Dan Bechtold

The session was an informational presentation focused on explaining the STAR Score Reports for elementary students. Key discussion points included an overview of the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), described as the framework for 21st-century teaching and learning, and how data informs continuous improvement processes. The presenters detailed the various tiers of support (Tier 1 core instruction, Tier 2 targeted intervention, and Tier 3 intensive intervention), noting the shift from a pyramid to a diamond model reflecting a bell curve of student needs. A significant portion was dedicated to interpreting the STAR assessment reports, distinguishing between norm-referenced metrics (like scaled score and percentile rank) and criterion-referenced metrics (like domain scores indicating mastery). The presentation also connected assessment data to elementary teaching and learning practices and mentioned other assessments like Acadian.

The Finance Committee meeting included several agenda items presented for future approval by the full Board. Action items involved the presentation of Monthly Financial Reports for October and November 2025 and the Approval of Donations for a Yamaha Piano from Radnor High School. A discussion took place regarding advertising and sponsorship opportunities on District property. Furthermore, the administration provided an update on the 2024-2025 year-end performance and audit, along with preliminary information concerning the preparation of the 2026-2027 budget.

The meeting of the Finance Committee included remarks highlighting the School Nutrition Department's feature in a statewide publication for a 'school lunch passport' contest, culminating in a student-selected ramen bowl lunch. Key financial discussions involved providing an update on the current Midpen bank interest rate (4.31% APY) following the district's conversion to the new bank, which has resulted in positive taxpayer feedback regarding tax bill drop-off convenience. Action items included the presentation of the 2026-2027 budget calendar, which maintains adherence to the 3.5% Act One index limit, and the resolution to remain within this index rather than seeking exceptions or referendum. Furthermore, the committee reviewed the successful sale of $10 million in bonds, which yielded a lower actual interest rate (4.27%) than anticipated, resulting in projected savings of approximately $2 million over the life of the debt. Finally, the committee addressed an agreement for the district's technology staff to provide services to the Radner Education Foundation, which is housed in the district building.

The key discussion focused on administrative updates and the proposed renovation of the administration building, which was identified as having critical deficiencies in areas like ADA compliance, mechanical systems, and roofing based on a 2019-2020 feasibility study. Bids were released for the new Ethan Elementary School project, with eight general contractors, six mechanical, six electrical, and one fire protection bidder attending the pre-bid walkthrough. The committee also addressed the recommendation to retain Shrader Group architecture to prepare design options for the administration building renovation, following an RFP process. Preliminary concepts discussed for the administration building renovation included making it a warm, safe, and dry space, addressing exterior repairs (brickwork, roof, windows), achieving full accessibility, and upgrading interior finishes and security systems. Further options considered modifications to the interior layout for better office function and potentially relocating the mechanical room to create new community/boardroom space, while maintaining the building's historic character dating to around 1901.

The Finance Committee meeting covered several key financial topics. Discussions included the disposal of an obsolete Yamaha piano from a high school, which was agreed to potentially be donated rather than sold due to its poor condition. A significant portion of the meeting focused on sponsorship and advertising opportunities, specifically a request from the baseball booster club to install signage on the outfield fence. The committee reviewed Policy 913.1 regarding advertising, noted that such revenue-generating advertising has not been permitted in practice, and discussed the complexity of applying this policy given shared field usage across multiple sports and the district's existing zoning restrictions on off-premises signs. The committee ultimately supported maintaining the current practice of not allowing external advertising in this manner. Furthermore, an update was provided on the financial status, covering the variances between budgeted and actual revenues and expenditures for the previous fiscal year (2024-2025), including higher-than-anticipated interest earnings and a $9 million transfer to the capital reserve fund for roofing and HVAC projects. The committee also reviewed the ongoing budget preparation process for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, confirming adherence to the Act One index limit for revenue projections and anticipating potential limitations from state revenue forecasts.