Colonial School District, DE

Board Business Meeting

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee will discuss refinancing the Series 2020 and Series 2022 General Obligation Bonds to reduce interest expenses. Administration is seeking committee approval to proceed with the refinancing process.

• Proposed refinancing of Series 2020 and Series 2022 General Obligation Bonds
• Discussion of Public School Infrastructure Improvement Grant

Board Business Meeting

The Colonial School District Board approved the 2026-2027 final budget and related tax rates. The budget totals $168,847,053, and the real estate tax rate increased by 3.50% to 27.422 mills.

• Adoption of 2026-2027 Final Budget ($168,847,053)
• Real estate tax rate increase to 27.422 mills
• Central Montco Technical High School budget approved ($11,945,525)
• Approval of 2026-2027 tax rates and billing dates
• Approval of 2026-2027 MCIU Special Education Cost Plan

The Colonial School District Board approved the 2026-2027 final budget of $168,847,053, which includes a real estate tax rate of 27.422 mills, a 3.50% increase. The board also approved the Central Montco Technical High School operating budget, tax rates, and several other administrative items, all by unanimous 7-0 votes. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

• Adopted 2026-27 final budget of $168,847,053 with 3.50% tax increase (7-0)
• Approved 2026-2027 Central Montco Technical High School operating budget (7-0)
• Approved 2026-2027 tax rates, fees, and billing dates (7-0)
• Approved MCIU special education cost plan of $1,347,837.06 (7-0)
• Approved bids for art supplies, general school supplies, and paper products (7-0)
• Approved Wonderspring rental rates for before/after-school and summer camp programs (7-0)
• Approved transfer of CES renovation surplus to fund Plymouth Elementary roofing project (7-0)
• Approved cabinet and CASEA administrator compensation plans effective July 1, 2026-June 30, 2030 (7-0)

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee will discuss using surplus funds from the completed Colonial Elementary School project to partially fund a Plymouth Elementary roof replacement. The estimated surplus as of May 31, 2026 is $50,536, and the administration recommends allocating that full amount to the roof project. The committee will also receive a budget update for 2025-2026 through May 2026. No final decisions are being made at this meeting; the items are for discussion and information only.

• Proposed use of $50,536 surplus from Colonial Elementary School project for Plymouth Elementary roof (partial payment)
• 2025-2026 budget comparison through May 2026 to be presented by Mr. Digian
• Estimated surplus balance of $0 after proposed allocation

The Finance & Audit Committee approved allocating approximately $50,536 in surplus funds from the completed Colonial Elementary School project toward the Plymouth Elementary School roof project as a partial payment, reducing the remaining balance to $0. The committee also reviewed the 2025-2026 budget update through May 2026, noting expenditures in special education and other areas. No public comment was made, and the meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

• Approved allocation of ~$50,536 surplus from Colonial Elementary School project to Plymouth Elementary School roof project (unanimous)

Facilities Management & Transportation Committee Meeting

The Facilities Management & Transportation Committee will hear a summer cleaning and projects update and discuss a security update. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is informational and discussion-only.

• Summer cleaning and projects update (information item)
• Security update (discussion item)

The Facilities Management/Transportation Committee met and received informational updates only. No formal decisions, approvals, or votes were made. The committee discussed summer cleaning procedures and a security update, including an active shooter drill and the district's beta use of ZeroEyes AI technology.

• No formal decisions or votes were recorded at this meeting

HR Committee Meeting

The HR Committee will meet to discuss human resources staffing. The agenda consists primarily of an information item regarding staffing updates.

• Human Resources Staffing Update

The HR Committee received a staffing update from Director Colleen Techtmann covering retirements, resignations, vacancies, recruitment, and student teacher placements. No formal decisions or votes were made; the meeting was informational only.

• No formal decisions or votes taken

Board Business Meeting

The Colonial School District Board will vote on accepting $4,758,664.23 in state property tax relief for the 2026-2027 school year and setting a maximum homestead/farmstead tax reduction of $467.57. The board also will elect a treasurer, approve a real estate tax installment payment plan, and act on routine items including financial reports, minutes, and personnel changes.

