1 The School District of Philadelphia Board of Education Public Meeting Minutes May 26, 2022 A public meeting of the Board of Education was held in hybrid format on May 26, 2022. Some Board Members, select staff, and some registered speakers participated in-person, while others participated remotely. Members of the general public who did not attend in-person participated via Zoom meeting platform. The meeting was convened at 4:00 p.m., by Joyce Wilkerson, President, followed by a moment of silence and remarks made by Board Member Thompson regarding the lives of the 19 students and two teachers lost to violence in the Uvalde, Texas elementary school shooting. President Wilkerson reported/commented on the following: ● Recognition of William R. Hite Jr., Ed.D, Superintendent as he serves as Superintendent and Board Secretary for his final Board of Education meeting following a ten year tenure, and acknowledgement of the many accomplishments under Dr. Hite’s tenure
● Brief remarks shared on Action Item 28 - Honorary High School Diplomas to Veterans - Operation Recognition ● Recognition of 60 teachers who received the Lindback Award for Distinguished Public School Teachers ● Announcement of the End of Year Celebration which will be held in June to honor Seniors of the Month and Teachers of the Month ● Recognition of teachers who earned certification and recertification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards ● Recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ● Announcement that the deadline for applications for the 2022-2023 student board representative positions has been extended to June 24, 2022 A video tribute was shared to capture the Board of Education’s appreciation for Dr. Hite’s commitment to the children of Philadelphia. President Wilkerson invited Mayor Jim Keeney, to share a few words and present Dr. Hite with a citation from the City of Philadelphia.
Vice President Egea-Hinton made announcements concerning recording, copyright, participation in, and viewing of the meeting. Board Member Fix Lopez provided a brief legislative update: ● The Governor’s education budget proposal, which includes significant funding increases for Basic Education, Special Education, and the Level Up initiative, as well charter school funding reforms to align payments with costs, is built into the District’s Lump Sum Budget and Five Year Plan. ● The Philadelphia community is urged to advocate to their state representatives, state senators, and the Governor and demand that the legislature pass the Governor’s education budget proposal.
2 Roll Call, Minutes, Announcements Lynn Rauch, General Counsel, announced that the Board of Education met in Executive Session on April 28 and May 5, 12, 19 and 24, to discuss privileged, confidential, quasi-judicial charter matters. Ms. Rauch also announced that the Board of Education met in Executive Session on May 26, 2022 to discuss privileged, confidential, personnel, labor relations, and investigations matters, and information or strategy in connection with the lawsuit Sergeant v. The School District of Philadelphia, U.S. Dist. Ct. E.D. Pa, No. 22-CV-1509 (alleging the School District’s school selection process violates the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions). Ms. Rauch conducted Roll Call. Members Present: Ms. Danzy , Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez , Ms. Salley (remotely), Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson (remotely), President Wilkerson – 7 Attending: William R. Hite, Jr., Ed.D., Superintendent, and Rebecca Allen, Student Board Representative
The minutes from the April 21, 2022 meeting of the Board of Education were presented for approval. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0 Committee Reports Board Member Thompson provided a report from the Parent and Community Advisory Council, including: ● Congratulations to each of the members of the Parent and Community Advisory Council who submitted an application to serve as a member of the Board of Education and congratulations to Elyse Castillo who was named as one of the eight finalists selected by the Educational Nominating Panel. ● Advisory council members participated in the District-held facilities planning process and provided valuable feedback and input. ● Advisory council members have assisted families in registering for kindergarten enrollment. ● Recognition of advisory council member Dr. Rev. Chandra Williams’ son, who recited a poem at
the “Our City, Our Future” Senior Class Celebration held at the Dell Music Center. ● Advisory council members met on May 19, 2022, to provide feedback on Board Policy 918 - District-wide Parent and Family Engagement . Student Board Representative Rebecca Allen reported on her and fellow Student Board Representative Armando Ortez’s activities, recognized all high school seniors as they prepare for graduation, and reminded rising 11th and 12th graders that the application for the 2022-2023 Student Board Representative position is open until June 24, 2022. Student Board Representative Allen also provided remarks on Action Item 48 - Contract with Tailwinds, LLC - Frankford Aviation Program ($45,000) noting that the program provides students with opportunity and access to possible careers in aviation that they may have otherwise been unable to consider or be exposed to. Additionally, Student Board
