Colonial School District public meetings in 2023
40 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Meeting
The Colonial School District Board of Directors is holding a special meeting to fill a current board vacancy. The board will take nominations, close nominations, and then ballot for the nominated candidates. Public comments will be heard according to the district's protocols.
- Nominations for School Board Member Vacancy
- Close Nominations for School Board Member Vacancy
- Balloting for Nominated Candidates
Board Reorganization Meeting
The Colonial School District Board of Directors is holding its annual reorganization meeting, required by Pennsylvania law. The board will elect a temporary president, administer oaths to new members, and elect a permanent president and vice president for one-year terms. The agenda is largely procedural, with the only substantive action being the appointment of a representative to a joint technical school committee.
- Election of temporary president to chair the meeting
- Oath of office for newly elected or re-elected board members
- Election of board president and vice president for one-year terms
- Motion to authorize continued use of existing signature plates until new ones are prepared
- Appointment of Beth Patruno as Colonial's representative to the Central Montco Technical High School Joint Operating Committee for a three-year term
Special Meeting
The Colonial School District Board held a special meeting to approve the November personnel report and accept the resignation of Dr. Jamina Clay, effective November 16, 2023. Both actions passed unanimously. The meeting also included public comment periods and standard opening and closing items.
- Approval of personnel report (November 2023)
- Acceptance of Dr. Jamina Clay's resignation effective November 16, 2023
Board Business Meeting
The Colonial School District Board approved routine items including minutes, financial reports, and the treasurer's report, plus several new business actions. Key decisions included a three-year contract for ZeroEyes AI gun detection at $73,800 per year, approval of the 2022-2023 financial audit, and an Act 1 opt-out resolution capping any real estate tax increase at 5.30% for 2024-2025. The board also approved assessment appeal settlements, a fall production budget, policy updates, and confidential student-related agreements.
- Approved ZeroEyes AI gun detection contract: $73,800/year for 3 years, installed in every school
- Approved 2022-2023 financial audit and submission of PDE-2057 Annual Financial Report
- Approved Act 1 opt-out resolution: no real estate tax increase above 5.30% index for 2024-2025
- Approved 11 assessment appeal settlements by parcel number
- Approved policy #328 (second read) and policies #146, #236 (first read)
Community Relations & Student Life/Safety & Wellness Committee Meetings
The Colonial School District's Community Relations & Student Life/Safety & Wellness Committees will meet to discuss the Psychological Sense of School Membership (PSSM) survey results, review two board policies (Policy 146 on Student Services and Policy 236 on the Student Assistance Program), and consider a website app update. The meeting is primarily for discussion, with no formal votes scheduled.
- Discussion of 2023 PSSM survey results (Cycle I)
- Review of Policy 146 - Student Services
- Review of Policy 236 - Student Assistance Program
- Update on CSD Website App
Curriculum Committee of the Board Meeting
The Colonial School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss several curriculum-related items, including an annual achievement and growth check-in, school improvement planning for Colonial Middle School and Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, the PWHS Program of Studies (including AP World History and virtual programming), and conference requests. The meeting includes public comment periods on agenda items and general public comment.
- Annual Achievement & Growth Check-in
- School Improvement Planning for Colonial Middle School and Plymouth Whitemarsh High School
- PWHS Program of Studies, including AP World History and Virtual Programming
- Conference request for PWHS College Counselor Beth Lynch to attend Rowan University Counselor Day on Nov 15, 2023
Facilities Management & Transportation Committee Meeting
The Colonial School District Facilities Management & Transportation Committee is meeting to discuss two items: a budget update on the CES Renovations Project and an update on new fields at CMS. Both are discussion/information items, with no decisions listed. Public comment is scheduled at the start and end of the meeting.
- CES Renovations Project budget update
- CMS new fields update
- Public comment on agenda and general public comments
Finance Committee Meeting
The Finance Committee will review the 2022-2023 audit process and the 2023-2024 budget comparison. Members will also discuss the 2024-2025 budget development and a recommendation to opt out of the Act 1 budget timeline.
