WEBVTT

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Have one of them sitting vacant. For my understanding was for a few days. So how can we maximize?

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The space so there is a duality to it that we can use it for more than one program.

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What were they doing this school now? There's a there's a There's dedicated space, but we don't have large group assembly space.

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And so whenever you have to tear it down. It's a huge issue. And this is just one of our major challenging areas.

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I don't know that this is the a final solution by any means. I think this is just an iteration.

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Because there even with this design like we thought well maybe we have a wall in between so that can be that wall can be put back but then we're like well that's not a soundproof wall so you really can't have band and orchestra on either sides of those walls.

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So then we had we had one iteration with storage in the middle, but then the spaces are divided so you can't ever use them as large group assembly space.

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So just trying to figure out how to Like right now we have the LGI, which is the back of it stays pretty much set up for orchestra.

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And the front of it can be used for large group assembly for PBS you can get like a grade level in there at a time.

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What we'd like to see as a place where we could get 2 grade levels. I don't know that this is that solution.

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It's just one of the things that we We keep bumping up against walls and have been like.

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We can't figure this one out. Like we're as a, I think this is our most challenging space.

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To figure out and there's not a lot of There are not other elementary schools that have the kind of robust music programs that we have.

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And so there are not a lot of examples out there. Spaces that you can kind of copy and use.

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There are some middle school spaces that I think come very close. To this while we also want to be cognizant that this is elementary school.

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So it's I think it's just a challenging I think it's a challenging spot. And certainly.

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For those events. So I guess I would just say as one board member in this conversation, but recognizing that our music program is an exceptionally large part of the district.

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And we have a huge focus on it and it. Contributes to the what ultimately ends up in our high school music program and we've one significant awards and have I think a rate of participation that is higher than many other districts that would be mindful of it and I guess you know from the conversation standpoint.

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Just clarify the the vacancy of that space so that it doesn't look like. The shiny flashy opportunity to be repurposed.

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Or you know used as something else. I just don't want to see that this area. Which is an important component, I think of the building.

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Be lost in the discussion as we're just trying to find other space. You know for potential instruction.

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Then the last space was the media center. The takeaway that we got from. From the teachers in the administration is.

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To develop 2 different zones within the in the media center for the younger readers and for the older readers.

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We had some coordination on your volume count, the number of books you have for those early readers.

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And then for the older, for the older students. And so we use that. To determine the number of bookshelves within the space.

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And you can see on the bottom portion of this floor plan. On that layout, this is where we're creating a separate.

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Separate space for the early readers that part of their curriculum, part of their activities in the media center is the reading time.

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Then we have an intermediate space where there's some more activities for students that there's a tech bar, there's tables and chairs that some of the older students are even some of the younger students could potentially sit at.

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And then to the north of that, this is where the older readers were their book collection would be housed.

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There is also 2 classrooms in this space. So there's 1 that's open to the media center and one that is closed off.

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So you could potentially have 3 to 4 classrooms in this space. We also want to make sure that we're strategically locating the circulation desk.

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So it has eyes on the students that are in the space and students that are entering and exiting. So any other questions on the layouts before I get into?

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The site analysis.

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So about end of end of April, beginning of May, we did receive the site survey from your civil engineer.

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Which provided us with a lot of good information on the existing conditions. So we just develop this graphic.

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Just to kind of show what these existing conditions are. And some of the deficiencies. That your site currently has with vicular traffic.

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Us the. For the parent drop off. For the bus drop off where students have to enter into multiple locations.

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The 2 separate buildings and the grade change between them. So we just kind of use this graphic is just a understanding of how the site is currently operating.

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And then also use it as. Use it as clues as to where we can develop on the site.

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So this next graphic. We've established some design goals. Obviously the 1st one as I mentioned is making sure that we're improving the particular circulation.

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For the parent riders, for the bus riders. Best practice is that if you can separate those driveways but have the students entering into the same entrance into the school.

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That way that is gonna help with safety and supervision.

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Another one that That was not necessarily a design goal of the administration, but one that we felt that may be important.

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Was that the main entrance of this new school faced homestead? So that there was a clear visible entrance to visitors coming to the school.

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Also wanna make sure that whatever the design solution is. If we're building an addition onto the existing ECC that we're creating a wholeistic comprehensive building design that the ECC and the addition are integrated.

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With each other. So what that means is if you see where I have those green plus signs onto the ECC is the new edition.

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Should connect at both of those locations. We also talked about from an educational program standpoint. That it seems that your grade levels for K 2 and 4 3 5.

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Should be in separate academic wings that are 3 stories each. So those were some of the design goals.

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That we wanna make sure that whatever concept that we come up with. That we're going to address.

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Each and each one of those. So some of the guiding principles that we've kind of established as.

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The one that's the most important. Is how to. Phase the construction of this school with limited demolition of the existing school.

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Because if we're trying to tie in to those 2 points on the ECC Well, the existing elementary schools, it's pretty close.

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So that's going to require potentially. Some phase demolition. So portions of the old building have to be demolished.

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Before the new building is constructed. Talking with the administration. The, we understood that the softball fields and the baseball fields on the previous plan that those are sacred that were not to disturb those.

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The multi purpose field to the north is within the flood plane so we can't develop on that. However, the parking lot where number 3 is labeled that belongs to the elementary school.

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That is potential for building development. And then the athletic fields. Not the stadium, but the athletic fields that are behind the middle school is another potential location.

