Justin Bittner

The committee reviewed the Monthly Variance Report as of November 2025, noting that the fiscal year was 42% complete. Key discussion points regarding revenue included awaiting a significant portion of state funds and concerns over low local funds due to a tax rate reassessment, potentially necessitating a short-term loan from the State. Expenditure discussions covered school budgets running high but manageable with adjustments, increased costs due to added Constables, and volatile copy center budget. Restricted funds review noted high technology spending, with potential future fee implementation, while transportation funds were under budget. The committee ultimately recommended approval of the variance report.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and the approval of the agenda. Key organizational discussions involved the nomination and election of the Board President, with Mr. Chris P. elected, and the subsequent election of the Vice President, Ms. Chris Smith. The Executive Assistant, Dr. Jeffrey Menor, was appointed to the role of Executive Secretary of the board, in accordance with Delaware Code. The board also moved to adopt Robert's Rules of Order as the guideline for proceedings. The main financial discussion centered on the Fiscal Year 2025 tax rate recommendation, which was comprised of four components: Current Expenses, Debt Service, Match Tax, and Tuition. The Chief Operating Financial Officer confirmed that no increase in the tax rate for the current year was necessary due to healthy cash balances, despite increases in funding for current expenses based on a previously successful referendum and new allocations for enhanced Minor Capital Improvement funding and an Athletic Trainer block grant. Furthermore, the board unanimously voted to reappoint the same representatives from the previous year for the DSBA Board of Directors and legislative roles.

The Executive Session was called to order at 6:00 P.M. for the purpose of discussing specific personnel matters and legal issues. The session concluded with a motion to adjourn for the purpose of going into Regular Session.

The special board meeting was convened to discuss and potentially approve or reject a critical bid received for the replacement of the water main at Wilmington Manor, which is necessary to ensure continued service to the school for the next academic year. Three proposals were received: one from ID Griffith for $125,000, one from Schlosser for $150,000, and a third, significantly higher bid that was either from Castle Construction or another contractor. Following discussion, the Board voted to accept the bid, with the motion carried.

The meeting involved several recognition segments, including acknowledging a student's first-place regional award for an agriscience fair project on integrating ASL into agriculture safety, and recognizing the achievements of the FFA chapter, such as creating and distributing lotion bars and a successful plant sale that raised $10,000. The board also recognized the graduating class of 438 seniors from William Penn, noting post-graduation plans and scholarship awards totaling over $5.3 million. Furthermore, several Colonial Educators were recognized for completing a professional learning experience focused on equity. Updates were provided on district administrative matters, including informational sessions concerning the upcoming July tax rate conversation due to the recent reassessment in Newcastle County, and updates from the DSBA and CSA regarding legislative positions and summer learning opportunities.