The Board met in regular session on Thursday, January 13, with President Guistwhite presiding.

 

Superintendent's Report - Health and Safety Plan
Dr. Stoltz provided an update on the status of masks in the District relative to the use of the masking thresholds. Mrs. Tabachini shared an update on District efforts to fill teacher absences with staff from Substitute Teacher Service (STS) and with building substitute teachers. Lastly, Dr. Stoltz reviewed the District's COVID Tracker and shared that in 2020-2021 the active case counts would reset when a school was closed for holiday breaks, etc. This school year, we have not reset active case counts. 

 

Mrs. Crocenzi shared her experience at JA BizTown which provides middle school students with the opportunity to visit a simulated town.

Mrs. Tierney provided information about the West Shore Foundation's participation in the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community fundraiser on May 21, 2022. Mrs. Tierney also shared that the Foundation provided both District social workers with funds to purchase items for students in the District. Lastly, she highlighted the upcoming free parent workshop, Drugs 101: What Parents Need to Know, which is being sponsored by the Foundation.

Mrs. Moyer recognized several West Shore students attending Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center who received honors at the PA Farm Show.

Dr. Stoltz highlighted parent accolades he recently received regarding Music Teachers Mr. Matthew Topping, Mr. Kristopher Hartman, Mr. Donovan Donnelly, and Mr. George Clements. Dr. Stoltz also shared shout outs he received for School Nurse Mrs. Ann Heidecker and for Special Education Instructional Advisor Mrs. Felicia Rodrigo.

Mr. Guistwhite thanked District staff members for their work during the pandemic to keep students learning in person. Dr. Stoltz added his appreciation for the work of administration, teachers, support staff, and bus drivers, which has allowed us to operate with limited disruptions.
 

Business Items
No comments related to business items were shared with the Board by students or the public.

 

The Board approved all personnel items as presented.

 

Rossmoyne Bi-Directional Amplifier Proposal
The Board approved a contract to improve radio signal strength at Rossmoyne Elementary.
 

Aramark Services
Mr. Kenneth Mahan from Aramark highlighted the custodial work being done by Aramark across the District.

Intermediate School Construction Update
Mr. Christopher Linkey from RLPS Architects provided a schedule update on the intermediate school construction projects. Click here to view his presentation.

Audit Review

School districts are required to conduct an independent local audit of their financial statements each year. Mrs. Deborah Kelly from Trout CPA provided an overview of the District's audit report and shared that West Shore received the best opinion the District could receive.

Finance Updates
Mrs. Stuck shared the 2022-2023 Preliminary General Fund Budget and provided financial information related to Investments, Assessed Value, Budget Status, Capital Reserves, Rossmoyne Project, and the 2020 Bond Issue. Click here to review related files.

Revised Board Policy
Dr. Argot shared draft revisions to Board Policy 006: Meetings.

2022-2023 School Calendar
Dr. Stoltz provided a draft of the 2022-2023 school calendar and indicated the District would be seeking feedback from our school community again this year. Dr. Stoltz also shared the District's intention to hold graduation ceremonies at the PA Farm Show Complex this year and next year.  Click here to view the proposed calendar.

 

Student and public comments related to general 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 February 17, Board Meeting.

The Board met in regular session on Thursday, January 20, with President Guistwhite presiding.

 

Red Land High School’s JROTC Color Guard presented the colors for the evening. JROTC members included Freshman Madison Gray, Junior Maya Jovic, Sophomore Weston Stoner, and Sophomore Xavier Zarza.

The National Anthem was performed by Crossroads Middle School Eighth Grade Band members Jachin Derk, Austin Hutcheson, Dylan Kovacevic, Noah Musselman, and Benjamin Rosenberger under the direction of Mr. Hartman.

 

The minutes of the meetings December 2, 2021, and December 16, 2021, were approved.

 

The Board approved the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending December 31, 2021, showing invested and available funds of $58,347,867.

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 West Shore "swag" as a token of the District's appreciation.

Dr. Stoltz indicated the latest legal update from the solicitor’s office was available for Board members. Dr. Argot shared the Central Treasury Report for Cedar Cliff and Red Land High Schools.

