The Brandywine School District (BSD) held a significant meeting on the evening of August 21, 2023, where various key topics were discussed, including student achievements, safety initiatives, and administrative updates.
The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda. Special recognition was given to Layla Cotmanden, a recent graduate of Mount Pleasant High School, who was honored for her dual roles as a distinguished student and a student representative on the Wilmington Learning Collaborative Council. Cotmanden, who will be attending Elon University to major in dance and strategic communication, received a certificate of appreciation for her leadership and community service.
In a notable safety initiative, the district recognized Ken Wells and Andrew Scherer for their contributions to enhancing school security. BSD has become the first district in Delaware to standardize emergency access to security cameras in real-time for local police, a move praised during a recent training session with the Delaware State Police. This advancement aims to improve emergency response capabilities across the district.
Superintendent Dr. Lisa Lawson addressed recent allegations of misconduct involving several employees, assuring the community that thorough investigations are underway. She emphasized the district's commitment to accountability and the implementation of measures to enhance safety and ethical conduct among staff. These measures include revisiting hiring processes and strengthening reporting channels for concerns.
Dr. Lawson also highlighted the district's preparations for the upcoming school year, including the introduction of a new teacher residency program and enhancements to the district's transportation services. The new \"Where's the Bus?\" app will allow parents to track their children's bus locations in real-time, ensuring improved safety and communication.
As the meeting concluded, the district expressed excitement for the upcoming academic year, which will serve over 10,000 students, reaffirming its mission to inspire and challenge every student daily.