Smyrna School District public meetings in 2020

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

The Smyrna School District Board approved the November 18, 2020 board minutes and the November 2020 monthly financial reports. It also approved school choice for the 2020‑2021 and 2021‑2022 school years. In addition, the board confirmed a series of personnel actions including retirements, resignations, new hires, and contract approvals. Executive session may be used for student discipline, personnel, and litigation matters.

• Approval of Board Minutes, November 18, 2020
• Approval of Monthly Financial Reports (November 2020)
• Approval of School Choice for 2020‑2021 school year
• Approval of School Choice for 2021‑2022 school year
• Approval of multiple personnel actions (retirements, resignations, new hires, extra time/duty, substitutes, exempt employee contracts)

The Board of Education approved the date for a Major Capital Improvement & Current Expense Referendum. The board also approved school choice requests for the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 school years and processed various personnel actions.

• Approved Major Capital Improvement & Current Expense Referendum date of March 23, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved 2020/2021 School Choice: 6 inter-district, 4 intra-district, 1 termination, 1 denial (5-0)
• Approved 2021/2022 School Choice: 59 inter-district, 12 intra-district students (5-0)
• Approved November 18, 2020 Board Minutes (5-0)
• Approved November 2020 Monthly Financial Reports (5-0)
• Approved retirement of Mary Ryan (5-0)
• Approved resignations of Timothy Keaton and Janae Huff (5-0)
• Approved new hires including Belinda Forrest, Mark Mullnack, Trina Gale, Alia Smith, Cheyenne Graden, and Katherine Clark (5-0)

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

The Smyrna School District Board of Education will hold a work session at 6 PM, then a regular meeting at 7 PM. They are expected to discuss reports, hear public comment, vote on new business including a bid for architectural/engineering services at North Smyrna Elementary, and approve numerous personnel actions. An executive session is planned for student discipline and personnel matters.

• Approval of bid SSD20001-AE_NSE for architectural/engineering services at North Smyrna Elementary
• Approval of revised 2020/2021 school calendar
• Approval of monthly financial reports for October 2020
• Approval of school choice for 2020/2021 school year
• Approval of multiple personnel actions including new hires, resignations, leaves, and coaching assignments

The Board of Education approved a bid for architectural and engineering services for North Smyrna Elementary School. Other actions included approving the 2020/2021 school calendar revisions, monthly financial reports, and various personnel changes.

• Approved architectural/engineering services bid for North Smyrna Elementary (4-0)
• Approved 2020/2021 School Calendar first reading revisions (4-0)
• Approved School Choice for 2020/2021: 18 inter-district, 4 intra-district, 6 terminations (4-0)
• Approved October 2020 monthly financial reports (4-0)
• Approved October 21, 2020 Board minutes (4-0)
• Approved resignations of five staff members (4-0)
• Approved leaves of absence for six staff members (4-0)
• Approved new hires and revised extra time/duty (4-0)

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING - This meeting will be for Class Size Waiver Only. The remainder of the agenda items will be discussed at the regular 6:00 p.m. meeting.

This special Board of Education meeting is solely for considering and voting on a waiver to class size requirements under Delaware Code. The board approved the waiver by a 4-1 vote. All other agenda items will be taken up at the regular 6:00 p.m. meeting.

• Approval of Class Size Waiver under Section 1705(A), Title 14, Delaware Code (motion carried 4-1)
• Formal public comment period held on the class size waiver
• Remaining agenda items deferred to the regular 6:00 p.m. meeting

The Board of Education met specifically to consider a waiver to the requirements of Section 1705(A), Title 14, Delaware Code. The Board voted to approve the Class Size Waiver as submitted.

• Approved Class Size Waiver (4-1)

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

The Smyrna School District Board will vote on several actions, including approving the September 16, 2020 board minutes and the monthly financial reports. It will also adopt the School Choice plan for the 2020‑21 school year and update the COVID‑19 attendance policy. Additional items include participation in the JUUL class action and numerous personnel approvals.

• Approve Board Minutes, September 16, 2020
• Approve Monthly Financial Reports for September 2020
• Approve School Choice for the 2020‑21 school year
• Approve COVID‑19 School Attendance Policy 5112 Addendum, Second Reading
• Approve participation in the JUUL Class Action

The Board of Education approved a COVID-19 school attendance policy addendum and participation in a JUUL class action. Other actions included approving monthly financial reports, school choice options, and various personnel changes.

