Anthony Carter

The meeting convened with opening remarks from the co-chairs. Key agenda items included a review of interim financial information through January 2026, a presentation by the independent auditor, Carl Hogan of Clifton Larson Allen, regarding the 2023-2024 audit report results, and a high-level review of the 2026-2027 preliminary budget. The audit discussion focused on the unmodified clean audit opinion, favorable revenue variances (especially from investment earnings and earned income taxes), overall expenditure control resulting in a $6.4 million excess of revenues over expenditures, and a transfer of this excess to capital funds. The auditor also discussed the fund balance, noting it exceeded the 8% unassigned fund balance threshold allowed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, leading to assignments for capital projects and strategic academic planning. Finally, the results of the federal awards audit, including the testing of the Education Stabilization Fund, Title One, and IDEA funds, were summarized.

The meeting centered on discussing proposals related to the high school's educational platform, specifically focusing on the 'Panther Paths' initiative, which aims to organize course offerings into coherent pathways to increase enrollment diversity and align with student interests and potential career paths, moving away from a purely career-based model to one centered on student mindsets (Innovator, Advocate, Explorer, Storyteller, Analyst). The discussion also covered new course proposals and a course enrollment overview. A significant part of the agenda involved reviewing and proposing adjustments to core course requirements, such as making Environmental Science required in the ninth grade for alignment with STEM standards, and discussions around the requirement of Geometry versus alternatives like real-life budgetary skills for non-college-bound students. Future steps include integrating findings from the 'Portrait of a Graduate' work and developing diagnostic tools for guidance counselors to assist students in selecting paths.

The Policy Committee meeting addressed several policy reviews and discussions. Key items included policy 102 regarding academic standards, which was reviewed for second reading purposes, with a note that further changes would result in a first reading at the next meeting. Policy and AR 212 involved changing reporting periods at the elementary level from trimesters to quarters. Policy 904 addressed public attendance at school facilities, standardizing tobacco language. Policy 336 on personal leave was discussed regarding bereavement leave entitlement consistency with CBAs. Policy 339 introduced a new policy on uncompensated leave with an attached administrative regulation. Policy and AR 828, the districtwide safety policy, included cleanup language and incorporated training requirements and drill procedures, leading to a discussion about potential revisions based on new state law regarding gun notification. Policy and AR 317 clarified due process language for imposing discipline. Policy 320 on freedom of speech and expression by employees was reviewed without changes. Policies 701 and 704 (Facilities Planning) underwent routine, non-substantive reviews, prompting a detailed discussion about existing systems for tracking facility conditions, maintenance needs, and capital planning projections. Policy and AR on transportation (A10) involved discussion concerning student transportation to CBK East less than 1.5 miles away, and the inclusion of language in the AR regarding procedures for accessing and using video and audio recordings of school vehicles, noting that such footage is covered under FERPA to the extent it depicts students. Finally, the committee began new business by reviewing graduation requirements (Policy 217 and AR), noting the credit requirements for the classes of 2024 and 2025 and beyond, and the current structure of high school scheduling (AB schedule with four 80-minute blocks) and its tie-in to graduation pathways.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a Statement of Acknowledgement and Honor for Indigenous and Diverse Communities, recognizing the Lape Hokink, ancestral homeland of the Lenny Lape civilization. Public comment on agenda items was taken, followed by a period of recognition for proud sixth graders from Cedarbrook East. A presentation highlighted the sixth-grade academy model focusing on student transition, relationship building, academic support, and fostering a welcoming school environment through initiatives like Monday Morning Motivators and Rory awards for good citizenship. Student voice initiatives, including a Data Committee to analyze Schoolwide Information System (SWISS) data and a student-led MTSS process, were discussed. The Superintendent's Advisory Council's influence on decisions such as lunch experiments and improving guidance counselor access was also noted. A student representative provided testimony on the positive experience at Cedarbrook East, emphasizing personalized support and extracurricular activities. The Art Teacher presented student artwork celebrating diversity, including self-portraits and relief sculptures. Following this, the minutes for the December 2nd and 9th meetings were approved. The High School Student Council representative provided an update, noting the tradition of commissioning life skills students to wrap presents for Easter Seals children.

The meeting began with an acknowledgement and honor for the legacies impacting the community, recognizing the ancestral homeland of the Lenny Lapi civilization. Key discussion points during the superintendent's report focused on setting priorities for the 2025-2026 school year, emphasizing alignment, coherence, and consistency in instructional implementation to avoid dysfunction, supported by data-driven professional development and instructional rounds based on established best practices. Committee reports covered financial affairs, noting a healthy financial position despite pending state budget approval and covering items like the food service bid and high school roof replacement. The educational affairs committee report detailed updates on strategic pillars, including the Portrait of a Graduate, new K-12 curriculum materials in ELA, math, and science, implementation of new science standards, social, emotional, and mental health support systems (MTSS), diversity, equity, and inclusion measures, safety training and culture building, and strengthening two-way communication via website updates and crisis plans.