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For, for building. So that's that area that's. That shaded in blue.

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And then the other one of course is making sure that we have a dedicated entrance to the district administrative office.

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Not just at the front entrance of the school, but a separate dedicated entrance and parking lot for the district admin office.

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So we wanna make sure that we're addressing. All these design goals and we're taken into account.

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All these design principles. So we've already started to review a couple of concepts with the administration.

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We should have our next meeting tomorrow. And this is a good sedway for. Well, actually I'm gonna Stop off and show you this live real quick.

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So the conceptual design that we'll develop. Will be more like those bubble diagrams that we have in the top left hand corner of this slide.

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And then as we start to refine the design into the schematics. It's gonna resemble more of that floor plan that's on the bottom right hand corner.

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So. For for the next steps one of the things that that we want to make sure that we're doing is.

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Providing all the options to the administration. And I'm thinking that there may be a. A couple of options for you to review.

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That we want to make sure that you understand. Any concepts that could have a lesser or a greater disturbance.

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To the delivery of instruction to the students. And that may create a couple of different concepts for you to look at.

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So we'll start to review those with you in the next few meetings. So we talked about on the previous meeting with you, these are like these next steps.

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The step number 5 that I have. One of the things that I would recommend that you do. Is that if Before you approve or direct us to move with a particular concept, that we have another community engagement meeting that we've discussed.

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That we can share with the community some of the options that are being discussed and reviewed. Prior to you making a selection.

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So that would impact this slide. And the reason why is

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If you have a community meeting, I would recommend the best time to do it is when students are back in school in September.

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And I think we have some time. That we can wait for that to happen. So we had a meeting with the civil engineer today.

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And they gave us an update. On some information that they are receiving from the county. To to get the approvals for the MPDS permit that's needed.

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For the high school basin. So the feedback from the county that they were receiving. Is that that permit would most likely not be approved.

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Until April. And that's when. That basin, the work would be done in the fall.

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But it needs some growing time for. The landscaping to establish itself. Before the county would grant that approval.

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The county is also noted. That we cannot pursue land development for this project, for the elementary school project.

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Until that MPDS permit is in place. That doesn't mean that we can't do the design.

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We just can't submit the plans to the municipality. Until that approval. Has occurred. Then, choose discussions with the local municipality.

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They anticipate the land of development. And then the new approvals from the county for this project to take anywhere between 8 to 12 months.

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So that means that the construction documents for this project. Would not be ready. Until the end of 2025.

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Or the spring of 2026.

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So I think that your selection of an option. That We'll present those. Next month, the month after that, that also gives us some valuable time to do it a community engagement meeting.

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Once students are back in school. And get parents out to that meeting. Like we did for. The other meeting that we had for the elementary school on the deficiencies.

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Get some of their feedback. Before you approve a concept for us to move forward with.

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Any questions on that piece?

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And I know that when we're 2 gives you updates on the MPDS permit they can give a little bit more detail.

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As far as the approval timeline that they are, that they're getting back from the county and and from the municipality.

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But that was.

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That was the feedback that we got from them on the design schedule. For quote in spring of 2026.

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End of 2025 spring of 2026. When was what I thought the original was to have it out.

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Like spring of 2025. Right? That was prior to having. The permits.

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Discovering that they weren't closed out. Gotcha.

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Mr. Colesar, I feel like there's a lot that we haven't discussed. In our core team.

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Publicly that I don't know if we're quite ready to. Have all those details. It's like hashed out.

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We didn't We didn't even throw that out to the. I thought we were going to talk about some of these pieces tomorrow morning.

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So this is like I haven't had a chance to brief the board on any of these pieces and I feel like we're getting into some territory that I don't want the public to like have a particular date now in mind because we still have a lot of work to do.

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So maybe we wanna hold a couple of those.

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Those things.

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Sorry, that's Stacy one's low.

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Yeah, these are just. Sorry if I misspoke. But just some of the feedback that we were getting wanted to make sure that this time line.

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That, present something to you and if it's not met at the next one that Give you a little bit of.

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Give you a little bit of a heads up on what we're thinking with the schedule. So, but we'll discuss this with the administration in our next meeting.

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And then come back to you with. A more defined next steps.

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Any other questions?

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Okay, thank you. Thank you.

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Okay, moving on to our next information proposal item is the final budget discussion as we are voting on final approval for the 2,004 25 budget this evening.

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So Mrs. Purcell.

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Thank you. So tonight we're just going to briefly go through the pretty much the changes where we are in the process.

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The changes from the proposed final budget that was board approved at the process, the changes from the proposed final budget that was board approved at the beginning of May.

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We are in the process, the changes from the proposed final budget that was board approved at the beginning of May.

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We presented this information at the end of April. Board approved. Proposed panel in. 1st board meeting in May.

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Now is the step in the process that we approve the final budget. As part of the process.

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Thank you. So as far as this is a lot of this information that you've seen before, it's nothing new.

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So just again to repeat the the budget calendar, this is kind of where we are the steps in the process.

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We're here tonight, June 10th for the board meeting. Now even though it shows between June 10th and June 30, th the one stuff that's not in there, the deadline for the county is.

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June 14, th which is this Friday. So basically the county needs our final budget numbers. The number that they need specifically is the military to be able to print our bills that will be in the mail by July one.

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So that's sort of in the mail by July one. So that's sort of even though we think in our minds we have told you in 30th to get everything to PDE.