Representative Allen highlighted Action Item 30 - Authorization to Purchase Uniforms and School Supplies for Students Experiencing Homelessness ($1,300,000) and stated the importance of this action
3 item and how critical it is for students experiencing housing insecurities to have access to the basic necessities to attend school. Student Board Representative Rebecca Allen urged the Board of Education to vote to approve Action Items 48 and 30. Superintendent Remarks President Wilkerson invited Dr. Hite to provide remarks. Dr. Hite reported/commented on: ● Tragic shootings in Buffalo, NY and Uvalde, Texas ● Lindback Award for Distinguished Public School Teachers ● Summer Programming Dr. Hite invited the following staff to provide reports on the following topics: ● Larisa Shambaugh, Chief Talent Officer, Staffing Update Presentations President Wilkerson invited, Uri Monson, Chief Financial Officer to provide a presentation related to Action Items 66 - Adoption of Amended Operating Budget for 2021-2022 and Operating Budget for 2022-2023 - Added 5.18.2022 (Update 5.26.22), Action Item 72 - (Division of Action Item 66) Adoption of
Amended Capital Budget for 2021-2022 and Amended Capital Program for 2022-2027, and Adoption of a Capital Budget for 2022-2023 and a Capital Program for 2023-2028 (Updated 5.26.22), and Action Item 73 - (Division of Action Item 66) Approval of Agreement with the Philadelphia Intermediate Unit to Provide an Educational Program for 2022-23 (Updated 5.26.22). Mr. Monsoon provided an overview of the FY23 Operating Budget, noting major changes to the budget since the April 21, 2022 Board of Education Budget Hearing, including changes to city real estate tax revenues, accounting for losses in food services, expansion of the Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) office, $3 million to support extended use of facilities, revised FY21 Average Daily Membership (ADM) resulting in higher FY22 charter costs of more than $16 million, greater than anticipated spending of federal funds in FY22, and
continued updates to year-end revenues and expenditures based on real time data. Mr. Monson also provided an overview of the FY23-27 Five-Year Plan – Operating & Federal Relief Funds and reviewed the budget adoption timeline. President Wilkerson invited Peng Chao, Interim Chief of Charter Schools and Innovation to provide an update from the Charter Schools Office. Mr. Chao provided an overview of the Charter School Performance Framework and a review of all schools included in the 2021-2022 renewal cohort. Mr. Chao highlighted 13 of the 22 schools included in the 2021-2022 renewal cohort and highlighted those schools which the charter schools office is recommending be given a 5-Year Renewal or a 5-Year Renewal with conditions. Subsequently, Mr. Chao highlighted three schools included in the 2021-2022 renewal cohort that the Charter Schools Office does not have a final recommendation for and sought guidance from the Board of Education on how to proceed.
Public Testimony and Registered Student and General Speakers Board Member Salley acknowledged the receipt of, and summarized written testimony submitted to the Board, noting that the Board received seven (7) pieces of written testimony from: ● Dr. Sonia M. Rosen ● Margaret Hogan ● Andrea Moselle ● Sophia Saunders ● Ani Nenkova ● Liz Mullen ● Jessica Ackert
4 Complete copies of the written testimony are included with the meeting materials. The meeting was opened to the public for presentation of statements by registered student speakers and general speakers. Ms. Rauch provided the applicable provisions of the speakers’ policy for the meeting. The following individuals spoke: The following individuals spoke about the Philip H. Sheridan School and expressed concerns regarding equity and the lack of an functioning and adequate HVAC systems: ● Jayden Hughes, Student ● Ronald Perez, Student ● Cindy Hernandez, Student ● Deyn Smith, Student ● Julia Nunez, District Staff Member Edy Lai, student, expressed concerns regarding the facilities planning process and the possibility of schools closing across the District as a result of the process. Abigail Gorman, student, expressed concerns regarding the District’s decision to return to universal masking. Maha Abashera, student, expressed concerns regarding issues that students are facing throughout the
District including student mental health and bias in how students are treated. Councilman Isaiah Thomas, city council member, expressed concern regarding Action Item 69 - Contract with ABM Industries, Inc for Contracted Custodial Services ($66,330,000) and urged the Board of Education to consider the importance of supporting local businesses and ensuring that local businesses have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the School District’s procurement process. Lynda Rubin, community member, expressed concerns regarding Action Item 29 - Amendment to The Memorandum of Understanding with Center for Supportive Schools and asked questions to understand how the funds from the 2020-2021 school year were used. Ms. Rubin also expressed sadness for the tragedy that occured in Uvalde, Texas. Stephanie Wheeler, parent, shared the positive experience that she and her children have had at Mastery Cleveland Charter School and urged the Board to renew the school’s charter.
