The May 28, 2019 meeting of the Derry Township School District
Board of Directors to order and announce that this meeting is being audio recorded.
Mr. Friends call Mr.
Abel here.
Dr. Cronin here. Mr.
Maher.
Stick your memory here.
Dr. Shore. Here.
Mr. Looker. Here.
Mr. Singer.
Here, Mr. Owner. Here.
Nine present, zero. Absent.
Please rise, if able, while we take a moment of silence
to remember teacher David Pegler, who passed away recently
following our moment of silence, please join me in the Pledge
of Allegiance.
Allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America and to the Republicans religious stance.
One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty
and justice for all.
May I have a motion to approve the May 28, 2019
Board of Directors agenda so I can pay Lyndsey and Maria.
Is there any discussion?
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say aye. Aye.
And all those opposed say no to the motion carries.
I would like to announce the board met in executive session prior to this meeting
to discuss matters of personnel and the board will also be meeting in post
exec after this meeting.
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 during the public comment portion.
This list 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 portions of the meeting.
If necessary, the board may set a maximum time for the public comment
portion of any meeting.
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 the board meeting are asked to fill out a comment card
which can be found at the podium.
Completed comment cards may be turned to the members of the administration
to facilitate a reply.
Are there any citizens or taxpayers who would like to come forward
at this time?
Thank. Hi.
Hi, I'm Anthony Zimmerman and my address is 20478
Shruthi Road Hummelstown, P.A..
I'm here
to speak to you tonight on behalf of the Hershey High School football team.
I played football for nine years now.
It's always been an important part of my life
and it has earned a very special spot in my heart.
So special that I am here missing an opportunity
to play in the first round of the state playoffs.
Now for the for the Hershey lacrosse team.
My teammates and I were devastated when we heard that I could.
Smith
may not receive the approval of the school board to be our defensive coordinator.
When we heard this news, we decided
we would do everything in our power to show our support for Coach Smith,
and that is what we hope to accomplish by the end of this meeting tonight.
Show the entire community support.
We initiated an online petition for the athletes, students and community members.
We closed the petition this afternoon
and it had over 550 signatures.
Coach Smith has only been around our team for a couple of months,
and in these months he's already begun to change the culture of our team.
Every coach we have worked with in the past couple of years
seemed to have the same message that they were going to change the culture.
But Coach Smith was,
along with the rest of the coaching staff under the direction of Coach Banner.
They were the only ones who actually followed through with this promise.
In January, Coach Smith already had begun
to prepare us for our first game against Panama this coming August.
The first time we walked into a meeting, he had playbooks
ready with everything we would need to know for the beginning of the season.
This is the first time we've experienced coaching staff
that is as committed to our success
as a powerlifting coach. Mr.
Smith has turned our powerlifting program into a nationally recognized team.
The work ethic and virtues he instills in his athletes are
what makes the teams he is a part of successful.
He always tells us he isn't just preparing us to be great athletes,
but he's also preparing us to be successful in life beyond high school.
He truly cares about the athletes, coaches and will do
whatever is necessary to ensure that they are successful.
Every coach that has been selected by coach trainer is a vital part
of rebuilding our football program and developing successful student athletes.
On behalf of my teammates.
We urge you to recognize the overwhelming support from the community of coach
trainer staff recommendations, especially Coach Smith as defensive coordinator.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you for coming.
Is there anyone else who would like to make public comment
at this time?
Hi, my name is Peter Bernstein.
I decided to wait Hallmark North.
I follow my fellow
teammate in discussion of the reconsideration of Coach Smith.
I would like to start with a personal anecdote.
I joined powerlifting as a scrawny £165 boy, and through two years through Coach
Smith's powerlifting program, he transformed me into a state champion.
During practice, he was calculated, precise
and very detail oriented.
I would like to really reiterate
what my teammate said.
He is not here only to transform
and transform us into athletes, but to carry that over throughout
throughout life and try to transcend the school.
This is why it is the most of most important importance that you reconsider.
Coach Smith.
The discipline, ownership and work ethic and a plethora of other virtues
that he instills in me and through many others throughout Hershey
powerlifting and the various programs he has coached.
There is why you must reconsider our
these same virtues that transcend the football field.
And this is why I think it is.
All of this is why it is paramount that you reconsider his.
I'm sorry, his
his hiring of the defensive coordinator position.
Thank you for your time.
Okay. Thank you.
Is there anyone else who would like to come forward?
Hi. My name is Bryce Grayling.
I live at 920 Marion Court.
I've been in the youth football program for six years
and I'm moving up to the freshman team next year.
As a teacher, Mr.
Smith has taught me a lot about sports and even more about
being a respectful member of the community
and just sportsmanship. How?
Winning or losing?
He taught me to face my problems head on.
And as an example,
once I was having a problem with another student
and instead of just
letting me have my problem with the student,
he had me sit with him at lunch so that we could resolve our problem.
And after that, we actually ended up being really good friends
until he moved away last year.
And he's
taught me all these things as a teacher.
I'd like you to imagine what he can do for me
as a coach.
I very much like you to,
but I very much like you to think about my story
and what I've learned from him while you make your decision
and I thank you for your time.
Thank you.
When anyone else like to come forward to make comment.
My name is Michelle Von Arcs.
I live at 427 Cedar Avenue in Hershey.
I am fortunate to be the president of the Hershey
Football Family Executive Board, and I'm speaking on behalf of the Hershey
football family, including the board members, parents, as well as players.
