[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6366515,"mediaKeyId","2159477-e92bd220557b6f3b7a9f3b7c1d73e089","parentId",2159477,"title","Neighbors press board for independent study after noisy middle‑school chiller install; district outlines mitigation plans","audioSeconds",2696,"startMs",4715000,"endMs",7411000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159477-e92bd220557b6f3b7a9f3b7c1d73e089&start=4715&end=7411","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159477-e92bd220557b6f3b7a9f3b7c1d73e089/thumbnail_4715000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6366515/Pennsylvania/Neighbors-press-board-for-independent-study-after-noisy-middleschool-chiller-install-district-outlines-mitigation-plans","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6366515-8c755afae466a44e69cddc276bc27a89/orig.mp4?Expires=1775910904&Signature=EVk~qcofoSI34aKgaHW8WaqRY40090aGZTTaw2jfBkBzc3hKdlTmDaJlDSAO2rswLrvjf4otA~Sz65UYCa1ZOfggE-9lZBOTWZMg7Bcd7S4Jr7NghKhfZtA6uCbjXtrZvZMk96EpfgaI4PF2ND7KsSM9JgzPkwv78SFUGjq-Ed~LiTjwp1I1MWy3KwKpr3oF4~P4CMbvLO9ljYSyU9tvabbE6b8eEu6VbaFsWQQVgfCFWv8ktPI97rM-ruLSK0NOdbGj7d4I4dCYNPNvUF9nzqfoYgqfZpc8j19JOtW1e0WkomoeBwG2lnKf870GeoT2NSzh5xAlhvvrMDtIpzjlEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Wissahickon School District","date","2025-01-28T14:30:20Z","article","Multiple neighbors urged the Wissahickon School Board on Jan. 27 to revisit the district’s plan to address persistent noise from a middle‑school chiller, saying the engineering work to date has not resolved summer‑time disruptions and asking for independent review and clearer timelines.

Eric Rudolph, who identified his address near Montgomery Road, summarized meetings between neighbors and district staff and said the proposed sound wall design does not appear to “mitigate the noise sufficiently.” Rudolph told the board he and neighbors believe the firm that originally installed the chiller and the district’s current consultant may have conflicts of interest because one company engineered both the chiller installation and the proposed fix. He also criticized load‑testing data, saying reports used different test conditions (e.g., April at 56°F vs. August at 68°F) and that the consultant’s calculations claiming 100% load were inconsistent with field conditions.

Irene Lewis, another nearby resident, asked the board to reconsider the district’s approach and posed specific questions: whether the district had evaluated the original decision to use an air‑cooled chiller rather than a water‑cooled system; whether a more experienced acoustical firm should be engaged; how cost‑effectiveness was being weighed; and whether neighbors would be part of any outcome evaluation. “Bringing in an independent expert could provide fresh perspectives and build greater confidence in the outcome,” Lewis said.

Board members and staff acknowledged the ongoing concerns. Facilities committee materials earlier in the meeting noted a facilities design study approving further work on the chiller mitigation and the board’s facilities committee discussed the item at recent meetings, but neighbors said they had not received clear updates on progress. In remarks during committee reporting, a district official said the wall design was being engineered and the district had engaged consultants, but did not give a public timetable beyond noting that the design work approved in December was ongoing and that details would be shared.

Public commenters and board members called for stronger transparency about testing methodology, independent verification and better communication of timelines. Several asked whether the district would consider alternative technologies (for example, returning to a water‑cooled system) and whether a third‑party acoustical firm with no prior engagement on the original installation should be retained to assess mitigation effectiveness and verify noise levels after any fixes.

