UCFSD Residency Report - Chester County Intermediate Unit
Transcription
UCFSD Residency Report - Chester County Intermediate Unit
Independent Review of UNIONVILLE-CHADDS FORD SCHOOL DISTRICT RESIDENCY PRACTICES Respectfully submitted by Dr. Joseph J. O’Brien Executive Director CONTENTS OBJECTIVES.......................................................................1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.....................................................4 COMPARATIVE RESIDENCY COSTS...............................19 NEW UCFSD POLICY.......................................................23 CORRESPONDENCE........................................................32 SPECIFIC RESIDENCY CASE...........................................51 UCFSD RESIDENCY COSTS.............................................63 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS.................................................66 DOCUMENTS REFERENCED...........................................71 INDEPENDENT REVIEW OBJECTIVES 1 2 3 INDEPENDENT REVIEW EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 An Independent Review of Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Residency Practices Commissioned: March, 2014 Completion Date: July 14, 2014 Respectfully Led by Joseph J. O'Brien, Executive Director Chester County Intermediate Unit 5 I. Purpose of the Review The following report was commissioned at the request of Dr. John Sanville, Superintendent of Schools for the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD). The goal of the report is four-fold: 1. Provide an analysis of current UCFSD practices related to student residency. As appropriate. We compared UCFSD practices with other school districts. Our analysis is to include commendations and recommendations as appropriate. 2. To review the XXXXXXX residency case. Provide an evaluation of the district’s handling of this case, including commendations and recommendations as appropriate. 3. We were specifically asked if the current UCFSD’s practices relative to residency investigations are cost effective. We were further asked to see how UCFSD’s costs compared to other school districts. 4. Review policies and guidelines that govern student residency. Do UCFSD’s policies and practices conform to industry standards? Thus, this is a limited review that is to address the four specific items as detailed by the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD) Board. The final report will include analysis, commendations, and recommendations as appropriate. The focus of the Chester County Intermediate Unit review will be to strengthen the policies and procedures of the UCFSD to improve the student residency process. II. Background UCFSD is an outstanding public school district located in a wonderful area of Chester County. Everything about the area and the school district is extremely attractive to local residents, and to many people looking for a quality place to live and go to school. Unionville-Chadds Ford is considered to be exactly that: a great place to live, to work, and to attend school. The specific reputation of the UCFSD is truly world class – and this is the school district of choice for many people. Unfortunately, such a quality school district can become very attractive to non-residents who live in nearby areas, and the school district must assume the burden of insuring that taxpayers of Unionville-Chadds Ford do not pay for the educational program of non-residents who seek to have the value of a UCFSD education without 6 actually living within the school district, and/or paying the same taxation rate as legal residents. As Superintendent Sanville assumed the leadership of UCFSD on September 1, 2011, he inherited a student residency issue that dated back to 2004. Specifically a case involving the XXXXXXX family. Starting in February, 2014, Superintendent Sanville asked Dr. Joe O'Brien, the Executive Director of Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), if he would undertake a review of this case and the UCFSD residency policies and practices. This agreement was formalized on March 24, 2014, when Dr. O'Brien signed the Confidentiality Agreement. During this time, the UCFSD announced that they had asked the CCIU to conduct an Independent Review of Unionville-Chadds Ford’s Residency Practices. This report represents that review. It consists of several sections, as detailed in the Table of Contents at the beginning to this report. This section represents an Executive Summary of the entire report – and is included at the front of the full residency review report. III: The Process Followed: The review process began in earnest at the end of February/beginning of March – and has lasted approximately four months. Several CCIU staff members assisted Dr. O’Brien– all of whom are listed at the end of this review. The following steps have been taken: 1. Dr. O'Brien informed Dr. Sanville that he would be using the services of the CCIU’s HR department and communication department. Specific people mentioned were Iain Strachan, HR Director for Chester County Intermediate Unit; Mary Curley, Communications Director for Chester County Intermediate Unit; Jessica Corry and Stacy Ososkie, two communications specialists for Chester County Intermediate Unit and general secretarial assistance from an Administrative Assistant, Ms. Janice Heagy. All of these CCIU staff have been involved. 2. Dr. O’Brien discussed with Dr. Sanville if the school district wished to have an independent legal review. Dr. Sanville said that he had already discussed this possibility with school solicitor Jack Merrick and if the Board so desired the district would engage MacElree Harvey, Ltd. for such a review. 3. Ms. Ososkie and Ms. Corry have contacted all school districts in Chester County, plus selected school districts from Delaware 7 County, Montgomery County, and Camden County, New Jersey. A summary of this work will be included in the final report, as well as the documentation compiled by Ms. Corry and Ms. Ososkie and analyzed by Dr. O’Brien and Mr. Strachan. 4. Dr.Manzone provided the CCIU with a folder/binder filled with information about the XXXXXXX student residency case in question. She did this when she met with Dr. O’Brien on March 26, 2014. (3/26) 5. Dr. Sanville provided the CCIU with a comprehensive binder full of information germane to this review. This binder contained information about the XXXXXXX specific case – and further information about the residency policies and procedures of UCFSD. He sent this around the end of February, 2014. 6. During the months of March, April, May and June, Dr. O’Brien reviewed all of the information provided by Dr. Sanville and Dr. Manzone. 7. Dr. O’Brien met with Dr. Manzone on March 26, 2014 and with Dr. Sanville on April 14, 2014. Both of these discussions centered primarily on the XXXXXXX student residency case. 8. Prior to meeting with Dr. Sanville, Dr. O’Brien also met with Mr. Victor Dupuis, Unionville-Chadds Ford Board President and Dr. Sanville on April 14, 2014. This discussion centered on the XXXXXXX student residency case – and a social interaction between Mr. Joe Lubitsky (Chester County Intermediate Unit Business Manager) and Mr. Jack Merrick (UCFSD solicitor). 9. Dr. O’Brien also met with Mr. Jeff Hellrung, the UnionvilleChadds Ford Intermediate Unit Board representative on April 23, 2014 after our CCIU Board meeting. This discussion centered on the XXXXXXX student residency case. 10. Dr. O’Brien also received e-mails from Jeff Hellrung and Keith Knauss centering on the XXXXXXX student residency case. 11. Dr. Sanville requested that someone from the Intermediate Unit should contact each Unionville-Chadds Ford Board member and Mr. Jack Merrick to make sure we gave each Board member a chance to be heard on the XXXXXXX Residency case. Dr. O’Brien agreed to do this and did so. All of these interviews were conducted by telephone. 