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Wissahickon Has Superintendent Succession Drama
James Kratch
October 10, 2024
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Friday, Oct. 11
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Saturday, Oct. 12
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Saturday, Oct. 19
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Wissahickon’s school board is butting heads with the public.
🗣️ School Board Brouhaha
Not so fast.
ICYMI: Wissahickon Superintendent Jim Crisfield is retiring in June. The district's nine-member elected school board immediately followed his announcement with one of their own: a unanimous endorsement of Dr. Mwenyewe Dawan, the assistant superintendent, as his successor.
Some constituents are not convinced, though. The board's meeting last Monday included a pair of contentious public comment sections where several speakers railed against the board's haste to anoint Dawan. There were accusations of disenfranchisement and "dereliction of duty," charges the board violated its policies and threats of removal under state code or future defeat at the ballot box
At issue: School board policy states there must be "processes and procedures" to select a new superintendent when a vacancy arises. Those who objected at the meeting argued that means a thorough, transparent search process on a reasonable timeline where multiple candidates can be considered and the public has a voice.
But the policy also says the board "determines the processes which it will seek applicants." The members -- and the board attorneys -- say that means they can walk one office over and make an immediate decision.
Dawan remains on track to be formally approved at the upcoming Nov. 4 meeting. And the superintendent job is not listed on the district website as of this send. So it's status quo for now. But stay tuned.
🧑🚒 Joseph A. Stigliano: 1942-2024
The Wissahickon Fire Company is mourning the loss of Joe Stagliano, a 40-year member. He died on Sept. 30 at age 81.
"Joe dedicated his life to his family, his career, and public safety. He was a naturally gifted musician, loved working on cars, making ceramics, playing and watching baseball, fishing, camping, playing cards, and 'games of chance,'" according to an obituary posted by the Urban Funeral Home in Ambler.
Stagliano served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and was a Life Active Member of the WFC, holding several positions during his tenure including Chief Engineer. He also worked as a mechanic and in several roles for Rohm & Haas in Spring House, among many other things.
Stagliano's family would appreciate remembrances in Joe's name to The Cancer Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in lieu of flowers. Donations can be made here.
🗞️ News Links
🚦Let’s Make A Deal
The Wissahickon School Board is busy these days. It is closing in on an agreement to sell a small piece of district property to Whitpain Township so it can install a traffic light along Route 73.
The approximately 6,000 square-foot plot is currently a parking lot for buses at 800 School Road in Blue Bell. The district is set to get $53,000 for it. And if that seems cheap, the district says the city could have gotten it for free if it went down the eminent domain route.
⚠️ Take Note
Road resurfacing is underway in Whitpain. Prep work began earlier this week and the actual resurfacing is scheduled to begin on Oct. 14, weather permitting. The main roadways impacted: Cathcart Road from Skippack Pike to Morris Road and Penllyn-Blue Bell Pike from Stenton to Township Line Roads.
🏘️ In Other Nearby News
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