strive to be.
Congrats, Greg from Carolyn McCarthy.
My life has changed a lot in the past ten years for the better,
and I owe a very large part of it to these two.
Greg and Jeff.
I think I speak for more than myself when I say thank you
for everything you did for me.
The work you put in
and the legacy you continue to carry, you make a lasting impression
on the people around you more than you realize.
Congratulations, Greg. Fantastic.
From Caitlin Miller
and thanks for your years of dedication to the Hershey swimming.
And I always believe in your swimmers from Taylor Surface.
I cannot imagine the Hershey program without Greg.
And if you ask others who have shared this pool,
I can guarantee you they would say the same.
Aside from his raw coaching talent, Greg's athletes
are lucky to have him as a mentor, a leader, a lifelong friend.
Thank you, Greg, for believing in your swimmers,
for always being an advocate, for letting us shine the spotlight
when you were the humble force who got us there.
Now it's our turn to tell the world
how replaceable and life changing you truly are.
The other thing I like about the three minute mark.
I'm sorry. Three minute mark.
The other thing I would like to say is that
I too, have known Greg for 22 years, and there's there's not a more dedicated coach
that I've ever known. He lifts the coach.
He knows all the competitors, the kids, all column cursive.
He goes to care still.
My daughter is 30 years old.
They still don't contact via phone.
I mean, just a phenomenal work ethic.
His parents, his father was coached in Carmel, Indiana,
state championship winner.
People move from all over the Bay Area to swim for Hershey
because it's the best program that we're even having.
This meeting is beyond me.
In my opinion, humble opinion.
Athletics at Hershey or anywhere else is is
is not a right.
It's a privilege.
And it comes with a responsibility to be a great teammate,
to respect the sport and to do the very best you can.
And Greg pushes people and that's why we're so successful.
He puts in a good lance, he makes a good he push them the best people they can be.
And we have some phenomenal people here.
There are still swimming
and coaching and if all learn from great and
there's nobody that is better to coach in the state,
that's probably wise in the Athletic Hall of Fame.
If somebody thinks swimming is
a right or a babysitting service or an after school program
that they shouldn't be involved in the program.
Greg work with as much as he can and push them.
But it's a wonderful opportunity to be a very good person.
Thank you. Thank you.
Hi, my name's Rick Kelly.
31 Fox and Drive in Hershey.
We have three daughters who are graduates of Hershey High School.
All three were coached by Greg Fast Rick.
All three continued their athletic endeavors into college.
All three went on to get graduate degrees.
They are now highly successful, ambitious, motivated people.
And their mother and I will take some credit for that.
And they deserve some credit for that as well.
But outside the walls of our house of our home,
there isn't anybody, I don't think, who had more of a positive impact on them,
making them what they are today than Greg Faster, which
I say this because, you know, they're just three kids.
There's hundreds there's probably thousands of kids out there
who could make the same who could make the same claim.
I told Greg that if he
ever needed me to be here, things got strange.
I'd be here for him. Here I am. Thanks.
Thank you.
Aaron Peter, 19 998 Greenlee Road, Hershey.
I have two children in diapers, and so the fact that I'm here
should really say a lot in my support for Greg.
My name is Aaron Peter.
I am from the class of 2004.
When I think back to the individuals who have positively influenced my life
the most, Greg Fowler stretch tops that list by a long run.
Under Greg's coaching, I was a state champion,
ranked 42nd in the nation
and a swimming scholarship recipient to a Division one university.
Greg was my coach from sixth grade until 12th grade.
I did the math.
I was under Greg's coaching for at least 1820 days,
and that figure doesn't even include Saturday practices or weekend swim meets.
I witnessed Greg's coaching style
for 1820 days.
Never once in those 1820 days
did I ever question his coaching abilities or character for 1820 days.
I witnessed Greg turn a mediocre program into a swimming powerhouse.
I observed Greg motivate his athletes to be the best
they could be in and out of the pool.
My teammates and I
considered Greg our role model, whatever he expected of us.
He did the same.
I saw Greg tirelessly work for his athletes.
His work ethic wasn't example we all aimed to emulate.
Without a doubt, Greg created a culture of success,
drive and self-discipline that extended out of the pool.
My graduating class alone
includes a doctor, a nurse anesthetist, an engineer,
a division one collegiate swimmer athlete, a financial analyst,
and many other successful positions in the workplace.
I watched Greg empower his athletes, encourage
as athletes and develop and as athletes a team first mentality.
I witnessed Greg create a cell, a safe environment for his swimmers.
His discipline was always fair and appropriate.
And most of all, for all 1820 days.
And to this day, I felt both cared for and loved by Greg Fast,
which never once did I feel threatened, let alone abused.
I have two son sons, ages two and four months, who I am hoping become swimmers.
In fact, my husband and I chose to live in Derry Township
with hopes that Greg Fast Rich would be their coach.
Because of my firsthand experience.
There is no one I'd trust more with my children than Greg Fast,
which I would be deeply saddened, disappointed and disheartened
if the school board made the wrong decision to prevent
Greg from positively influencing the change.
The chain, the the lives of future high school swimming athletes.
And I also have some worries from my twin sister here at the three minute mark.
My name is Robyn Capehart.
I met Greg when I was 12 years old.
Today I am 33.
Greg was both a swim coach and a personal mentor to me.
I believe my letter holds great significance because in 2017
I left a verbally, emotionally and physically abusive marriage.
Abuse devastates a person to the very core.
As a result, I desire to see abusers held accountable to the highest regard.
However, I am also deeply offended when the word abuse is used inappropriately.
In my experience, Greg was the very opposite.
He provided a safe place.
He provided encouragement.
He was a role model for a model for hard work and discipline.
And my success in many ways can be attributed to him.
It would be a great devastation to the Hershey community
if we lost such a wonderful coach.
Thank you. Yeah.
My name is Scott Paterno.
I live at 1080 Swatara Road.
Then I fully expect to speak today.
But I had a son and I have a daughter that's at the Aquatic Club now.
I had a son that was there up until right at the start of high school.
As I jokingly said, he waited until I could stop having to pay to do it
in order for him to decide that he wasn't going to be good enough.
And the reality was, the entire time he was a swimmer,
he had a one driving force that kept him getting in the pool.
And that was great.
And I can tell you that having witnessed coach and team player relationships
basically my entire life,
the relationship that Greg had with my son carried over past that,
the only thing he misses about swimming right now is his relationship
he had with Greg and the drive and the accountability that Greg held
those athletes to has carried over to the athletic endeavors
he's in now and has carried over academically.