As a board, we support Coach Painter's choice of all of his
assistant coaching staff, including Troy Smith.
I would like to share some of Troy Smith's background and credentials.
He played football at Manheim Central High School in the late nineties.
He coached football for the Hershey Middle School.
He then became a linebacker coach on the Hershey High School varsity staff.
He coached in this capacity until 2014.
During this time, he was the defensive coordinator for five seasons.
Since 2014,
he has worked the last four football seasons with the Hempfield High School
before choosing to come back to coach of varsity football at Hershey High School.
Troy was offered a varsity football
coaching position at his former high school Manheim Central,
which has a highly revered high school football program.
Coach Smith chose to come back to Hershey
instead of taking the position at Manheim Central.
He made this choice because he has established roots here at Hershey,
as well as relationships with players, coaches and administration.
As you heard, some of the players representing our Hershey
high School football team and Anthony mentioned
the petition that has been signed by over 550 people,
including players, family members, as well as community members.
Just want to read
a couple of the comments that were made by some of these constituents.
This was a parent who said, I have two children who were coached
by Coach Smith in powerlifting, and my son also had him as a football coach.
He was not only a great coach, but he also taught the student integrity
and respect, something that is not always seen in coaches.
Another parent said Mr. Smith.
Smith was the teacher for both of my boys.
Not only is he a terrific Derry Township school teacher,
but he has brought great success to the powerlifting program.
He should be given the opportunity to coach football
and I think he'll be a valuable asset to the team.
In closing, the Hershey football family would like
to highlight a few of the many positives that he brings to the table.
He's a vested educator in our middle school.
He is the powerlifting coach and has been for many years.
He was recently entrusted with the care and oversight of several
of our powerlifting students
to go travel in a national competition which was out of state.
And he is a dedicated member of the Derry Township School District
and to its athletes. Thank you.
Thank you.
Would anyone else like to come forward?
Good evening.
My name is Brian Bingham and live at 40 Laurel Ridge Road.
Well, father of two of the student athletes that are here tonight,
senior to be and a freshman to be both members of the Hershey football team.
First of all, I'd like to thank the board for the time and effort
you put into your work for the Derry Township School District.
I know the paycheck doesn't quite cover the time and effort you put in, so
I think it's very important that you're acknowledged for the effort you give us.
I'd also like to acknowledge the boys efforts
to show their support for Coach Smith tonight.
They had a short time to pull this together and I think they did a fabulous
job. I'd like to commend everybody that spoke and so far,
wonderful things they've said.
And I think it all comes from the heart.
I don't know Coach Smith, but I had an opportunity to meet him
for the first time at a parents meeting back in early March,
when the coach painter was was assembling the program.
And however, I did get to know Coach Painter
over the last couple of years coaching youth football with him.
I was very impressed with Coach Painter not only for his football knowledge,
but for his passion and desire to help and guide the youth
into young men becoming better people.
I say this because during the parents meeting,
as Coach Painter was introducing staff,
he indicated
the wealth of football
knowledge that he assembled with his staff.
It's incredible, really,
the team he's assembled that can help develop these boys.
But more importantly, you know, he stopped and said, more importantly,
he assembled this team because they're all good men.
They're positive role models.
The interest is to create, you know, a culture
that develops young men coming from Derry Township.
I think it's a very special thing that he's trying to instill.
You know,
we've heard a lot of good things here about Coach Smith,
you know, from student athletes, the board, and also the petition comments.
You know, words were used like accountability, integrity,
support, discipline, self-confidence, all qualities.
You know, I believe the majority of us as parents, you know,
want our kids to be raised as and raised with.
You know, from our perspective, our student athletes
would be greatly benefited from his input with this team.
I'm sure you're all aware, but if you're not, the boys have invested
much time and effort in preparation for the 2019 season.
Already.
A lot of time in the weight room on the field,
studying playbooks that Anthony had mentioned.
You know, to Coach Smith's credit,
you know, he has as well invested a lot of time and effort
developing the playbook and spending the time in the weight room,
assisting coach, painter in the development of the program.
Now, I
understand all the coach painter's assistant coaches,
the coach recommendations have the support of the district administration.
And I also understand the board originally supported all of the coaches
which allow Coach Painter to start the pre-season workouts and develop
our program the way we all would like to see it developed.
However, I now understand that
support has dwindled for reasons unexplained.
My personal opinion, using the veil of confidence,
reality of personal issues is a bad excuse for personal politics.
Specifically in this case,
you know, as Coach Smith has done something that precludes him
from being a football coach, he wouldn't have the administration support
and he probably shouldn't be teaching impressionable junior high schoolers
either.
We ask
as a group of parents, student athletes, township residents,
we ask
for your objectivity, sense of fairness,
obligation to our student athletes
to review the information
that's presented here tonight and conclude with a fair
and just resolution on Coach Smith's coaching status.
I'd also like to ask that he be voted on as soon as possible
to help keep the program running in the direction
that Coach Painter so chooses and that we so desperately need here.
Ferry Township.
I thank you for your time.
Thank you.
Is there anyone else who would like to come forward?
Hello, my name is Patty McCorkle.
I live at 240 McCorkle Road in Hershey.
I second every comment that was made,
and I stand here before you as a mother
of one of those
powerlifting team members that actually went to Louisiana.
And trust me, I don't easily hand my child over to anyone.
And it was the first time that my husband and I
allowed my son to go any distance with anyone.
And I had absolutely no concerns about Luc
going on that trip to Louisiana
with Coach Smith and coach hugging Doubler.
