The Board met in regular session on Thursday, November 18, with President Kambic presiding.
Red Land High School’s JROTC Color Guard presented the colors for the evening. JROTC members included Junior Dylan Knouse with Sophomores Weston Stoner and Xavier Zarza.
A recording of the National Anthem performed by Allen Middle School's seventh and eighth grade choral students under the direction of Miss Ashley Lynch was played to start the meeting.
Minutes
The minutes of the meetings held October 14, and 21, 2021, were approved.
Treasurer’s Report
The Board approved the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending October 31, 2021, showing invested and available funds of $69,161,372.63.
Communications
Legal Update and Central Treasury
Dr. Stoltz indicated the latest legal update from the solicitor’s office was available for Board members, and Dr. Argot shared the Central Treasury Reports for Cedar Cliff and Red Land High Schools.
Superintendent's Report - Health and Safety PlanWith the potential lifting of the Acting Secretary of the Department of Health's mask Order approaching, Dr. Stoltz presented proposed revisions to the District's Health and Safety Plan. Following the meeting, his presentation to the Board was
posted on the District website.
Student Discipline
The Board approved all but one of the student disciplinary cases as recommended.
Board Reports
Mrs. Tierney encouraged the community to participate in Giving Tuesday on November 30, with a donation to the West Shore Foundation. She also highlighted the Pennsylvania School Board Association’s upcoming Leadership Training program which is offered in person and online to newly elected and re-elected Board members in December. Mrs. Say added that Stock and Leader will also be offering an intensive training for Board members in February.
Mrs. Crocenzi informed the Board that her report from the Capital Area Intermediate Unit (CAIU) Board meeting would be forthcoming.
Recognition by the Board
Employees of the First Quarter
The Board recognized Red Mill Elementary staff members Stacy Long, Special Education Paraprofessional, and Erin Milewski, Speech & Language Clinician, as the Employees of the First Quarter for the 2021-2022 school year.
Outgoing Board Members
The Board recognized Clydiene Francis, Deb Schwager, and Mike Wilson for their service to the community as Board Members and presented each with Board Resolutions as a token of appreciation.
Board Shout Outs
Dr. Stoltz shared that earlier in the week two very deserving West Shore educators were named “Outstanding Teachers” by the Shippensburg University School Study Council. Patricia Harrington, Red Mill Elementary, and Scott Slayton, Red Land High School, were honored at Shippensburg University for their service to their school communities, dedication to their students, and commitment to ongoing professional development.
Dr. Stoltz mentioned that November 18, was Children's Grief Awareness Day, a day when students, staff members, and families wear the color blue to show support for children grieving the loss of a parent, sibling, close family member, or friend.
Dr. Stoltz also shared that it was Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) Awareness Week and invited the school community to show solidarity with children experiencing homelessness by wearing red on November 19.
Dr. Leese thanked Dr. Tadman Glossner and Dr. Rebecca French for providing emergency dental services for a student in need. She also thanked District Dental Hygienist Mrs. Donna Murray for her assistance in transporting the student to the appointments. Dr. Leese recognized the West Shore Foundation for its $3,000 contribution to the District’s social workers to purchase items for families. Lastly, Dr. Leese commended the school nurses for their work with the COVID-19 data collection, contact tracing, and ongoing efforts to respond to parent questions.
Mrs. Tierney and Dr. Stoltz thanked the outgoing board members for their dedication to our school community.
Mr. Kambic thanked the Board for their support during his year as Board President and for always putting students first. Mr. Kambic also thanked our school nurses for their dedication.
Opportunity for Student and Public Comments
Business Items
A student comment and public comments related to business items were shared with the Board. Those comments received electronically were shared with Board members prior to the start of the meeting. For a list of participants and topics discussed, please refer to the Board minutes which will be approved at the December 16, Board Meeting.
Business Items
Bills for Approval
The Board approved bills for the period October 21, 2021, through November 10, 2021, listing checks which totaled $12,706,366.63.
Personnel
The Board approved all personnel items as presented.
Addendum to Agreement with Substitute Teacher Service
The Board approved an addendum to the contract of service with the Substitute Teacher Service to raise the rate for continuing day-to-day substitutes from $150/day to $190/day. Additionally, the rate for District substitutes who work every day during the school year and are placed in assignments based on daily District needs, was changed from $135/day to $150/day. These changes will be effective November 30, 2021.
Revised Board Policies
The Board approved revisions to Board Policies 218.1: Weapons, 247: Hazing, and 249: Bullying/Cyberbullying.
Staff Attendance at Professional Meetings
The Board approved the requests for staff attendance at professional meetings as presented.
Red Land High School Wrestling Trip
The Board approved an overnight stay for the Red Land High School wrestling team to participate in the MyHOUSE Trojan Wars Wrestling Tournament being held at Chambersburg High School. The trip, scheduled for December 29-30, 2021, is being funded by the Red Land Boosters.
Contracted Services with CAIU for Title I Nonpublic Students – Addendum
The Title I program provides supplemental educational services so that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. The Board approved an addendum to the agreement approved in August with the Capital Area Intermediate Unit (CAIU) that includes a list of students, the content areas, and their assessment results.
Reappointment of Assistant Superintendent and Approval of Contract
The Board approved retaining Dr. Whye, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, for an additional term of three years. Her new contract for employment will begin July 1, 2022, and end on June 30, 2025. Several members of the Board and Dr. Stoltz took the opportunity to thank Dr. Whye for her contributions and dedication to West Shore since she joined the District.
Health and Safety Plan Update
Information Items
Dr. Stoltz shared that Cedar Cliff High School's Football team would be facing off against Exeter in the District 3 Class 5A semifinal on Friday, November 19, at the West Shore Stadium.
Opportunity for Student and Public Comments
General Items
No comments related to general items were shared with the Board by students or the public.