School Board Notes
May 2017
2017-2018 Budget Update
Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe provided an update on the proposed final budget for the 2017-2018 school year. The Board approved the proposed final budget during the May 23 meeting of the Board.
Public notice was given that the Proposed Final Budget for the General Fund of the Methacton School District for the 2017-2018 fiscal year in its most recent form is available for public inspection at the Farina Education Center, 1001 Kriebel Mill Road, Eagleville, Pennsylvania, and will be presented for adoption as a Final Budget at a school board meeting to be held at the High School LGI room of the Methacton School District, 1005 Kriebel Mill Road, Eagleville, Pennsylvania, at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27, 2017. The 2017-2018 Proposed Final Fund Budget for the General Fund of the Methacton School District may be downloaded here.
K-4 Transition Update
Melissa Gorla, the district’s Principal in Charge of Transition Coordination, provided the Board and public with a update on transition planning. Some key points:
- Each elementary school will have the same level of technology as they do now. There will be a change in physical computer lab – these will now be laptop labs. The shift to laptop labs in each elementary school is consistent with the flexible learning environment the technology allows and is consistent with grades 5 -12.
- The staff placement selection process took place on May 3, 2017. At this point, the district continues to monitor staffing, and other factors to determine where additional staffing changes need to be made.
- Mrs. Gorla is working closely with Mr. Fretz, Director of Facilities, to prepare a detailed summary chart of all moves occurring in the district, communicate with staff, and monitor any classroom needs as preparations continue for the new school year.
- Students from Arcola's National Junior Honor Society visited elementary schools to assist with the gathering of "frequently asked questions" about transition.
- Planning is ongoing for the Community Event marking the closure of the Audubon School, the tentative "save the date" is June 21, 2017.
The Meetings in Review
The Board's May 17 work session meeting included an honoring of Mr. Mark Constable, who recently stepped down from his role as president of the Education Foundation for the Methacton Community (EFMC). In recognition of Mr. Constable, Dr. Zerbe presented him with a plaque, and noted that Mr. Constable "...recently stepped down as president of this organization, one that he helped found in 2009. Since that time, he has served as a Board member, alumni committee chair and president, and under his leadership this organization has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to benefit the students of the Methacton School District."
He added that while, "I know that I speak for myself, the Board, and the entire Methacton School District when I say that we are so grateful that you have allowed us to benefit from your service. I want to say that while I know it wasn’t easy to leave the Board of an organization that means so much to you - you can rest assured that the excellent work you started will continue."
Mark Fretz, Methacton's Director of Facilities, presented the Board with a draft document outlining a prioritization of summer facilities projects. These projects include roofing, mechanical, electrical work along with work associated with modifications necessary to complete consolidation of schools and the relocation of students.
The Board honored several students this month, including the student board representatives, and several students who received "M" awards in recognition of their performance during the 2016-2017 science fair season. Photos and more information below.
Special recognition in the form of a School Board Proclamation was presented to Karthik Yegnesh, who along with MHS freshman Claire Tse, recently competed with students from around the world at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
Karthik was recognized for his project, "The Homotopy Theory of Parametrized Objects." This recognition earns Karthik the distinction of having the number one student mathematics research project in the world. This is the second time he has been invited to present at this prestigious world competition.
All other items listed on the May 23 agenda were approved.
Ceremonial Signing of the First Diplomas
School Board Representative Tara Mehta
School Board Representative Vaibhav Gupta
M Award Presentation
Science Research "M" Award Winners
Congratulations Retirees!
EFMC Check Presentation
Above, from left to right, Board President Chris Boardman, EFMC President-Elect Jim Beam, Interim EFMC President Cindy Boegly, and Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe.
May 17 School Board Work Session Meeting
May 23 Regular School Board Meeting
Board Notes
Email: information@methacton.org
Website: www.methacton.org/schoolboard
Phone: 610-489-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/methactonschooldistrict
Twitter: @methacton