12. Dr. O’Brien shared all the information with the CCIU’s Mr. Iain Strachan. Both Mr. Strachan and Dr. O’Brien independently 8 reviewed all the documentation given to us by Dr. Manzone and Dr. Sanville. All of the information gathered was shared with Iain Strachan for his independent review. 13. Dr. O’Brien and Ms. Ososkie reviewed independently gathered attendance and residency information. Dr. O’Brien compared Unionville-Chadds Ford policies and procedures with the other school district information. The policies and procedures collected for the twelve school districts of Chester County are attached in Appendix A. 14. UCFSD provided previous and current copies of the school district’s residency policies and procedures. These are included in Appendix A and Appendix C, respectively. 15. When the UCFSD Board adopted new policies and procedures during the spring of 2014, a copy was sent to the reviewer. These new policies are included in Appendix C. 16. UCFSD provided cost data for residency cases over the past few years. 17. Dr. O’Brien and Ms. Corry contacted all the school districts included in the review (all of Chester County – plus a few extra school districts) to gather cost data from their respective school districts. Dr. O’Brien sent each Superintendent involved a personal e-mail seeking their assistance, with Dr. Sanville being copied on these e-mails to other Superintendents. 18. The UCFSD administration and Dr. Manzone provided a significant amount of tangential information. 19. Some tangential information was provided by Haddonfield School District; Springfield School District; Upper Darby School District; Wallingford-Swarthmore School District and Lower Merion School District. 20. Dr. O’Brien conducted phone interviews with all UCFSD Board Members. 21. Dr. O’Brien conducted a phone interview with Mr. Jack Merrick (UCFSD Solicitor). 22. Dr. O’Brien took notes during the phone interviews, and these notes are included in the Documents Referenced section – under Interview Questions. 9 23. A Preliminary draft of this Residency report was developed, written, and reviewed by Iain Strachan and Joe O'Brien. 24. A follow-up meeting was set with Dr. Manzone to seek any clarification needed. A similar interview (almost exactly the same as the interviews conducted with the UCFSD Board members) was conducted with Dr. Manzone. This interview was conducted face-to-face between Dr. Manzone and Dr. O’Brien in a meeting on June 19, 2014. (6/19/14). Dr. Manzone wanted to reflect, and she sent her answers via e-mail as an attachment. Dr. Manzone’s answers are included in the Documents Referenced section – under Interview Questions. 25. A follow-up meeting was held June 30, 2014 with Dr. John Sanville and Dr. O'Brien. The purpose of this meeting was to seek any clarification needed, and for an initial review of the drafted report. 26. All information gathered has been considered in light of the four-fold purpose of this review listed on page two (2) of this report. 27. The UCFSD Board was given an opportunity to further direct any additional work it wished to have done – and they did ask for a more detailed cost analysis. This additional work has been completed as best we could in a tight time frame to meet our target date of July 14, 2014. 28. This residency review report has been treated confidentially and will only be shared with the UCFSD Board and Superintendent Sanville. 29. Our CCIU recommendation would be to release the report to the UCFSD public, but that must be a UCFSD Board decision. 30. If released, the CCIU would be willing to do the Press Release – and answer any questions arising from the public and/or the press. 10 IV: Key Findings: The key findings will be presented under the general items listed below, as well as the initial four charges given to the reviewer. These findings represent the reviewer’s professional opinion, after doing a fairly (albeit limited in scope) comprehensive review. The charge was specific to a large degree – and that specificity allows for the following key findings in this review: 1. Every single person (whether an administrator or a present or former Board member) acted in good faith – and with the best of intentions. Every person was trying to act in what they (he/she) perceived to be the best interest of the UCFSD and community. 2. The Unionville-Chadds Ford Board Policies are now in good order. Dr. Sanville has introduced a new policy and new procedures that improve the existing policies for UCFSD. 3. The Unionville-Chadds Ford administrative procedures need to be standardized and consistently enforced from this point forward. This did not happen in the past (before Dr. Manzone and Dr. Sanville). 4. At this point in time, the issue of student residency is NOT considered to be a major issue confronting the UCFSD – by the Board, the administrative team, and the majority of the community. However, for some people from the UCFSD community, this is a major issue and they will seek vigilance. 5. For the record, it is the reviewer’s opinion that the issue of student residency may become a growing issue for the UCFSD community – as the reputation and performance of the school district grows ever more positive (establishing Unionville-Chadds Ford as one of the premier school districts in the region). This is especially true – in light of the surrounding school districts with lower taxation rates, and not nearly as attractive a school district. Thus, the school district should be vigilant on this topic – now, before it becomes a major topic. Our opinion is based upon the study of other school districts in similar circumstances – (for example, Springfield School District; Lower Merion School District; Upper Darby School District; Haddonfield School District (New Jersey); and WallingfordSwarthmore School District) 6. The UCFSD Board should establish the philosophical foundation for their policies, practices, and procedures – and the administrative procedures should follow the UCFSD Board’s philosophical direction. 11 i. This involves choosing between being helpful and transparent to any person wishing to understand how to prove residency and enroll their children. This approach would show people the way to prove residency, and help them to do so. – or – ii. Choosing to be very tough on student residency requirements and insisting that the burden of proof of residency lies with the family – and not the UCFSD. This approach would require the family to complete a form asking the family residency-related questions – then basing the school district’s enrollment decision on the information provided on the form. The decision would be either a “yes” or “no” decision based on the answers given by the family – with no coaching and/or other information from school district staff members. 7. Whichever approach is taken (and other school districts use both approaches routinely) should be a Board decision – and one that would be periodically reviewed when policy reviews occur. Over time, many school districts have “tightened up” their residency procedures – and changed their policies and procedures accordingly. 8. Of particular note is the newly developed practice by the Board and Superintendent Sanville to regularly review the status of all residency cases (including any “suspected” residency issues). This ensures UCFSD Board oversight – and demonstrates a serious administrative commitment to managing Residency Issues as they arise. 