[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6627322,"mediaKeyId","2728674-da56b8159933adb9ade20f01d09ddbdd","parentId",2728674,"title","Residents urge Colonial School District to maintain inclusive policies and support transgender students' participation in activities","audioSeconds",397,"startMs",2454000,"endMs",2851000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2728674-da56b8159933adb9ade20f01d09ddbdd&start=2454&end=2851","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2728674-da56b8159933adb9ade20f01d09ddbdd/thumbnail_2454000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6627322/Pennsylvania/Residents-urge-Colonial-School-District-to-maintain-inclusive-policies-and-support-transgender-students-participation-in-activities","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627322-9a4c827db3c28cd8e0ff02d56a6acb1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153302&Signature=e2MJgkTM-wUVQ27LirwBg5sTk3cuWet0ow9LarzH1wiReic~Kop4Ir22uaQ75-GRfRqzNxB30Bl7B4Yv3LODQCgWT1YJJpebCs6mBE751U3d3i7B0xrqcnnPyhTJZpRINNMOij0aLzuxDWrsU3~0sg7fIDXVGt3-M26-DL-xW-m71OFmVBtLPzaoIA-KA9zpLb~osUhtlHjJ0HkPGby1WBM0u2lMeP6v9p~8guaoYNIF3mUVjRm-MMELIcOpweolbffJTH~NLvjN7uJ7xNd83SWLgUrAsq8hAsvFJZe8FAry1LBa1nY-BnIQlvK5jlittLxAZTIYrujJVKQrbsD3wQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Colonial School District","date","2025-03-21T16:31:15.423Z","article","PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. — Several district residents used the Colonial School District board's public comment period on March 20 to encourage continued support for LGBTQ+ students and to reaffirm the district's existing policy protections.

The board read three emailed statements from community members in advance of the live public comment period. Diana Minkus, a parent, said she supports the district's work to create an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students and praised Policy 2‑56 (gender‑expansive and transgender students) adopted in February 2019. Minkus urged continued staff training and inclusive curricula to reduce bullying and improve student well‑being. The board read a second emailed comment from Emily Furia, a parent and former athlete, who thanked the board for supporting equity and inclusion and asked that athletics remain accessible in ways that respect students' gender identity. A third email, from Brooke Starr, an educator in a neighboring district, likewise urged the board to continue diversity, equity and inclusion programs and affirmed community support for those efforts.

At the microphone, Maureen Adji, a parent and alumnus of Plymouth High School who helped found a Gay‑Straight Alliance (GSA) while a student, spoke in favor of inclusive practices and specifically urged the board to continue supporting transgender students' participation on girls' teams. Adji said GSAs are important for student safety and recalled difficulties she faced securing a faculty advisor when forming a student group; she described community and staff support that helped keep the GSA active. Adji said participation in sports provides \"invaluable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and self confidence\" and asked the board to continue ensuring opportunities for all girls.

The public statements emphasized safety, belonging and continuity of programs that support LGBTQ+ students. The meeting record also references Policy 2‑56 (gender‑expansive and transgender students) as an existing district policy passed in 02/2019; speakers asked the board to continue staff trainings and supportive practices tied to that policy.

Ending: The public comment period closed with the board thanking speakers; no formal policy or ordinance changes were proposed or voted on during the March 20 meeting in response to the remarks.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting (03.20.2025)","oneSentenceSummary","PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. — Multiple residents and emailed correspondents used the March 20 public comment period to urge the Colonial School District to maintain inclusive policies and supports for LGBTQ+ students, and to continue staff training and student groups that promote safety and belonging.","taxTitle","Colonial SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",38636,"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},6627337,"Colonial School District board approves roof work, tax credits, contracts and budget items",102,1924000,2026000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2728674-da56b8159933adb9ade20f01d09ddbdd&start=1924&end=2026","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2728674-da56b8159933adb9ade20f01d09ddbdd/thumbnail_1924000.jpg","/articles/6627337/Pennsylvania/Colonial-School-District-board-approves-roof-work-tax-credits-contracts-and-budget-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627337-fd4b0e5798d3da66f61739dd520f39ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153302&Signature=f-lEfAgyZ0PGqJgZnng-mo2xxQ~KDjUFY3VgJRmo0U1ldfOj0vaXxuyd~LgwfCfLFnKKbqtUGVBn0dabLSDbmnCTVf2QH-ohbCVLLH6e3-FgwFsRvw0OqsXa4K1gi-UmeCjvQZx6PdUdhIQAIoVbxqiW1ks8g5cBX6DtzJadQ0dCNHzYuuodJ6IGJ6A5nrqKW5StBELZtUfjyHNVi7I201-Jq-m-k-5uOSQ1QPrrovu8h3Uq3T3388uFqvcNISqwUX6BRhYuUQcaqi4TayZRmp6g3v6ie6oE3an-DYQ2C1tJDxrCy3s6k4OnUMPJanpH1Z7O1QdmEJmu3a9Nybec4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. — The Colonial School District Board approved a slate of motions at its March 20, 2025 business meeting, including contract awards for roof replacements, a parameters resolution to refinance Series 2017 general obligation bonds, continuation of a property tax rebate program, and implementation of an Act 91 volunteer tax credit program.

