Eric J. Becoats

The committee meeting commenced with a call to order and the pledge of allegiance. The primary focus was the review of the proposed agenda for the subsequent business meeting, with committee chairs presenting the agendas for Community Relations, Education, Personnel, Property, Budget and Finance, and Policy committees. During the review of the Property Committee Agenda, a question was raised regarding the location and funding source for specific projects, which the Superintendent responded to. There were no public comments on the agenda items, and no motions for action were taken during this session.

The strategic plan, titled "FOCUS FORWARD 2025," is designed to nurture and empower all students to become career and/or college-ready. It is structured around three strategic priorities: Academic Excellence, Cohesiveness, and Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Equity. The plan aims to achieve these by supporting staff in delivering rigorous, data-driven, student-centered instruction, fostering a positive and nurturing school climate in collaboration with communities, and securing and retaining dedicated professionals committed to student success.

The Property Committee meeting agenda included updates on facility matters, specifically the announcement of a donation of 37 stackable chairs from Boeing, facilitated by Miss Brittany Pope, with a formal acceptance recommendation pending. Discussions on staff computer hardware highlighted that 343 out of 636 devices are end-of-life, with some dating back to 2012, necessitating an upgrade plan, which is budgeted neutrally, to support the required Windows 11 operating system update by the end of 2026. The committee also addressed the districtwide telephone system, noting the current PBX system has exceeded its lifespan and requires replacement, estimated around $300,000 for a Voice over IP system, which the current infrastructure can largely support. Furthermore, the meeting addressed the permanent removal of playground equipment from the Evans playground, costing approximately $3,500, with plans to reimagine the space. An update on the RCAP grant confirmed the imminent receipt of an initial reimbursement of approximately $7.7 million for the athletic complex, with an opportunity to access an additional $1 million for the ninth grade academy project sooner than anticipated. Finally, upcoming business items include initiating the RFP process for facilities and maintenance contracts, the Penwood Middle School roof, and the Bell Avenue elevator installation, as well as formalizing bid adoptions for the Cypress projects.

The meeting focused on several key educational topics. Discussions included the purpose and process for course selection for the 2026-2027 school year, which involves reviewing the course selection guide and graduation requirements such as the financial literacy requirement (worth half a credit) for the graduating class of 2028. The committee reviewed the ACT 158 pathways to graduation, which include proficiency on Keystone exams or alternative assessments like CTE/Vo-Tech programs or postsecondary admittance. Furthermore, updates were provided on the Delaware County Community Partnership, noting enrollment figures for dual enrollment and open door enrollment programs, and a new co-op opportunity with the Chester water facility. Finally, the committee celebrated that both Penwood Middle School and Penwood High School exited their 2022 state designations (CSI and ATSI, respectively), marking significant student progress, including a 66% growth in middle school attendance and an increase in the high school's four-year graduation rate to 85% in the 2023-2024 school year.

The Policy Committee meeting involved several policy reviews and approvals. Key discussion points included the first reading of Policy 113.1 regarding student discipline for students with disabilities, which was updated to align with federal and state terminology concerning school safety and law enforcement references, including clarifying weapon definitions. A new policy, 113.4 concerning confidentiality of special education student information, was introduced, detailing protections for personal identifiable information and required staff training. Policy 233, covering suspension and expulsion, received updates related to compulsory school age and special education confidentiality. Second readings were conducted for Policy 209.2 (diabetes management) and Policy 823 (opioid antagonists). The committee also approved the new WPA collective bargaining agreement with the William Penn School District, retroactive to September 1, 2025, and approved associated salary track changes for listed employees.