The Board met in regular session on Thursday, October 12, with President Guistwhite presiding.

Dr. Stoltz shared that due to a staffing matter at the York Adams Academy, Director Ruth Ackerman asked to reschedule her presentation.

Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Crocenzi shared information from the recent Board visit to Newberry Elementary. Mrs. Thomas also shared that she briefly attended Red Land High School’s Career Fair and Mrs. Crocenzi congratulated Travis Peck, Newberry Principal, on completing his doctorate. 

Dr. Stoltz added that this year Newberry has 40 students participating in Student Council which is the highest number of students they have ever had participate. He also shared that the school's head custodian, Wanda Gross, was recognized by staff during the Board visit for her exceptional work. 

 

Mrs. Tierney shared details about the 8th Annual West Shore Foundation Gala and Silent Auction.

 

Mrs. Crocenzi thanked Cedar Cliff High School Aquaponics teacher Justin Weaver for his willingness to speak with community groups including the Red Land Women’s Club about the projects taking place.

 

Mr. F. Kambic recognized everyone involved in the New Cumberland Apple Festival and gave kudos to the volunteers who participated in cleaning up afterwards. Mr. Gay added that several different student groups partner with the Apple Festival organizers to provide help for the event. Mr. Stoltenburg shared how much he enjoyed speaking with individuals during the Apple Festival and thanked Mrs. Boone for providing budget information that aided his conversations with community members.

 

Mr. Kapranos highlighted the Rossmoyne Elementary PTO Fun Run and commented on the comradery of the staff he witnessed while volunteering at the event.

 

Mr. C. Kambic shared information about recent visits to Red Mill and Fishing Creek Elementaries and recognized Ryan Deveney, Red Mill Principal, and Matthew Wensel, Fishing Creek Principal, for running their buildings "like clockwork." Mr. Guistwhite added that several buildings in the District are older and present challenges, but that despite their age, staff take a great deal of pride in their schools. 

 

Dr. Stoltz shared many items of note:

 

No students or members of the public addressed the Board.

 

The Board approved all personnel items as presented.

 

The Board approved the trip for FBLA students to participate in the workshop at Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, from Sunday, October 29, 2023, through Monday, October 30, 2023.

 

Ascend Career Services provides marketing and recruitment services to non-profit organizations and schools. The Board approved an Agreement with Ascend Career Services, LLC to assist the District in filling ongoing maintenance vacancies.  

 

The Transportation Department has been working diligently to secure services for special transportation routes for students in alternative placements, homeless students, and students with special transportation needs. The District has been unable to fulfill these requests in a timely manner with our existing transportation service providers. In response, the Transportation Department searched for additional providers who may be able service these routes.The Board approved a contract with Boyo Transportation Services, Inc., to fulfill these needs.

Dr. Stoltz facilitated a conversation related to a potential project for artificial trurf and related site improvements at Red Land High School. During the discussion, the District's Feasibility Study was referenced. 

No students addressed the Board. For a list of in person participants and topics discussed, please refer to the Board minutes which will be approved at the November 16 Board Meeting.

The Board met in regular session on Thursday, October 19, with President Guistwhite presiding.

Cedar Cliff High School’s JROTC Color Guard presented the colors for the evening. JROTC members included Sophomores Sofia Dorman and Nick Toto with Junior Andrew Snavely and Senior Ben Irwin.

 

The National Anthem was performed by Junior Portia Green and Senior Madeline Hodge from Cedar Cliff High School.

Cedar Cliff Senior Haylie Bitting and Red Land Senior Anderson French shared their experiences at their respective high schools and their future plans.

 

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

The minutes of the meetings held on September 14, 2023, and September 21, 2023, were approved.

 

The Board filed the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending September 30, 2023, showing invested and available funds of $83,849,904.65.

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

 

Mrs. Tierney shared details about the 8th Annual West Shore Foundation Gala and Silent Auction.

 

Mr. F. Kambic shared he attended the New Cumberland Halloween Parade and enjoyed seeing the West Shore Marching Band’s performance.

 

Mrs. Crocenzi thanked Justin Weaver for taking time to present information about the Aquaponics program to the Red Land Women’s Club. She also highlighted Crossroads Middle School's recent astronomy night organized by Brian Kane. 

 

Dr. Stoltz shared several shout outs:

The Board approved bills for the period September 15, 2023 through October 12, 2023, listing checks which totalled $4,899,650.46. 

 

The Board approved all personnel items as presented.

                                                                              

The Board approved all budgetary transfers as presented.

 

Based on an evaluation of the candidates for elected positions within PSBA, the Board directed the Board Secretary to register a unanimous vote with the PSBA Credentials Committee for the following PSBA candidates:

The Board approved new Board Policies 103.1: Students with Section 504 Qualified Disabilities; 137.1: Extracurricular Activity and Interscholastic Athletic Participation by Home Education Students; 137.2: Participation in Cocurricular Activities and Academic Courses by Home Education Students; 137.3: Participation in Career and Technical Education Programs by Home Education Students; and revised Board Policy 137: Home Education.

 

The Board approved the trip for Crossroads Middle School students to travel to Newfound Harbor Marine Institute (Seacamp) from Saturday, June 8, 2024, through Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

 

The Board approved the proposal and statement of work for the installation of a Microsoft Cloud PBX phone system from IU13.

 

The Board approved the proposal for SIP licenses from TeleSystem.

 

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

 

Two plumbing change orders were approved by the Board. First, it was determined that the water pressure at Old Trail Intermediate for the new supply exceeded the allowable pressure for the equipment. A pressure reducing valve, which was not in the original designs, is now required. Cost is $8,757.00.

Additionally, at Old Trail Intermediate, the original design called for natural gas service to the kitchen and HVAC equipment. The HVAC equipment also called for propane backup for an interruptible gas service. The transition to all propane with an option to switch to natural gas if service would become more accessible required some additional piping. Cost is $5,916.00.

 

During the 2022-2023 school year, the District conducted an extensive Athletic Facility Feasibility Study. The study helped quantify the benefits an additional synthetic turf field would have for our students and programs. A review of options generated by the study established the optimal location for a turf field would be on the Red Land campus. In addition to a synthetic turf field, the District would like to do some master planning of the site and make general improvements to accessibility. The Board accepted a proposal from Turf, Track & Court, LLC for professional services supporting athletic facility improvements to the Red Land campus.

 

The construction of Rossmoyne Elementary encountered numerous delays as a result of the pandemic and associated disruptions to the supply chain. Jay R. Reynolds, Inc. submitted documentation in support of requests for additional compensation, which the District disputed. The Board approved a Mutual Release and Settlement Agreement with Jay R. Reynolds, Inc. with the intent of reaching an amicable settlement of the dispute.

 

The Board Policy, Facilities, and Finance Committee Reports were shared with the Board. Click here to review related files.

 

No students addressed the Board. For a list of electronic comments received, please refer to the Board minutes which will be approved at the November 16 Board Meeting.