The board voted on a large group of routine and substantive items in a single meeting. Board members voted to approve meeting minutes and financial reports for February 2025, personnel recommendations and extracurricular contracts, the district’s 2025–2028 comprehensive plan and summer programming dates, and several policies on first reading or deletion as presented.

Major contract approvals included district roof replacement projects identified as phase 1 of a six‑year program: a $1,282,000 contract for roof replacement at the Jim North locker rooms, pool locker rooms and adjacent classrooms (to be completed before the 2025‑26 school year); a $347,853 contract for the kindergarten wing at White Marsh Elementary; and a $437,665 contract for the kindergarten wing at Bridge Park Elementary. The board approved each project for summer 2025 completion.

In finance actions, the board approved a parameters resolution to refinance the remainder of the Series 2017 general obligation bonds, to be issued as General Obligation Bonds Series 2025. The administration presented an estimate of roughly $700,000 in net savings over the life of the bonds, net of issuance costs.

The board approved continuation of the district’s property tax rebate program at 75% of the Pennsylvania program’s base rebate for the 2025–26 school year. Separately, members approved implementing the Act 91 tax credit program for the district for 2025–26; the motion spelled out local eligibility criteria for active volunteer firefighters, fire police and EMS personnel and stated a maximum credit amount of $500 as included in the motion text.

Education and student services approvals included a tuition placement with Linda Monbell Learning Processes (tuition for one student, March–May 2025, listed at $28,724.50), approvals to contract with MK Therapy Services LLC for related therapy and intervention services, approval of a three‑year contract with Dr. Angela Curry to provide hourly psychological services at $100 per hour plus IRS mileage reimbursement, and approval of a confidential settlement and release agreement that was discussed in executive session due to student confidentiality.

The board approved conference and out‑of‑state student trip requests, including PW High School music teacher Tanya Kaufman to attend the National Association for Music Education conference on April 25, 2025, and a Plymouth‑White Marsh High School computer science team trip to Rowan University on May 2, 2025.

Every motion was presented and adopted by voice vote; the meeting record shows the motions were seconded and then approved with the recurring procedural prompt “All in favor?” and a verbal confirmation of approval. Detailed vote tallies by member name were not recorded in the public transcript.

Votes at a glance

- Approve minutes (items 4b–4gs): approved.
- Approve financial reports (items 5b–5ms) for February 2025: approved.
- Approve February 2025 Treasurer’s Report: approved.
- Approve personnel report and extracurricular contracts (items 9b, 9c): approved.
- Approve 2025–2028 Comprehensive Plan and supporting state reports: approved.
- Approve 2025 Summer Academy (July 8–31) and Extended School Year ESY (July 1–31): approved.
- First reading: Policy 221 Dress and Grooming (new, PSBA recommended): advanced on first read.
- First reading: Policy 235.1 Surveys (new, PSBA recommended): advanced on first read.
- Delete Policy 254 Removal of Students and Illegal Attendance (language moved to Policy 202): approved for deletion.
- Roof replacement — Jim North and adjacent rooms: $1,282,000; approved.
- Roof replacement — White Marsh Elementary kindergarten wing: $347,853; approved.
- Roof replacement — Bridge Park Elementary kindergarten wing: $437,665; approved.
- Parameters resolution to refinance Series 2017 general obligation bonds (to Series 2025): approved; estimated net savings $700,000.
- Continue property tax rebate program at 75% of PA base rebate for 2025–26: approved.
- Implement Act 91 volunteer tax credit program for 2025–26 (local eligibility criteria specified; motion text lists a $500 maximum credit): approved.
- Approve Linda Monbell Learning Processes tuition placement (one student, Mar–May 2025): approved ($28,724.50 listed).
- Approve MK Therapy Services LLC for therapy and related LEA services: approved.
- Approve three‑year contract with Dr. Angela Curry for psychological services ($100/hr + mileage): approved.
- Approve confidential settlement and release agreement (discussed in executive session): approved.
- Approve conference request for Tanya Kaufman (NAfME conference, 04/25/2025): approved.
- Approve PW computer science team trip to Rowan University (05/02/2025): approved.