They conducted themselves very well.
They were very well organized
and the team was very responsible and respectable.
Coming home as a national recognized team.
And so if Coach Smith can do that for the powerlifting team,
I see no reason why he cannot
go forward and be approved and given
blessed the blessing of this board and the community.
And I really I implore you to look at at Coach
Smith and Coach Hogan Doubler all of Coach Painter's choices.
It was a fantastic team that he put together
the everyone in the room when when the team was announced,
the coaching team was announced, the excitement in the room was amazing
and I would just really like to see that, see what we can do with
with all of those people together as a coaching staff.
Thank you for your time and thank you so much for all the efforts
that you do put as a board, as as you mentioned, Mr.
Bingaman, we know your paycheck is not very,
very high. You put a lot of hours into this,
and we do really appreciate that as a community.
Thank you very much.
Thank you. Or anyone else who would like to come forward.
Oh, there's two people.
Okay.
Hi. Good evening.
My name is Kyle Wallace, and I live at 349 Yorktown Road in Hershey
and as a parent of two students who have come through the middle school
with Coach Smith as their PE teacher
and as a parent of a football player
and just as a parent in the school district in general.
I've heard nothing but great things about Coach Smith
evidenced by the comments of these players that are here in the room tonight,
evidenced by the comments
of other people that I have talked with that have interacted with him.
I don't personally know the man, but from my boys coming through,
they talk about how he's fair, how he's hard
in the classroom, but he's fair
how when he coaches, he coaches them to be the best that they can be.
And when he's at whether he's in the classroom
or whether he's on the football field,
he's always has the best interests of the students in mind.
And it's about putting forth the effort.
It's about doing what you're responsible to do
and living up to your expectations.
And this is the kind of person that I love having in the school district
as a teacher, love having in the school district as a powerlifting coach,
and would love to have reinstated a reconsidered
for his position as the defensive coordinator.
All of these roles require discipline.
All of these roles require teaching our young men and young ladies
effort that the
world is hard out there and nothing comes easy.
And so for them to be pushed, for them to be challenged,
but for them to also be coached well,
I think stands firm with all the comments that you've heard here tonight
with the student support, with the student support put in together,
the petition deserves your reconsideration for him
as our defensive coordinator of the Hershey football team.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
My name is Luke McCorkle.
I live at 240 McCorkle Road in Hershey
and I'm a pretty simple speaker and I don't like
to get up in front of people too much, but I think that can really testify
to how how passionate I and the rest of the team really are.
For Coach Smith.
As one of the
lifters that went to Louisiana, I can tell you that
Coach Smith is really one
of the most personable coaches I've ever
been part.
He's one of the most
personable coaches I've ever been part of a team with,
and I think that really shows that he can
he can really lead this team to two way greater
than than we've ever even seen to
try for him.
Yeah. Okay.
Thank you.
Would anyone else like to come forward?
Okay.
I don't see anyone else who's getting up.
I know it can be frustrating that we don't comment back to specific
people as you come up, but I appreciate that you came here
and respected our meeting and spoke and followed the order.
And you all dressed up and looked so nice.
So thank you for that.
We're moving on to the Standing committee meeting report.
The Finance Committee met today.
Mr. Singer, do you have a report? Yes, I do.
We reviewed a few things.
First, we reviewed and discussed a proposal
to analyze the cost and returns
generated through the Milton Hershey Trust.
So second, we reviewed our capital plan.
Third, we had a preliminary update on the assessed value
of the test properties that were part of the most recent
discussion about tax incremental financing.
And last, we had a brief update on the 2019 20 budget.
And I think Mike has a handout
on the budget that he's going to share with you
if you want to see any more about the budget.
Mike, thank you, Mr. Singer.
I know what provided is a little bit of an update for the current year's budget
where we think we're at. So we are going to finish the year
in a positive aspect that we
do believe our revenues will exceed expenditures.
Various things went into that,
a lot of it being the strong economy that we have here in Hershey
continues to to help the school district from that funding standpoint.
So we had planned our budget with about a three quarter of $1,000,000 deficit.
And those projections that are provided, we actually look like we're going to end
with about a half a million dollar surplus through those various items.
So I just wanted to provide the board with that update.
And as Terry noted on the agenda tonight
is the approval of the advertisement of the 1920 budget.
The board is not approving the budget, but just approving
giving me the authority to advertise it in the paper as required by school code.
Thanks, Mike.
Anyone have any questions about the Finance Committee?
Okay.
Student Representatives. I would like to take this time
to recognize our 2018 2019 student representatives.
We had Patrick Abbasi, our Damon Gia and Carly Carrasco here.
I see you're the only student here today.
Last man standing.
Thank you for coming.
We'll make sure that Carly and Patrick get their gifts.
But we do have a gift for you tonight.
We just like to thank you on behalf of.
Okay.
On the district students, administrators and board of directors.
We have a small token of appreciation for you.
This is something you can use in college.
Okay.
Now, student representatives report.
First of all. Wow.
Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate it.
And that's the end of the year is wrapping up.
It doesn't mean that things are going to stop around the district.
There's still things happening.
Just a couple of things that I want to talk about for this report
was the reading parade that happened at the elementary school
involved
the band captains of various athletic teams.
And the cheerleaders also came for
just walking around with the students at the elementary school.
They all dressed up in like different costumes, which was really cute.
And it was really fun event for the students.
And I actually got to go as well as really fun there, too.
