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Lower Merion School District, PA

Lower Merion School District public meetings in 2020

46 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 21, 2020

Regular Business Board Meeting - 8 PM

Board to award contracts for school buses, repairs, and security upgrades

The Lower Merion Board of School Directors will vote on routine approvals including meeting minutes, human resources actions, and financial reports. Major action items include awarding contracts for school buses, building repairs, and security services, plus several facility-related work orders. Public comment is taken via chat.

school-boardcontractsfacilitiestransportationsecuritybudget
Fri Dec 18, 2020

Finance Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Finance Committee to review 2019-20 audit report

The Lower Merion School District Finance Committee is meeting publicly via Zoom to review the 2019-20 audit report presented by Tom Ronayne, CPA, of Rainer & Co. The meeting is primarily a discussion item, with no votes scheduled. Public comment is accepted via the chat feature.

auditfinanceschool-district
Thu Dec 17, 2020

Facilities and Purchasing Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Committee to review bills, contracts, and new middle school updates

The Lower Merion School District Facilities and Purchasing Committee is meeting to review a list of bills, purchasing reports, and several contract proposals, including security systems, crossing guards, and bus driver services. They will also receive an update on the new middle school at 1860 W. Montgomery Avenue. All items are for discussion or information; no final votes are scheduled.

school-districtfacilitiespurchasingcontractssecuritytransportationconstruction
Wed Dec 9, 2020

Ad-Hoc Committee Meeting - Equity & Anti-Racism - 7 PM

Equity & Anti-Racism committee to discuss audit, organizations, policy

The Lower Merion School District's Ad-Hoc Committee on Equity & Anti-Racism is meeting to discuss updates on the equity state and audit, an overview of LMSD organizations, breakout sessions, and policy considerations. The meeting is held via Zoom and includes a polling question about awareness of involvement with the organizations. The next meeting is scheduled for January 13, 2021.

equityanti-racismschool-districteducationpolicy
Mon Dec 7, 2020

Special Meeting of the Board - Immediately following the Re-Organization Meeting

Board to vote on amended Athletics Health and Safety Plan

The Lower Merion School District Board is holding a special meeting to hear public comment and receive a superintendent update on health and safety plans. The main action item is a vote to approve the amended PIAA Athletic Health and Safety Plan, which includes winter sports return-to-play protocols. The board will also authorize the superintendent to make minor revisions and submit the plan to the Pennsylvania Department of Education if needed.

school-boardhealth-safetyathleticscovid-19public-comment
Mon Dec 7, 2020

Annual Reorganization Meeting of the Board of School Directors

Lower Merion school board reorganizes, elects officers for new term

The Lower Merion Board of School Directors is holding its annual reorganization meeting to elect a temporary president, board president, vice president, and assistant secretary, and to authorize new bank signatures. Public comment is limited to the election of officers. The agenda is procedural, with no policy or budget items.

school-boardelectionsreorganizationprocedural
Fri Dec 4, 2020

Policy Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Policy Committee reviews equity policy and multiple school policy changes

The Lower Merion School District Policy Committee is meeting to review and discuss several school policies. They will consider policies for first and second readings at the next business meeting, including repeals of policies on laptop monitoring and natatorium use. The committee will also discuss an equity policy and other administrative regulations.

educationschool-policyequitytechnologyboard-meetings
Wed Dec 2, 2020

Curriculum Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Curriculum Committee to review new Black Excellence course and Stamped presentation

The Lower Merion School District Curriculum Committee is meeting via Zoom to discuss and review course and textbook proposals, including a new Black Excellence course and a presentation on the book Stamped. They will also receive an update on the EDK program and set the next meeting date. The meeting is open to the public.

curriculumeducationdiversitytextbooksmeeting
Wed Nov 18, 2020

Communications Committee Meeting - 7:00 PM

School communications committee meets via Zoom to discuss COVID updates

The Lower Merion School District Communications Committee is holding a public Zoom meeting to discuss COVID-related communications and an equity infographic, and to discuss communications regarding the Legislative Committee. The next meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2021.

communicationscovid-19equityschool-district
Mon Nov 16, 2020

Regular Business Board Meeting - 8 PM

Board to vote on amended Athletics Health and Safety Plan for winter sports

The Lower Merion Board of School Directors will hold a regular business meeting, taking public comment via Zoom chat. The main action is approving an amended Athletics Health and Safety Plan for winter sports, along with routine approvals of minutes, HR actions, student services agreements, textbook purchases, and various financial and facilities items.

