Wallingford-Swarthmore School District

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS

SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS*

DATE: February 27, 2023                                                                                               PLACE:  SHMS – Library

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Kelly Wachtman, Kevin Henry, Dr. David Grande, Rachel Holbert, Lawrence Kutys, Christine Dollé, Wendy Voet, Nannette Whitsett

ADMINISTRATION/ OTHERS PRESENT:  Dr. Wagner Marseille, Dr. Conley, Ms. Martin, Mr. Klabunde, Dr. McCullough, Dr. Sandberg, Dr. Pratt, Dr. Cellini, Mr. Benzing, Ms. Elias, Mr. Berman, Ms. Sudarsan

Meeting Start Time: 7:03 pm

AGENDA/PPT

• Miss Sudarsan- Student representative shared information regarding the Black History Month Celebration, the annual Chris King Games, Silvertones singing valentine songs, Grease the Musical, Shrek the Musical, WES Math Night, NPE STEAM Night, SRS March 3^rd International Night.
• Dr. Marseille shared in his superintendent’s report, the recent reports from PDE and #PA Needs Teachers detailing the teacher shortage crisis in PA, the PeopleBench  focusing on teacher recruitment, retention, and workplace wellbeing; recognized student accomplishments;CTE Month; International Night; February 7^th Commonwealth Ruling on school funding.
• Mr. Heinle-NPE Principal, shared updates regarding PBIS Tier II, Science of Reading K-2, Read Across America, STEAM Night, Inclusion and Belonging and 5^th-grade student Eva Lee reenacted the life of Ella Fitzgerald as part of NPEs Living Wax Museum.  
• Dr. Marseille presented recommendations that would allow the streaming of committee meetings beginning April 12^th. 
• The board of school directors approved the minutes of November 21, 2022, and the December 19, 2022, regular meeting.
• Committee Reports for Educational Affairs, Facilities/Finance, Wellness Advisory, and Delaware County Community College, Delaware County Intermediate Unit were shared. There were no reports for Policy, Pennsylvania School Board Association, and Delaware County School Board Legislative Council.
• The Board of School Directors ratified and approved the following motions under Personnel:
  • Ratified and approved the following resignations: Mary Martin, Business Administrator, Office of Business Operations, resignation effective 3/3/23.  Susan McAndrews, Special Education Teacher, Strath Haven High School, resignation effective at the end of the day 05/10/2023. Gabrielle Morrison, School Psychologist, Strath Haven Middle School, resignation effective at the end of the day 4/7/23. Kathy Salom, Instructional Support, Wallingford Elementary School, retirement effective at the end of the day 06/16/2023. Carol Mark, Payroll and Accounting Specialist, Office of Business Operations, resignation effective at the end of the day 1/27/23. Liam Gallagher, Accounting Supervisor, Office of Business Operations, resignation effective at the end of the day 1/27/23. Jose Siri, Bus Driver, Transportation Department, resignation effective at the end of the day 2/17/2023. 
  • Ratified and approved the following appointments: Ken King as Interim Business Administrator effective 2/21/2023, at a rate of $120.00 per hour. Rachel Cotton, Communications & Community Relations Liaison, Office of the Superintendent, Exempt Supervisor Compensation Plan, $90,000 (prorated), effective 03/06/2023. David Kopp, Safety & Security Aide, Strath Haven High School, WSESPA, 7.5 hours per day, 187 days per year, $19.00 per hour, effective 2/27/23.
  • Ratified and approved the following leaves of absence: Jodi McFetridge, Elementary Teacher, Nether Providence Elementary School; Leave of Absence effective 1/10/2023 through on or about 2/22/2023. Lea Kerwood, World Language Teacher, Strath Haven High School; Leave of Absence effective 3/22/23 through on/or about 5/24/2023. Wendy Laird, Social Studies Teacher, Strath Haven Middle School; Leave of Absence effective 2/23/23 through on/or about 3/16/23. Doris Ford, Administrative Assistant, Strath Haven High School; Leave of Absence effective 2/23/2023 through on/or about 3/17/2023. Qihui Xie (Susan Chen), Instructional Support, Strath Haven High School; Leave of Absence effective 1/23/23 through on/or about 2/19/2023.
  • Ratified and approved the following change of assignments: Patricia Ward, Instructional Support to Long Term Substitute (.67)Family and Consumer Science Teacher and (.33) Building Substitute, Strath Haven High School, WSESPA 10 month CBA, effective 1/23/23 through the end of the 22-23 school year at $190.00 per diem.  Deborah Seifrit, Administrative Assistant 10 months to Administrative Assistant 12 months, Strath Haven High School, WSESPA 12 month CBA, Step 7, $20.63 per hour, 7.5 hours per day, effective 2/28/2023.