- Review of 2022-2023 Financial Audit by BBD audit principal Michael Mood
- Presentation of 2023-2024 budget comparison as of October 31, 2023
- Discussion of opting out of the Act 1 timeline to limit tax increases to the 5.30% index
- Review of PWHS Fall Production budget for 'Puffs'
Board Business Meeting
The Colonial School District Board approved a $21 million renovation of Colonial Elementary School to add 18 classrooms due to increased enrollment, including relocating district offices and installing air conditioning. The board also approved financial reports, the treasurer's report, personnel changes, and several other routine items. New business included approval of a bus driver incentive program and two settlement agreements discussed in executive session.
- Approved $21,000,000 not-to-exceed cost for Colonial Elementary School renovation with 18 additional classrooms
- Approved 2023-2024 bus driver incentive program: $3,400 bonus for current CDL drivers, $1,000 for non-CDL, $7,500 for new CDL drivers
- Approved board policy #328 - Compensation Plans/Salary Schedules
- Approved two settlement and release agreements (discussed in executive session)
- Approved September 2023 financial reports and treasurer's report
Curriculum Committee of the Board Meeting
The Colonial School District's Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss three new business items: the use of AI in schools, an overview of a Best Practices Fair, and conference requests for staff. The committee will also take public comment on agenda items.
- Discussion of AI in Our Schools
- Best Practices Fair Overview
- Conference request: PWHS Foreign Language teacher Katherine Geare to attend PSMLA Fall Conference, Nov 3-4, 2023, Seven Springs Mountain Resort
- Conference request: Curriculum Supervisors Joseph Pacitti, Maria Wileczek, Edward Merk to attend Learning Forward's 2023 Annual Conference, Dec 3-6, 2023, Washington, DC
Facilities Management & Transportation Committee Meeting
The Facilities Management & Transportation Committee is meeting to discuss the budget for the CES Renovations Project. This is a discussion and information item, not a final decision. The meeting includes public comment periods.
- Discussion of CES Renovations Project budget
HR Committee Meeting
The Colonial School District HR Committee is meeting to review Policy #328 on Compensation Plans/Salary Schedules, with plans for a first reading on October 19 and adoption in November. They will also receive information about the upcoming Fall Job Fair for support staff positions. The meeting includes public comment periods.
- Review of Policy #328 Compensation Plans/Salary Schedules, with new title and language based on PSBA policy guide
- CSD Fall Job Fair for support staff on October 26, 4-6 PM at CMS Cafeteria
- Job fair includes representatives from food services, custodial, transportation, and First Student
Finance Committee Meeting
The Colonial School District Finance Committee is meeting to discuss two information items: a budget comparison for September 2023-2024 versus September 2022-2023, and the Act 1 Index for the 2024-2025 school year, which is set at 5.30%. No votes or decisions are scheduled; both items are for discussion and information only.
- September budget comparison 2022-23 vs 2023-24 presented by Mr. Digian
- Act 1 Index for 2024-2025 set at 5.30% by PDE
- Act 1 index limits annual school property tax increases; exceptions or voter referendum needed to exceed it
Board Business Meeting
The Colonial School District Board held a business meeting on September 21, 2023, approving routine items such as minutes, financial reports, and the treasurer's report. The board also approved several new business items, including contracts for supplemental bus services, architectural services for a school renovation, and a revised school calendar.
- Approved $92,422.80 tuition for Capstone Academy and $64,500 for The Pathway School, plus ESY and 1:1 services
- Approved supplemental transportation contracts with Superior Bus Service, Wolfington Body Company, and ALC School LLC
- Approved architectural and engineering contract for Colonial Elementary School renovation to GKO Architects LLC
- Approved 2024-2025 school calendar starting August 27, 2024 (vote 7-2)
- Approved MOU with Colonial Education Association regarding Lead Elementary Facilitator positions
Community Relations & Student Life/Safety & Wellness Committee Meetings
The Community Relations & Student Life/Safety & Wellness Committee will hold a meeting with discussion items including the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) 2023, a website redesign update, the 2024-2025 school calendar, and the ESSR Health and Safety Plan. Public comment is scheduled on the agenda and at the end of the meeting.
- Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) 2023 discussion led by Dr. Felix Scherzinger
- Website redesign update
- 2024-2025 school calendar discussion
- ESSR Health and Safety Plan discussion
Curriculum Committee of the Board Meeting
The Colonial School District's Curriculum Committee of the Board is meeting to discuss new business items, including professional learning, summer programs, a curriculum cycle update, and conference requests. The agenda includes public comment periods but no decisions are listed; it is primarily a discussion and review session.
- Professional Learning discussion
- Summer Programs review
- Curriculum Cycle Update
- Conference Requests (attachment: 9.11.23 Conference Requests.pdf)
Facilities Management & Transportation Committee Meeting
The Facilities Management & Transportation Committee will meet to discuss several projects, including the emergency generator replacement project, CES renovations, a contract for CES renovations, summer projects, and a transportation update. The meeting is primarily for discussion and information, with no formal votes scheduled.
- Emergency Generator Replacement Project Update (RP, WE, CE, PE & CES)
- CES Renovations Project Update
- GKO Contract for CES Renovations
- Summer Projects/Maintenance PowerPoint
- Transportation Update
Finance Committee Meeting
The Finance Committee is meeting to discuss the results of the district's $15,000,000 bond sale, an internal lease for Chromebooks, and a budget update. The bond sale generated $15,634,243 in proceeds, with $15,396,693 deposited into the CES Bond Fund after costs. The committee will also review a $601,000 internal lease for Chromebooks for 5th and 9th graders, and a budget comparison for August 2023-2024.
- GOB 2023 bond pricing: $15,000,000 bonds sold at premium, total proceeds $15,634,243, costs $237,550, net $15,396,693 to CES Bond Fund
- Internal lease for 2023-2024 Chromebooks: $601,000 from Capital Reserve Fund, General Fund repays at 5.5% interest
- Budget update: August 2023-2024 budget comparison to August 2022-2023
Board Business Meeting
The Colonial School District Board approved routine financial reports, personnel changes, and several contracts, including a donation for school supplies and the issuance of General Obligation Bonds. The board also authorized assessment appeals and settlements, and approved educational service contracts for special education students.
- Accepted $11,795.18 donation from The Outreachers for Conshohocken Elementary School
- Approved 2023 Borrowing Resolution authorizing General Obligation Bonds
- Approved transportation contracts including St. Joseph's Prep at $10.10/student/day
- Approved educational service contracts totaling over $500,000 for special education placements
- Approved food service vendors for 2023-2024 school year
Facilities Management & Transportation Committee Meeting
The Colonial School District's Facilities Management & Transportation Committee is meeting to discuss updates on the CES renovations and a new agenda item. The main action item is a request to develop a Request for Proposal (RFP) for transportation services, as the current contract with First Student Bus Services expires August 31, 2024. The RFP would cover a five-year term, daily route pricing, and other service details.
- CES Renovations Update (discussion)
- New Agenda Item (discussion)
- Transportation RFP: authorization to develop RFP for busing services; current contract with First Student Bus Services expires Aug 31, 2024; RFP term at least 5 years; includes daily route pricing, bus depot lease, fuel, training, insurance
Finance Committee Meeting
The Finance Committee will receive updates on the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 budgets, and discuss the $15 million General Obligation Bond for the Colonial Elementary School renovation. The bond process is underway, with a rating call scheduled for August 7 and a board vote on the parameters resolution on August 24.