And then there are senior events happening, which was the last thing
I want to discuss about across the district.
Just senior events.
People are getting very excited for the last couple of days of school.
So there was a senior dinner that happened last week.
Senior prom just happened on Friday.
We just went to Hershey Park today.
Tomorrow's going to be the senior walk.
And then we have on Sunday
the baccalaureate and then our commencement on the fifth.
And last but not least, I just wanted to say
thank you so much for this opportunity.
It's been an awesome experience to see what happens behind the scenes.
Not a lot of students get to see this kind of thing,
and I think it's really cool to see the amount of effort and the work
that is being done because I truly did not know this beforehand,
but it's nice to see it now as a student to understand and appreciate what happens.
So thank you so much for all of your hard work and for this opportunity.
Throughout the school, I've learned so many different things
and I've made lots of memories.
I've started in the district when I was in sixth grade and every single year
I always had great teachers and I'm truly fortunate for that.
The administration has been always helpful for me.
Anytime I need to reach out to anybody,
it was always something that was very easy process for me
and I'm truly grateful for living in this district
and the lessons that I've been provided, which in the future I have to take towards
Penn State University, where I will be attending
the Schreyer Honors College and studying, hopefully in biochemistry.
So thank you so much for this time.
Thank you so much.
I also just want to say Patrick is not here this evening
because he thought we were going to make him speak in character
like we've been threatening from his musical role.
He's right.
Okay.
The listed items are on the proposed June 10th, 2019
board of Directors agenda.
There is no unfinished business.
We have the consent agenda items.
The consent agenda contains routinely adopted items and items
that normally do not require public deliberations on the part of the board.
A board member may pull items which can then be discussed and voted on separately.
May I have a motion to approve the consent agenda List items as listed
so removed the second Donna and Lindsay.
Is there any discussion?
Okay. This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I always opposed.
Say no.
Okay. The motion carries
new business
resolution authorizing
the 2019 2020 final budget display an advertising Mr.
McFarland
resolved by the Board of School directors of the Derry Township School District
as follows The school district shall make the proposed 2019 2020 final budget
as presented to the School Board on May 28, 2019, available for public inspection
at least 20 days before the date scheduled for adoption of the final budget,
at least ten days before the date scheduled
for the 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 websites.
Hey, may I have a motion to it
for the resolution authorizing the 2019 2020 proposed
final budget display and advertising December 2nd?
Hey, Lindsay Marie, is there any discussion?
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I was opposed.
Say no. Okay. The motion carries.
We have an election of board treasurer tonight.
Section 404 of the school laws of Pennsylvania stipulates
that each school district of the third class, the school directors shall elect
a treasurer to serve for one year, beginning the first day in July.
Following such election, may I accept nominations for the position of Treasurer?
I'd like to nominate Terry Singer.
And second, okay.
Are there any other nominations for Treasurer?
Second and third,
everything.
I'm going to
close the nominations now.
Can I get a motion to close the nominations?
So moved second.
Hey, Donna and Maria, is there any discussion?
Thank you, Terry.
Yes, Thank you for running for a second term.
Appreciate it.
It's more work now that you have to chair the Finance Committee, but
I know Mike's happy to have me for another year.
References.
Okay, So
we are going to vote Terry Singer as board treasurer for one more year.
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I always opposed.
Say no.
Okay.
Congratulations.
Approval of people easement.
Mr. McFarland.
Thank you.
The administration recommends the board approve the easement agreement with PL
to install underground electrical lines through the district's property.
May I have a motion to approve the people easement
so moved.
Second, Maria and Donna, is there any discussion
I couldn't find exhibit A is anybody.
It wasn't on the attachment that I could find or in the print
which shows where the easement is.
If anybody can find it, I'll be glad to come
and look at your computer or your hard copy.
Jerry It's on there
and have it.
Yeah, I think it was.
It would have been in the last board brief
procedure.
Are you
seeing
last?
Is there any further discussion?
Because we do have a motion on the table
to do something about it and
I did
just want to say I thought that the legal terms
that were used were a little archaic, but that's not something
in our control.
Any further discussion?
Okay, This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I, I,
all those opposed say no.
Okay.
The motion carries
approval of the architect.
Mr. McFarland.
Thank you.
The administration recommends the board approve the agreement with warehouse
to provide architect and engineering services in conjunction with safety
and security projects for all district facilities
at a cost of $417,000, plus $38,000 for additional services.
May I have a motion to approve the Architect Safety and Security Agreement?
So moved. Second, second.
Maria and Donna, is there any discussion?
Okay, this is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I was opposed.
Say no.
Okay. The architect agreement is approved.
Approval of the architect for the 322 field building renovation.
Mr. McFarland.
Thank you.
The administration recommends
the board approve Hamel Associates to provide documents necessary
to build the 322 building renovations in the amount of $13,792.
Hey, may I have a motion to approve the 322 field building renovation architect?
So move.
Second, Terry and Maria, is there any discussion?
Madam President,
according to the Zillow Real Estate report,
the current median home price of all existing homes in the U.S.
is about $227,000.
Using the sources statista
the mean
median price of all U.S.
existing homes is 253,000.
So what's being proposed is a snack shack that costs
more than half the homes in this country
are given the all in cost projected to be
for all of the documents of 31 nine, if I'm reading that correctly.
Plus the 8000 we've already put in for the documents,
that brings the total cost all in cost
to about $300,000 for a facility.
It isn't even used by the students directly.
This should be voted down
and returned to the General Services Committee for reevaluation.
