The Board met in regular session on Thursday, January 11, with President Thomas presiding.

Mr. Trone provided accolades on the work done by Mrs. Fourhman, through her use of social media, to highlight the positive things occuring in our schools. 

 

Mr. Brinton shared that during the Red Land and Cedar Cliff basketball game, athletes from both schools came together to support Cedar Cliff's Athletic Director John Kosydar's fight against cancer. He commended their efforts. 

 

Mrs. Cox indicated she went to Junior Achievement's BizTown with Crossroads Middle School students and staff. She praised the program and learning opportunities it provides our students. 

 

Mrs. Tierney commended District administrators and West Shore Foundation Directors for their work on evaluating the recent round of Educator Innovation Grant applications.

 

Mr. Kambic thanked crossing guards for their help keeping students safe.

 

Dr. Stoltz shared that West Shore was the recipient of a PA Farm Bill Grant. More specifically, Mr. Justin Weaver and his Aquaponics students were awarded $6,143 for Apiary Education. Grant monies will be used to purchase educational materials and beehive components so the Apiary program can be expanded beyond Cedar Cliff to other schools in the District.

School Director Recognition Month
In honor of School Director Recognition Month, Dr. Stoltz thanked the Board for their volunteer service throughout the year and presented each Board member with tokens of the District's appreciation.

No students or members of the public addressed the Board.

 

The District is required to revisit its Health & Safety Plan every six months. Dr. Stoltz indicated there were no changes to the plan.

The Board approved the personnel items as presented.

The Board approved the trip for FBLA students to Hershey, Pennsylvania, for the period Monday, April 8, 2024 through Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

 

As a result of Board reorganization, a new representative was needed to serve on the Capital Area Intermediate Unit Board of Directors. The Board appointed Mrs. Cox to the unexpired term which will end June 30, 2025.

 

Mrs. Boone provided a copy of last month’s budget presentation with a series of additional notes. This presentation, and others made to the Board during the budget development process, can be found on the Business Office website.

 

Mrs. Thomas indicated the District was going to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Legal Services. After much discussion between Board members, the decision was made to include the RFP as a voting item on the January 18 Board agenda.

 

Mrs. Thomas facilitated a discussion with Board members on their availability to fill existing Board Committee vacancies. 

No students addressed the Board. For a list of in person participants and electronic comments received, please refer to the Board minutes which will be approved at the February 15 Board Meeting.

The Board met in regular session on Thursday, January 18, with President Thomas presiding.

Red Land High School’s JROTC Color Guard presented the colors for the evening. JROTC members included Seniors Brighton Pearson and Xavier Zarza, Sophomore Michael Hall, and Freshman Hunter Shelley.  

The National Anthem was performed by Symphonic Wind Ensemble members from Cedar Cliff and Red Land High School under the direction of George Clements. Musicians included Juniors Ben Gonce and Addison Mohnkern, Sophomore Ian Semke, and Freshmen Abigail Flowers and Reagan Henninger.

Cedar Cliff Senior Carli Jo Shoemaker shared some of her school experiences and future plans.

Dr. Stoltz, Mr. Kambic and Mr. Guistwhite recognized the District's Buildings and Grounds Department for their work to prepare our facilities to reopen following the winter storms. 

Mrs. Tierney thanked the public for their feedback and engagement in recent Board Meetings. 

Mrs. Brent commended Mrs. Boone and highlighted her recent investment of District funds and interest earnings of three million dollars.

Mrs. Davis thanked the Youth Wrestling Coaches for their work at tournaments and in teaching sportsmanship.

Mr. Trone thanked Lori Harmon and Nicole Mortelliti, Cedar Cliff High School teachers, for their work in providing students with unique learning opportunities. Most recently, they coordinated a day for their students with the cowboys and cowgirls from the First Frontier Circuit Exceptional Rodeo.

Mrs. Thomas recognized School Bus Drivers for their efforts to transport students safely to school each day.

Opportunity for Comment on Business Items
No students or members of the public addressed the Board.

The minutes of the meetings held on December 7, 2023, and December 14, 2023 were approved. An amendment was made to revise the December 14 minutes to make a requested correction.

 

The Board filed the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending December 31, 2023, showing invested and available funds of $69,722,074.73.

Dr. Stoltz indicated the latest legal update was available for Board members.

 

Mrs. Tierney previewed the West Shore Foundation’s upcoming mini-golf fundraiser.

 

Mrs. Cox highlighted items included in the Curriculum Committee Report.

 

Mr. Guistwhite shared information about the Superintendent evaluation process and indicated he would like to meet with Board members to review the evaluation forms.

The Board approved bills for the period December 8, 2023 through January 5, 2024, listing checks which totalled $2,162,310,92. 

 

The Board approved all personnel items as presented.

                                                                                                        

The Board approved the budgetary transfers as presented.

 

The 2024-2025 Cumberland Perry Area Career and Technical Center (CPACTC) Operating Budget has been approved by the School’s Joint Operating Committee. West Shore School District’s estimated cost for 2024-2025 is $1,893,872 which is based on our average student enrollment over the previous five years of 22.693 percent. West Shore’s tuition payment will increase by $148,333. The Board approved the proposed 2024-2025 CPACTC Operating Budget as presented.

 

The Board approved the requests for staff attendance at professional meetings as presented.

 

The Board approved the Prismworks Technology, Inc. Contract for Networking Services as presented.

 

The Board approved ACIS Educational Tours to provide travel services to Germany, Austria and Switzerland from June 18, 2024, through June 25, 2024.

 

The contract for site work at Fairview Intermediate contained an error on the substantial completion date. A change order was developed at no cost to the District to amend the contract and establish a new substantial completion date of August 16, 2024. The Board approved the change order.

 

The Facility and Finance Committee minutes were shared. Click here to view the related files.

 

Dr. Stoltz shared a proposed 2024-2025 calendar with Tuesday, September 3, 2024, set as the start date for students. As it has done in the past, the District will be seeking feedback from students, parents and staff relative to the calendar.

Mr. Sanders introduced Brian Bingeman from Turf, Track, and Court who provided a preliminary design for Athletic Improvements at Red Land High School.

 

Dr. Stoltz facilitated a conversation on potentially forming a Citizens' Advisory Committee for Red Land Athletic Facilities Improvement. Through conversation, it was decided to appoint a Board committee of Mr. Brinton, Mr. Guistwhite, and Mr. Kambic to focus on Red Land Athletic Facilities Improvements.

 

Opportunity for Comment on General Items
No students addressed the Board. For a list of in person participants and electronic comments received, please refer to the Board minutes which will be approved at the February 15 Board Meeting.