The following individuals expressed concerns regarding the District’s decision to return to a district-wide mask mandate: ● Ana Atach, Parent ● Kimberly Ewing, Parent ● Angela Boyer-Boggs, Parent ● Michael Gorman, Parent ● Elizabeth Mullen, Parent ● Anna Szymanski, Parent ● Arietta Marcus, Parent ● Priscilla Lo, Parent ● Suzanne Shaheen, Parent
5 Lisa Haver, Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools, expressed concerns regarding the order in which the Board takes their votes during the meeting and the length of time it takes for the Board to engage in progress monitoring on Goals and Guardrails. Ms. Haver also expressed concerns regarding the Board’s speaker policy and procedures. Angela McIver, parent, expressed concerns regarding the proposed budget and the District’s proposed funding allocation for student athletics. The following individuals urged the Board not to approve the proposed FY23 budget until each school is allocated the funds to support five critical key positions throughout the District as follows: assistant principal, lead math teacher, lead literacy teacher, climate manager, and special education compliance manager: ● Amy Faulring, Reclaim Phila ● Rochelle Nicols-Solomon, POWER Interfaith ● Rachel Honore, Parent ● Lilah Saber, POWER Interfaith ● Rev. McKinley Sims, POWER Interfaith
● Cindy Farlino, Community Member Ilene Poses, community member, expressed concerns regarding Action Item 65 - Contract with Chester County Intermediate Unit for Philadelphia Virtual Academy Online Educational Services and Supports ($51,400,000) - Added 5.9.2022. Ms. Poses also expressed concerns regarding the decision to hold community meetings for the facilities planning process virtually. Barbara Dowdall, Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools, expressed concern for lost books and expressed the need for each school to have their own librarians. Eric Hitchner, parent, expressed how important school libraries are to the school community and urged the Board and Dr. Hite to take action on making sure that all schools have libraries. Cheri Micheau, community member, expressed concerns regarding equity throughout the school selection process, community input, and English language learners. Diane Payne, community member, expressed concern regarding Action Item 3 - Application for and
Acceptance of Funds from Various Grants ($700,000,000) (Updated 5.26.22) and requested public transparency and a breakdown of how the funds will be used. Goals and Guardrails Board Member Salley introduced and she and Board Member Streater facilitated the Board’s Goals and Guardrails monitoring session to review progress toward High School Goals 4 & 5. Goal 4 is the percentage of students who are proficient on all three state high school assessments (Algebra, Literature, and Biology) by the end of their 11th grade year will grow from 26.1% in August 2019 to 52.0% by August 2026. Goal 5 is the percentage of Career and Technical Education (CTE) students who pass an industry standards-based competency assessment by the end of their 12th grade year will grow from 54.5% in August 2019 to 80.0% in August 2026. Dr. Hite provided a review of information that influenced the development of these goals and the specific
indicators to measure the District’s progress. Dr. Hite also provided an update on five key questions the Board had when these goals were last monitored in October 2021, a review of progress on the Leading Indicators based on Quarter 2 grades and Fall and Winter performance data for the 2021-22 school year,
6 and an update on the implementation of the strategies identified by the Leadership Team to address the root causes related to high school performance. The following staff provided reports: ● Dr. Tonya Wolford, Chief of Evaluation, Research, and Accountability ● Dr. Malika Savoy-Brooks, Chief of Academic Support ● Michelle Armstrong, Executive Director, Career and Technical Education ● Ali Robinson-Roger, Deputy Chief, Postsecondary Readiness ● Dr. Abigail Gray, Deputy Chief, Office of School Culture and Climate Following Dr. Hite and team’s presentation, the Board engaged in a discussion and question and answer period. Board Member Streater stated that the Board has accepted the Superintendent’s report on the progress toward High School Goals 4 & 5. Board Member Streater summarized the action steps that were outlined by the Superintendent and his team, including a Comprehensive Staffing Plan from the Office of Talent