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We actually the county has a deadline that sooner if we want our bills in the mail. What happens between June 10th and June 30th then so tonight we will ask for board approval on the final budget.

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Get this information to the county. They'll work on our tax bills. There's information that needs to go to PDE.

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We also file tax information reports with DCED. So there's just a lot of moving things that happen between now and the end of the month.

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So this is the updated so I the highlighted this is the certified values from the county they always release the certified number that they have for our tax roll which basically means our tax base which is the driver of our tax revenue as of 5 15.

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Now that is a moving target they will still continue to do the ads or deletions based on anything changes that come through as far as new builds, additions, demolitions.

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There's always pluses and minuses going on, but that certified value is pretty much what we base our budget on.

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So you can see, based on that, the increase then in our tax growth, we have about a point 2 4.

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We're not growing significantly when the new Hershey plant comes on. That will be a big commercial build that will add significantly and I think that's slated for next summer.

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25 Yes, so that'll that'll be a big increase. The other changes we have some ups and some down so we don't see significant changes in our tax roll.

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And these were just the options. The one thing that you'll notice on here, the thing that did change the homestead farmstead number that we looked at a couple weeks ago was 850,000 roughly.

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Now it's just over 1 million. So that's the number that's up on here.

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So it looks like it's actually decreasing our tax base, which it does in some sense. But at that point, we get state revenue back and we'll see that in a couple of slides.

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But what this does mean to the average taxpayer is now that there's a million dollars and the governor has proposed that this will be in the budget for 5 years.

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Last year the Homestead Farm said so for anybody that's enrolled in the Homestead Farmstood Program.

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Received about just under $160 last year. This year it'll be around 190.

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So each person in that. In the program, we'll see a little bit of money back in their tax bill, which, which is a little bit of a rebate to everybody.

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Keeping this in, we keep talking only because of the importance of why we're doing this. We're still focused on that 1.9% tax increase at this point specific to the elementary school build.

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We've gone over this. I won't spend a lot of time on it. It's just really the the baseline for why we're having these conversations is that elementary school build as you just heard from Mr. Colestock about the build.

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There's still a lot to go and we do not have a project identified nor do we have costs associated with it.

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So this is our four-year plan as to how do we build up to that tax base.

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So to be able to pay for potentially we've been estimating a hundred 1 million dollars just throwing that number around until we get specifics.

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Until we further along down the road. How do we pay for something that might be a hundred 1 million dollars?

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This was one way was to do the 1.9% tax increase. Each year for 4 years to add $750,000 specifically into the budget to increase the run rate for debt service.

00:36:07.000 --> 00:36:13.000
So now just to spend a little bit of time, so since we spoke last and did the proposed final.

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The next steps were really to just to go back through the levels, all the areas of revenues and expenses just to see what identify identify what areas might be able to be changed.

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The highlighted areas on your slides and on the handout. Are the items that change. So in local real estate and as you see.

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Our local, we're really funded. Has a district. We get our money from local sources and that's that's just the way it is in the state of Pennsylvania and with our local economy.

00:36:44.000 --> 00:36:48.000
Current real estate taxes that we just saw that there was a little bit of a shift So you can see the proposed final budget where it was and then where we're coming in why it's a little bit less even with a little bit more.

00:36:48.000 --> 00:37:12.000
In the tax base it's because of that shift in the homestead for. Other areas that have changed that in further identifying it the line for occupation amusement pilot taxes just increased slightly by a hundred $1,000 and really that's Still working with Keystone.

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I expected we've had some more in-depth conversations and finance committee about potentially being able to Maybe bump up that line item even more for occupation taxes.

00:37:24.000 --> 00:37:31.000
However, in working with Keystone, they're still too far out. If you remember it was just January of 2,023 that we went with them.

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There has been as you know a real big work in process with them and trying to get this clean tax file for their database.

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So they were a little hesitant and so in working with them instead of coming back I think 100,000 maybe but it's something we'll definitely keep an eye over over the next year.

00:37:48.000 --> 00:37:53.000
Just really keep working with Keystone to try and get that tax file clean. I still get daily.

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Multiple emails about. I'm getting a tax bill and I shouldn't so I still know that that's not a good file but again It will over time this process get better and better.

00:38:05.000 --> 00:38:13.000
So I think a year from now that conversation on what we could expect will look a little bit different. Also changing interest income.

00:38:13.000 --> 00:38:20.000
I bumped that up to slightly a hundred $1,000 as you know the Fed still has not. Lowered the interest rates.

00:38:20.000 --> 00:38:30.000
Expected maybe September at the earliest but still if interest rates are lower expecting only one lower this year, which means for us we're in a great position.

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We are tax heavy and July, we get a lot of our revenue collections. July and August gives us great opportunity to be able to invest money and We're getting from some of our accounts.

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5, 5 and a quarter, which is is great opportunity right now for interest income. So while we can.

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It's in our best interest to maximize that.

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Moving on to state revenues.

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Again, the highlighted items. So you'll see the basic end for Social Security and then at the bottom the state share retirement.

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Those are 2 that are primarily based on we get 50% of everything we pay to the state one salary.

00:39:11.000 --> 00:39:15.000
So if we pay 7.6 5% in Social Security and we pay 35% just under in Peezer.

00:39:15.000 --> 00:39:25.000
So when we pay 100% to the state, we get 50% back. Those 2 light items just.

