ETSD School Board News
September 13, 2021
The ETSD Board of School Directors met on Tuesday, September 7th at 6PM at the Lausch Administration Building for a special voting meeting followed by the Committee of the Whole meeting. Here’s what happened:
The Board appointed Anthony Choudhry to the Board to replace Dr. Sharon McLendon, who relocated out of state. Mr. Choudhry took the oath of office; his appointment will end in December.
Mr. Fidler then made a motion to approve an agreement between the district and Maura Lundstrom to provide Wilson Reading Services to students. Seeking further information, Mr. Fidler asked Director of Pupil Services, Dawn Harris, to give a short explanation of Wilson Reading Services, which Mrs. Harris described as an intensive methodology to help improve reading for students with specific difficulties. She also explained that Exeter teachers are currently being trained in this methodology; however, it’s a 2 year process, during which Mrs. Lundstrom will provide support to Exeter faculty.
Mr. Jupina then made a motion to approve a variety of personnel items, including the appointment of Karen Hodge as the new Principal of Lorane Elementary. Mr. Jupina also requested an executive session to discuss a personnel matter. Following an adjournment, the Board reconvened and finalized approving the remaining personnel items on the agenda.
The Board then began its Committee of the Whole meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Minor gave a presentation to the Board about District Goals for the 2021-22 school year, which are concentrated around three goals:
100% of students reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade
100% of students proficient at math by the end of 7th grade
100% of students graduating on time
Each month, Dr. Minor will report to the Board during the Committee of the Whole meeting on specific parts of the plan that the district has put into place, while inviting students and staff to report on how these plans have personally impacted their education at Exeter.
If you’d like to view Dr. Minor’s presentation as well as a Q&A session with the Board, it’s located at the 58 minute mark in the video below.
Mr. Fidler then recognized Mrs. Jennifer Dorta, Physical Education Teacher at Reiffton School, on being named 2021 SHAPE PA’s Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. She will be honored at a ceremony in November. Congratulations Mrs. Dorta!
Mrs. Harris then presented the District’s 2021-22 COVID-19 Dashboard, which is located on the District’s website HERE. She also updated the Board on the recent PA Secretary of Health’s order that requires all students and staff to wear face coverings while in K-12 school buildings regardless of vaccination status.
Dr. Hearing then presented items in the Athletics & Extracurricular Activities Committee, and introduced Mr. Tom Legath, ETSD Athletic Director, who presented problems with foul balls consistently going over the current netting and damaging property on neighboring residential homes. The District has sought a solution by receiving a quote to install new netting that if approved would reduce or eliminate these occurrences.
Mr. Ahrens then recognized Mr. Ben Bernhart, Transportation Director, for receiving a Certificate of Enhanced Qualifications in Transportation from the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials. Congratulations to Mr. Bernhart!
The meeting wrapped up with a discussion of the purchase of a box truck, a discussion of new policies, and voting on PSBA officers for 2022.
You asked, we answer!
There were no public comments or questions during the September 7th meeting.
Exeter Township School District
Email: communications@exetersd.org
Website: https://www.exeter.k12.pa.us
Location: 200 Elm Street, Reading, PA, USA
Phone: 610-779-0700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExeterTownshipSchoolDistrict
Twitter: @ExeterTwpSchool