Www.ssdcougars.org



SPRINGFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICTBOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORSAugust 27, 2020Members Present:Bruce Lord, PresidentJennifer Lofland, Vice President Joseph Sillo, SecretaryFrank Agovino, Treasurer Domenic Bentivegna, Director Jennifer Flynn, DirectorJacqueline Guy, DirectorKevin Keenan, Director Margaret Rovinski, DirectorAnthony Barber, Superintendent of SchoolsDon Mooney, Executive Director of OperationsLisanne Mikula, SolicitorMEETING MINUTESMr. Lord led the pledge to the flag.ITEMS FOR PUBLIC INFORMATIONTax Assessment – Mr. LordMr. Lord read the following statement: As many of our taxpayers already know, the countywide reassessment has set proposed new assessment values for all of our District’s properties beginning with the 2021 tax year. ???To protect all of our taxpayers, our Solicitor is recommending that our Board authorize two important actions in response to the countywide reassessment. ???The first action would authorize our Solicitor to file appeals from significantly undervalued 2021 assessments.? Our Solicitor and our real estate appraiser would determine which assessments to appeal without consideration of the property type and in accordance with our District’s three standard methodologies that have been approved by our District’s Executive Director of Operations.? ? ?These three standard methodologies involve: ?comparing the proposed new assessment’s implied fair market value to the current assessment’s implied fair market value;comparing the proposed new assessment’s implied fair market value to any recent sale of the subject property; and?Tax Assessment statement (cont’d) determining obvious clerical errors.??To ensure that the appeals would be financially viable in light of anticipated legal fees, costs and expenses, and appraisal fees, a financial factor of $10,000 or more in projected tax dollar loss to our District would have to be applied to the first two methodologies.? Further, the first two methodologies would culminate in a preliminary valuation review conducted by our District’s appraiser. ?The second action results from our Executive Director of Operations’, District’s appraiser’s, and Solicitor’s analysis of the proposed new assessment values for all of our District’s properties.? This analysis has revealed an unfair and inequitable shift of the total real estate tax burden to our District’s residential property owners resulting from the countywide reassessment. ?Specifically, our District’s residential property owners currently shoulder 76.75% of the total real estate tax burden.? But under the countywide reassessment’s proposed new assessment values, our District’s residential property owners’ burden would increase to 83.31% of the total real estate tax burden, which is a 6.56 percentage point increase and a 8.55% (per cent) increase in and of our District’s residential property owners’ burden.?Without remedial action, that would mean that even if our Board somehow managed to be able to not raise taxes for the 2021-2022 school year, under the countywide reassessment’s proposed new assessment values, our District’s residential property owners’ tax bills for 2021 would nevertheless contain an automatic average 8.55% (per cent) increase in real estate taxes for 2021. Because the law requires a countywide reassessment to be revenue neutral for our District, our Board would be powerless to stop that automatic average 8.55% (per cent) increase, without remedial action. ?????As Board President, I join in our Solicitor’s recommendations.? As a Board, we owe a fiduciary duty to all of our taxpayers.? When we see unfairness and inequity in the real estate tax system resulting from systemic errors in the countywide reassessment, we must stand up, speak up, and take appropriate action to attempt to remedy that unfairness and inequity.Health and Safety Plan update – Dr. BarberDr. Barber said that based on the Chester County Health Department recommendations, the district would be starting school virtually with hopes of moving to the hybrid schedule October 9th. He commented that we will continue to review the data and consult with pour medical experts and attorneys. The district will support and follow PIAA’s recommendations. Summer voluntary workouts have been successful, and we will look for forthcoming statement from the Central League who met earlier in the day.PUBLIC COMMENTMr. Michael Brady, 328 Ashwood Rd., Springfield Mr. Brady thanked the Board and SSD