There are certainly other options.
I don't think modular was investigated thoroughly enough and certainly
there are concession stand sheds out there which can be purchased much cheaper.
For example, ten by 12 sheds start at $5,000.
Even if we put a $15,000 shed there.
And it lasted ten years for 150,000, half the cost,
we could have 100 years worth of concession stand sheds.
So I think this this needs to this needs to go back to the
General Services Committee.
So just to
clarify the process, we've this has been bounced
from General services, did a full board for two and a half years
and we've been through three different architects.
And this is to add heat
to the restrooms at 320 to turf and also to add a concession
stand with running water and hot water so you can wash your hands.
This would be to take it out to bid so that we could get closer
to hopefully going way under 200,000.
The last time we went out to it did approach 250.
That's why we want to get biddable documents.
So hopefully we can get like five bids back to get a variety
and go with the cheapest and bring the price down.
So this has been kicked around for two and a half years
and this is our only option right now.
Mike, I just want to confirm.
So this almost $32,000 is all before even construction would start, correct?
What, $32,000?
Well, in the attachment, it gives all the fees that it looks like.
It's just so the things that need to be done before
even going to build those additional services would be
if we can should select to engage Hamel to that.
As Mr.
Shah noted, we've just taken this process step by step.
So the first was to approve that approximately a little over
$8,000, and the second would be this is 13.
So as of now, the board would only be approving counting that last one.
And this one, 21,000, there would be additional costs
to go through that, but they would be negotiable with
with the current vendor or look to someone else
if needed due to the size of the project.
Right.
But all these other fees are going to come into play once the 13,000 is approved.
Pretty much.
I mean, if you look at what they are,
is that fair to say?
I mean, just an approximate.
So what I'm what I'm noting is we commit to nothing
more than the $13,000 by doing what we're doing here.
We commit to nothing further but to get that information,
go through the bid process, which will not cost us additional money.
Then if we choose to move forward with the project,
those additional costs probably would be incurred.
So some of those costs, like our construction management fees,
if they're involved with management managing the construction, correct,
But we're not committing to approving that at this point.
And just so you know that this this building was never built properly.
So it's been this way for this long and it's not winterized.
So it it has to be closed down too early in the fall.
And it cannot be opened in the spring.
This would correct that issue that this shed concession stand
is falling apart and it's dilapidated and does not have running water.
We also have a capital improvement plan where we do designate
we we take care of the facilities that we have on our campus.
This is just my view.
There's things that we put in the capital improvement plan that we
we need a new refrigerator, we need a new oven, We need
considering new parking, a generator replace.
We replace carpets, we replace things as they become dilapidated.
This is it's been long overdue for us to replace this.
I wish the price tag were less as well because we've even investigated
and tearing down the entire building, which would be a huge fee.
This is just adding on to the building
and then fixing what is wrong with the building.
So I've been advocating to get this fixed for a long time.
There are things that don't come to us piecemeal like this in the capital plan.
We might approve things that range from 20000 to 200000
because we just take care of our facilities.
Just as a reminder, these are two slightly separate issues.
The winterizing or conditioning of the restroom space
can be separated from what is currently a shed that is that is there,
and that shed could be replaced with another
shed.
I'm disappointed that we're continuing to have this conversation and debate
and getting to this at this point because we've seen these numbers before
and it was within the past two months that we had this conversation
and it was discussed that
we have facilities management
and we have a responsibility to maintain the facilities up to a certain code
and a certain standard at which the district operates.
This building is part of our facilities
and it is no longer operating at a functional space.
And I think that it is misguided to say that it is not directly related
to students because the booster clubs which are supporting our students
directly are using this and provides that opportunity.
And it is on our our property and being used.
And while
I don't personally love the price tag and don't have a stake in the game
because I've never even used this concession stand, I do think
that we have an obligation to stop having this conversation
and understand that we tried to take the route previously
of not going through this and not having to go through biddable documents
and the numbers came back so high and this is our only option.
We've looked at modular facilities and we looked at other things.
A shed doesn't fix it because a shed doesn't have electricity and a shed
doesn't have all of the things that we need.
You have to spend this money in order to be able to move forward.
If we pull it back to general services now, we literally are back to square one
and we have wasted all of the time and effort we've put into this so far.
So a year and a half ago when the price tag of $250,000
all in was mentioned
everybody, everybody gasped.
Everybody.
Everybody said, no, that's too much.
So now we're looking at an all in price tag of $300,000.
I think this shows really no consideration to the taxpayer.
That's not true, Dr.
Shah. That is completely inaccurate.
What we are doing by getting these construction documents
done is trying to see if we can get bids
that are in the price range that we have deemed acceptable.
We determined that the $250,000 number that came back was unacceptable.
And that's why we're here right now, still having this conversation
and going to bid documents to try and get a lower price.
I think we should vote.
I thought I liked my firm.
I wasn't
one of the principal opponents to the
to this plan and voted as such.
It's clear to me, though, that the will of the board
is to move ahead and
that we're that we're at a now
that I would vote for this because that the board has made a decision
collectively that I that I respect that this is the path I want to go.
So I will not I will not, you know, stand in the way and I'll vote for this,
because it seems to me I've already voted my objection.
The board's going this direction, so I will not stand a way on that.
Okay.
