The Board met in regular session on Thursday, October 13, with President Guistwhite presiding.

 

Superintendent's Report - Health and Safety Plan
Dr. Stoltz provided a brief update on the status of active COVID-19 cases in our schools. He also shared that at this time the Pennsylvania Department of Health is still requiring school nurses report cases on a weekly basis and the Pennsylvania Department of Education is still requiring a Health & Safety Plan. 

Mrs. Tierney indicated she would provide a more detailed report during the October 20, Board meeting on discussion which took place during the Board Facilities Committee meeting. She also shared that the West Shore Foundation has provided funding to support the One District, One Book event taking place on November 3, featuring author Floyd Stokes.

Dr. Stoltz shared that the Board is establishing a Curriculum Committee. Once dates and times have been finalized, they will be shared on the District website. 

Mr. F. Kambic shared that minutes from the Board Finance Committee Meeting will be included on the October 20, Board meeting agenda.  He also thanked Cedar Cliff's Class of 1966 for their donation of cedar trees to an area named "The Cedar Grove" on the school campus. Lastly, he thanked The Sentinel for their article on Red Land High School Senior Noah Weaver, the Patriots golf team manager.

Mr. Guistwhite added his thanks to Cedar Cliff's Class of 1966 for their continued support of their alma mater and shared how much he enjoyed the dedication ceremony.

Mr. C. Kambic shared notes from the recent District Advisory Committee and recognized the efforts of the art department to bring the I'm Fine project to our eighth grade art classes. Dr. Stoltz added that funding for the project was made possible thanks to Ms. Jennifer Thompson, art teacher at Crossroads Middle School, who received an Educator Innovation Grant from the West Shore Foundation.

No public comments were received. 

West Shore School District Exoneration of Real Estate Taxes
The Board granted exoneration of school taxes totalling $2,101.06 for an individual approved to receive a Veterans Affairs Real Estate Tax Exemption.

Principle Valuation & Advisory Group Services
The Board approved a contract with Principle Valuation & Advisory Group to provide valuation services for a property located at 1081 Limekiln Road in New Cumberland.

TBX Employee Benefits Enrollment Services
The Board approved a contract with TBX Employee Benefits, LLC to provide enrollment services for District staff.

Disbanding the St. Beale Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Board approved the closure of the St. Beale Memorial Scholarship Fund and the donation of existing monies to the West Shore Foundation.

Rossmoyne Elementary Stormwater Facilities
The construction of Rossmoyne Elementary requires the submission of various documents to Lower Allen Township. The execution of a Standard Stormwater Facilities and Best Management Practices Maintenance and Monitoring Agreement is required as part of the project. The Board approved this agreement.

Appointment of Director of Human Resources and Employment Agreement
After an extensive search to fill the position, the Board approved the appointment and employment agreement for Mrs. Evangeline Unti to serve as the District's Director of Human Resources.
  

Mrs. Boone previewed the 2023-2024 General Fund Budget Timeline and provided financial information related to Assessed Values and Capital Projects. Click here to view related files.

No students addressed the Board. Public comments received electronically were shared with Board members prior to the start of the meeting. For a list of in person and electronic participants and topics discussed, please refer to the Board minutes which will be approved at the November 17, Board Meeting.

The Board met in regular session on Thursday, October 20, with President Guistwhite presiding.

 

Cedar Cliff High School’s JROTC Color Guard presented the colors for the evening. JROTC members included Seniors Hyon Kim, Ben Kruleski, and Alex Wells with Junior Ellen Firth.

The National Anthem was sung by the Cedar Cliff High School Octet. Octet members included Seniors Olivia Coffey, Blythe Green, and Mattea Kollas with Juniors David Kulp and Tristan Metherell, and Sophomores Portia Green, Ana Sobieray, and Andrew Wickenheiser.

 

The minutes of the meetings held on September 8, 12, and 15, 2022, were approved.

 

The Board filed the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending September 30, 2022, showing invested and available funds of $77,343,917.23.

Mrs. Tierney shared details about the 7th Annual West Shore Foundation Gala Silent Auction.

Mr. F. Kambic previewed the Finance Committee report. A link to minutes from that meeting can be found under Information Items below.

 

Mrs. Crocenzi provided an update from the York Adams Academy and shared information regarding recent building visits to Newberry and Red Mill Elementary Schools.

 

Mr. Guistwhite shared that the Board and Administration, with representatives from RLPS Architects, Fidevia, and Stock and Leader, participated in a Groundbreaking Ceremony to officially mark the start of construction on our two new intermediate schools.

 

The Board recognized Justin Weaver, Cedar Cliff High School Science Teacher. Justin was one of two teachers in the state awarded the Donald Keys Excellence in Science Teaching Award by the Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association (PSTA).

Mr. C. Kambic and Mr. Kapranos shared details about the Board's visit to Rossmoyne Elementary. Mr. C. Kambic shared that the Lower Allen Township Fire Department was also visiting Rossmoyne while the Board was at the school. He thanked them and all our local emergency first responders for their efforts to keep our community safe.

