Melissa Akerley

The committee meeting addressed two primary topics: Gifted Education Identification and Special Education. Regarding gifted education, the presentation covered historical challenges with identification protocols, the implementation of 2021 improvements, and the shift towards a new framework utilizing artificial intelligence to minimize disproportionality. The discussion also included an overview of the gifted educational continuum, including enrichment and acceleration models. For special education, the committee reviewed the district's programs for elementary and secondary levels, including enrollment statistics, disability categories, staffing, professional development for teachers and paraprofessionals, and an analysis of parental survey data regarding educational partnership and communication.

The meeting focused on infrastructure and construction project updates, including a report on district-wide winter storm cleanup efforts. Strategic plan discussions covered the initiation of the Glenside Elementary and Cedarbrook Middle School projects, as well as progress updates on the Cheltenham High School stadium renovations. Additionally, the committee reviewed general construction progress reporting.

Key discussions during the meeting included a recognition segment featuring art work hangings by Cedarbrook Middle School students, focusing on artistic habits, materials exploration, and personal meaning in art creation. The Student Council reported on recent activities, including Thanksgiving charity work, club funding, and a blood drive. The Superintendent and Director of Business and Finance provided an update on construction projects at Glenside Elementary School, reinforcing the necessity of moving forward with the planned six-classroom addition due to facility needs, especially for student mental health and special education spaces, and to support the reestablishment of a state-funded Pre-K Program. The President highlighted the importance of communication, collaboration, and community, and mentioned recent visits to Advocacy for All (AFA) meetings. Action items included the reappointment of the Superintendent for a five-year term and the appointment of a board member representative to the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. The board also approved the 2026-2027 operating budget for the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology, certified the Accelerated Budget Opt-Out Resolution for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, and awarded major construction bids for improvements at Cedarbrook Middle School and Glenside Elementary School, as well as bids for Track and Field equipment. Several policies and administrative regulations were adopted or noted, along with the approval of various expense reports for professional development and staff appointments/changes.

The meeting included a presentation detailing recent facility operations, primarily focusing on extensive snow removal efforts across various school sites, including Glennside and Meyers, to ensure parking lots, bus loading platforms, and car lines were cleared. Work commenced on setting up trailers and securing areas for construction at Glennside and Cedarbrook, including establishing safe student play areas. Progress updates were provided for stadium construction, noting completion of the concession stand area and ongoing concrete work. Financial reports were reviewed for active construction projects, detailing expenditures for the stadium, Glennside, and Cedarbrook projects, predominantly covering architectural and engineering fees. The high school roof project was reported as completely paid and closed out, with final state grant funding pending approval. Discussions also addressed the timeline for construction commencement, noting they are close to breaking ground pending permit approval, and the disposition of unused contingency funds. A taxpayer expressed concern regarding the accessibility of the agenda and emphasized the importance of fiscal transparency concerning the $13 million project.

The meeting featured a recognition segment for Cedarbrook East Middle School, including a presentation on the 6th Grade Academy model and student artwork celebrating diversity. The Student Council reported on activities such as presenting gifts to Easter Seals Kids and efforts to reduce paper usage. The Solicitor reported on an executive session held on January 6, 2026, to discuss collective bargaining negotiations and personnel matters. The Superintendent highlighted a key personnel change, moving Dr. ShaVonn Savage to Director for Teaching and Learning to focus on instructional practices, with Dr. David Thomas joining as a consultant for operations. Committee reports covered various areas, including the upcoming MCIU meeting, Financial Affairs, Educational Affairs, Facilities, Policy, and Legislative matters. Key actions included approving the 2-Year Academic Calendar, which emphasizes inclusion of various holidays and values. The board also approved volunteers, several conference attendances, a resolution for bond proceeds reimbursement, educational services agreements, tax assessment appeal stipulations, a construction management contract with Sitelogiq for school additions, mentor appointments, bill payments for December 2025, appointments for bus transportation staff, the Board Treasurer, support staff, changes in assignment for Dr. Savage, engagement of legal counsel for contract negotiations, tenure awards, one employee termination, and payment of stipends. Public comments addressed the availability of the board agenda, the future of the Football Season, and an introduction from a new township financial officer.