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Acknowledge with that 50% reimbursement number is. And then you can see there the state property tax reduction allocation.

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There's that 1,000,020. So even though we give it. Basically give it back to taxpayers through the tax bill process.

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We are refunded by the state through state revenue subsidy.

00:39:49.000 --> 00:40:14.000
Federal revenues I can share if you see the 1st 3 lines title one title 2 title 4 What is happening with that and why it's lower the numbers just came out from the federal government last year and I can tell you it was shared that all districts across the state received a reduction only because the line item from the federal government to Pennsylvania.

00:40:14.000 --> 00:40:22.000
For the Title One funding was reduced by 30 million dollars. So unilaterally across the board, all schools lost money in title one this year.

00:40:22.000 --> 00:40:26.000
So they been warning us that that was happening. We just didn't know what the impact was. You can see for our school district.

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Federal monies are not a significant driver of our revenue budget. We did have the CARES money and that came through, but that of course now is gone this year.

00:40:41.000 --> 00:40:52.000
Nothing else changed. We still are getting the 4% planning on the 4% draw from the trust. And that's that's it from the revenue standpoint.

00:40:52.000 --> 00:40:58.000
Looking at expenses just to briefly touch on the what's what changed so we do see a slight increase.

00:40:58.000 --> 00:41:12.000
In our salaries and benefits. That was just in working closely with HR and as we have identified new candidates and or onboarding staff for the fall, we're able to specifically identify what those salaries are.

00:41:12.000 --> 00:41:20.000
So that's just a more representative again based on if we're 100% staffed all year, which right now we're in good staffing position.

00:41:20.000 --> 00:41:36.000
Other line items that have changed and it looks like other things change but really across the board. We had a slight increase in our liability insurance policy, which is sort of spread throughout technology, some of its buildings and grounds for our liability, some of its transportation for what covers our vehicles.

00:41:36.000 --> 00:41:43.000
That's that's pretty much the adjusted change of that.

00:41:43.000 --> 00:41:48.000
The only other thing one here, you'll see the, debt service line item changed.

00:41:48.000 --> 00:42:08.000
I found I had an area, I had duplicated the Dolphin County Tech payment we pay $290,000 to the tech school each year as our proportionate share of the of their debt and I had it recorded twice so that 290,000 did come out.

00:42:08.000 --> 00:42:09.000
So in summary, where we started with a million dollars in the proposed final, we're down to 705,000.

00:42:09.000 --> 00:42:21.000
Again, we keep watching things. So as to next year, so this budget passes and then what happens throughout 2425.

00:42:21.000 --> 00:42:30.000
Occupation tax does perform better or interest in. So we and we've got plenty of fund balance really to absorb that 700,000.

00:42:30.000 --> 00:42:39.000
But again, if we've got revenues coming higher, that'll get that will reduce that. The deficit if expenses come in lower, again, reduce the deficit.

00:42:39.000 --> 00:42:48.000
But that's the projection as of right now for 2425.

00:42:48.000 --> 00:42:57.000
Questions, comments, thoughts?

00:42:57.000 --> 00:43:06.000
Thank you, Mrs. Russell. I think board members have any questions on any of those budget items.

00:43:06.000 --> 00:43:15.000
We'll move on then to announce that the board met an executive session prior to the meeting this evening to discuss matters of personnel and contracts.

00:43:15.000 --> 00:43:24.000
And we'll now have our 1st public comment period, which is an opportunity for residents and taxpayers to address the board on matters related to the agenda.

00:43:24.000 --> 00:43:41.000
Wishing to speak may do so either in person or electronically. If in person a registration forum may be found on the sign in table to be completed and submitted to the board secretary, When your name is announced, please come to the microphone or if you're participating online, you must have registered individually with your full name and address.

00:43:41.000 --> 00:43:50.000
To be recognized and you may raise your virtual hand for recognition. For all speakers once you're recognized it is only necessary that you identify yourself by providing your full name.

00:43:50.000 --> 00:43:55.000
As a reminder, public comment is not a form for personal attacks, antagonistic behavior or harassment.

00:43:55.000 --> 00:44:06.000
Please be advised that you're accountable for any legal ramifications and liabilities resulting from statements that misrepresent the truth to fame individuals or disclose personal information that is not a public concern.

00:44:06.000 --> 00:44:16.000
To provide other residents with an opportunity to speak. Each speaker is limited to 1 5 min of speaking time period once recognized during each one of the public common periods.

00:44:16.000 --> 00:44:24.000
And I'll ask Board Treasurer Mr. Rizzo to please keep time. When necessary, the board may set a maximum time for the public common portion of any meeting.

00:44:24.000 --> 00:44:46.000
There are no residents or taxpayers in attendance in person in our audience this evening. So I would invite anyone attending online who wishes to speak during this public comment period, please raise your virtual hand now.

00:44:46.000 --> 00:44:52.000
It does not appear there's anyone that would like to participate in our 1st public comment period, so we'll close that.

00:44:52.000 --> 00:44:57.000
And move on to the community correspondence report.

00:44:57.000 --> 00:45:10.000
Alright, for the month of May, the district received 7 community correspondence submissions, comments and questions for this month include one comment about a student project, 4 comments about the electronic device policy changes and one comment about an email communication.

00:45:10.000 --> 00:45:18.000
That's all I have.

00:45:18.000 --> 00:45:26.000
Thank you, Miss. Harmer. Standing committee meeting reports the finance and the communication standing committees met today mr.

