May 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Special Meeting of Whitebead Board of Education

Discussion:  Twenty-nine people signed in for the meeting.  The sign in sheets are attached to the minutes.

Discussion:  The survey results are attached to the minutes.

Discussion:  Belinda Hunt Comment:  
I want to thank everyone for your support and involvement during the recent discussions surrounding the proposed school annexation with Paoli.  Because of your voices, presence and unwavering commitment to our community's values and vision, the school board has decided not to move forward with the annexation.  This is what can be accomplished when a community stands together.  Now we should continue forward with this support of our school system.  Please share with friends and family the positive things happening at our school and what great teachers we have.  Our next step is to increase our enrollment and word of mouth is our greatest advertisement.  As a school board member, former teacher and grandparent of a Whitebead alumni, I will always be an advocate for the future of Whitebead.  

Sandy Arroyo Comment:
Thank you to everyone who has reached out, attended meetings, and or taken the time to complete the online surveys.  I approached this decision with an open mind, committed to not forming a conclusion until I had gathered enough information to make an informed, responsible vote.  Initially, I was leaning toward a "yes" vote.  We talk about the special sense of community and pride that defines Whitebead School, and I thought to myself-why not keep that spirit going and expand on it?  Having two children who have made the transition from Whitebead to PV, I've seen firsthand how different that experience can be.  One of my children had a smooth transition, while the other struggled a bit.  That distinction made me think of other students who might fall through the cracks-especially those not involved in sports or band-who could benefit from more support and opportunities.  I saw the proposal as a chance to build something unique: like programs our neighboring schools may not currently offer, like soccer, volleyball, theater, or even dance.  Personally, it would be a dream, for me, to one day create a freshman-year alternative that helps our students move directly from Whitebead to PV High School, or their high school of choice.  Ultimately, however, I decided to vote "no", and that decision comes from a few important reasons, but the two most important ones are: First, most of our community has expressed that they do not support this annexation-and I believe the majority of the community's voice should be heard and respected.  Second, I cannot guarantee that I would have the opportunity to serve on the new board if the proposal passed.  I don't feel right vetoing yes without a guarantee that I could help see the transition through and uphold the standards we expect for our school.  That said, I truly believe that if this had gone through, we have the right administration in place to make it successful.  And if it didn't go through-we are still in a strong position.  We are fortunate to have dedicated administration, teachers, and staff who are committed to continuing the excellent work already happening.  I deeply appreciate everyone who wants to continue as Whitebead.  I look forward to future opportunities to work together-to provide a top-tier education for our students, a supportive and rewarding workplace for our teachers and staff, and the chance for our superintendent to continue moving us toward the goals the community envisions for our school.  Paoli schools- I hope that things can turn around and that you come together and continue to make Paoli Pug history.  The school and community have some great things to offer.

Alex Young Comment:
Although the Whitebead Board of Education has voted not to annex the Paoli School District, we sincerely thank everyone who shared input-whether through meetings, surveys, or conversations.  Your voices mattered.  This was not an easy decision.  We know how much Paoli means to many of you, and through this process, we gained an even greater appreciation for what Paoli represents.  While we believe this is the right choice for Whitebead at this time, we continue to support Paoli and wish them success moving forward. To our Whitebead community:  we were proud to see so many Chiefs-past and present-step up, speak out, and stand together.  You elected us to make decisions in the best interest of this school, and we have chosen to keep Whitebead, Whitebead.  But our work is not finished.  Like many small schools, our numbers are down.  K-8 schools have been questioned for years, and we know that will not stop.  Now is the time for Whitebead to grow stronger than ever-and that starts with you. We need you to recruit.  Share your story.  Tell others what makes Whitebead so special.  Help families see why their kids will thrive here.  We have something worth protecting-and building on.  Our teachers, staff, and administration are the best.  We have the heart.  We have the history.  Now let's make sure we have the future.  Let's fill these classrooms again.