9. The costs associated with residency issues in UCFSD are not out of line – and this reviewer believes the UCFSD Board and administrative leaders have developed a reasonably cost-effective system to deal with residency issues moving forward. The following key findings (Numbers 10 through 15) relate to the specific XXXXXX residency case, which we were asked to review. Here are our key findings in this case: 10. A key theme centered on whether a deal had been made with the family in question, and there was no deal made by Dr. Sanville and/or the UCFSD Board with the family in question. Dr. Sanville inherited this residency case from the previous administrative 12 teams – and he was the first Superintendent to move on the family in question. He was motivated to do so by the good intentions of Dr. Manzone to bring this issue to the attention of the Board and administration. 11. Dr. Sanville made no deal; however, it appears the family in question was admitted under a different standard of residency. • • • In 2004 the superintendent set a different residency standard for family XXXXX. Specifically, if they had a drivers license, voter registration and a utility bill with a UCFSD address, they could register students in UCFSD. The family met that standard. In 2012 Dr. Sanville set a new more rigorous residency standard. Specifically, the district would follow the standard set in the Cumberland Valley case. Dr. Sanville informed the family that "if the children are sleeping at the XXXXX residence [in the UCFSD district] the majority of the time — defined as at least four days per week — then they will be considered residents of the UCFSD." 12. Since 2012, UCFSD has continued to monitor this specific case to ensure that the family is complying with the new standard. The district has sent private investigators and their observations confirm that the family is complying with the new standard. To date, approximately 20 residency checks have been made to ensure compliance. 13. It is apparent that the family in question did not properly reside in the school district for a substantial period of time prior to Dr. Sanville and Dr. Manzone spotlighting this case. They were allowed to do so by previous administrative leaders – as detailed in number nine (9) above. 14. Based upon the current UCFSD policies and procedures, the XXXXX family is complying with all current requirements, and the students are entitled to attend UCFSD schools 15. While Dr. Manzone’s intentions were good, her actions in following the family were very inappropriate, bordering on dangerous, and way beyond the normal scope of a Board member’s role. She took these actions to check the situation out and bring proof that the family had a primary residence outside the UCFSD boundaries – but that is not a Board member’s role. 16. Indeed, the determination of who exactly should be investigating residency issues needs to be resolved by the Board as it moves 13 forward. This reviewer does have some recommendations to make in this regard. VI: Commendations There were many positive actions taken on behalf of improving UCFSD – and this reviewer notes the following commendations: A. Every person acted in good faith – and took steps they believed to be in the best interests of UCFSD. B. Dr. Manzone was acting in good faith on community complaints about illegal students enrolled in UCFSD schools. C. Dr. Manzone worked with Dr. Sanville to raise this issue to the forefront of administrative work. D. Dr. Sanville was asked to take on this case during his initial months as a new Superintendent – and he accepted the challenge. E. Dr. Sanville aggressively moved to challenge the family in question, and ended up dis-enrolling the students from the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District. F. Dr. Sanville correctly involved the Unionville-Chadds Ford Board solicitor, Mr. Jack Merrick, in his decisions. According to Mr. Merrick, this did not always happen in the past. G. The solicitor conducted a detailed and thorough legal review – and identified the key cases speaking to the issues. He guided the Board to adopt a new and better set of policies on this issue. H. The appropriate and cost effective use of the private investigatory firm was the right move by the Board and administration. Since the UCFSD cost of services is over $18,700 per student per year, the amount expended to verify residency is well worth it to a school district. Such an action verifies the residency of current cases – and also serves to deter other such cases from arising. I. UCFSD is spending an appropriate amount of money and time on student residency issues, as per the chart included in Appendix B. J. UCFSD spent about $30,800 on student residency issues over a threeyear period – averaging around $10,300 a year. The three-year cost 14 range from the fifteen (15) school districts responding (including UCFSD) runs from a low of $3,000 to a high of $390,000. K. The one-year cost for UCFSD would be $10,300. The fifteen (15) school districts’ data ranges from a low of $1,000 per year to a high of $130,000 a year. L. The average cost for these school districts would be approximately $74,900 for three years – or - $23,900 per year. This data places UCFSD’s $10,300 annual costs below the average – about 43% below the average of all school districts’ annual costs. M. The UCFSD Board has undertaken a comprehensive review of their residency policies and procedures – making sound changes to the existing policies and procedures – and even implementing whole new policies to supersede the old policies. N. These new policies and procedures are now in place – and do represent considerable improvement to a long-standing issue. O. The Unionville-Chadds Ford Board has attempted to engage Chester County Intermediate Unit in an objective review of the whole student residency issue – and a particular objective review of this single family’s case. VII: Recommendations There are a few key recommendations the reviewer would make to the UCFSD Board. These are: 1) The existing policy is sound, and the procedures should be reviewed every two years to make sure they are working. 2) The existing policy and accompanying administrative procedures should be consistently followed until such time as a future UCFSD Board wishes to see them changed. 3) The Board must consider, discuss, and decide the philosophical approach they wish to take to the issue of student residency – whether it be a “tough” or a “helpful” approach. (Both approaches are legal – and should simply follow the policies now in place. However, the procedures used by the administrator in charge would be different – depending upon which philosophical approach taken.) 15 4) Board Members should urge any community or school district members with residency concerns or questions to funnel all such issues to a single point of contact in central office. 5) This administrative residency review point-of-contact should NOT be the Superintendent – who has a fundamental mission to be helpful and student centered. We recommend this position be the Business Manager, who has a fundamental mission to protect and conserve the resources of the school district. 