ETSD School Board News

The ETSD Board of School Directors met on Tuesday, September 21st at the Lausch Administration Building for their monthly voting meeting. Here’s what happened during the meeting:

Dr. Kimberly Minor started the meeting by thanking teachers, staff, administrators, students and their families for a great start to the school year and their dedication in working so hard through so many transitions over the past 18 months.

The meeting then opened to the public for comments.

Following public comment, the Board approved August’s meeting minutes and the Treasurer’s Report. Mr. John Fidler then began presenting items from the Education Committee, including the enrollment report, approval of a non-resident senior attending the high school for the 2021-22 school year, a 9th grade field trip to BCTC, early graduation for 8 high school seniors, conference requests from staff for professional development, and a contract with the Chester County Intermediate Unit to provide psychological services while the district awaits the start of Mr. Chad Rutherford as the new Junior High and Reiffton school psychologist in October.

Mr. Mike Jupina then introduced items from the Personnel Committee, including resignations and new hires. Mr. Stephen Biggerstaff was introduced as the District’s new Director of Operations, who said his goals were to safely operate the schools for students and staff every day. With 30 years of experience, we’re excited to welcome Mr. Biggerstaff to the District to help us keep Exeter facilities maintained and running efficiently each day.

Next, Mr. Hunter Ahrens introduced items from the Finance, Facilities and Audit Committee, which included the adoption of a LERTA (Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act) resolution.

The Board then discussed bids received by the district for the construction of a new bus garage along Kerr Road. Mr. Fiddler asked Mr. Brian Feick, the District’s Business Administrator, if it were possible to break the construction project into phases, which Mr. Feick did not believe was possible due to the deteriorating and poor condition of the garage. He detailed that there was wood rot and mold throughout the building due to a leaky roof, as well as undrinkable water. “Two-thirds of the building is currently unusable,” he said. “It’s in bad shape. (This project) should have been done years and years ago.” Mr. Fidler then asked for reassurance from the Administration that a tax increase would not accompany an approval of the project, Dr. Minor explained that the project costs would be funded entirely through money already in the bank set aside in the District’s capital reserves budget and would require neither a tax increase or a bond issue. Following a discussion of alternative suggestions, such as waiting to see if construction costs would decrease or choosing another location, the Board took a vote. Through a 6-2 majority, the Board accepted the lowest bids to begin construction of the garage in the spring with an estimated completion date of August. To see the beginning of the discussion, please forward to the 26 minute mark in the video below.

The Board then voted for PSBA officers for the 2022 year.

Following, Dr. David Hemberger proceeded to present items from the Policy Committee, which included a second reading of revised policies, including Policy #150 (Title I- Comparability of Services) and #916 (Volunteers). The Board also made a motion to revise Policy #903 (Public Participation in Board Meetings) to open a second opportunity for the public to comment during Board meetings.

Mr. Hurey Miller presented an item from the Athletics and Extracurricular Activities Committee, which was the installation of new foul ball netting around the high school baseball field to prevent damage to adjoining residential properties. The Board asked the Administration to explain issues with the current foul ball protection, to which they detailed a history of foul balls hitting roofs, dogs and fences and students running into the street to catch errant balls. Mr. Feick also detailed the installation process to give greater clarity to the project’s costs. Following the discussion, the Board approved the project.

The Board then discussed Homecoming events, and asked for insight on the decision to cancel the Homecoming Dance. Dr. Minor explained that the administration was seeking to balance student activities while minimizing the risk that such events would result in an outbreak that would necessitate an extended school closure at the High School and the cancellation of fall sports. Only one other district in the county had decided to move forward with a homecoming dance so the administration decided that the bonfire, parade and football game half-time presentation of the homecoming court would move forward but not the dance because it was not a long-standing Exeter tradition and because of the potential for extended close personal contact between students. Dr. Minor shared that if the Board was comfortable with the potential risks, she would be happy to direct the senior high to move forward with an outdoor dance. Mrs. Wilson asked for a straw poll of Board members that indicated their support of an outdoor dance, and with that, Dr. Minor asked Mrs. Harris to work with Mr. Campbell to plan the event.

The Board wrapped up the meeting with reports from various committee liaisons, including Mr. Miller’s recognition of the Exeter Community Education Foundation’s successful golf tournament, which raised over $30,000 for Exeter teachers and students.

The next Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 5th. Please check the ETSD website for an agenda, the time and location, which will be published no later than 6PM on Friday, October 1st.

During public comment, the following questions were asked:

What is the District's procedure to provide instruction in quarantine?

In order to best support the individual and unique needs of students and their families while in quarantine, school-based teams plan a course of action with parents. The school-based team may include the teacher, principal and counselor. Considerations include the age of the student, availability of supports at home and the length of the quarantine period. The District intends to employ an hourly K-6 certified tutor to support younger students on extended quarantines.

How does the District track attendance for students who are in quarantine?

When students are in quarantine, they are marked as having an excused absence as they would be if they were ill.

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