Downingtown Area School District public meetings in 2022
16 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
2022-12-07 Board Meeting Agenda
The Downingtown Area School Board will hear a student start time update and approve consent agenda items including the 2023-24 Programs of Study for three high schools, a $8,000 interviewing services contract, a facilities fee schedule upgrade, and several field trips and a science resource pilot. Public comment is invited before action items.
- Approval of 2023-24 Programs of Study for Downingtown High School East, West, and STEM Academy
- Agreement with interviewstream for $8,000 for OnDemand Interviewing services
- Upgrade to Facilities Use Fee Schedule (effective July 1, 2023)
- Approval of field trips including TSA State and National conferences and senior class trip
- Presentation on student start time update
The Board re-elected President Wisdom and Vice President Ghrayeb and established the 2023 meeting calendar. The Board also approved the 2023-24 Programs of Study for the district's high schools and STEM academy. Various consent items including personnel, financial reports, and technology purchases were approved.
- Re-elected President Wisdom (unanimous)
- Re-elected Vice President Ghrayeb (7-2)
- Approved 2023-24 Programs of Study for DHS East, DHS West, and STEM Academy (unanimous)
- Approved $8,000 agreement with interviewstream for interviewing services (unanimous)
- Approved purchase of eHall Pass system for Marsh Creek, Downingtown Middle, and Lionville Middle schools (unanimous)
- Approved participation in PrudentRx Manufacturer Copay Assistance Program (unanimous)
- Approved upgrade to the Facilities Use Fee Schedule (unanimous)
- Approved Science Resource Pilot Proposal (unanimous)
2022-11-30 Committee of the Whole
The Downingtown Area School District Committee of the Whole will discuss and recommend actions on several items, including a $831,647 real estate assessment appeal agreement, approval of audited financial statements for 2021-22, and technology purchases. Notable action items include a $66,850 special education settlement, a $364,500 purchase of interactive projection systems, and a $50,991 license renewal for Raz Plus. The committee will also hear a presentation on the audit and a facilities update.
- Real estate assessment appeal agreement for $831,647 (parcels 11-05-0039.1500 & 11-05-0040.0000)
- Special education settlement agreement for $66,850 (student #7891149399)
- Purchase of Epson interactive projection systems for Downingtown Middle School and Lionville Middle School for $364,500
- Approval of Raz Plus license renewal for K-5 for $50,991.46
- Video surveillance upgrades with HPE-Nimble storage for $65,000
The Committee of the Whole approved the minutes from the November 2, 2022 meeting. Several personnel, curriculum, technology, and facilities items were moved forward to the full board consent agenda for final approval. Other action items were scheduled for full board approval on December 7, 2022.
- Approved November 2, 2022 Committee of the Whole minutes (unanimous)
- Moved interviewstream agreement to full board consent agenda
- Moved field trips to full board consent agenda
- Moved reallocation, sale and disposal to full board consent agenda
- Moved Pick Up Patrol Software to full board consent agenda
- Moved programs of study to full board consent agenda
- Moved science resource pilot to full board consent agenda
- Moved eHall Pass System for MC+DMS+LMS to full board consent agenda
2022-11-09 Board Meeting Agenda
The Downingtown Area School District Board will vote on a consent agenda that includes a revised student discipline policy (218), personnel items, field trips, disposal of old equipment, and approval of financial reports. They will also hear presentations on student achievement data and enrollment.
- Revision to Policy 218 Student Discipline (consent agenda)
- Approval of field trips including Ski Club trips to Vermont and an Art trip to Greece (2024)
- Disposal of old equipment from multiple schools including kitchen equipment, textbooks, cellos, and a 3D printer
- Subscription for Math Fact Fluency website at $5,000 from Curriculum Operational budget
- Personnel items (confidential details not disclosed)
The Board approved several settlement agreements with parents to avoid due process hearings and authorized educational contracts for specific students. Other actions included approving a STEM Academy dust collection system and various student activity clubs.
