formatId: 34956, // Format : IAB Leaderboard 728x90 You have to feel welcome, and when you have to go through metal detectors, or youre being patted down like youre going to the airport or something, you dont feel like youre in a safe environment because of those things. Scott stated that the candidates from within the school district were looked at but were not qualified since they did not have working experience as superintendents. Video shows principal holding a student's head while he's shocked with Email news@wesa.fm. Several community members and parents spoke in favor of Harris during public comment before the vote. ", First published on January 28, 2022 / 9:29 PM. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as thedistricts new superintendent. West Mifflin School District was ordered to pay the former superintendent $2.9 million after a federal judge ruled that his First Amendment rights were violated. Key Responsibilities: Supervise on-site activities. Woodland Hills School District officials voted 8-1 in November 2021 to terminate the contract of Superintendent James Harris effective December 17. When the new administration came in, they started to minimize the role of police officers and take over the daily discipline and the behavioral situation in the building. 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. So, it was a gradual approach to removal. The Woodland Hills school board voted 5-4 after a contentious meeting in late January to hire Castagna as acting superintendent, at which many members of the public, and some on the school board, expressed opposition to hiring Castagna. He was suspended from the position after he was accused of knowingly hiring a man who was under investigation for murder as one of the schools security guards. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Castagna was hired by the district in 2007 and served as superintendent from 2011 through 2018. When Walter Calinger was hired by Woodland Hills School District outside Pittsburgh, his claims of past accomplishment was discussed by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter Brian Bowling. Neither Scott nor Currie could be immediately reached for comment. Hawkins witnessed the chaos and death of a Steven Eason, a Central Catholic student who was shot in 2021. It is not . 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 . School Board - Woodland Hills School District (Photo by Jay Manning/PublicSource), advocates and protestors called for removal of police from the. / CBS Pittsburgh. "We have people internally. On Jan. 10, 2018, he began a two-week medical leave, and the school board voted Jan. 19 to place him on paid leave. Interim Superintendent Harris: This is the first year we have no police. The board did not comment on the matter during the meeting, but in a statement issued after the vote, said: After much discussion, the board has opted to go in a different direction with district leadership. As many as 30 students were identified in a cafeteria fight. Woodland Hills School District partners with Trey Edmunds, Leon Ford to 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. Now inspired by the journey, these kids hope to use this experience to make a change back in their own communities. MFH Superintendent - Jobot I have cousins who are officers, I have cousins who are in law enforcement and in the judicial system. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Castagna has served as the acting superintendent since Jan. 28. Sarah previously worked with news outlets in Pennsylvania, Illinois and Idaho. Castagna has not responded. We have many wonderful programs for our students. The school district announced on May 25 that Castagna would officially be head of the district from May 26, 2022, to May 25, 2027. "There are currently five board members who were not on the board when the decision was made to terminate Superintendent James Harris in December," was the opening comment made by board member Carlton Scott of Region 1 - Chalfant, Churchill, Wilkins, and Turtle Creek, which started off the meeting before registered speakers made their statements. "We have made a commitment to provide a wide range of support systems to our students," Woodland Hills Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna said. As the Sto-Rox School District enters its second year of state-mandated financial recovery, district leaders want to hear what the public thinks the schools could do better. 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. NORTH . Once again, you and I are walking in the hallway and you smack me on the back of the neck pretty hard Well, that could be construed as assault. Q: As police presence phased out, has anything surprised you? 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? The board also accepted the resignation of members Ronna Currie and Marilyn Scott. Woodland Hills is a very special place, and I am proud to be a part of this family. Parents have to feel welcome when they go into the schools, students have to feel welcome. Woodland Hills Online Academy; Woodland Hills Opportunity Camp; Woodland Hills Senior High School; Departments. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved, Police investigating fatal McKeesport shooting, 2 people sought after Braddock Hills KFC robbery, Visit the 5 major attractions in Washington County celebrating milestone anniversaries this year, Woman dead after rollover crash in Churchill, Fire at Ross Township Chili's diverts customers, workers to restaurant's other sites, Met Gala fashion: Bndchen, Dua Lipa, Campbell on vintage train, TV Talk: Frank Nicotero hosts Very Local game show on the streets of Pittsburgh, Aerosmith's farewell tour visits Pittsburgh in September, Pittsburgh Pop podcast: Talking Mulaneys Baby J on Netflix, Aerosmith returning to Pittsburgh one last time, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. The officers prior to us getting here would be involved in the day-to-day happenings with what was going on with the students. "I could not find any evidence that Dr. Castagna had been active in the field of education in the last three years. 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. Please enter valid email address to continue. Teresa M. Hawthorne Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Email: hawtte@whsd.us Phone: 412-731-1300 x0183 FAX: 412-679-1621 . Links. Wednesday night's meeting got heated before the vote. Woodland Hills School District names Dr. Daniel Castagna as Athletics (opens in new window/tab) Buildings and Grounds; Business and Finance; Curriculum; Personnel . 