00:45:26.000 --> 00:45:40.000
Riser do you have a finance report to start up with I do thank you So the good news is, Miss Purcell, discuss the final budget, so I will go over that a second time, but the other topic that we had this evening was the.

00:45:40.000 --> 00:46:01.000
The 2 the 2022 2023 audit through boy or rider. Matt will to send him here to explain to us the overall audit process for the year and I'm happy to say that there was no identified noncompliant situations through the audit.

00:46:01.000 --> 00:46:24.000
Again, for 2022 2023. There were some minor adjustments made to the to the trial balance and I and I believe that was on the trial balance and I and I believe that was on the trial balance and I said I believe that was on the some discussion earlier and really what it was was just a correction from a tax association where there was still some funds in the account for the tax association that have been, moved to

00:46:24.000 --> 00:46:43.000
the district, accounts and also some adjustments in receivables from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. So Those were all done during the audit nothing there's no infractions or anything incorrect and what was done just just some corrections to the overall audit process.

00:46:43.000 --> 00:46:57.000
There were there was one corrective action that the the the reviewers found and really that came out as when in their words was untimely fund closing.

00:46:57.000 --> 00:47:05.000
So, as we, as I explained through the fund process, I'm sorry, through the audit process and closing out the budget.

00:47:05.000 --> 00:47:15.000
Typically that's completed in a November December timeframe so that the school board has time to look at the information from the prior year and start to plan for the new budget.

00:47:15.000 --> 00:47:25.000
In the spring. Again, this was a lot of this was timing. Due to, resources in the business.

00:47:25.000 --> 00:47:43.000
Business department, some various individuals moving in and out of the department, a lot of disruptions and a and so there's a corrective action there just to keep an eye on, making sure that doesn't happen in 20.

00:47:43.000 --> 00:47:56.000
Coming up here in 2024 so it's recognized it was recognized before we got the corrective action through the audit so this is not something that was.

00:47:56.000 --> 00:48:09.000
Not anticipated. But I want to say that with all of the disruptions in the business department, Miss Purcell, her team and also the administration did a very nice job of making sure that the book stayed.

00:48:09.000 --> 00:48:17.000
Where they needed to be in all, all ledger entries were consistent and there was no deficiency.

00:48:17.000 --> 00:48:31.000
So kudos to the team into maintaining. Level of consistency from year to year. Obviously we have some opportunity and we'll work through those opportunities in 2024.

00:48:31.000 --> 00:48:41.000
That's all I have. Thank you. Mr. Rizzo. I understand Mrs. Romberger you were elected chair this evening at communications. So congratulations on that.

00:48:41.000 --> 00:48:47.000
Do you have a report to share with us? Today the communications and community engagement committee met to hear updates from the district's director of community relations and engagement.

00:48:47.000 --> 00:49:01.000
Sarah Harmer. Ms. Harmer shared an update on Emma Burke, a recent graduate who interned for the district's communications department during the 2324 school year.

00:49:01.000 --> 00:49:08.000
She was awarded the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Scholarship and will be studying public relations at Syracuse University in the fall.

00:49:08.000 --> 00:49:16.000
So congratulations, Emma. I'm always a tremendous help covering graphic design, social media, the website, photography, and warm.

00:49:16.000 --> 00:49:29.000
Ms. Homer is also currently accepting applications for a communications intern. The 2425 school year and interest in students can reach out to the internship coordinator or miss farmer directly if interested.

00:49:29.000 --> 00:49:41.000
Ms. Hmer also provided an update regarding the food services website. The food services website will soon be soon be included on the district website instead of being hosted.

00:49:41.000 --> 00:49:53.000
On a separate site, school menus will also soon be available on the school cafe app, which is likely already it familiar to and used by many families in the district and will improve the accessibility and all.

00:49:53.000 --> 00:50:03.000
Language translation functions. I think I got that right. More information will be forth coming prior to the beginning of the school year.

00:50:03.000 --> 00:50:10.000
Miss Harma also provided an update on the monthly digital district newsletter which made its state view earlier this year.

00:50:10.000 --> 00:50:22.000
Since then, Miss Harmer has been both monitoring and looking for ways to improve engagement. Information shared via the newsletter includes important dates, she highlights, elementary school build updates.

00:50:22.000 --> 00:50:31.000
Frequently used website links and warm. If you're a parent or guardian in the district, you can find the newsletter monthly in your email inbox.

00:50:31.000 --> 00:50:37.000
And it's also available to anyone interested via the district's social media. Lastly, Miss.

00:50:37.000 --> 00:50:56.000
Harmmer will be connecting with the elementary school PTO about better sinking communications and calendars between the PTO and the For details and more information or a recording of today's meeting will be available on the district's website in the next communications and community engagement meeting will be held September 23rd at 4 p.

00:50:56.000 --> 00:50:59.000
M.

00:50:59.000 --> 00:51:02.000
Thank you, Mr. O.

00:51:02.000 --> 00:51:18.000
Okay, moving on to this, you'll see on the screen in just a moment, the listed items are on the anticipated June 24th 2,024 board of directors meeting agenda.

00:51:18.000 --> 00:51:23.000
There is no unfinished business this evening, so we'll move right into the consent agenda, which contains routinely adopted items and items which normally do not require public deliberation on the part of the board.

00:51:23.000 --> 00:51:33.000
A board member may pull items which will then be discussed and voted on separately. Members have a motion to approve the consent agenda items as listed.

