School Board Notes

Strategic Plan Update

Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe provided the Board with an update on the areas of focus for the 2017-2018 school year for the Strategic Plan. This update included any areas of revision within individual focus areas, a note on any areas where the plan timelines are on schedule for completion as planned, or where further review of timelines is necessary.

As the district approaches the mid-point of the plan, a call for participation will be publicized to seek individuals for participation in a review and revision process. This participation will be in the form of feedback and suggestions for consideration, as well as participation in focus area sub-committees. Plans are for mid-point meetings to take place in the fall, followed by a public presentation to the Board. The call for public participation will take place in the coming weeks.

Methacton Educational Support Personnel Agreement

During the special meeting on April 4, the Board approved the Methacton Educational Support Personnel Agreement. The agreement for the association that represents the district's secretaries, instructional assistants, personal care assistants, bus aides, and other support personnel is for a time period ending June 2021.

Substitute Teacher Recommendation

Interim Director of Personnel Dr. Troy Sosnovik presented the Board with a plan that will address the challenge of filling necessary substitute teacher positions throughout the school year - a common challenge faced by many public school districts. The administrative recommendation includes an increase in the daily rate to position the district more competitively with other area school districts. In addition, the presentation outlined a "guest teacher program," that would allow individuals with a four-year degree to serve as substitute teachers, thereby increasing the pool of available candidates. The plan was approved by the Board during the April 24 meeting.

2018-2019 Instructional Calendar

The Board approved revisions to the 2018-2019 Instructional Calendar, as posted online.

Other

All other items listed on the April 24 agenda were approved.

Methacton High School (MHS) teams who reached the top of the Pioneer Athletic Conference (PAC) were recognized at the Board meeting. These teams include the MHS boys' varsity basketball team, the MHS girls' field hockey team, MHS girls' doubles team of Tina Prince and Dina Nouaime, and MHS varsity wrestler Kibwe McNair. A full listing of team members recognized may be seen on the district's website here.

Pictured above: The PAC 10 Champion MHS Boys' Varsity Basketball Team, Coach Derstine, and MHS Assistant Principal for Athletics and Activities Dr. Paul Spiewak

Pictured above: MHS Tennis PAC 10 Doubles Tennis Champions Dina Nouaime and Tina Prince, Coach Miller, and MHS Assistant Principal for Athletics and Activities Dr. Paul Spiewak

Pictured above: The PAC 10 Champion MHS Girls Field Hockey Team, Assistant Coaches Hoover and Harris, and MHS Assistant Principal for Athletics and Activities Dr. Paul Spiewak

Pictured above: MHS Assistant Principal for Athletics and Activities Dr. Paul Spiewak, PAC 10 Individual Champion and District Individual Champion Wrestler Kibwe McNair, and Coach Clark

Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe invited Award of Excellence recipients to be recognized by the Board. Honored in April were Arcola Intermediate School employees Sharon Branca and Ben Horne.

Arcola Intermediate School Principal Amy Mangano read a few words honoring Mr. Horne. Ms. Branca was unable to attend. Read more about these two fine individuals on the district's website.

Pictured above, L-R: Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe, Skyview's Betsy McGarvey (Ms. McGarvey was among the March Award of Excellence winners, but was unable to attend the March meeting), Arcola Custodian Ben Horne, School Board President Kim Aubrey-Larcinese, and Arcola Principal Amy Mangano.

Arcola students Jack Winters and Sean Mahoney were April's Junior School Board Directors! Jack and Sean prepared an amazing presentation for the Board that spoke to the culture and educational environment at Arcola, and why they believe Arcola is "the best school in the district!"

Pictured above, left to right, Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe, School Board President Kim Aubrey-Larcinese, Arcola Students Jack Winters and Sean Mahoney, and Arcola Principal Amy Mangano.

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