• Accept $4,758,664.23 in property tax relief under Special Session Act 1 of 2006, with $17,051 exclusion per homestead to yield $467.57 max reduction
• Elect Mark Digian as Board Treasurer for a one-year term starting July 1, 2026
• Approve Real Estate Tax Installment Payment Plan with three equal installments due Aug 15, Sep 30, Oct 31; 2% discount period July 1-Aug 31
• Appoint Beth Patruno as PSBA voting delegate for the 2026 Delegate Assembly
• Approve April 2026 financial reports and treasurer's report

The Colonial School District Board approved accepting $4,758,664.23 in state property tax relief for 2026-2027, setting a maximum tax reduction of $467.57 per eligible homestead or farmstead. The board also ratified a five-year collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local Union No. 384, appointed McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC as solicitor, and approved numerous financial reports and educational service contracts. All motions passed unanimously with seven members voting in favor.

• Approved $4,758,664.23 property tax relief with $467.57 max reduction (7-0)
• Ratified Teamsters Local Union No. 384 agreement for 2026-2031 (7-0)
• Appointed McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC as solicitor for 2026-27 (7-0)
• Approved April 2026 financial reports and treasurer's report (7-0)
• Approved educational services contracts for 2026-27, including Vanguard School tuition (7-0)
• Approved real estate tax installment payment plan (7-0)
• Approved settlement and release agreement (7-0)
• Approved summer personnel hiring authority for superintendent (7-0)

Curriculum Committee of the Board Meeting

The Curriculum Committee of the Board will hear presentations and updates on four new business items: Conference Showcase 2025-2026, AP Business with Personal Finance, Educational Technology in Our Schools, and an Art Show Reminder. Public comment will be taken on agenda items before and after new business. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is a discussion-only session.

• Conference Showcase 2025-2026 update
• AP Business with Personal Finance course update
• Educational Technology in Our Schools presentation (1,904 KB file attached)
• Art Show reminder and planning

The Curriculum Committee of the Colonial School District Board met on May 11, 2026, and received updates on professional conference takeaways, the AP Business with Personal Finance course, and educational technology use. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational, with staff presentations and public comments. The committee heard that the AP Business course will run in two sections next year and that the district is updating it to align with Pennsylvania's personal finance requirements.

• No formal decisions made; meeting was informational

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee will discuss the 2026-2027 budget, which projects a deficit to be covered by a proposed tax increase of 3.50% (0.927 mills). The committee will review the budget update and the final proposed budget, which was approved by the School Board on April 16, 2026.

• Review of 2026-2027 budget update
• Discussion of 3.50% tax increase (0.927 mills)
• Review of 2025-2026 budget comparison
• Public comment on agenda
• Review of 2026-2027 Final Proposed Budget

The Finance Committee reviewed the Proposed Final Budget for 2026-2027, which projects a $3.897 million deficit and recommends a 3.50% real estate tax increase (0.927 mills) to a proposed rate of 27.422 mills. The budget is available for public inspection, with final adoption scheduled for the June 8, 2026 Board Meeting. The committee also received an update on the 2025-2026 budget, noting increased special education costs and other expenditures. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational only.

• Reviewed 2026-2027 Proposed Final Budget with recommended 3.50% tax increase (0.927 mills) to 27.422 mills
• Noted 2025-2026 budget update through April 2026, including special education cost overruns
• Scheduled final budget adoption for June 8, 2026 Board Meeting

Board Business Meeting

The Colonial School District Board of School Directors approved the proposed final budget for 2026-2027, totaling $168,847,053 with a real estate tax increase of 0.927 mills (3.50%). The board also approved several new business items including assessment appeal settlements, an educational services agreement with Bucks County Intermediate Unit, and a staffing agreement addendum with GHR Healthcare for substitute services. Additionally, the board ratified minutes, financial reports, the treasurer's report, and a personnel report.