We started off hearing you read a resolution that was talking
about the lacrosse team and how important athletics are in developing other aspects
of a athlete's character, that athlete's personal athlete's personality
in this situation, sometimes being held accountable may be tough.
It may be something that makes you
the athlete itself feel like you're being picked on.
There may be some times when that situation is uncomfortable,
but that accountability is the lesson you have to learn in order
to become a better athlete, to become a better student, become a better person.
My son learned that from Greg, and I hope that as you are evaluating
what you're looking to do,
you're looking at the overall totality of the circumstances and realizing
that you have a coach right now who has a reputation
and has a legion of people that are willing to line up
and say the things that he had them do, made them better people.
And I hope that when you make your decision, you'll take that into account.
Thank you very much. Thank you.
Hi, I'm Judy Cooley.
I live at 1080 Stony Run Road,
so I found out about this kind of witch hunt, about Greg Fast
Rich earlier this morning, since 2:00 this afternoon,
we have been able to get
received several letters from past swimmers from Greg.
Our daughter swam for Greg since 1997.
But I think it's really important to know
that our children received they learn respect from Greg.
He taught them respect.
He taught them to respect themselves, to respect each other,
and to respect their coaches and their teachers and the rest of the world.
I would like to read
a few of those letters to you because these people cannot be here.
This one is from Erin. Sara
Dear School Board.
This letter is in reference to the recent question of character of coach Greg Fast,
which I was surprised to hear that Greg would have treated any swimmer
in less than fair and diplomatic manner,
which is why I felt compelled to write a letter on his behalf.
I have known Greg since his arrival as a coach at the Hershey
Aquatic Club in 1997.
At that time, I was in middle school
and as I worked my way up through the Aquatic Club program,
as well as the high school swim program, I came to know Greg quite well.
I also worked at the Hershey Recreation Center Lifeguarding and teaching
swim lessons, so I was coworkers with Greg for about three years.
Greg's love for the sport of swimming shows daily
through his care and concern for each of his swimmers.
During my years of swimming under Greg, he created a safe
and competitive environment for us all to thrive in.
A fair standard of expected behavior.
From me to his athletes was set by Greg and maintained by myself and my peers.
I never felt singled out by his discipline, nor did I feel
he singled out or reprimanded any of my peers in an unfair manner.
Greg played a huge support role for me with regards to obtaining my goals
during high school
and also supported me on my journey to swim at a collegiate level.
I truly feel that the structure of the swim program that Greg has developed
has shaped me into a motivated, self-disciplined individual.
It is my sincere hope that the school board
will take this letter into consideration during this dispute.
I believe that Greg Fast-Track is a fair and honorable swim coach and truly value
the years I have been able to spend with him as one of his swimmers.
Regards Aaron. Sarah Scarlatti.
Here's another one.
This one is from Janet Clu.
I had the privilege of swimming for Greg Fast from the age of eight years
through the age of 19.
I actually was there for his first season as a coach with Hershey.
After he moved from Indiana to Pennsylvania specifically for this
coaching opportunity.
After deciding to end my swimming career, Great,
Greg offered me a coaching position for Hershey Aquatic Club.
I continued my swimming career for five more years as a coach under great.
I enjoyed every minute.
Greg was an incredible coach, role model and mentor to me.
He challenged me and every minute
you're at 3 minutes on
the skin, let's see.
Greg made his swimmers and the team his entire life.
I have followed him and the team over the years and the success has continued.
I truly feel that this is because of Greg's dedication to the sport.
He educates himself and stays current with training and ideas.
I will always remember Greg.
I'm thinking back on my swimming days.
Caitlin Miller sending this letter on behalf of myself
and my sister Caden Caitlin from 2011 and Megan Miller from 2013.
I'm shocked
and saddened to hear the situation Greg has found himself surrounded by.
After hearing this news, I reflected on my time swimming at Hershey
with my sister Megan Miller, and having swam under Greg
for more than six years, I can say without a doubt that we would not be
the people we are today
without his guidance, My sister and I joined Hershey in 2006
looking for a more competitive training program
that would maximize our strengths and help us reach our goals.
To say we got what we were looking for would be an understatement.
I went from being a 13 year old who didn't want to swim high school season
because I wasn't sure if swimming was a path for me to earning a scholarship
to swim at Penn State and qualifying for Division one NCAA race.
Meghan also went on to earn a scholarship at a Division one swimming program.
I can honestly say that I owe my success almost entirely to Greg Fast,
but his coaching and guidance are second to none.
When I think back over the course of my swimming career,
when I look back at my time at Hershey, I remember being tired
after hard practices, frustrated when an interval was just out of my reach
and annoyed when we still had morning practice after a long meet weekend.
But most importantly, I remember Greg as one of the most consistent
and unwavering support systems in my life.
In about 5 seconds.
Thank you.
I'm Dan Surface.
I live 279 Jacob's Creek Drive.
I appreciate being able to speak again this evening.
I'll keep it brief.
I'll try not to repeat myself too much from the last board meeting,
particularly regarding my decades of experience
and acumen as a coach, athletic director and school administrator.
I do want to speak as a parent on behalf of Coach Greg.
As I said last board meeting, my wife Patty and I and our 13 year
old twins moved back to Hershey from overseas, where we serving our U.S.
military connected youth because of coach
Greg and his swim program
that our our twins have participated in for over five years.
It's of Coach Greg that we chose Hershey over many other options
as parents and former
coaches, Patti and I want our children to experience high expectations
in a supportive and developmentally appropriate environment.
Coach Greg clearly provides just that.
As we
parent our children to be like Freddie,
truly life ready,
we cherish the diversity of thought
and the variety of coaching and teaching styles
that we experience here and other places that we've left as our children
convey challenges that we face in their lives and activities,
we provide them with the responsible and responsive strategies
so that they develop the coping coping skills excuse me, the coping
skills and characteristics such as grit and persistence
that they need to succeed in this imperfect world
that they find themselves entering in their post-secondary life.
In summary, we're here because of coach Greg.
He's the caring man, the passionate coach, and the outstanding mentor
that we want for our children.
Thank you very much for your attention. You
or anyone else?
Anyone else.
Hi, I'm Mary Ellen.
Bar Sante 1325 Farmhouse Road.
And I'm just going to read two letters of the
numerous letters that we received today.
The first one is from Evan Beatty,
and it says to whom it may concern.
My name is Evan Beatty.
I was a member of the Hershey High School swim team from 2004 to 2008
and a Hershey Aquatic Club swimmer from 1996 to 2008.