00:51:33.000 --> 00:51:41.000
Move, Jennifer Wrens. Second, Stuart Recover. Is there any discussion?

00:51:41.000 --> 00:51:49.000
This is a standard voice vote. All those in favor, please say I. Okay, consent agenda is approved.

00:51:49.000 --> 00:52:00.000
Moving on our 1st item of new business is the approval of the 2,024 2,025 standing committee meeting dates.

00:52:00.000 --> 00:52:06.000
The administration recommends the approval of the 2024 2025 standing committee meeting dates. Thank you, Maya.

00:52:06.000 --> 00:52:13.000
Please have a motion to approve the listed meeting dates. So, and Jennifer ends. Second question.

00:52:13.000 --> 00:52:19.000
This is a standard voice vote. All those in favor, please say I. Any opposed? No.

00:52:19.000 --> 00:52:27.000
And it was approved. The next item is the adoption of the final budget and tax resolutions for the 2,02420 25 year Dr.

00:52:27.000 --> 00:52:34.000
Winslow. The administration recommends the adoption of the final budget and tax resolution for 2,024, 2,025 as attached.

00:52:34.000 --> 00:52:40.000
Thank you, May. I please have a motion to adopt the final budget in tax resolution for 2024 to 2025.

00:52:40.000 --> 00:52:49.000
So move just second, Jennifer Wrens. Is there any discussion? I just wanted to add a couple of things.

00:52:49.000 --> 00:52:56.000
1st of all, I wanted to say thank you to the Mrs. Purcell and the business office for the that's been done since the proposed final.

00:52:56.000 --> 00:53:05.000
I was encouraged to see a reduction in the deficit. And I think that we've gained a better understanding of some of those numbers and, have confidence that.

00:53:05.000 --> 00:53:17.000
That will not be the number. That will ultimately be realized at the end of this budget. But fortunately we are in a position that we have, fund balances that would be able to offset that if needed.

00:53:17.000 --> 00:53:29.000
I also want to note that while this budget includes a 1.9% tax increase, that tax increase is part of our planning for an elementary school facility and to build debt service for that.

00:53:29.000 --> 00:53:44.000
It is not for funding operations and the general day-to-day expenses of the district. Which we are in a position that not many other districts are with many districts having shortfalls and facing massive deficits.

00:53:44.000 --> 00:53:52.000
That are requiring them to have conversations where they are raising their taxes to the index. Which for some districts.

00:53:52.000 --> 00:54:02.000
Is in the 6 or 7% range. So this is part of our strategic plan to build that capacity for an elementary school.

00:54:02.000 --> 00:54:14.000
If not for that, we would not be. But looking at a tax increase this year. And the organic growth and expense control of the district has.

00:54:14.000 --> 00:54:26.000
Really helped to offset that cliff that we were on with the the Esser funds. The one other thing I just wanted to note for the record is that the board does have policy.

00:54:26.000 --> 00:54:35.000
25.1 our capital maintenance growth plan policy that policy outlines and requires that a capital growth plan be updated at least annually, include five-year projections.

00:54:35.000 --> 00:54:55.000
It also outlines that it's to be included with the annual budget and subject to audit. This was discussed at the finance committee because we do not have a finalized version of the capital plan to approve during the month of June with our audit this year.

00:54:55.000 --> 00:55:10.000
And is anticipated for the fall, but for the sake of transparency and adherence to board policy, we wanted to make sure that this was acknowledged on the record that the board recognizes that we are not having the capital plan as part of this.

00:55:10.000 --> 00:55:31.000
But we do have a timeline and anticipation of that. And Finance Committee had the discussion. And decided that it we would feel more confident in our long-term capital planning of having a more comprehensive complete policy or plan put in place then to rush one through for the purpose of straight adherence to board policy.

00:55:31.000 --> 00:55:40.000
This is not something that's required at the state level or per PDE guidelines. It's Just a Derry Township School District Board Policy.

00:55:40.000 --> 00:55:52.000
And so I wanted to note that on record because it is a deviation and exception to the policy, but that we do not feel it's material in nature.

00:55:52.000 --> 00:56:02.000
Are there any other questions or comments or discussion before we vote? Okay, this will be a roll call votes.

00:56:02.000 --> 00:56:07.000
Mr. Bennett? Yes. Dr. Cystic? Yes. Mr. Bennett? Yes. Dr.

00:56:07.000 --> 00:56:12.000
Cystic? Yes. That's true. Yes.

00:56:12.000 --> 00:56:13.000
Miss Robber? Yes. This is Royale. Yes, Mr. Schmidt.

00:56:13.000 --> 00:56:19.000
Yes, 9 approved.

00:56:19.000 --> 00:56:26.000
Thank you. Our next item is the. Approval of the Homestead and Farmstead exclusion, Dr.

00:56:26.000 --> 00:56:27.000
Windso. The administration recommends the approval of the homestead and farm set exclusion as attached.

00:56:27.000 --> 00:56:38.000
Thank you, May. Please have a motion to approve the Homestead Farm State exclusion. So move, Jessica. Second, Jennifer Wrens.

00:56:38.000 --> 00:56:46.000
Is there any discussion? This is also a roll call vote because it's budget related. Dr. Sesake? Yes.

00:56:46.000 --> 00:56:54.000
Mr. Of yes, Dr. Yes. Mrs. Friends? Yes, Mr. Rizzo? Yes. Ms. Rhonda?

