School Board Notes

FINAL 2019-2020 GENERAL FUND BUDGET

During the June 18, 2019 Special Meeting of the Board of School Directors, Mr. Tim Bricker, Director of Business Services, delivered the final budget presentation to the Board. The approved general fund budget of the 2019-2020 fiscal year will be $111,863,608.65, requiring a millage of 30.3781 with an increase in property tax of 1.115%. This equates to a tax increase of $58.18 on the average district property of $173,660.

Through a process that began in September, which included work by building Principals and Department Directors, the Administration worked with the Board from the preliminary budget of $112,631,783 to come in $768,175 less in the final while adding several key elements to support teaching and learning in the district, including the addition of two administrative positions in the curriculum department, a full year of R.E.A.C.H. (Raising Expectations And Children’s Hopes) programming at Arcola, a continued commitment to Master Plan facilities renovations, and continued commitment to supporting the North Montco Technical and Career Center programs and the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. Other noteworthy items included a decrease in Federal Title I funding, an increase in Instructional Assistant staff, and increase in staff salaries, healthcare, and pension costs.

PRINCIPALS HIRED

The Board approved the hiring of Dr. Kelley Harmer, Principal assigned to Eagleville Elementary School, and Mr. Brian Shaffer, Principal assigned to Worcester Elementary School. Dr. Harmer has over 25 years of experience in public education, received his doctorate from NOVA Southeastern University, and has been an administrator in Octorara and Phoenixville school districts. Mr. Shaffer has over 15 years of experience in public education with a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Gwynedd Mercy University and has served in administrative roles in Philadelphia and Pennsbury school districts.

AUDUBON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROPOSAL

During the June 25, 2019 meeting, Lower Providence Township Board of Supervisors, Mr. Peter McFarland and Mr. Patrick Duffy, presented a proposal to the Board of School Directors for potential use of the Audubon Elementary School property. They suggested that the Audubon property has greater value for community use than it may have as additional residential housing. Indicating that the property is zoned for either use, the township is suggesting that we form a committee among the township and the Board to further discuss potential options. Dr. Zerbe indicated that he will work with the Lower Providence Township manager to arrange a meeting between both parties to begin the discussions. He suggested that both parties then communicate the progress of these discussions in order to keep the public apprised.

GRANT AWARDED

The Board accepted a gift of $1,000.00 for Arrowhead Elementary School as recipient of the 2019 Respect Program Education Grant from J.P. Mascaro & Sons to be used towards the Respect Program and recycling in the school community.

ARROWHEAD FORWARD

As reported in a previous communication regarding the June 4, 2019 Methacton Board of School Directors Special meeting on Arrowhead Elementary School, KCBA Architects of Hatfield, PA, presented a 117-slide presentation that recommended the following:

• Not to renovate or expand the existing school building, for there are far too many modifications needed to justify expenditures

• Build a new school building behind existing school
• Design the school for a capacity of 625 to accommodate future growth
• Bid the project with alternate to reduce 4 classrooms (525 capacity)
• Release presentation and solicit feedback from the public

The Administration is seeking public input through a survey through July 10, 2019.

All other items listed in the June 25, 2019 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.

Email: information@methacton.org
Website: www.methacton.org
Phone: 610-489-5000