Michael Balik

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call. The Superintendent presented student reports from Downingtown High School East, the STEM Academy, and Downingtown West. Key topics included student achievements such as FBLA regional competition success, toy drives, and participation in Make-A-Wish fundraising. Course selection timelines and dual enrollment opportunities were detailed. The discussion also covered music performances, student support initiatives (PBIS focusing on dedication), and SAT preparation classes. The STEM Academy and Downingtown West student representatives expressed appreciation to the board for their dedication. The Superintendent then presented a detailed Student Achievement Report based on the Spring 2025 assessment window, highlighting proficiency gains and growth data in Math, ELA, and Science, noting particular achievements like fourth-grade growth data ranking first in Pennsylvania for both Math and ELA. The board also honored a faculty member, Allison Patterson, and a student, Zachary Stoner, for their participation in the Bands of America Honor Band in the New Year's Day Pasadena Rose Parade.

The Committee of the Whole meeting primarily focused on presenting various scenarios for the potential restructuring and refinancing of the district's existing debt, conducted with representatives from Raymond James and PFM. The discussion detailed multiple options for refinancing eligible bonds (2017 and 2018 series) to achieve interest savings while simultaneously seeking new capital, specifically options involving borrowing $20 million or $30 million. The scenarios aimed to maintain the current annual debt service run rate (approximately $8 million), reduce it by $1 million, or reduce it by $2 million. Context was provided regarding the district's short debt structure and very low existing principal amount relative to peer districts. Considerations included tax law compliance regarding the useful life test for extending debt.

The board meeting included discussion on the student achievement report for 2024-2025, approval of disbursements and financial reports, personnel items, curriculum development, field trips, reallocation, sale and disposal, programs of study, a renewal agreement with the YMCAGB, budget transfers, a renewal agreement with Lifetouch, change orders to Lobar, Inc., Hobbs & Company, Inc., and E. R. Stuebner, Inc. for school expansion projects, a renewal agreement with Cardinal Point Security, upgrades to internal fiber optic cable, and a request for increased elementary recess time.

The committee discussed the audit results, state budget implications for Downingtown, and the proposed district calendar for 2026-27. The audit results were presented, highlighting revenues, expenditures, and fund balances for the general fund and capital projects funds. The state budget's impact on the district was reviewed, including basic education funding, special education funding, and the ready-to-learn adequacy supplement. The proposed district calendar for 2026-27 was presented, covering holidays, winter break, spring recess, and snow makeup days.

The meeting included discussions and action on several key items. The board addressed the approval of the collective bargaining agreement between the Downingtown Area Board of Education and The Downingtown Area Education Association, PSEA-NEA. Additionally, public comments were heard regarding the east/west split of students in the East Ward, with requests for reevaluation and reconsideration of the current solution due to concerns about students attending different middle and high schools based on address.