- Approved three settlement agreements with parents for tuition, attorney fees, and compensatory education (9-0)
- Approved educational services contract with Devereux PA Children's Behavioral Health Services at $325 per school day (9-0)
- Approved educational services contract with The Timothy School (9-0)
- Approved replacement and reconfiguration of dust collection system at STEM Academy (9-0)
- Approved leadership development contract with Colonel Arthur J Athens for student athletes and coaches (9-0)
- Approved 1-year elementary math fact fluency website subscription (9-0)
- Approved MOU with Downingtown Area Education Association regarding STEM Academy Lunch and Learn schedule (9-0)
- Approved establishment of nine student activity accounts, including various STEM and high school clubs (9-0)
2022-11-02 Committee of the Whole
The Downingtown Area School District Committee of the Whole will discuss and recommend actions on several items including a $3,342,030 contract for window replacements at Downingtown and Lionville Middle Schools, high school expansion projects, and multiple special education settlements. The board will also consider technology equipment upgrades, a new contract with The Timothy School, and a policy review on student discipline.
- $3,342,030 window replacement contract at Downingtown and Lionville Middle Schools
- Discussion of high school expansion projects at DHS East and West
- $94,971.48 for VEX equipment upgrades in PLTW and STEM courses
- Three special education settlement agreements totaling $121,400
- $131,800 contract with The Timothy School for special education services
The Committee of the Whole unanimously approved the October 3, 2022 minutes. Several personnel, curriculum, and finance items were moved forward to the full board's consent agenda. Other action items were scheduled for full board approval on November 9, 2022.
- Approved October 3, 2022 Committee of the Whole minutes (unanimous voice vote)
- Moved personnel items to Consent Agenda for full board approval
- Moved field trips to Consent Agenda for full board approval
- Moved reallocation, sale and disposal to Consent Agenda for full board approval
- Moved math fact fluency website subscription to Consent Agenda for full board approval
- Moved STEM dust collection system to Consent Agenda for full board approval
- Moved leadership development contract to Consent Agenda for full board approval
- Moved student activity clubs to Consent Agenda for full board approval
2022-10-12 Board Meeting Agenda
The Downingtown Area School Board will consider a consent agenda including approval of policies for electronic devices (Policy 237), digital technology and acceptable use (Policy 815), and building security (Policy 709). Additional consent items include approval of minutes, disbursements, financial reports, personnel items, and field trips for various grade levels. Reports will be given on enrollment, transportation, strategic goals, and student life.
- Approval of Policy 237 Electronic Devices
- Approval of Policy 815 Digital Technology and Acceptable Use
- Approval of Policy 709 Building Security
- Approval of one-time field trips including Washington DC, Baltimore, NYC, and Hershey
- Approval of personnel items and disbursements
The Board approved several new policies regarding electronic devices, digital technology use, and building security. Additionally, the Board authorized various curriculum contracts, equipment purchases, and facility improvements. All consent items passed with a consistent 8-1 vote.
- Approved Policy 237 Electronic Devices (8-1)
- Approved Policy 815 Digital Technology and Acceptable Use (8-1)
- Approved Policy 709 Building Security (8-1)
- Approved contract with Ruby Bridges for student assemblies (8-1)
- Approved purchase of a kiln for Downingtown East High School (8-1)
- Approved contract with TalkingPoints for multi-lingual communication (8-1)
- Approved real estate tax collection resolution per Act 57 of 2022 (8-1)
- Approved Eagle Scout nature trail project at Brandywine Wallace Elementary (8-1)
2022-10-03 Committee of the Whole
At this Committee of the Whole meeting, the board discusses and recommends approval of numerous consent and action items for the October 12 regular board meeting. Notable items include two special education settlement agreements totaling $160,580, unbudgeted; a staffing agreement with Substitute Teacher Service, Inc.; purchases of curriculum and technology equipment; and updates to District policies on electronic devices, building security, and digital technology use.
