Theresa Anderson

The joint committee meeting addressed several key areas. Joint Committee II included a presentation from the Avon Grove High School Sports Boosters regarding their budget, fundraising efforts, and contributions to athletics, such as funding for a new mascot and team donations. Discussions also covered the process for establishing club sports under the Equal Access Act. A School Bus Safety Update noted meetings with transportation providers regarding the potential installation of cameras on swing arms, and mentioned PTO-led safety campaigns. An update on the Senior Volunteer Tax Rebate Program, which allows residents aged 60 and older to earn a tax rebate for volunteering, highlighted participation trends and challenges related to pension rules for retirees. Facility agenda items included reporting non-detect lead levels in drinking water samples across the district, and discussions regarding Siemens proposals for fire alarm panel replacements and inspection contracts at various schools, as well as sprinkler inspection and HVAC service contracts which were moved to the Legislative meeting. Joint Committee I included an update on the Dual Language Immersion Program, covering enrollment, staffing, and curriculum planning, and a recommendation to transition to a new web help desk ticketing system from One to One Plus due to operational needs and cost increases. Both committees reviewed several policies for first and second readings, moving them to the subsequent legislative meeting for formal approval.

The meeting covered two main agendas: Strategic Initiatives and Budget. Strategic initiatives discussions included updates from the Profile Action Team, an overview of the Enrollment, Staffing, and Facility Study, and discussion of the 339 Plan. The budget agenda featured a presentation on the 2026-27 Budget Revenue Estimate, which detailed a preliminary 4% tax increase, projected fund balance use of $8.16 million, and total expenditures of $127.7 million. Concerns were raised regarding departmental budget reductions and the impact of the tax increase on residents.

The joint committee meeting addressed several key areas. For Communications, there was a review of the 2025-2028 Strategic Communications Plan and discussion regarding the potential creation of a district Facebook page to improve community engagement, with next steps planned for March through May. An update on a recent community town hall indicated high satisfaction, and a suggestion was made to enhance future registration forms. In Facilities, proposals regarding the CCIU AGSD Facility Agreement and a necessary heating coil replacement from Energy Transfer Solutions were both moved to the February 26, 2026, Legislative meeting. Finance involved reviewing a request for a parcel tax waiver from New London Township, which was also deferred to the Legislative meeting. The Athletics & Activities discussion focused on reviewing the 2018-2021 Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Strategic Plan and considering the development of an alumni association. The Policy section involved a first reading of several policies, including Policy 225 (Students and the Police) scheduled for retirement, and new policies on Law Enforcement Relations (805.1) and School Security Personnel (805.2), all moved to the Legislative meeting. A second reading was approved for Policy 810.2 (Transportation Video/Audio Recording). Joint Committee I covered mid-year progress reports on Building Accelerating Growth Plans (AGAPs), approval to move the textbook adoption to the legislative agenda, and an update on the spring Raising Digital Natives Series, including a discussion of the documentary "Screenagers." Committee I also approved moving several policies relating to special education, gifted education, and instructional materials for first and second readings to the next legislative meeting.

This Entry Plan summarizes the findings from Dr. Scott DeShong's initial listening and learning phase as superintendent of the Avon Grove School District. The plan outlines key themes and priorities derived from feedback from students, parents, and staff, focusing on fostering a strong academic foundation, promoting future-ready learning, ensuring a supportive environment, and strengthening community partnerships. It aims to guide leadership in building a district where every student is prepared to succeed, detailing immediate and intermediate actions, and planning for future needs such as facilities, educational programming, staff recruitment, and early childhood support.

This Entry Plan Summary outlines insights gathered during the superintendent's initial listening period, intended to guide leadership and future actions for the Avon Grove School District. The plan focuses on immediate priorities such as establishing student voice committees, continuing staff listening sessions, launching community town halls, and advancing real-world learning. Intermediate goals include refining enrollment projections, evaluating facilities, planning for athletics, arts, and activities, and expanding partnerships. Looking ahead, the plan emphasizes ensuring facilities meet future needs, expanding and aligning educational programming, developing strong staffing pipelines, and supporting early learners to prepare every student for success.