I'm writing in support of Greg Fast Rich remaining as the Hershey High School
swim coach.
After high school, I went on to swim in college
and learned quickly that not all swim coaches are created equal.
The values and lessons I learned from Greg
as a member of the swim team have shaped who I become in my adult life.
I'm a teacher and a swim coach now and I find the lessons Greg taught me
coming through in what I teach my students and swimmers every day.
When I think of my time swimming for Greg,
the idea of equity is the first thing to come to mind.
Greg upheld extremely high standards for all swimmers.
Whether you were a nationally decorated swimmer or someone whose career would end
with graduation, the expectation were expectations were always the same.
Bring your all each and every day.
One of the practices that may have differed between
the expectation of putting your best effort forward every day did not.
Greg was the first to celebrate your successes with you,
but would never sugarcoat what needed to be improved.
He knew exactly how far he could push you and would do so each and every day.
While thinking of my
most formative experience with Greg, it did not take place at a swimming
or in a practice, but rather outside of the pool.
I experienced a lot of success my freshman year,
something I had not previously experienced in swimming.
The success made me a bit cocky and during
my sophomore year, my sophomore year, I was not a very good teammate.
I began speaking ill of other swimmers,
particularly those that were slower than me.
And after weights one day Greg and the team
captains helped me after and we had a discussion.
We talked about what it is that makes a team successful.
He talked about the idea that a team does not live or die on one swimmer's success.
He said that although swimming may seem like an individual sport, it is not.
A team succeeds and fails as a unit.
Everyone is responsible for doing their part
and supporting their teammates as they do theirs.
This lesson, although very hard to hear at the time, was incredibly valuable
and shaped my next three years at Hershey and my four years of college swimming.
I feel as though Greg's high
expectation is have helped to shape who I am as a person, coach and teacher.
Today, I feel as though removing Greg from the position of high school swim
coach will be robbing future generations of swimmers from these valuable lessons.
Thank you for your consideration.
Evan Baity You're at the three minute mark,
and then the next one is for my daughter, Alexandra Santi.
Greg first that she graduated
in, I think 2006,
Greg first started coaching at Hershey when I was still a ten and under.
Maybe eight. It's been a while.
I wasn't the fastest swimmer back then, but I had potential.
Greg not only saw that, but he helped me believe that I could be the swimmer
I dreamed of becoming from the days when I was still swimming.
Exhibition heats to the days
when I was on multiple state championship teams and national teams.
Greg was the constant support in my swimming career.
I love my parents, but there were times they doubted if I'd be a Division
one college athlete, although I'm not sure they would admit it now.
On the other hand, Greg never doubted me.
There were, of course, seasons
where I had no time dropped or practices when I wanted to give up.
And Greg constantly reminded me of my goals and pushed me to be better.
Yes, he had high expectations, but he knew what it would take
for me to reach my goals.
I look back on my high school swimming career and how it set me up for a
phenomenally successful collegiate career, and I know it was because of Greg.
He dedicated his life to the program and brought years of greatness
to Hershey High School Swimming.
I'm sure my experience echoes many other former swimmers.
We would not have been the teams we were without him, his leadership,
his expectations of us, and his unwavering support.
As I moved on from Hershey High, Greg is intended to be a close friend and mentor.
He's genuinely concerned about his swimmers.
He cares for the not just his athletes but his people.
I had some of the toughest personal situations in college,
and one of the first people I spoke to was Greg.
He listened and continued to provide ongoing support
to me as a person as he did to me while I was a swimmer.
Greg has given more to the Hershey High School swimming program
than anyone in this room will ever be able to quantify.
He's not only dealt the most successful program in Hershey
high athletic history, but he has impacted the lives of so many student athletes
and I hope he gets to continue to do so.
Thank you.
Hi. My name is Jeff Bonder and I live at 64
Jacob's Creek Drive in Hershey.
I kind of wish that I was here to speak on behalf of Greg.
He sounds like a great guy and a great coach,
but I'm here on behalf of Coach
Ken Taylor for the women's lacrosse program at Hershey High School,
and to be honest and dismayed at why I'm even having to be here
to have a conversation or speak up on his behalf.
Because
in the beginning of this past season,
there were a lot of false and misleading accusations
That all turned out to be, like I said, false.
And even through all that, Ken was able to take this team
that seemed to be fractured two weeks before the season started
and had another tremendous successful year.
And I've had many,
many experiences with coaches as I played four state championship lacrosse programs
in high school in Connecticut, playing
at D1 Sport in lacrosse, at Johns Hopkins.
I've coached youth lacrosse, I've coached college kids.
I've had that experience where I've seen coaches can do.
And what I've experienced and seen with Ken has been nothing but remarkable.
He is a
a true
captain of a program and a leader.
I don't have a whole lot more to say about that other than I think
he really need to take into consideration the fact that there are some
of his players and some are going to be returning, some are going to be
have just graduated, but listen to their words
and how they feel about Coach Taylor.
So I yield my time.
All right.
Thank you.
Elizabeth Newman, 2135
South Pointe Drive, Hummelstown.
I just wanted like
Jeff Binder said, it's really sad.
Like, it really makes me sad that we are here tonight again
to speak on behalf of Coach Taylor and the rest of the coaching staff
because of what we went through right before our season.
But I just wanted to share
just about our coach and how here, like, yes, we're there for lacrosse.
We're there
to win games, practice all of that,
but we're like sports are an extension of the school
and sports make us who we help evolve who we are.
And Coach Taylor does that.
He tells us every single day at practice how he's like in the O.R.
every day, like dreaming about 3 p.m.
because he gets to come on the field with us and he gets to spend
2 hours of his undivided attention, except for when he's on call.
But he spends his undivided attention, undivided
attention on us for 2 hours, and that's the highlight of his day.
And he always will tell us, Go home, study.
I don't want anyone ineligible.
He, like I play field hockey as well.
He makes it a point to come to at least one field hockey game, one soccer game,
like he comes in, shows our his support for us throughout the year,
just like he genuinely cares about all of us.
And he really is just like, I wouldn't want anyone else coaching the program.
I just graduated, so I was in the program for four years.
I was a captain for two, so I really know him and he's just a really great guy.
At the beginning of the year, when the first
thing she went on,
we a bunch of teammates made it.
It was a five page document of just things about our coaches
and we would love to read some for you.
My name's any Bravo Coast three four for Maple Avenue.
One thing that I notice coming on to the season as a freshman,
coming onto the team as a freshman.
So was that was the support that the team and the coaches provided for me.
