School Board Notes

March 2019

Calendar and Class of 2019 Graduation Date

With hopes that all threat of snow has passed, the 2018-2019 school calendar was revised to reflect the last day of school for students as June 14, 2019.


The Methacton High School Class of 2019 graduation date was approved for Thursday, June 13, beginning at 4:00PM. In the event of rain, commencement exercises will be moved indoors.

Arrowhead Forward Process

Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe delivered a presentation to summarize the status and purpose of the Board's conversation that evening. He mentioned that tours of Arrowhead were provided that same evening prior to the meeting. A summary of the Board discussion can be found here. The Board approved a the firm of KCBA Architects of Hatfield, PA to provide professional feasibility phase design services in connection with the Arrowhead Forward process and Director of Business Services, Mr. Tim Bricker, presented the Board with an analysis of debt and impact on budget for potential future renovation and build options.

The Meeting in Review

2019-2020 Budget - March Update

Mr. Bricker presented a March update on the proposed 2019-2020 budget. Several highlights include a decrease in health insurance of $18,809.25, and a decrease of $59,614.49 in professional education services, and an increase of $199,253.52 in transportation related expenses. There was an overall decrease of $34,000 from the January preliminary budget resulting in a projected tax increase of 2.157%.


Comprehensive School Counseling Plan

The Board also heard a presentation from Dr. Mary Katona, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, on the district's Chapter 339 Plan Comprehensive School Counseling plan. The plan is a requirement of school districts so that they provide a program geared to career readiness and awareness. The presentation outlined many of the activities that have been occurring through the district like mini job fairs, mentorship opportunities, career days, industry, college and technical school tours, along with mock interview and entrepreneurial lessons.


Textbook Review

Parents and community members may visit Farina Education Center through April 23rd if they wish to review textbooks currently under consideration for Board approval. The textbooks available are for the following courses: Geometry; Social Studies (AP Government & AP Human Geography); ELD grade 6-12; French Level 1; Science (AP Chemistry, AP Biology & Physics); and, grade 3-4 Science (Discovery Education Techbook).


All other items listed in the March 26, 2019 agenda were approved.

Award of Excellence

Dr. Jamie Gravinese, Methacton High School's Special Education Supervisor, presented Awards of Excellence to Tony Cardillo, Oceanography/Environmental Science Teacher, and Josie Matty, Administrative Assistant. Both of these outstanding staff members provide support for students, staff and community. They are valuable team members and we are pleased to share with everyone how much we appreciate their commitment to the students of the Methacton School District.

Dr. Kochenour Returns to MHS

Dr. Karey Kochenour has concluded her assignment as Acting Principal of Eagleville Elementary, effective March 19th. She started the assignment in November 2018, and has since returned to her position as Assistant Principal at Methacton High School. Dr. Kochenour is an integral part of the staff at Methacton. She helped fulfill a vital role at Eagleville to maintain the excellent support expected of us by our students and parents.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynCpZwbfdbk&feature=youtu.be

March 26, 2019 Regular Board Meeting

https://youtu.be/8_BTpQoresA

Board Notes

The Methacton School District's Board of School Directors meets each month. School board work session meetings are generally held on the third Tuesday of the month, followed by the regular meeting on the fourth Tuesday (except during the month of December). Regular Board and work session meetings typically take place in the MHS LGI, and all residents are invited to attend. Committee meetings may take place in the Board Room at the Farina Center, or the MHS LGI. Meeting agendas are posted to agenda manager, and start times and locations are posted on the District's website. Please confirm meeting time and location before attending. Download the meeting calendar here. Watch the meeting video online.