which included increased support and initiatives to get Career and Technical Education teacher candidates to take their technical skill assessment, review of certification status and support plans, and a consulting teacher and CTE-specific classroom and instruction support. Board Member Streater also noted that from Winter 2020-21 to Winter 2021-22, the percentage of students in grades 9-11 scoring At or Above Benchmark on both Star Reading and Star Math decreased by about 11% points, which the District reported was mainly due to the change in cut scores for Star Math. Subsequently, from Fall to Winter 2021-22, the percentage of students in grades 9-11 scoring At or Above Benchmark on both Star Reading and Star Math increased by about 2 percentage points. Board Member Streater acknowledged the District’s report that there have been several challenges to the implementation of Common planning
time, however 71% of teachers reported participating in common planning time once a week or more. Additionally, Board Member Streater noted the District has a number of programs and initiatives designed to improve academic achievement among high school students. Attendance (and school climate) are highly correlated to high school academic achievement. The District instituted Tier One School Climate Programming in high schools which included all schools and teachers having access to evidence-based Universal Screeners, the Academic Framework, grade level curriculum and instructional guides, mental and behavioral health supports, and school wide climate programs. In addition to summarizing action steps presented by Dr. Hite and his team, Board Member Streater also summarized anticipated actions that the District will present in an effort to support progress toward High School Goals 4 & 5. These anticipated actions included possible Memorandums of Understanding
submitted by the District to work with organizations to support work-based opportunities to effectuate career-connected learning. Lastly, Board Member Streater also identified several key follow-ups that the Superintendent and his team should bring up the next time the Board monitors progress toward High School Goals 4 & 5, including While the District was not able to provide updated data for Goal 5 due to NOCTI exams not being offered, the District will provide an update at the end of the school year, information on which of our CTE programs have SOAR agreements and whether there is a correlation between career clusters with SOAR agreements and higher pass rates on the NOCTI, and data related to whether CTE students’ leaving CTE schools have failed a CTE course; where there is student fall-off/drop-out, the District will look into where these students are going, track and measure the resources and supports provided to new CTE teachers, specifically
certification, adaptive learning materials that are on grade level, teacher mentors, and District coaches, and also request supplemental materials earlier in the future. Consideration of Action Items
7 President Wilkerson described the process of how Action Items will be presented for consideration. ● The personnel Action Items, Nos. 7, 8, 9 , 10; and Action Item Nos. 5, 13, 16-17, 19-21, 24-25, 27-29, 32, 40-41, 44-45, 47-49, 51-54, 56-58, 60, 63-64, and 70-71, will be considered separately. ● Action Item Nos. 6, 12, 34, and 36 were withdrawn by staff. ● Action Item Nos. 1-3, 11, 14-15, 18, 22-23, 26, 30-31, 33, 35, 37-39, 42-43, 46, 50, 59, 61-62 and 65-69, & 72-73 will be presented together.
Item No. 1. Acceptance of Grant from Pennsylvania Department of Education - PAsmart Advancing K12 Computer Science & STEM Education Grant ($335,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 2. Acceptance of Donation form the Lindy Charitable Foundation-Playground Equipment Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 3. Application for and Acceptance of Funds from Various Grants ($700,000,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 6 No: 0 Abstention - Ms. Salley - 1
Item No. 4. Review of Proposed Board Policies (REVIEW - NO ACTION) - Updated 5.18.2022 Board Members requested that Policy 714 - Facilities Rightsizing return to the Policy Committee for further review.