- Two special education settlement agreements: $95,000 for compensatory education and $65,580 for tuition and attorney's fees, both unbudgeted
- Addendum to agreement with Substitute Teacher Service, Inc. to provide staffing services
- Purchase of a kiln for Downingtown East High School at $17,685
- Purchase of music stands, chairs, and carts for $14,885
- Purchase of eRate consultation and filing services from CSM for $15,000 over three years
The Committee of the Whole approved the September 7, 2022 minutes. Numerous personnel, curriculum, policy, technology, finance, and facilities items were moved forward to the Consent Agenda for full board approval. Several action items were scheduled for a full board vote on October 12, 2022.
- Approved September 7, 2022 Committee of the Whole minutes (unanimous voice vote)
- Moved personnel items to Consent Agenda for full board approval
- Moved field trips, kiln purchase, music equipment, and various contracts to Consent Agenda
- Moved policies 237, 815, and 709 to Consent Agenda
- Moved eRate consultation services to Consent Agenda
- Moved real estate tax resolution and student activity clubs to Consent Agenda
- Moved SMES soccer goals and BWES nature trail project to Consent Agenda
- Moved PSBA Officer Election to Consent Agenda
2022-09-14 Board Meeting Agenda
The Downingtown Area School District Board will vote on a $13,500 settlement agreement and release with the parents of a special‑education student. It will also approve two personnel contracts—executive coaching for the superintendent up to $8,000 and ACA reporting services for $12,500—and adopt two administrative guidelines. Additional consent items include field‑trip approvals, disposal of unused equipment, and routine approvals of minutes, disbursements and financial reports.
- Approval of $13,500 settlement agreement for special‑education student (Special Education budget source)
- Agreement with Conversations, Inc. for executive coaching up to $8,000 (Human Resources budget source)
- Renewal of Conrad Siegel contract for ACA reporting services $12,500 (Human Resources 2022‑2023 budget source)
- Adoption of Administrative Guideline NO200-AG-2 Certificate of Multiple Occupancy
- Approval of two South Mountain YMCA field trips for grades 9‑12 (no days missed)
The Board approved the purchase of property at 11 Rock Raymond Road and several student settlement agreements. Other actions included approving a coaching contract for the Superintendent and renewing an ESL learning contract.
- Approved purchase of property at 11 Rock Raymond Road (Unanimous)
- Approved agreement with Conversations, Inc. for Superintendent coaching not to exceed $8,000 (7-2)
- Approved 2022-2023 ARP ESSER Health and Safety Plan Guidance (7-1)
- Approved three separate settlement agreements with parents of students in lieu of due process hearings (Various votes)
- Approved renewal of Imagine Learning 3-year contract for ESL (7-2)
- Approved renewal agreement with Conrad Siegel for ACA Reporting Services (7-2)
- Approved Real Estate Assessment Appeal Agreement for a 2020 district-initiated appeal (Unanimous)
- Approved listing of school bus drivers for 2022-2023 (7-2)
September 7, 2022 Committee of the Whole
The Downingtown Area School District Committee of the Whole is discussing and recommending approval of several consent and action items, including the purchase of a property at 11 Rock Raymond Road adjacent to Downingtown High School West for $182,248.91. Other items include special education settlement agreements totaling over $138,000, renewal of contracts for executive coaching and ACA reporting services, and amendments to a fuel delivery contract with a bus company. The committee also reviews policies on electronic devices, digital technology use, and building security.
- Approval to purchase property at 11 Rock Raymond Road, adjacent to Downingtown High School West, for $182,248.91 from the Capital Reserve Fund.
- Approval of a settlement agreement with parents of a DASD student for $68,050 in tuition costs to avoid a due process hearing.
- Approval of an agreement with Conversations Inc. for executive coaching for the superintendent, cost not to exceed $8,000.
- Renewal of an agreement with Conrad Siegel for ACA Reporting Services at $12,500 through Dec. 31, 2023.
- Approval of a contract amendment with George Krapf Jr. and Sons for fuel delivery, locking in prices at Chester County IU cooperative pricing.
The Committee of the Whole approved the August 3, 2022 minutes and moved several personnel, curriculum, policy, and finance items to the full board consent agenda. Other items, including property purchase and settlement agreements, were scheduled for full board action on September 14, 2022.
