As the school year closes and the summer break begins, here’s an update on the most important behind-the-scenes activities that our board, the administration and our teachers are focusing on.
At our June school board meeting, we took several important votes that I’d like to share some key information on.
1. Investing in Our Students, Sustaining Our Schools
The 2025–26 budget was approved by a 5–4 vote and includes a 2.93% property tax increase. No one takes tax increases lightly—including me—but I’m confident that this budget reflects our fiscal responsibility and commitment to prioritizing the long-term health of our schools and the well-being of our students.
This budget helps us fully fund the daily operational costs that continue to rise each year, complete our multi-year commitment to Full Day Kindergarten (0.57% of this year's increase), and add critical reading specialists that the administration requested, and I agree are needed for supporting student success.
Importantly, this tax increase remains well below both the Act 1 Index (the maximum increase allowed by law) and the increases passed in neighboring school districts. Choosing not to raise taxes would have required painful program cuts—something no board member, including those who voted no, was willing to propose. In short, this was the most responsible path forward. You can see the board’s discussion here.
We understand that tax increases can be difficult. If you’re a senior or homeowner on a fixed income, please know that property tax rebate programs are available, and we encourage you to reach out to the district for help determining your eligibility. More information here.
2. A Win-Win for Teachers and Council Rock
By a 7-2 vote, we also approved a new five-year teachers union contract. The negotiations were a true give-and-take that ended with both sides reasonably happy. As we face nationwide teacher shortages, I prioritized the following objectives:
Long-term, for budgeting and planning purposes.
Increased professional development days.
Increased starting teacher salaries (currently among the lowest in the county).
Adjustment for pay scale of teachers transferring to the district. To date, the starting salaries were set at the beginning pay scale, regardless of previous experience, which limited our ability to attract well-experienced teachers.
Our teachers are the backbone of our district, and I’m so glad we were able to agree to a contract that works for all parties. Click to see the discussion here.
3. A Long Overdue Update: New History Textbook Approved
An additional vote that I want to let you know about concerns replacing a twenty-year-old American history textbook with an updated edition—just the kind of issue that inspired me to run for the school board in the first place!
Last year, after reviewing several textbooks from various publishers, the faculty selected the one that they concluded best accomplishes the challenges of teaching an often complex subject, one that includes first person narratives from multiple sides of issues. You can read more about the textbook here.
After receiving board approval for a one-year pilot program, the textbook was vetted for the full academic year by teachers, and received approvals from the history chair and the administration. At the June meeting, by a 6-3 majority, the board voted in favor of acquiring the textbook.
I strongly believe that having accurate, up-to-date textbooks is basic to giving our kids a world-class education, and for making sure that Council Rock graduates are fully informed and ready for whatever paths they choose. In approving the updated American history textbook, I know that the majority of the board based its decision solely on fulfilling educational objectives, as we should. You can watch the discussion and our vote here.
COMMUNICATION
As I’ve mentioned in previous newsletters, our board and administration have worked to increase and improve communications with our parents and community across the Council Rock School District. This means face-to-face communications, not just sending more emails. I’ll mention just one most recent example: the Full Day Kindergarten Community Information Night where incoming kindergarteners, their families and community members were invited to meet with principals and teachers.
At this gathering in early May, the excitement for Full Day Kindergarten was palpable. Knowing how challenging transitions can be for kids—and adults—the administration wanted incoming kindergarteners and their families to meet not only with their principals and teachers, but also to interact with teaching teams for each special: Library, STEAM, Phys Ed, Art and Music.
In the photos below, you can see teachers sitting on the floor playing with coding robots that are used in our Kindergarten classes. I’m excited that the curriculum allows for movement and play. It’s just one example of making sure that young children are active while learning—so important for retention and focus!
One of the most gratifying aspects of implementing Full Day Kindergarten has been seeing how closely the administration’s views align with mine as a parent and with many others’ as well who feel strongly that kindergarteners can’t (and shouldn’t) sit at a desk for long stretches. I’m so proud that the board spearheaded such an impactful change—one that, within twelve years, will have benefited every student in the district.
Facilities Update
The board’s review of our facilities and plan for our district's future needs continues. At our Facilities meeting in early June, we directed the administration to pursue requests for proposals for the Chancellor Center Administration Building, Newtown Elementary School, Holland Middle School—which enrollment forecasts estimate will be overwhelmed within the next five to seven years.
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Additional Reading Resources
At our last Education Committee meeting for the 2024-2025 school year, the administration requested four additional reading specialists for our elementary schools, and one for each of our middle schools. Some parents have discussed with me that their child doesn’t currently have the resources they need for reading support. In addition, none of our middle schools have dedicated reading specialists. That creates a significant gap in our ability to help students succeed. As a result of the statewide shift to the Science of Reading curriculum, combined with our PSSA and Dibels testing scores, I support adding these positions.
Special Services
At our June Education meeting, Dr. Al Oberman, our new Director of Special Services, presented an overview of his work since joining the district this spring. That work includes compiling an inventory of all programs and support offered for our students at each building, and driving toward programming equity among our ten elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools.
STUDENT WELL-BEING
As the school year winds to a close, students and parents enjoyed orchestras, plays, field days and sports championships. Students have attended field trips, performed in and attended school shows and classroom presentations. Our seniors celebrated a well-earned graduation that, regretfully, I couldn’t attend because of a leg injury.
The whirlwind of events at the end of the year can be overwhelming for parents, but they’re a wonderful reminder of how dedicated and hard-working our teachers are. It’s worth taking a moment to marvel at the behind-the-scenes work that goes into these events! Our students blow me away with their talent and hard work.
I hope everyone has a wonderful summer. Please feel free to reach out with questions or concerns. tracey.osecki@crsd.org.
With warmest regards,
Tracey