6) No other school district related person (other than the designated Unionville-Chadds Ford Residency Officer) should be actively involved in investigating suspected abuses. VIII: Conclusion In Conclusion, this Residency Review did the following: 1 Provided an analysis of current UCFSD practices related to student residency. As appropriate, compared UCFSD practices to that of other districts. This analysis includes commendations and recommendations as appropriate. • Accomplished as charged • UCFSD practices and policies are in line with other quality school districts in the area 2 Reviewed the XXXXXXX residency case. Provided an evaluation of the district’s handling of this case. Included are commendations and recommendations as appropriate. • Accomplished as charged • See key findings, commendations, and recommendations 3 Analyzed current UCFSD’s residency practices and procedures for relative cost effectiveness. Compared UCFSD’s costs to other school districts. • Accomplished as charged • See Comparative Residency Costs in Appendix B • The UCFSD residency costs are reasonable and much lower than the average amount spent by other school districts 4 Reviewed policies and guidelines that govern student residency. Determined that UCFSD’s policies and practices do conform to industry standards. 16 IX: About The Study This review involved over 17 interviews between March 26 and July 1, 2014 with staff, Dr. Manzone and Board members. These interviews were done by Joseph J. O'Brien, Ed.D., Executive Director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit. This review includes a comprehensive review of what other Chester County school districts are doing in this area – along with selected out of county school districts that have similar issues with student residency. The following school districts were approached: Ø Springfield School District Ø Wallingford-Swarthmore School District Ø Upper Darby School District Ø Lower Merion School District Ø Haddonfield School District Please note that not all the school districts participated in this review. Where it seemed appropriate to the reviewer, Dr. O’Brien did make an informed estimate of the data. This was especially true of the comparative cost data. All estimated information is coded and identified. Individual school district data will not be shared publicly. The following CCIU administrative leaders, project staff members, and confidential Administrative Assistant have assisted in this review: Ø Joe O'Brien, Executive Director, Chester County Intermediate Unit § Developed Interview Questions and Process of the Review; Conducted all Interviews; Contacted some of the school districts’ Superintendents to explain the need for their information; Analyzed the other school district’s information; Wrote the report; present the final report to Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Board. Ø Iain Strachan, Director of Human Resources, Chester County Intermediate Unit § Developed Interview Questions and Process of the Review; Analyzed other school district information; assisted in editing and revising the report; helped present the final report to the Unionville-Chadds Ford Board. Ø Jessica Corry, Communications Specialist, Chester County Intermediate Unit § Contacted all school districts for cost data; developed the cost comparison chart as shown; reviewed all information and assisted in all the compilation work; Compiled the 17 school district data – and worked with Joe O'Brien to develop the format of the final report. Ø Stacy Ososkie, Communications Specialist, Chester County Intermediate Unit § Contacted all school districts involved to secure information; reviewed all published residency and attendance information available on each school district’s website; Compiled the school district data – which will be included as an attachment to the final report. Ø Janice Heagy, Administrative Assistant to Executive Director of Chester County Intermediate Unit § Assisted in the preparation of the report; did all copying and processing of the information received; coordinated interview schedules; and provided general support and assistance as a superior Administrative Assistant. Additionally, numerous policies, procedures, regulations, position descriptions, and other documents were examined from Unionville-Chadds Ford and approximately fifteen (15) other Pennsylvania and New Jersey school districts. We believe that the totality of the information we have examined will eventually give a complete and accurate picture of the student residency process of the district. All Board Members and Superintendent Sanville will receive a hard copy of this final Residency Review, including all of the reports and appendices – except for supplemental information, which will be made available under the section titled “Documents Referenced.” Please note that the information presented has been summarized from the interviews – and no specific attribution is made to any single person. All were promised anonymity, and the reviewer has tried very hard to honor that request as much as possible. (Both Dr. Manzone and Dr. Sanville understand that they will be identified.) Finally, I wish to thank all of the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District staff members and the Chester County Intermediate Unit staff members who helped compile this report. Respectfully Submitted, Joseph J. O'Brien, Ed.D. Executive Director Chester County Intermediate Unit 18 INDEPENDENT REVIEW COMPARATIVE RESIDENCY COSTS 19 3 $9,420 (2013-14) $8,699 (2013-14) $18,119 (2013-14) $18,119 $37,805 Seriousness of Issue 20 1 $39,326 $39,326 $117,978** Seriousness of Issue 4 ** Data extrapolated from 2013-14 costs 1 21 1 2 Seriousness of Issue 1 (not serious) to 4 (very serious) 22 3 INDEPENDENT REVIEW NEW UCFSD POLICY 23 No. 200 UNIONVILLECHADDS FORD SCHOOL DISTRICT SECTION: PUPILS TITLE: ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS ADOPTED: MAY 19, 2014 REVISED: 200. ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS 1. Authority SC 1301, 1302 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.11, 11.41 The district shall enroll eligible school age students in accordance with Board policy and applicable laws and regulations. 2. Definitions SC 1304, 1326 Beginners are students entering the lowest grade of the primary school above the kindergarten level. SC 1302 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.11 District of residence shall be defined as the school district in which a student’s parents reside. When the parents reside in different school districts due to separation, divorce, or other reasons, the child may attend school in the district of residents of the parent with whom the child lives for a majority of the time, unless a court order or court approved custody agreement specifies otherwise. If the parents have joint custody and a child’s time is evenly divided, the parents may choose which of the two school districts the child will enroll for the school year. If the parents maintain two residences, one within a district, one outside the District, the district of residence shall be the residence where the child spends the majority of the time when school is in session (that is, excluding winter, spring, and summer vacations). “Majority of the time” shall be construed as at least four nights a week. These rules shall also apply to guardians of students. Federal installations are considered a part of the school district or districts in which they are situate and the children residing on such installations shall be counted as resident pupils of the school district. 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.11 An emancipated minor shall be defined as a student under the age of twenty-one (21) who has established a domicile apart from the continued control and support of a parent/guardian or who is living with a spouse. 42 U.S.C. Sec. 11434a Pol. 251 Homeless students shall be defined as children and youths who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. Homeless students include children and youths sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason; living in emergency, transitional or domestic violence shelters; awaiting foster care placement; and any other children and youths meeting the 24 Page 1 of 8 200. ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS - Pg. 2 definition of homeless in federal law. SC 1301 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.12 School age shall be defined as the period from the earliest admission age for the district's kindergarten program until graduation from high school or the end of the school term in which the student reaches the age of twenty-one (21) years, whichever occurs first. 42 U.S.C. Sec. 11434a Unaccompanied youth shall be defined as any youth who is not in the physical custody of a parent/guardian. This includes youth who have run away from home, been thrown out of their home, been abandoned by their parents/guardians or separated from their parents/guardians for any other reason. 3. Guidelines Admission Age Requirements Kindergarten – 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.14 The Board establishes the district’s entry age for kindergarten as not less than five (5) years before the first day of September. First Grade – SC 1304 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.15 The Board establishes the district’s entry age for beginners as not less than six (6) years before the first day of September. SC 1304, 1326 Beginners shall be admitted to school during the first two (2) weeks of the annual school term and thereafter at the district’s discretion. A child who is eight (8) years of age shall be admitted to school at any time during the school year. Early Admission – 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.16 The Board may admit as a beginner a child who is five (5) years old and demonstrates readiness for entry by the first day of the school term, upon the written request of the parent/guardian, recommendation of the district psychologist, and approval of the Superintendent. 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.16 The Board is not required to admit as a beginner any child whose age is less than the district's established admission age for beginners. Enrollment Requirements Of Resident Students SC 1301, 1302 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.11, 12.1 School age children shall be entitled to attend the schools of their district of residence. 25 Page 2 of 8 200. ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS - Pg. 3 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.11 The district shall normally enroll eligible school age students the next business day, but no later than five (5) business days after application. SC 1301, 1302, 1303a 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.11 Except when a child is homeless, the district shall not enroll a student until the parent/guardian has supplied: Pol. 203 2. Immunizations required by law - Acceptable documentation includes: either the child’s immunization record, a written statement from the former school district or from a medical office that the required immunizations have been administered, or that a required series is in process, or verbal assurances from the former school district or a medical office that the required immunizations have been completed, with records to follow. 1. Proof of the child’s age - Acceptable documentation includes: birth certificate, notarized copy of a birth certificate, baptismal certificate, copy of the record of baptism – notarized or duly certified and showing the date of birth, statement from the parents or another relative indicating the date of birth, a valid passport, or a prior school record indicating the date of birth. 3. Proof of residency - Acceptable documentation includes: a deed, a lease, current utility bill, current credit card bill, property tax bill, vehicle registration, driver’s license, or DOT identification card. The district may require that more than one (1) form of residency confirmation be provided. In verifying residency, the district shall require only such information as is deemed reasonable in light of a family’s circumstances. SC 1304-A Pol. 216.1 SC 1317.2 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.11 Pol. 138 4. Parental Registration Statement - A sworn statement or affirmation attesting to whether the student has been or presently is suspended or expelled for offenses involving drugs, alcohol, or weapons; willful infliction of injury to another person; or any act of violence committed on school property must be provided for a student to be admitted to any school entity. However, the district shall not deny or delay a student’s enrollment based upon information contained in the student’s certified disciplinary record or Parental Registration Statement, but may provide alternative education services to students who have committed weapons offenses, in accordance with applicable law. 5. Home Language Survey - The district shall administer a home language survey to all students enrolling in the district’s schools for the first time. Enrollment may not be delayed in order to administer the Home Language Survey. 26 Page 3 of 8 200. ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS - Pg. 4 Pol. 216, 216.1 Upon enrollment, the district shall contact a transfer student’s former school and request a certified copy of the student’s education records and, if applicable, the student’s discipline records. The district shall enroll eligible students within five (5) business days of application regardless of receipt of records from previous districts. In addition to the required information listed above, the district may ask for the following information: (a) picture identification; (b) health or physical examination records; (c) academic records; (d) attendance records; (e) Individualized Education Program; and (f) other special education records. Enrollment may not be conditioned upon or delayed until these documents are provided. The district shall not request or require any of the following for enrollment or residency determinations: (a) a social security number; (b) the reason for the child’s placement if not living with natural parents; (c) child’s or parent’s visa; (d) agency records; or (except for the limited circumstances below) (e) a court order or records relating to a dependency proceeding. Homeless And Unaccompanied Students Pol. 251 In the case of homeless or unaccompanied students, traditional concepts of residence and domicile do not apply. The district shall immediately enroll identified homeless students, even if the student or parent/guardian is unable to produce the required documents, in accordance with Board policy and applicable law. Emancipated Minors 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.11 The school district in which an emancipated student is living is his/her district of residence. Emancipated minors may enroll without any additional assistance from a parent/guardian, upon submission of required documentation. Emancipation of a minor is a question of fact, which is not presumed and is not solely dependent upon the employment status of the minor. The burden of establishing emancipation is on the student seeking emancipated status. Immigration Status 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.11 The district shall not inquire as to the immigration status of a student as part of the enrollment process. A child’s right to be admitted to school may not be conditioned on the child’s immigration status. Custody Agreements 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.11 A school age student is entitled to be enrolled in the schools of the district where his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) resides, upon submission of required documents. 