  • Approved the payment of unused sick days, curriculum supplementals, mentor appointments, conference requests, activities supplementals, athletic curriculum supplementals, and activities advisor appointments.
  • Approved the compensation of staff members for the Strath Haven High School Saturday Detention Program, during the 2022-2023 school year, at the per diem rate of $100.00.
  • Approve the appointment of the accompanist at Strath Haven High School, for the 2022-2023 school year, at the rate of $30.00 per hour, not to exceed a total of 324 hours.
  • Approved the 2023 Summer Band and String Program.
  • Approved curriculum hours for Jennifer McDonnell for professional development for the New Teacher Academy, at the rate of $45.00 per hour, not to exceed 10 total hours.
  • Approved curriculum hours for Erica Frisoli and Helena Kim for professional development for English Language Learners, at the rate of $45.00 per hour, not to exceed 10 total hours.
• The Board of School Directors ratified and approved the following motions under student Policy:
  • Approved the listed policies for Second Reading: Policy 205 – Postgraduate Students; Policy 330 – Overtime; Policy 338 – Sabbatical Leave; Policy 338.1 - Compensated Professional Leave; Policy 349 – Resignation.
• The Board of School Directors ratified and approved the following motions under student services:
  • Ratified and approved the Educational Services Agreement for student #2923059.
  • Approved homebound instruction for student #262104.
• The Board of School Directors ratified and approved the following motions under Finance:
  • Ratified and approve the following payments to vendors.
  • Acknowledged receipt of the financial statements and Treasure’s Report.
  • Approved a contract with PowerSchool for the Schoology Platform at $49,339 and Annual costs.
  • Authorized Fox Rothschild LLP to agree on the property located at 109 E. Brookhaven Road in Nether Providence Township, identified as Folio No. 34-00-00395-01, setting the assessment of the property at $500,000 for tax years 2021 (school tax year 2021-22), 2022 (school tax year 2022-23) and 2023 (school tax year 2023-24) and for each subsequent tax year until a change in the property’s assessment pursuant to applicable law.
  • Authorized Fox Rothschild LLP to enter into an agreement for the property located at 800 Avondale Road in Nether Providence Township, identified as Folio No. 34-00-10082-09, setting the assessment of the property at $0 for tax years 2021 (school tax year 2021-22) and 2022 (school tax year 2022-23) and for each subsequent tax year until a change in the property’s assessment pursuant to applicable law.
  • Approved contract with Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems for Student Assistance Program.
  • Approved contract with Kings Mills Inc. for Prom Reservation for Class of 2025 Junior Prom, next year on April 13, 2024.
  • Approve the proposal for the Assessment of the Business Office Operations and Ongoing Support and Transition at $9,500 for Assessment and Hourly Rate ($125) with the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit.
  • Approved the contract with PeopleBench.
• Community member Paul Jacobs shared comments regarding streaming committee meetings.
• Community member Mr. Serratore shared comments regarding board agendas, community accessibility and public time lime period.
• Ms. Doubtweiller shared concerns with fields, the natatorium and need to make improvements. 
• The meeting ended at PM 10:03 pm.

NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS:  Monday, March 27, 2023, Strath Haven Middle School – Library

• *SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS ARE NOT OFFICIAL MINUTES.
• OFFICIAL MINUTES OF MEETINGS THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING WILL BE POSTED AFTER THE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS APPROVES THE MINUTES AT THE MARCH 27, 2023, REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD.
• OFFICIAL MINUTES CAN BE FOUND ON THE DISTRICT WEBSITE 24 HOURS AFTER BOARD APPROVAL

Wallingford-Swarthmore School District

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS

SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS*

DATE: January 23, 2023                                                                         PLACE:  SHMS – Library