staff for all their hard work. He also thanked them for letting the YMCA operate and also extra curricular activities. He supports the playing of fall supports. He spoke of his special needs child and the need for in person education for this population.Mr. Michael Lee, 123 Sylvan Ave., Morton Mr. Lee spoke to the difficult job of the School Board directors and asked members of the community o give the Board their support in this difficult environment. He encouraged mask wearing.EDUCATIONAL REPORTMs. Cynthia Mattei, DOTL ElementaryMs. Mattei first spoke for Dr. Jeffrey Zweiback, Director of Secondary Education who has been working on the following:SVA Registration, Enrollment, System Set-up, Parent Communication, and kick-offManaging and developing virtual programming within the secondary virtual schedule and preparation for the secondary hybrid scheduleStaffing management based on actual / rolling enrollment related to SVADAT Team - Developing district competencies around equity and social justiceOngoing assessment and delivery of first year Honors ELA programProgramming, planning, and management of building transfer to new high schoolMs. Mattei has been working on:Managing and developing virtual programming and curriculum within the elementary virtual schedule and preparation for the elementary hybrid schedule?Staffing management based on actual / rolling enrollment related to SVACanvas professional development planning and delivery districtwide and YMCAAdditional writing curriculum development and development of Science Class? in Grade 1Identifying texts and updating ELA and Writing curriculum to include culturally expansive literatureCARES, ESSER, PCCD, and Federal TItle Grants: application, approval, and reporting processes, and oversight Educational Report (cont’d)Dr. Melissa Butler, Director of Assessment and TechnologyDr. Butler spoke about what the Technology Department has been working onManaging and expanding the K-12 device program in the virtual environment (Tech Support, AUP completion, program fees, apps and camera access). We were not 1 to 1 prior to COVID. Chrome books are on backorder until Dec/Jan however we are trying to get some sooner.Managing all aspects of District Communications (web, phone, mobile app, social media)Onboarding Canvas, SSD’s Learning Management SystemInternal (integrating apps, software, and programs within platform; syncing with our Student Information System; course content)External - managing the launch K-12 for families and staffNew Building Project (servers, VoIP system) – planning to move district servers to new building by Sept 1stPA Smart Grant oversight and professional development (drones, LEGO robotics, devices, software)Dr. Barber announced that Walter Hartshorn will be the principal for the SVA.CONSENT AGENDAAlthough Board action is required, it is generally unnecessary to hold discussion on these items. With the consent of all members, they are therefore grouped and approval is given in one motion. In the event a Board member wants to discuss any item, the Board President will move it to an appropriate place on the agenda.Motion: Mr. Bentivegna Second: Dr. Lofland Vote: 9-0-0Comments: NoneApprovals of MinutesRegular Board Meeting – June 25, 2020Special Board Meeting – July 27, 2020Payment of BillsGeneral Fund checks for the month of July, 2020totaling $1,857,697.41Acknowledgement of Receipt of Financial ReportsTax Collector’s Reports – July, 2020, Morton and SpringfieldDistrict Financial Reports – July, 2020General Fund, Investment Schedule, Revenue, ExpendituresFinancial Reports – July, 2020Middle School & High School Activity AccountsContracts for Board ApprovalAgreement with CADES (George Crothers Memorial School) for services for one (1) students (ID #100004960) for the 2020-21 School Year (180 days) at a daily rate of $38.69.Total cost for one (1) student $6,964.25Agreement with CADES (George Crothers Memorial School) for services for one (1) students (ID #100011789) for the 2020-21 School Year (180 days) at a daily rate of $304.42.Total cost for one (1) student $54,795.60Agreement between UHS of Doylestown, LLC, hereinafter referred to as (“Foundations”): Lifeworks Academy (“LA”) to provide Specialized Educational Services for 2020-21 School Year (182 days @ $224 per day).Total cost for one (1) student: $40,768.00Agreement with Melmark, Inc. for enrollment of one (1) student (ID #100007621) for school programs required by the IEP; services for the 2020-21 School Year (182 days) at a cost of $620.00 