Credit: Souderton Area School District
Resident Alex Wisser criticized the absence of state cyber charter reform, costing the district $1 million annually
Souderton Area School District residents took to the podium at the Thursday, Aug. 28, school board meeting to raise a number of concerns, ranging from policy updates to transparency and accessibility.
Alex Wisser expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of policy committee meetings, noting that the district provides an annual fee to the Pennsylvania School Board Association for policy guidance.
“Our community deserves better than paying for memberships that go unused,” said Wisser. “Our community deserves more consistent policy discussions and a clear process for updates. Holding regular committee meetings would ensure accountability, keep us current and make better use of taxpayer dollars.”
Corinne DeGeiso requested additional transparency and accessibility from the board, including the indefinite archival of meeting recordings as well as pre-submission of public comments.
“If we care about the whole community, we should also care for those who cannot physically be present but wish to participate,” said DeGeiso. “These updates would promote belonging and accessibility in the district.”
Wisser additionally criticized the absence of state cyber charter reform, costing the district $1 million annually. Currently, school districts are required to pay flat tuition fees to brick-and-mortar and cyber charter schools, despite the latter’s lower operating costs. A bill to reform cyber charter funding passed the Democratic-controlled State House but has stalled in the Republican-controlled State Senate.
“The Senate majority is letting the bill sit in committee while local taxpayers foot the bill,” said Wisser. “(Republican State Senator Tracy) Pennycuick represents this district, and she needs to hear from all of us. Our students, teachers and taxpayers can’t afford more inaction.”
In response, Superintendent Frank Gallagher said that the district has repeatedly conveyed such concerns to Pennycuick, noting that he serves on a statewide legislative committee for superintendents that regularly meets with legislators.
“Our meeting is next week, and that is always our main topic,” said Gallagher. “We will continue to advocate for that.”
Rosemary Buetikofer voiced unease about the district’s new Fivestar electronic hall pass system, allowing students to sign in and out on their computers. Gallagher replied that the system was implemented to crack down on loitering and vaping in the bathrooms and that the district is already seeing results.
“The feeling in the main corridor is that it’s a lot calmer,” said Gallagher. “Kids aren’t hanging out in bathrooms, which was happening frequently.”
Bruce Hagan inquired about plans to open up the new multi-purpose turf field to community use, noting its limited use by the school district. Gallagher responded that Franconia Township approved the field solely for the district’s use.
“They approved it with the caveat that we can’t rent it out to community groups,” said Gallagher. “We will approach that again with the township.”
The next SASD school board meeting is on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit soudertonsd.org
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