The WSSD Board of School Directors gathered on Feb. 27 for their monthly meeting. The meeting was held in the Strath Haven Middle School library and live-streamed on the WSSD YouTube channel. The official board meeting agenda is on the district website.
Student Report
Senior Supraja Sudarsan summed up the February high school experience, highlighting the success of the Young Activists Coalition Black History Month assembly, the annual Chris King Game, and Singing Valentines. She announced the upcoming dates for the high school performance of Grease: Mar. 3, 4 10, and 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Mar. 5 and 12 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.
Superintendent Report
Superintendent Dr. Wagner Marseille introduced PeopleBench. PeopleBench is a school workforce improvement company, according to its website. WSSD will use the platform to survey the well-being of teachers in the district and ensure the most effective way to support the staff in the school workplace. The board approved the proposal with PeopleBench and authorized the district to enter into a contract with the company in a motion that passed 9-0.
Dr. Marseille acknowledged recent student awards. Freshman Casper Stockman was selected as an award winner in the 2022 Congressional App Challenge. Seniors Ava Centenzo, Catherine Cozub, Aashna Pandey, and Chelsea Wen will be inducted into the National Technical Honor Society at the Delaware Technical School Folcroft Campus on Mar 22 at 7:00 p.m. Senior Nathaniel Bartlett’s team placed first in the Welding Fabrication Team Competition at the SkillsUSA District 2 Regional Competition.
Dr. Marseille announced Mar. 23 as the date for International Night. The community will share cuisine, customs, and culture from 6-8 p.m. at the high school.
He addressed the Feb. 7 Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruling that found that PA’s funding of its schools is unconstitutional and must be reformed. WSSD may not see a significant change in the dollar share within the state educational funding due to its socioeconomic status. However, district funding is not keeping up with the special education program, according to Marseille.
He announced upcoming meeting dates. A meeting will be held regarding King Field and the turf management on Mar 2. There is a strategic plan community meeting on Mar. 11 at 9:00 a.m. in the middle school.
Access to Committee Meetings
After a community petition was presented at last month’s regular school board meeting, the board discussed streaming committee meetings at length. Committees such as Policy, Facilities and Finance, and Wellness Advisory meet periodically between regular monthly board meetings. Marseille emphasized the need to make board decisions and discussions accessible to the public, but concerns were raised by some board members that streaming may change the candid conversations that happen during the committee meetings.
Public Comment
Parent Alexandria Detweiler expressed concern about the state of the high school pool.
She proposed the idea that the pool could garner profit for the school by providing swimming lessons in off school hours or hosting birthday parties through the third-party management that manages the pool.
Motions
A contract with King’s Mill for the junior prom venue for the class of 2025 passed 9-0.
The next board meeting is Mar. 27 at 7 p.m. in the middle school library.