school-boardathleticsbudgettextbooksfacilitieshuman-resources
Thu Nov 12, 2020

Facilities and Purchasing Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Committee to review bills, contracts, and energy savings amendment

The Facilities and Purchasing Committee will discuss a list of bills, district contracts, and several renewal quotes for technology equipment. They will also review an amendment to the guaranteed energy savings contract with Reynolds Energy Service and consider change orders for WVMS. Updates will be provided on the new middle school at 1860 W. Montgomery Avenue and HVAC upgrades related to COVID-19.

facilitiespurchasingcontractsenergyschool-constructioncovid-19
Wed Nov 11, 2020

Ad-Hoc Committee Meeting - Equity & Anti-Racism - 7 PM

Lower Merion Ad-Hoc Committee discusses equity policy and audit updates

The Equity & Anti-Racism Ad-Hoc Committee is meeting to discuss several topics including equity policy questions and an update on the equity audit. The committee will also receive updates regarding cultural proficiency and high school student groups.

equityanti-racismschool-districtpolicyeducation
Fri Nov 6, 2020

Policy Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Committee reviews policies on employee equity and student boundaries for next meeting

The Lower Merion School District Policy Committee met via Zoom to review updates on grading and equity policies. The group examined several policies for first or second reading, including rules on employee boundaries and remote laptop monitoring. No new policies were scheduled for immediate discussion, and the next meeting is set for December 4, 2020.

educationpolicyemploymentstudent-conducttechnology
Thu Oct 15, 2020

Facilities and Purchasing Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Committee reviews contracts, bills, and new middle school plans

The Facilities and Purchasing Committee is meeting to review a list of bills, district contracts, and a purchasing report. They will discuss several contracts, including a transportation contract with First Student Inc., an amendment for school crossing guards, and proposals for the new middle school. Updates will be provided on the new middle school construction and potential HVAC upgrades related to COVID-19.

contractsbillspurchasingtransportationschool-constructioncovid-19hvac
Wed Oct 14, 2020

Ad-Hoc Committee Meeting - Equity & Anti-Racism - 7 PM

Committee discusses equity policy and audit overview

The Lower Merion School District Ad-Hoc Committee met via Zoom to discuss equity and anti-racism initiatives. The agenda included an update on communication plans, an overview of the LMSD Equity Audit, and a discussion of the LMSD Equity Policy. No specific decisions or votes were recorded in the agenda text.

educationequitypolicyschool-district
Mon Oct 12, 2020

Education Committee and Supplementary Regular Board Meeting 8:00 PM

Board to approve amended athletics health plan and adjust high school start times

The Lower Merion School District Board is scheduled to approve an amended PIAA Athletic Health and Safety Plan, which includes authorizing the Superintendent to submit the plan to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The Board is also expected to accept a proposed adjustment to high school start times, contingent on the installation of permanent stadium lights at Arnold Field. Additionally, the meeting includes informational presentations on the Act 35 Civics Assessment and Act 70 Holocaust Education requirements.

educationathleticshealth-safetycurriculumschool-schedule
Fri Oct 9, 2020

Policy Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Committee reviews policies on harassment, privacy, and employee conduct

The Lower Merion School District Policy Committee met via Zoom to review proposed changes to school policies. The agenda focused on second readings for policies regarding harassment, bullying, and copyright, as well as first readings for policies on equal opportunity, privacy, and conflict of interest. No additional administrative regulations were reviewed, and several other policies were listed for future discussion or referral to the Strategic Plan Committee.

educationpolicyharassmentprivacyemployment
Tue Oct 6, 2020

Curriculum Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Curriculum Committee reviews Act 35 and Act 70 compliance and SEL practices

The Lower Merion School District Curriculum Committee met via Zoom to discuss course and textbook proposals and contract reviews. The agenda included informational updates on Act 35 Civics Assessment and Act 70 Holocaust Education requirements for the 2020-2021 school year. A presentation on Social-Emotional Learning and Trauma Informed Practices was also scheduled. No specific votes or final decisions are recorded in this agenda text.

educationcurriculumcompliancestudent-wellness
Tue Sep 29, 2020

Ad-Hoc Committee Meeting - Equity & Anti-Racism - 7 PM - 8:30 PM

Committee reviews equity audit and draft policy statement

The Lower Merion School District Ad-Hoc Committee on Equity & Anti-Racism met to review 2020-2021 priorities, including curriculum representation, social-emotional safety, and communication efforts. The meeting included an overview of the district's equity audit process and a draft equity policy statement for public feedback. No votes or binding decisions were taken, as all items were informational.

