May 28, 2024

1

SCHUYLKILL VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

929 Lakeshore Drive

Leesport, PA 19533-8631

MINUTES

1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

1.2 ROLL CALL

Members Present: Franklin M. Ammarell, Paul L. Bendigo, Nicoleen M. Kleffel, Linda R. Lash,

David E. Moll, Bryan J. O’Donnell, Alfonso F. Rossi, Kelly J. Steinke, Daniel B. Weyandt

Secretary: Linda R. Lash

Recording Secretary: Susan A. Christman (absent)

1.3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by Linda Lash and seconded by Paul Bendigo to approve the minutes of the regular

meeting of April 22, 2024, as presented.

Yeas: Ammarell, Bendigo, Kleffel, Lash, Moll, O’Donnell, Rossi, Steinke, Weyandt

Motion passed unanimously.

1.4 EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Moll reported that the Board met in executive session on April 22, 2024, immediately following

SV Special Track and Field Invitational

On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, Schuylkill Valley students participated in the 7

Special Track and Field Invitational along with students representing Antietam, BCIU - PAL

Program, Brandywine Heights, Conrad Weiser, Oley Valley, and Reading’s Amanda Stoudt

Elementary, for a total of over 200 athletes. Mrs. Kristin Holst, Supervisor of Special Education,

thanked Miss Dana Carter, middle school learning support teacher, for her dedication and tireless

effort in organizing this county-wide event. Miss Carter recognized students who competed in the

events and presented a slideshow with highlights of the day. She thanked the Schuylkill Valley

community for their continued support of this yearly event and the parents of the student athletes

May 28, 2024

2

2.1 PRESIDENT – David E. Moll

Mr. Moll noted that the district is still waiting for information on the Berks County Residential Center.

We are looking for a signed agreement between Berks County and SVSD as this goes into effect

on July 1, 2024. The county has recognized that they have made a commitment to the district,

however it is not in writing. Berks County has received approximately $5.7 million in funding for

2.3 BERKS COUNTY I.U. BOARD – Linda R. Lash

Mrs. Lash reported that their last meeting was on May 16. The IU is closing their facility in Lower

Alsace as they couldn’t reach a tenant agreement, however by next fall they will have moved eight

of their classrooms to an available elementary building in Pine Forge (Boyertown Area School

District). The agreement between SVSD and the BCIU for educational services provided to

students housed in the Berks County Jail System was passed by the IU Board. Mr. Russell Del

Rosario, BCIU Safety and Security Program Administrator, provided a presentation on how the

safety plan was developed and how it is being used at the BCIU and throughout the county.

2.4 BERKS CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER – David E. Moll

2.6 PA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION LIAISON – Linda R. Lash

Mrs. Lash reported that PSBA sponsored an Educators Advocacy Day on April 30 in Harrisburg

which was held jointly with PASA, PAIU, and the Pennsylvania Principals Association and was

attended by individuals representing the BCIU and Berks County schools. The group was able to

meet with Dr. Khalid Mumin, PDE Secretary of Education, and many of our state legislators to

establish and strengthen relationships between school leaders and legislators.

2.7 SCHUYLKILL VALLEY EDUCATION FOUNDATION – Linda R. Lash

No report.

Holly Varner, Centre Township – ELA Curriculum/Summer Camp /Agenda Books/BCRC

4.0 BOARD

There were no items for Board approval.

4.1 SOLICITOR’S REPORT

No report.

5.0 SUPERINTENDENT

Monthly Reports

5.1 The following monthly reports have been provided to the Board:

May 28, 2024

3

5.1.1 Enrollment Year-To-Date

5.1.2 Principals’ Dashboard Reports

Annie Sullivan Award Nominee

5.2 Dr. Shannon O’Donnell introduced Heather Weller, ES paraprofessional, who was the Annie

dedication and compassion that is truly unparallelled. One of her most admirable qualities is her

ability to see the potential of every student she encounters. Her positivity and optimism serve as a

guiding light for both students and colleagues alike. She takes the time to truly connect with each

student, understanding their individual needs and tailoring her approach to ensure their success.

