[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6110779,"mediaKeyId","2756294-8ce69112d63d6fa025bb85d477c289fa","parentId",2756294,"title","Votes at a glance — Oxford Area Board of School Directors, March 18, 2025","audioSeconds",4752,"startMs",57000,"endMs",4809000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2756294-8ce69112d63d6fa025bb85d477c289fa&start=57&end=4809","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2756294-8ce69112d63d6fa025bb85d477c289fa/thumbnail_57000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6110779/Pennsylvania/Votes-at-a-glance-Oxford-Area-Board-of-School-Directors-March-18-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6110779-d272678e5985d65f92a131242c65efb3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135992&Signature=LlgnCBm0xnY5thLCACGX1ShxvHOyeqtXOnQ8mdYjQwdsrYMslWhc2hN0Prxte-euxJ54DCkDVq8CZHfMdn4IaFpquDvhFwNdWVtZE1GJ5JhGd52jImbvCyRa2N2VAGOzYqsnxc4NeAPxuCP-aNwAT7ALg2fD5UHv7s4NhvJ94KXz7a32sON2OiXjt9CcpTdR-9K4sT19vIA5ErOxJItXbtRpyk8wz7ydYQ7~ZX~d-KvJWC8mrZ2ppaBL9VVrWTgshVeooTl7BGbW4T9EarZjZB1Cldc6MVK7LqXicU6yctMSrTHnh2RRgZ6Xw1Vny9nWSKG3U~E2HhT0OZPeM6KEHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-25T04:39:32.917Z","article","This list summarizes the formal motions, resolutions and votes recorded at the Oxford Area Board of School Directors meeting on March 18, 2025. Where a roll call was recorded, names are listed; where the transcript records only an oral vote, the outcome is noted as announced.

1) Approval of the agenda — Outcome: approved (voice vote: “All in favor? Aye.”). (Transcript evidence: agenda approval near meeting start.)

2) Approval of minutes (02/18/2025 work session and 02/25/2025 regular meeting) — Outcome: approved (voice vote: “All in favor? Aye.”).

3) Financial reports (general fund, revenue, expenditure, cafeteria fund, capital fund) — Outcome: approved (voice vote: “All in favor? Aye.”).

4) Student activities and athletic officials account approvals — Outcome: approved (voice vote: “All in favor? Aye.”).

5) Payment of bills (general fund, cafeteria fund, capital projects fund, payroll distributions; amounts read in meeting) — Outcome: approved (voice vote: “All in favor? Aye.”). The transcript lists general fund and payroll distributions in the millions; itemized amounts are in the posted board materials.

6) CCIU budgets and appointments of county tax collection delegates (consent agenda) — Outcome: approved as part of consent agenda (voice vote: “All in favor? Aye.”). Specific delegate appointments listed in meeting materials.

7) Comprehensive plan preliminary public review and required assurances (2025–2028) — Outcome: approved (voice vote: “All in favor? Aye.”). Staff to submit to Pennsylvania Department of Education for state review.

8) Maximum parameters resolution to incur non‑electoral debt up to $17,000,000 — Outcome: approved (roll call recorded; recorded ayes: Mister Atkinson, Mister Blessington, Miss Dean, Miss Duweese, Miss Case, Mister Claus, Mister Quas, Miss Frederick, Miss Warren; Mister Patterson absent).

9) Reimbursement resolution authorizing repayment of prior expenditures up to $3,000,000 from bond proceeds — Outcome: approved (roll call recorded; motion carries, same attendance pattern noted in transcript).

10) Approval of assistant superintendent contract (Dr. Margaret Billings Jones), term 07/01/2025–06/30/2028 — Outcome: approved (roll call recorded; motion carried; recorded yes votes and one dissent noted in transcript).

11) Tax penalty relief requests (two items referenced) — Outcome: approved (voice vote: “All in favor? Aye.”). Board finance discussion noted these involved mail/delivery or communication errors rather than requests to reduce taxes for personal reasons.

12) Change to 2024–25 school calendar (add in‑service day on 05/20/2025 — meeting transcript corrected from March to May) — Outcome: approved (voice vote: “All in favor? Aye.”). Board discussion noted teacher input and polling‑place security concerns.

13) 2025–26 school calendar change (place in‑service days on public election days) — Outcome: approved (voice vote: “All in favor? Aye.”). Board said teachers were given opportunity to provide input and no opposition was reported.