Item No. 5. Memorandum of Understanding with The City of Philadelphia - Out of School Time Summer and School Year Programming Board Members Fix-Lopez and Danzy asked clarifying questions around when services would be offered and expressed a need to ensure that out of school time programming is available and that families are aware of the opportunity to access before- and after-school care. Board Member Thompson expressed concerns regarding the HVAC systems in school buildings and asked for clarifying information on how school buildings will be selected. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7
Item No. 6. Contract with KJR Consulting for Professional Development ($550,000) - WITHDRAWN BY STAFF
Item No. 7. Approval of Personnel Hires - Updated 5.18.2022 Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 8. Approval of Personnel Terminations (Updated 5.26.2022) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 9. Administration's Recommendation for Termination of Professional Employees (Updated 5.26.2022) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 10. Approval of Retirements and Resignations (Updated 5.26.2022) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 11. Payments to Department of Human Services, Pennsylvania School Police and IDEMIA/MORPHO USA ($280,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 12. Contract Amendment with EMS LINQ, Inc. ($110,000) - WITHDRAWN BY STAFF
Item No. 13. Contract with Lancaster-Lebanon IU13 for Act 168 Services ($45,000)
9 Board Member Salley expressed concerns regarding purchasing of software and wants to see analysis on what is being done in house and licensing software; and requested to defer spending until there is a software strategy. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 14. Contract with MetaSource - Document Imaging and Indexing ($141,800) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 15. Request for Approval of Act 80 Exception - Instructional Time Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 16. Contract with Stantec Architecture & Engineering LLC for Professional Design Services for the Hamilton Disston Elementary School ($2,281,820) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 17. Change Orders With Various Vendors ($512,922) Board Member Salley requested a timeline for an audit of the change order process and analysis of trends. Board Member Thompson expressed concerns regarding the purpose and reason for each change order and asked clarifying questions to understand why the change orders are occurring and expressed strong concerns with change orders that indicate design errors as the reason.
10 Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 18. Contract with Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority - SEPTA ($43,000,000) Yes: Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 19. Amendment of Contract with Various Schools - Own Bus Transportation for Students ($6,308,702) Board Member Thompson asked clarifying questions about why this action item appeared on the Board of Education agenda rather than the agenda of the Intermediate Unit. Yes: Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 20. Authorization of Non-School Bus Vehicles Purchases from Various CoStars Vendors - $3,000,000 Board Member Salley expressed concerns regarding information sharing and expressed a request for a comprehensive strategy and stem analysis. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 21. Contract with Anthem Flags, Inc. for Flagpole Repair Services - $600,000 Board Member Salley expressed concerns regarding the amount of time needed for this contract. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 22. Amendment to Contracts with Bimbo Bakeries and Amoroso's Baking Company- Bread and Rolls ($3,900,000)
11 Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 23. Amendment to Contract with Balford Farms - Milk & Beverage Products ($8,000,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 24. Amendment to Contract with Metropolitan Foods, Inc., dba Driscoll Food for Groceries and Provisions ($11,800,000) Board Member Thompson expressed concerns regarding the selected vendor. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 25. Contract with the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health - Cafeteria Food Safety Inspections ($95,000) Board Member Thompson asked about the legal requirements associated with this contract. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 26. Amendment to Contract with United Refrigeration-Refrigeration Part Supplies ($250,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 27. Contract with R. F. Design & Integration, Inc. for CCTV Security System Installation ($2,500,000) Board Member Thompson asked how the District intends to ensure that the equipment being installed is not stolen or removed from the building. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7
