NORTH . Members . Woodland Hills Superintendent Alan Johnson said the school district conducted an internal investigation "focused only on whether any school district personnel were directly involved" in last . Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Superintendent James Harris of the Woodland Hills School District. Q: As police presence phased out, has anything surprised you? You have to make an environment thats friendly and welcoming. Unified. Just over 24 hours after being asked for his resignation, the Woodland Hills School Board voted to terminate Superintendent James P. Harris's . The Woodland Hills School District board of directors voted to approve a budget plan that would reduce property taxes. formatId: 34956, // Format : IAB Leaderboard 728x90 Ensure on-site staff are complying with plans and safety requirements. Former Woodland Hills superintendent responds to new documents - WTAE Thats how I can tell you when were down about 70% of our write-ups, meaning incidences where a teacher says that the student did something an infraction. Several community members and parents spoke in favor of Harris during public comment before the vote. 0183. However, we have a terrible image problem. However, with the redesign of the high school and a lot of our buildings are safer, theyre harder to get in if youre an outside person trying to do some bad stuff in a school. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 0183, Teresa M. Hawthorne People should have the opportunity to reinvent themselves and prove themselves. Former Daniel Boone superintendent hired by western Pa - The Mercury Superintendent - Woodland Hills School District Justice Thomas Caulfield swore Castanga in as the new Woodland Hills superintendent. The district said Harris' last day will be Dec. 17th and the search for a new superintendent starts immediately. When I met with students at the high school, they said they understood the reason why we would have police for outside threats because of the way society is moving. target: '' // Targeting First published on November 17, 2021 / 8:50 PM. Especially after we have had time to demonstrate change," she said. Superintendent's Office; Title IX; Transcripts; Woodland Hills Foundation (opens in new window/tab) 23-24 School Calendar . pic.twitter.com/l73WMgdWIs, Nicole Ford (@NicoleFordTV) March 23, 2023. Woodland Hills Senior High School; Turtle Creek Elementary STEAM Academy; Edgewood Elementary STEAM Academy; Wilkins Elementary STEAM Academy; WH Online Academy; Dickson STEAM Academy; WHOC - Woodland Hills Opportunity Camp; School Board . Kellen Stepler is an editorial intern for PublicSource. The agreements were approved by the Woodland Hills School District Board of School Directors during their legislative meeting on January 18, 2023. A lot of people in the community are upset about it. Very rarely were they ever called, so the officers sat in the office all day. While there were multiple speakers both at the meeting and via Zoom who offered support and criticism of Harris during the 2021 meeting, last Friday's meeting regarding Castagna did not have a single non-school board person from the district commenting in favor of his employment. The Superintendent will be responsible for understanding each contract; developing professional relationships with the subcontractors and on-site staff and provide leadership from the start to finish of the project. Last year, pre-COVID, we were down about 70% in our incidences. Immediately, he had the officers trade their bulletproof vests for khakis and polo shirts. Could policing be reimagined in schools? When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. "It doesn't make sense to me that we are even considering this person as a superintendent at the school district," said Dan Miller, one of the registered speakers at the meeting. Woodland Hills School District reduces property tax - Yahoo News We have peer-to-peer [counseling], we have teacher-to-student [counseling], we have behavioral interventions, we have counseling, we have assistant principals, we have principals, we have myself. Harris: Its less tense. Then it got down to one [officer]. Woodland Hills School District officials voted 8-1 in November 2021 to terminate the contract of Superintendent James Harris effective December 17. He can be reached at kellen@publicsource.org. ", Speakers after Woods agreed that many people do make mistakes and deserve second chances but felt that Castagna has already had the opportunity to learn from his mistakes and failed to live up to the task. The districts superintendent believes its changed the school environment for the better, though he notes that its crucial not just to remove police, but also to increase student and staff supports. Castagna was hired by the district in 2007 and served as superintendent from 2011 through 2018. Castagna replaces James Harris, who was fired in December. He initially told KDKA it involved only a half-dozen students. Superintendent Johnson said the numbers have been static in the last three years; they're getting just as many back as they lose. That's who I cared about, and that's who you should care about.". Woodland Hills School District partners with Trey Edmunds, Leon Ford to Learn more in our Cookie Policy. He is not eligible for any benefits but will be paid $615 per day. Earlier on Wednesday, Harris told KDKA that he was completely blindsided when the board president, vice president and solicitor asked him to resign on Tuesday. Woodland Hills School Board votes to fire superintendent Do you need that data to understand the problems, or were you just able to take action? You just cant pull police out, that doesnt require any support. Woodland Hills Senior High School; Turtle Creek Elementary STEAM Academy; Edgewood Elementary STEAM Academy; Wilkins Elementary STEAM Academy; WH Online Academy; Dickson STEAM Academy; WHOC - Woodland Hills Opportunity Camp; School Board . Castagna argued that the West Mifflin school board's charges were political retaliation and filed lawsuits against the district and the board, with the retaliation lawsuit eventually being dismissed by a judge. "This isn't blowing over with me," said Tina Doose, a Braddock mother of seven children, three of whom have graduated from the district and three that are currently enrolled within it. Woodland Hills Superintendent James Harris Says He Will Fight - YouTube Board members did not say what prompted the termination. That being said, recalling a board of education member is no easy task and is not a situation there are many precedents for in the state of PA. