Minutes 2025-03-10

York Suburban Board of School Directors
Planning Meeting
March 10, 2025 – 7 p.m.
York Suburban High School Cafeteria

MINUTES
(Approved March 24, 2025)

 

1.0 Call to Order – The planning meeting of the York Suburban Board of School Directors convened on Monday, March 10, 2025, in the High School Cafeteria. Board President Mrs. Schroeder called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

2.0 Pledge of Allegiance – Following the call to order, Mrs. Schroeder led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.

3.0 Roll Call – Ellen Freireich, Nicole Hesson, Richard Robinson, James Sanders, Rolanda SanMartin, Lois Ann Schroeder, Steve Sullivan, and Ashley Turner (Absent: Pinal Desai)

4.0 An opportunity was provided for public comments on agenda items.

    • Andrew Ruth (Spring Garden Township) commented on the February 24, 2025, meeting minutes regarding the Committee of the Whole meeting structure.
    • Chris Sanders (Springettsbury Township) commented on the Springettsbury Township Board of Supervisors meeting held on February 27, 2025. 

5.0 Student Board Representative Report – Ms. Escano Henriquez highlighted several school events and student achievements. 

6.0 Board President’s Report – Mrs. Schroeder reported that the Board met in executive session at 6:15 pm on February 24, 2025, to discuss student discipline and at 6:00 pm on March 10, 2025, to discuss confidential student information. No official action was taken. 

7.0 Administrative Reports and Discussion Items

7.1 Superintendent’s Report – To celebrate Music in Our Schools Month, the Middle School Jazz Band and High School String Quartet performed. YS Music Department Chair, Ashley Markey, highlighted the importance of music in education and its positive impact on students and the broader community.

7.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report – Chief Timothy Damon and Corporal Christopher Boyce of the York County Regional Police provided an informative presentation on their School Resource Officer (SRO) program. They outlined the daily duties of an SRO and the role of an SRO within the school. [Link to SRO presentation]

7.3 Chief Financial and Operations Officer’s Report –  Mrs. Kendig presented the following items for discussion and will seek Board approval on March 24, 2025.

7.3.a. Mr. Wentz of Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates – Architects provided a summary of the proposals for Civil Consulting Engineering Services for the additions and renovations to the York Suburban High School. After reviewing all proposals, including anticipated timelines, fees, and a list of potential other services, CRA feels that Steckbeck Engineers is the best value for the work proposed.

7.3.b. Approval of the Service Agreement with Yellow Breeches Educational Center for three elementary placements in 2025-26 at $38,894 per student, with optional transportation for up to three students at a rate of $23,191.00. 

7.3.c. Approval of the Agreement for a School-Based Peer Support Group for Grieving Children and Adolescents with the Caring Foundation – Highmark Caring Place at no cost for twenty-four months. 

7.3.d. Approval of the Business Associate Agreement and the Memorandum of Agreement with Family First Health for student medical, dental, behavioral, and social services from March 5, 2025, through May 31, 2026, at no cost. 

7.3.e. Approval of the renewal of the LIU 12 Joint Purchasing Board Electric Participation Agreement and NRG contract for 2027 electricity procurement.

7.3.f. Appoint Saxton & Stump as the District’s solicitor (due to the current solicitor, Stock & Leader, joining that firm), for the period of April 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025, and for the 2025-2026 school year, in accordance with the Engagement Letter dated March 7, 2025.

7.4 Director of Communications and Community Relations Report – Mrs. Fourhman discussed the District’s website and mass communications platforms. She outlined the RFP process and options for a new vendor to provide these services. Board approval for a three-year contract will be recommended at the March 24, 2025 meeting. [Link to March 10, 2025 presentation]

8.0 Action Items

8.1 The Board unanimously approved the following items as part of a consent agenda.
Motion, Freireich, Second, Turner; Approval. Roll Call Vote, 8 members present, Motion passed 8-0.

8.1.a. February 24, 2025 Minutes 

8.2.b. Personnel Report

8.1.c. Contract with Excel Lighting Services.

8.1.d. 40-month quote with PowerSchool.

8.1.e. Proposal by ePlus Technology Inc. to provide firewall hardware and three-year licensing. 

8.1.f. Policy 109.1 (New) – Library Resources

8.1.g. Policy 711 (New) – Small Unmanned Aircraft

8.1.h. Policy 807 – Opening Exercises/Moment of Silence/Flag Displays

8.1.i. Policy 815 – Acceptable Use of Technology, Internet, and Network Resources

8.1.j. Policy 815.1 (New) – Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education

8.1.k. Policy 817 (New) – Livestream Video

9.0 Informational Items

9.1 Lincoln Intermediate Unit Report: Highlights were presented from the March 4, 2025 Board Meeting.

9.2 York Adams Academy: No report.

9.3 Legislative Update: Mr. Robinson provided updates on current legislative committee work.

9.4 York Adams Tax Bureau: No report.

9.5 York County School of Technology: The February 27, 2025 Mini-Board Report was provided. Mrs. Schroeder highlighted that the 2025-2026 budget was approved.

10.0 Mrs. Schroeder thanked everyone for attending the meeting.

11.0 A second opportunity was provided for public comments.

    • Danny Barker (Springettsbury Township) commented on the Board President’s report concerning the Sunshine Act.
    • Mary Beliveau (Springettsbury Township) commented on the District’s budget. 
    • Mary Hawkins (Spring Garden Township) commented on the construction and renovation projects.
    • Sarah Reinecker (Spring Garden Township) commented on the school board election.
    • Chris Sanders (Springettsbury Township) commented on the school board election.
    • Cathy Shaffer (Spring Garden Township) provided general comments, specifically regarding the new board meeting agenda structure and new building construction.
    • One electronic public comment was received. Danny Barker (Springettsbury Township) commented on Board governance and leadership.

12.0 Board Comments – No comments were made. 

13.0 The meeting was adjourned at 9:28 p.m.

Posted in SB-Minutes