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Kelly Wachtman, Kevin Henry, Dr. David Grande, Rachel Holbert, Lawrence Kutys, Christine Dollé, Wendy Voet, Nannette Whitsett

ADMINISTRATION/ OTHERS PRESENT:  Dr. Wagner Marseille, Dr. Conley, Ms. Martin, Mr. Klabunde, Dr. McCullough, Dr. Sandberg, Dr. Mosakowski, Mr. Benzing,  Mr. Cetroni, Ms. Elias, Mr. Berman, Ms. Sudarsan

AGENDA/PPT

• Miss Sudarsan- Student representative shared information regarding student perception on returning from winter break, Keystone Testing, Finals, MLK Day of Service, and the Shrek Musical. 
• Dr. Marseille shared in his report acknowledgment of the Lunar Year, condolences to the community of Monterey Park shooting, the January 30 Policy Committee Meeting, Focus topic presentations, MLK Day of Service, School Board Recognition Month, Regional High School Art Exhibition at Delaware County Community College Shrek Musical, upcoming and important dates, NSTA Science Conference, Board Action Items, WSESPA Negotiations, Peachjar, Automated Student Voicemail and upcoming district/board dates
• Community member Carol Fancony shared her concerns about the WSSD fee schedule and commented on facilities usage software and its impact on the WSCC group
• Dr. Matsanka-MS Principal, shared highlights and examples of successful experiences that have taken place so far at the middle school. Dr. Matsanka highlighted the accomplishment of PBIS Tier I and II support and fundraising efforts that have raised over $100K since 2007. Student representatives shared community service projects in support of Kisses for Kyle. They shared successful fundraising efforts with Bowling Night and Volleyball night. They also shared their participation in Samsung Solve for Tomorrow-a competition, where students create STEM-based innovation to try to solve a real-world problem. They shared the App they created to help nursing home residents feel cared for and to lessen negative feelings and issues among the group. There was also a video highlighting the 8^th-grade MLK services projects.
• Ms. Martin-Business Manager, provided a comparative analysis of the 2022/2023 to December 31, 2022 budget vs. year-to-date actuals. The current year revenues to date are comparable to 2021-2022 revenues. Ms. Martin also shared her recommendation for Fund Balance Transfers and Commitments totaling $1.5 million. Ms. Martin reviewed the 12/21/22 Finance Committee First Look of the 2023-2024 budget.
• Dr. Conley – Assistant Superintendent, provided an overview of Schoology, a learning management platform the District is exploring and will be presented at the next Educational Affairs Committee. Dr. Conley continued with an overview of the Strategic Plan process, timeline, and future opportunities for ongoing community input. Dr. Conley also shared how learning journey’s currently taking place will shape the experiences of our students and staff.
• The board of school directors approved the minutes of the November 21, 2022, and the December 19, 2022, regular meeting.
• Committee Reports for Educational Affairs, Facilities/Finance, Wellness Advisory, Delaware County Community College, Delaware County Intermediate Unit were shared. There were no reports for Policy, Pennsylvania School Board Association, and Delaware County School Board Legislative Council.
• The Board of School Directors ratified and approved the following motions under Personnel:
  • Resignations of Patricia Byrne, Health & Physical Education Teacher, Strath Haven Middle School, retirement effective at the end of the day 06/22/2023. Wesley Rouse, Mathematics Teacher, Strath Haven High School, retirement effective at the end of the day 06/22/2023.
  • Joseph Buecheler, Assistant Principal, Strath Haven Middle School, retirement effective at the end of the day 06/30/2023. Judith Maugeri, Special Education Teacher, Strath Haven Middle School, retirement effective at the end of the day 06/22/2023. Elisa Clark, Administrative Assistant 12 month, Strath Haven High School, retirement effective at the end of the day 01/31/2023. Anne Wood, Instructional Support, Wallingford Elementary, retirement effective at the end of the day 6/16/2022.
