Board Meeting Recaps
2025-2026
Legislative Board Meeting - February 2026
The CSD Board of School Directors convened for its monthly legislative meeting on Tuesday, February 10. Here are some key takeaways:
- CHS Principal Dr. Ben Hammond presented about the great things happening at the high school, including student achievement, growth in honor roll qualifiers, AP courses and dual enrollment, and the abundance of SEL supports.
- In his superintendent’s report, Dr. Brian Scriven recognized Black History Month activities around the district; gave an update on the safety and behavioral assessments the Center for Safe Schools is doing; and reviewed the strategic planning development process the district is about to undertake.
- The board approved the resolution for the Public School Facility Improvement grant for up to $5M for the repair or replacement of eligible mechanical system improvements at Cheltenham High School.
- The board approved the service agreement between Bucks County Intermediate Unit and the Cheltenham School District for co-design and development of 2026-2031 strategic plan.
Legislative Board Meeting - January 2026
The Cheltenham School District Board of School Directors convened for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 13. Here are a few quick takeaways.
- Lead Administrator Shareese Nelson shared a video of all the great things happening at Cedarbrook East and discussed CBKE’s sixth grade academy. Student Stella Troha addressed the board, relaying her experience as a student at the Mods.
- In his superintendent’s report, Dr. Brian Scriven updated the community on the progress of educational initiatives and accomplishments from 2024 through 2026.
- The board approved the change in assignment for ShaVon Savage from assistant superintendent to director of teaching and learning in a move to provide further focus on instruction and student achievement. In the absence of an assistant superintendent, Dr. Scriven will be supporting the Office of Education.
- The board approved a consultant agreement with distinguished educator and executive leader Dr. David E. Thomas, who will be coming in as special assistant to the superintendent to support operations.
- The 2026-27 and 2027-28 academic calendars were approved.
Legislative Board Meeting - December 9, 2025
The CSD Board of School Directors convened Tuesday at the Administration Building and on Zoom for its monthly meeting. Here are some key takeaways:
- Cedarbrook Principal Craig Metcalfe showed a video of all the great programs taking place at the school, and art teacher Anna Goldsmith spoke about the art adorning the auditorium walls.
- In his superintendent’s report, Dr. Scriven delivered the presentation, “Shared Leadership: Our Roles in Crisis, Culture and Climate: A Unified Framework for Principals and Central Office.”
- The board approved a new five-year contract for Dr. Scriven.
- The board adopted the Act 1 opt-out resolution, meaning taxes can’t be raised above 3.5 percent.
- Project bids for the Cedarbrook and Glenside additions were approved.
Re-organization Meeting - December 2, 2025
The CSD Board of School Directors held its annual re-organization meeting on Tuesday, December 2. Here are the key takeaways from the meeting:
- Sitting board members Daniel Schultz, Leah Mulhearn and Zachary Epps were sworn in after winning re-election
- Dr. Caroline Watts was sworn in as a board member after winning election.
- Leah Mulhearn was elected president of the board
- Jennifer Lowman was elected vice president of the board.
Legislative Board Meeting - November 11, 2025
The CSD Board of School Directors convened for its monthly legislative meeting Tuesday. Here are some key takeaways:
- Wyncote Principal Jim Taylor updated the community on the great things happening in his building, including bringing Art teacher Madison Cipa to the podium to explain the student art hung around the board room; and lauding the progress of the autistic support program; and Speech Language Pathologist Brendan Storino to talk about the communications boards on the playground to assist autistic students interact with their peers. Slide deck>
- In his superintendent’s report, Dr. Scriven updated the community on two items: the investigations surrounding the football team, and the safety and security assessments the Center for Safe Schools will conduct on December 9.
- Dr. Scriven read a resolution of appreciation for the service of board president Pamela Henry, who is stepping away from the board after 4.5 years as president (eight years total) and was presiding over her final legislative meeting. The board also recognized Ms. Henry’s service with a donation to the Cheltenham Education Foundation on her behalf.
- The board approved the contract with Pathfinders Program, LLC to provide the evidence-based Girls Circle mentor group to young women at Cheltenham High School.
- The board passed a resolution calling for the end of the state budget impasse. Read the resolution>
- The board approved Dr. Scriven’s 2025-26 goals. Review goals>
Legislative Board Meeting - October 14, 2025
The CSD Board of School Directors convened for its monthly Legislative meeting on October 14. Here are a few key takeaways:
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Dr. Scriven addressed the district’s recent security breaches, saying, “We are working on continued dialogue on how we strengthen our security protocols. There is still work that needs to be done in an effort of continuous improvement.”
