School Board Notes

On April 18, 2023, the Board approved the appointment of Cathy Cleary to the Methacton Board of School Directors after a 5-3 vote. She will serve the remainder of a term that expires in December 2023.

Ms. Cleary has lived in Lower Providence for more than two decades. She attended Lower Merion public schools, received her BA in Political Science from West Virginia University and her Juris Doctor from Temple University Beasley School of Law. Professionally, she is the SVP Environmental Division Counsel for an environmental and construction professional division of a commercial insurance brokerage. She has extensive experience in insurance, environmental risks and regulations, drafting and negotiating contract language and handling compliance matters.

Ms. Cleary is a mother of two sons who graduated in 2022 and 2023, respectively, from Methacton School District. She is a former Arrowhead Home & School Treasurer and member of the Methacton Coordinating Council.

As an advocate for inclusive and transparent communication, Ms. Cleary believes collaboration is the key to success in any endeavor. Her primary goal as School Board Director is to serve the community by promoting the highest level of academic achievement for our students and staff in the District.

The Board also approved the appointment of Mr. Rob Corcoran to serve as the next Principal at Eagleville Elementary School following the retirement of Dr. Harmer. Mr. Corcoran is returning to Methacton School District after 8 years of serving as an elementary school principal in Upper Dublin and Palmyra Area school districts. Mr. Corcoran previously taught 6th grade geography and science at Skyview for seven years and has been an educator for more than two decades. Mr. Corcoran received his undergraduate degree in History from Penn State University. He holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Applied Studies from West Chester University and is currently studying to earn his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University. Mr. Corcoran is thrilled to be coming back to the district and we anticipate his starting on or about July 1, 2023.

Congratulations to Methacton High School sophomore Misty Emerson for her incredible achievement at the SkillsUSA Pennsylvania Leadership & Skill Conference! Earlier this month, Misty's team earned second place in the American Spirit competition at the conference in Hershey. Her two teammates were from North Montco’s other sending schools. Misty is studying Protective Services at North Montco. We look forward to her continued success!

Congratulations to Methacton’s Award of Excellence honorees for April 2023. They are: Karen Andras, Instructional Assistant; Mary Kate Fenstermacher, Special Education Teacher (Grades 1-2); Brooke Huebner, School Librarian; Lucy Lopez, Office Assistant; Melanie Cotter, Reading Instructional Assistant; and, Russ Landis, 4th Grade Teacher.

New this year, a volunteer each month is awarded the Award of Excellence for their dedication and contributions to the Methacton School District.

Chrissy Sirianni was recognized for her work to support the Eagleville students and staff as a dedicated volunteer.

All of these outstanding individuals provide support for students, staff, and our community. They are valuable team members and we are pleased to share with everyone how much we appreciate their commitment to the students of the Methacton School District.

A very special thank you to Hudson Gambale and Emery Frazier for representing Eagleville Elementary School as Junior Board Representatives for April 2023. Hudson led the meeting by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Emery delivered a statement on what makes Eagleville such a great school.

Food Services Update

Methacton High School junior Angela Wang (Class of 2024 Vice President) and sophomore Alexandra Dobai (Class of 2025 President) represented the High School Food Services Review Committee -- which includes Emily Drake, Natalie Drake, Ashley Drake, Brady Koch, Emmalyn Koch, Olivia Guyer, Summer Mellow, Julianna Trigone, Matthew Gravinese, and teacher, parent, and admin representatives -- in helping Mr. Bricker, District Business Manager, and Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe present several recommendations to improve the high school and overall district food services program. Those recommendations were as follows:

• Approve Aramark Educational Services, LLC as the Food Service Management Company (FSMC);
• Move Methacton High School off the National School Lunch Program (NSLP); and,
• Construct a beverage/grab and go cafe in Methacton High School.

All three recommendations were approved by the Board of School Directors.

Angela and Alexandra shared that these recommendations will produce much needed positive change in food services. They shared that going off the National School Lunch Program will provide students access to better quality and options of food, condiments and, more specifically, a beverage station. They shared they along with the other students in the High School Food Services Review committee participated in menu review, taste testing, and a visit to another high school that is currently off the NSLP. The students shared that these improvements will have a very positive impact on the student experience. Dr. Zerbe shared that these recommendations are in line with helping move the District Food Services ranking from a C to an A+.

Strategic Plan Update

Dr. Zerbe and his Directors presented the annual update on the District Strategic Plan. That update can be found here. It included a recap of action items begun and completed on this 5-year plan that is student focused and community centered having leveraged the 5 tenets of the Whole Child – healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged -- to ensure an exceptional Methacton School District Experience for all.

Dr. Zerbe began by sharing how previous strategic plans have produced some significant district improvements including the establishment of Full Day Kindergarten; the investment of over $58 Million in district facility’s needs; strengthening of our District Physical/Behavioral, and Technological Safety and Security Posture; completed internal interoperability targets to leverage data systems and improve access; completed High School Field construction project (lights & turf); established Unified Sports program; established unique district programs like Hydroponics Lab, Methacton CSI, Unchartered Learning Entrepreneurship/Shark Tank program; establishment of K-12 Career Counselor and K-12 DEI and Climate Counselor positions; established District 1:1 Chromebook program (K-12); and, implemented REACH program K-12 among many, many other achievements.

The team presented on the current plan in each of the core areas including STEM Academy; Student Growth/Achievement/Instruction, Staff Development & Technology; Pupil Services; Communication/Information Resources; Athletics/Clubs & Activities; Financial Management/Human Resources; Safety/Facilities/Infrastructure; Student, Staff, Community Experience. There are more than 142 tasks completed among the 73 strategies outlined in the plan. While most of the items shared will continue into next school year it is important to know that the public can monitor our progress here.

Arrowhead Construction Updates

Fidevia provided the Board with a progress report on the new Arrowhead Elementary School. Click here to read the report. You can also keep up with the latest on the Arrowhead construction project by visiting:

https://www.methacton.org/ArrowheadConstruction

All other items listed in the April 25, 2023 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 Arcola Auditorium, and all residents are invited to attend. Committee meetings take place in 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
Location: 1001 Kriebel Mill Road, Eagleville, PA, USA
Phone: 610-489-5000