Ashley Geary

The meeting included several key administrative announcements, most notably the board's plan to vote on placing the Superintendent, Dr. Takis, on medical leave through June 30, 2026, and approving a separation agreement effective the same date. Student representatives offered thanks to the board in recognition of National School Board Appreciation Month. The substitute superintendent provided updates concerning communication protocols following weapon incidents under Pennsylvania Act 44, while ensuring alignment with current safety practices and student privacy. Significant discussion was held regarding the Legacy Park project, acknowledging community contributions. Updates on district activities included elementary school clubs (e.g., yoga, chess, kindness club) and the Reading Olympics team. Student leadership initiatives like Random Acts of Kindness week and a unified botchi match were highlighted. An extensive presentation was given detailing graduation requirements under Act 158, including credit requirements, Keystone exams, and various graduation pathways, such as the Distinguished Jenintown Diploma. Discussions also touched upon opportunities for new co-curricular experiences like elementary drama, and the district's interest in forming a new advisory committee focused on student belonging, equity, and inclusive practices, which will review the current charter.

The meeting commenced with the election of a temporary president, Patrick Wicks. Following this, the secretary accepted nomination certificates from newly elected board members, and the oath of office was administered to them. The subsequent agenda item involved the election of permanent board officers, where the nominating committee recommended Carolyn Riley as board president and Nina Roskoff as vice president, which was subsequently approved. The board also announced that executive sessions were held virtually on November 18th and November 24th to discuss specific personnel matters. Finally, the board reviewed and approved the combined board and committee meeting schedule for 2026.

Key discussions included the approval of financial items (4.1 through 4.12). The board also addressed facilities, specifically approving the demolition of the current playground at Legacy Park to be executed over spring break, with the district taking financial responsibility for the demolition. Calendar approvals for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years were processed, setting the start date for the week prior to Labor Day, while acknowledging community concerns regarding early start times. Personnel items included approval of a separation agreement and an addendum to the staffing agency contract to secure long-term support staff for special education. The 2026-2027 budget discussion was tabled pending further information on assessment totals. Liaison reports covered borough council meeting updates, HSA activities which highlighted fundraising success and plans to expand HSA scope, and updates on the Legacy Park fundraising, which is progressing but requires significant community fundraising commitment by early April.

The combined work session and business meeting addressed several key areas. Student representatives provided updates on upcoming theater arts performances, the induction of new members into the World Language Honor Society, and various fundraising initiatives including a pink cupcake fundraiser and a Thanksgiving food drive for the Breathing Room Foundation. Student council activities, such as the middle school's 'annoying orange costume fundraiser,' were also highlighted. The superintendent report detailed professional development activities, including a workshop on building resilience, a session on current vaping trends, and training for a certified teen mental health first aid instructor. Information was shared regarding the upcoming bi-annual Pennsylvania Youth Survey and a climate survey for students, staff, and families. Furthermore, the department discussed providing financial literacy lessons to meet forthcoming state graduation requirements and an affiliation agreement with St. Joseph's University for mental health and substance abuse prevention presentations. Finally, resolutions were expected to recognize the service of departing board members: Dr. Megan O'Brien, Nathan Bridge, and Bridget Riley Bochamp. A presentation followed regarding the beginning-of-year data from the Ames web assessment for reading and math, noting strong reading scores but identifying math Tier One instruction as an area of focus.

The meeting commenced with an announcement regarding a prior executive session held virtually to discuss property acquisition matters. Key discussions included superintendent reports highlighting community assistance during a snowstorm and updates on Legacy Park donations. Kindergarten registration status was noted, alongside classroom activities focused on Black history, culture, and contributions, spanning topics from the Selma Voting Rights March to Supreme Court cases like Dred Scott v. Sanford. Financial reports for January were reviewed, including bills, real estate transfer tax, fund balances (General Fund and Capital Projects), student activity reports, and the introduction of a new consolidated revenue and expenditure report format. Facility items included the approval of engineering services for a sidewalk project, the purchase of a walk-in cooler/freezer, and approval for the Legacy Park playground design, with potential modifications due to funding constraints (specifically removing hillside play areas or the tot lot). Discussions also covered drainage inspection results following prior work, the relocation or abandonment of one drain, and adjustments to ground cushioning depths for safety compliance regarding insurance standards. Several facility use requests for an upcoming 'Goodbye Picnic' event, which serves as a fundraiser before the demolition of the castle, were also addressed.