I was super nervous as a freshman
and not really sure what I was getting myself into or
I don't really know anything about the team, but the coaches
really supported me and pushed me to become the
the best athlete that I could be.
And they they just ensured that all players knew how to play lacrosse
and they put so much time into each and every one of these athletes.
And it was just a environment of respect and
support.
I don't know. It was just, yeah.
And so one more thing that just something that speaks really to his character
and just his coaching ability and who he is as a whole.
Our team was fractured at the beginning of the season.
There was a very clear divide of who wanted our coaches
and who fought for them and who didn't and who wanted to get rid of them.
Like it was awkward coming to practice the first day.
It really was.
You didn't three minute mark.
You didn't know like where everyone's stood.
You didn't know what to say, didn't want to step on toes.
You're on the same team. You don't want to make it awkward.
But by like the second week, it was like
it never happened.
We were one team again. We were able to play together.
You didn't have to worry about, Oh, I don't want to pass to her.
She was on the other other side like it was a new team.
We were healed because of him.
He never made it awkward.
He never hold a grudge against anyone who was
who he knew, like fight against him and wanted him to leave.
He never held anyone responsible.
He never punished anyone.
He was welcoming to everyone, no matter of what they did or said.
Any accusations made,
he welcomed everyone back.
And yeah, he's just a great coach.
I wouldn't want anyone else coaching this program for everyone who's returning
and I thank you.
Thank you.
Hi, my name is Raymond and I'm 45 Cedar Road in Hershey,
and I spoke to you at the last board meeting on behalf of Greg Factory.
So I'm not going to repeat that.
But if my clock is right
and my count is right, we're getting close to the end of the 45 minutes.
And while you have heard on behalf of Greg from some parents, some grandparents,
some the citizens of the community, even people who do not
have kids swimming anymore,
you haven't
really heard from the most important constituent,
as far as I'm concerned, and that is the current swimmers.
And I know they're not going to have time
to come up here and to speak on Greg's behalf.
But I would just like to recognize all of the current swimmers who are here
to support their coach.
So if you're standing, raise your hand and they're sitting.
Swimmers, stand up, please.
And I'm going to yield
to this young lady to speak on behalf of her coach.
Hi, my name is Mya
through 2 to 5 Mine Road, Hershey, P.A.
I've been swimming since I was nine four, the same coach
with the same group of outstanding individuals.
Expectations have never changed on this team, not since I started swimming
nine years ago and not since Greg started coaching in the fall of 1997.
For the last 22 years, he's ensured that our team was a shining
example of hard work, perseverance, punctuality and teamwork.
He has taught us the importance of respect, as well as good sportsmanship.
One of the first things you learn when you begin swimming for Greg
is that you will never use the pool
until everyone has completed the race and you always shake your opponent's hand.
And while what we've learned for success on the pool deck is important,
it also translates into our everyday lives. Greg
consistently encourages us to set goals so he can better help us achieve them.
He has taught us that life isn't always fair,
but that should never deter you from persisting and continuing to work hard.
Personally,
swimming hasn't always been an easy journey for me
from dealing with numerous concussions during my high school career.
Thus far, on top of mental challenges, I've faced my fair share of obstacles.
But by having a coach
who continuously supported me and gave me the tools I needed to succeed,
I was able to grow not only as an athlete and student,
but as a mature individual who is capable of facing the challenges of everyday life
without the coaching of Greg Fast Fridge, all Hershey's swimming programs
and its athletes would lose its greatest, most positive influence.
Thank you.
Hello Ross Rogers 808 Grandview Drive.
It sounds like we have two amazing individuals,
both from the lacrosse team and the swimming team
that I think have impact our lives.
As Jeff said, he can't speak more to the lacrosse side.
I can speak from a father who knew absolutely nothing about lacrosse.
I had to Google what the rules were as I was watching my daughter.
But one thing I found was amazing was the
the players really embraced a new freshman who was new in town.
My daughter actually texted me from Philadelphia saying,
hey, can you drive down and speak on her behalf?
I think it wasn't just happenstance.
I think Ken Taylor and the rest of the coaching staff, they really
it was more than just lacrosse, as you could hear.
They had troubles coming in and they were able to bring girls together
and make people feel incredibly welcome.
And part of a team, which I think is
an amazing accomplishment under such circumstances.
So I give my full support.
You can do it. Okay.
Thank you.
Hi, I'm Angie.
Day four or five Alma Avenue.
I'll keep this very brief.
I wholeheartedly agree with everything that's been said about
Greg Festus tonight.
I have two daughters who swam for him.
They're in their eighth year of competitive swimming with him.
My daughter Amelia finished her freshman year of high school with him.
We're a little late to this game.
I really didn't know this meeting was happening.
We are fostering a new puppy.
I haven't slept in a long time, but I'm here to tell you
every every single experience we have had on the swim team has been phenomenal.
Sorry, but Amelia said, Go to the meeting.
Please make sure Greg is my coach next year.
That's all I want to say.
Thank you.
Good evening.
My name is Robert Smith.
My wife here. Mary is also with me tonight.
One on one on the drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania.
I was here at the last meeting, spoke on behalf of Greg Foust,
which went into quite a bit of detail on the success
that my kids and other kids have had who have come through
Greg's program, the Hershey Aquatic Club, as well as the high school.
All of that's in 45 minutes worth of minutes
that were here from the children, I think it was June 10th meeting.
So I think it's important not only to hear tonight's information
all positive on Greg Fastpitch, but also the June 10th meeting minutes,
all 44, 43 plus minutes of that not one negative comment on Greg Fast-Track.
Greg Foster
has had an outstanding 22 year career and hopefully it's another 22 years
coach in Hershey High School and a Hershey Aquatic club.
He's a coach and an educator.
Here's how it's touched 2900 swimmers,
scholars, honor roll students, Hall of Fame
members, college swimmers, college coaches,
youth coaches, medical professionals, professionals, doctors, nurses,
teachers, engineers, business owners and more.
That speaks quite a bit about Greg Foster.
Stretch.
These swimmers are ambassadors to Derry Township,
thanks to Greg Fast, Rick.
Greg is not only a swim coach, but he's a teacher.
He teaches respect for one another.
That's all is in relationship to some of the accusations.
Greg teaches respect for one another.
He teaches timeliness.
He teaches good work ethic, he teaches dedication.
He teaches teamwork.
He teaches personal drive.
He teaches manners.
He teaches time management, just to name a few.
And this is evident in the success of the swim
program and the swimmers that are coming out of Derry Township.
Once again, these swimmers are ambassadors for Derry Township all over the country,
not only here, you're here
in the Midwest coach and at Northwest eastern Minnesota, all over the country.
