Centennial School District — Transcript
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Student Bullying and Administrative Response
School-wide LGBTQ+ Events and Symbols
School District Budget and Financial Planning
Property Tax Rebate Program
Summer Reading Take-Home Book Packs Program
Staff Professional Development and Conferences
School Infrastructure and Equipment Purchases
Policy Adoption (Electronic Devices)
Votes (8)
Multiple Personnel, Student Trip, Conference, Service, and System Support Approvals
Dissent: One unnamed member voted against Policy 237 Electronic Devices and Administrative Registration (item 3.6).
Moved by Board Member (implied) [Timestamp Unavailable] · Seconded by Mr. Ginhard [Timestamp Unavailable]
The board considered six new business items in unison, including personnel changes, approval for William Tennant High School speech and debate students to attend a national tournament, approval for Dr. Dana T. Bettton to attend a superintendent summit, a professional service agreement for English Language Development systems, and a retroactive service agreement for PIMS support. A brief discussion occurred regarding the PIMS contract's duration and purpose, specifically for onboarding new staff due to recent turnover in data management. After initial collective approval indication, Policy 237 was noted to have a dissenting vote.
Summer Reading Take-Home Book Packs for K-5
Dissent: Mrs. Lynch and Mr. Martin explicitly voted no, along with two other unnamed members.
Moved by Board Member (implied) [Timestamp Unavailable] · Seconded by Mrs. Crossen [Timestamp Unavailable]
The item proposed the continuation of the summer book pack program at a cost of $49,986.21, now funded through the regular budget after ESSER funding expired. Discussion centered on the program's perceived effectiveness given low survey response rates, whether it constituted a 'pet project,' and the financial implications for taxpayers. Alternatives like opening school libraries were suggested. Proponents emphasized the program's role in preventing summer learning loss and providing books directly to students, especially those without library access.
Multiple Education-Related Approvals
Moved by Board Member (implied) [Timestamp Unavailable] · Seconded by Dr. Magcguire [Timestamp Unavailable]
This block approval included several items related to education and student services: a service continuation agreement with Belief Learning, database licenses and software renewals, adoption and purchase of world language textbooks, and purchase of library books for Davis Elementary and McDonald's Elementary (funded by donation), and an affiliation agreement with Millersville University for a nursing program. These items were approved collectively without individual debate on each, following a committee report.
Purchase of Library Books for William Tennant High School
Moved by Board Member (implied) [Timestamp Unavailable] · Seconded by Mrs. Saddowski [Timestamp Unavailable]
A board member, Mr. Martin, raised concerns about two specific book titles, 'Jane Against the World' (related to reproductive rights) and 'One Person No Vote' (on voting equity), suggesting they might present a singular viewpoint. He advocated for ensuring the library also offers alternative perspectives on such complex issues. Despite his concerns, he did not request to pull the item for a separate vote or vote against it, only asked for an opportunity to review the 'One Person No Vote' book if acquired.
Manager of Technology Conference Request
Dissent: Mrs. Brinkado voted no.
Moved by Board Member (implied) [Timestamp Unavailable] · Seconded by Mrs. Crossen [Timestamp Unavailable]
The board considered approving an out-of-state conference for the Manager of Technology in Scottsdale, Arizona, at a cost not exceeding $1,900. Mrs. Brinkado expressed opposition due to budget constraints and the individual having attended multiple conferences already, suggesting in-state or online alternatives. Other board members emphasized the importance of continuous education in cyber security and technology for staff, citing past district issues related to inadequate data management and funding implications.
Kitchen Equipment and Postage Machine Approvals
Moved by Board Member (implied) [Timestamp Unavailable] · Seconded by Mr. Saddowski [Timestamp Unavailable]
The board approved two items from the Finance Committee: an award of bid for four double combine ovens for the district's food services and a five-year lease and service contract for a postage machine. These items were approved without discussion.
Shuttle Busing for Southampton Days
Moved by Board Member (implied) [Timestamp Unavailable] · Seconded by Board Member (implied) [Timestamp Unavailable]
The board approved the use of 15 school buses, 15 drivers, one truck, and one mechanic for shuttle busing during Southampton Days on July 4, 2025, at a cost not to exceed $4,350. A board member noted this is a long-standing community service, and a $3,000 donation is received from the event, which goes to the Centennial Education Foundation, effectively reducing the net cost to the district.