• Adopted proposed final budget 2026-2027: $168,847,053, tax rate 27.422 mills (increase of 0.927 mills)
• Approved stipulations to settle assessment appeals for Parcel #65-00-09967-30-9 and Parcel #49-00-09247-00-1
• Approved educational services agreement with Bucks County Intermediate Unit for as-needed services
• Approved staffing agreement addendum with GHR Healthcare LLC for substitute nursing and instructional aide services effective July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
• Approved March 2026 financial reports and treasurer's report

The Colonial School District Board approved the 2026-2027 Proposed Final Budget totaling $168,847,053, a 3.59% increase over the prior year, including a real estate tax increase to 27.422 mills. The board also approved several other items, including assessment appeal settlements, an educational services agreement, and a staffing agreement addendum. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

• Approved 2026-2027 Proposed Final Budget of $168,847,053 (7-0)
• Approved assessment appeal settlements for two properties (7-0)
• Approved educational services agreement with Bucks County Intermediate Unit (7-0)
• Approved staffing agreement addendum with GHR Healthcare LLC (7-0)
• Approved STS Agreement addendum rate classification change (7-0)
• Approved Board Policy #907 School Visitors revisions on second read (7-0)
• Approved out-of-state student trips to Morgan State University (7-0)
• Appointed Tomas Santiago as MCIU Board representative (7-0)

Community Relations & Student Life/Safety & Wellness Committee Meetings

The Colonial School District’s Community Relations & Student Life/Safety & Wellness Committee will meet to discuss follow-ups with student club representatives, a new conflict resolution room program at CMS and PWHS, and updates to the bullying policy and procedures. The meeting is procedural with no formal decisions listed on the agenda.

• EIB – Student Club Representatives Follow-Up
• Resolve Room Program at CMS & PWHS
• Bullying Policy and Procedures

The Community Relations & Student Life/Safety & Wellness Committees met on April 13, 2026, and heard updates from student affinity clubs, the Resolve Room program, and bullying policies. No formal decisions or votes were taken; the meeting was informational only.

• No formal decisions or votes were recorded; all items were discussion only

Curriculum Committee of the Board Meeting

The Curriculum Committee of the Board will meet to discuss several new business items. The agenda includes updates on artificial intelligence and the curriculum cycle, as well as a discussion on writing, structured literacy, and legislation.

• Artificial Intelligence Update
• Curriculum Cycle Update
• Writing, Structured Literacy, & Legislation

The Curriculum Committee received updates on the district's AI Roadmap, including pilot programs for MagicSchool and Brisk, with a final tool selection expected by May/June 2026. Staff also reviewed the curriculum cycle, structured literacy mandates under Pennsylvania Acts 135 and 47, and a K-3 writing pilot scheduled for October 2026. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational, with public comments on Chromebook use and screen time.

• No formal decisions made; meeting was informational
• AI tool final determination deferred to May/June 2026
• K-3 Writing Pilot scheduled for October 2026-January 2027
• Cursive handwriting instruction may move to second grade next year

HR Committee Meeting

The HR Committee will meet to discuss information items regarding employee benefits. The session includes a presentation on transitioning supplemental plans from Aflac to Symetra and a review of the New Year, New Steps Wellness Incentive.

• Transition from Aflac to Symetra for Supplemental Plans
• Review of New Year, New Steps Wellness Incentive

Facilities Management & Transportation Committee Meeting

The Facilities Management & Transportation Committee will meet to review information regarding the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan. The body will also hold a discussion concerning a Master Library update.

• 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan
• Master Library Update

The Facilities Management/Transportation Committee reviewed the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan for Years 2-5, noting that no new projects were added but existing ones were shifted or deferred. The elevator project was moved up to Year 3, and a grant application was submitted for potential funding. The committee also received an update on facility rentals, reporting 10,392 approved requests out of 12,616. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was informational.

• Reviewed 5-year Capital Improvement Plan for Years 2-5 (no vote)
• Noted elevator project moved to Year 3 (no vote)
• Submitted grant application for elevator project (no vote)
• Received facility rental update: 10,392 of 12,616 requests approved (no vote)

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee is reviewing the Proposed Final Budget for 2026-2027, which projects a $3,896,839 deficit. The committee is discussing a proposed tax increase of 3.50% (.927 mills) to fund this deficit. The body is also reviewing existing taxation rates and fees for the upcoming year.

