ETSD School Board News

The Exeter Township Board of School Directors met on Tuesday, October 5th at the Lausch Administration Building for a special voting and the monthly Committee of the Whole meeting. Here’s what happened:

The Board opened with their special voting meeting, which began with the approval of resignations and new hires, including Jennifer Cooke, who will serve as the new assistant principal at the Junior High. Board member Hunter Ahrens personally thanked Courtney Kershner and Paul McCracken, both Reiffton teachers, for their service as they depart for new positions outside of the district.

The Board then heard from Quandel Energy Solutions, who plan to install a new HVAC system and controls into the Lausch Administration Building. A representative from Quandel was on hand to discuss the contract, which he said has a guaranteed savings of $13,000 a year once installed. Brian Feick, Business Administrator, was asked to discuss upcoming capital projects in the next few years, of which the next major project prioritized would be HVAC work at the Junior High, which he’d like to see begin in the summer of 2022. The Administration noted that money for the Lausch project is reserved in the capital projects fund and will not necessitate a tax increase. The motion passed.

The special voting meeting was then adjourned, and the Committee of the Whole meeting began with a presentation by Alishba Khan, a sophomore, who formed a new Debate Club at the high school. Alishba said she was inspired to begin the club to provide a new leadership role for students and to provide them with an opportunity to learn how to speak about controversial topics in a calm manner. The club, she hopes, will eventually compete with other high schools and perhaps at a county, state and national level. Principal Tom Campbell spoke to endorse the club and mentioned that it’s advised on a voluntary basis by Ms.Sharp and Ms. Gonzalez. Students can find more information in Schoology on how to join.

The Board then adjourned to meet in executive session.

When the meeting resumed, Dr. Eric Flamm, Director of Teaching and Learning, presented the district’s drafts of the 2021-24 Comprehensive Plan and Gifted Education Plan, which center around the district’s strategic goals of 100% reading proficiency for all students by 3rd grade, 100% math proficiency for all students by 7th grade and pathways for 100% of students to graduate on time from high school. “This (comprehensive plan) is in no way representative of the entire scope of what we’re doing,” said Dr. Minor during the discussion period after Dr. Flamm’s presentation. She also explained that the comprehensive plan was purposely designed to allow for shifts in new programming and services throughout the next three years without being so prescriptive that the District could not adjust as needed. Copies of the plans are now available on the Exeter website, and hard copies will be made available on each of the school buildings and the Exeter Community Library for public review. Dr. Flamm will make a final presentation of the plans during the next Committee of the Whole meeting on November 9, with the plans then expected to be on the agenda for board vote on November 16. You can view the presentation at the 1 hour and 35 minute mark in the video below.

Dr. Minor then presented literacy data from STAR assessments that were conducted at the beginning of the year in all elementary buildings as a benchmark for student literacy. She explained that the District will conduct at least 3 STAR assessments per student over the course of the school year. The next assessment will be done in the winter, and Dr. Minor will present those reports at the February Committee of the Whole meeting. Dr. Minor also noted that teachers will be sharing individual data with parents during parent-teacher conferences in November.

Next, Dr. Minor shared her “Wingspan” proposals, which included four new initiatives by the District to explore. They include:

1. Activity transportation for all students in K-12: Dr. Minor noted that many students are not able to stay after school due to a lack of transportation. Activity buses and vans would allow students to stay after school for tutoring, sports and clubs, or during school for internships, and would be available district-wide. Funds for operation of the buses and vans are available this year through the ESSER grant.
   
   

2. Cafe in the library High School: Dr. Minor would like to see the District open a bookstore-like cafe in the library to give students access to coffee-style drinks at school and to give special needs students an opportunity to manage all aspects of the operation for on-the-job training and experience. If the concept is approved, Dr. Minor will approach ECEF for a grant to start the cafe, with the goal of the cafe being self funded thereafter through sales.
   
   

3. First LEGO League for K-6. First LEGO League is an after-school robotics club for elementary students. Dr. Minor presented this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9OvFDkA6qU) to explain why activities such as First LEGO League build future skills needed in the workplace. She envisions that this club could also be funded initially through an ECEF grant.
   
   

4. Playground for All. Dr. Minor would like to see the District explore the opportunity to build a fully-inclusive playground that would allow disabled and fully-abled children and their parents to enjoy a destination-style playground in Exeter. She presented this video to showcase her vision: https://youtu.be/85u4RKwY1Hw She believes that there would be sufficient support to fully fund this project through grants and donations and seeks the board’s approval and support to begin a feasibility study.

You can view Dr. Minor’s Wingspan proposals starting at the 2 hour and 32 minute mark in the video below.

The Board then approved early graduation requests of two students and changes and additions to extracurricular positions and salaries. As part of the Finance, Facilities and Audit Committee, Brian Feick was asked when he planned to present a preliminary budget for the 2022-23 year, which he intends to do in December.

Dr. David Hemberger then presented the revised version of Policy #903, which allows for additional time for public comment during board meetings. The Board also discussed the feasibility of creating town-hall opportunities for public comment twice a year.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 19th. Please check the ETSD website for the agenda, time and location.

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