I would like to comment
that I have personally worked many hours in both concession stands,
and although I think the one of the track turf is lovely and beautiful,
I know we can't have that for many reasons at the 322 turf,
but I know we need to do something so I I'm putting my faith
in the General Services Committee that we do not,
you know, approach that to the price tag, which I hugely gasped on,
you know, but make it functional so that we can clean our hands
before serving food to so many people and and have it weatherized and have it
really reflect positively on our school.
Because a lot of a lot of events outside of our own school events are there.
And when we host districts, we bring in money for that kind of thing.
And it's really embarrassing that that shack
that we have relative to other schools and even the the turf,
they will be voting before we go any further, correct?
Correct. Right.
This is this is just, again, terrible documents
where the board would have to have a separate action for
us to actually go out to bid
and then
another action after that to accept the bids.
So, yes, we're we're at least two board actions away from
from committing any any more dollars
to this and knowing what that provides.
Also getting those biddable documents gives us real data
to then maybe make adjustments to the project that we know
will have real dollar consequences or factors.
Everything we've been doing right now because we didn't want to
we wanted to go through as much work as possible without using district resources.
We have exhausted all of those.
The only way to go forward now is to put more resources into the process.
And just to recap, that building was built when the high school was built in 1997.
It predates the turf field that is there.
And then we put a new turf track field in and a very nice concession stand
because there was a belief
that that might be our future football stadium
and it never turned into a football stadium.
So now we have two turf fields and one has a building that's been there,
and the concession stand up
there now was donated to us by a very nice soccer coach who built it for us.
We've never spent a dime on that concession stand, but it has
now it has lasted. It's on its last leg.
It leaks. I mean, there's a lot of problems with it.
It's dry rotted and it's not it's not sanitary for sorting food.
I just wanted to ask my
question, Mike, in terms of the the bidding, when it comes to that,
we haven't yet made a decision whether we're going to go to a co-op
bid route or just go out to the general public, correct?
No, we have that.
That was the co-op purchasing is the step we took last meeting
and came back and reported that that number was in excess
of $250,000
for that.
The modular building we looked at was in excess of $150,000.
That when we look at and compare it to the budget numbers that Hamil
had us provided to us, the building itself will only be 110,000 of that.
So the modular was not less expensive based on the data we received.
So local contractors, if we do get to the point where we bid
local contractors from third down to for example, would be able to bid on this
this job. Absolutely. Yes. Thank you.
It'll go through Pan bid, right.
We're using that through warehouse.
So that would be up in the air.
How we want to move forward through the process for us.
Yes, absolutely.
So, Mike, you said that
Ham already said it would be 110,000.
That breakdown that you were that you were reading from a received
has the total cost of the building in there.
You can see what HPC are,
but the stick
structure of the building would be and if you had those dollar numbers,
I just have 32,000 and that does not have anything about the building on it.
It has all that would have been down the the prior
information that was given as part of a part of that.
That was what came back from the co-op network
that looked at the option of building
and renovating through the corp network, as well as looking at the modular route.
Right.
So we still need to go out to bid even though we got a bid of 110,
it wasn't a bid that that was part of the total cost.
But going through that network,
that cooperative network proved not to be
economically reasonable, which is why we had to
are coming back to this like we originally had voted to not do this
and to take the other out the other route proved not to be right.
I understand that part. I just I guess I'm confused, Mike.
What you're referring to is Handel's bid of 110.
That was not the bid they provided during their conceptual drawing phase.
We had asked them when they
completed the conceptual drawing, if they could provide a budget number
of what they believed that building would cost.
So it was an official bid?
Absolutely. No, no, no, no.
It was right.
But they're estimating it would only be 110, is what you're saying.
The building itself? Just the building.
They provided us a number
that the entire cost, the whole project would be approximately $220,000.
But when you look at the breakdown of that and pull out, that's HBC
and only the part structure of the building.
It comes to 110,000 whole project would still be to 25
because of the necessity for the hot water.
That's getting confused with your two terms of building and the whole project.
Okay, thank you.
Okay.
We're going to do a roll call vote here, Mr.
Friends.
Mr. Abell Yes.
Dr. Cronan Yes, Mr.
Drew. Yes.
Ms.. However, Stick now.
Ms.. Many Yes.
Dr. Shah No.
Ms.. Zukor Yes.
Mr. Singer. Yes.
Mr. STEINER Yes.
72 now.
Okay. And the motion passes.
We have approval of existing floor plans.
Mr. MCFARLAND.
The administration recommends the board
approved the agreement with warehouse to provide architectural based floor plans
for all district buildings for a cost not to exceed $170,000.
May I have a motion to approve the agreement
with the warehouse for the existing floor plans so missed?
Second, Lindsay and Donna, is there any discussion?
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I was opposed.
Say no.
Okay.
The motion carries approval of the Meadows Psychiatric Center agreement. Mr.
McFarland, the administration recommends the board approve the letter of agreement
with the Derry Township School District and the Meadows Sacred Psychiatric Center.
The Meadows, effective for the 2019 2020 school year.
May I have a motion to approve the Meadows Psychiatric Center agreement?
So move to second.
Maria, Andrea and Tricia.
Is there any discussion?
I just want to thank the administration
for adding
another layer of mental health providers because there is such a shortage
right now.
And so if a kid's in crisis, it can take weeks, not months, to get service.
And this just adds a layer of crisis intervention right here and now.
And I think that's so important.
So thank you for supporting that.
Okay.
Any other discussion?
This is standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I was opposed.
Say no, hear the motion carries
affirmation of the 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.
May I have a motion to approve the 2019 inductees for the Athletic Hall of Fame?
So moved.