• Proposed 2026-2027 budget with a ($3,896,839) million deficit
• Proposed tax increase of 3.50% (.927 mills) for a new rate of 27.422
• Real Estate Tax Certification Fee of $25 per property
• Act 511 Earned Income Tax Rate of 1%
• Real Estate Transfer Tax Rate of 1%

The Finance Committee approved the Final Proposed Budget for 2026-2027, which includes a 3.50% tax increase (0.927 mills, new rate 27.422) to cover a projected $3,896,839 deficit. The budget will be presented at the April 16, 2026 School Board Meeting for public review. The committee also discussed taxation rates, fees, and billing dates, noting no changes from the prior year, and received an update on the 2025-2026 budget, which remains in line with expectations.

• Approved 2026-2027 Final Proposed Budget with 3.50% tax increase (0.927 mills, new rate 27.422)
• Recommended Final Proposed Budget for April 16, 2026 School Board Meeting agenda

Board Business Meeting

The Colonial School District Board of School Directors met to approve February 2026 financial reports and personnel changes. The board decided to continue two tax-related incentive programs for the 2026-2027 school year.

• Continuation of the School Property Tax-Rent Rebate program for senior citizens at 75% of the PA Program's base rebate
• Continuation of the Act 91 Tax Credit Program providing up to $500 for active volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel
• Approval of February 2026 financial reports, including the Bond Fund and Capital Reserve Fund
• Approval of the March 2026 personnel report and extracurricular contracts
• Recognition of Ridge Park Elementary School Chorus and PWHS National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists

Special Meeting

The Colonial School District Board approved the designation of authorized representatives to apply for the Public School Infrastructure Grant Program. The board also approved a personnel report and extracurricular contracts.

• Grant application for Colonial Elementary School roof replacement: $5,000,000
• Grant application for Plymouth Whitemarsh High School roof replacement: $4,230,000
• Grant application for Whitemarsh Elementary School roof replacement: $2,600,000
• Grant application for Ridge Park Elementary School roof replacement: $2,500,000
• Grant application for Plymouth Whitemarsh High School elevator: $2,000,000

Curriculum Committee of the Board Meeting

The Curriculum Committee of the Board will meet to discuss updates to K-3 math resources and schedule changes for CMS for the 2026-27 period. The body will also review technology and instruction and consider specific conference requests for staff.

• Math Resource Update K-3
• CMS Schedule Changes 26-27
• Technology & Instruction discussion
• Conference request for Brooke Carpenter (PSLA Conference, Altoona, PA)
• Conference request for Jared Kubanoff (Building Thinking Classrooms, New Haven, CT)

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee is reviewing grant applications for school roof replacements and mental health services. The body is also discussing the 2026-2027 budget development and a 2025-2026 budget update.

• Proposed PSFIG grant applications for roof replacements at Plymouth Whitemarsh High ($4.23M), Colonial Elementary ($5M), Ridge Park Elementary ($2.5M), Whitemarsh Elementary ($2.6M), and Conshohocken Elementary ($625K)
• Proposed application for PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency School Mental Health Grant
• Proposed application for Project AWARE+ Grant up to $70,000
• Projected 2026-2027 budget deficit of $3,905,752
• Proposed 3.50% tax increase (.927 mills) to fund the 2026-2027 deficit

Facilities Management & Transportation Committee Meeting

The Facilities Management & Transportation Committee will meet to review a draft of the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan. The body will also receive an update on summer roofing and other summer projects.

• Draft 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan
• Summer Roofing and Summer Projects update

HR Committee Meeting

The HR Committee will review a first draft of a new employee exit interview form and discuss a first reading of revised Policy 907 on school visitors. No votes are scheduled; both items are for information and discussion.

• First reading of revised Policy 907: School Visitors
• Presentation of draft employee exit interview via Google Forms

Board Business Meeting

The Colonial School District Board will vote on routine approvals of minutes, financial reports for January 2026, and the treasurer's report. New business includes approving the 2026-2027 MCIU Membership Services Budget (district contribution of $109,186, a $4,590 increase), budgets for spring musicals at PWHS and CMS, 2026 summer programs, an out-of-state trip for the PWHS Indoor Color Guard, and four confidential settlement agreements. The superintendent's personnel report and extracurricular contracts are also up for approval.