27 Page 4 of 8 200. ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS - Pg. 5 If the parent enrolling a student is relying on a court order or custody agreement as the basis for enrollment, the district may require submission of the court order or custody agreement. Enrollment And Placement Of Twins And Higher Order Multiple Siblings SC 1310.1 Pol. 206 Twins or higher order multiple siblings shall be enrolled in the district in the same manner as all other students. Placement of twins or higher order multiple siblings in particular classrooms within the district shall be determined in accordance with applicable law and Board policy. Pre-adoptive And Adoptive Students SC 1302 Students living with pre-adoptive parents who are receiving adoption assistance subsidies, pre-adoptive foster payments, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Transitional Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), are entitled to attend public school within the district. Students living in pre-adoptive or adoptive situations are considered residents or the district and are entitled to all free school privileges accorded to resident students. Students Of Military Personnel SC 1302 When residents are military personnel who are deployed and their children are living with relatives within the district, the students are entitled to attend school in the district. The students should be enrolled following the same guidelines as nonresident guardianship situations. See Students Living With Resident Adult Other Than Parent below for registration guidelines. When a child lives outside of Pennsylvania as a result of one (1) or both parents being called or ordered to active military duty, other than active duty training, the child shall continue to be considered a resident of the school district that was the child's district of residence immediately prior to the parent being stationed outside of Pennsylvania, provided that the parent maintains the residence. Students And Families With Limited English Proficiency Pol. 138 Students and families with limited English proficiency will be provided translation and interpretation services to the extent needed to help the family understand the enrollment process and enroll the students properly. 28 Page 5 of 8 200. ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS - Pg. 6 Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Some families may enroll a student using an ACP card which lists a post office box as their address. This is their legal address and school districts shall not require additional information regarding their residence. School records from the student’s former school will be forwarded through the ACP. If there are questions about the family’s eligibility for enrollment, contact the ACP at 1-800-563-6399. Enrollment Requirements Of Nonresident Students The Board may permit the admission of nonresident students in accordance with law and Board policy. SC 1302 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.19 Before any eligible nonresident student may be accepted as a student in district schools, the Board requires that appropriate documentation verifying the student’s eligibility be submitted. The Board reserves the right to verify claims supporting nonresident enrollment and to remove from school attendance a nonresident student whose claim is invalid. SC 1316, 2561 Pol. 607 Tuition rates shall be determined annually in accordance with law. Tuition shall be charged monthly, in advance of attendance. The Board shall not be responsible for transportation to or from school for any nonresident student residing outside school district boundaries. Transportation shall be the responsibility of the student’s parents/guardians. Nonresident Children Residing With A District Resident – When a student lives with a district resident who is supporting the student without personal compensation (gratis), the student can enroll in a district school if the resident makes application and provides the required documentation. SC 1302 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.19 The Board shall require that appropriate legal documentation showing dependency or guardianship or a sworn statement of full residential support be filed with the district before an eligible nonresident student may be accepted as a student in district schools. The Board may require a resident to submit additional, reasonable information to substantiate a sworn statement, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Department of Education. SC 1302 Pol. 906 If information contained in the sworn statement of residential support is found to be false, the student shall be removed from school after notice is given of an opportunity to appeal the student’s removal, in accordance with Board policy. The district reserves the right to pursue prosecution of any person who knowingly provides false information in the sworn statement for the purpose of enrolling a child in a district school for which the child is not eligible. 29 Page 6 of 8 200. ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS - Pg. 7 A resident’s receipt of payments, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Transitional Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), pre-adoptive support, child support, maintenance on public or private health insurance, support from the U.S. military or military personnel or other payments for or on account of the student will not be considered personal compensation or gain. Students Placed In Resident’s Home/Foster Care SC 1305 Any child placed in the home of a district resident by a court or government agency shall be admitted to district schools and shall receive the same benefits and be subject to the same responsibilities as resident students. Nonresident students placed in foster care are entitled to the same educational privileges as students residing in the district. In addition, this includes students awaiting foster care placement; although, the district will contact the Chester County Department of Children, Youth and Families to determine if students meet the qualifications of a student awaiting foster care placement. Students As Residents Of Institutions SC 1306, 1307, 1308, 1309, 1310, 2561, 2562 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.18 A child who is living in or assigned to a facility or institution for the care or training of children located within this district is not a legal resident of the district by such placement; but s/he shall be admitted to district schools, and a charge shall be made for tuition in accordance with statute. SC 1306.2, 1318 A juvenile who is eligible for educational services and is confined to an adult local correctional institution following conviction for a criminal offense shall receive educational services from the school district in the same manner and extent as an expelled student. SC 1306.2 A juvenile who is eligible for educational services and is confined to an adult local correctional institution following a charge for a criminal offense shall receive educational services from the school district in the same manner and extent as a student placed in an alternative education program for disruptive students. Students Incarcerated In Adult Facilities Students returning from a delinquency placement are entitled to an informal hearing prior to being placed in an alternative education program. The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether the student is currently fit to return to the regular classroom or meets the definition of a disruptive student. 30 Page 7 of 8 200. ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS - Pg. 8 Prospective And Former Residents SC 1316 A student eligible for attendance whose parent/guardian has executed a contract to buy, build or rent a residence in this district, which can be documented by signed lease, signed purchase of sale or construction contract which sets the date of occupancy no later than 120 calendar days from the date of registration may be enrolled upon payment of tuition from the date of enrollment until residency is established. If the 120 day requirement is met, the tuition paid will be refunded. In no case is this allowance to extend beyond the then current school year. Regularly enrolled students whose parents/guardians have moved out of the school district during the school year will be permitted to complete the balance of that school year as a tuition student. Once a student has begun his/her senior year, s/he may complete their year tuition-free provided they maintain a positive discipline record and attendance record. In all cases, should a family not pay the tuition charges in advance, on a monthly basis, the student(s) shall immediately be denied access to the school(s) and the district of residency will be notified of said action. Parents of students who claim admission on the basis of future residency shall be required to demonstrate proof of the anticipated residency. SC 1302 4. Delegation of Responsibility 22 Pa. Code Sec. 11.41 The Board reserves the right to verify such claims and to remove from school a nonresident student whose claim is invalid. The Superintendent or designee shall annually notify students, parents/guardians and staff about the district’s policy on student enrollment and admissions by publishing such policy in the student handbook, parent newsletters, district website and other efficient methods. References: School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 501, 502, 503, 1301, 1302, 1303a, 1304, 1304-A, 1305, 1306, 1306.2, 1307, 1308, 1309, 1310, 1310.1, 1316, 1317.2, 1318, 1326, 2503, 2561, 2562 State Board of Education Regulations – 22 Pa. Code Sec. 4.41, 11.11, 11.12, 11.41, 12.1, 14.101 et seq. Board Policy – 113, 138, 203, 206, 216.1, 251, 607, 906 Pennsylvania Department of Education Basic Education Circular – Enrollment of Students – January 22, 2009 Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program – State Plan 31 Page 8 of 8 INDEPENDENT REVIEW CORRESPONDENCE 32 33 34 35 36 37 FW: UCF residency review - Jess Corry FW: UCF residency review Joe O'Brien Wed 7/9/2014 2:03 PM To:Jess Corry <[email protected]>; 1 attachment Attach0.html; From: John Sanville <[email protected]> Date: Thursday, February 27, 2014 at 2:48 PM To: Joe O'Brien <[email protected]>, Joe O'Brien <[email protected]> Subject: UCF residency review Joe, We will have the binder of materials for your team tomorrow so that you may begin the UCF residency review. This is an independent review organized by your team. However, may I be so bold as to make suggestions that you may consider. Specifically: Interview Holly Manzone. We have provided her resignation letter and her letter to the community that expresses concerns. I do not feel a thorough review can be conducted without speaking with her. Cell # — e-mail — Interview UCFSD parent and resident has made residency complaints to the district and to the Attorney General. I believe the CCIU's investigation would be well served by speaking with him. Cell # — home # — email — Speak with Board President, Vic Dupuis. Cell# — Answer the question — Have you found any evidence of residency violations? Thanks, John -John C. Sanville Unionville - Chadds Ford School District 38 1 of 1 39 40 41 42 FW: Update on Residency Practices Review for UCFSD - Jess Corry FW: Update on Residency Practices Review for UCFSD Joe O'Brien Thu 7/10/2014 3:45 PM To:Jess Corry <[email protected]>; 1 attachment Attach0.html; From: John Sanville <[email protected]> Date: Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 10:16 PM To: Joe O'Brien <[email protected]>, Joe O'Brien <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Update on Residency PracKces Review for UCFSD Joe -- no heartburn on my end. One clarification though -- under III. 2. -- I believe that I indicated that any independent legal review would be conducted through Jack Merrick and we didn't need you to undertake that aspect. Let me know if that edit causes you heartburn. Cheers -- John Sent from my iPad On May 15, 2014, at 4:37 PM, Joe O'Brien <[email protected]> wrote: Dear John and Unionville-Chadds Ford Board Colleagues, This is an update on the Independent Review of UCFSD Residency Practices which we have undertaken on your behalf. We started on this work in early March, 2014 (I am not sure of the exact date) and we anticipate finishing the report by June, 2014. The bulk of this work has been done over the past two weeks – as we finally received the residency information from the school districts from which we requested information – and it took a lot of time to get that data and to read through every residency policy received. However, that part is behind us, and that is a large part of the residency review, so we think we should be in good shape to hit our deadline This progress report is a sequential listing of the actions taken thus far, the actions yet to be done, and it is provided in the actual format of the final report. I would ask all of you and John to please make sure you are comfortable with the format, and comfortable that we are doing all the actions you wanted us to do. If okay, I would be calling Unionville-Chadds Ford Board members and your solicitor next week – asking everyone a standard set of questions, and giving everyone a chance to tell me anything else you need me to know. I am optimistic that we will hit our deadline of June 16th – unless new information 43 1 of 2 FW: Update on Residency Practices Review for UCFSD - Jess Corry emerges in the final weeks. I would be very happy to attend an executive session Board meeting to present the final report personally. Thank you for your cooperation – and for all you do for public education in Chester County… It is always a pleasure dealing with you individually – and as a full Board!! Enthusiastically, Joe Joseph J. O'Brien Executive Director Chester County Intermediate Unit PS – John, I will work though you – so please send this out to your Board members and solicitor… Thanks ! <UCFSD Resdidency Review.doc> 44 2 of 2 45 46 47 Revised Residency Report - Set for Board Approval - Jess Corry Revised Residency Report / Set for Board Approval Joe O'Brien Mon 6/30/2014 5:21 PM To:John Cc:Iain Sanville <[email protected]>; Strachan <[email protected]>; Janice Heagy <[email protected]>; 1 attachment UCFSD Resdidency Review.doc; Hi John, Good meeting today… As promised, here is the just revised Unionville-Chadds Ford Residency Review Report… attached above! Please review it yourself – and also share it with your Board Colleagues for their review. I believe I am finished, but I want to make sure you and your Unionville-Chadds Ford Board of School Directors agree: Would you please ask the Board to respond to the following questions? 1. Would the Board like me to interview anyone else in this process? I interviewed all Board members, Superintendent Sanville, Solicitor Merrick, and former Board Member Manzone about the student case. Does the Board wish me to interview anyone else? The parents of the students involved? Other parties, like Anyone else at all. 2. Are there any other school districts you wish us to check on? We covered all of Chester County – plus (selected because they have each wrestled with similar issues – and because I had working knowledge of these school districts.) 