No formal vote or new contract award was recorded at the Jan. 27 meeting. The facilities committee and staff said work on the design and permitting would continue; neighbors said they expect a more robust review and a clearer schedule for testing and verification before the next summer cooling season.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","January 27, 2025 - Work Session Public Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple neighbors urged the Wissahickon School Board on Jan. 27 to obtain independent review and clearer testing of proposed fixes for ongoing noise from a newly installed middle‑school chiller.","taxTitle","Wissahickon SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",38361,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6366521,"Wissahickon district reviews 2019–24 state assessment trends; math dip draws board concern",2821,1811000,4632000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159477-e92bd220557b6f3b7a9f3b7c1d73e089&start=1811&end=4632","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159477-e92bd220557b6f3b7a9f3b7c1d73e089/thumbnail_1811000.jpg","/articles/6366521/Pennsylvania/Wissahickon-district-reviews-201924-state-assessment-trends-math-dip-draws-board-concern","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6366521-315fc4b0d1e11e8597f44231ff9b9ff5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775910905&Signature=ilWN23~z~30uHAxQdajvhTL1E~9AYn1jx-~PtyF2idWrNgxGJfL66T8IeEz2ZhiqxTHIyVuLHYT~3KTGJUKkDeUhkKjQgwrA8pbxycu14YeZhUGd7mwVAOK14KZq7~FTMyfzLU13R3bhNkrQXtrFGLAZkHaqZSYZiKZ79roOhZEZOLeVgTMLrfpuhpfNVugnhsgsb8VByPlCFsydjM-cPi5x-i22wftwChQuyYNbe2WPNkcWMCp4~1CVhvidKTDY0-6PcbYq7QqY5Fgd02jd~A1pRJ-Z9pDwO~7yuBYDhzWws~cLxyXeqaenD7SNEGDxqMFnp2np3xQrKjbPywv13g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Wissahickon School District officials presented an annual overview of state assessment results Jan. 27, saying the district continues to outperform peer districts and the statewide average in English language arts and science but that mathematics proficiency—particularly at the middle‑school level—has declined and requires targeted action.

The presentation, led by district staff and co‑facilitated by Dr. Schmidt, the district’s Director of Teaching and Learning, framed results across 2019–2024 and explained reporting conventions such as the Keystone exam banking policy and the 2020 statewide testing cancellation. “We do continue to score better than our peers and the statewide average,” Dr. Schmidt said of elementary ELA scores, while also noting a slight decrease in 2024 and the district’s desire to raise trend lines.

Administrators described findings by subject and grade band: elementary ELA proficiency near the mid‑70s percentage range, secondary ELA and literature proficiency remaining relatively steady, strong elementary science results (about 90% proficient/advanced in grade 4), and more mixed results in mathematics—roughly 76% proficient/advanced in grades 3–5, a drop to about 53% for grades 6–8, and approximately 62% proficiency on Keystone mathematics for the cohort reported in 2024. Presenters cautioned that the 2020 assessment pause and subsequent Keystone waivers affect sample sizes and trend interpretation.

The presentation emphasized the district’s multi‑tiered system of supports (MTSS) as the organizing framework for action steps. For ELA that includes reinforcing core instruction, differentiated and small‑group instruction, instructional coaching and professional development focused on text‑dependent analysis and writing in response to reading. For mathematics the district said it is increasing professional learning to shift classrooms to student‑centered instruction, refining K–12 math standards alignment, creating a K–12 framework that identifies high‑priority skills, and preparing a new math curriculum for rollout next year. Science actions highlighted adoption of Pennsylvania’s new Science, Technology, Engineering and Environmental Literacy (STEM/STEEL) standards and an emphasis on phenomena‑based, hands‑on instruction supported by curriculum kits.

Board members and other participants pressed for specific details about the math decline and next steps. Board member Amy asked for follow‑up data after schedule changes that add instructional time; one parent pointed out a concern that fifth‑grade math placed late in the day might reduce learning. District staff said some middle‑school schedule changes add time for math and ELA and that buildings are drilling into grade‑level and skill‑level patterns to direct professional learning and interventions.

On testing preparation, the district said it does not practice the state tests verbatim but helps students build stamina and test‑taking strategies, and it has expanded exposure to online testing platforms as the state moves assessments online. Staff also noted teachers and principals can access student‑level reporting from the state that breaks results into sub‑skill areas and identifies strengths and needs for individual students and classrooms.

Administrators described how assessment data feed continuous improvement: teachers use data to reflect and adapt instruction; principals set school goals and identify skill‑level needs; and district leadership uses aggregated evidence to guide curriculum review, professional learning and resource allocation. The district posted its comprehensive plan for public review and said it will return to the board for approval in March.

Board members repeatedly described the middle‑school math proficiency level as unacceptable and asked whether the district is exploring curricula and practices piloted in higher‑performing districts. Staff said the curriculum review process includes outreach to peer districts and pilot work with instructional materials, and noted the Montgomery County intermediate unit and other partners provide professional development resources.

The presentation closed with staff pledging continued monitoring and building‑level interventions, and an invitation to the public to review posted materials. No formal board action on policy or curriculum was taken at the Jan. 27 meeting; several budget, personnel and contract items were listed for review or future approval.

