School Board Notes

During his report, Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe acknowledged all of the district staff who work hard throughout the summer months to prepare for the start of the next school year, including custodians, secretaries, administrators, technology and other support staff (pictured at right).

He also noted that the 2018-2019 school year’s theme, “The Power of WE,” encourages parents and guardians, school employees, school board directors, community leaders and others to recognize the opportunity they have to be a champion for all students and make a positive impact on their lives.

During the new business portion of the meeting, Dr. Zerbe invited the Board to discuss the Arrowhead Elementary School property as it relates to the facilities Master Plan. The Master Plan is a comprehensive guide derived from an evaluation of all district facilities in 2016. The plan acts as a guide for district-wide maintenance projects such as the current renovations at Arcola auditorium, and roofing and electrical/mechanical work at the high school.

Dr. Zerbe summarized the current state of conversations so far coming out of the Property Committee of the Board by sharing that the committee has been working through the facilities Master Plan process to consider the summer 2019 projects and needs to determine how and when to address, in a more substantial manner, the Arrowhead Elementary facility needs. Dr. Zerbe shared that maintenance costs for the Arrowhead building under this plan are estimated to be approximately $14 million, and that new construction of a similar sized building would be approximately $25 million.

The board authorized an update to last year’s enrollment study by Milone and MacBroom, currently being vetted prior to presenting the enrollment figures and other educational, space, financial, and programmatic information to be considered.

Dr. Zerbe presented a timeline for the Board's review of the options before them, including time for public input, comment, and feedback. While no action was taken, Dr. Zerbe thanked the Board for their opinions and feedback and indicated that he will use that information to propose a timeline and plan moving forward.

All other items listed on the August 28 agenda were approved.

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.

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