3. Is there anything else at all the Board would like me to pursue? Thanks for checking with your Board… After all, this review has been commissioned by them – and it should meet their needs. (I am NOT looking for agreement – just a validation that I did what they asked me to do.) Once the Board says our work is done and it is all they wanted, then we will proceed to final product – which should take only a few days to pull together. My Chester County Intermediate Unit team will have 48 hard copies for the Board and you – and have 1 of 2 Revised Residency Report - Set for Board Approval - Jess Corry electronic copies available as well. Thanks again – and be well, John! Have a Nice Day ! Enthusiastically, Joe Joseph J. O'Brien Executive Director Chester County Intermediate Unit 49 2 of 2 50 INDEPENDENT REVIEW SPECIFIC RESIDENCY CASE CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS DR. SANVILLE LETTERS TO XXXXX FAMILY May 23, 2012 June 25, 2012 July 18, 2012 August 10, 2012 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 INDEPENDENT REVIEW UCFSD RESIDENCY COSTS 63 64 65 INDEPENDENT REVIEW INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 66 Interview Questions for Dr. Holly Manzone June 19, 2014 A- Joe O’Brien called each Board member and Unionville-Chadds Ford solicitor using the phone numbers provided by Superintendent Sanville. B- Joe O’Brien to explain Unionville-Chadds Ford assignment of this case to Chester County Intermediate Unit to review and make commendations and recommendations. Questions: 1. How long have you been associated with the Unionville-Chadds Ford school district? How long were you a Board member? 2. Do you remember the student residency case that I have been asked to review? What do you know about this case? 3. Do you know the family whose residency has been questioned? In what capacity do you know the family? Was there any prior incident with any member of this family? 3. Why did you, Dr. Manzone, leave the Board? Did your resignation make the Board and/or the community more or less aware of the student residency issue? 5. Do you remember being briefed about this case by the administration? 6. What do you think was done well in this case? What do you think could have been done differently in this case? 7. In your opinion, is student residency a “hot issue” and/or a major concern for your school district? 8. Are there many/some/or just a few other student residency cases of which you are aware? 67 1 of 2 Interview Questions for Dr. Holly Manzone June 19, 2014 9. On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being very low and 10 being extremely high), how large a problem is the issue of student residency in Unionville-Chadds Ford school district? 10. What policy changes, if any, do you think the Board should make to their existing policies and procedures? 11. Should the student residency process be an administrative function and responsibility only, or do you think the Board should be involved? If the Board should be involved, at what level? 12. Who should be involved in investigating student residency cases? How much should be spent on these investigations? 13. Is there anything else you think we should know about this case in particular – or the global issue of student residency in the Unionville-Chadds Ford school district in general? 68 2 of 2 Interview Questions for Unionville-Chadds Ford Board Members May 16, 2014 A. Joe O’Brien to call each Board member and Unionville-Chadds Ford solicitor using the phone numbers provided by Superintendent Sanville. B- Joe O’Brien to explain Unionville-Chadds Ford Board assignment of this case to Chester County Intermediate Unit to review, and make commendations and recommendations. Questions: 1. How long have you been associated with the Unionville-Chadds Ford school district? a. How long have you been a Board member? 2. Do you remember the student residency case which I have been asked to review? a. What do you know about the case? 3. Do you know the family whose residency has been questioned? a. In what capacity do you know the family? 4. Were you aware of the case before Dr. Manzone left the Board? a. Did her resignation make you more or less aware of the student residency issue? 5. Do you remember being briefed about this case by the administration? 6. What do you think was done well in the case? a. What do you think could have been done differently in this case? 7. In your opinion, is student residency a “hot issue” and/or a major concern for your school district? 8. Are there many/some/or just a few other student residency cases of which you are aware? 9. On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being very low and 10 being extremely high), how large a problem is the issue of student residency in Unionville-Chadds Ford school district? 10. What policy changes, if any, do you think the Board should make to your existing policies and procedures? 11. Should the student residency process be an administrative function and responsibility only, or do you think the Board should be involved? a. If the Board should be involved, at what level? 69 1 of 2 Interview Questions for Unionville-Chadds Ford Board Members May 16, 2014 12. Who should be involved in investigating student residency cases? How much should be spent on these investigations? 13. Is there anything else you think we should know about this case in particular – or the global issue of student residency in Unionville-Chadds Ford school district in general? 70 2 of 2 INDEPENDENT REVIEW DOCUMENTS REFERENCED 71 Documents Referenced A. Suburban School District Residency Practices B. 2014 Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Residency Review Submitted by Superintendent John Sanville 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Charge of Review Confidentiality Agreement Policies No. 200, 201 and 202 Outline of Current Practices (Administrative Guidelines-202) Residency Status Reports (2011-13) Tuition Students (2013-14) Billing Reports Residency Issue – Chronology Residency Issue – E-mails and Letters C. Residency Investigation: Unionville Chadds-Ford School District Documents Regarding the XXXXXX Residency Issue Submitted by Dr. Holly Manzone 1. Background, Chronology and School Documents 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Manzone Letter of Resignation Manzone Follow up to Resignation Manzone Chronology of the Residence Issue Sanville Chronology of Events Sanville May 23, 2012 letter to XXXXXX family Sanville June 25, 2012 letter to XXXXXX family Sanville July 18, 2012 letter to XXXXXX family Sanville August 10, 2012 letter to XXXXXX family Sanville August 17, 2012 email to School Board declaring case closed, family will reside in district 10. Sanville September 2, 2013 email to School Board 11. Merrick September 9, 2013 memo to School Board 12. Email exchange regarding requests for CFR investigative reports (Sept/Oct 2013) 13. Manzone message to Merrick and his response on September 19, 2013 14. UCFSD RTK Submittal March 5, 2014 15. Sanville Affidavit March 12, 2014 including Residency Statement 2. School Policy and Pennsylvania Law Regarding Residency 1. UCFSD Policies 201 and 202 2. PA School Code 1302 3. Knauss Legal Research 72 Documents Referenced 4. Cumberland Valley School District v. Thane 5. Paek v. Pen Argyl Area School District 6. Auditor General Special Investigation of Schuylkill Haven Area School District 3. XXXXXX Residency 1. 2. 3. 4. December 5, 2003 Mortgage with Occupancy Clause March 16, 2011 Mortgage with Occupancy Clause Photographs of Chadds Ford property Photographs of Cochranville property 73