I would elaborate on
his accusers and what drives them, but I won't
I don't want to throw a model on the wall and create further conflict.
If any of the board members here have been in a high school swimming
or even an aquatics club swimming since 1997,
when we actually brought Greg Ashridge in here from Purdue,
you would see his professionalism is unbelievable.
He's there, Pat and.
The kids on the back row have a bad swim.
He's there telling the kids what they need to do for the next meet.
He's there telling them what to do before they get on the blocks.
Greg is a tremendous guy.
We can talk all you want, but if the board members here haven't
been at swim meets, haven't seen it firsthand, not accusers,
but seen it firsthand, it would be important that you see this.
Everything that you're hearing has great, fast, rich.
Unfortunately, many people view swimming as an individual sport.
This is far from the truth.
When there are disruptions or negativity on the pool deck, it impacts everybody.
Just like in any sport, community, classroom or family.
No one person should be above the growth of the group.
I can tell you that I've never seen Greg manage
a pool deck or a team in an adverse way or abusive way,
setting expectations and holding people
accountable are part of a coach's duty.
It is what you would expect from a coach that leads my show.
It's what I would expect from a coach that leads my children.
Here's what prepares our athletes for life beyond sport.
Appropriate consequences are part of that learning experience,
and we have all had them
as part of the Hershey Aquatics Club
Board past president in the 1980s,
1990s, up to 2000, a 31 year baseball coach here
in Derry Township and grandparent of three eight and under children.
I support Greg Fastpitch 100%, as does my wife.
I hope the school board will support him too.
Thank you.
I think it's
right
we are at the 45 minute mark of public comment.
Okay, So we are going to move on to the next agenda item.
The listed items on the answers are on the anticipated
July 15th, 2019, Board of Directors agenda.
There is no unfinished business.
The content consent agenda items.
The consent agenda contains routinely adopted items and items
that normally do not public deliberations on the part of the board.
A board member may pull items which will be discussed and voted on separately.
May I have a motion to approve the consent agenda items as listed so most session
me, Maria and Donna.
Is there any discussion?
Okay, this is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I was opposed.
Say no.
All right.
The consent agenda passes
under new business
adoption of the final budget and tax resolutions
for the 2019 2020 school year.
Mr. McFarland.
Thank you.
The administration recommends the adoption of the final budget and tax resolutions
for the 2019 2020 year as listed.
May I have a motion to approve and adopt the final budget
and tax resolution for 2019 2020.
So move.
Second, Lindsay and Teri, is there any discussion?
Just want to compliment Mike and his staff for all the hard work
to get us to this point, to get our budget in on time
and so we can start next year in good shape?
Thank you.
Yeah, I agree. Thanks, Terry, for bringing that up.
Okay.
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say aye. Aye.
All those opposed say no.
Okay.
The budget passes
approval of Warehouse Construction Administration.
Mr. McFarland.
Thank you.
The administration recommends
the board approve the agreement with warehouse in the amount of $44,000
to provide construction Administration services for the Granata Roof project. May
I have a motion to approve the Warehouse Construction Administration agreement?
So moved.
Second, Maria and Lindsay, is there any discussion?
Kay This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I oppose, say no.
Okay.
With the warehouses approved approval of solicitor engagement letter, Mr.
McFarland, the administration recommends the approval of Barley Snyder attorneys
at Engagement letter effective July 1st, 2019 through June 30th, 2022.
May I have a motion to approve Barley Snyder Snyder Engagement Letter So moved.
Donna and Maria, is there any discussion?
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say aye.
I was opposed. Say no to Barley.
Snyder is approved approval of Indiana University Affiliation Agreement. Mr.
McFarland The administration recommends the Board
approve the Affiliation Agreement with Derry Township School District
and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, effective June 25th, 2019.
May I have a motion
to approve the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Affiliation Agreement?
So I moved second.
Donna Maria, is there any discussion
okay, this is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I was opposed.
Say no
to the agreement passes
Revision two Hall of Fame inductees.
Mr. McFarland.
The list is a revision to the previously affirmed inductees to the Hershey
Athletic Hall of Fame, affirmed at the May 28, 2019 Board of Directors
meeting for the Hershey High School Boys Basketball 1970 to 1973. Team
Union A Motion
May I have a motion to affirm the listed Resolute Revision
to the 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees so moved second.
And is there any discussion? Yes, of course.
A special thanks to KIPP for helping us without mission.
He had the yearbooks.
Thank you, Cap.
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say aye. Aye.
Those opposed say no.
Okay, It is approved.
May I have a motion to approve the list as resignations?
So moved.
Second, Maria and Lindsey, is there any discussion?
Is the standard voice vote?
All those in favor say aye.
I and all those opposed say no.
Okay.
The resignations are approved personnel.
General, are there any board members who would like to pull individuals off
of the group? Vote for a separate vote under personnel, General?
Yes, I would.
As chairman of the Athletic and Activities Committee,
I would like to remove the following names from the list
of spring coaches for separate consideration.
Girls Lacrosse Head Coach Can Taylor
Girls Lacrosse Assistant Coach Erin Zimmer.
Girls Lacrosse Assistant Coach Amanda Lippert.
And I would like to pull swimming head coach Greg fast.
It's from the list of the winner coaches for consideration as well.
Okay.
Well, first we will vote on the personnel general group as amended
without the individuals pulled off.
Mayor Mr.
McFarland, the administration recommends
the approval of the listed personnel as amended.
May I have motion to approve personnel General group as amended
without the individuals pulled off.
So move.
Second, Lindsay and Maria, is there any discussion?
Okay, this is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say aye.
I was opposed. Say no.
Okay.
Personnel general as amended is approved.
Personnel.
General Ken Taylor, head lacrosse coach. Mr.
McFarland, the administration recommends
the approval of Ken Taylor as the girls head lacrosse coach.
May I have a motion to approve?
Ken Taylor, Head coach of Lacrosse Girls Removed.
Donna Second.
Maria, is there any discussion?
I would like to say something
and this is going to be in reference to this vote
as well as the other individuals.
I was unsure tonight whether or not I wanted to speak outside
of just stating my vote,
but there are a few things that I would like to address to provide context
on how I've arrived at my personal vote this evening,
because I feel that it's important to do so as we are elected
to represent all residents of Derry Township.
Serving on the school board is an honor and one for which I pride myself
for carrying out with integrity the magnitude of the impact
our decisions have is something I don't take lightly.
Whether we are voting on budget matters, curriculum decisions, student services
or personnel.
