During their Feb. 17 meeting, the Exeter Township School District Board of School Directors was presented with results of the competitive bond sale, which took place Jan. 13, by Jamie Schlesinger of Public Financial Management and an update from Justin Istenes on the Transportation Center Project.
It was previously reported to the board that the total building construction cost estimate is approximately $1,785,000. A potential savings of $257,000 could occur if items, such as wash bay equipment and one bay be removed. Stakehouse Bensinger provided an estimate cost if the feature site was balanced or without considerable grading issues is $1,700,000, but construction costs related to options C and D are $2,845,000 and $2,531,000. The total property is approximately 89 acres of which 750,000 sq. ft. can be developed on the entire site.
It was recommended that the board approve revised graduation requirements. According to the revised policy, “students must achieve (which would include) course completion, completion of a graduation project for students graduating prior to 2017, demonstration of proficiency in the Keystone Algebra I, Biology, and Literature exams for students graduating in 2017 and beyond, and completion of community service” in order to graduate.
The graduating classes of 2015 and 2016 are currently required to complete course-credit requirements, a graduation project, and 30 hours of community service.
In other news, the purchase of a portable snow removal system, which is expected to cost $24,900, raised concern from board member Carole Kutscher.
“We can’t possibly lease this, can we?” suggested Kutscher. In the end, the board approved the proposal from sole source vendor, Quintin Machinery.
Retirements, resignations, appointments and leave of absences were all approved with little commentary except for the requested retirement of Suzanne L. Blankenbiller, Owatin Creek Certified Nurse and organizer of the Community Health Fair. The board members noted their appreciatation for her dedication in organizing the fair and expressed concern over its future.
The board then approved staff conferences that were featured on the agenda, however, “Counselor Day” organized by the University of Pittsburgh raised commentary from the members. It was suggested that the estimated fee of $312 should be negotiated with the university or paid-in-full since they are in sense trying to “sell themselves” to the counselors.
Other approvals included student field trips, adoption of the 2015-2016 school calendar, 2015-2016 Soaring Eagle Program of Studies Catalogs for both Junior and Senior High School students and staff, and tuition agreements with New Story (Kenhorst Campus) and Valley Forge Educational Services.
The meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.