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In his Superintendent Report, Dr. Scriven reviewed his goals, which the board will vote upon in November. Superintendent Report>
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The board approved a $50M bond parameters resolution to refinance the school district’s series of 2019 bonds and for the construction of additions at Cedarbrook and Glenside.
Legislative Board Meeting - September 9, 2025
The CSD Board of School Directors convened for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 9. Here are some key takeaways:
- Dr. Scriven delivered his superintendent’s report, focused on the district’s new instructional framework. Slide deck>
- The following contracts were approved: Aldersgate Youth Service Bureau to offer mental health support services at no cost to families in CSD school buildings; The Lincoln Center to hold three educational slots for Cheltenham SD students; Family and Communities on Move to offer male mentoring support for students during the school day; and We R H.O.P.E. to offer mental health support services for Cedarbrook, Cheltenham High School, and EPIC.
- The board approved two policies and administrative regulations: No. 121 Field Trips (2017), and No. 121.1 Other Student Travel (2019).
Legislative Board Meeting - August 12, 2025
The CSD Board of School Directors convened for its first legislative meeting of the academic year on August 12. Here are a few key takeaways from the meeting:
- Dr. Scriven delivered his superintendent’s report focusing on getting the district’s “arrows pointed in the same direction” through alignment, consistency, data and breaking down silos. Presentation>
- Dr. Scriven and the board recognized Mrs. Debra Harding, the superintendent’s recently retired executive assistant and board secretary, for her years of dedicated service. She had been with Dr. Scriven since his fall 2021 arrival.
- The board authorized contracting with Playworks, which will provide training and planning to support safe and healthy play during enrichment and recess at all four elementary schools, as well as support with conflict resolution, strategies to support recess, and systems development for positive educational cultures during recess.
- The board approved the hiring of Kellie Porter as vice principal at Cheltenham Elementary School, and Dr. Adicia Cohen-Johnson as vice principal at Cedarbrook Middle School.
2024-2025
Special Legislative Board Meeting - June 17, 2025
The CSD Board of School Directors convened for a special legislative meeting on Tuesday, June 17 in person and via video conferencing. Here are a few takeaways:
- The board adopted the 2025-26 final budget.
- The board approved a one-year contract for the Cheltenham Association of School Supervisors and Administrators (CASSA).
- The board approved the contracts for high-quality instructional materials in grades 6-12 math, grades k-2 science, grades 3-5 science, grades 6-8 science and 9-12 science, and renewed the contract for the grades k-6 online adaptive intervention program “IXL.”
Legislative Board Meeting - June 2025
The CSD Board of School Directors convened for its final regular legislative meeting of the academic year on Tuesday, June 10. Here are some key takeaways:
- The Girls Track team was recognized for its individual and collective dominance over the past two seasons.
- 18 retirees, representing 419 years of service to the school district, were honored, including former Wyncote and Elkins Park Principal Dr. Crystal Clark.
- Terence Tolbert was approved as the new CHS Football Coach.
Legislative Board Meeting - May 2025
The CSD Board of School Directors convened for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 13, in-person at the Administration Building and via Zoom. Here are some key takeaways:
- The district honored Constance Solomon and Geraldine Flynn Austin from Myers; Mary Metzger from CHS; and Dawn Woods and Christopher Steele from the CSD Facilities Department for their 25 years of service to the district.
- Mr. Jason Lytle, principal at Myers Elementary, updated the board on his school’s efforts around belonging with highlights from the recent Autism Acceptance Day.
- In his superintendent’s report, Dr. Scriven gave the board a preview of the outcomes from year two of the strategic plan.
- The board accepted the 2025-2026 preliminary final budget. Public comment on the budget will be accepted through Tuesday, June 10.
- The board approved funds for traffic calming measures in the vicinity of the elementary schools. Traffic calming measures will include increased signage, refreshed pavement markings, speed cushions and elevated crosswalks.
Video>>
Legislative Board Meeting - April 2025
The CSD Board of School Directors convened for its monthly meeting in-person and via videoconferencing on Tuesday, April 8. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Cheltenham Elementary Principal Stephanie Junod made a presentation about how students are living CES’ “Caring, Exceptional, Safe” mantra. Slide deck>
- Members of the high school’s Cultural Proficiency and Equity Student Ambassador program presented on the findings of the CHS belonging survey. Slide deck>
- Dr. Benjamin Hammond was approved as principal at Cheltenham High School.
- Nearly 50 volunteers were approved.
Legislative Board Meeting - March 2025
The CSD Board of School Directors convened for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Here are a few key takeaways:
- State Senator Art Haywood and State Representative Napoleon Nelson presented a check to the district for $1M to help repair the roof at Cheltenham High School.