I go through a decision making process which involves
reflecting upon the information we are presented with
by the administration who is recommending the feedback of community members.
I was elected to represent a review of policy and in many instances
additional research on the subject matter at hand.
The feedback from community members, parents and students such as all of you
who have addressed the board
tonight and in recent and weeks, have not fallen on deaf ears.
For me, all feedback, however it's received,
whether positive or negative, has value to me.
And even though my personal decision
may end up being different than the one you are advocating for,
please know that it does not serve to diminish anyone's experience in the past
and the appreciation
and respect I have for anyone willing to speak out is unwavering.
Being a graduate of Hershey myself,
I've always cherish the depth of my ties to the community here.
I have personally known or attended the district in the same time frame
as many of you who have spoken tonight,
or your children whom you've shared information about others.
I'm currently raising my son within this community with
it makes arriving at decisions like this even harder, knowing that there will be
or could be some disappointment
from some of you whom I have such tremendous respect for.
I value transparency and being able
to explain how I arrived at the decisions.
Though when it comes to personal matters, honoring
confidentiality does limit greatly limit my ability to do so.
I know how difficult it can be to sit on the other side and feel that
there are excuses or cover up for something.
I cannot express enough ways of just how untrue that is.
I also have a great amount for the respect of the recommendations
of the administration.
And while the majority of the time I vote in favor with those recommendations,
there are times that I will disagree without exercising our right
as board members to think differently on occasion, the amount of time and energy
that we all put in to serving in this capacity would be unnecessary.
With all of this being said, I do ask that even if you don't agree
with my vote, that you would be able to respect that I'm making this decision
because I feel that it is the right one to make based on the information
I had available today without personal bias,
with no hidden agenda to serve, and doing so while
also recognizing that for me, doing what is right is not always popular
when it comes to making decisions which have direct impact on the
physical, mental and emotional well-being or safety of all of our students.
My voting record is always consistent.
Regardless of what happens.
I have complete faith
that the accomplishments of our district will never be defined by any one person,
but instead the collaboration of all of us as stakeholders who are committed
to healthy growth
and development of all of our students and the success of our community.
Thank you.
Is there any other discussion
I wanted to add to that?
Ms.. Drew?
And I couldn't agree more that
each board member here has to make this decision individually.
And I really I truly respect what you said, that we may come out differently.
That doesn't mean we still don't maintain respect
among all the members of the board.
It is true that we defer to the administration
in the recommendations, but I believe that you're correct that that does not let
individual members off the hook to exercise their own judgment.
In this instance, I have and I think all of on the board
have we've all struggled and given serious thought to these are
these are decisions that come before the board.
I and this is as will be following sort of the general rule of thumb
of deferring to the administration in this instance.
And that's really the driving force behind my decision.
I again, I thank everyone for their comments
and what they brought to the discussion.
I think all that has been illuminating.
But I in this business would be following
the advice of the administration and our athletic director.
Any other discussion.
All right, Mr.
Friends, we're going to do a roll call vote.
This is for Ken Taylor.
Mr. Abell.
Yes, Dr. Cronan.
Now, Mr..
Now, Mr. Stick.
Yes, Miss Many. No.
Dr. Schott. Yes.
Miss Sicker? No.
Mr. Singer? No.
Miss Steiner. No.
Three six. Now.
Okay.
Ken Taylor is not approved.
Personnel.
General Aaron Zimmer, Assistant Lacrosse Coach.
Mr. McFarland.
The administration recommends Aaron Zimmer as assistant girls lacrosse coach.
May I have a motion to approve?
Aaron Zimmer, Assistant Girls Lacrosse coach So,
Lindsey and Donna, is there any discussion?
Okay, Mr.
Friends, we'll do a roll call vote.
Dr. CRONAN No.
Mr.. No.
Ms.. Have a stick?
Yes As many know.
Dr. Shore. Yes.
Mr. Sicker.
No. Mr.
Singer. No.
Mr. Steiner. No.
Mr. Abel.
Yes. Three.
Yes. Six. No.
Hey, Aaron Zimmer is not approved.
Personnel General Amanda
Lippert, Assistant Girls Lacrosse Coach.
Mr. McFarland.
The administration recommends men depart as the Assistant girls Lacrosse coach.
May I have a motion to approve Amanda Lippert
as assistant girls lacrosse coach?
Summer camp second and Lindsay.
Is there any discussion?
Hi, Mr. Friends.
Roll call. Vote. Mr..
Now is have a stick.
Yes, it is. Maybe. No.
Dr. Shaw. Yes.
This sticker.
No. Mr.
Singer? No.
Mr. Steiner? No.
Mr. Abel?
Yes. Dr.
Cronan? No.
Six. Yes. Three. No.
Okay.
Amanda is not approved as assistant.
Six, six, three, six.
No, I'm sorry. Misstated that.
The first time. Okay.
Personnel General.
Mr. McFarland, Greg Fastrack, head swim coach.
The administration recommends Greg Foster as the Hershey
High School head swim coach.
May I have a motion to approve?
Craig Fastrack head swim coach.
Some of Terry second.
Who's that?
Donna, is there any discussion?
I'd like to just say something briefly.
I wasn't planning on it,
but there are a lot of my friends in the audience.
I love Angie Di. She knows I love her.
I Really? To echo what Lindsey said.
You know, we live in this community.
We do not take these decisions lightly.
I don't doubt what every one of you said
is True.
But being in the position that we are
in, we have so much information
that we have to look at and we have to make decisions on.
And I think the frustration in your seat
is that you don't have all of the information that we have.
And I know every board member, whichever way that they vote,
has to go home tonight and lay down and be able to sleep with the decision
that they make and know that they did what they felt was right.
I don't know where I fall on this.
If I'm in the majority or the minority,
but I
just wanted to say that I appreciate everyone coming here.
And I'd also like for if not that I'm telling you what to do,
but I think that there needs to be some consideration,
that there are other sides, there are other stories,
there are other people who don't feel comfortable
coming and speaking in public and don't have the courage to do so.
I know that one or two names have been thrown around.
I heard that the word tonight witch hunt.
I know exactly who you're referring to.
You could just completely remove that person.
We have I have personally gotten information
from people I don't even recognize their name,
but I would just like the benefit of the doubt to my peers, my community
members, my friends that I have taken everything into consideration.
And I will be voting with what I feel
is the
best that I can do with all of the information that I have
from many different sides of this incredibly complex situation.
Thank you.
Is there any other discussion?
Mr. Friends.
Rocca
Mr. Ristic? Yes.
