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.