Souderton School Board to revisit policy revisions following Democrats’ transparency requests

 A series of meeting policy revisions failed on second reading at the Souderton Area School Board meeting Thursday, January 22 after the newly-elected Democratic board members requested increased transparency and public participation.

A revised membership policy was the first to fail after board members Corinne DeGeiso, Rosemary Buetikofer, Alex Wisser and Andrew Souchet called for language outlining a specific process for filling vacancies, citing the board’s controversial reappointment of William Brong at a special November meeting following the sudden resignation of board member Nicholas Braccio.

The four Democrats were elected in November, ending a Republican monopoly of school board elections, but the board retained a 5-4 Republican majority.

DeGeiso and Wisser also requested that a student representative be added to the board, pointing to other regional school districts with student board members.

In response, Superintendent Frank Gallagher expressed a long-held interest in student representation on the school board and agreed to gather information about the matter at his next area superintendents’ meeting.

“I’m going to be asking other superintendents who has it and what does that structure look like,” said Gallagher. “I’m happy to do that homework since it’s something I’ve wanted. I think we’re ready to look at this idea in further detail.”

A revised meetings policy also failed after DeGeiso, Wisser and Souchet requested a provision for the public availability of draft minutes prior to board approval as well as a mechanism for three board members to add items to the agenda for discussion.

In response, Assistant Superintendent Christopher Hey said that language for amending the agenda was added to the policy following the last policy committee meeting.             

Additionally, a second reading of a revised policy on broadcasting board meetings failed after DeGeiso, Buetikofer and Wisser called for a provision allowing virtual public comments at board meetings. They noted that such comments are already permitted at emergency meetings. Other board members did not comment on the request.

The policy revisions will return to committee for further discussion and review.

High school tennis court renovation project

The board approved the construction of a new concrete tennis court at the high school.

The current court is 17-years-old, past its 15-year life expectancy, said Director of Business Affairs Michael Taylor. The $574,173.24 project will be funded by a bond issuance and includes a 50-year warranty, Taylor added.             

While supporting the construction of an asphalt court, board members Brong, DeGeiso and Wisser voted against the concrete base, characterizing it as expensive and unnecessary.

Construction is scheduled for this summer.

Halteman Gate

Superintendent Frank Gallagher informed the community of an upcoming traffic study for the permanent opening of the security gate at the high school’s back entrance off Halteman Road. The move follows community concerns about traffic congestion and the obstruction of emergency personnel.

The gate is currently being opened in the morning and for a half hour in the afternoon, said Gallagher. He added that the gate can be unlocked by both district and emergency personnel and that further updates are forthcoming.

Indian Valley Middle School track resurfacing

The board approved the resurfacing of the Indian Valley Middle School track, with the goal of matching the track at Indian Crest Middle School. The $740,041.42 project will be funded by a bond issuance. Construction is scheduled for the summer.

The next Souderton School Board meeting is on February 26 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit soudertonsd.org.

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