The Wyomissing School Board met on Monday August 26th. The district is seeking crossing guards.

The West Reading Recreation Commission met on Tuesday September 3rd. Topics of discussion included the West Reading pool exceeding revenue expectations, and the upcoming Haunted House & Harvest Hayride.

• Wyomissing School Board updates

• West Reading Recreation updates

Wyomissing School Board

Wyomissing Area School Board met on Monday August 26th. Discussion included:

• trying to find crossing guards

  • previous staffing provider notified school district late that they wouldn’t be providing crossing guards

  • need 4 crossing guards at West Reading, 2 crossing guards at Wyomissing Hills

  • custodians are filling in

    • considering shift differential for existing staff, similar to plowing incentive

  • approached flagging company, wasn’t interested

  • West Reading borough council has declined to provide support on school crossing guards; only so much the West Reading police can provide

  • hesitant to engage volunteers due to liability

  • lots of steps & requirements to be a crossing guard

• Superintendent’s Report

  • staff opening day Wed. Aug. 21st with keynote speaker, catered, recognition of new staff & milestone service

  • building in-person trainings on professional ethics

  • well prepared for first day, successful first day

  • all finance & facilities voting items approved without discussion

  • Mr. William Hughes hired & welcomed as social studies teacher for the Jr./Sr. High

  • all personnel & policy voting items approved without discussion

• BCIU

  • 16,680 students enrolled to start the year

  • new BCIU website with ADA widget

  • State of the Unit updates provided by Dr. Hackman

    • priorities: Safety & Security, Culture of Belonging, and Financial Stability

    • updated cybersecurity; employee wellbeing resources; safety & security plans and trainings

• BCTC

  • first day of classes: Mon. Aug. 26th

  • received a safety & security grant

  • upgrading exhaust system in cosmetology due to air quality concerns

  • considering virtual reality training program

  • expanding evening adult-only welding program

• Berks EIT

  • earned income tax collection increased 6.82%

  • business privilege tax increased 0.54%

    • revamping business privilege tax program in other municipalities - Wyomissing already done

• WAEF

  • hired new executive director, not announced yet

  • Fire & Ice was delayed from spring till Sept. 14th, 3 - 5pm @ Happy Hollow

• legislative updates

  • Solar for PA Schools grant program signed into law - considering applying for solar at Wyomissing Area schools

• PTA

  • first meeting Wed. Sept. 4th at 9:30am at WHEC

  • chalked the walk at all schools to welcome back students and staff

  • volunteers working lunch at WHEC for back-to-school

• executive session after meeting for personnel matters

Upcoming meetings:

• Mon. Sept. 9th, 4:45pm - School Board Meeting

• Wed. Sept. 18th, 5:30pm - Finance & Facilities Workshop

• Mon. Sept. 23rd, 6pm - School Board Meeting

For more details:

• Aug. 26th Wyomissing School Board Agenda

• Video: Aug. 26th Wyomissing School Board Meeting

West Reading Recreation Commission

West Reading Recreation Commission met on Tuesday Sept. 3rd. Discussion included:

• West Reading pool

  • both pool & snack bar revenue exceeded budget

  • plans for next year for member appreciation, rental chairs, membership drive & incentives

  • inspired by ideas from Antietam’s pool

  • West Reading pool was cleaned and organized for season closing immediately following Pups at the Pool

• Rides 'N Vibes - exploring options for mural tour with Mike Miller

• Battle of the Karaoke Stars postponed till February 2025

• Friday September 13th: test run of adult mocktails event with DJ at Bicentennial House

  • exploring as pop-up borough activity/fundraiser at other borough events

• Haunted House & Harvest Hayride

  • Fri. Oct. 11th & Sat. Oct. 12th, 7 - 9pm

  • rain dates: Fri. Oct. 18th & Sat. Oct. 19th

  • good revenue from carnival games last year

  • exploring possibility of additional events using the Haunted House, since early in the season

• Tree Lighting & Holiday House Decorating Contest

  • keeping program shorter & sweeter

  • prioritizing fun for kids & performances by local groups

  • discussed using same tree decorator as last year

  • additional prizes for house decorating contest winners

For more details:

• Sept. 3rd West Reading Recreation Commission Agenda