- Approved August 3, 2022 Committee of the Whole minutes (unanimous voice vote)
- Moved personnel items, Conversations Inc. agreement, and Conrad Siegel ACA reporting to full board consent agenda
- Moved field trips, reallocation/sale/disposal, settlement agreement, and Imagine Learning ESL renewal to full board consent agenda
- Moved Administrative Guidelines NO200-AG-2 and NO202-AG-3 to full board consent agenda
- Moved bus driver approvals and George Krapf Jr. and Sons fuel purchase contract amendment to full board consent agenda
- Moved DASD ARP ESSER Health and Safety Plan Guidance 2022-2023 to full board consent agenda
- Scheduled property purchase and Real Estate Assessment Appeal Agreement for full board action on September 14, 2022
- Agreed that Administrative Guidelines will not be submitted for board approval unless they contain fees, charges, or administrative contracts
August 10, 2022 Board Meeting Agenda
The Downingtown Area School District Board will vote on routine consent items, including approval of July meeting minutes, disbursements and financial reports. It will also approve personnel items and a series of curriculum actions, notably a $21,960 agreement with Educere for an online Japanese Level 2 course and a $16,800 contract with Curriculum Associates for a math intervention resource.
- Approval of July 13, 2022 Board meeting minutes (consent)
- Approval of disbursements (consent)
- Approval of personnel items (budgeted, fiscal impact yes)
- Approval of Japanese Level 2 online course with Educere – $21,960 (curriculum)
- Approval of Curriculum Associates math intervention contract – $16,800 (curriculum)
The Board approved several new curriculum documents and online course agreements for Japanese and Math. It also authorized facility repairs at the Administration Building and the purchase of new network switches and a document management system. All listed action items passed with unanimous votes.
- Approved K-6 PE, K-2 ELA, and 6/7 Accelerated Math curricula (9-0)
- Approved online Japanese courses via Educere and Waseda University (9-0)
- Approved dual enrollment agreement with Immaculata University (9-0)
- Approved roof and steel frame reinforcement at Trestle Place via Detwiler Roofing LLC (9-0)
- Approved purchase of network switches for 16 schools (9-0)
- Approved purchase of Ricoh enterprise document management system (9-0)
- Approved Chester County grant for water bottle filling stations and counselor training (9-0)
- Approved filing of 17 property assessment appeals (9-0)
August 3, 2022 Committee of the Whole
The Downingtown Area School District Committee of the Whole will discuss and potentially approve multiple consent and action items. Key items include a $2,328,000 roof repair at Trestle Place, a $475,000 network switch purchase, and several curriculum contracts and policy updates.
- Standing seam roof repair and structural steel reinforcement at Trestle Place for $2,328,000
- Purchase of network switches for all 16 schools for $475,000
- Agreements for online Japanese courses totaling $25,972.50
- Approval of 17 property assessment appeals and a stipulation agreement increasing revenue by $7,833
- Chester County grant of $40,300 for water bottle filling stations and mental health training
The Committee of the Whole reviewed several personnel, curriculum, and finance items, moving them forward to the full board's consent agenda. Other technology, finance, and facilities purchases were scheduled as action items for the August 10, 2022, meeting.
- Moved personnel items to Consent Agenda for full board approval
- Moved K-6 PE and K-2 ELA curricula to Consent Agenda for full board approval
- Moved 6/7 Accelerated Math curriculum to Consent Agenda for full board approval
- Moved Japanese 2 (Educere) and Japanese 3 and 4 (Waseda University) courses to Consent Agenda for full board approval
- Moved Immaculata University Dual Enrollment Agreement to Consent Agenda for full board approval
- Moved Curriculum Associates and No Red Ink contracts to Consent Agenda for full board approval
- Moved stipulation agreement and 17 property assessment appeals to Consent Agenda for full board approval
- Moved Emergency Instructional Time Resolution to Consent Agenda for full board approval
2022-07-13 Board Meeting Agenda
The Downingtown Area School District board approved several consent items including renewal contracts for student services, approval of field trips, and disposal of outdated equipment. Key actions include a renewal of Lakeside Youth Service for mobile attendance supports at daily rates up to $2,238.50, a contract with Criticare Home Health & Nursing at hourly rates, and a $12,000 consulting agreement with Dr. Bethann Cinelli for health/wellness initiatives.