Context and next steps

Board members noted the roof projects are phase 1 of a six‑year districtwide replacement plan and that bond refinancing takes advantage of current market interest rates to lower long‑term interest expense. Several items were reviewed previously in committee, including finance committee discussions of the bond refinance and Act 91 program. Where motions referenced eligibility criteria (for example, the Act 91 motion), the text in the meeting record included specific local criteria rather than delegating all definitions to future rulemaking.

Because the transcript records voice approvals without roll‑call vote tallies, the public record does not show individual yes/no votes in the meeting transcript provided.","PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. — The Colonial School District Board approved a slate of motions at its March 20, 2025 business meeting, including contract awards for roof replacements, a parameters resolution to refinance Series 2017 general obligation bonds, continuation of a property tax rebate program, and implementation of an Act 91 volunteer tax credit program.",{"_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},6627327,"John Kennedy Subaru donates $35,000 to Colonial School District Education Foundation; total giving exceeds $177,000 since 2017",324,1148000,1472000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2728674-da56b8159933adb9ade20f01d09ddbdd&start=1148&end=1472","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2728674-da56b8159933adb9ade20f01d09ddbdd/thumbnail_1148000.jpg","/articles/6627327/Pennsylvania/John-Kennedy-Subaru-donates-35000-to-Colonial-School-District-Education-Foundation-total-giving-exceeds-177000-since-2017","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627327-dc45dbda1382372823b6087e685a2e5b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153302&Signature=PQB8nMdQUCJ5mQt4lEXXeZFLt2KGAOVfEyU5nz1orNrPkORQ7wrB3py1pZrfMtvyJfnx3XYXRUkbDwIj5NYn-ZeGIpGzU0Ev0H5tiJLMMhdEeHBEMgonMUlEi-jGs8lBXYSKlLdUQAg11au~vtDG1eoKwp1281g40F2hx5Y-4dHnuGZY0afQr3CVr7dQVowH1lPIkZDvO5DnyRi3DDD6qVWHpDQFhprARh~ckLo8OnElxmkhlS~d6ssaWaedGWANKVjo78J87ynWZzTvtHXFatfhev6gww2TNDsJCI9fl-Bp1Y0CfwgjEs2NKWr3~t5CVwpDEkf7VtEKT44slXktRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. — The Colonial School District Education Foundation (CSDEF) announced at the March 20 board meeting that John Kennedy Subaru donated $35,000 from the 2024 \"Share the Love\" campaign to the foundation, bringing the dealership's total contributions to more than $177,000 since 2017.

Annette Schwartz, president of the CSDEF, said the donation supports a range of student needs. Schwartz said funds raised through the dealership and Subaru of America have been used for the foundation's Food for Thought weekly lunch program and to provide weekend and summer meals for families facing food insecurity. Schwartz provided figures in the meeting record: since January 2023 the foundation funded 16,948 lunches totaling $42,210, weekend meals totaling $16,000 and a summer meal program totaling $6,000. The foundation also used funds for an outdoor classroom at Colonial Middle School.

The board and administrators acknowledged the donation and the role of local partners in addressing student needs. The foundation presented a plaque to the dealership as part of the public recognition.