educationequitycurriculumstudent-servicespolicy
Wed Sep 23, 2020

Communications Committee Meeting - 7:00 PM

Committee reviews COVID-19 communications and anti-racism curriculum updates

The Lower Merion School District Communications Committee met via Zoom to discuss informational updates. The agenda focused on reviewing communications related to the pandemic, community projects, and the anti-racism curriculum. No votes or decisions were recorded in the provided text, as all items were listed as informational.

educationcommunicationspandemiccurriculumcommunity
Wed Sep 16, 2020

Finance Committee Meeting Operations Budget Review - 8:30 AM

Finance Committee reviews financial analysis for new middle school and bond refunding

The Lower Merion School District Finance Committee met via Zoom on September 16, 2020, to conduct an operations budget review. The primary agenda item was a discussion of the financial analysis regarding the new middle school and a refunding update, presented by John Frey of PFM. The meeting concluded with a review of the schedule for the next budget meeting.

budgetfinanceschool-constructionbond-refunding
Mon Sep 14, 2020

Education Committee and Supplementary Regular Board Meeting 8:00 PM

Lower Merion school board hears summer programs update, no action items

The Lower Merion Board of School Directors is holding a virtual meeting with a presentation on summer programs and public comment via chat. No action items are on the agenda, so the board is not voting on any measures.

educationschool-boardsummer-programspublic-comment
Fri Sep 11, 2020

Policy Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Policy Committee reviews equity, student rights, and conflict-of-interest policies

The Lower Merion School District Policy Committee is meeting via Zoom to review and discuss several policies, including updates on COVID-19 impact, an equity policy, student rights and responsibilities, and conflict-of-interest policies. They will consider first readings for policies on harassment, bullying, child abuse, and other topics. No second readings or administrative regulation changes are on the agenda.

policiesschool-districtequitystudent-rightsconflict-of-interestharassmentchild-abusecovid-19
Wed Sep 9, 2020

Curriculum Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Committee reviews pre-approved COVID contracts and new digital curriculum resources

The Lower Merion School District Curriculum Committee met via Zoom to review course and textbook proposals. The agenda focused on reviewing several pre-approved contracts for digital educational tools under the Board-approved COVID Emergency Act. The committee also received an update on summer programs and scheduled the next meeting for October 6, 2020.

educationcurriculumcontractsdigital-resourcesschool-district
Mon Aug 17, 2020

Regular Business Board Meeting - 8 PM

Board to vote on revised athletics health plan amid COVID-19

The Lower Merion Board of School Directors will meet to consider several actions, including approving a revised Athletics Health & Safety Plan that keeps sports in Phase 1 until at least September 8, 2020. The board will also vote on routine items like meeting minutes, human resources actions, and various contracts and purchases, including digital resources and facility contracts. Public comment will be taken via chat.

Thu Aug 13, 2020

Ad-Hoc Committee Meeting - Equity & Anti-Racism - 7 PM

LMSD equity committee holds first meeting with public Zoom

The Lower Merion School District's Ad-Hoc Committee on Equity & Anti-Racism is holding its initial meeting, open to the public via Zoom. The agenda includes an overview of the committee's purpose, a presentation from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA), and facilitated break-out room discussions on representation, school climate, and communication. The meeting concludes with a report-out from each group and discussion of next steps.

Thu Aug 13, 2020

Facilities and Purchasing Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

School board committee to review contracts, bills, and bus retention

The Facilities and Purchasing Committee will discuss a list of bills, district contracts, and a purchasing report. They will also consider retaining ten school buses, several technology quotes, a Comcast internet contract, and various construction-related agreements and change orders. Updates will be given on the new middle school project and potential HVAC upgrades related to COVID-19.