per diem.Total cost for one (1) student: $112,840.00Agreement with Melmark, Inc. for enrollment of one (1) student (ID #100006438) for school programs required by the IEP; services for the 2020-2021 School Year (182 days) at a cost of $453.00 per diem.Total cost for one (1) student: $82,446.00Act 80 Exceptions Approval of the request to the PA Department of Education for Act 80 Exceptions for the 2020-2021 school year on the dates when school is not in session in order to provide in-service instruction for our teachers and parent/teacher conferences.ITEMS FOR BOARD ACTIONPersonnel Report – Ms. Bellace RECOMMENDATION: that the Board approves the furlough of fifteen (15) number of employees effective August 31, 2020 as set for in the Section A of the Personnel Report.Motion: Dr. LoflandSecond: Ms. FylnnVote: 8-1-0 Personnel Report (cont’d)RECOMMENDATION: that the Board approves the reduction in hours of sixty six (66) number of employees effective August 31, 2020 as set for in the Section B of the Personnel Report.Motion: Mr. Bentivegna Second: Dr. LoflandVote: 8-1-0RECOMMENDATION: that the Board approves the remainder of Personnel actions as listed in the Personnel Report.Motion: Ms. Guy Second: Mr. KeenanVote: 9-0-0Comments: Ms. Bellace explained that the furloughs and reduction of hours weredue to the implementation of the virtual program. In regards to the regular portion of the personnel report, there was (1) teacher retirement, (2) non-certificated employee resignations, (8) new certificated teachers hired, (9) long term substitute teachers hired, (3) professional development leaves, (1) FMLA, (1) child rearing leave and (2) building substitutes hired.Pandemic Plan for Athletics and Activities (Update) - Mr. MooneyRECOMMENDATION: that the Board approves the current updated Pandemic Plan for Athletics and Activities.Motion: Ms. Guy Second: Mr. AgovinoVote: 9-0-0Comments: Mr. Mooney stated that the update would take the plan to November 1st. Dr. Barber pointed out that workouts would still continue and hopes that sports will return to normal as soon as possible.Independent Contractor Agreements – Mr. Mooney RECOMMENDATION: that the Board approve the agreement between Springfield School District and independent contractor, Shannon Saladik (Licensed Occupational Therapist) to provide part-time Occupational Therapy Services District-wide PreK-12+. The Agreement is for the 2020-2021 school year, 182 instructional days, with cost to the District not to exceed $41,600.Motion: Ms. Guy Second: Mr. KeenanVote: 9-0-0 Independent Contractor Agreements (cont’d)RECOMMENDATION: that the Board approve the agreement between Springfield School District and independent contractor Molly Fleming (Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Home and School Visitor) to provide clinical services for the elementary level (Grades K-5). This Agreement is for the 2020-2021 school year with services being provided during the 182 instructional days, plus 13 additional days outside the school year for a total of 195 days for a total cost to the District not to exceed $60,000.Motion: Ms. Rovinski Second: Dr. LoflandVote: 9-0-0Comments: Mr. Mooney explained that the two new contractors were replacing ones that terminated their contracts with the District.Board Policy – Mr. Bentivegna RECOMMENDATION: that the Board approves the following policies for second reading:Policy #225 Students and the PolicePolicy #805 Emergency PreparednessPolicy #913 Non-school Organizations/Groups/IndividualMotion: Mr. Bentivegna Second: Mr. AgovinoVote: 9-0-0Comments: Mr. Bentivegna noted that there were no changes to the policies since the 1st readings in last month’s school board meeting and further specified that:Policy #225 Students and the Police – update was to comply with state and local law enforcement authoritiesPolicy #805 Emergency Preparedness – update as per PDE and state health authoritiesPolicy #913 Non-school Organizations/Groups/Individual – update to align SSD policy with rewrite of PDE requirements and state law enforcement requirementsSpecial Education Agreement – Dr. Barber RECOMMENDATION: that the Board approves the joint Special Education Agreement between Springfield School District and Student ID #6668.Motion: Ms. Guy Second: Dr. LoflandVote: 9-0-0Comments: Dr. Barber stated that details were not allowed to be made public, but the team has worked with the parents and attorneys to make the best agreement possible to serve the student’s needs as well as the district’s fiduciary