- 2022-2023 budget comparison through June 2023 (unaudited)
- 2023-2024 budget comparison through July 2023
- $15,000,000 General Obligation Bond for Colonial Elementary School renovation
- Bond rating call with Moody's scheduled for August 7, 2023
- Board vote on Parameters Resolution scheduled for August 24, 2023
Board Business Meeting
The Colonial School District Board approved routine items including minutes, financial reports, and the treasurer's report, then took action on new business. Key decisions included authorizing a $15 million bond for the Colonial Elementary renovation, approving a $113,006.60 change order for the CMS track, and approving various contracts and fees for the 2023-24 school year.
- Approved $15,000,000 General Obligation Bond Series 2023 for Colonial Elementary Renovation Project
- Approved $113,006.60 change order to Penn Builders Construction for CMS track surface extension
- Approved GKO architects to develop plans for Colonial Elementary School renovation
- Approved Wonderspring rental rates: $44.75/day for before/after-school programs, $163.94/day for summer camp
- Approved one-year contract extension with Elite Revenue Services for real estate tax collection in Plymouth and Whitemarsh Townships
Finance Committee Meeting
The Colonial School District Finance Committee is meeting to review the 2022-2023 budget and discuss financing for the Colonial Elementary School renovation project. The committee will consider authorizing a $15,000,000 General Obligation Bond, with final approval to go to the School Board on June 12, 2023. They will also discuss creating Capital Project Fund 37 to manage the renovation finances.
- 2022-2023 budget comparison through May 2023
- Discussion of bond financing options for Colonial Elementary School renovation, including 100% new debt vs. using capital reserve funds
- Proposed $15,000,000 General Obligation Bond, Series of 2023
- Recommendation to establish Capital Project Fund 37 for the renovation project
Board Business Meeting
The Colonial School District Board of Directors is holding its regular business meeting, where the most consequential action is the adoption of the 2023-2024 final budget of $151,153,201, which includes a real estate tax rate increase of 2.56% (0.625 mills). The board will also vote on several policy revisions, tax rates, and property tax relief acceptance. Other items include approving minutes, financial reports, the treasurer's report, and personnel actions.
- Adopt 2023-2024 final budget of $151,153,201, a 4.10% increase over 2022-2023, with real estate tax rate of 25.020 mills (up 2.56%)
- Approve 2023-2024 tax rates: 25.020 mills real estate, 1% earned income, 1% real estate transfer, 10% amusement tax, $25 certification fee, billing date July 1, 2023
- Accept $3,846,685.64 in property tax relief (Act 1 of 2006), setting a $15,358 assessment exclusion for a max reduction of $384.27 per eligible homestead/farmstead
- Approve Board Policy #311 (Reduction of Staff) on second read; delete Policy #332 (Guidance Counselors, Eleven-Month Employment)
- Approve revisions to Policy #101 (Mission Statement) and Policy #251 (Students Experiencing Homelessness) on first read
Curriculum Committee of the Board Meeting
The Curriculum Committee of the Colonial School District Board will meet to discuss new business items, including the CMTHS Teacher Academy, a conference showcase for music educators, a curriculum cycle update, a PSSM survey, and a review of Policy #101 on mission/vision/values. Public comment is scheduled on agenda items.
- CMTHS Teacher Academy discussion
- Conference Showcase - National Association of Music Educators and Implementation Science IS for All
- Curriculum Cycle Update
- PSSM Survey
- Policy Review - Policy #101 Mission Statement/Vision Statement/Shared Values
Community Relations & Student Life/Safety & Wellness Committee Meetings
The Colonial School District's Community Relations & Student Life/Safety & Wellness Committees are meeting to discuss three items: meal prices and food service updates for the 2023-24 school year, a website redesign update, and a review of Policy #251 on students experiencing homelessness, foster care, and other educational instability. The meeting includes public comment periods and is scheduled to follow the Curriculum Committee Meeting.