• Approved COVID-19 School Attendance Policy 5112 Addendum (5-0)
• Approved participation in JUUL Class Action (5-0)
• Approved September 2020 monthly financial reports (5-0)
• Approved 2020/2021 school choice requests: 9 inter-district, 8 intra-district (5-0)
• Approved Organizational Diagram, Policy 2110 revision (5-0)
• Approved Executive Administrative Assistant Salary Scale (5-0)
• Approved 21/22 SY School Choice Options administration recommendation (5-0)
• Approved new hires, resignations, retirements, and coaching contracts (5-0)

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

The Smyrna School District Board of Education will vote on a State Certificate of Necessity proposal based on the District Growth Plan and Facilities Assessment, approve a COVID-19 school attendance policy, and decide on participation in a JUUL class action. The board will also approve financial reports, a revised school calendar, and personnel actions including retirements and resignations.

• State Certificate of Necessity proposal to Delaware DOE for district growth and facilities
• COVID-19 School Attendance Policy 5112 Addendum for 2020/2021 school year (first reading)
• Participation in the JUUL Class Action
• Approval of Monthly Financial Reports for August 2020
• School Calendar 2020/2021 second reading revision

The Board of Education approved a proposal for a State Certificate of Necessity based on the District Growth Plan and Facilities Assessment. Other key actions included approving the 2020/2021 school calendar revision and a COVID-19 school attendance policy addendum.

• Approved State Certificate of Necessity Proposal (5-0)
• Approved 2020/2021 School Calendar Second Reading Revision (5-0)
• Approved COVID-19 School Attendance Policy 5112 Addendum first reading (5-0)
• Approved School Choice for 2020/2021 school year (5-0)
• Approved Organizational Diagram, Policy 2110 first reading (5-0)
• Tabled participation in JUUL Class Action until October 21, 2020 (5-0)
• Approved August 2020 monthly financial reports (5-0)
• Approved various personnel retirements, resignations, leaves, and new hires (5-0)

Board Meeting

The Smyrna School District Board held a work session and executive session before the regular meeting. They approved several routine items including the July 8 board minutes, monthly financial reports, excess accrued leave, a revised 2020/2021 school calendar (first reading), and school choice for the upcoming year. The board also approved numerous personnel actions such as retirements, resignations, leaves, and new hires.

• Approval of revised 2020/2021 school calendar (first reading)
• Approval of school choice for 2020/2021
• Approval of excess accrued leave
• Approval of monthly financial reports for June and July 2020
• Personnel actions including retirements, resignations, new hires, and coaching appointments

The Board approved a first reading revision of the 2020/2021 school calendar and authorized school choice requests for 49 students. The meeting also included the approval of monthly financial reports and various personnel actions, including new hires and resignations.

• Approved School Calendar 2020/2021 SY, First Reading Revision (5-0)
• Approved School Choice for 27 inter-district and 22 intra-district students (5-0)
• Approved Monthly Financial Reports for June and July 2020 (5-0)
• Approved Excess Accrued Leave (5-0)
• Approved resignations of 12 employees (5-0)
• Approved leaves of absence for 3 teachers (5-0)
• Approved 13 new hires and 2 staff re-assignments (5-0)
• Approved revised paid and volunteer fall coaches for 2020/2021 (5-0)

BOARD OF EDUCATION/RE-ORGANIZATION MEETING

The Smyrna School District Board of Education held a re-organization meeting, electing a President and Vice President for the 2020/2021 school year. They approved consent items including a preliminary FY 2021 budget and tax rates, a bond anticipation note, school choice, and an administrative salary scale. Personnel actions including resignations and new hires were also approved.

• Approved preliminary FY 2021 tax rates
• Approved preliminary FY 2021 budget
• Approved bond anticipation note
• Approved administrative salary scale
• Approved school choice for 2020/2021 school year

The Board held its re-organization meeting to elect a President and Vice President and set the 2020-2021 meeting schedule. Members approved the preliminary budget, recommended tax rates, and a Bond Anticipation Note for FY 2021. The Board also approved various personnel changes, including new hires and fall coaching contracts.

