Colonial School District board approves phase‑2 roofing contracts, grants, appointments and agreements

The Colonial School District Business Board on Jan. 15 approved two roofing contracts as part of a multi‑year, five‑year districtwide roofing project, accepted a modified Ready to Learn block grant of $219,916, confirmed personnel and extracurricular appointments, and approved several education agreements and policies.

Dr. Christian turned the meeting over for the superintendent's report and sought approval of the personnel report and extracurricular contracts; the board approved the recommended personnel changes, with the superintendent noting appointments, promotions and transfers are contingent on valid credentials and required documentation.

Student representatives gave updates on winter concerts, testing and club activities. One student representative encouraged community attendance at upcoming spring concerts, saying, "We highly encourage you to attend their upcoming spring concerts." The board observed January as School Board Recognition Month; Dr. Christian said, "It is a job that pays nothing. It's a volunteer position for which you were elected."

On capital projects, the board approved a bid from Munn Roofing for $840,000 to replace the roof on the three‑story wing of Plymouth White Marsh High School and a separate bid from Jelton Roofing for $1,632,720 to perform elementary‑school roofing work (excluding 2017 additions). The facilities committee chair said the phase‑2 work is part of a five‑year schedule intended to spread costs and keep roofs in good condition and noted that "all of our bids were under budget." Both contracts are scheduled to begin at the end of the 2025–26 school year and to be completed before the 2026–27 school year.

The board approved a modified Ready to Learn block grant for the 2025–26 school year in the amount of $219,916. Jeremy, who reported for the finance committee, also said the committee reviewed year‑to‑date financial statements and took an initial look at the fiscal 2026–27 budget.

On special education and student services, members approved an educational services agreement for the Deborah School covering one resident and one nonresident student for the 2025–26 school year and ESY 2026. The board also approved a confidential settlement agreement in lieu of FAPE; board materials noted the student matter was discussed in executive session and that confidentiality applies. The board adopted policy 307 (student teachers and interns) and policy 822 (automated external defibrillator and cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on the second reading.

The board appointed Rick Carpenter to represent the district on the Central Technical High School Joint Operating Committee for a three‑year term, and appointed Thomas Santiago to serve as the district’s representative on the Montgomery County unit board of directors from Jan. 15 through June 30, 2026.

Other actions approved included adult evening school classes and instructors for White Marsh High School’s winter and spring 2026 sessions (per a Jessica Lester memo dated January 2026) and superintendent attendance at the AASANCE 2026 conference in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 12–14.

The Colonial School District Foundation reported nearly $30,000 raised from community and corporate donors plus a $10,000 donation from First Trust Bank; the foundation said it has awarded about $15,000 in teacher grants and more than $15,000 for food‑related services, and announced a 5K on April 5 and a golf outing on June 22.

There was no extended public testimony recorded and the board adjourned the meeting.