Dr. Stoltz introduced Mr. Justin Bruhn, CPACTC Administrative Director. Mr. Bruhn thanked the District for its support and introduced two West Shore seniors to speak about their academic and professional accomplishments at CPACTC. 

Ricardo Harmon III, Cedar Cliff High School, spoke about the Automotive Collision Technology program and the experience he has gained in his co-op placement. Ricardo is already working part-time at Faulkner Auto Group in his chosen career path. Alexia Plever, Red Land High School, shared skills she has learned in the Emerging Health Professionals program. Alexia is currently earning college credits toward a future career as an ultrasound technician.

 

Superintendent's Report - Health and Safety Plan
Dr. Stoltz provided an update on the status of the Health and Safety Plan and the current status of masking in our schools.  Dr. Stoltz also shared that PDE's updated guidance does not require schools to close based on active case counts. 

The Board approved the student disciplinary cases as presented.

 

Mr. Robert Starrett, Mr. George Clements, and student representatives from the West Shore Marching Band & Colorguard were honored by the Board on their Best Overall Effect honors at the USBands Pennsylvania State Championship and third place and Best Music honors at the USBands National Championship.
 

Dr. Stoltz thanked staff and families for their patience as the District continues to face challenges with the timing of inclement weather this school year. He also apologized to everyone who was impacted negatively as a result of a late decision to switch from delay to remote learning on Thursday, January 20.

Dr. Leese, Mrs. Crocenzi, and Mr. Guistwhite praised the school nurses and our buildings and grounds staff members for their continued support and dedication.

Mr. Guistwhite and Dr. Stoltz thanked Mrs. Kristin Myers, Mrs. Kelly Guistwhite, and Mrs. Megan Cummings for organizing a Clothing Swap at Cedar Cliff High School. During the event, approximately 500 families participated and were able to pick out clothing, shoes, and food at no cost.

Dr. Stoltz highlighted the District's efforts to support the Hershey Bears Teddy Bear Toss. Thanks to the support of our families, Mrs. Patti Wilsbach, and the WSEA, 4,073 teddy bears and assorted stuffed animals were donated this year.

Dr. Stoltz also highlighted opportunities for parent participation including the 2022-2023 calendar survey and Drugs 101 Parent Workshop. 

Mrs. Moyer reminded families that kindergarten registration is now open for next school year....the class of 2035!
 

Business Items
No comments related to business items were shared with the Board by students or the public.

 

The Board approved bills for the period December 16, 2021, through January 12, 2022, listing checks which totalled $2,858,870.35.

Refunds
The Board approved three refunds which totalled $13,061.

Personnel

The Board approved all personnel items as presented.

 

The Board approved the budget transfers as presented.

 

2022-2023 Budget Resolution
The Board adopted a resolution indicating the District would not raise property taxes by more than the 4.0% adjusted index for 2022-2023.

Agreement for Stop Loss Insurance 
Specific Stop Loss is excess risk coverage that provides protection for the District against a high claim on any one individual. The Board approved a proposal from PSHIC/Everest Re.

High School Roof Restoration Projects
The Maintenance Department had an in-depth roofing study conducted to assess conditions throughout the District. Roofing projects were prioritized based on our plans for new construction, existing conditions, and the ability to extend the life of our roofs by performing restoration projects. The Board approved proposals for scope of work at Cedar Cliff and Red Land High Schools from Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc.

Staff Attendance at Professional Meetings
The Board approved requests for staff attendance at professional meetings as presented.

Release Agreement 
As part of the construction of Rossmoyne Elementary, various improvements were made to Rossmoyne Road. In completing the work required by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the District needed to obtain right of way and temporary grading easements from several property owners along Rossmoyne Road.  At 4901 Colonial Road, the contractors on the project have struggled to complete the agreed upon restoration work to the owner’s satisfaction. The solicitor was able to negotiate a release agreement which the Board approved.
 

No Information Items were discussed.

 

Student and public comments related to general 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 February 17, Board Meeting.