• Elected Kathryn O'Connell as President (5-0)
• Elected Vetra Evans as Vice President (5-0)
• Approved FY 2021 Recommended Preliminary Budget (5-0)
• Approved FY 2021 Recommended Preliminary Tax Rates (5-0)
• Approved Bond Anticipation Note - July 2020 (5-0)
• Approved Administrative Salary Scale (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved Absences Policy 4151, Second Reading (5-0)
• Approved 2020/2021 School Choice for 4 inter-district and 7 intra-district students (5-0)

TEMPLATE OF Board Meeting and Re-Organization Meeting COMBINED AS ONE

The Smyrna School District Board will hold a work session with the superintendent's report, followed by an executive session for confidential matters. The regular meeting includes oath of office, nominations, appointments, reports on buildings, curriculum, special services, and finance. The board will vote on approving June 17, 2020 minutes, monthly financial reports, and school choice for the 2020‑2021 year. Personnel actions such as retirements, resignations, and new hires will also be addressed.

• Superintendent's Report (discussion)
• Executive Session to discuss student discipline, personnel, and litigation (information)
• Approval of Board Minutes, June 17, 2020 (action)
• Approval of Monthly Financial Reports (action)
• School Choice for the 2020/2021 school year (action)

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

The Smyrna School District Board of Education will take action on preliminary FY2021 recommended tax rates and budget, as well as school choice for the 2020/2021 school year. The board will also consider first-reading revisions to Teacher of the Year and Absences policies. Personnel actions including retirements, resignations, and new hires are on the consent agenda. The meeting includes an executive session for personnel and student matters.

• Action on FY2021 recommended preliminary tax rates and budget
• School choice approval for 2020/2021 school year
• First reading revisions: Teacher of the Year Policy 4131 and Absences Policy 4151
• Recognition of building and district Teachers of the Year for 2020/2021
• Personnel consent agenda including retirements, resignations, new hires, and re-hires

The Board approved several personnel actions, including new hires, resignations, and retirements. It also passed revisions to the Teacher of the Year and Absences policies. Preliminary FY 2021 tax rates and the preliminary budget were tabled.

• Approved May 13, 2020 Board Minutes (5-0)
• Approved May 2020 Monthly Financial Reports (5-0)
• Approved 2020/2021 School Choice requests (5-0)
• Approved Teacher of the Year Policy 4131 first reading revision (5-0)
• Approved Absences Policy 4151 first reading revision (5-0)
• Tabled FY 2021 Preliminary Recommended Tax Rates (5-0)
• Tabled FY 2021 Preliminary Recommended Budget (5-0)
• Approved Organizational Diagram Policy 2110 second reading (5-0)

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

The Smyrna School District Board of Education voted to approve the April 8, 2020 board minutes and the monthly financial reports. It also approved the 2020/2021 school choice plan, a second‑reading revision of the Covid‑19 pandemic district calendar, and a second‑reading 12‑month employee calendar. In addition, the board consented to a series of personnel actions including retirements, resignations, new hires, and reassignments.

• Approve Board Minutes, April 8, 2020
• Approve Monthly Financial Reports
• Approve School Choice for 2020/2021 school year
• Approve Covid‑19 Pandemic District Calendar/Schedule Revision (second reading)
• Approve 12‑Month Employee Calendar for 2020/2021 (second reading)

The Board of Education approved revised district calendars for the 2019/2020 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 12-month employee calendar for 2020/2021. The board also approved school choice requests, financial reports, and various personnel actions including new hires and re-appointments.

• Approved COVID-19 Pandemic District Calendar/Schedule Revision 2019/2020 SY (5-0)
• Approved 12-Month Employee Calendar 2020/2021 SY (5-0)
• Approved School Choice for 2020/2021 SY: 5 inter-district and 6 intra-district students (5-0)
• Approved Organizational Diagram, Policy 2110, First Reading (5-0)
• Approved Monthly Financial Reports (5-0)
• Approved resignations of 6 employees (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved 22 re-appointments, re-assignments, or transfers (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved 15 new hires (4-0, 1 abstain)

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING -

The Smyrna School District Board of Education will vote on several action items including adopting a COVID-19 pandemic district calendar and schedule, approving monthly financial reports, and deciding on school choice for the current and upcoming school years. The board will also consider personnel actions such as retirements, resignations, and new hires, and is expected to go into executive session for confidential discussions.

• Approve COVID-19 pandemic district calendar/schedule for 2019/2020 SY
• Approve monthly financial reports for February and March 2020
• Cancel Smyrna High School band/chorus trip to Orlando, FL (April 2–6, 2020)
• Approve school choice for 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 school years
• Approve 18-21 (WDC) to 19 West Commerce St. letter of intent

The Board of Education approved a revised district calendar and grading proposal in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Other actions included approving financial reports, school choice transfers, and personnel changes. The Board also canceled the Smyrna High School Band/Chorus trip to Orlando.