00:56:54.000 --> 00:56:59.000
Yes. Mrs. Schmidt? Yes, Mr. Bennett. Yes.

00:56:59.000 --> 00:57:06.000
Thank you. And our final budget related item for new business is the approval of the annual tax levy.

00:57:06.000 --> 00:57:07.000
Resolution. Thank you. And our final budget related item for new business is the approval of the annual tax levy resolution. Dr.

00:57:07.000 --> 00:57:16.000
Windzo. The administration recommends the board approve the annual tax levy resolution. Please have a motion to approve the tax levy resolution as attached.

00:57:16.000 --> 00:57:22.000
So move, Jennifer Wrens. Second, Joshua. This is, is there any discussion?

00:57:22.000 --> 00:57:28.000
This is once again a roll call vote, That's true. Yes. Dr. McCarver?

00:57:28.000 --> 00:57:31.000
Yes. Mrs. Rennes, yes. Mr. Rezo? Yes.

00:57:31.000 --> 00:57:38.000
Ms. Rover? Yes, Mrs. Royale? Yes, Mr. Schmidt. Yes, Mr. Bennett?

00:57:38.000 --> 00:57:40.000
Yes. Dr. Sissik? Yes.

00:57:40.000 --> 00:57:47.000
9 approved. Thank you. Our next day to move new business is a stormwater agreement with route to Dr.

00:57:47.000 --> 00:58:00.000
Windsor. The administration recommends the approval of the agreement with her 2 for professional services and association with the As built plans and high school base and restoration bid documents for existing stormwater facilities on the school district campus.

00:58:00.000 --> 00:58:05.000
Thank you, May I please have a motion to approve the were 2 stormwater facilities as built plans and basin agreement?

00:58:05.000 --> 00:58:13.000
So move, Jennifer Wrens. Second Tracy Boyle. Is there any discussion? This is standard voice vote.

00:58:13.000 --> 00:58:21.000
All those in favor, please say I. It is approved. Personnel resignations, Dr. Winslow.

00:58:21.000 --> 00:58:25.000
The administration recommends the approval of the personnel resignations. Thank you, Maya. Please have a motion to approve personnel resignations.

00:58:25.000 --> 00:58:33.000
So move Joshua. Second, Jennifer Wrens. Is there any discussion?

00:58:33.000 --> 00:58:37.000
This is standard voice vote. All those in favor please say aye. Aye. Any opposed?

00:58:37.000 --> 00:58:44.000
No. Personal resignations is approved. Our final item of new business this evening is personnel general Dr.

00:58:44.000 --> 00:58:50.000
Windsor the administration recommends the approval of the listed personnel and recognition of any listed transfers. Thank you, May, please have a motion to approve the listed personnel and recognition of any listed transfers.

00:58:50.000 --> 00:59:19.000
So move, Jennifer Wrens. Seconds, do it, Any discussion? I would just like to congratulate, Alex to Chico on her move to the middle school and Chante Kenny on her move from the middle school to the safe and secure schools, safe and secure, supportive schools.

00:59:19.000 --> 00:59:20.000
We now have Chris Grudai becoming supervisor safe and supportive school or director of safe and secure schools and Chante, I can and supportive school or director of safe and secure schools and Chante A.

00:59:20.000 --> 00:59:36.000
K. And supportive school or director of safe and secure schools and Chantei. And, and Chante, our director of Safe and Security Schools and Chante, I can only be becoming director of supportive schools, which is a new variation of our safe and supportive schools existing position that will be changed with the retirement of Lisa Millar.

00:59:36.000 --> 00:59:47.000
So thank you. To Mr. Gruddy for for rising to that but also a great opportunity to utilize some of the talent that we have within our administrative team currently.

00:59:47.000 --> 00:59:58.000
And look forward to seeing how these positions progress, but also very excited for Mr. Chico to move into a 12 month assistant principal position at the middle school.

00:59:58.000 --> 01:00:04.000
I think she'll be a great addition to that team.

01:00:04.000 --> 01:00:12.000
Is there any other discussion? This is standard voice vote. All those in favor please say aye. Any opposed say no?

01:00:12.000 --> 01:00:17.000
Personal General, it's approved.

01:00:17.000 --> 01:00:23.000
Delegate reports, the CAIU report is attached. Dr. Sizzak, do you have anything to add?

01:00:23.000 --> 01:00:28.000
I have nothing additional that. Thank you. Are there any board members who would like to give a report this evening?

01:00:28.000 --> 01:00:42.000
This is Jennifer Ms, I would. I had the pleasure of attending Cambridge with the 5th or sorry the 6th graders a few weeks ago and I would just like to say how impressed I am with.

01:00:42.000 --> 01:00:49.000
Mr. Waffle, Mr. Hogan Dubler, Mrs. Bell, Miss Massey, Mrs. Templeton, Mrs. Pegger, Mr. Ogle, Mr. Wren.

01:00:49.000 --> 01:00:56.000
Mr. Weaver and Mr. Knowles. It was a well-oiled machine. They kept the kids very busy.

01:00:56.000 --> 01:01:03.000
I don't think I've been as exhausted as, since my twins were newborns, probably those 2 and a half days.

01:01:03.000 --> 01:01:08.000
It was a really, phenomenal program and we're fortunate to have such dedicated.