14) Policy series items — First reading of policy 3950 (safety and health) and readoption of several 3000‑series policies; revision and approval of policy 3330 (reimbursement/use of personal vehicles) — Outcome: policy 3330 revision approved (voice vote: “All in favor? Aye.”); 3950 presented for first reading (discussion only).

15) Personnel items (approval of recommended professional, nonprofessional and volunteer hires/retirements) — Outcome: approved (voice/roll call as noted; one board member abstained on a personnel vote where a close relationship existed and abstention was recorded in the transcript).

How to read this list: This roundup includes motions and outcomes recorded in the public meeting transcript and the board packet. For full text of resolutions, ordinance numbers, and supporting materials, see the district’s posted board materials.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 18 2025 Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A consolidated list of formal motions, resolutions and votes taken at the Oxford Area Board meeting on March 18, including outcomes and key details.","taxTitle","Oxford Area SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",49396,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6110785,"Resident raises transparency concerns under Pennsylvania Sunshine Act over unpaid disclosure of administrator contracts",4579,100000,4679000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2756294-8ce69112d63d6fa025bb85d477c289fa&start=100&end=4679","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2756294-8ce69112d63d6fa025bb85d477c289fa/thumbnail_100000.jpg","/articles/6110785/Pennsylvania/Resident-raises-transparency-concerns-under-Pennsylvania-Sunshine-Act-over-unpaid-disclosure-of-administrator-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6110785-94281e667de1d1b5742741ae78d2cd83/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135992&Signature=eBTqCmAA4dtpeFYQhuMziNIidRBcUQ8MrzJFz9~mmmhQBeUuT9nieQ4C~7pR89O25ZDrckUa-fP8v6Tr-PGhpzhWqTgYDzvCaBt8bKZo7UeTosoQOeDD8XK~pFoOGwV~DM~ftE0HGIhl4XC11K-FellSq16yd-PHC-HaRyBEM--dpfDCFDmG5V6UuB-mDUOC5FG9r14NCOkcC1eWXSAoj6qnFdSczkmMUmXiyfh0UIXUrR0~Fn5MNgNYbrE8fTpDmGkC7NGCIH6v-AR8GWRVm4~62Knso-RdKCVf5HjNRgfaVjbgX1TW5tqwCixUGHkvfn6e85jZdAgnOiTQKD3kqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A resident spoke during public comment at the March 18 meeting, saying the district has not made the contract for Dr. Billings Jones publicly available before a scheduled vote and raising broader concerns about agenda attachments and access to board packet documents.

Ronnie Lutz of East Nottingham Township told the board that withholding contract details from the public was inconsistent with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act (commonly referenced as Act 65) and read portions of the statute’s finding language about the public’s right to notice and to attend meetings where agency business is deliberated.

Lutz also said an email he had submitted for the agenda under \"correspondence\" was not attached to the agenda packet on the district website and that the public cannot see expanded agenda materials without printing the expanded agenda. He argued that lack of posted attachments hampers meaningful public comment and leaves the district open to legal challenge.

Board response: A board member acknowledged receipt of Lutz’s emails and said Superintendent Patterson had reached out to the district solicitor and that the district would follow up. A board official cited a guidance source—identified at the meeting as a practical guide to the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act—and read the guide’s explanation that the Sunshine Act requires public posting of meeting agendas but does not mandate that all board packet background materials be posted with the agenda.

Additional correspondence: At the end of the meeting, the board secretary noted two items of correspondence from Ronnie Lutz on file: one regarding executive orders and compliance and another regarding the agenda.

Ending: Board staff said they would get back to the commenter after consulting the solicitor and that staff would post material as required; the board noted the request and acknowledged follow‑up would occur.","Nottingham Township resident Ronnie Lutz urged the board to publicize administrative contracts and agenda attachments, citing the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act and board policy on correspondence.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6110788,"Oxford Area SD board approves preliminary comprehensive plan for state submission",1349,2171000,3520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2756294-8ce69112d63d6fa025bb85d477c289fa&start=2171&end=3520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2756294-8ce69112d63d6fa025bb85d477c289fa/thumbnail_2171000.jpg","/articles/6110788/Pennsylvania/Oxford-Area-SD-board-approves-preliminary-comprehensive-plan-for-state-submission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6110788-c0d7120564328af3cd69aa59f31b6fea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135992&Signature=n98ZYHwTEvJEsucXhrXhSXYCKxiJx2-TrEAUq2bcyhiX8oncr6dg8SOGz9ferK43V--tw-Ve5NNulwz7sgqlX~f1YVg2U9DAR6K7Y6j8eyUGhHmoRwzSccvnEiaB60-ZS7EfbrBSBOH13RuTfFj28YtC4q8Q2mAB-Hef0ye3gT~x-mg9~ot5GxoautLP4aUepGaeQQQFKBth0v8CL8WsWbZoXoMZ~so61z-crh4ehK3~rfK0c5Nev5DEi3CxXITLah~NG0rqCl2OaVmqMT-Vlpng2UbOA-tgksCpPOgJjNWmJWf2137gqdEewm1mUGmCcuzjPKEiiPLitH7LyKDyQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oxford Area Board of School Directors approved the district’s comprehensive plan for 2025–2028 and the accompanying state‑required documents, including professional development, teacher induction and gifted education assurances.

