Colonial School District approves fund transfer, new policies and several contracts; tax collector pay raised

The Colonial School District Board of School Directors at its Jan. 16 meeting approved a transfer intended to bring the district’s unassigned fund balance into alignment with the state minimum, adopted policy updates including a policy on use of generative artificial intelligence in education, approved several student tuition and service contracts, appointed district representatives to the Central Montco Technical High School Joint Operating Committee and voted to increase the tax collector’s annual compensation.

District administrators told the board that with the close of the 2023–24 fiscal year and acceptance of the audit in November, the district’s unassigned fund balance totaled $1,980,200, roughly 8.21% of the 2024–25 budget; the administration recommended a transfer from the general fund unassigned to the general fund assigned to comply with the state’s 8% unassigned fund balance minimum. The motion to approve the transfer, as presented in the meeting packet, passed unanimously.

The board approved a motion to increase compensation for Dominic Coker, identified in the meeting as the district’s tax collector for the Bureau of Hanshaw Hopkins, to $6,600 per year effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029; the board noted this represents a $100-per-year increase from the current compensation. The motion passed.

Several education-related contracts and settlements were approved. The board voted to approve tuition contracts that were listed in the agenda: two students at Nexus School with units listed at $127,065 per student; a tuition entry referencing Wood Services/Cross Food Education Center with amounts transcribed in the agenda; and one-to-one services at Overbrook School for two students with a per‑day rate shown in the agenda. Several settlement and release agreements related to individual students were also approved; board members stated those agreements were reviewed in executive session and that details are confidential because of student privacy.

The board appointed Chris Epstein and William Winchester as Colonial School District representatives to the Central Montco Technical High School Joint Operating Committee for three‑year terms. The Joint Operating Committee includes three members from each participating district, the board said.

On policy, the board approved on second reading Policy 235 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), Policy 815 (Acceptable Use of Internet, Computers and Network Resources) and Policy 815.1 (Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education). The board also approved the K–12 academic calendar for the 2025–26 school year and approved the Plymouth-White Marsh High School Program of Studies for 2025–26 as presented.

The board approved a conference request included in the agenda for Beth Lynch, listed as Equity and Advancement Officer, and for a Doctor Figueroa Douglas to visit institutions listed in the agenda between Feb. 17–20; the agenda listed the institutions as Clark Atlanta University and Spelman College and included another institution name transcribed as “Warhorse College.” The board packet and meeting discussion did not clarify that institution’s correct name.

Solicitor remarks noted a recent Kentucky court decision that invalidated the 2024 Title IX regulations and said some districts may need to revert to the 2020 Title IX regulations; the solicitor advised the district to watch for further federal action and possible executive orders that could affect district policy implementations.

Votes at a glance: - Transfer from general fund unassigned to general fund assigned (amount as presented in agenda): approved (motion seconded; all in favor). - Compensation for Dominic Coker, tax collector: $6,600 per year, July 1, 2025–June 30, 2029 (increase of $100/year): approved (motion seconded; all in favor). - Settlement and release agreements relating to individual student matters (reviewed in executive session; details confidential): approved (motion seconded; all in favor). - Tuition/service contracts (Nexus School, Wood Services/Cross Food Education Center, Overbrook School — amounts as shown in agenda): approved (motion seconded; all in favor). - Appointments to Central Montco Technical High School JOC (Chris Epstein, William Winchester; 3‑year terms): approved (motion seconded; all in favor). - Policies on Student Rights (Policy 235), Acceptable Use (Policy 815), and AI use in education (Policy 815.1) — second reading approval: approved (motion seconded; all in favor). - K–12 academic calendar for 2025–26 and Plymouth‑White Marsh High School Program of Studies 2025–26: approved (motion seconded; all in favor).

The board also received a student board report summarizing winter concerts, competitions and school activities across district schools and foundation and grant updates from the district foundation. Several agenda items and settlement approvals were discussed in executive session and therefore were not detailed publicly because of student privacy protections.

The meeting adjourned after board comments and committee reports.