- Meal prices for 2023-2024
- District fee meal update for 2023-2024
- Gluten-free choices
- Website redesign update
- Policy #251: Students Experiencing Homelessness, Foster Care and Other Educational Instability
HR Committee Meeting
The Colonial School District HR Committee is meeting to consider deleting Policy #332, which addresses eleven-month employment for guidance counselors. The deletion is recommended by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA), as the language is considered better suited for internal processes or a handbook rather than formal policy. The meeting also includes public comment periods and board comment.
- Policy deletion #332 - Guidance Counselors, Eleven-Month Employment
- PSBA recommendation to delete policy
- Policy renumbered from #432 to #332
- Public comment on agenda and general public comment
Finance Committee Meeting
The Colonial School District Finance Committee will discuss financing options for the Colonial Elementary School renovation project and receive an update on the 2023-2024 fiscal budget, with recommendations for adoption at the May Board meeting. The committee will also hear information items on the CMS 6th grade musical budget, a copier lease recommendation, CMS fitness equipment, a tax collector contract renewal, and a budget update.
- CES Renovations financing options presented by Mr. Digian
- 2023-2024 Budget update with adoption recommendation for May Board meeting
- Copier lease recommendation: Edwards Business Systems (3 proposals received)
- Tax collector contract renewal recommendation: Elite Revenue Service for 2023-2024
- CMS 6th Grade Musical 'Willy Wonka Kids' budget (May 5-6)
Curriculum Committee of the Board Meeting
The Colonial School District Curriculum Committee will meet to discuss and potentially act on several curriculum-related items. These include a conference showcase, structured literacy, Title III/English Language Development programming, setting goals across the curriculum, and conference requests. The meeting includes public comment periods on agenda items and general public comment.
- Conference Showcase
- Structured Literacy
- Title III/English Language Development Programming
- Setting Goals Across the Curriculum
- Conference Requests
Facilities Management & Transportation Committee Meeting
The Facilities Management & Transportation Committee is meeting to discuss a presentation by GKO Architects on renovation and enrollment options for Colonial Elementary School (CES). The agenda includes public comment periods, but the main item is this informational discussion. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.
- Presentation by GKO Architects on CES renovation and enrollment options
- Discussion of CES Options document (1,458 KB attachment)
- Public comment on agenda and general public comments
Community Relations & Student Life/Safety & Wellness Committee Meetings
The Colonial School District's Community Relations & Student Life/Safety & Wellness Committees will meet to discuss Chapter 339, behavioral health grants, calming spaces, and several policy changes. The board will consider deleting Policy 251 (Suicide Intervention) and Policy 253 (Homeless Children), and will have a first read of a new Policy 251 on Homeless Students.
- Discussion of Chapter 339 overview
- Review of current and anticipated behavioral health grants
- Discussion on calming spaces
- Proposal to delete Policy 251 (Suicide Intervention) and Policy 253 (Homeless Children)
- First read of Policy 251: Homeless Students
Facilities Management & Transportation Committee Meeting
The Facilities Management & Transportation Committee will discuss several items, including a proposed AI pilot program with 100 cameras at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, spring preparations for sports and graduations, a review of policy on school facility use, and a transportation update. The meeting is for discussion only; no votes are scheduled.
- Zero Eyes AI pilot program at PWHS (100 cameras)
- Spring preparations: CMS Sports/Plymouth Rec., Move-Up Days & Graduations (CES, CMS, PW & CMTHS)
- Review of Policy #707 - Use of School Facilities and Equipment
- Transportation update
Board Business Meeting
The Colonial School District Board will vote on routine approvals including meeting minutes, January 2023 financial reports, the treasurer's report, and a $13,110 Farm to School grant. New business includes approving the 2023-2024 MCIU Membership Services Budget (Colonial's share $93,466), spring musical production budgets for Plymouth Whitemarsh High School and Colonial Middle School, a first read of policy #304 revisions, conference requests, a contract revision with Vector Solutions, an educational services agreement for $1,118.06, and a separation agreement. The board will also hear public comments and committee reports.