Ending: The donation was presented during the board's recognition portion of the meeting; foundation and district officials said the funds will continue to be used for meal programs and other student supports administered by the foundation and district food services.","At the March 20 Colonial School District board meeting the Colonial School District Education Foundation publicly accepted a $35,000 donation from John Kennedy Subaru\u0000s Share the Love campaign, bringing total donations through the program to more than $177,000 since 2017. The funds support meal programs and an outdoor classroom project.",{"_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},6627332,"Colonial School District honors National Merit finalists and spotlights thriving music programs",239,440000,679000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2728674-da56b8159933adb9ade20f01d09ddbdd&start=440&end=679","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2728674-da56b8159933adb9ade20f01d09ddbdd/thumbnail_440000.jpg","/articles/6627332/Pennsylvania/Colonial-School-District-honors-National-Merit-finalists-and-spotlights-thriving-music-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627332-a401f0e4d609e4cb97587d8bd2daa5f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153302&Signature=czyYtBx9r3LTgdAV1HlrCy4w7ioOoaA8ZDk9vD17-x4G3zhPViyq0YUkbmUF8T4JbhzTPNfzyVx0whJ3VqMPL7DPi2TTJnXVezNa0spbo21dSRnDHhwGRmW-t5ySS78NBKZNGdPeE8GjS5ofHyCEGEPWW49G7FhkwaZBNP-1~KrTRp8Vq2WqK9NIQptt1H~wtUqgBH1N0y93PNkF3UfVC5UlgmCsdUYFvyvIK1zkdlRHzjqheUqjqI2tTDpp2tK3LVsuvugUyXtcYylziKcPBV3bEcqohj1Jmtqug3ZSZlSsptT317RelT6eOLxtmsNP8oUPDq6FRoJAg37~Mc1zCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. — The Colonial School District recognized seven National Merit Scholarship Program finalists and highlighted a string of music achievements and upcoming events during the board’s March 20 business meeting.

Dr. Jason Picani introduced seven high school seniors named finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Picani said the students advanced from semifinalist status after submitting detailed scholarship applications covering academics, activities, leadership and honors. The students named at the meeting were Ronald Keane, Dhruv Patel, Akil Royg, Andrew Sparka, Noah Smith and Celia Zafali (who was unable to attend). Dr. Picani said the group is unusually large for the district in recent years.

The board also used the meeting to mark Music in Our Schools Month and recognize students selected for district, regional and state ensembles. Kristy Langus, Elementary Music Curriculum Liaison, announced that two Colonial musicians — Katie Abadi and Ace Creighton — were selected for higher‑level ensembles. Langus said Katie performed in PMEA districts for band and orchestra and in choir, and that Ace earned regional placements for band and orchestra and is the first student from PW to make PMEA State Orchestra in over 10 years. Ace performed a short excerpt on a district‑owned bassoon; Langus thanked the board for acquiring the instrument for the program.

Bailey Casis, president of the Triad Chapter of the National Music Honor Society, gave a student report outlining district music activity this year, including more than 25 students representing the district at various honors ensembles, the first dual‑enrollment music course with the University of Pittsburgh, upcoming spring concerts (PW orchestra on April 2), the PW Jazz Cafe on March 24, and a Junior High Song Festival in a few weeks. Casis also said roughly half of the graduating seniors plan to continue music beyond high school.

Superintendent and board comments emphasized a banner year for the arts in the district, citing large elementary audiences that required moving a concert to a larger venue and several successful musical productions at the middle and high schools.

The recognitions highlighted both individual student achievement and district investments in music instruction and instruments, and the board thanked staff, music teachers and families for supporting the programs.

Ending: The board’s recognition of National Merit finalists and the music program came as the district also addressed routine business matters. Community events referenced at the meeting include the PW Jazz Cafe and several spring concerts; the district posted additional program details on its website as noted in committee reports.","At the March 20 board meeting Colonial School District recognized seven National Merit Scholarship finalists and multiple students and staff for district, regional and state music honors; the board and administrators highlighted concerts, student achievement and upcoming community music events.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge Colonial School District to maintain inclusive policies and support transgender students' participation in activities

Colonial School District board approves roof work, tax credits, contracts and budget items

John Kennedy Subaru donates $35,000 to Colonial School District Education Foundation; total giving exceeds $177,000 since 2017

Colonial School District honors National Merit finalists and spotlights thriving music programs