SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — State Sen. Jarrett Coleman returned Tuesday to where he got his political start to speak about proposed legislation.
Coleman, who recently resigned from Parkland School Board after winning his senate seat, appeared before the board to talk about a bill, of which he is the prime sponsor, that would let public schools apply for waivers of state-imposed mandates.
- State Sen. Jarrett Coleman spoke at the latest Parkland School Board meeting about a bill that would let public schools apply for waivers of state-imposed mandates
- Coleman is a former member of the board who resigned after winning his senate seat
- In other news, residents asked the school board to look into acquiring the site of the controversial proposed drug and alcohol recovery house next to Cetronia Elementary
Also Tuesday, a resident urged the school board to look into acquiring property next to Cetronia Elementary School, where a developer recently proposed putting a drug and alcohol recovery house.
Regarding the legislation, Colemen said at the meeting that it would make clear "that if a mandate imposed by Harrisburg isn't advancing education your district, [the] school board should be permitted to find a better, less costly way.”
The bill is a reintroduction of Senate Bill 73 from the previous legislative session.
“This is what happens when we come together and leave politics out of the discussion."State Sen. Jarrett Coleman
Coleman said his decision to reintroduce the bill was a “direct result” of an education summit he held in February with superintendents and education professionals.
“This is what happens when we come together and leave politics out of the discussion,” Coleman said.
“The House and Senate can come together as we did in this very room and address the concerns that are shared by our school boards and administrations, regardless of the members’ party affiliation.”
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association also supports a mandate waiver program.
Recovery house property
During the public comment segment of Tuesday's meeting, resident William Allen urged the school board to look into acquiring the property at 3599 Broadway, next to Cetronia Elementary.
The property's owner, Eric Moyer, recently proposed a drug and alcohol recovery house at the location. The appeal was denied by South Whitehall’s Zoning Hearing Board on Monday.
School board candidate Chris Pirrotta said he agreed that the district should try to acquire the property.
Board Director Patrick Foose said he agreed with Allen and Pirrotta. No other members of the board responded to the comment.
Student and staff recognition
The board recognized students who were selected to be part of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s All-State Festival.
Students recognized were jazz band member Mitchell Roth, wind ensemble member Brandon Cai and chorus members Jaxon Egge, Liam Farrell and Abigail Meyers. Their teachers are Brian Mischler, Jason Lerew and Allison Lagan.
The board also recognized students who were National Scholastic Art winners, including photographer Courtney Gibbons, fashion designer Katherine Gilchrist and sculptor Brynn Snyder. Their teachers are Chris Barrett, Kaye Coval and Kristen LaBella.
And the board recognized Family and Consumer Science educators Bethany Pepe, Nancy Bogart, Dr. Kristen LaBella, Kathryne Romanie and Andrea Ruch for winning the 2023 Standards for Excellence — High School award.
Other business
School board candidate Mike Millo asked the board for updates about the advertising revenue that has been earned so far from the district swimming pool’s new scoreboard.
Buying the $80,000 scoreboard was controversial because the district also received a quote for a $21,000 alternative.
Board directors who voted in favor of the more expensive scoreboard said at the time that it would pay for itself through advertising revenue, which they said would be $10,000 to $20,000 a year.
Superintendent Mark Madson said he would provide the information to Millo.