Education committee chair Mrs. Menbrick reported that Dr. Billings Jones presented the goal‑setting and action plan components the committee developed. The plan was on the board’s agenda for approval; the committee recommended forwarding the approved plan to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for state review.

Why it matters: The comprehensive plan lays out district goals and action steps for the next three years and is required by the state for approval of certain programs and funding assurances.

Board action: The board voted to approve the preliminary public review version of the comprehensive plan and required assurances and will submit it to the state department for final approval.

Additional items: The education committee also discussed a proposed communications audit by the Chester County Intermediate Unit to assess district perceptions and recommend engagement strategies; the chair expressed support for pursuing the audit.

Ending: The board scheduled the next education committee meeting for April 15, 2025, and staff said they will provide updates after the state reviews the submitted plan.","The board approved the district's 2025–2028 comprehensive plan and required state documents; the plan will be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education pending board approval (which occurred at the meeting).",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6110794,"Board approves three‑year contract for assistant superintendent; questions about public posting and terms raised",135,3875000,4010000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2756294-8ce69112d63d6fa025bb85d477c289fa&start=3875&end=4010","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2756294-8ce69112d63d6fa025bb85d477c289fa/thumbnail_3875000.jpg","/articles/6110794/Pennsylvania/Board-approves-threeyear-contract-for-assistant-superintendent-questions-about-public-posting-and-terms-raised","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6110794-b6d3af995bf5ff6e12979043e42cd425/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135992&Signature=fm9Fq9rK3QVQGfE5FzrcKpVKHDTJMx-7oHdtJJ87Seuf4WUgzEVLj5geN5HZ6CI3V9BmXrYFgka1TT048y~KAfIdwx-S2-UNRJ8zfdBwV1LIXoWFBSIzBwUYpSx-CXetGw6ZuixqqtTEtQEoGEiV9B2ZteRumcePBb1y--c4s8qlSk0BD3qc3U44K6CmD3VsIr8FXCnPMDjDNFzy6KZxPZXfONnB2qX~12V9IM15A80oANWDZlP0wxfa-UYza17GF~kaYjjAqpMiyQyVGuPcMHXub98xvRqvYNo5csssOg~N4nj0D5-2wJCMSibMOW8OkV~zHNLrBq8AKbeJztkegw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oxford Area Board of School Directors voted on March 18 to approve a three‑year contract for Dr. Margaret Billings Jones as assistant superintendent, with the term running July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.

During discussion, a board member asked whether the contract would be read aloud or made available to the public. A board official said the board would not read the full contract during the meeting but that it would be posted after approval.

Board staff then summarized changes from the previous contract. The board was told the contract provides a three‑year term, sets the annual salary at $239,857 and increases vacation to 30 days. Meeting discussion also referenced a payment provision related to unused leave; the speaker clarified that a $100 per day figure discussed applied to sick time in the revised language.

Board action: After the summary of changes and a brief discussion, the board took a roll call vote. Members recorded as voting yes included Mister Atkinson, Miss Dean, Miss Duweese, Mister Claus, Miss Frederick and Miss Warren; Mister Blessington was recorded earlier in the roll call as having voted (notation in transcript indicates the roll call carried); Mister Patterson was absent. The motion to approve the contract carried.

Context: The board previously held an executive session on March 11 to discuss contract negotiations for the assistant superintendent. A public commenter earlier in the evening had raised concerns about public access to administrative contracts under the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act.

