Board approves consent agenda including DCED grant application authorization and First Student contract

At the February meeting the board approved the superintendent’s consent agenda in a single vote after administration reviewed each item that had previously been discussed at the Committee of the Whole. The consent agenda included a standing lease with DCIU for an early‑intervention classroom at Washington Elementary, authorization to apply for a DCED grant of up to $5,000,000 for an emergent HVAC project at Boyertown Elementary, approval of three previously described student trips, a confidential settlement and release agreement (details confidential), the Berks County intermediate unit mandated district services budget, a donations list for February 20, 2026, and multiple policy items moving from first to second read.

Administration also presented a recommended contract with First Student Incorporated for alternative transportation services (to cover singular out‑of‑district student transports for significant distances). The administration said the contract had been reviewed with legal counsel and First Student and introduced Dr. Horton as a staff contact involved in negotiations. The board voted to approve the First Student contract as presented.

During the consent‑agenda discussion, a trustee asked about the financial impact if the DCED grant was not awarded. Administration replied that the district has current funding in place to move the project forward but would rely on any grant award to replenish capital reserves (the district would still proceed if the grant is not received). One board member asked for clarification on how an abstention should be recorded in minutes; counsel said abstentions typically require a form documenting the reason if associated with a conflict, and the administration said it would follow up to clarify the record for a prior meeting.

The board approved the personnel agenda and recognized the retirement of Lisa Duranzo, principal at Washington Elementary, who will retire at the end of the school year after 19 years of service.

Vote records: the board conducted roll calls on the treasurer’s report and the consent agenda; multiple board members were recorded voting "Yes," and the chair declared the motions carried ("Ayes have it"). Specific named yes/no votes for each item were recorded verbally during roll calls in the meeting transcript.