PRE-K COUNTS

Dr. Susan Angstadt, Director of Pupil Services, provided a presentation that would afford the Methacton School District with its first Pre-K Counts program. Pennsylvania’s Pre-K Counts provides quality half-day and full-day pre-kindergarten programming to eligible 3 and 4 year old children in families at risk of school failure and living up to 300 percent of the federal income poverty level (such as a family of four earning $72,900), who may also be English language learners or have special needs. The program will be located at Arcola Intermediate School and will be operated by the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit at no costs to the district.

PER CAPITA TAX DISCUSSION

Mr. Bricker provided the Board with a summary of the ongoing discussions by the Finance Committee with regards to the concerns with the Per Capital Tax levied by the school district.

This flat local tax is required to be paid by all adult (18 years and older) residents. Municipalities and school districts are given the right to collect a $10.00 per capita tax under ACT 511; and school districts an additional $5.00 under ACT 679.

Concerns outlined in the discussion center on the cost associated with billing and processing, equity in reach of persons paying the tax, student exemptions, and it’s otherwise a nuisance. Dr. Zerbe was asked to speak with both townships to determine their interest in joining the Board of School Directors in considering the elimination of this tax. This information along with other information requests from the discussion will be brought back to the Finance Committee of the Board and a determination to place the matter on the agenda for the Board’s consideration will unfold over the next few months.

GIFTED PROGRAM

Dr. Zerbe provided a summary status of the district’s Gifted Program review. He reviewed that the first meeting of gifted education teachers was held on September 6 and progress is being made towards the development of a parent survey, followed by a teacher and student surveys, and a review of our own assessment against that of the external feedback received. Dr. Zerbe shared that we are leveraging the program review guide as outlined by the National Association of Gifted Children.

COMMUNCATIONS

Amanda Kelly, Coordinator of School and Community Information, provided the Board with an update on various district happenings:

• Financial Aid Night is September 26 from 7-9pm in the high school auditorium. (Registration is now closed)
  
• ELD (English Language Development) Parent Information Night is October 3 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Arrowhead Elementary School in the cafeteria.

• Showcasing the Pride of Methacton video series resumes with a feature on Methacton staff who are Methacton grads! The anticipated date for release is mid-October.

• The District is proud to support the efforts of the Methacton Education Foundation as it prepares for the 2019 Methacton APEX Awards on October 10. The APEX Awards is a celebration to recognize those who have achieved distinction, outstanding accomplishment, or made significant contributions within their professions and the Methacton community.

• School Bus Tours: Earlier this month, Dr. Zerbe and Nikki Krelovich, Executive Director of the Methacton Education Foundation, rode the bus to Arrowhead school, surprising students and their families at each stop. The district is excited to continue these school bus tours as the school year progresses. Keep an eye on our website and make sure to follow Methacton School District on Facebook and Twitter to see where they’ll end up next.

All other items listed in the September 24, 2019 agenda were approved.

The Board of School Directors appointed MHS Juniors Serena Goodridge and Christopher Spletzer to serve as Student Board Representatives for a two-year term.