Item No. 28. Honorary High School Diplomas to Veterans - Operation Recognition Board Member Salley requested that the application process for the honorary high school diplomas for veterans be made public. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 29. Amendment to The Memorandum of Understanding with Center for Supportive Schools Board Member Thompson requested performance data on how the program is supporting students and if the program is sufficiently meeting student needs. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 30 Authorization to Purchase Uniforms and School Supplies for Students Experiencing Homelessness ($1,300,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 31 Contract with Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 32 Amendment to Contracts with Multiple Vendors - Services to Schools in High-Crime Communities as part of the Project Prevent Grant from US Department of Education Board Member Thompson requested performance data on the success of this type of programming. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 6 No: 0
13 Abstention: Ms. Salley - 1
Item No. 33. Authorization of Head Start Parent Activity Fund ($90,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 34. Contract with The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania - Philly AIMS Comprehensive Professional Development for Teachers of Students with Autism in Kindergarten Through Fifth Grade ($450,000) - WITHDRAWN BY STAFF
Item No. 35. Memorandum of Understanding with University of Pennsylvania - Rising Senior Summer Academy Summer Programming ($1,170,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 6 No: 0 Abstention - Ms. Fix-Lopez - 1
Item No. 36 Contract with AARP Foundation - School-Based Support Services (maximum of $22,500 per school)" - WITHDRAWN BY STAFF
Item No. 37 Contract with Philadelphia Youth Network – Office of Career and Technical Education WorkReady Programs ($350,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 38. Contract with WestEd - Professional Development, Coaching, and Consultative Services for
K-12 Teachers of English Learners Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 39. Amendment of Contract with LanguageLine Solutions - Telephonic Interpretation Services ($85,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7
Item No. 40. Contracts with EBS Healthcare A Stepping Stones Group Company, Progressus Therapy, AMN Healthcare, and Therapy Source – Substitute Related Services ($6,327,363) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 41 Contracts with Various Vendors for Online Web-Based Tele-Therapy Platforms for the Remote Delivery and Provision of Student Therapeutic Related Services ($400,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 42 Contract with Main Line Audiology Consultants, – Audiology Services ($89,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 43 Contracts with Deaf Hearing Communication Centre, Inc. for Sign Language Interpretation Services at School Board Public Action Meetings and other School District Sponsored Events ($24,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 44 Contracts with Deaf Hearing Communication Centre, Inc. and for Substitute Sign Language Services and CART Services ($360,000) Board Member Thompson asked if this service is being utilized throughout the District. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 45 Contracts with Various Pennsylvania Approved Private Schools and Private Schools - Out of District Special Education Regular School Year Student Placements ($136,809,948)
15 Board Member Thompson asked about the strategy being used to slow down the use of these services and the District’s capacity to begin carrying out these services. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Ms. Fix Lopez, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 5 No: 0 Abstention - Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Salley - 2
Item No. 46 Amendment with KickUp Online Coaching Platform ($27,782) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 47 Contract with Council of the Great City Schools - Academic Program Review ($40,000) Board Member Salley expressed concerns regarding how the review conducted by the selected vendor will align with Dr. Watlington’s comprehensive plan and review of the District. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson - 5 No: Ms. Salley - 1 Abstention - President Wilkerson - 1
Item No. 48 Contract with Tailwinds, LLC - Frankford Aviation Program ($45,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 49 Contract with Center for Black Educator Development - Summer Programming ($99,999) - Added 5.6.2022 Board Member Thompson asked about who is being trained through this programming. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 50. Amendment of Contracts for Asbestos Abatement for Various Schools - Associated Specialty Consulting, Inc., Delta/BJDS, Inc., Diamond Huntbach Construction Corporation, Pepper Environmental Services, Inc., and Prime Group Remediation, Inc. ($9,000,000) - Added 5.9.2022
16 Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 51. Amendment to Authorization to Purchase Subsidized Food Products From Various USDA Food Processors ($9,500,000) - Added 5.9.2022 Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 52 Amendment to Contract with Smart Partners LLC - USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program ($1,850,000) - Added 5.9.2022 Board Member Salley expressed concerns and asked that the Board consider deferring the action item. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 6 No: Ms. Salley - 1
