The Board of School Directors approved the proposed final budget for the 2019-2020 school year of $112,424,029.78. If approved on June 18, 2019, this budget would reflect a millage increase of 1.8620%, which equates to $56.95 increase for a property valued at $200,000. The budgetary process for school districts requires that a proposed final budget be on display in advance of the school district’s final budget vote scheduled for June 18, 2019. The discussion by the Administration and the School Board Directors, based on actions taken during the May 22, 2019 voting meeting on personnel and other matters, is likely going to change the budget and those changes will be presented at the Finance Committee meeting of the Board on June 12, 2019, prior to being presented to the full Board for consideration.

Dr. Angstadt, Director of Pupil Services, and Dr. Mangano, Arcola Intermediate School Principal, provided the Board an update on the 2-year pilot program entitled, R.E.A.C.H (Raising Expectations and Children’s Hopes). This intensive, therapeutic mental health program provides a safe and supportive option for students in the school setting. Providing group and individual therapy support along with professional development for staff, the program is clearly making a positive impact on students, parents, and staff alike. There have been between 17 and 22 students in the program at various times throughout the past 6 months and the administration will be evaluating the expansion of the services to grade 6 and others over the next several months.

Student School Board Representatives Saket Gokhale and Lauren McNichol were on hand at the Work Session for the annual signing of the first diplomas. Saket and Lauren will join over 380 students at graduation scheduled for Thursday June 13, 2019, beginning at 4PM at the high school stadium. Dr. Zerbe further recognized the dedication of the School Board, our staff, our volunteers, and our community in bringing forward such a tremendous senior class and how together, we Learn, Lead and Succeed.

All other items listed in the May 22, 2019 agenda were approved.

Five members of the Methacton School District staff were presented Awards of Excellence by Dr. Zerbe; Dr. Angstadt; Dr. Sosnovik, Director of Technology, Child Accountability & Safety; Mr. Bricker, Director of Business Services; and Ms. Burke, Aramark's Director of Food Services. This month's honorees are Nina Smith, Central Registration; Odell Dewalt, Custodian; Jack Shtofman, Facilities; Vince Broughton, First Student Dispatcher; and Lisa Gambone, Food Services. All 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.

Mr. Jim Beam, Methacton Education Foundation President, and Ms. Nikki Krelovich, MEF Executive Director, presented a check to Methacton School District for $11,200. The award will go toward supporting Methacton's Electric Car Club, Robotics Club, College Tours, and Post Prom.