Superintendent's Report
August 23, 2021
From the Desk of Dr. Yanni
Agenda Items - The first Board agenda for the school year is always longer than usual. There are a few items on this evening's agenda that appear annually and others that are unique. I'd like to share information on a number of these items:
- Lakeside Agreement - Each year we reserve spots at Lakeside for students with intensive behavioral or mental health needs. The spots are paid for if we use them; further, we can refer students for services. These services are generally beyond that for which school districts can program. This is an annual motion.
- Dental Services - All districts are required to have a dentist who can perform services for students in need. We contract with a dentist who assists our students and families. This is an annual motion.
- Physical Therapy Services - A number of our students require physical therapy; contracting with a professional allows for flexibility as we meet the needs of students. This is an annual motion.
- ACCESS Funding - Districts subcontract with the Department of Human Services to help manage our ACCESS billing and funding. This is an annual motion.
- Agreement with the MCIU - IUs across the state provide early intervention services for students in the region. This is an important part of Child Find, which is in special education law. There is also an agreement for UDSD to access the digital access library. This library has resources we can pull from when meeting the unique needs of learners with IEPs. IUs also assist districts in the management of IDEA funds. These are annual motions.
- Merakey - Each year we contract with Merakey to support our Student Assistance Programs at the secondary level. Our SAP program is integral to the overall support we provide for students in our District. This is an annual motion.
- Educational Agreements - There are six educational agreements being considered this evening. These agreements are confidential as they focus on students and their unique needs. Some of these motions are annual, as they represent a continuation of agreements.
- Kelly Services - The District utilizes Kelly Services for substitute services. A motion for substitute services is an annual motion.
- Affiliation Agreement - We are seeking approval of a number of affiliation agreements that will allow us to accept student teachers from various colleges and universities.
Fond Farewells - This evening the Board will take action to formally approve four retirements. We wish these members of our team well as they begin to enjoy their retirement. The retirements include:
- Mr. Gary DiCioccio, UDHS Science Teacher
- Ms. Virginia Herrmann, SRMS/UDHS Orchestra Director (Ms. Herman will actually retire in November)
- Ms. Maryann Humphries, Cook/Food Services
- Mr. Michael Shannon, Transportation Aide
- Dr. Jason Hamer took the reigns of Jarrettown Elementary School in July.
- Mr. Matthew Heiland officially began his tenure as our new Athletic Director on August 16, 2021.
- Mr. Ernie Rehr has officially assumed his role as one of our Assistant Principals at Upper Dublin High School.
We welcome them to Upper Dublin and look forward to seeing their leadership in action.
Stellar Summer Work - We would like to thank all of our team members who worked this summer to prepare for the upcoming school year. There is a tremendous amount of work to get our schools and classrooms ready for the school year. Please join me in thanking all of our dedicated staff members for a summer of hard work!