• Approved Covid19 Pandemic District Calendar/Schedule 2019/2020SY (5-0)
• Approved Marking Period Grading Proposal (5-0)
• Approved School Calendar 2020/2021 SY Second Reading Revision (5-0)
• Approved 12-Month Employee Calendar 2020/2021 SY First Reading (5-0)
• Approved cancellation of Smyrna High School Band/Chorus trip to Orlando (5-0)
• Approved 2019/2020 school choice: 5 inter-district, 2 intra-district transfers (5-0)
• Approved 2020/2021 school choice: 14 inter-district, 11 intra-district transfers (5-0)
• Approved Letter of Intent for 18-21 (WDC) to 19 West Commerce St. (5-0)

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING - This meeting was cancelled due to the Coronavirus.

This scheduled March 18, 2020 meeting of the Smyrna School District Board of Education was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. No business was conducted.

• Meeting cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

The Smyrna School District Board of Education held a work session and regular meeting on February 19, 2020. They approved several new business items, including a final capital referendum notice for a special election on February 22, 2020, authorizing $667,300 in bonds for North Smyrna Elementary mechanical and roof replacements. Other approvals included the school calendar for 2020-2021, a post-secondary vocational training facility proposal, and various personnel actions.

• Approved Final Major Capital Referendum Notice for special election on Feb 22, 2020, authorizing $667,300 in bonds (23% of $2,901,400 total cost) for North Smyrna Elementary renovations
• Approved District Post-Secondary Vocational Training Facility & Programs Proposal
• Approved School Calendar for 2020-2021 school year (first reading)
• Approved Monthly Financial Reports, Child Nutrition Report, Student Funds Report for January 2020
• Approved personnel actions including retirements, resignations, new hires, and paid/volunteer spring coaches for 2019/2020

The Board of Education approved a special election notice for bonds to fund mechanical system and roof replacements at North Smyrna Elementary. Other actions included approving the 2020-2021 school calendar first reading and a post-secondary vocational training proposal.

• Approved $667,300 bond referendum for North Smyrna Elementary renovations (5-0)
• Approved 2020-2021 School Calendar first reading (5-0)
• Approved District Post-Secondary Vocational Training Facility & Programs Proposal (5-0)
• Approved January 2020 monthly financial reports (5-0)
• Approved 2019/2020 school choice transfers (5-0)
• Approved 2020/2021 school choice transfers (5-0)
• Approved Middle School science trip to Tampa, Florida for June 2021 (5-0)
• Approved spring coaches' salaries for 2019/20 school year (4-0, 1 abstain)

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

The Smyrna School District Board of Education met on January 15, 2020, to approve school choice enrollment plans for the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 years, which outlines student placement options for families. The board also ratified monthly financial reports, processed personnel actions including new hires and retirements, and approved student trip requests. A referendum presentation was reviewed during a preceding work session.

• Approved School Choice plans for the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 school years
• Ratified monthly financial reports for child nutrition and student funds
• Processed personnel actions including new hires, retirements, and leaves of absence
• Approved senior class trip to Wildwood, NJ, and Ed Rising trip to Rehoboth, DE
• Reviewed a referendum presentation during the 6:00 PM work session

The Board of Education approved inter-district and intra-district school choice transfers for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 school years. The board also adopted hearing officer recommendations for two student disciplinary matters. Various personnel changes, including retirements and new hires, were approved.

• Approved 2019/20 School Choice: 9 inter-district, 2 intra-district, and 5 terminations (5-0)
• Approved 2020/21 School Choice: 36 inter-district, 15 intra-district, 0 terminations, and 2 denials (5-0)
• Adopted hearing officer recommendations for Student Matter 2020-03 (5-0)
• Adopted hearing officer recommendations for Student Matter 2020-04 (5-0)
• Approved Senior Class Trip to Wildwood, NJ, May 8-10, 2020 (5-0)
• Approved Ed Rising Trip to Rehoboth, DE, February 26-27, 2020 (5-0)
• Approved retirements for Kathleen Curlett, June Wicks, and Mark Hetterly (5-0)
• Approved monthly financial reports for December 2019 (5-0)