- Dr. Elsie Russell and several students presented on Glenside’s progress with Playworks, which helps schools and districts make the most of recess through on-site staffing, consultative support, professional development, free resources, and more. Presentation>
- In his superintendent’s report, Dr. Brian Scriven updated the community on Flexible Instruction Days and Act 56, which enables the district to adopt a school term consisting of either 180 days or 900 hours at the elementary level or 990 hours at the secondary level. Presentation>
- An updated academic calendar was approved. In an effort not to impact the final days of school, Thursday, March 27, previously a conference day has been converted to a regular school day, but conferences will be held as follows: Grades 7-12: 4-6 p.m.; Grades K-6: 5-7 p.m. March 28 will remain an off day for students with conferences available between 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Calendar>
- Dr. Crystal Clark, who has served as principal at Wyncote Elementary and Elkins Park Schools during her 26 years in the district, announced her retirement.
Legislative Board Meeting - February 2025
The CSD Board of School Directors convened virtually for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 11. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Vice Principal Mark Hoff presented about the great things happening at CHS. Presentation>
- In his superintendent’s report, Dr. Brian Scriven focused on 10 characteristics CSD has that promote student achievement, operational efficiency, and a strong sense of community. Presentation>
- The board passed the preliminary budget.
- The board passed a motion approving the purchase and installation of a new track and turf surface as part of the stadium renovation project.
Board Information Session Regarding the Future of Elkins Park
The CSD Board of School Directors convened for an information session regarding the future of Elkins Park School on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in-person and via video conferencing.
Following a review of the timeline of board actions discussing and impacting the Elkins Park School facility, Superintendent Dr. Brian Scriven presented the administration’s recommendation to the board that the Elkins Park School be closed at the conclusion of this school year and the district be reconfigured to include kindergarten through fifth grade elementary schools, a sixth through eighth grade middle school and a ninth through 12th grade high school. This recommendation matches the recommendation made, and approved by the board, that the district pursue construction projects at Glenside Elementary School and Cedarbrook Middle School to accommodate this reconfiguration. As a result, at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year, rising fifth graders will remain in their elementary schools, and rising sixth graders would move to the Modulars currently located on the site of the Elkins Park School under the Cedarbrook Middle School umbrella. The Empowerment Program in Cheltenham (EPIC) will move to a leased space, if available, or remain in the Modulars with a smaller footprint. The rest of the presentation included information related to elementary school enrollment, the impact on staff, and the costs associated with the plan.
As required by a law, the next step in the school closure process is to hold a public hearing to provide a more detailed presentation to the community and a period for the community to share or submit comments. A legal notice will be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the district at least 15 days prior to the date of the hearing. At least three months after the date of the hearing, the board will vote on the final administrative recommendation. Slide deck> | Video>
Special Legislative Board Meeting - January 29, 2025
The Board of School Directors convened on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, for a special legislative meeting to discuss the future operations and potential grade reconfiguration at Elkins Park School.
The Superintendent opened the meeting by reviewing the previously approved plan to retain rising fifth graders in their elementary schools and transition sixth graders to Cedarbrook Middle School beginning in the 2027-28 school year. This plan includes additions to both Glenside Elementary and Cedarbrook. However, due to the condition of Elkins Park School, administration has proposed an alternate timeline for expediting vacating, with an optional plan of relocating students by the end of the current school year, 2024-2025.
The Director of Business Services presented the current state of Elkins Park School, referencing the feasibility study that determined the facility (Elkins Park School) has surpassed its useful life. He outlined the financial implications, comparing the cost of the necessary construction projects, estimated at $34.7 million, to the significantly higher cost of rebuilding Elkins Park, projected between $65 and $80 million.
The Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent then reviewed four proposed options for the board’s consideration:
- Status Quo – Remaining in Elkins Park for two more years.
- Leasing – Relocating Elkins Park students to a leased facility.
- Immediate Move – EP Open – Keeping fifth graders in their current elementary schools while relocating sixth graders to modular classrooms under the name of Elkins Park (Sixth Grade only).
- Immediate Move – EP Closed – Keeping fifth graders in their elementary schools and relocating sixth graders to modular classrooms and affiliated to Cedarbrook Middle School.
Additionally, the Superintendent addressed options for the EPIC program, currently housed in the modulars. The Assistant Superintendent provided an overview of key project assumptions, elementary school enrollment capacities, instructional and programmatic impacts, and staffing considerations. The Director of Business Services then detailed the financial implications of each option, including embedded costs such as transportation, professional development, and food services.
Following the presentation, during public comment, the board heard comments and inquiries from faculty, staff and community members. The board then engaged in a discussion, and posed clarifying questions to the administration. The board will reconvene for another special legislative meeting on February 4, 2025, to vote on a final proposed course of action.