Mr. Guistwhite thanked our school principals and all District administrators in recognition of National Principals’ Appreciation Month.

 

Dr. Stoltz shared that Wednesday was Unity Day and in celebration, the Newberry Elementary PTO purchased orange West Shore Strong t-shirts for all their students and staff. Also on Wednesday, in recognition of Teen Driver Safety Week, Dr. Stoltz with students from Red Land High School and Driver Education Instructor Chad Weaver, participated in a panel discussion. During the event, students asked local and state officials a variety of questions related to driving and obtaining their license.
 
Lastly, Dr. Stoltz reminded everyone that November 2 and 3, are Career Exploration Nights at CPACTC. He added that this is a great opportunity for prospective students and their parents to explore programs they offer.

Cedar Cliff High Senior Evan White and Red Land Senior Jesse Strine shared their experiences at their respective high schools and their future plans.

Business Items
No students addressed the Board. One in person public comment related to cybersecurity was shared with the Board.

 

The Board approved bills for the period September 15, 2022, through October 12, 2022, listing checks which totalled $4,597,759.33.

Personnel & Budgetary Transfers
The Board approved all personnel items and budget transfers as presented.

Approval of High Hotels, LTD Tax Assessment Appeal Settlement
The Board approved the High Hotels, LTD Tax Assessment Appeal Settlement as presented.

Board Policies
The Board approved revisions to Board Policy 218.4: Terroristic Threats and Policy 606: Tax Collection.

Staff Attendance at Professional Meetings

The Board approved requests for staff attendance at professional meetings as presented.

Fairview Intermediate – ASA #5
As we work through the permitting process related to construction of a new Intermediate School on the existing Fairview Elementary site, additional data related to the alternative site design is needed. The Board approved the Additional Services Authorization with K&W as presented.

Proposals to Provide Construction Materials Testing and Inspection Services
The District continues to work through construction plans included in the Feasibility Study. As with previous construction projects, the District has engaged third party engineers to inspect and test various elements of the structure and site, including but not limited to, structural fill, utility trenches, cast-in-place concrete, masonry, and structural steel. The Board accepted the proposal from Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates for services at Fairview Intermediate, and the proposal from Kleinfelder, Inc. for services at Old Trail Intermediate as presented.

ACE - Roof Repairs
To prevent larger failures of the roofing system, immediate repairs are needed at the Administration Center for Education (ACE). A roofing consultant was brought in to develop specifications and a scope of work for the repairs. The Board approved a quotation from Houck Services, Inc. to repair leaks in the Administration Center roof. The project will be performed under the COSTARS state contract.  

Agreement for West Shore Connect
West Shore Connect is designed to empower 18-21 year old students with IEPs so they may experience the same opportunities as their peers. The District has made enrollment at West Shore Connect available on a tuition basis to neighboring districts. The Board approved an agreement with the Carlisle Area School District for enrollment of one student at West Shore Connect.

Agreement of Lease - 486 Lewisberry Road
The construction of Fairview Intermediate requires extensive grading and earthwork on the site of the existing Fairview Elementary School. Due to the sequencing of construction, there could be a substantial reduction to the space available for recess, parking, and site circulation. The Board approved an agreement to lease 486 Lewisberry Road which will provide additional space for construction activities, including the storage of materials and onsite construction administration.

Contract for Services – School Based Therapy (Folium)
To the greatest extent possible, school-based mental health outpatient therapy is billed to Medicaid or a student’s medical insurance. In cases where the student’s insurance does not cover the cost of therapy, the District will be billed. In anticipation of a mental health grant from the state, the need to comply with federal procurement regulations 2 CFR 200, and the recognition that the District's existing contract with Folium does not provide enough services for our students, the District released a request for proposal, seeking additional counseling services. Proposals from two companies were received. Based on the cost proposal, compliance with the District’s specifications, and the quality of services provided, the Board approved an agreement for additional school-based therapies to be provided by Folium, Inc., d/b/a Laurel Life Services, as presented.

CAIU Letter of Commitment – Cybersecurity Solution

The Board approved the Cybersecurity Letter of Commitment from the CAIU for the 2022-2023 school year through the 2026-2027 school year as presented. Through the consortium, the District will significantly increase its cybersecurity protections including the installation of an Intrusion Detection System and the creation of a dedicated disaster recovery site. Participation in the consortium will also improve our internal procedures and protocols through trainings and yearly risk assessments.

Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center (CPACTC) Facilities Update
Dr. Stoltz introduced Mr. Justin Bruhn, CPACTC Administrative Director. Mr. Bruhn thanked the District for its support and presented information about CPACTC's facility improvement and expansion project.  Click here to view Mr. Bruhn's presentation.

Facilities & Finance Committee Reports
The Facilities Committee and Finance Committee Reports were shared with the Board.

No students addressed the Board. Public comments received electronically were shared with Board members prior to the start of the meeting. For a list of in person and electronic participants and topics discussed, please refer to the Board minutes which will be approved at the November 17, Board Meeting.