Purchase of Used Backhoe
Dissent: Mrs. Brinkado and one other unnamed member voted against the purchase.
Moved by Board Member (implied) [Timestamp Unavailable] · Seconded by Board Member (implied) [Timestamp Unavailable]
The board considered awarding a bid for a used 2018 Kabco backhoe at $75,800, including a trade-in. Mrs. Brinkado questioned the purchase, citing a lack of prior information on rental costs ($600/day) and the claimed usage of 30-40 hours per month for tasks like snow plowing, landscaping, and water main repairs, arguing that such high usage didn't align with local needs. The Director of Business Affairs noted the last backhoe was purchased 27 years ago, suggesting this was a long-term investment.
Notable Quotes (13)
Um, this is after the fact, I grant you. of the part-time employee that will be getting a certain amount of money, $400 a day. It is stated in that it is on request. So, it doesn't mean how long the term will be for that employee. I was curious if anyone in the room has any idea the length of this person. It's the pins contract.
This is onboarding our new folks to the PIM system. Remember, we had a lot of turnover last summer in really critical areas when it comes to data management, both child accounting and registration and PIMS. So, we've been using um the IU to help support that learning and help with some of those reporting in the first year.
Out of 2,300 books, which may equate to 1,000 or 8 900 individual customers, you got back like 30 something. That's that's like a return of about 2%. that that I I've never done a survey in my life where a return is 2% and said this is a wonderful thing to me our budget is not good $50,000 could be saved very easily if kids want books they could go to library...
This is using OTL money that's been already budgeted to purchase books for earliest readers for our taxpayers. This is going back to families. This gives them ownership of books.
I think there's a better way. No one is against reading. So my vote will be no and I'm sorry but it is a budget item without any grant funding. It falls on the taxpayers. Thank you.
I am in favor of buying the books. I'm not in favor of banning any books. However, I looked over the title of every book that's on the list. There's one or two that raise a question and my point is if we buy a book that expresses one particular point of view, I don't have a problem with that. We should be looking to buy an alternative book that expresses a different point of view so the children have the opportunity to get both sides of an issue if they choose to do that.
The other one which is even more interesting is called one person no vote. How not all votes are treated equally. Well, I would like to know how the hell that happens and all votes aren't treated equally. I I but I can't see that because that book's not available right now. So, I think we ought to take that one off the list.
I would I would really like to cut down on the amount of conferences outside the state of Pennsylvania. I know it says $1,900, but I do believe that this is uh the manager of technology has gone on multiple conferences and I'm not saying that in any negative way about the manager of technology. I just think if we're trying to watch our money, um, unless it's in the state of Pennsylvania or something like something extreme, we need to curb it for a little while because we are facing a huge increase. That's just my That's just my feeling. And I I realize I'm only one person.
I think it's imperative that we um continue to educate our staff and regardless of where it is, we need to have that information so it can be shared throughout our Zoom. Everything is available. Everything is not available through Zoom.
The only the only comment I wanted to make is this is something we've been doing for years. Um and they also make a donation to us. What was the donation amount amount, Mr. Greenwood? $3,000. So, it's really not costing us $4,350 and the foundation. Yeah. It goes to CF. Excuse me. The donation is made to CEF. So, it all comes back around.
I just want to point out I asked two questions. I asked previously how much does it cost to rent a backhoe and how many times we use it per year and nobody got back to me and I asked it twice so maybe somebody forgot...
It's on average. I looked at a couple. I called a different place. $600 a day. Yeah. If they're available. Yeah. Um and and how many times use them on average anywhere from depending on the months they vary obviously in amount of snow probably an average to 30 or 40 hours a month...
No, we don't do 30 to 40 hours a week for a backup when we like this year when we plowed we use it to plow the larger parking lots because our trucks won't do it. We don't get that much. No, we don't live in Denver. We live in Warman.
Ordinances & Resolutions (6)
State form for property tax/rent rebate program, required for district rebate eligibility.
Policy pertaining to electronic devices and administrative registration, adopted by the board.
Request for Proposal for postage machine lease and service.
Bid for four double combine ovens for kitchen equipment.
Bid for one used 2018 Kabco backhoe.
Data management system for which the district approved a service agreement for support.