School Board Notes
January 2024
Meetings in Review
School Director Recognition Month
January is School Director Recognition Month. School boards play a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of our communities. Elected by the people of Lower Providence Township and Worcester Township, the Methacton Board of School Directors dedicate their time, energy, and expertise to ensure that our schools provide the best possible learning environment for our students. They establish policies that provide the framework for our public schools. And they do this work as volunteers. According to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, school directors devote -- on average -- 10 hours each month to board business.
Although School Board Directors are formally recognized each year in January, their work is a year-round commitment.
Thank you to the Methacton Board of School Directors for all you do to serve the students, staff and community of the Methacton School District.
Spirit of Methacton Award
Congratulations to our Spirit of Methacton Award Recipients!
This new award is presented each month to professional staff, support staff, a student, and a volunteer in each building. Spirit of Methacton Award recipients are individuals who consistently model the qualities of the 9 core values of the Methacton School District. These individuals enrich our school community with their knowledge, commitment and support.
January 2024's awardees represent Methacton High School and Worcester Elementary School.
MHS Honorees
Jeff Derstine - Professional Staff
Dr. Karey Kochenour - Staff (Administrator)
Lorraine Deegan - Support Staff
Jessica Gabel – Student
Bill Corby – Volunteer
Worcester Honorees
Jen Slater - Professional Staff
Mary Jo DeRosato - Support Staff
Mackenzie Starace – Student
Patricia Hnat – Volunteer
Junior Board Representatives
A very special thank you to Aniya Mosley and Daniel Slezak for representing Worcester Elementary School as Junior Board Representatives for January 2024. Daniel led the meeting by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Aniya delivered a statement on what makes Worcester such a wonderful place to learn and grow.
Daniel leads Pledge of Allegiance.
Aniya tells audience why Worcester is a great school.
Well done, Aniya and Daniel!
Methacton High School Campus Planning Update
Methacton School District Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe and Facilities Director Mr. Doug Kenwood presented an update to the Board of School Directors on the status of the Methacton High School Campus planning process. Business Director Mr. Tim Bricker and PFM representative Zack Williard also presented a financial analysis.
Dr. Zerbe shared that it is imperative that we develop a comprehensive campus plan that considers the educational, operational, and financial aspects to ensure that future investments in the Methacton High School Campus support the mission of the district and the vision for our high school and campus for the next 50 years. To do this, the district organized the Methacton High School Campus Planning Committee, a group of 140 stakeholders comprising students, staff, parents, and community members. This committee toured renovated and newly constructed high schools as well as the Methacton High School. They met on several occasions to review reports and discuss the broader historical challenges associated with parking, traffic, aesthetics, accessibility, safety, pool and auditorium limitations/issues, hallway movement, room size/room availability/room flexibility and building climate, building layout, classroom equipment, and pending program developments. A complete report from this committee will be presented on February 20, 2024 at the Board work session.
Mr. Kenwood shared that based on a 2023 third-party facilities condition assessment of the district:
- There are no life safety issues requiring immediate action.
- The high school and the administration buildings have the greatest need in next five years.
- Based on the facility needs of the high school, further comprehensive review is necessary.
Given that the high school, in five years, will require replacements equating to 60% of its current value or nearly $69M, the administration building requiring replacements equating to 30% of its current value in the next five years (approximately $1.2M dollars) and the transportation building requiring replacements equating to nearly 20% of its current value in the next five years (approximately $300,000), much planning is needed. The work includes roofing, interiors, plumbing, HVAC, fire protection/suppression and alarm, electrical, equipment/furnishings, accessibility, utilities, and envelope/water infiltration.
Dr. Zerbe shared that the district budgets for annual facilities maintenance by dedicating internal staff and third-party firms with maintenance contracts. For small fixes, replacements, or improvements, the district uses its Capital Projects Fund. For larger projects identified under the Master Facilities Plan, generally projects over two million dollars, the district would need to borrow or seek bond financing.
Zack Williard from Public Financial Management (PFM) presented three scenarios for the Board to address the high school campus with an analysis of financing given the need for new money. The report found here outlines the federal tax laws, rebate considerations, and district’s legal borrowing capacity. Given the scenarios with $100M, $140M and $180M, the district would not be required by law to take a project to voter referendum and is well within its legal borrowing capacity.
Business Director Mr. Bricker presented the scenarios’ impact on the budget and tax payers, outlining that a district property owner, having an average home value of $444,824.60, would see:
- Scenario 1 - $100M Borrowing a tax impact of $54.29
- Scenario 2 - $140M Borrowing a tax impact of $144.06
- Scenario 3 - $180M Borrowing a tax impact of $278.52
Dr. Zerbe shared that he will be seeking direction from the Board of School Directors at the March 26, 2024 meeting on the first step toward forming a comprehensive plan.
Hometown Ticketing
The Board also approved the use of an online ticketing platform, Hometown Ticketing, to provide a cashless option for ticket sales at Methacton High School events. Dr. Euker, Methacton High School’s new principal, delivered the presentation to the Board. Families will begin using the platform in Spring 2024 to purchase tickets for Mr. Methacton and Prom. This platform will be expanded for all athletics, activities, and events in the 2024-2025 school year. The cashless ticket price will be as follows:
- Adult Ticket: $6.49
- Student Ticket: $4.39
Tickets purchased online will be presented at the door or gate via a printed QR code or displayed as a QR code on the customer’s phone. Additional communication is to come in the near future.
All other items listed in the January 23, 2024 agenda were approved.
January 16, 2024 Work Session Meeting Was Cancelled Due to Weather
January 23, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Board
Board Notes
Email: information@methacton.org
Website: www.methacton.org
Location: 1001 Kriebel Mill Road, Eagleville, PA, USA
Phone: 610-489-5000