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. "This is Indefensible." Castagna Voted In Against the Wishes of Dave Gremmels - General Manager, Superintendent - Woodland Hills Golf Your vote tonight will be reflected in your record, and we will note it when you are up for election again.". A few others said that they supported a move to fire him. LinkedIn and 3rd parties use essential and non-essential cookies to provide, secure, analyze and improve our Services, and to show you relevant ads (including professional and job ads) on and off LinkedIn. In his subsequent lawsuit, Castagna argued he was targeted and eventually fired because of political differences with several school board members. Please don't do this to us." "The result of what some of us believe was a hasty and unwarranted action was a loss of public trust." Assistant Superintendent - Woodland Hills School District Hed previously been charged with driving under the influence in 2008, and he was later charged again in August 2019. Jurors found the district guilty of violating Castagnas First Amendments rights of political affiliation and free speech, violating the Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law and breaching its contract with Castagna. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and will continue to partner with our districts talented staff and dedicated community.. PITTSBURGH After four fights last week led to remote learning for Woodland Hills High School, students returned to the classrooms Monday with new rules. West Mifflin officials could not immediately be reached for comment. We understand that there has been heightened attention and discussion regarding this decision, board member Carlton Scott said, but we truly believe that Dr. Castagna will faithfully and expertly guide the Woodland Hills School District during this transition period.. Video shows principal holding a student's head while he's shocked with Woodland Hills School District names Dr. Daniel Castagna as superintendent ONLY ON 11: We were there as students from Woodland Hills, Penn Hills & Clairton traveled to Harrisburg to talk gun violence.Hear the personal impacts and desire for change from those teens on @WPXI at 6:15pm. Both voted against Castagnas appointment as acting superintendent in January, along with board president Mike Belmonte and Lawson. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as thedistricts new superintendent. 0183 The Woodland Hills School District Welcomes Dr. Daniel Castagna as Interim Superintendent. Castagna later sued the school district after they released a list of grievances againsthim. Superintendent's Office; Title IX; Transcripts; Woodland Hills Foundation (opens in new window/tab) 23-24 School Calendar . Before the vote, school board members gave comments about Castagna, which caused conflict between some and caused disruption and shouting out from the public. I know his heart, I know his mind, and I know his ability." Many speakers during the meeting noted that they were frustrated by the districts lack of transparency in the matter. Woodland Hills School Board fires its superintendent, cites need for We knew week-to-week, we can see changes based on the minor adjustments that we were doing. Woodland Hills School Board Votes To Terminate Superintendent James Harris told KDKA that the school board president, vice president and school solicitor asked him to resign on Tuesday. How do you feel this change can be scaled or replicated for other districts who may have fewer resources or a larger population, like PPS, with an enrollment of 6,263 grades 9-12? "We have many wonderful teachers. The article begins, "The new superintendent for Woodland Hills School District says he significantly raised test scores and closed the achievement gap between black and white students at a suburban . School board member elects Darnika Reed and Carlton Scott both said during public comment that they thought the board should table the vote until they were sworn in. "That action often gave the impression that we were downplaying the severity of the incident," the letter states. A federal jury on Monday ordered West Mifflin School District to pay nearly $3 million to former Superintendent Daniel Castagna in connection with his 2019 firing. The faces of victims of gun violence were held tight by students and loved ones on the steps of the state capitol. You can update your choices at any time in your settings. Just having a stabler, calmer environment; we had less blow-ups between students and staff. This is not a decision that was taken lightly, but it is one that the board believes is necessary for the district to move forward. Local students gather at state capitol, make plea for an end to gun Do you feel more informed? "I appreciate the Woodland Hills School District giving me this opportunity to serve as its acting superintendent," Dr. Castagna said in the release. It was the last