Item No. 53 Capital Awards at Various Locations - Gessler Construction Company (WBE), Robert Michaels and Associates, Allstates Mechanical, Ltd., Palman Electric Inc., Five Star Mechanical Inc., Hyde Electric Corporation ($9,861,570) - Added 5.9.2022 Board Member Salley expressed concerns and asked that the Board consider deferring the action item. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 6 No: Ms. Salley - 1
Item No. 54 Contract with AKRF, Inc. for Green Stormwater Infrastructure Maintenance ($1,655,077) - Added 5.9.2022 Board Member Salley expressed concerns and asked that the Board consider deferring the action item. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 6 No: Ms. Salley - 1
Item No. 55 Contract with Faye Business Group for Asana Project Management Software ($90,000)- Added 5.9.2022
17 Board Member Salley expressed concerns and asked that the Board consider deferring the action item. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 6 No: Ms. Salley - 1
Item No. 56 Contract with J. P. Mascaro & Sons - Waste Management, Trash Removal and Recycling Services ($21,200,000) - Added 5.9.2022 Board Member Salley expressed and asked that the Board consider deferring the action item. Board Member Thompson expressed concerns regarding the procurement process and asked why the District made the decision not to republish the RFP. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez,Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 57 Contract with Practical Energy Solutions (PES), a division of SSM Group, Inc. dba Spotts, Stevens, and McCoy, to provide energy consulting services to support SDP compliance with the Building Energy Performance Program BEPP regulatory requirements ($1,437,996.38) - Added 5.9.2022 Board Member Salley expressed concerns and asked that the Board consider deferring the action item. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Mr. Streater, President Wilkerson – 6 No: Ms. Salley, Ms. Thompson - 2
Item No. 58 Contract with Various Vendors - Asbestos Removal Supplies ($875,000) - Added 5.9.2022 Board Member Salley expressed concerns regarding the action item and asked that the Board consider deferring the action item. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 6 No: Ms. Salley - 1
Item No. 59 No Costs Contract and Right of Entry with Noresco - Comprehensive Energy Audit at Various Schools
18 Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 60 Parent Flat Rate Payment for Transportation Expenses ($36,000,000) Board Member Thompson expressed that the community has raised concerns regarding the efficiency of the program and amount of time that it takes for families to receive their payments, and requested that staff be re-education on the procedures and parameters around their decision to opt-into the program. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 61 Amendment of Contract with SEON Design (USA) Corporation - Transportation Management System ($225,000) - Added 5.9.2022 Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 62 Ratification to Authorize Additional Funds for an LCA and Contract with E3 Diagnostics, Inc.- Audiometer Calibration and Repair ($22,435) - Added 5.9.2022 Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 63 Contract with The City of Philadelphia - Out of School Time Summer Programming ($5,000,000) - Added 5.9.2022 Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 64 Contracts with Global Arena, Language Translation Services and Para-Plus for Special Education Translation and Interpretation Services ($1,500,000) - Added 5.9.2022 Board Member Thompson asked about the rate at which the services outlined are being utilized and if schools are aware of the services. Board Member Thompson also asked about what is being done to ensure that money being approved by the Board of Education is being utilized to provide these services to families in need of them.
19 Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 65 Contract with Chester County Intermediate Unit for Philadelphia Virtual Academy Online Educational Services and Supports ($51,400,000) - Added 5.9.2022 Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 66 Adoption of Amended Operating Budget for 2021-2022 and Operating Budget for 2022-2023 - Added 5.18.2022 (Update 5.26.22) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 67 Contract with Granicus, LLC - Electronic Board Meeting Management System ($87,000) - Added 5.18.2022 Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 68 Contract with Resource Associates, Inc. for Professional Grant Writing for Competitive Opportunities ($375,000) - Added 5.19.2022 Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 69 Contract with ABM Industries, Inc for Contracted Custodial Services ($66,330,000) - Added 5.19.2022 Board Member Salley questioned whether the Board of Education would consider comments shared by Councilman Isaiah Thomas during the public speaker portion of the meeting and requested that this item be deferred. Board Member Fix-Lopez asked about why the vendor was selected rather than a local company. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 6
20 No: Ms. Salley – 1
Item No. 70 Contract with Council of the Great City Schools ($38,450) - Added 5.23.2022 Board Member Salley expressed concerns regarding the relationship between the Board, School District of Philadelphia, and the Council of Great City Schools noting that she believes that we may be under-utilizing other schools and groups in the area that could support the District and the Board in their efforts. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson - 6 No: Abstention: President Wilkerson - 1