Her genuine care leaves a lasting impact on those she serves. Earlier this year Heather

volunteered to work with a new student who presented more needs than the student with whom she

had been working for the past two years. She stated she was confident that the student she was

moving away from was ready for the transition and the new student needed consistent support in

order to thrive. Heather continues to check in with her former student and shares in the progress

made while offering her gift of positivity and loving care for the next student. In a world often filled

Superintendent’s Update

5.3 Dr. Taschner provided highlights from recent student activities in May. The 2024 PIAA Track and

Field Championships were held on May 25 with five SV student athletes qualifying for this event.

Luke Martinez won the gold medal in 2A pole vault and tied the 15’6” school record set in 2018.

John Kowalski finished 8

second round of District III playoffs. Athletic milestones included Reese Weddle who scored 200

points in girls lacrosse, Giana Kaylor had 200 draw controls in girls lacrosse, and Katelyn Raymond

pitched 100 strikeouts in softball. The 2nd annual Performing Arts Cabaret was held on May 17. It

was a great night with many talented students, and they were able to raise money for the SV Music

to the program. The high school named Madison Miller and Jenna Kirby as Students of the Year.

grade

Rogue Readers earning third place overall. There were many wonderful spring concerts and art

shows at the ES, MS and HS showcasing our talented students and Dr. Taschner thanked our

music and art teachers for making these events so successful. Staff Appreciation Week was held

the week of May 6 with a different event each day. Dr. Taschner thanked the Board for supporting

this idea as it was well received by our entire staff.

Dr. Taschner reviewed past topics that were posed to the Board. The HS stage had some work

May 28, 2024

4

In regard to special education, our district advocates strongly for students with disabilities and we

will continue to do so. We have a team of administrators who, every day, go above and beyond to

support teachers and paraprofessionals. There was a corrective action plan on which the Board

was copied and the Bureau of Special Education provides an audit so that schools can continue to

make improvements in special education which the district appreciates and will continue to work on.

Dr. Taschner stated that flexible instructional days were approved by the SV Board in June 2023.

If the district wants to have a FID day count as additional hours and use it as an opportunity to not

make up a school day, then yes, you need to have a state application approved. We had 181 days

in our instructional calendar last year, and we do have over 990 hours again this year. We try not

to use the FID days because we believe that there is no substitute for students being face-to-face

with our teachers, and we are committed to this and will remain committed.

6.0 POLICY, PERSONNEL AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Summary of Committee Deliberations – Paul L. Bendigo

Be It Resolved, That the Board of School Directors:

6.1 Approves the employment of the following (all elections are contingent upon receipt and district

approval of all necessary pre-employment forms, certification, state-mandated physical

examinations, clearances, etc.):

6.1.1 Approves Mr. Logan Borkey, Social Studies Long-Term Substitute Teacher, Bachelor's,

Step 1, $54,803 (prorated for actual days worked), effective for the 2024-25 school year, to

fill the vacancy created by the sabbatical of Mrs. Dana Heins.

day at an hourly rate of pay of $12.91, effective date to be determined, to fill the vacancy

created by the resignation of Mrs. Tiffany Rollman.

6.1.4 Approves Miss Megan DeAngelo, English 7-12 Teacher, Bachelor's, Step 1, $54,803,

effective with the start of the 2024-25 school year, to fill the vacancy created by the transfer

of Ms. Jennifer Vroman.

6.1.5 Approves Ms. Michelle Viera, Executive Secretary Human Resources, at an hourly rate of

pay of $24.05 effective May 13, 2024, to fill the vacancy created by the transfer of

May 28, 2024

5

6.1.7 Approves the following substitutes for the 2023-24 school year:

Christine Wysocki - Instructor in the Home

Kimberly Yasenchak - Elementary Education PK-4

Amanda Malone - ES/HS/MS

Nichole Moyer - ES/HS

Isabella Romig – Track

6.1.9 Approves Mrs. Kristen Wallace as Treasurer to the Board of School Directors for the

2024-25 school year.