Looking ahead, district leaders said work this spring will focus on implementing the prioritized math resources and supporting teachers with targeted professional development and instructional coaching, and on using MTSS processes to align interventions to student needs.","Wissahickon School District officials presented an annual overview of state assessment results Jan. 27, saying the district continues to outperform peer districts and the statewide average in English language arts and science but that mathematics proficiency—particularly at the middle‑school level—has declined and requires targeted action.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6366519,"Blue Bell first graders demonstrate ‘Primary Educational Thinking Skills’ enrichment program to school board",941,142000,1083000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159477-e92bd220557b6f3b7a9f3b7c1d73e089&start=142&end=1083","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159477-e92bd220557b6f3b7a9f3b7c1d73e089/thumbnail_142000.jpg","/articles/6366519/Pennsylvania/Blue-Bell-first-graders-demonstrate-Primary-Educational-Thinking-Skills-enrichment-program-to-school-board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6366519-1663f6e05acba22074d1e322a9b2a2d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775910905&Signature=KmJzBjif8wm77WiqhGFNT36O3~lI0DFI44~LPJ3Px013uTVZvnliQIDa6Cx6NZ2DpvxFxhwWqh4cuZq3lAP3hLWx-1axcWZCWkhqBnBYauHwzgeDCxyrHyjQIjX9Q5DZtcMkOPzlylOMLnJXzVPDGG1GEcbXlKXCKHH3eGiH3ZyP5RHrLjoxC7bNchtSS7jNVd1qoVXywO1TEa5spEK4txBW17ntudM7T1zuTaXgLm4hhbAaluHC8qK6gStOhWc8FiXEQazIVbl6K-yOBqmkikZAts17QspZPCF4LucMDNYpHpdUYo~hU2ZFZMczlJ1X03Xt0g-XOMKJc-cHveS4BA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Blue Bell Elementary students and their enrichment teacher showcased the district’s Primary Educational Thinking Skills (PECS) program during the Wissahickon School Board meeting Jan. 27, demonstrating classroom activities meant to develop higher‑order thinking in first graders.

Angela Farlow, principal of Blue Bell Elementary, introduced the presentation and said the program supports the district’s mission to foster “lifelong learners equipped with critical thinking skills.” Enrichment teacher Cara Windler led the demonstration with a class of first graders, who introduced PECS characters and guided board members and guests through a short “detective” listening-and‑drawing activity designed to practice deductive reasoning and perceptual skills.

Windler described the program as “a systematic exploration program” that runs across the district’s elementary schools and teaches analysis, synthesis and evaluation through classroom characters and tiered instruction. Students took part in a short mystery activity while attendees used badges and materials prepared by the class. At the close, Windler and the students asked whether the audience had learned about PECS and enjoyed the detective exercise; board members responded positively and thanked the students.

The presentation was largely demonstrative and informational; no board action was taken. The district said the program includes differentiated instruction and runs throughout the school year across elementary grades.

Board members later posed routine thanks and recognition: the board took a group photo with the students and acknowledged cards and gifts given for Board Appreciation Month.","Students and staff from Blue Bell Elementary gave the board a hands‑on presentation of the Primary Educational Thinking Skills (PECS) program for first graders, showing activities that teach convergent, divergent, visual‑spatial and evaluative thinking.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6366505,"Resident says district denied several right‑to‑know requests; plans appeal to court of common pleas",147,7513000,7660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159477-e92bd220557b6f3b7a9f3b7c1d73e089&start=7513&end=7660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159477-e92bd220557b6f3b7a9f3b7c1d73e089/thumbnail_7513000.jpg","/articles/6366505/Pennsylvania/Resident-says-district-denied-several-righttoknow-requests-plans-appeal-to-court-of-common-pleas","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6366505-ecb5eb4378a5384cf7b4069b45a82f35/orig.mp4?Expires=1775910905&Signature=M4XDvBNoxT3roEN1UQRoEEO9uMWop6k8EagvEKYbfyPsAL8mHHQ0R28BjJE7dVw3w36tkdsvKyizzE7MyCxPXK8E7abPSWRHBNlzCZAoLTQyel5yHYkmZi8~LiY~HPaXVsl-iayrfgWP5g6GlZYvZzfAD4p9fzmeXakpnluwjsZtavNLzuUC3CcipBSZPEV02sBH-silPF0gOLT6yGw~szAtaMXUPlcSFzzOzQrCUcI~R8~rdT6KGHvREs1lM0qifir~JvMnEvBwkH4tid9GbCXUuso2Jr~7tJc6OKLne25ZXiLL8j9qiIOlQrzrYQxsOdc~oHWGi6WJ1VjxIGbbCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Wissahickon resident told the board Jan. 27 she received denials on three right‑to‑know requests and plans to appeal the decisions to the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas.