Legislative Board Meeting - January 2025
The CSD Board of School Directors convened for its monthly legislative meeting on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Here are some key takeaways:
- Principal Jim Taylor updated the board on all of the great things that have happened so far this year at Wyncote. Slide deck>
- As part of his Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Scriven paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of the school board in observance of School Board Recognition Month. He also reiterated the findings of the Elkins Park School feasibility study and recounted last week’s situation at Elkins Park, which had to be shut down for two days to fix a broken steam pipe. Slide deck>
- Dr. Scriven announced a special legislative board meeting to discuss the future operations and potential grade reconfiguration at Elkins Park School on January 29 at 7 p.m.
- The board approved the 2024-25 academic calendar. View calendar>
Legislative Board Meeting - December 2024
The CSD Board of School Directors convened for its monthly meeting in-person and via video conferencing on Tuesday, December 10. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Principal Craig Metcalfe reported on all of the great things that have happened at Cedarbrook since the beginning of the school year;
- In his report, Superintendent Dr. Brian W. Scriven presented “A Culture of Continuous Improvement: A Roadmap for Progress”
- The board approved the appointment of new CHS VP/AD Samuel Sheridan;
- The board approved Kellie Porter’s moving from “guest vice principal” to “interim vice principal” at Elkins Park School;
- The board passed the Act 1 Index opt-out, meaning taxes can not increase over the Act 1 index.
Special Legislative Board Meeting - December 2024
The Cheltenham School District (CSD) Board of School Directors and Cheltenham Educators’ Association (CEA), the school district’s teachers union, have come to an agreement on a three-year collective bargaining agreement. After the CEA’s Tuesday afternoon contract ratification, the board unanimously (with one abstention) approved the pact last evening at a special legislative meeting.
“I am happy to announce the successful settlement of the teachers’ union contract, which is a testament to the power of collective collaboration,” said CSD Board President Pamela Henry. “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to supporting our educators, who are the heart of our schools, while maintaining fiscal responsibility to our community. Together, we’ve taken a step forward in ensuring a bright future for our students and the entire district.”
“The professionalism and flexibility shown by both parties throughout this process led to a successful conclusion of negotiations which allows us to continue to demonstrate why Cheltenham is a remarkable place to live, learn, and work,” added CEA President Jack Kelly.
The agreement, retroactive to July 1, 2024, and running through June 30, 2027, includes average annual salary increases of 4.29%, 3.49%, and 3.35% for teachers, in addition to a restructuring of the salary matrix, and changes to the healthcare benefits package, which resulted in significant savings for the district. The contract also allows for more time to write Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), added childcare benefits, and an increase in the special education teacher stipend.
Negotiations with the union began in January 2024. Since the contract expired on June 30, 2024, CEA members had been working under a labor condition called “status quo,” in which the terms of the expired contract were still in effect.
Legislative Board Meeting - November 2024
The CSD Board of School Directors convened for its monthly meeting in person and via video conferencing on Tuesday, November 19. Here are a few key takeaways:
- EP Interim Principal Shareese Nelson presented on the “magical” things happening at Elkins Park.
- In his Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Brian Scriven delivered an update on the Continuous School Improvement process and its importance to creating a shared sense of purpose across the district.
- Sitelogiq as selected as the construction management services firm for the Cheltenham High School Stadium renovation project.
- More than 20 volunteers were approved.
Legislative Board Meeting - October 2024
The CSD Board of School Directors convened on Tuesday evening for its monthly meeting. Here are a few key takeaways from the meeting:
- In his superintendent’s report, Dr. Scriven unveiled and unpacked his 2024-25 goals, which the board collaboratively reviewed, rendered feedback on and approved. Presentation>>
- Shareese Nelson was named interim principal at Elkins Park School.
- 18 teachers and administrators were approved for professional development opportunities ranging from leadership to equity.
Legislative Board Meeting - September 2024
The CSD Board of School Directors convened for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 10. Here are a few key takeaways from the meeting:
- Dr. Scriven’s Superintendent’s Report focused on the power of instructional frameworks.
- The board approved a contract with We R H.O.P.E. to provide anxiety management, education and coaching to identified students at EPIC and also to provide faculty with anxiety, trauma and common language education.
- The board approved the hiring of Dr. Curtis Callands as vice principal at CHS, along with more than 10 other new staff.
Legislative Board Meeting - August 2024
The Cheltenham School District Board of School Directors convened for its first meeting of the year on Tuesday, August 13. Here are a few key takeaways:
- The board approved the district’s long-range facilities planning study.
- In his superintendent’s report, Dr. Scriven focused on the 2024-2025 Leadership Academy for administrators, which included a look at the district’s strengths and opportunities for growth, and the action steps necessary to build on CSD’s strengths.
- The board approved the hiring of almost 50 new employees.