Parkland School Board Directors were honored with a Science, Engineering, Technology, Math and Medicine (STEMM) themed night which served as a tribute. We thank the Board who volunteers countless hours of time to Parkland School District every year! Students and staff also thanked them for providing the unique learning opportunities that are showcased in the videos linked below.

Elementary Maker Space Showcase

https://www.periscope.tv/w/1mrGmNwRekQJy

MS Technology Education

OMS: https://youtu.be/TdYYweRcW9Y

SMS: https://youtu.be/2cNjcfuE-d0

PHS Biomedical Science Launch

https://youtu.be/HK7oEJTLntE

2016-17 Mid-Year Goals Review

Dr. Rod Troutman, Assistant Superintendent, gave an update on the year’s goals and recapped the past year in leading us to the launch of Full-day Kindergarten this past fall.

Kelly Rosario, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development, reviewed the writing progress made to date in Full-day Kindergarten by sharing writing samples over time for several students. She also showcased how purposeful play is incorporated into the writing prompts.

http://www.boarddocs.com/pa/parkland/Board.nsf/files/AHSV2N746134/$file/Full%20Day%20Kindergarten%20Writing%20Progress.pdf

View the district goals update here:

http://www.boarddocs.com/pa/parkland/Board.nsf/files/AHSU4N7172B9/$file/2016-2017%20Mid-Year%20Goals.pdf

Resolution Not to Exceed the Act 1 Index

The Board passed a resolution not to exceed the Act 1 Index tax rate of 2.5% for the 2017-18 school year.

Hiring of an Architect

The Board hired KCBA Architects to provide architectural and engineering design services for the design and construction of a new elementary school that will house students in the ever-growing southwestern corner of the District. The project is planned for a fall 2020 opening. The location of the new school has not yet been announced.

Morning Call article: http://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-parkland-school-architect-0124-20170124-story.html

The Community Advisory Council met to discuss the Budget Process this month and clarified misunderstandings about charter school funding. The next meeting is Feb. 16.

The PA Governor is scheduled to give a budget address on Feb. 7th. Property Tax Elimination continues to be at the forefront of school district’s minds as it threatens to limit local control of schools and funding for schools, technical schools, Intermediate Unites and Community Colleges.

Everyone appreciated the Board Recognition Activities and Presentation noting that the staff and students were quite impressive, articulate and passionate. They also commended Rod for the goals update and Kelly for the kindergarten writing progress report.

Bob congratulated Rich Sniscak for being inducted into Allen’s Athletic Hall of Fame for his time as a coach there in the 90’s.

The Academics, Athletics and Arts Committee will meet on Feb 6 at 7:30 AM instead of Feb 13 next month.