Maybe. No.
Dr. Shore. Yes.
Mr.. Ms..
Yes. Mr.
Singer. Yes.
Mr. Stoner. No.
Mr. Abel.
Yes. Dr. CRONAN.
Yes. Mr..
NOW six. Six.
Yes. Three. No.
Okay.
Could
delegate reports.
SBA Mrs.
Steiner, do you have a SBA delegate report?
Yes, I do. I'm pleased to see that it's attached.
I'm not sure if anybody had a chance to read it yet.
I'll just highlight briefly.
I met with Karen Devine, our section leader, last Thursday,
and she just went over a few updates, including the Act 35 mandated training
that's new, a new requirement for all school directors
that go into effect after this election.
So even though we've been doing our online training
that we got
before that says the year one, year two year three year four,
you're going to have to do it again.
So there's a new one that
that are Act 55 relevant.
So there's a so there's new materials.
The training is essentially the same.
There's just a new requirement that has to be logged.
It doesn't have to be the online training
also going to be
in-person training
options that are available at the SBA headquarters and other sites.
But it's going to be 4 hours for new directors, which we won't have this year
and then 2 hours for advanced training for reelected school directors.
But there's going to be an updated orientation
coming in January 2024
for superintendents, school presidents and possibly liaisons
to go and get like a sort of information packet and bring it back to
the rest of the board.
And then she just wanted to remind us that there's
a school solicitor conference July 11th and 12th at State College.
You do not have to be a solicitor to attend.
So anybody that's interested in learning about,
you know, school law and all the updates is welcome to go to that.
And there's also a secretary's conference July 30th and 31st at Kalahari, if Mr.
Francis interested.
And and then, of course,
the annual conference October 16th through 18th.
And registration is open now.
One of the things that we also
talked about was the PSP legislative platform, which we
talked about submitting.
The submissions are due June 28th
this week, but
Lindsay and I took a look at it, and it's fairly comprehensive this year,
so we didn't really have anything to add from it. We didn't hear back from you.
But they
are there is an option for PSP delegates vote
on the legislative platform for the upcoming year.
And so we have an option
to vote as a school board to send.
I realize that I'm actually unable to go.
My children have an event that evening,
but I think once you might be interested in attending.
So I would like to take this opportunity
to make a motion to
call for interested appointees to be named
and voted upon, and then for us to add it to the agenda.
You want to make a motion
to add the vote for the two delegates to the agenda now? Yes.
Because those names are have to be turned in by June.
Okay.
So can I have a motion to select
second?
Okay.
Is there any discussion about adding this to the agenda?
Okay. All those in favor say hi.
Okay. I'll suppose they know.
Okay.
We are going to vote on whether we will send to PSP delegates.
And what's. What's the conference call?
It's the
it's the annual conference
for the PSP, a delegate assembly.
Okay.
So we are going to
move to send to PSP a board member, delegates
to the annual PSP delegate conference
or just that session. Right.
Just associates.
It's just it's just it's just Friday, October
18th from 2 to 330 just for that assembly meeting.
Do we need to vote on the exact delegates?
Yes, we have in the past. Yes.
I mean.
Well, she gets the volunteers. Yeah.
So we can open up for nominations. If anybody would like to hear.
Yeah.
Does anyone want to volunteer to go?
I will.
Okay, Lindsay, I would like to go.
I came unable to go. Yes. Yeah. Does it.
Can anyone else go? What was the date again?
October 18th, from 2 to 330.
It's at the Hershey Lodge.
It's following the annual conference.
Do we have to name names? Yes.
Yeah, They have to register for voting purposes at the conference.
So we put in a person
who can change householder in someone who thinks they could go.
It's Friday, October 18th. I don't think so.
I think you'll be paying names and they'll be.
Yeah.
I can't go.
So it's okay.
I mean, we we, we are open to at least one we can send to, I think.
But if we have one there, I think that's still a good representation.
But I can go.
Okay.
Yes. It's you said 2 to 1 to 2 to 330.
Okay.
So can I have a motion to send
Lindsey Drew and Kathy Seger to the SBA delegate annual PSB conference?
So moves second. It's written.
John, is any discussion.
Okay, All those in favor say I was opposed.
Say no. Okay, we are going. All right, Great.
Thank you.
So, Mr.
Friends, will you then send the notification back for that?
Okay, great. Thank you.
And then just a reminder, too, that their success starts here.
Program to share any of our success stories from Derry Township.
So I just want to throw that out there
to share.
That's something that's shared statewide just to promote public education.
And then
also want to share.
We also talked about the SBA principles of governance and leadership.
We've already adopted these in our board operating guidelines,
but that's not consistent with our policy.
11 So that's just something we can review.
And I just also wanted to share to
that I'm going to the Equity Task force meeting on Thursday,
and I was also asked
to apply for the Section seven adviser.
It's a two year term that begins in January 2020.
So I went and applied for that and there's nobody else running for the position.
So basically, since I attend a lot of their events
anyway, it's not that much more of a stretch for me to become
an advisor for, for the section.
And I was also asked to be part of the Commonwealth Education
Work Group event, which is happening in July on the fifth of Fortune, the 15th.
So they're in phase two of that blueprint.
If anybody remembers, they issued phase one report at the last annual conference
and brought back copies for everyone.
So it's just sort of their vision of public education
in the state of Pennsylvania.
And they're working on phase two to figure out
how to sort of move to the next steps and how to implement some of those vision.
So I'm pretty excited that actually.
All right. Yeah. Thank you.
So and I think that pretty much sums up and concludes my report.
Thank you for attending the delegate assembly.
Are there any other board member or that those were delegates?
No more delegates.
Board member reports.
Are there any board members who would like to give a report?
Madam President, for the record, I requested Mr.
Governor's recommendation for Troy Smith as assistant football coach
be brought forward for a vote, and that occurred.
I would have voted for Mr.
McGovern's recommendation
whether any other board members who would like to make a report.
I have one.
I just wanted to speak.
I'm not as eloquent as Lindsey, so bear with me.
Some of you may be confused or disappointed in the votes for coaches
this evening.
Some in the community may be confused with the decision
not to bring forth Troy Smith for a vote as assistant football coach.
Especially after hearing him voted on this evening for powerlifting.
As a member of the board representing you, the community.
I have appreciated your public comments, petitions and requests
and I understand and share your frustration and disappointment
in regards to all the coaching decisions that have been made this evening.
Whether we all agree or disagree with them as a community and as a board,
it is my hope that we can move forward and support
all the teams and coaches for the kids and the school community.
Thank you.