- Renewal of Lakeside Youth Service contract for mobile attendance supports at $2,238.50/day for daily services
- Contract with Criticare Home Health & Nursing: RN $66/hr, LPN $56/hr, PCA $30/hr
- Renewal of consulting agreement with Dr. Bethann Cinelli for $12,000
- Approval of disposal/reallocation of dozens of items including musical instruments, books, and equipment
- Approval of field trips: Paradise Farms Camp, Cape Cod Environmental Trip, South Mountain YMCA
The Board approved a series of consent items including curriculum renewals, financial reports, and personnel items. They also authorized the installation of food receptacle boxes at two elementary schools and playground upgrades at Springton Manor Elementary.
- Approved Lakeside Youth Service renewal for mobile attendance supports (9-0)
- Approved Criticare Home Health & Nursing contract for nursing and PCA services (9-0)
- Approved renewal with Dr. Bethann Cinelli for health/wellness consulting (9-0)
- Approved Valbridge Property Advisors contract for property analysis at $4,500 (9-0)
- Approved installation of two food receptacle boxes at BCES and EWES at no cost (9-0)
- Approved playground equipment upgrades at SMES via Home and School Association (9-0)
- Approved Delta-T Group, Inc. staffing services agreement for 2022-2023 (8-0, 1 abstain)
- Approved renewals for Healthsmart, SWANK K12, Mystery Science, and MackinVIA (9-0)
2022-07-07 Special Board Meeting
The Downingtown Area School Board is acting on the recommendation to appoint Lisa Strobridge to fill the Region 3 school board director vacancy. The vote was 7-1 in favor. The meeting also includes public comment periods and procedural items.
- Appointment of Lisa Strobridge as Region 3 School Board Director (approved 7-1)
The board interviewed three applicants for the Region 3 vacancy. The board voted to appoint Lisa Strobridge to the position.
- Appointed Lisa Strobridge for Region 3 School Board Director (7-1)
2022-06-15 Board Meeting Agenda
The Downingtown Area School Board will meet to act on a consent agenda including approval of policies, personnel appointments, and curriculum items. Reports from the superintendent on a five-year review and enrollment will be presented. Public input is invited on action items.
- Approval of policies including Social Media (815.3) and Graduation Requirements (217)
- Appointment of David Matyas as School Board Treasurer for 2022-2023
- Renewal of LinkedIn recruiting agreement for $3,750
- Approval of 2022-2023 salaries for 12-month employees
- Approval of one-time field trips including DECA leadership conferences and IB Geography fieldwork
The Board approved a series of consent items including the appointment of a new School Board Treasurer and district delegate. Several district policies were adopted, and multiple curriculum and healthcare service contracts were renewed. The board also approved a settlement agreement regarding ESY services for a student.
- Appointed David Matyas as School Board Treasurer for 2022-2023 (8-0)
- Appointed Michael DeAngelis as district delegate for Chester County Tax Collection Committee (8-0)
- Approved 2022-2023 salaries for 12-month employees (8-0)
- Approved $3,750 LinkedIn recruiting agreement for 2022-2023 (8-0)
- Approved policies on Federal Fiscal Compliance, Social Media, Graduation Requirements, and Resource Materials (8-0)
- Approved Crosstown Agreement with Coatesville Area School District for Air Force Junior ROTC (8-0)
- Approved renewal with Gateway Medical Associates for student physicals at $20 and sports physicals at $25 (8-0)
- Approved settlement agreement with parents of a student for ESY services (8-0)
2022-06-01 Committee of the Whole
This Committee of the Whole meeting includes a presentation on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and action items for personnel and curriculum contracts. The board will consider approving 2022-2023 salaries for 12-month employees, renewals of contracts for Frontline Education ($97,929.43) and Kelly Services, Tang Math software renewal ($105,600), and other curriculum-related contracts. Also notable are the appointment of David Matyas as School Board Treasurer and a settlement agreement for special education services.
