Deer Lakes School District

The meeting included discussions and approvals on various business and finance items, an e-rate RFP award to Chestnut Ridge Communication Services, several contracts, programs such as the Pre-Kindergarten Summer Tutoring Program and STEM summer camps, supplemental contracts, education items including a state speech and debate tournament, a field trip, and report cards, policy revisions, personnel items including a middle school nurse hire and substitute approvals, student issues and activities, and an executive session.

The board meeting covered various key actions, including accepting the resignation of a school board member, nominating a replacement, adopting the general fund budget for the 2023-2024 school year, approving a resolution regarding homestead and farmstead exclusion real estate assessment reductions, and approving business and finance items. Other key decisions included approving real estate tax refunds, authorizing the payment of bills, approving personnel matters such as hiring and contracts, approving insurance renewal, and approving policy revisions. The meeting also included discussions on police services agreements, additional scope for a GESA project, and the hiring of an assistant middle school principal. Finally, the board addressed supplemental contracts and central office support staff salaries.

The board meeting covered various business and finance items, including approval of the June 11, 2024, and June 18, 2024 meeting agendas, treasurer's report, general fund bills, cafeteria fund bills, real estate tax refunds, and the Smile Pennsylvania Mobile Dentist Agreement. Other key discussion points included the approval of student handbooks, resource books, collaborative agreements, and various agreements with external service providers for education and special education programs. The meeting also addressed transportation matters, including bus routes and handbooks, and an intergovernmental agreement. Revised policies were reviewed, and contracts were approved for the Assistant Business Manager/Transportation Director and DLEA professional hires. Personnel items, resignations, and informational items regarding awarded bids were also discussed. Finally, the board approved the development of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Hampton School District for a wrestling program co-op.

The Deer Lakes School District's 2023-2026 Comprehensive Plan prioritizes increasing kindergarten readiness, implementing student-centered learning, and preparing students for future readiness. The plan focuses on collaboration with community partners to improve early learning skills, providing project-based and personalized learning opportunities, and connecting students with employers to understand workplace expectations. The plan aims to increase the percentage of students demonstrating foundational skills, decrease special education referrals, increase student-centered learning opportunities, and prepare students for success in a diverse workplace. The plan utilizes a Portrait of a Learner framework emphasizing collaboration, communication, creativity, empowered citizenship, and wellness, with learning personalized, authentic, competency-based, inclusive, and equitable.