District Assessment Report - 2017
Dr. Mary Katona, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; and Tara Ricci, Supervisor of Professional Learning and Continuous Improvement; provided the Board with a detailed review of 2017 Keystone and PSSA test scores. The report, available on the district's website, addresses areas of need and highlights areas of strength in the district's performance on these state assessments. While there are areas for growth, Methacton continues to perform among the top of the county districts.
Strategic Plan Update
Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe presented the Board with an update on revisions to the plan that were determined as a result of administrative discussions during the summer months, as well as during the early part of the 2017-2018 school year. He also outlined major tasks associated with the plan's strategic objectives, and the major areas of focus for the current school year.
Dr. Zerbe also explained that the revised plan documents will be made available on the district's website, along with his presentation. Looking ahead, strategic planning committee members will be invited to participate in the plan's mid-point review and revision planned for fall of 2018.
Contract Negotiations
Dr. Zerbe provided the public with an update on contract negotiations sharing that the Board has met as recently as November 20, 2017 with the Teamsters and planned discussions are to continue. He shared that the Methacton Educational Support Personnel Association group has not met with the Board for over a month largely awaiting outcome on potential healthcare changes potentially tied to a future Methacton Education Association (MEA) agreement. The Board has not met with the MEA in over a month and there are non-binding arbitration dates scheduled in late January. Dr. Zerbe shared that he has suggested that the MEA and the Board consider meeting in the meantime to work to close the gap in our differences.
School Board Director Recognition
The Board recognized outgoing directors Scott Dorn (2 years of service), Brenda Hackett (4 years of service), Herb Rothe (9 years of service), and Jim Phillips (9 years of service) for their enormous contributions to school and community during their service to the Board. Proclamations were presented to each member, with thanks and best wishes.
All other items listed on the November 28 meeting agenda were approved; with the exception of items 9, e: Plan Con J; and 10, f: Change of Status – Administrative; which were tabled.