Wed Aug 5, 2020

Special Meeting of the Board - 7 PM

Board to approve LMSD Health and Safety Plan for PDE submission

The Lower Merion School District Board of School Directors held a special meeting to review and approve the district's Health and Safety Plan. The administration recommended that the Board approve the plan and authorize the Superintendent to submit it to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The meeting included a presentation by Mr. Copeland and allowed for public comment via email and live chat regarding the proposed plan.

educationhealth-safetyboard-meetingpublic-comment
Mon Jul 20, 2020

Regular Business Board Meeting - 8 PM

Board to vote on emergency instructional plan for school reopening

The Lower Merion Board of School Directors will vote on the Emergency Instructional Time Plan for the 2020-21 school year, which outlines procedures for remote learning and will be submitted to the state for approval. The board will also consider several contracts and software renewals, including Qualtrics, College Board, and Dreambox Learning, as well as a resolution to waive late penalties on school property taxes until December 31, 2020.

Thu Jul 16, 2020

Facilities and Purchasing Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Committee reviews contracts, bills, and COVID-19 HVAC upgrades

The Facilities and Purchasing Committee will review a list of bills, district contracts, and a purchasing report, along with specific contracts and agreements including transportation, uniforms, software renewals, and pool services. They will also receive updates on the new middle school construction and potential HVAC upgrades related to COVID-19. The meeting is held via Zoom due to Governor Wolf's mandates, with public comment accepted in advance or via chat.

contractspurchasingtransportationcovid-19facilitiesschools
Wed May 27, 2020

Finance Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Finance Committee to review General Fund commitments and reserves

The Lower Merion School District Finance Committee is meeting via Zoom on May 27, 2020, due to Governor Wolf's mandates. The committee will discuss a review of General Fund commitments and reserves, presented by Mr. Orlando. Public comment can be submitted in advance or given during the meeting via Zoom chat or raise hand features.

Wed May 27, 2020

Intergovernmental Meeting 7:00 PM

Intergovernmental meeting covers COVID-19, school start time, field lights, safety, enrollment

Representatives from Lower Merion School District, Lower Merion Township, and Narberth Borough Council are meeting via Zoom to discuss several topics. These include a COVID-19 update, a possible school start time change, adding lights to Arnold Field, township amenities and safety (including a proposed speed limit reduction on Montgomery Ave.), and enrollment growth issues like modulars and a new middle school. The meeting is public but comments are only accepted by email in advance.

Tue May 5, 2020

Curriculum Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Committee reviews textbook proposals and contract details

The Lower Merion School District Curriculum Committee met via Zoom to review course and textbook proposals, including resources for elementary music, AP Biology, and computer science. The agenda included a contract review and presentations on IST/Achievement Teams and Parent Pulse Survey results. No specific dollar amounts or final votes were listed in the agenda text.

educationcurriculumtextbookscontractsremote-meeting
Wed Apr 29, 2020

Finance Committee Meeting Staffing/IT Budget Review - 8:30 AM

Lower Merion Finance Committee reviews staffing and IT budgets for 2020-21

The Lower Merion School District Finance Committee is holding a public meeting via Zoom to review the 2020-21 budget, specifically focusing on staffing and IT. The committee will discuss presentations from Megan Shafer and George Frazier. Public comment can be submitted in advance or given during the meeting. The next budget review meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2020.

budgetstaffingitschool-districtpublic-meeting
Mon Apr 20, 2020

Regular Business Board Meeting

Board to tentatively adopt $288M budget with 30.1734 mills tax levy

The Lower Merion Board of School Directors will consider tentatively adopting the 2020-21 Proposed Final Budget, which authorizes $288,029,695 in expenditures and sets a real estate tax rate of 30.1734 mills. The board will also vote on several contracts, including a $158,000 Lincoln Center contract for school-based counselors and various software renewals. Public comment is limited to agenda topics and will be accepted via email only, with no live comments during the Zoom meeting.

budgettaxesschoolscontractsfacilitiestechnology
Mon Apr 13, 2020

Education Committee and Supplementary Regular Board Meeting 8:00 PM

Board reviews Flexible Instructional Days plan for remote learning

The Lower Merion School District Board of School Directors held a virtual meeting to review a presentation on Flexible Instructional Days. The agenda explicitly states there are no action items, meaning no decisions were made. The session focused on information sharing regarding the instructional program and upcoming budget review meetings.

educationremote-learningbudgetschool-board
Fri Apr 3, 2020

Policy Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Policy Committee reviews school policies for repeal, first/second readings

The Lower Merion School District Policy Committee is meeting via Zoom to review several school policies. They will consider second readings for policies on charitable activities (proposed for repeal), student fundraising, public access to records, school calendar, and opening exercises, as well as first readings for policies on admission of beginners and web content. The committee will also discuss a suicide prevention policy and receive updates on administrative regulations.

