School Board Meeting Highlights
1-19-15
Agenda:
For a complete agenda, please visit us at:http://www.boarddocs.com/pa/parkland/Board.nsf/Public
All motions were approved.
Presentations
Student Recognition - National Band Ensemble
Mr. Jason Lerew, Director of Bands, recognized Grace Lerew and Max Stempel who have been selected for National Music Ensemble and have been recognized by the National Association for Music Education’s All National Honors Concert Band. Only juniors and sophomores who make the state ensembles in the spring can audition for the national level which is a very prestigious opportunity.
2016-17 General Fund Budget Update
Mr. John Vignone, Director of Business Administration, gave a 2016-17 Budget Update which can be viewed here. He outlined a $10.14 M revenue shortfall in estimated expenditures compared to projected revenue. He announced that the District may increase taxes by the Act 1 allowable index of 2.4% and will also apply for exceptions to the state to allow an additional tax increase of up to 1.2% to help pay for PSERS pension increases and Special Education costs if needed. In order to apply for the exceptions, the District is required to adopt a preliminary budget in January.
Here are the documents that were reviewed:
Preliminary General Fund Doc #2 that Board will vote on on Jan 26, 2016
Projected Deficit Summary/Maximum Tax Increase/Important Dates
Business Meeting
Full-day Kindergarten Approved
The School Board voted to implement a program change to full-day kindergarten with a vote of 5-3. To read the press release, click here.
Retirements
Eight teachers announced their retirement who have collectively served 256 years in the District. They are listed as follows:
a. Laurie Jo Bryant, Speech/Language Clinician at Springhouse Middle School, is retiring after 32 years of service in education, effective at the end of the 2015-2016 school year.
b. Angela R. Bachert, Information Technology Teacher at Orefield Middle School, is retiring after 35 years of service in education, effective at the end of the 2015-2016 school year.
c. Lon R. Meisenhelter, Health and Physical Education Teacher at Parkland High School, is retiring after 17 years of service in education, effective at the end of the 2015-2016 school year.
d. Paul M. Stewart, Health and Physical Education Teacher at Springhouse Middle School, is retiring after 35 years of service in education, effective at the end of the 2015-2016 school year.
e. Karen M. Creeden, Instrumental Teacher at Parkland High School, is retiring after serving 25 years of service in education, effective at the end of the 2015-2016 school year.
f. Patricia A. Heavener, Social Studies Teacher at Orefield Middle School, is retiring after 22 years of service in education, effective at the end of the 2015-2016 school year.
g. Maura Wilder, Fourth Grade Teacher at Schnecksville Elementary School, is retiring after 27 years of service in education, effective at the end of the 2015-2016 school year.
h. Barbara V. Carney, Spanish Teacher at Orefield and Springhouse Middle Schools, is retiring after 24 years of service in education, effective at the end of the 2015-2016 school year.
Roundtable
Many board members commented on the full-day kindergarten decision process. They commended the Early Literacy Committee for all of their research and due diligence in making recommendations for a full-day program in Parkland.
The Board enjoyed recognizing the band students this evening for making a national ensemble.
Rob Cohen commented that the Parkland Library renovations have been completed and are fantastic.
Rich Sniscak thanked the Early Literacy Committee for their work in planning for full-day kindergarten. He also recognized the retiring staff listed above for their commitment to teaching the children in Parkland.
Tickets are on sale for the Harlem Wizards vs. Parkland All Stars game on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at www.harlemwizards.com. Proceeds benefit the Parkland Foundation and Elementary PTO's.