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 . 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.. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. How do you work beyond the notion that people will take advantage of a school environment without police presence? West Mifflin accused Castagna of asking employees to complete private work on school district time and lying about his DUI history. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. 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. The Woodland Hills School District webpage has moved to www.whsd.net, Please visit the new website for updated information. The district's superintendent believes it's changed the school environment for the better, though he notes that it's crucial not just to remove police, but also to . Unified. The board voted 8 to 1 to terminate James Harris without cause during a meeting on Wednesday. Castagna later sued the school district after they released a list of grievances againsthim. 22-23 School Calendar - Woodland Hills School District After an 8-1 vote, Harris stood up from his seat at the table and left the meeting. Immediately, he had the officers trade their bulletproof vests for khakis and polo shirts. ", Speakers from the public comment section were quick to remind board members that they are representatives of the community, that it was their job to listen to their constituents, and that they could be voted out just as quickly as they were voted in. An October Message From The Superintendent | News Archive Superintendents Bio. He initially told KDKA it involved only a half-dozen students. Despite the efforts of concerned residents and an online petition that received over 350 signatures, the vote concluded with four against and five for Castagna. The students listened to their own local leaders testify, including Woodland Hills Superintendent Daniel Castagna and Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker. Instead, I simply found that he co-owns a bar that has been shut down for covid violations. CBS News Pittsburgh: Free 24/7 News CBS Pittsburgh App A statement from the board said that it would begin a search for a new leader immediately. "During the course of our search for an acting superintendent, we had the opportunity to speak with both internal and external candidates. Many teachers, and I'll say many of the board members, have been that to my children and to the children of the district. 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. JAMES P. HARRIS JR., the new superintendent of the Woodland Hills School District, fields questions from reporters after being sworn-in, Aug. I know his heart, I know his mind, and I know his ability." He was suspended from the position after he was accused of knowingly hiring a man who was under investigation for murder as one of the schools security guards. Andre Patterson cast the lone vote against the move. The board voted 5-1 to appoint Castagna as the superintendent; board member Terri Lawson abstained from voting. Castagna previously served as the superintendent of West Mifflin School District, assistant principal at Baldwin-Whitehall School District and worked as a teacher in the Hopewell Area School District. The violence continues to touch and impact the youth of our area. Superintendent's Office; Title IX; Transcripts; Woodland Hills Foundation (opens in new window/tab) 23-24 School Calendar . Woodland Hills Superintendent James Harris said he was shocked when he was asked to resign. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and will continue to partner with our districts talented staff and dedicated community.. Parents are involved, its a $200 to $300 fine, which is silly when all I had to do was resolve it would be a handshake and, Hey, dont smack me anymore.. Superintendent's Office - Woodland Hills School District A few others said that they supported a move to fire him. Jury orders West Mifflin School District to pay $2.9M to former 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. Teresa M. Hawthorne Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent email: hawtte @whsd.net 412.731.1300 ext. Woodland Hills School District names Dr. Daniel Castagna as superintendent We have a great faculty in place and the students in our district are capable of delivering great things. In recent weeks, several fights have broken out at the district's high school. Harris: Im not anti-police. Instead of us going to the principals office and talking through our issue and shaking hands and going back to class, theres now a summons involved, then a court appearance. 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. It includes an update on action items from recent meetings with parents and high school students, details on recently completed and ongoing security improvements at all of our buildings, and much more. 412.731.1300 ext. I think we can change it, it can change," said Carter Lance, a Penn Hills junior. I dont see the reason why I should be here. 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. But if you do need me, please call, Ill be happy to come and work with the kids Thats what the conversation turned in to. In a letter to families, Harris apologized for giving incomplete information in the wake of that fight in what he called his attempt to be transparent. Superintendents Message . Make a gift of $7/month or more to get yours today! Castagna will be the acting superintendent for one year or until a new superintendent is hired. About 30 students . Castagna, in a statement released by his attorney, thanked the jurors. "We understand that there has been heightened attention and discussion regarding this decision, but we truly believe that Dr. Castagna will faithfully and expertly guide the Woodland Hills School District during this transition period. Woodland Hills School District. We didnt do that; thats not our role. They need to feel like they have a voice and that they are being listened to. Other speakers did not agree. I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve the students of the Woodland Hills School District community as its Superintendent, Castagna said. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. (KDKA) -- The Woodland Hills school board has voted to terminate its superintendent. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and will continue to partner with our districts talented staff and dedicated community. Scott said at the beginning of the meeting that Castagna was chosen because he had experience working directly as a superintendent in a district similar to Woodland Hills. Haunted Hills hay rides there are special effects, but nobody thought somebody got shot, then I turned over and the dude is just there, laid out, had got shot, said Che Hawkins, a Clairton City sophomore. Former Woodland Hills superintendent responds to new documents - WTAE "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. . On his first day as Woodland Hills superintendent in 2018, James Harris said he noticed two Churchill borough police officers who were assigned to the district wearing full SWAT tactical gear, as students shuffled off buses and entered the high school for the first day of school. The conversation with Harris has been edited and condensed for brevity and clarity. Castagna has also served as superintendent in the West Mifflin School District from 2011-2019, and has worked in administrative positions in both the Baldwin-Whitehall and Hopewell Area school districts. "During the course of our search for an acting superintendent, we had the opportunity to speak with both internal and external candidates. Earlier in the day on Wednesday, Harris told KDKA that he believes the vote is illegal because there was no proper notice or a scheduled hearing. 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. sas.setup({ domain: 'https://www5.smartadserver.com'}); During the process, Dr. Castagna earned the support of the majority of the board," said Scott. We added a number of supports, and then we pulled the heavy beam away, and it opened everything up. Superintendent's Office; Title IX; Transcripts; Woodland Hills Foundation (opens in new window/tab) 23-24 School Calendar . Woodland Hills appoints Castagna as permanent superintendent; 2 school They go, I have other stuff to do in the community where I can be serving better than sitting in a room waiting for two 16-year-olds to smack each other on the neck, this is silly. ", Prior to being fired from West Mifflin, Castagna was an assistant principal in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District from 2005 to 2007 and a teacher in the Hopewell Area School District from 1999 to 2005. Phillip Woods, former principal, and current superintendent at Aliquippa, stated, "It's hard listening to the comments and the judgment of Dr. Daniel Castagna. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Parents concerned Woodland Hills moving to hire new superintendent with checkered past. While they were still identified as police, this would be the beginning of a culture shift when it came to policing at Woodland Hills. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. "I appreciate the Woodland Hills School District giving me this opportunity to serve as its acting superintendent," Dr. Castagna said in the release. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. We thank Mr. Harris for his service as the district superintendent and will work with him to ensure a smooth transition.. 0183 The Woodland Hills School District Welcomes Dr. Daniel Castagna as Interim Superintendent. Scott then welcomed Castagna to the district before the official vote was taken. He was placed on unpaid leave July 2 pending termination. Five students sued the district in federal court, alleging the district fostered a culture of abuse. James Harris: The administrators who were there prior really relied on police intervention to help manage behavioral problems and discipline within the building. As the General Manager and Superintendent, I lead all aspects of operations with a . She can be reached at sschneider@wesa.fm. Athletics (opens in new window/tab) Buildings and Grounds; Business and Finance; Curriculum; Personnel . Woodland Hills Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole, 6390 yard, par 72 championship golf course and country club. And now, we realize we dont need any. Our teachers are tired of it, our students are tired of it, our parents are most definitely tired of it," said one student. | Watch WPXI NOW, 18-year-old killed, another injured in crash on I-79 3 Rivers Casino employees fired, charged after fight in dining room, state police say Pittsburgh doctor speaks on deadly fungal infections across US VIDEO: Peace summit in Larimer brings together domestic abuse survivors with goal of taking action DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts, 18-year-old killed, another injured in crash on I-79, 3 Rivers Casino employees fired, charged after fight in dining room, state police say, Pittsburgh doctor speaks on deadly fungal infections across US, VIDEO: Peace summit in Larimer brings together domestic abuse survivors with goal of taking action, DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts, For only the second time in its history, the US Navy is beginning the slow, tricky process of taking apart a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, A Towering, Terrifying Demon Horse Isnt Even the Weirdest Part, Man who lost wife, son in Texas mass shooting tells story, Roman Polanski and the woman he pleaded guilty to raping pose together 45 years later, Hunter Biden appears in court for paternity case, Virtual run raises awareness for MMIP families throughout the country, Pour Salt Down Your Drain At Night, Here's Why, This Series on Swedish Death Cleaning Unpacks the Emotional Burden of Clutter, Shop the top trends from the 2023 Met Gala red carpet: Nude dresses, corsets and black and white. 2023 Cox Media Group. Woodland Hills School Board votes to fire superintendent That frees up the administration to do other things. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: West Mifflin School District to pay former superintendent $2.9 million, Oregon romance writer charged with murdering husband found guilty Oregon romance writer charged with murdering husband found guilty (NCD). Walt Calinger - Wikipedia 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 . Woodland Hills School Board Votes To Terminate Superintendent James Imagine decreasing that infraction rate almost 70%. In the high school world, thats just two 16-year-olds being buddies.
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