The 2018-2019 school year's instructional calendar was approved by the Board. This calendar includes a pre-Labor Day start for the year, with the first day of school set on August 29, 2018. It also is provided in a revised visual format in order to make it easier to follow.

Facilities Projects

Along with Director of Facilities Mark Fretz, representatives from Fidevia provided the Board with an overview of bidding process and deliverables associated with the approved $3,764,014 renovation of the Arcola auditorium. The construction professionals also reviewed the $1,647,000 mechanical and electrical work slated at Methacton High School. This was also approved. The Board approved a list of administrative projects to be completed during the summer of 2018 (the list may be found on the March 27 Board agenda.) More details on the Arcola and High School project will be shared with families in the coming weeks, with regular updates to follow as construction progresses.

Personnel Contracts

Interim Director of Personnel Dr. Troy Sosnovik provided the Board with an overview of the ratified agreement between the Methacton Education Association and the Methacton School District's Board of School Directors. He also provided an overview of an early retirement incentive program for professional staff, which was approved.

Dr. Sosnovik also reviewed the main points of the Methacton Educational Support Personnel Association agreement that will be scheduled for a vote during a special meeting of the Board, date to be determined. Contract summaries and the review of the early retirement incentive may be found on the on the March 27 Board agenda.

Budget Update

Director of Business Services, Tim Bricker, presented an update on work to prepare the 2018-2019 general fund budget. The presentation noted the budget has been reduced by $1,273,400 from the proposed preliminary budget presented in February. Work will continue on the budget, scheduled for Board approval on June 19, 2018. Follow progress on the budget and review presentations at www.methacton.org.budget.

Food Service Management

Also of note, the Board approved a Food Service Management Company contract with Aramark Educational Services, LLC for a period from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, with up to four one-year renewals. Dr. Zerbe also noted that he will work with the Board to form a committee that will include the leadership of Aramark Food Services at Methacton to review menu, food quality, quantity, and choices in order to improve the overall food service experience of Methacton students.

Other

All other items listed on the March 27 agenda were approved.

Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe invited Award of Excellence recipients to be recognized by the Board. Honored in March were Skyview Elementary School employees Jen Volpe and Betsy McGarvey.

Skyview Upper Elementary School Principal Melissa Gorla read a few words honoring Ms. Volpe. Ms. McGarvey was unable to attend, and will instead be recognized during the Board's April 24 meeting. Read more about these two fine individuals on the district's website.

Skyview students Megan Wertz and Dylan Burke were March's Junior School Board Directors! Megan and Dylan prepared a beautiful presentation that spoke to the culture and educational environment at Skyview, and what it means to them.