Leading Through Change, Centered on Students
Inside the latest decisions shaping Council Rock—and how national policy may affect us
Volume #11 - April/May 2025
Recently I’ve been reflecting on the progress we’ve made as a board—how far we’ve come in just two years. From Full-Day Kindergarten to updated curriculum and thoughtful long-term planning, we’ve taken on some of the district’s biggest challenges. And we haven’t shied away from hard decisions.
At the same time, I can’t help but think about what’s happening nationally. As education policy faces more uncertainty and growing political pressure at the federal level, it’s a reminder of just how important local leadership really is. What we do here—at Council Rock—matters. For our students, our teachers, and our community.
That’s what drives this work for me. The child who now gets a full day of purposeful learning and play. The teacher with the tools to reach every learner. The families counting on us to lead with care, clarity, and commitment.
It’s not easy work. But it is deeply meaningful. And I hope, as you read these updates, you’ll see the same thing I do: a district that’s moving forward—together.
Full-Day Kindergarten: A Whole-Child Approach
At our March 27 Education Committee meeting, we took a deep dive into what full-day kindergarten will look like. It’s not just about longer hours—it’s about deeper learning, purposeful play, and time to teach with fidelity.
One of the most exciting elements is the “PlayLab” curriculum, developed by our own teachers. It’s built around a standards-based, universal design for learning model that integrates hands-on, investigative experiences in social studies and science. In other words: kids will play—but with intention and educational impact.
Specials like music, art, gym, and STEAM are thoughtfully woven into the day to support creativity, cooperation, and connection from an early age.
Textbooks: What We Approve—and Why
One of the board’s lesser-known responsibilities is approving textbooks. It’s a big decision—not just because of the cost, but because these materials shape what and how our students learn.
Each year, educators go through a rigorous process to review options aligned to state standards and curriculum goals. Often, new materials are piloted in classrooms before being brought to the board. Teachers and curriculum supervisors then present their findings, answer questions, and walk us through the rationale and cost.
These proposed adoptions will come before the board for approval at the June board meeting:
Grades 6–8 Language Arts: HMH Into Literature will serve about 2,400 students. It replaces outdated materials and includes six years of consumables—books students can write in and annotate—as well as professional development for teachers.
Cost: $766,760.518th Grade Science: The current book is from 2017 and doesn’t align with Pennsylvania’s new STEEL standards (Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy, and Sustainability). The new version includes eight years of online access and consumables.
Cost: $104,527.50Accelerated Biology (10th): The existing textbook is from 2014 and lacks digital access. The proposed replacement aligns with the Keystone Biology assessment.
Cost: $89,715.50AP Biology (11th/12th): The AP curriculum was updated in 2019, but our textbook hasn’t changed since 2014. The new materials include 150 updated books and six years of online access.
Cost: $26,406U.S. History (9th/10th): Our current textbook ends at 2012 and doesn’t offer digital access. The new one includes primary sources and inquiry-based assignments aligned with the updated course framework.
Cost: $118,835Honors American Government & Politics (11th/12th): The textbook in use is from 2007. The updated version includes digital access and serves about 75 students.
Cost: $17,758
Digital access is especially important—it gives students up-to-date materials and allows them to study without carrying heavy books home. These are long-term investments that benefit students across both North and South campuses.
Budget, Facilities & What’s Ahead
Council Rock operates on a roughly $280 million annual budget. Here’s how that breaks down:
$215 million from local revenue (primarily school taxes)
$61 million from the state (largely reimbursement for special education services)
$4.4 million from federal funding
We’re seeing rising costs across the board:
Contracted services have increased about 4.8%
Supply costs are up nearly 30%
At our March meetings, the board reviewed several service and facilities items:
Fuel oil and gasoline: One bid received
Propane: Two bids reviewed—district rejected the floating bid and selected a fixed rate of $1.38/gallon
Boiler and water heater maintenance: Approved for Goodnoe, Richboro Elementary, Newtown Middle, and Holland Middle—$14,612 total
CRHS North natatorium boiler: A change order of $33,346.84 was approved to complete necessary adjustments (new damper system and 3-way valve)
One of the largest service-related costs is custodial services:
Six proposals were submitted
The most competitive bid came from our current provider, ABM, offering the best services to meet district needs
Though the district wasn’t required to go out to bid, we did so to ensure value
The new 3-year contract includes:
$5.5 million in 2025–26
$5.7 million in 2026–27
$5.9 million in 2027–28
With an 8% increase the first year and 4% annually thereafter
We’ve also taken early steps in our facilities master planning study, evaluating potential renovation costs:
Newtown Elementary: ~$27 million
Maureen M. Welch: ~$40 million
Chancellor Center:
$7 million plan would include foundational drainage, concrete and stair repair, partial parking lot resurfacing, and full HVAC replacement
$15 million plan would include all of the above plus a full renovation for updated administrative use
Large-scale projects like these require at least a year for design, bidding, and procurement, and another year or more for construction. Because Newtown and Welch serve large student populations, these would likely be phased projects, adding time and complexity.
We also need to address overcrowding at Holland Middle and Wrightstown Elementary, and those conversations will continue.
Looking ahead, board discussions will include:
Staffing for 2025–26
Full-Day Kindergarten implementation
High school scheduling and possible late start times
Special Education Plan: Public Review
The Special Education Plan was unanimously approved by the board last month. This plan is a state mandate, required every three years, and focuses on:
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS)
Support services and professional development
While it outlines important priorities, it does not encompass the full scope of our special services department—and there is still work to be done.
I look forward to the leadership, vision, and planning ahead under our new Director of Special Services, Dr. Al Oberman, who officially began over spring break.
The plan is now available for public review. It’s 354 pages long, so I specifically asked that stakeholders be pointed to the relevant sections on the website for easier access.
📄 View the Special Education Plan
📧 Questions? Email: specialservices@crsd.org
Department of Education Disruption: Federal Impact on CRSD
Many parents have asked whether the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education will impact Council Rock.
The Department of Education provides critical funding for special education services, teacher training, and supports through its civil rights division, which protects students and school communities from discrimination. With over 50% of DoE staff cut, it remains to be seen how these responsibilities will be maintained—or if changes are coming at all.
President Trump has said that HHS, under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will take over responsibility for special education. There has been no formal guidance on how this transition would work, and no indication yet that services to schools like ours will be reduced.
At Council Rock, the 2024–25 budget includes approximately $4.5 million in federal funding. That funding supports:
Special education services for 1 in 6 students
Professional development for teachers
Programs for English language learners
Free and reduced-cost lunches for students in need
As a current member of the Council Rock school board, I want to reassure you: our board leadership remains committed to protecting public education and ensuring every student has access to the resources they need to succeed—especially those who rely on special education services.
I will continue to advocate for our students, families, and educators as we navigate the uncertainty ahead.
A Lesson in Kindness, Compassion, and Remembrance
Upcoming Meetings
Thursday, May 15 – Board of School Directors Meeting
Thursday, May 22 – Education Committee Meeting
Thursday, June 5 - Facilities Committee Meeting
Monday, June 9 - Finance Committee Meeting
Thursday, June 19 - Board of School Directors Meeting
Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at 7:00 PM in the Chancellor Center (30 N. Chancellor Street, Newtown, PA).
NOTE: The opinions expressed in this newsletter are not official statements made on behalf of the entire Council Rock school board or Council Rock administration. It is for informational purposes and responses or inquiries cannot be made in an official school district manner.