- Renewal of Frontline Education contract for $97,929.43 for HR technology solutions
- Tang Math software renewal for $105,600 for K-5 mathematics classrooms
- Appointment of David Matyas as School Board Treasurer for 2022-2023
- Settlement agreement with parents of a special education student for $1,500
- Kelly Services contract renewal for paraprofessional staffing at $25.87 per hour
The Committee of the Whole approved the May 4, 2022 minutes and moved numerous personnel, curriculum, and policy items forward to the full board for final approval. Mr. Brown presented a DEI year in review, and Dr. Lonardi provided clarifications regarding facilities and the 5/6 center.
- Approved May 4, 2022 Committee of the Whole minutes (unanimous voice vote)
- Moved appointment of David Matyas as School Board Treasurer to full board approval
- Moved appointment of Michael DeAngelis as CCTCC district delegate to full board approval
- Moved 12 Month Salaries and LinkedIn Agreement renewal to full board approval
- Moved 14 curriculum items, including field trips and various contract renewals, to full board approval
- Moved policy reviews for Social Media and Graduation Requirements to full board approval
- Moved Lifetouch contract approval to full board approval
2022-05-11 Board Meeting Agenda
The Downingtown Area School Board will receive a presentation on a recommendation from the Late Start Time Committee. The board will also consider consent agenda items including a $15,498.75 contract renewal with Power School for Naviance college readiness software and approval of field trips to Quebec, Disney World, and Australia. The meeting includes recognitions of student and staff achievements and reports from various committees.
- Late Start Time Committee recommendation presented for discussion
- Contract renewal with Power School for Naviance programming at $15,498.75
- Licensing agreement with Junior Achievement for 5th grade BizTown virtual program
- Field trips approved: Quebec City (Feb 2023), Disney World (Feb/Mar 2023), Australia (June 2023)
- Approval of personnel items and financial reports for April 2022
The Board approved a series of consent items, including meeting minutes, disbursements, financial reports, and personnel items. A contract renewal with Power School for College and Career Readiness Programming through Naviance was also approved. The board received presentations on school start times and music area redesigns.
- Approved board meeting minutes from April 6 and April 18, 2022 (8-0)
- Approved disbursements (8-0)
- Approved financial reports (8-0)
- Approved personnel items (8-0)
- Approved contract renewal with Power School for Naviance programming (8-0)
2022-05-04 Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will discuss and take action on the 2022-2023 final general fund budget of $261,416,586, which includes a 3% real estate tax millage increase to 28.558 and a homestead exclusion of $262.19. Additional action items include renewals of telemedicine and prescription insurance agreements, a new five-year Teamsters contract, purchase of elementary ELA curriculum resources, and a settlement agreement for a special education due process case. The meeting also features a presentation on high school construction updates and discussions on several district policies.
- Adoption of 2022-2023 final budget: $261,416,586 general fund with 28.558 millage (3% increase) and $262.19 homestead exclusion
- Renewal of CVS prescription insurance agreement: $500 annual fee plus $0.75 per employee per month for three years
- Approval of five-year contract with Teamsters Local 384 effective July 1, 2022
- Purchase of Wit and Wisdom ELA resource for grades 3-5: $319,794
- Settlement agreement for special education due process: $29,300
The Committee of the Whole approved the March 30 minutes and scheduled a Town Hall meeting for May 24 at the STEM Auditorium. Several personnel, curriculum, and finance items were moved to the full board consent agenda for approval on May 11. The board also reviewed construction project updates for DHSE and DHSW high schools.
- Approved March 30, 2022 Committee of the Whole minutes (unanimous)
- Scheduled Town Hall meeting for May 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the STEM Auditorium
- Moved Personnel Items to full board consent agenda
- Moved Power School contract approval to full board consent agenda
- Moved Junior Achievement Licensing Agreement to full board consent agenda
- Moved Field Trips to full board consent agenda
- Moved Items for Disposal, Reallocation, or Sale to full board consent agenda
- Moved Immaculata University agreement and 2020-2021 tax exoneration to full board consent agenda