Carmina Taylor (transcript name variant) said she filed requests seeking: (1) the superintendent’s evaluation records from prior years, (2) documentation of prior salary increases tied to evaluation ratings and (3) records of Title I parent meetings in the Shady Grove area. She said the district’s responses denied the requests, stating that records were not available or that providing them would require calculation beyond routine disclosure. Taylor said district staffmatic responses were dismissive and that she will pursue an appeal.

The district did not make a public staff response at the Jan. 27 meeting; the speaker asked the board to review the denials and the right‑to‑know office’s responses. No formal board action was recorded regarding the appeals process during the meeting.","A public commenter said the district denied three right‑to‑know requests that sought superintendent evaluation history, prior salary increases linked to evaluation ratings, and Title I parent meeting records; the commenter said she will appeal the denials to the Court of Common Pleas.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6366510,"Neighbor complaints about Blue Bell construction lights, bus depot operations prompt board attention",0,7718000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159477-e92bd220557b6f3b7a9f3b7c1d73e089&start=7718&end=7718","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159477-e92bd220557b6f3b7a9f3b7c1d73e089/thumbnail_7718000.jpg","/articles/6366510/Pennsylvania/Neighbor-complaints-about-Blue-Bell-construction-lights-bus-depot-operations-prompt-board-attention","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6366510-9f71bf5353584d1737b62c59e261fe1c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775910905&Signature=OSt3dWr3MtlgOaogEGI473eHq3a24abUXPRr9mZNoQ1tQPIhqS-WaZjo0xzTl-PT0VSQhPV16Lm-ApDd2~wL~A85AVkgTGfiIr8L71KcjaIa1MKtOk-HXUAN3OkcQjeiwyswE1BXrEbhed0t88R2St9q9P~5~b1UPNQJorpRzii8FcAL7j65vZVPPkERxwdO~8YVbVTy9whSOViEbnqoUWlqGXJEOnd0Fsxyhg4Az2gX1aKm5gTUPPSDuZEd4K~kaQT3nw67KaHbKe0Od8wx7h2xcq50fuEBzsamTTgyf546HM7Y18Bt3XE~Da-UtUu7kZFuudpBWtRyofmUD7Nvsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Wissahickon resident told the School Board Jan. 27 that exterior lighting and bus‑depot activity at the Blue Bell campus are causing nighttime disturbances and sleep problems for nearby families.

Rob Walker, who lives adjacent to the campus, said the facility previously had four lights but now has 24 exterior lights, some of which he said shine into bedrooms and remain on overnight. He said interior lights are supposed to turn off at 11 p.m., but external lighting and periodic vehicle headlights directed into backyards remain disruptive. Walker also described intermittent bus backup beeping, public address announcements and unsecured dumpsters that have allowed debris to blow into neighboring yards.

Walker asked whether district staff could meet on his back patio to evaluate the nuisance and identify practical solutions, such as adjusting lighting direction, scheduling, speaker use or enclosure of dumpsters. He noted the district’s “wake up and learn” initiative, which emphasizes student sleep, and said that nearby students are suffering from sleep anxiety due to nighttime light and noise.

District officials acknowledged receipt of community concerns during committee reporting and said the facilities team is monitoring projects at the Blue Bell campus, but at the Jan. 27 meeting did not present a specific action plan or timeline for resolving the lighting and operational complaints.

No formal board action was taken; Walker asked for continued dialogue and a site visit to develop solutions that reduce nighttime disruption while preserving campus functions.","A neighbor told the board exterior LED lighting and nighttime bus activity at the district’s Blue Bell campus are causing sleep disruption and property‑adjacent disturbances; the resident asked the district to examine lighting schedules, speaker use and dumpster practices.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Neighbors press board for independent study after noisy middle‑school chiller install; district outlines mitigation plans

Wissahickon district reviews 2019–24 state assessment trends; math dip draws board concern

Blue Bell first graders demonstrate ‘Primary Educational Thinking Skills’ enrichment program to school board

Resident says district denied several right‑to‑know requests; plans appeal to court of common pleas

Neighbor complaints about Blue Bell construction lights, bus depot operations prompt board attention