Are there any other board members?
I have a board member report. Okay.
I just wanted to share quickly about the Dauphin County
Tactical School career camp that my daughter attended.
June 11th was on 13th and just let our community know
what a fabulous free campus.
They provide breakfast and lunch for the kids,
and it's a lot of kids but they break the kids down into groups of ten.
And the kids really get a lot of hands on activities.
So these are some of the things that my daughter made.
She made a biscuit joint and carpentry.
She did fingerprinting
and shoe print casting and the Criminal Justice Division.
She did some blow torch
soldering for the HVAC.
She did soldering on a smaller scale for a little robotics unit that they had
with a little blinking robotics light and all the kids were wearing them.
It was really cute.
She also did
she also got to use a plasma cutter, which sounds really scary.
She was cutting this like really hard metal with a plasma cutter.
But that was really cool and exciting for her.
And she did this really cool metal thing
and precision for precision metal.
Metal engraving on this computerized machine, that engraved metal.
She also got to drive a forklift.
She did tire rotations and oil change for the auto mechanics program.
And she just she she she planted plants in the horticulture
and she came home with a little thing of dirt with seeds
that were rushing that where we're now cultivating and growing.
And that was just a sampling because there's so many great programs.
So she wants to go back next year
so she can try to get some of the other programs which I'm nixed about
because the camp fills up so quickly and I want other kids to experience it.
But she had a really great experience, especially for
a sixth
grader that wasn't really excited about me signing her up.
I just asked her to go with an open mind and she had the best time ever.
And now, maybe considering a future, There is
one thing that the principal said, which I thought was really meaningful
to the kids in the closing ceremonies.
You said a goal without a plan is just a wish.
And all the kids that come to Dauphin County Tactical School have a plan.
So it was just really powerful and it was wonderful experience.
And I just can't say enough good things about the Dauphin County Tactical School.
Is that for all the middle school, what are the grades?
Yeah, it's for an incoming
6/7 and eighth graders, I think. Yes.
How did you hear about it?
I heard about it
because I am an alternate from the Dauphin County Tactical School Board. So.
But it was on the website. It was on the website.
Yeah, on their website.
No, ours on our website. Thank you.
And I think they might have sent something home.
They they also the sixth graders this year in Derry Township
also went to Dauphin County School for the first time and sixth grade.
Usually they wait till eighth grade, so her going in sixth
grade actually was was huge because I signed up before that trip.
And then afterwards she was like, Oh, that's kind of cool.
So yes,
starting younger and the other board members who have reports.
Mr. Macfarlane, do you have a superintendents report?
Have you?
I just want to echo our congratulations to the boys lacrosse team
for their second place finish.
I had the privilege to go to that game and they played hard and can be
very, very proud of their accomplishments, as we certainly are.
So that ends my report.
All right. Thank you. Board Presidents Report.
I just want to say congratulate Linda Clarion on her 30 plus years.
She retires Wednesday.
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, not on the agenda.
Those who speak are asked to come to the microphone
and follow the same guidelines outlined
in the initial public comment portion of the meeting.
Are there any residents or taxpayers who would like to come forward
at this time?
I'm Patty McCorkle, 240 McCorkle Road.
Dr. Shah, thank you very much for your support.
Troy Smith.
I do not understand
why he was not brought forward.
The team will not understand and my son will be incredibly disappointed.
I do thank you for putting him forward
as powerlifting advisor because my son will have the opportunity to
have that time with Coach
Smith and learn discipline and be a winner in that way.
Unfortunately, you've chosen not to bring him forward
as a football coach
and that is
unfair.
It is unfortunate that you have chosen not to bring him forward.
He would have been a great addition.
There was a lot of excitement with the team and I'm hoping
that they can find a way to overcome this and move forward.
It will be difficult because they had already
been working in that direction with with Coach Smith
and they are kind of behind the behind the ball, so to speak, at this point.
They've already started practice and they have a lot of catching up to do.
So I would just like to formally
let you know how disappointed I am that he was not brought forward.
Thank you for.
Again, thank you
for allowing him to be powerlifting advisor.
Thank you.
Any other residents or taxpayers?
Evening.
Brian Bingaman, 40 Longridge Road here.
Want to do in support of the football program and Coach Smith.
As you can see, our numbers numbers have dwindled a little bit.
I think it's good tonight with all the other people that were here,
but the support is still there.
The boys wanted to come out and support coach.
We told them, I think we've said all we can say in support of him.
If you don't understand what what impacts he's had on the lives, you won't get it.
In that frustration, they sense expressed a lot of frustration.
And, you know, that's frustration goes up the line especially since
naming him an advisor to the powerlifting.
You know we talk about transparency, we talk about non personal agendas.
But one job versus another job, I don't understand.
There has to be something there that is
precluding him from being moved forward.
You know, in looking at the whole system,
you know, the school board system, what your responsibilities are,
I'm not going to tell you your responsibilities, but you know,
administrators, administrate teachers, teach coaches coach
and the board should oversee the process, not micromanage.
You know, hold your administer leaders accountable.
If they bring somebody forward that doesn't foot the bill,
hold them accountable.
That's why you have a superintendent.
That's why you have an athletic director.
But the board should not make individual decisions.
Thank you.
Robert
Smith one on one arm and drive very township resident 45 years I
to thank everybody here, all the board members for
their hard work and their deliberations.
I know a lot of you I've seen a lot of you around.
I know Dr.
Cronin very active with sports in the past.
I just hope when you
guys are making decisions and voting no or voting
yes on somebody that you've actually gone and seen what they do,
not just taken word or accusations, go out and see them.
It's like buying a car, like buying a house.
You're going to buy a house. You go check it out.
Don't take the word that someone else is saying, Go check it out yourself.
Check out these coaches, see what they do, see how they interact
with the kids, talk around, find out what's going on.
Your athletic department does that.
I wouldn't recommend that
your athletic department stands behind the coaches that they recommend.
But then there might be some personal agendas that commonplace.
Maybe people are friends with people on Facebook, etc., etc.
that doesn't cut it.
It's not being to the kids You're going to make decisions on.
People go out and do some investigation.
It hurts the kids if you make the wrong moves.
Either way, I'm open to either way, but know what you're doing
when you make a vote.
Thank you.
Any other
residents or taxpayers?
Okay.
Next, Public Board of Directors meeting will be held July 15,
starting at 7:00 in the District Office Board of Directors Room.
May I have a motion to adjourn this meeting?
So moved.
Second, Maria and Lindsay.
All those in favor say I oppose.
Say no pay and we are adjourned at 832.