Second is Terry and Maria.
Is there any discussion?
Yes, there have been two omissions
on the Hershey High School basketball team of 1975.
Hank Kuzma and Ricks.
The doors should be on, should be on that list.
Hank was the center.
Rick was also an integral part.
That's Hank, Errol Spelling, Kuzma, Kuz DOMA and Ricks two Doors
stand you Elias
three Yes if you could 23 yearbook
camp if you can just send me a note.
We'll just cancel here, Okay?
Yeah, we want to confirm that comes up and you can say
to confirm that it comes to the Hall of Fame Committee to Terry.
And I didn't make a picture that and send that to them.
Is it possible to.
To ask the committee to.
I don't know what the process is to make a to look at another individual.
When I when I see Tim Russell there, I automatically think of your cabbage
and I don't know if he was just doesn't know that the one was put forward if
his name can put forward for consideration because if he was going to be considered
for the Hall of Fame, it'd be great.
Terry Zoe's school board representative, can you bring that
forward to the committee?
I know someone has to actually nominate him and maybe they didn't.
It could have been an oversight. Maybe he doesn't qualify.
But I would love to suggest to them, do they do they consider him as well?
Because if they're going to be nominated,
it'd be great to have them inducted together as what I mean.
Okay, I'll check with him.
I'm not I don't believe he was nominated. Okay.
Because it could be an oversight.
But anyway, just consideration. Thank you.
And just to clarify, this is 1975, not 73.
No, it is 73. The team is from 73.
So now the yearbooks also 73.
Okay.
No, I graduated in 75. Yes.
Okay.
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I proposed, Say no.
Okay. The motion carries.
May I have a motion to approve the listed resignation?
So most second Donna and Maria's or any discussion.
This is a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I.
I was opposed.
They now say the motion carries
a personnel general McFarland,
The administration recommends the approval of the listed personnel.
May I have a motion to approve personnel?
General
So moved section.
And Maria, is there any discussion?
I just have a question.
This may be out here.
Yes. Okay.
Ira, I noticed that the one high school
counselor is being is listed as a new ploy
for the middle school, but it's not a transfer.
Is that just because she was on covering maternity leave or just, you know,
what are you referring to?
So Chelsea Singleton is currently covering for Lisa martin.
She was right because she was just covering.
She's not considered correct.
So they go through the interview hiring process again.
So that's why it's a new hire.
So, okay, we're not okay.
I'm only asking because
now we're getting.
But a new high school person is coming in to replace Ellen.
All right.
So we have another new counselor rather than someone who was already in
the high school, is now moving to the middle school.
So we're losing continuity again.
There's been a lot of turnover in high school counselors.
I'm just making that looking at the best fits across the district.
We have one moving into the K-12
career counseling.
Okay, that's a standard voice vote.
All those in favor say I, I was opposed.
Say no. Okay. The motion carries.
Dr. Scholl, do you have a Dauphin County Tax Association report?
It's attached.
And I have no no corrections to the or additions to the report.
However, it's the Dauphin County tax Collection Committee, not tax association.
So there is a
correction in the
in the committee's title quite
we had a
a tax association committee.
I don't know if wanted to say something about it.
It was just Derry Township, Derry Township Tech Association.
Yeah. Did you want to.
I we covered a couple of things
during that meeting was all business,
I think We also talked
a little bit about the census once again
and how to how to maybe improve that process as we move forward to garner
some some good information for the school district, particularly
as it pertains to kindergarten entrance.
But that was all that was discussed.
Okay. Thank you.
PSB Mrs.
Steiner and Mr.
do you have a PSB report?
We attach the information for the board members to consider, so if anybody has
any ideas, we have until the end of June to submit a proposal.
And that's it.
So let see, Mrs.
Jo or I know.
Okay. By the end of June.
Yeah, I think we have to submit it by the end of June.
So we would need to have it
be approved by the board prior to the last meeting in June in order to submit it.
Okay.
It's the proposal is due June 28th.
Okay.
Special reports.
Are there any board members who would like to give a report?
I have a report.
Okay.
I had the pleasure
of attending the Derry Township Environmental Education retreat
at Camp Brook and I always knew this was a good trip.
My son went and I wasn't able to go with him.
He had a fantastic time and I was able to go with my daughter
and it was just so I like going in emotional.
It was so good.
And I just wanted to read a little bit from the the little God that they gave us
because it was so moving to me, like how I knew that they talked about
the environment, but I didn't realize like the impact that it had.
So in the rationale for this program, they,
the write educational philosophers have touted nature's classroom,
the great outdoors, as a most effective environment for learning experiences.
In the environment firsthand leads to a far greater appreciation for it
than any amount of textbook knowledge would ever provide.
We believe such appreciation stays with our students, deepening.
They continue through their years.
This appreciation will form a solid base on which to build
more sophisticated knowledge of the environment,
spreading from the local and to the state nation and the world.
We are continually aware of our responsibility to teach the whole child
of our need to prepare this child to live as a productive citizen in the world.
We know we need to see each child as more than just an academic compilation
of English, math, reading, science and social studies.
We know how necessary it is to go beyond the bounds of the textbook.
The outdoor education program and the planning and implementation
of it is a springboard to the development of social interaction.
The group living environment as life is a life lesson on how
interdependent we all are together, we see firsthand
how teamwork is more than an assignment and social studies class.
Teamwork is necessary in everyday life.
And then there is also a note to the
volunteers that concludes with,
you know, we are hopeful that after the students have experienced
the DEER program,
they will understand that all life on this earth is interdependent
and that our actions on the Earth do make a difference.