01:01:08.000 --> 01:01:12.000
Educators. Taking the time and all the preparation to get our kids ready for this trip.

01:01:12.000 --> 01:01:26.000
So I had a great time and Please consider shoprunning your own children in the future. And bring hot sauce, bringing hot sauce.

01:01:26.000 --> 01:01:34.000
That's awesome. Thank you business friends. Is there any other board members you'd like to make a report?

01:01:34.000 --> 01:01:48.000
I also just wanted to mention didn't want to overlook and congratulate Ms. Sarah Harmer on the being on personnel general for moving into the director of community relations position.

01:01:48.000 --> 01:02:03.000
The title change and you still go above and beyond every day. So just wanted to take that moment to thank you for all of your hard work because it is very evident in the communications arena of the district and you're literally everywhere all the time.

01:02:03.000 --> 01:02:10.000
So. Hard to go anywhere in the Desert did not see you there with your camera and then see it on the district website and social media.

01:02:10.000 --> 01:02:14.000
So thanks for all that you do.

01:02:14.000 --> 01:02:18.000
Dr. Mensa, do you have a report for a superintendent's report? I do.

01:02:18.000 --> 01:02:22.000
Thank you, mister. So it is summer. And one of the most common questions I'm asked at this time of year is, do you work in the summer?

01:02:22.000 --> 01:02:29.000
Do you have to go in and all? And I always laugh. I say yes, I do, as a matter of fact.

01:02:29.000 --> 01:02:37.000
Over 12 month administrators and staff work through the summer. There is actually a ton of work to be done.

01:02:37.000 --> 01:02:45.000
To wrap up one year and begin the next. So we're ready to go and students come back in August.

01:02:45.000 --> 01:02:54.000
And I thought I would share a couple of those. Of those items. Our fiscal year runs from July 1st to June 30th as we're just passing our budget.

01:02:54.000 --> 01:03:10.000
So this month the business office works to close out the 2324 school year and roll out the 2425 school year which is a massive turnover as we have employees leaving employees coming in special payments that go out at this time of year.

01:03:10.000 --> 01:03:17.000
It's really big. And then starting July first, st all the purchase requests for every single supply needed in August.

01:03:17.000 --> 01:03:27.000
Has to go out on July 1st to be part of that new fiscal year. And it has to go out so it arrives and is distributed by early August for teacher use.

01:03:27.000 --> 01:03:30.000
There is curriculum work and trainings happening nearly every day. Dr. Schumann has been letting us know that he has something on his calendar every day.

01:03:30.000 --> 01:03:43.000
And there's already been a lot of trainees going on for teachers, literacy worked act, act 55 requirements.

01:03:43.000 --> 01:03:58.000
And teachers are working over the summer months to update curriculum maps some based on changes that they wish to implement to impact delivery and some like science is based upon new state standards requirements and the the role that requirements for getting that done.

01:03:58.000 --> 01:04:04.000
We do continue to interview and hire personnel. The request for long-term subs just went out.

01:04:04.000 --> 01:04:12.000
And of course we're always looking for cafeteria recess aids and other folks to replace retirees and people who are heading out on leave.

01:04:12.000 --> 01:04:27.000
So we are very busy with hiring all summer long as well. Buildings and grounds teams are very busy with the full summer cleaning schedule, gym floor maintenance, paint, carpet refresh cycles, grounds upkeep and larger projects like the turf replacement and track resurfacing.

01:04:27.000 --> 01:04:36.000
And if you drive by, you can see. Like the progress happening there, the turf is all removed and they're getting ready for the new stuff to go and it's very exciting.

01:04:36.000 --> 01:04:42.000
There are a wide variety of state reports that have to be submitted to PDE by the end of June.

01:04:42.000 --> 01:04:51.000
These range from discipline and attendance to special education accountability and food service reports like the paid lunch equity memo and compliance for.

01:04:51.000 --> 01:05:05.000
Wanna see something super interesting. So while campus is a lot quieter without all the students here in the summer months, there's still a great deal of activity as we get ready for the 2425 school year which we are already greatly anticipating.

01:05:05.000 --> 01:05:26.000
And that concludes my report. Thanks, Dr. Windsor. I do not have a board president's report this evening, so we'll move on to the recognition of citizens for the second public comment period, which is once again an opportunity for residents and taxpayers to address the board on matters related to the agenda or matters of district governance that were not on the agenda this evening.

01:05:26.000 --> 01:05:31.000
Those who speak are asked of all the same guidelines that were outlined at the initial public comment portion of our meeting.

01:05:31.000 --> 01:05:35.000
And I will once again ask board treasurer, Mr. Reseta, please keep time. There are still no attendees in our audience.

01:05:35.000 --> 01:05:38.000
In person. So I will open it up to anyone online who would like to comment at this time.

01:05:38.000 --> 01:05:55.000
Please raise your virtual hand.

01:05:55.000 --> 01:06:03.000
I do not see any virtual hands raised. So is there anything else for the good of the order?

01:06:03.000 --> 01:06:09.000
The next public board of directors meeting will be held on June 24th 2,024 beginning at 7 o'clock p.

01:06:09.000 --> 01:06:16.000
M. Please refer to the district website to register for virtual attendance. May I please have a motion to adjourn this meeting?

01:06:16.000 --> 01:06:19.000
So move, Jessica. Second, Jennifer Wrens. All in favor say aye. Aye.

01:06:19.000 --> 01:06:25.000
Any opposed