  • Appointments of Susan Stein, Long Term Substitute Environmental Science Teacher, Strath Haven High School, WSEA CBA, Step 2, Doctorate-PhD, $59,500 (prorated), effective 1/25/2023 through 6/22/2023.​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​ Jenna Stec, Health & PE Teacher, Strath Haven High School, WSEA CBA, Step 5, Master’s +30, $64,500 (prorated), effective 3/27/2023. Christina Miller, Administrative Assistant – 12 month, Strath Haven High School,  WSESPA CBA 12 Month Agreement, Step 2, 7.5 hours per day, $18.88 per hour, effective 01/24/2023. Penny Creighton, Instructional Support, Nether Providence Elementary, WSESPA CBA 10 Month Agreement, Step 4, 7.5 hours per day, $18.08 per hour, effective 01/24/2023. Michael Mayer, Substitute Bus Driver, Transportation Department, Teamsters CBA, $27.93 per hour as needed, effective 9/30/2022.
  • Leave of Absence for Carol Connor, Special Education Teacher, Strath Haven Middle School; Leave of Absence starting 1/16/2023 through on or about 4/11/2023. Lisa Lashley, Non-Certificated Nurse, Districtwide; Leave of Absence starting 1/17/2023 through on or about 2/17/2023. Elaine Patel, Instructional Support, Nether Providence Elementary; Leave of Absence effective 1/03/2023 through on or about 3/31/2023.  Yolanda Whittington, Instructional Support, Wallingford Elementary; Leave of Absence starting 1/19/2023 through on or about 3/07/2023. 
  • Changes of assignment for Lynda Strolli, Instructional Support to Special Education Teacher, Strath Haven Middle School, at $190.00 per diem, effective 01/16/2023 through on or about 4/16/2023.  
  • Direct payments, curriculum supplementals, conference requests, activities supplementals, Spring athletic curriculum supplementals post-season, activities advisor appointments
  • School counselor additional summer work days for five counselors at the per diem rate during the 2022 summer
• The Board of School Directors ratified and approved the following motions under student services:
  • Three Educational service agreements and one homebound instruction agreement
• The Board of School Directors ratified and approved the following motions under Finance:
  • Bills paid to vendors 12/12/22-01/13/23, financial statements 12/22, treasures report 12/22, budget transfers,
  • 2021-2022 Local Audit Report/Financial Statements
  • 2023-2024 Opt-out resolution certifying the tax rate within the adjusted Act 1 Index for the 2023-2024 school year
  • Approval of tax settlements for the properties located at 406 Hidden Valley Rd, Nether Providence, 915 Twyckenham Rd, Nether Providence, and 131 Waterville Rd, Nether Providence
  • Fund balance transfers of funds from the District’s unreserved General Fund to the Capital Reserve in the amount of $1,500,000. These funds shall be used to support future capital projects. Resetting the following fund balance commitment levels as follows: • Retirement (PSERS) Cost Stabilization $1,000,000 • Self-Insurance Cost Stabilization $1,000,000 • Strategic Plan Initiatives $500,000
  • Health Care consulting agreement with AJ Gallagher  
  • The purchase of a facilities management program with FMX in the amount of $10,544.00 (annually) for purchasing, developing and implementing a web-based software program that will assist the District in managing work requests, preventative maintenance, interactive mapping, room and field reservation management, scheduling, and billing.
  • Contract with Stan-Roch Plumbing for replacing several Hot Water Heaters at SHHS, SHMS, SRS, and NPE in the amount of $175,700.00
  • Contract with Blair Contracting for replacing the roof on the Trinity Building at Swarthmore Rutledge School in the amount of $148,900.00
  • Independent contract agreement with Jesse Gennett to provide communication support services
  • Engagement letter agreement with McCandless King Coulter & Graham, LLP & Frantz Law Group, ALPC for the commencement of legal action against Altria Group, Inc., and other Defendants on a contingency fee basis for the purpose of claiming monetary damages related to District costs related to the use of vaping products on District property
• Community member Lisa Jacobs shared with the board petition signed by community members regarding communication and transparency.
• Board President Mrs. Wachtman shared her thoughts on the petition and community feedback.
• The meeting ended at 9:42 PM

NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS:  Monday, February 27, 2023, Strath Haven Middle School – Library

• *SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS ARE NOT OFFICIAL MINUTES.
• OFFICIAL MINUTES OF MEETINGS THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING WILL BE POSTED AFTER THE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS APPROVES THE MINUTES AT THE FEBRUARY 27, 2023, REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD.
• OFFICIAL MINUTES CAN BE FOUND ON THE DISTRICT WEBSITE 24 HOURS AFTER BOARD APPROVAL