• Approval of January 2026 financial reports and treasurer's report
• Approval of 2026-2027 MCIU Membership Services Budget with district contribution of $109,186 (increase of $4,590)
• Approval of budgets for PWHS Spring Musical 'Something Rotten' and CMS Spring Musical 'Mean Girls'
• Approval of Summer Programs 2026 (Summer Academy for grades 1-8, enrichment camps)
• Approval of four settlement and release agreements (discussed in executive session)

Community Relations & Student Life/Safety & Wellness Committee Meetings

The Community Relations & Student Life/Safety & Wellness Committee will meet to discuss student clubs, student voice, and quarterly climate data sharing. No formal decisions are scheduled.

• Discussion of PWHS Student Clubs
• Student Voice and Input at meetings
• Student Climate & Culture Data Sharing

Curriculum Committee of the Board Meeting

The Curriculum Committee of the Board will meet to discuss new business regarding district planning and performance. The agenda includes an overview of the Future Ready Comprehensive Plan and a review of School Improvement Plan highlights.

• Future Ready Comprehensive Plan Overview
• Future Ready Index Data
• School Improvement Plan Highlights

HR Committee Meeting

The HR Committee will receive a presentation on feedback from the Black Men in Education Convening Conference 2025. Presenters include the Director of Human Resources, the Equity and Advancement Officer, and two student Future Educators. No decisions are on the agenda; this is an information item only.

• Feedback from the Black Men in Education Convening Conference 2025 will be presented

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee is reviewing the 2026-2027 projected budget, which currently shows a $3,900,254 deficit. The committee will also consider approvals for the MCIU Mandated Services Budget and spring musical productions.

• Proposed MCIU Mandated Services Budget with a Colonial School District contribution of $109,186
• Projected 2026-2027 budget deficit of $3,900,254
• Proposed 3.50% tax increase (.876 mills) to fund the projected deficit
• Budget approval for PWHS Spring Musical 'Something Rotten'
• Budget approval for CMS Spring Musical 'Mean Girls Jr.'

Board Business Meeting

The Colonial School District Board of Directors met on January 15, 2026, to approve financial reports, minutes, personnel changes, and grant funding. The board also appointed representatives to regional education committees and discussed public comment protocols.

• Approved $219,916 Ready To Learn Block Grant for 2025-2026 school year
• Appointed Rick Carpenter to Central Montco Technical High School JOC for three-year term
• Appointed Tomas Santiago to Montgomery County Intermediate Unit Board through June 30, 2026
• Approved November/December 2025 financial reports and treasurer's reports
• Approved personnel report and extracurricular contracts

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee will discuss and consider approval of an amended Ready To Learn Block Grant of $219,916 for the 2025-2026 school year, which is $50,000 more than anticipated. They will also review the 2026-2027 budget development, including projected wage and benefit increases, and receive a budget update for the current fiscal year.

• Ready To Learn Block Grant 2025-2026: $219,916 awarded, $50,000 above expectations
• 2026-2027 budget: wages projected to increase 2.05%, benefits 2.27%
• PSERS contribution rate for 2026-2027 certified at 33.59%, down from 34.00%
• BMSHIC medical and prescription premiums estimated to increase ~4.20% for 2026-2027
• Budget comparison for December 2025 to be presented by Mr. Digian

Facilities Management & Transportation Committee Meeting

The Facilities Management & Transportation Committee will meet to review bid results for Phase 2 roofing. The body will also conduct a review of snow and inclement weather preparations.

• Phase 2 Roofing Bid Results
• Snow/Inclement Weather Review

Curriculum Committee of the Board Meeting

The Colonial School District Curriculum Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss new-business items including Future Ready Comprehensive Goals, Future Ready Index Data, Benchmark Data, School Improvement Plan Highlights, and Summer Opportunities. No decisions are listed on this agenda; the session is informational.