- Approve 2023-2024 MCIU Membership Services Budget; Colonial contribution $93,466 (increase of $3,317)
- Approve Farm to School Grant from PA Dept. of Agriculture: $13,110 for local food in cafeterias
- Approve spring musical budgets: PWHS 'Urinetown' (March 9-11) and CMS 'Mary Poppins, Jr.' (March 3-5)
- First read of Board Policy #304 - Employment of District Staff revisions
- Approve out-of-state conference requests for three staff (Rochester, NY; Chicago, IL; Austin, TX)
Curriculum Committee of the Board Meeting
The Colonial School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss several curriculum-related items, including a conference showcase, emergency instructional days, summer opportunities, summer reading, and conference requests. The agenda includes public comment periods and is primarily a discussion of these items.
- Conference Showcase presentation
- Emergency Instructional Days/Flexible Instructional Days discussion
- Summer Opportunities Update
- Summer Reading Update
- Conference requests for Figueroa-Douglas, Boegly, and Kaufman
HR Committee Meeting
The Colonial School District HR Committee is meeting to review a new policy, #304, on the employment of district staff. The review is intended to lead to a first reading on February 23, 2023, and a second reading and adoption in March 2023. The agenda also includes public comment periods and board comment.
- Review of new Policy #304 Employment of District Staff
- Public comment on the agenda
- Public comment period
- Board comment
Finance Committee Meeting
The Finance Committee will review the 2022-2023 budget update, fund balances, and the 2023-2024 budget development, which projects a $3.3 million deficit. They will also discuss new business items including spring musical budgets, the CMTHS budget, and the MCIU services budget. No final decisions are made at this meeting; recommendations may go to the School Board.
- 2023-2024 budget projects $3.3 million deficit; possible 3.25% tax increase (0.79 mills) to 25.188 mills
- PSERS contribution rate drops to 34% for 23-24 from 35.26%
- Health insurance premiums estimated to increase 9% for 23-24
- CMTHS budget totals $11,497,047; Colonial's contribution increases $1,003,198 (72.5%) to $2,387,186
- MCIU Mandated Services Budget increases to $1,561,980; Colonial's share $93,466
Facilities Management & Transportation Committee Meeting
The Facilities Management & Transportation Committee will discuss the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan, a proposed revision to the Facility Rental Fees Policy, and a transportation update including First Student services and bus camera systems. These are discussion items only; no votes are scheduled.
- 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan (spreadsheet attached)
- Facility Rental Fees Policy revision (Policy 707, revision dated 2.6.23)
- Transportation update: First Student update and contact
- Bus Patrol camera systems discussion
Curriculum Committee of the Board Meeting
The Colonial School District's Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss new business items, including an annual data check-in, a snapshot of schools, summer school opportunities, and conference requests. The agenda includes public comment periods and is focused on reviewing these educational topics.
- Annual Data Check In with attached minutes and board preview reports
- Snapshot of Our Schools discussion
- Summer School Opportunities discussion
- Conference Requests, including 2023 Title I ISP Conference
Community Relations & Student Life/Safety & Wellness Committee Meetings
The Community Relations & Student Life/Safety & Wellness Committee will meet to discuss a website redesign update and a student extra-curricular activity share-out. The meeting includes public comment periods. No formal votes are listed on the agenda.
- Website redesign update discussion
- Student extra-curricular activity share-out
Finance Committee Meeting
The Colonial School District Finance Committee is meeting to review budget updates for the current and next fiscal years, discuss transportation issues, and consider new business items. Key actions include recommending a $6.75 million transfer from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund and hiring a firm for an enrollment study.
- Transfer $6.75 million from General Fund to Capital Projects Fund
- Recommend Statistical Forecasting LLC for enrollment study
- 2023-2024 budget: wages up 3%, PSERS rate down to 34%, health premiums up 9%
- Seon Camera Project cancelled; Bus Patrol proposal for new bus cameras at no cost
- First Student contract extension proposals under review