Chris Berdnik

The Regular Board Meeting included executive sessions to discuss personnel and legal matters. The meeting covered student recognitions, including Students of the Month from Upper Bucks County Technical School, and reports from Student Representatives detailing high school, middle school, and elementary school activities such as upcoming musicals, club events, and fundraising. Committee reports covered Extracurricular (WIP Wallop Island Trip, sports center signage), Education Program and Services (Comp Plan update, dual enrollment agreement with BCCC, kindergarten registration), Building and Grounds (BCIU tours, demographic study RFP, PHS stage lights bids, treatment plant project), and Fiscal Oversight (healthcare plan updates, sub rate revision, Governor's budget proposal, fund balance commitments, various contracts, and grant programs). The Action Agenda focused on approving numerous items, including minutes, financial reports, personnel recommendations, an overnight trip to Wallops Island, revisions to substitute rates, contracts with Christmas City Studio and Conrad Siegel, a resolution for the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program, 2024-2025 fund balance commitments, an affiliation agreement with Bucks County Community College for dual enrollment, and the donation of a 3D printer. Discussions also touched upon the superintendent's budget goal, the BCIU budget, and Policy 830.1 Data Governance review. Board comments focused heavily on thanking a student for public comment and applauding various student achievements.

This Professional Development Plan (Act 48) for Palisades School District outlines a three-year professional education strategy from 2026 to 2029. It is designed to meet the professional education needs of the school entity and its employees, with an emphasis on improving language and literacy acquisition for all students and closing achievement gaps. Key components include professional development options such as graduate-level coursework, in-service training, curriculum development, and conference attendance. The plan details action steps for integrating technology and artificial intelligence, implementing project-based learning, providing trauma-informed training, strengthening Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, structured literacy, fostering professional standards and ethics, and promoting suicide awareness and prevention.

This document outlines the two-year Educator Induction Plan for Palisades School District, spanning from 2026 to 2029. The plan establishes a comprehensive program for new teachers and educational specialists, commencing in August with a robust agenda to familiarize inductees with the district and their roles. It focuses on several key areas including trauma-informed practices, mental health and wellness, technology integration, educator effectiveness, professional ethics, student learning support (via MTSS), teacher competency development, and restorative practices. The program aims to provide ongoing support and training through mentor-mentee pairings and scheduled meetings, ensuring new staff receive the necessary development to deliver high-quality instruction and achieve professional success.

The Policy Committee reviewed several policy revisions. This included Policy 830.1 regarding Data Governance storage and security for the mandated annual review. Revisions to Policies 106 (Guides for Planned Instruction), 107 (Adoption of Planned Instruction), and 108 (Adoption of Textbooks) were reviewed, with minor changes approved concerning Planned Course Statements in Policy 106. Revisions to Policy 903 (Public Comment at Board Meetings) concerning group public comments were approved. The Committee reviewed revisions to Policy 805 (Emergency Preparedness) related to wording in the EOP. Additionally, PSBA recommended revisions were reviewed for Policy 105.2 (Exemption from Instruction), Policy 204 (Attendance), Policy 218.1 (Weapons), Policy 805.1 (Relations with Law Enforcement Agencies), and Policy 805.2 (School Security Personnel). Most approved policies, pending further review on specific items, are slated for the full board meeting on March 18, 2026.

The Palisades School District's Comprehensive Plan outlines a roadmap to inspire passion, shape purpose, and champion potential in every learner, preparing all students for success. The plan focuses on enhancing communication efficacy and leveraging technology, strengthening community partnerships to expand student opportunities, optimizing operational efficiency including facilities and fiscal transparency, and increasing student engagement through diverse course offerings and project-based learning. It also prioritizes preparing students, staff, and the community for the practical application of technology and artificial intelligence, alongside fostering a positive school culture and continuous professional development.