responsibility to its taxpayers.Special Education Agreement – Dr. Barber RECOMMENDATION: that the Board approves the joint Special Education Agreement between Springfield School District and Student ID #9263.Motion: Ms. Rovinski Second: Dr. LoflandVote: 9-0-0Comments: Dr. Barber said the same conditions apply as in the previous agreement.Resolution to Appoint Board Member to the Delaware County Public Schools Healthcare Trust – Mr. LordRECOMMENDATION: that the Board approves the appointment of Donald Mooney to serve as a member of the Delaware County Public Schools Healthcare Trust Board of Directors for the term of July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022.Motion: Mr. Bentivegna Second: Ms. RovinskiVote: 9-0-0Comments: Mr. Lord stated that this was a reappointment for Mr. Mooney. Mr. Mooney went on to explain the Trust has been in existence for 8 years while last year was SSD’s first. It is a consortium of almost all Delaware County schools and some municipalities. We have a zero percent increase for this year. It allows negotiations with health insurance companies for volumn discounts. This is coordinated through the DCIU.Plan Con Part I Filing – Mr. Mooney RECOMMENDATION: that the Board ratifies the approval of Part I Plan Con – Interim Reporting filing with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the related materials for the Springfield High School master plan project.Motion: Ms. Guy Second: Mr. KeenanVote: 9-0-0Comments: Mr. Mooney explained that this item is to recognize that the filing has been approved. The final part is Part J and will be filed 18 months after completion of the project. We expect approximately $7.5 million in reimbursements from debt previously issued and that no reimbursement has been included in the budget projections.Countywide Reassessment – Ms. MikulaRECOMMENDATION:? that the Board authorizes and directs the Solicitor to initiate and prosecute real estate tax assessment appeals from significantly undervalued 2021 real estate tax assessments that have resulted from the countywide reassessment; the Board further authorizes and directs the Solicitor and the District’s real estate appraiser to determine the appropriate assessments to appeal, without consideration of the property type, in accordance with the District’s standard methodologies that have been approved by the Executive Director of Operations.Motion: Ms. Guy Second: Dr. LoflandVote: 9-0-0RECOMMENDATION: ?that the Board authorizes and directs the Solicitor to initiate and prosecute appropriate legal action to attempt to remedy the unfair and inequitable shift of the real estate tax burden to the District’s residential property owners that has resulted from the countywide reassessment. Motion: Ms. Guy Second: Dr. LoflandVote: 9-0-0Comments: Ms. Mikula explained that the two recommendations are needed for the solicitor to proceed with appeals in regard to the countywide tax reassessments. This was addressed in Mr. Lord’s statement at the beginning of the meeting. The first motion directs and authorizes the solicitor to address specific properties while the second affects the overall systematic concerns with the reassessment as there is a belief that there is a mathematical infirmity popping up on the calculations.LIAISON REPORTSSolicitor’s Report – Ms. MikulaReport was covered in previous item.Legislative Board Report – Mr. AgovinoSpoke to Rep. O’Mara about some bills (not yet laws): Senate Bill 1216 would provide waivers for some teacher certifications for people with education degreesHSB 2787 would give school districts sole authority on sports and extra-curricular activities, HSB 2788 would give parents the choice to extend their child’s education by one year due to COVID-19. Liaison reports (cont’d)DCIU Board Report – Mrs. RovinskiMet on August 5th and the next meeting is on September 9th. IT department completed fiber connection wiring projects for upcoming elections.Applied for PDE grants to assist with COVID-19 mitigation and assistance with offline instruction.DCCC Board Report – Mr. SilloDid not meet. Nothing to report.Future Board Meetings – September 24, 2020 October 22, 2020 Superintendent’s Salutations – Dr. BarberADJOURNMENTMotion: Ms. Guy Second: Mr. KeenanVote 9-0-0Before and after each meeting, the Board meets in Nonpublic Executive Study Session to discuss personnel, legal and labor relations matters.Respectfully submitted,Joseph SilloDirector and Board Secretary ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download