Item No. 71 Ratification of Contract with Joseph and Associates LLC to provide transition services ($450,000) Added 5.23.2022 Board Member Salley asked about the intended relationship between the selected vendor and the incoming superintendent administration. Board Member Salley noted that the law suggests that there should be three superintendents serving within the School District of Philadelphia. Ms. Rauch, General Counsel, responded. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 72 (Division of Action Item 66) Adoption of Amended Capital Budget for 2021-2022 and Amended Capital Program for 2022-2027, and Adoption of a Capital Budget for 2022-2023 and a Capital Program for 2023-2028 (Updated 5.26.22) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 73 (Division of Action Item 66) Approval of Agreement with the Philadelphia Intermediate Unit to Provide an Educational Program for 2022-23 (Updated 5.26.22) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7
21 No: 0 Adjournment President Wilkerson announced that the Board will be holding its next regularly scheduled Action Meeting on June 23, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 11:31 p.m. Joyce S. Wilkerson, President Board of Education William R. Hite, Jr., Ed.D. Superintendent
The School District of Philadelphia Board of Education Public Meeting Minutes May 26, 2022 A public meeting of the Board of Education sitting as the Board of Directors of the Intermediate Unit was held on May 26, 2022. The meeting was convened at 11:30 p.m. by Joyce Wilkerson, President. Roll Call, Minutes Lynn Rauch, General Counsel, conducted Roll Call. Members Present: Ms. Danzy , Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez , Ms. Salley (remotely), Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson (remotely), President Wilkerson – 7 Members Absent: 0 Attending: William R. Hite, Jr., Ed.D., Executive Director The minutes from the March 24, 2022 meeting of the Board of Education were presented for approval. Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0 Consideration of Action Items The following Action Items were presented for formal action by the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Intermediate Unit 26:
Item No. 1. Application for and Acceptance of Funds from Various Grants for Intermediate Unit 26 ($100,000,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 2. Amendment - Extension of Grant End Date - Safe School Targeted Non-Public Schools Equipment and Program Competitive Grants ($1,000,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7
No: 0 No: 0
Item No. 3. Contract with Bridges: School to Work - Transition Program ($90,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 4. Contract with Elwyn – Additional Year of Early Intervention Services for Eligible Students ($3,200,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 5. Authorization of IDEA, Part B Sub-award Agreements with Various Charter Schools – Special Education Services ($25,000,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 6. Contract with QBS, Inc., for Safety Care Training ($300,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 7. Contract with STAR Autism Support, Inc. – Professional Development for Teachers of Students with Autism in Grades 6 Through 12. Philadelphia Secondary Autism Project ($247,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 8. Contract with Progressus Therapy, LCC and EBS Healthcare, Inc., Provision of Behavioral and ABA Therapists ($300,000) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7
Item No. 9. Contracts with Approved Private Schools, Private Schools, Alternative ESY Sites, and Alternative Special Education Settings – For Summer 2022, 2023, and 2024 Extended School Year Programs for Students in Out of District Placements ($18,156,135) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 6 No: 0 Abstention: Ms. Salley -1
Item No. 10. Contracts with The Camelot Schools of Pennsylvania, LLC, and Community Council Education Services, Inc. - Alternative Special Education Settings ($2,278,116) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 11. Contract with The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania - Philly AIMS Comprehensive Professional Development for Teachers of Students with Autism in Kindergarten Through Fifth Grade ($450,000) - Added 5.12.2022 Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 5 No: 0 Abstention: Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley - 2
Item No. 12. Adoption of Philadelphia Intermediate Unit No. 26 Operating Amended Budget for 2021- 2022 and Philadelphia Intermediate Unit No. 26 Operating Budget for 2022-2023 - Added 5.18.2022 (Updated 5.26.22) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7 No: 0
Item No. 13. (Division of IU12) Approval of Agreement with the School District of Philadelphia to Provide an Educational Program for 2022-23 (UPDATED 5.26.22) Yes: Ms. Danzy, Vice President Egea-Hinton, Ms. Fix Lopez, Ms. Salley, Mr. Streater, Ms. Thompson, President Wilkerson – 7
President Wilkerson announced that the Board will be holding its next Action Meeting on June 23, 2022 On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 11:41pm Joyce S. Wilkerson, President President Board of Education William R. Hite, Jr., Ed.D. Executive Director