6.2 Approves the appointment of Mrs. Linda Lash, current PSBA liaison, as the PSBA Delegate

Assembly participant representing the school District on November 2, 2024.

2024.

6.4 Approves the following personal leave of absence:

Miss Stephanie Deibler, Athletic Director, effective with a half day on May 28, 2024, through

June 14, 2024.

6.5 Approves accepting the following donations for the Annual Retiree and Service Awards Dinner:

EI Associates, Inc. - $1,500

6.6 Approves the revisions to Policy 237: Electronic Devices.

6.7 Approves the review and revisions to Policy 249: Bullying/Cyberbullying. A review is required

every 3 years.

6.8 Approves the revisions to Policy 918: Title I Parent and Family Engagement. The revisions are

recommended and required for Federal Monitoring.

May 28, 2024

6

approve personal leave of absence in Item 6.4, as presented; and to approve accepting the

donations for the Annual Retiree and Service Awards Dinner in Item 6.5, as presented; and

to approve the revisions to Policy 237: Electronic Devices; and to approve the review and

revisions to Policy 249: Bullying/Cyberbullying (a review is required every 3 years); and to

approve the revisions to Policy 918: Title I Parent and Family Engagement. The revisions

7.0 CURRICULUM AND TECHNOLOGY

Summary of Committee Deliberations – Linda R. Lash

The Curriculum and Technology Committee met at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 20, 2024, in the

held on Monday, June 17, 2024.

Committee Recommendations for Board Consideration

7.3 Approves the English & Language Arts Books, Materials and Resources, as presented.

Board Action: Moved by Alfonso Rossi and seconded by Kelly Steinke to approve district

participation in the Berks County Safety and Security Consortium for the 2024-25 school

year, at a cost of $6,000.00; and to approve the K-12 English Language Arts Curriculum; and

to approve the English & Language Arts Books, Materials and Resources, as presented.

Dr. Taschner stated that the cost of the kindergarten to grade 10 ELA Books, Materials and

Resources, which includes Tier 1 and Tier 2, is $499,860. There will be over 800 books for each

Yeas: Ammarell, Bendigo, Kleffel, Lash, Moll, O’Donnell, Rossi, Steinke, Weyandt

Motion passed unanimously.

7.4 Approves the use of Flexible Instructional Days for the 2024-2027 school years.

Board Action: Moved by Paul Bendigo and seconded by Nicoleen Kleffel to approve the use

Yeas: Ammarell, Bendigo, Kleffel, Lash, Moll, O’Donnell, Rossi, Steinke, Weyandt

Motion passed unanimously.

May 28, 2024

7

8.0 BUDGET AND FINANCE

Summary of Committee Deliberations – Nicoleen M. Kleffel

Be It Resolved, That the Board of School Directors:

8.1 Approves/ratifies the payment of bills in the following amounts from April 8, 2024, to May 28, 2024,

as presented.

8.2 Approves the adoption of the Berks County Intermediate Unit's policies and procedures under the

federal requirements of 34 CFR PART 300. The IU-adopted policies are implemented to fulfill the

requirements of 22 PA Code Chapter 14 and the regulatory requirements under the Individuals with

Disabilities Education Act - Part B.

8.3 Approves the 2024-2025 Cafeteria Meal Prices:

Lunch

- $3.00 Elementary School

8.4 Approves adopting a resolution authorizing Homestead and Farmstead real estate tax assessment

reductions for the upcoming 2024-25 tax year, as presented.

Board Action: Moved by Linda Lash and seconded by Nicoleen Kleffel to approve/ratify the

payment of bills in Item 8.1 from April 8, 2024, to May 28, 2024, as presented; and to approve

the adoption of the Berks County Intermediate Unit's policies and procedures under the

federal requirements of 34 CFR PART 300. The IU-adopted policies are implemented to fulfill

the requirements of 22 PA Code Chapter 14 and the regulatory requirements under the

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - Part B; and to approve the 2024-2025 Cafeteria

Motion passed unanimously.

THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS APPROVED AT THE MAY 20, 2024, BOARD MEETING:

May 28, 2024

8

8.5 Approves adoption of the 2024-2025 Proposed General Fund Budget in the amount of

$47,551,026. The Proposed General Fund Budget is recommended with a .35 millage increase

that would raise the tax rate from 27.82 to 28.17 which is a 1.26% increase.

Board Action: Moved by Alfonso Rossi and seconded by David Moll to approve adoption of

Nays: Bendigo

Motion carried.

8.6 Other (Old/New Business)

Mr. Bendigo stated that in reference to the Berks County Residential Center, the Board feels that

the county is taking over a very good project and that the Board does respect the program and want

to provide that service for the children. He has attended many of the meetings held by the county

and the information that the district has received has come from the county. The county has said

that the students would reside in the center for 30-60 days and we would still be responsible for

selling bed space to adjacent counties but they have not stepped up and accepted their

responsibility to provide the monetary amount needed by SV to provide this service to the children.

Mr. Bendigo recommended contacting our county commissioners, who are full-time elected

representatives, and ask them why they feel the SV taxpayers should pick up this burden instead of

it being spread across the county program and the adjacent counties that are going to be

purchasing bed space in this facility.

Dr. Taschner noted that Mr. Medaglia had reached out to her and they did have a discussion.

Mr. Bendigo replied that he understood, but they did not talk about individual numbers which the

district identified to the county. Our administrators and teachers are the experts in education in this

Summary of Committee Deliberations – Bryan J. O’Donnell

The Buildings and Grounds Committee met at 7:32 p.m. on Monday, May 20, 2024, in the Auxiliary

Cafeteria of the Schuylkill Valley High School. The next meeting of the Committee will be held on

Monday, June 17, 2024.

Committee Recommendations for Board Consideration

May 28, 2024

9

9.2 Approves the service agreement renewal with Reading Elevator Service, Inc. for annual Wheel-A-

Vator Chairlift maintenance at the middle school in the amount of $142.00 with a term beginning

July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025.

between the three contractors who were onsite at the time of the damage.

9.5 Approves Change Order #1 from SB Conrad for a credit in the amount of $840.91 for damages

associated with a short circuit in the fire alarm system due to construction as part of the high school

HVAC upgrade project. The costs associated with repairing the alarm system are being split

between the three contractors who were onsite at the time of the damage.

9.6 Approves Change Order #3 from Myco Mechanical Inc. in the amount of $237.49 as a credit for

damages caused by a water leak from a temporary unit in Classroom A62 on 11/17/2023.

School renovation project. The Director of Buildings & Grounds will list the materials with a

minimum bid of 50% of current costs for similar materials.

Board Action: Moved by Kelly Steinke and seconded by Bryan O’Donnell to approve the

service agreement renewal with Reading Elevator Service, Inc., for quarterly elevator

maintenance at the high school, middle school and elementary school in the amount of

$540.00 per building, per quarter, with a term beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30,

2025; and to approve the service agreement renewal with Reading Elevator Service, Inc. for

annual Wheel-A-Vator Chairlift maintenance at the middle school in the amount of $142.00

with a term beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025; and to approve Change Order

#1 from SB Conrad for a credit in the amount of $840.91 for damages associated with a short

circuit in the fire alarm system due to construction as part of the high school HVAC upgrade

project. The costs associated with repairing the alarm system are being split between the

three contractors who were onsite at the time of the damage; and to approve Change Order

#3 from Myco Mechanical Inc. in the amount of $237.49 as a credit for damages caused by a

water leak from a temporary unit in Classroom A62 on 11/17/2023; and to approve Change

Order #4 from Myco Mechanical Inc. for a credit in the amount of $840.91 for damages

associated with a short circuit in the fire alarm system due to construction as part of the

high school HVAC upgrade project. The costs associated with repairing the alarm system