Working to improve middle school curriculum
By Lauren Parker- Gill, News Editor, The Times
CALN – The Coatesville Area School District board of directors continued efforts to correct previous questionable moves by the previous administration and school board by updating employees’ titles and eliminating a key position in the district.
School board president Dean Snyder read a statement regarding the director of technology position previously held by Abdallah Hawa.
School board president Dean Snyder read a statement regarding the director of technology position, previously held by Abdallah Hawa. According to Snyder, the position shows no record of being approved by the school board and therefore, was listed on the agenda to be eliminated for economical reasons, which would result in Hawa being furloughed effective immediately. The board unanimously voted to approve the motion.
According to records, the last approved position for Brad Bentman, current principal of Friendship Elementary School was assistant principal; the board of directors voted to officially name him principal of Friendship Elementary, at his current salary. The same applied to Wayne Wallace, principal of East Fallowfield Elementary School, as he has been functioning as principal, although his last board-approved position was assistant principal. Board members also voted to officially name Wallace as principal, also at his current salary.
The school board voted to approve the hiring of Danielle Nicolino as the assistant principal at Scott Middle School and Matt Rusnak as the assistant principal at South Brandywine Middle School.
A presentation was given regarding starting a chapter of the National Junior Honor Society in the three middle schools in the district. It will cost each school $385 and according to Chemise Taylor, principal at Scott Middle School, will give administrators a chance to highlight deserving students for their service, leadership and character.
Scott Middle School principal Chemise Taylor gave a presentation on starting a chaper of the National Junior Honor Society on the middle schools in the district.
Dr. Kim Donohue, Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum and Learning, spoke of raising the level of academics in the middle schools by adding Pre-AP classes to prepare students for AP classes in high school. The district is working directly with the College Board regarding adding these classes to the curriculum.
“Our district is the first district in Chester County to work directly with the College Board.” Superintendent Dr. Cathy Taschner stated.
Also board approved is the district’s proposal to cover the costs of the payment and administration of PSAT test for 10th and 11th-grade students and the SAT test for all 11th-grade students in the district.
School board members also approved the proposal and purchase of landscaping services with Anastasi Landscaping at the administration building and the high school campus to help offset the buildings and grounds workers who are currently occupied with other projects in the district.
Added to the agenda Tuesday was the proposal to hire Shaad Detective Agency for security guards and security assistance at the high school campus, as the district was not satisfied by the services they had during the past school year. Taschner went on to say the administration received the public’s feedback and believe the new agency has more experience with schools. The board approved the motion.
Finally, school board members unanimously voted to approve the high school marching band’s trip to Washington D.C. July 4, 2017, to participate in the National Independence Day Parade.
Before adjourning the meeting, Snyder stated that Taschner’s performance review is available on the district website and also announced that former athletic director James Donato’s sentencing will be held Aug. 12 at the Chester County Courthouse at 9 a.m. for those who wish to attend.
