School Board Notes
July 2019
Meetings in Review
ARROWHEAD FORWARD
During the Board of School Directors work session on July 16, 2019, the design professional firm hired for the district’s Arrowhead Forward project, KCBA of Hatfield, PA presented a review of their June 4, 2019 recommendation and answered questions posed by the Board of School Directors. In addition, they shared the results of the public survey regarding their June 4, 2019 recommendation to the Board and shared what they consider to be the next steps for the Boards consideration.
Board members asked a number of questions regarding the options to build and renovate. They asked for additional information on references from completed projects where KCBA was the architect and where a new building was built behind an operating school; a listing of the renovations/maintenance required during the time between present day and the completion of renovation or a new build; there was a request to take another facility tour of a renovation result that is similar to that proposed at Arrowhead; and greater detail on the renovation options, among other questions.
KCBA shared that of the 534 respondents to the public survey, 400 identified themselves as Lower Providence Township residents, and of the total respondents, 67% either strongly agree or agreed with KCBA’s recommendation to construct a new building behind the existing Arrowhead Elementary School.
KCBA will be on the agenda to present responses to Board questions, additional information, and concept drawings at the August 20, 2019 work session.
MASTER PLAN
In an effort to continue addressing physical plant needs around the district as outlined in our 2016 Master Plan study, Fidevia Inc., of Lititz PA, the district’s owner’s representative and construction management firm, presented the proposed 2020 Summer Projects for consideration to be prepared for bid. There are a number of projects that were approved during the voting meeting totaling $14,312,393 and included masonry, canopy, and door work at Methacton High School; exterior repairs at Eagleville Elementary School; dehumidification project at the High School; and the completion of required roof replacements. The Board requested that the proposed storage structure slated for the rear of the high school, replacing the modular classrooms, be sent back to the Property Committee of the board for additional discussion.
TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
Mr. Bricker, Director of Business Services, presented an update to the Board on the status of District transportation. He shared that in terms of being prepared for the start of the 2019-2020 school year, we are about a week ahead of last year’s schedule; we have 92 planned routes with 94 drivers and 7 sub/casual drivers; test of runs will occur August 15 – August 23; and, a communications plan is in place along with call center services. He indicated that bus assignments for Methacton School District families will be available only in PowerSchool starting on August 18, 2019.
All other items listed in the July 23, 2019 agenda were approved.
Back to School Night
The dates for Methacton School District's 2019-2020 Back to School Night are as follows:
Methacton High School
- 7 p.m. - September 10 (Grades 9 and 10)
- 7 p.m. - September 18 (Grades 11 and 12)
Arcola Intermediate School
- 6 p.m. – September 5 (Grades 7 and 8)
Skyview Upper Elementary School
- 7 p.m. – September 11 (Grade 6)
- 7 p.m. – September 12 (Grade 5)
Arrowhead Elementary School – 6:30 p.m., September 4
Eagleville Elementary School – 6:30 p.m., September 19
Woodland Elementary School – 6:30 p.m., September 3
Worcester Elementary School – 6:30 p.m., September 23
Methacton Education Foundation
Mrs. Nikki Krelovich, Executive Director, shared several major headlines about the Methacton Education Foundation. The organization will host its 1st Annual Apex Awards on October 10, 2019. The event will honor Methacton community members who have achieved distinction, outstanding accomplishment, or made significant contributions within their professions. Mrs. Marijane Barbone, MEF Board Member, joined Mrs. Krelovich to announce the 2019 Methacton Education Foundation honorees. They are:
Educator: Cindy Cassel (1984)
Alumni: Chris Jones (2000), John Rafferty (1971)
Business: J.P. Mascaro & Sons
Community Advocates: Jim Phelan and Marge Martinez
Team/Club/Group: 1964 Methacton High School Football Team
The Foundation will also host a Dodgeball Tournament at the High School on March 21. More information about the event and team registration will be released on the Methacton Education Foundation's website in the winter.
In the 2018-2019 school year, the Foundation awarded $170,000 in grants to Methacton Schools -- doubling the amount awarded in the previous year. Mrs. Krelovich also noted a change in the way the Methacton Education Foundation will award grants. The Foundation now offers 2 grant cycles, and the application deadlines are as follows:
- Fall Applications are due by 10/1, decision and notification by 12/15
- Spring Applications are due by 3/1, decision and notification by 5/15
July 23, 2019 Regular Board Meeting
July 16, 2019 Work Session Board Meeting
Board Notes
The Methacton School District's Board of School Directors meets each month. School board work session meetings are generally held on the third Tuesday of the month, followed by the regular meeting on the fourth Tuesday (except during the month of December). Regular Board and work session meetings typically take place in the MHS LGI, and all residents are invited to attend. Committee meetings may take place in the Board Room at the Farina Center, or the MHS LGI. Meeting agendas are posted to agenda manager, and start times and locations are posted on the District's website. Please confirm meeting time and location before attending.
Download the meeting calendar here. Watch the meeting video online.