school-policieseducationpolicy-reviewpublic-recordsfundraisingsuicide-prevention
Tue Mar 31, 2020

April Curriculum Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Lower Merion School District Curriculum Committee meets remotely via Zoom

The Lower Merion School District Curriculum Committee held its April meeting remotely via Zoom due to Governor Wolf's mandates. The agenda included a presentation on the Flexible Instructional Program, along with routine items such as course/textbook proposals, contract review, and updates. Public comment was accepted via the Zoom chat feature.

school-districtcurriculumremote-meetingeducation
Mon Mar 16, 2020

Regular Business Board Meeting

Board to vote on suspending remote-meeting limit amid school closure

The Lower Merion Board of School Directors will hold its regular business meeting via livestream due to the state-mandated school closure, and will vote to suspend Policy 006 to allow all board members to participate remotely. The agenda includes routine approvals of minutes, human resources actions, and a series of contracts and purchases, along with public comment taken by email.

school-boardbudgetfacilitiestechnologycontractspolicy
Thu Mar 12, 2020

Facilities and Purchasing Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Lower Merion School District committee to review contracts, bills, and construction updates

The Facilities and Purchasing Committee will discuss a list of bills, district contracts, and a purchasing report, plus several specific agreements including sports licensing, internet services, and cybersecurity software. They will also receive updates on the new middle school at 1860 W. Montgomery Avenue and capital reserve projects for summer 2020. The meeting is a discussion and information session, not a final decision-making body.

school-districtfacilitiespurchasingcontractsconstructiontechnologybudget
Tue Feb 18, 2020

Regular Business Board Meeting

Board to vote on $147K French textbooks, new middle school sitework contract

The Lower Merion Board of School Directors will vote on several action items, including a $147,000 purchase of French textbooks and digital resources, contracts for a new middle school's preliminary sitework, and approval of the 2020-21 revised and 2021-22 school calendars. The board will also consider routine items like minutes, human resources actions, financial reports, and policy readings. Public comment is limited to action items only.

educationbudgetcontractsschool-calendarpoliciesfacilitiesdonations
Thu Feb 13, 2020

Facilities and Purchasing Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Committee reviews bills, contracts, and equipment quotes

The Facilities and Purchasing Committee will review lists of bills and district contracts, a purchasing report, and several equipment quotes for network switches and APC equipment. They will also receive an update on the new middle school at 1860 W. Montgomery Avenue. The meeting is a discussion and information session, not a final decision-making body.

facilitiespurchasingcontractsbillsschool-constructionequipment
Mon Feb 10, 2020

Education Committee and Supplementary Regular Board Meeting 8:00 PM

Board reviews Math 8 Advancement presentation by Dr. Scott Eveslage

The Lower Merion School District Education Committee met on February 10, 2020, to review a presentation on Math 8 Advancement. The agenda included standard procedural items such as the Pledge of Allegiance and audience recognition. No specific policy decisions, contracts, or ordinances were listed in the provided text.

educationcurriculumschool-board
Fri Feb 7, 2020

Policy Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Policy Committee reviews 11 school policies for first or second reading

The Lower Merion School District Policy Committee met on February 7, 2020, to review policies scheduled for the next Business Meeting. The agenda included five policies for second reading and six for first reading, including the repeal of two specific policies. No administrative regulations were slated for review, and the committee noted it reserves the right to determine which policies move forward.

educationpolicyschool-boardstudent-affairsgovernance
Tue Feb 4, 2020

Curriculum Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Curriculum Committee to review French textbook adoption and math bridge program

The Lower Merion School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss course and textbook proposals, including a French resources adoption, and to receive updates on the 5-8 Committee and a presentation on the Grade 8 Summer Bridge math program. The agenda also includes contract review and future meeting topics. All items are listed as information items, indicating discussion rather than final decisions.

curriculumtextbooksfrenchmatheducation
Thu Jan 23, 2020

Facilities and Purchasing Committee Meeting - 8:30 AM

Facilities committee to review contracts, bills, and new middle school update

The Lower Merion School District Facilities and Purchasing Committee will meet to review the list of bills, district contracts, and a purchasing report. The agenda also includes discussions of several contract amendments and proposals, plus an update on the new middle school at 1860 W. Montgomery Avenue. All items are listed as discussion or information; no votes are scheduled.

facilitiespurchasingcontractsschool-constructionmiddle-schoolbills