Ending: District staff said the executed contract will be posted with meeting materials following approval.","The Oxford Area Board of School Directors approved a three‑year contract for assistant superintendent Dr. Margaret Billings Jones, including an annual salary listed during the meeting and changes to paid time; board members asked that the contract be posted for public review after approval.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6110799,"Oxford Area SD authorizes authorization up to $17 million in debt to fund capital projects; board approves reimbursement measure",165,3625000,3790000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2756294-8ce69112d63d6fa025bb85d477c289fa&start=3625&end=3790","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2756294-8ce69112d63d6fa025bb85d477c289fa/thumbnail_3625000.jpg","/articles/6110799/Pennsylvania/Oxford-Area-SD-authorizes-authorization-up-to-17-million-in-debt-to-fund-capital-projects-board-approves-reimbursement-measure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6110799-87ca3a21e0f4324c6853016c2a56bc89/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135992&Signature=kNELM3PKs9YpBdNUR44myQ39KWw2xV7yhr5Cu9KEW~Pku4YjOlIVWnxwLPdGP0o~lnMeWZ3rAx1~mudZDoOzKj2gMy6ZH129e-TpKQ0P4O~fXArjP0JusgrDkNkhhgpnsxVSJiNpcXtsJpZyTCLfdEEt1Vs-OZGRryLr6~teIFXdYjijRAdB~RiNSt08KKH0drTLa4KXdIv~y2mcA64mZ1g~y2KQsg13UnzkBSWpDrEHhixQ7Oh0vuzbWzWRen0yu8WaQBHS7mc3ABVP0C7PXTn3tjYqmRg72Hy3YesgMu49qUthPG5R1U19rniDnqEGXk4IgWlocnomq5199uO2HA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oxford Area Board of School Directors on March 18 authorized the district to incur non-electoral debt through the issuance of general obligation notes in a maximum aggregate principal amount not to exceed $17,000,000 to finance a capital improvement and refunding program and to cover issuance costs.

The board also approved a separate reimbursement resolution that would allow the district to reimburse itself up to $3,000,000 from future tax‑exempt bond proceeds for capital costs paid before the bonds are issued.

Why it matters: Board members and district financial advisers said the borrowing will fund planned building work and allow the district to restructure current debt with limited impact to taxpayers. Finance committee members told the board the district expects to borrow roughly $9 million for the capital project portion and to refinance existing obligations; $17 million is a maximum authorization, not an expected final borrowing amount.

Finance committee chair Brian Cooney (board counsel/staff speaker identified in meeting) and committee members explained the two principal components of the proposal: the capital project (the committee discussed about $9 million) and restructuring current debt to reduce near‑term budget impacts. Committee commentary noted issuance fees and related costs are included in the not‑to‑exceed figure.

Board discussion and vote: The board directed a roll call vote on the debt authorization. Members recorded on the roll call as voting in favor included Mister Atkinson, Mister Blessington, Miss Dean, Miss DuWeese, Miss Case, Mister Claus, Mister Quas, Miss Frederick and Miss Warren; Mister Patterson was absent. The board then took a separate roll call vote to approve the reimbursement resolution. The reimbursement vote likewise carried.

Comments from the finance committee: Committee members said the district is in a strong financial position that allows borrowing for LED stadium lighting, a turf field, roofing work and other projects “without increasing taxes” materially over the term of the financing. The committee estimated a long‑term total increase in debt service in the range discussed at the meeting (committee members cited rough figures over a 20‑year term); they emphasized the $17 million number is a legal maximum to cover projects and restructuring.

Next steps: Board staff said the district will proceed with the negotiated sale process, finalize documentation and post continuing disclosure materials as required. District staff and outside finance and legal advisors present for the meeting remained available to answer follow‑up questions.

Ending: Board materials attached to the meeting agenda list project details and the form resolutions that authorize staff and bond counsel to finalize the transaction; staff said more precise borrowing amounts and schedules will be reported to the board before final bond issuance.","The Oxford Area Board of School Directors voted to authorize the issuance of general obligation notes with a maximum aggregate principal amount of $17 million to fund capital improvements and to approve a reimbursement resolution allowing up to $3 million to be repaid from bond proceeds for prior expenditures.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance — Oxford Area Board of School Directors, March 18, 2025

Resident raises transparency concerns under Pennsylvania Sunshine Act over unpaid disclosure of administrator contracts

Oxford Area SD board approves preliminary comprehensive plan for state submission

Board approves three‑year contract for assistant superintendent; questions about public posting and terms raised

Oxford Area SD authorizes authorization up to $17 million in debt to fund capital projects; board approves reimbursement measure