Shanette Bernard

The committee reviewed several policies for second reading, specifically focusing on resignation notification procedures and the necessity of adding language to ensure the Board is informed of resignations in a timely manner. Discussions also covered the 3000 series of policies and regulations, with particular attention to policy 3295 regarding the Board's responsibility for providing a quality education and equitably apportioning funding. The committee deliberated on specific wording revisions for legal clarity, including the authorization for the business manager to file tax assessment appeals to meet strict legal deadlines.

The committee meeting focused on the implementation of the curiosity-driven pathways initiative. The initiative enables students to create a personalized educational narrative by selecting a series of at least four courses across at least two departments that align with their individual passions, career interests, or specific problem-solving goals. Key discussions included the student-driven nature of the program, the alignment with the district's strategic plan, and operational logistics such as the use of pathway cards as reflective tools and the support role of guidance counselors. The committee reviewed the progress of the initial rollout and emphasized that the program is intended to encourage student exploration without adding transcript requirements or additional coursework.

The Finance Committee meeting focused on reviewing monthly financial reports, including February revenues and expenditures, and year-to-date financials. Key discussion points included higher overall revenues compared to the previous year, although real estate taxes remained relatively lower than budgeted. Instruction expenses were noted as being higher and over 93% of the budget. A detailed breakdown of special education costs was presented due to a proposed $4.1 million increase for the 2026-2027 budget. The committee also reviewed the 2026-2027 budget development calendar, including referendum exception submissions and timelines for final budget adoption in June.

The agenda for the meeting included a review of the February 2026 minutes, discussions regarding Curiosity Driven Pathways, an update on Dual Enrollment programs, an update on Cursive Handwriting, and a public comment session. The document also outlines the Education Committee Goals for 2025-26, covering academic program modifications, calendar review, demographic analysis, curriculum enhancements for equity, student progress data review, and updates on environmental sustainability education. Separately presented materials detail the Curiosity Driven Pathways initiative, which involves students selecting an area of concentration across disciplines, and provide an update on Dual Enrollment offerings with Gwynedd Mercy University and Immaculata, including course lists, associated fees, and growth statistics.

The Finance Committee meeting agenda included the review of minutes from the previous meeting, presentation and recommendation for placement on the consent agenda of the Monthly/Year-to-Date/Student Services Financial Reports for February 2026, and discussion of the 2026-2027 Budget Development Calendar. Key discussions during the February 9, 2026 meeting involved reviewing January 2026 financials, noting higher local revenues primarily from real estate collection, and confirming total revenue as over $161.5M as of January 2026. The committee also reviewed the 2024-25 Audit presentation, which resulted in an unmodified opinion. A significant portion of the discussion focused on bond issue refinancing options for 2019 bonds, where the committee agreed that two phases of $20M borrowing was preferable to a $30M/$10M split. Other topics included placing a GASB-75 contract renewal for OPEB actuarial valuation on the consent agenda and reviewing the 2026-27 budget presentation.