meeting for three board members. The board reorganization meeting is Dec. 6. MFH Superintendent - Jobot PREVIOUS COVERAGE: West Mifflin School District to pay former superintendent $2.9 million, Texas school shooting live updates: All victims were in same classroom Lockdown lifted at 4 Pittsburgh Public Schools after reports of shots fired near Westinghouse 6-12 Police, EMS on scene for incident in Smith Township VIDEO: Target 11 warning shoppers after more skimming devices are discovered DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts, Texas school shooting live updates: All victims were in same classroom, Lockdown lifted at 4 Pittsburgh Public Schools after reports of shots fired near Westinghouse 6-12, Police, EMS on scene for incident in Smith Township, VIDEO: Target 11 warning shoppers after more skimming devices are discovered, DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts. They need to feel like they have a voice and that they are being listened to. Woodland Hills hires Dan Castagna as superintendent - WTAE Woodland Hills appoints Castagna as permanent superintendent; 2 school Q: How were you able to get staff, students and families on board? I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve the students of the Woodland Hills School District community as its Superintendent, Castagna said. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Woodland Hills School District. This is the first time in district history, a 41-year time period, that property taxes have been reduced. Members . The meeting was set for board members to vote on whether or not to hire Dr. Daniel Castagna as superintendent of the Woodland Hills School District. T he Woodland Hills School Board made two big moves in their Wednesday night meeting, approving a tax cut for people who live in the district, and in a controversial vote, furloughing teachers and . The bar Castagna co-owns, Cosmo on Carson, was cited in 2020 for lack of face coverings, failure to physically distance customers, and serving alcohol without a meal. The rally is only the beginning. I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve the students of the Woodland Hills School District community as its Superintendent, Castagna said. Dr. Phillip K. Woods - Superintendent - Aliquippa School District The students listened to their own local leaders testify, including Woodland Hills Superintendent Daniel Castagna and Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker. Harris told KDKA before the meeting that he plans to fight the decision. The students listened to their own local leaders testify, including Woodland Hills Superintendent Daniel Castagna and Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspended superintendent accused of knowingly hiring man being investigated for murder. Oregon romance writer charged with murdering husband found guilty, Texas school shooting live updates: All victims were in same classroom, Lockdown lifted at 4 Pittsburgh Public Schools after reports of shots fired near Westinghouse 6-12, Police, EMS on scene for incident in Smith Township, VIDEO: Target 11 warning shoppers after more skimming devices are discovered, DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts, Bride killed, groom critically injured after wedding reception when drunken driver hits golf cart, Man charged in connection to death of woman hit by truck in Oakland, 1 person killed in shooting in McKeesport, Many Dollar Bank customers missing hundreds of dollars due to ATM skimming, Its getting worse: Community seeking answers from Pittsburgh leaders in light of recent violence. (Photo by Dayna Delgado) Those infamous videos of Woodland Hills students either being tackled, put in a headlock, lifted up against a locker, slammed to the ground, etc., by a school resource officer or another adult in an authoritative capacity have . If we could do more things like this and have the community wrap around us and this problem. Harris: This is the first year we have no police. November 17, 2021 / 8:50 PM In a seemingly abrupt move Wednesday night, the Woodland Hills School Board voted to terminate its superintendent. They awarded damages worth $2.95 million on Monday. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. That frees up the administration to do other things. Woods described growing up with Castagna and being mentored by him. Pittsburgh's Action News 4 repeatedly reached out to Woodland Hills Superintendent Daniel Castagna for comment for months on the charges filed against Miles. May 25, 2022 at 10:51 pm EDT. After a very long and hard-fought battle, I feel vindicated knowing that the jury saw through the school districts false allegations and found that I was the target of illegal retaliation, he said. That allowed us to act immediately Were looking at the data, which you have to gather, but my teamwe all sat down and said, OK, this is how we should adjust and adapt to our environment, and how we can offer supports.. Q: How long did Woodland Hills not have school police prior to shutting down because of COVID-19 in March? PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The former West Mifflin superintendent who was fired after his second DUI case has been appointed acting superintendent by the Woodland Hills School District. "There are currently five board members who . We added a number of supports, and then we pulled the heavy beam away, and it opened everything up. Q: Why is it important for students, especially now in our world, to have that support and go to a school where they feel welcome? "I look forward to working with the school board, administrators, teachers, staff, students, and families so that together we can achieve excellence on every level.

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