It's our goal that each student leaves our program
with a special feeling relationship and commitment to the earth.
And this was written by the Dear Committee that's headed by Mr.
Warfel and Mr.
Huggins, Blair and all the sixth grade teachers.
And I just cannot say enough
good things about all of them and about that whole program,
you know, from the it was an action packed
two and a half days and you know, from the Stream survey
where they're learning about different species that are affected
by pollution and the importance of balance and diversity in our environment,
you know, getting their feet
wet and in their hands and their and picking out that species too, trusting
other people and their senses besides their eyesight
on the night walk and talking, which I had never heard of cracking before,
where they blindfold the kids and they have to feel
their physical environment without their eyesight
working together creatively and collaboratively to build
a shelter in the middle of the woods, communicating effectively
and working together to get through the ropes.
Course, there was just so much creativity, so much communication and collaboration,
learning to trust one another and seeing the kids go in such a short
period of time from a place where the groups are of
kids are put together, where they don't know each other
and seen them learn and mature and grow through that process
and learn to trust each other and communicate with each other.
It was really like just like, Wow, that's really powerful.
And to have everything so hands on and visceral
was just so meaningful and impactful
and allowing the kids to problem solve without the adults stepping in,
you know, letting them
figure it out, like biting your tongue because you want to like, help them out.
But just watching them, watching them slowly
put the pieces together and then it's like, oh,
so I was just so inspired
by this trip and by this model of learning.
This is what I think schools should be every day for all of our students.
And I just am so appreciative that our students get to experience this.
And the students that I had in my group
reflected that back to me that they were so appreciative of having this.
A lot of kids, you know, they'd never fish before this
first time
they kind of fish,
you know, it's the first time that they got to do a lot of these experiences.
So it was just really, really powerful and it's such a fantastic program.
And I wanted to extend an invitation to the rest of the board members
on Friday, June 7th, the last day of school.
They're going to be showing a slideshow of pictures from the trip
from 750 to 930 in the middle school auditorium.
If you want to get a flavor of, you know, your husband went.
But if you haven't been if you don't have a kid
in sixth grade just to see it is really remarkable.
And I just want to thank
the administrators and all of the sixth grade teachers
in the team for putting this program together.
I think this is in its 20th year long time.
Yeah.
So anyway, so I'm sorry I spoke a lot about it,
but I'm just so overwhelmed and amazed at the experience of it.
So I think you brought back a lot of good memories for a lot of us in the room.
Actually, I forgot about Pembroke.
I was there twice and know you've been there many times, six times.
They were all great.
And are there any board
members, any more board members who have reports
like Mr.
McFarland, you have a superintendent's report?
Yes, I do. Thank you.
The last few weeks have been extremely difficult for us as a district family.
We all mourn the loss of a great colleague and friend and Mr.
Dave Becker.
He will be remembered for his deep dedication to his students,
his colleagues and the school, as well as his passion for all things Star Wars.
He will be sorely missed by all of us.
I do want to recognize our entire faculty staff in administration
who truly stepped up in the days following his sudden loss and provided
support for our students for one another and worked so hard to provide
an environment of safety, care, compassion and normalcy
in spite of dealing with their own emotions and grief,
no one can fully understand what it takes
to find out such tragic news in a morning
and then need to pull it all together in order to provide the environment
needed to teach and care for a classroom of students.
But our staff did just that, and I can't thank them enough
or be more proud of them.
I also want to thank our student reps
and I ask you to convey this today as they have been an integral part
of our board meetings this year
and have demonstrated great leadership and professionalism.
I especially want to commend them for intentionally seeking out happenings
and celebrations from the elementary and middle schools this year.
They truly demonstrated that we are an entire system
that all works together for the benefit of our students.
So thank you and we wish you the very best in the next chapter
as you prepare for graduation.
And finally, just a few reminders.
Commencement is next Wednesday, June 5th at 7 p.m.
at the Hershey Theater.
Tickets are required for admittance.
June 6th.
And I know that you really don't care about this
unless we bring make all the seniors come back.
June six is a full day of school and June 7th dismissals are as follows.
9:18 a.m. for middle school and high school.
Don't ask me why we go 918 and 1920 or 930, but it's 19
and 1020 for elementary school, and that ends my report.
All right. Thank you.
This is 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 at the initial public comment portion of our meeting.
Are there any residents or taxpayers who like to come forward at this time?
Okay.
I am Benjamin for Longridge Road,
and it's just something I heard as you were speaking about the concession
stand, a plug from a parent of an athlete,
someone who thinks a stadium at the turf track field would be a wonderful thing.
Putting some bleachers there would, would would be a wonderful thing just because
of some of the issues with scheduling home football games at the stadium.
Just from a JV and freshman perspective, being able to play there
with some bleachers, I think we put a bleacher on either side.
It could be a wonderful thing.
So I just wanted to put that plug in.
There was I heard that so and also another plug for Coach Smith.
Hopefully we can put him on the agenda as soon as possible and vote
one way or the other.
We appreciate you pushing that along
as quickly as possible to to give us some resolution on the issue.
Thank you. Thank you.
The next public board of directors meeting will be held June
10th, starting at 7:00 in the District Office Board of Directors meeting.
May I have a motion to adjourn this meeting?
So move second.
Hey, Marianne. Donna,
all those in favor say I was opposed.
Say no. Okay. The meeting is adjourned at 805.