School Board Notes

2017-2018 Instructional Calendar

The district’s 2017-2018 instructional calendar revisions were approved by the Board as a result of the Pennsylvania Department of Education's rescindment of the district’s ability to use “Act 80” days. Given that the teacher strike lasted three days, and the 2017-2018 school calendar included use of nine Act 80 days, 12 additional student attendance days (at certain levels) were included in a revised school calendar.

The Board approved the revised calendar, including notable changes as follows:

• All previous Act 80 Days are now days of actual student attendance.
  
• The spring holiday has been reduced by one day (March 28).
  
• June 6, 7, and 8 are listed as days of attendance pending outcome of an Arbitrators' decision and final agreement on best and final contract offers.
  
• Graduation is to remain as close to the anticipated end of the school year (June 8) as possible. The Board will set the official date for graduation in March.
  
• The use of four early dismissal days for students in grades one through eight to accommodate parent teacher conferences: November 20, 21, and 22; and February 16. Kindergarten students WILL NOT attend school on these dates, and they will be days of regular attendance for students in grades 9-12.
  

Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe noted that while this calendar is not ideal, careful consideration was given to the needs of students, parents, teachers, and community members.

LERTA Presentation

Mr. Tim Bricker, Director of Business Services, presented the Board with an overview of a local economic revitalization tax assistance (LERTA) program. The program is used by to encourage economic development and/or redevelopment of vacant or underutilized properties. Lower Providence Township, through their economic development efforts, sought the cooperation of the district in their efforts to identify potential properties in the future. The Board of School Directors voted in the affirmative to support Lower Providence Township in their LERTA efforts.

Transportation

The Superintendent, Dr. David Zerbe, shared with the Board his recommendation to pursue the hiring of an experienced transportation/logistics manager to lead the transportation operations of the district. This individual would represent the district while working with our transportation vendor to ensure safe and efficient transport of our children in line with our community’s needs. The Board approved the job description for the position. The administration is reviewing applications received for the recently advertised position with the intent of screening applicants and bringing forward the right candidate for our district.

Other Items

Methacton Coordinating Council president Ashley Wilkerson presented the Board with a report on home and school communications, specifically, the transition to Konstella as the primary means of e-communication.

All other items listed on the October 24 meeting agenda were approved.

Hundreds of Arcola and Methacton High School students were recognized with "M" awards for academic excellence during the 2016-2017 school year. The students were recognized for achieving a 93% or greater cumulative grade point average in all four marking periods last year.

This month's Junior School Board Directors are Arrowhead fourth grade students Sabella Howard and Christopher Sandner. Sabella opened the meeting and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, while Christopher spoke about why he loves being a student at Arrowhead Elementary School!

Above, clockwise left to right - Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe, Arrowhead Principal Aaron Roberts, School Board President Chris Boardman, Christopher Sandner, and Sabella Howard.

Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe, for the past three years, has been recognizing staff members within the district for outstanding efforts and contributions to our mission. The “Methacton Award of Excellence” represents an important gesture of thanks for the district's dedicated employees – a point of Methacton Pride.

New this year, following each surprise presentation of their certificates at their respective buildings, the awardees will be recognized by the School Board.

Arrowhead Elementary School teacher Mary Beth Moyer and instructional assistant Sandy Portzer were recognized in the month of October. Read more about Ms. Moyer and Ms. Portzer, and other recipients of this award, on the district's website.

Pictured above, left to right: Dr. David Zerbe, Mary Beth Moyer, Sandra Portzer, Arrowhead Principal Aaron Roberts, and School Board President Chris Boardman.

The Methacton School District's Board of School Directors meets each month. School board work session meetings are generally held on the third Tuesday of the month, followed by the regular meeting on the fourth Tuesday (except during the month of December). Regular Board and work session meetings typically take place in the MHS LGI, and all residents are invited to attend. Committee meetings may take place in the Board Room at the Farina Center, or the MHS LGI. Meeting agendas are posted to agenda manager, and start times and locations are posted on the District's website. Please confirm meeting time and location before attending. Download the meeting calendar here. Watch the meeting video online.

Email: information@methacton.org
Website: www.methacton.org/schoolboard
Phone: 610-489-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/methactonschooldistrict
Twitter: @methacton