email: castda@whsd.net Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. 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 . 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. Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Teresa M. Hawthorne Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent email: hawtte @whsd.net 412.731.1300 ext. Harris: Any business or any organization wants people to feel welcome, but the students have a lot of needs, and so do staff. "I appreciate the Woodland Hills School District giving me this opportunity to serve as its acting superintendent," Dr. Castagna said in the release. 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. (Photo by Jay Manning/PublicSource), advocates and protestors called for removal of police from the. Superintendent's Office - Woodland Hills School District Q: How has your background as a military police officer shaped the way you handle discipline at Woodland Hills? Together, his classmates, along with Woodland Hills and Penn Hills students, listened and felt the pain of survivors who shared their stories. He served as the superintendent of West Mifflin from 2011 to 2019. CBS News Pittsburgh: Free 24/7 News CBS Pittsburgh App Caught On CCTV: Principal Holds Student's Head As He's Shot With - NDTV Harris: Its less tense. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Parents concerned Woodland Hills moving to hire new superintendent with checkered past. Select Accept to consent or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use. Hed previously been charged with driving under the influence in 2008, and he was later charged again in August 2019. Members . 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. Castagna addressed his new district following news of the verdict in his lawsuit against West Mifflin. Harris: When procedures and practices were put in place where they were no longer necessary, some of the officers who were here said, Why am I even here? Thats the success, when the officer says, You dont need me here.. Members . Superintendent Johnson said the numbers have been static in the last three years; they're getting just as many back as they lose. "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. Woods described growing up with Castagna and being mentored by him. Ive had a friend thats been shot multiple times and family members who have been shot and killed, said Kyaire Brown-Hatcher, a senior at Penn Hills High School. PITTSBURGH After four fights last week led to remote learning for Woodland Hills High School, students returned to the classrooms Monday with new rules. I just dont think thats the job for them to do thats for the principal, teachers and counselors in the schools to do. Our teachers are tired of it, our students are tired of it, our parents are most definitely tired of it," said one student. Woodland Hills School District approves teacher cuts, tax reduction - MSN Q: How were you able to get staff, students and families on board? Athletics (opens in new window/tab) Buildings and Grounds; Business and Finance; Curriculum; Personnel . 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. Harris had been an administrator since 2018, and the school board did not give a reason for his firing. "My wife and I are graduates of this district, and we are fierce defenders of this school district, but this is indefensible. We cannot and will not stand for it. Ensure on-site staff are complying with plans and safety requirements. 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. Woodland Hills Superintendent James Harris said he was shocked when he was asked to resign. 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. They questioned if he would have been pulled over for more than one instance of drunk driving if he had learned from his mistakes the first time. Parents have to feel welcome when they go into the schools, students have to feel welcome. The Woodland Hills School District is no stranger to negative press, and the district is in the spotlight again after last week when several Woodland Hills parents raced to get registered to speak during the January 28, 2022, school board special legislative meeting. Woodland Hills Foundation (opens in new window/tab) 23-24 School Calendar; Superintendent's Office . When you introduce a law enforcement officer into a situation, theres very little gray involved; its either black or white. Nov 17, 2021. May 25, 2022 at 10:51 pm EDT. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. A lot of districts say, Well, the police officers are mentors, and leaders of the community and they work with the kids. Thats great, but when they put that uniform on, theyre in the role of a police officer. Board member Robert Clanagan-Bey stated that he trusted that the four of his other eight board members were making the right decision, which is why he was voting yes despite not initially knowing much about Castagna. We have a great faculty in place, and the students in our district are capable of delivering great things. Jury orders West Mifflin School District to pay $2.9M to former Woodland Hills is a very special place, and I am proud to be a part of this family. The Woodland Hills school board abruptly fired its superintendent Wednesday night. Q: How are challenges addressed and solved now? "I do also believe, as Dr. Woods, in second chances," said Brandi Fisher, CEO and President of Alliance for Police Accountability. Woodland Hills Online Academy; Woodland Hills Opportunity Camp; Woodland Hills Senior High School; Departments. In the high school world, thats just two 16-year-olds being buddies. As the General Manager and Superintendent, I lead all aspects of operations with a . The board voted 8-1 to remove James Harris without cause. Your vote tonight will be reflected in your record, and we will note it when you are up for election again.". 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. Woodland Hills hired Woods a year after Kevin Murray resigned as high school principal following several controversies involving the treatment of students that led to a federal lawsuit against the district. Question: Can you describe the environment at Woodland Hills when the district had police officers? 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. Please enter valid email address to continue. The Woodland Hills school board voted 5-4 after a contentious meeting in late January to hire Castagna as acting superintendent during the search for a permanent replacement for James Harris. Harris: You have to go building by building, and you have to empower the building leadership to make decisions. "We have said no thank you, and we are saying tonight, no thank you. I dont see the reason why I should be here. Before the vote, school board members gave comments about Castagna, which caused conflict between some and caused disruption and shouting out from the public. 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 . 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. So I hope you hear our voices. Woodland Hills is a very special place, and I am proud to be a part of this family. pic.twitter.com/l73WMgdWIs, Nicole Ford (@NicoleFordTV) March 23, 2023. As the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports, Daniel Castagna, 43, of Beaver County, is the new acting superintendent of Woodland Hills School District in Allegheny County, effective immediately. Sarah previously worked with news outlets in Pennsylvania, Illinois and Idaho. Woodland Hills Online Academy; Woodland Hills Opportunity Camp; Woodland Hills Senior High School; Departments. Superintendents Bio. Castagna will be the acting superintendent for one year or until a new superintendent is hired. "That action often gave the impression that we were downplaying the severity of the incident," the letter states. ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. . . ", 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. Woodland Hills School Board votes to fire superintendent This realization helped lead the district into phasing out police presence in their school. Harris: Schools are generally non-violent places, and if there are situations where you need police, sometimes if you add a more rigorous, interesting curriculum, students have something to do, and that will redirect them. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and will continue to partner with our districts talented staff and dedicated community. 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. Its detrimental. 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 . Pittsburgh's Action News 4 repeatedly reached out to Woodland Hills Superintendent Daniel Castagna for comment for months on the charges filed against Miles. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. You can contact Patrick by email at pvarine@triblive.com or via Twitter . "It's detrimental. He was placed on unpaid leave July 2 pending termination. Job Superintendent Salary in Woodland Hills, CA The School Board, staff and communitys belief in me is something I will never take for granted. Superintendent's Office; Title IX; Transcripts; Woodland Hills Foundation (opens in new window/tab) 23-24 School Calendar . Superintendents Message . Five students sued the district in federal court, Pennsylvania Senate votes to ban safe injection sites, Dollar Bank says ATM 'skimmer' breached some users' card data, urges customers to monitor accounts, After School Satan Club near Allentown gets go-ahead from judge, Former Amazon exec wants to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., starting in New Kensington, Polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk's archives 'come home' to the University of Pittsburgh, Sto-Rox School District seeks public input on financial recovery plans, Pa. Dem lawmakers renew push to expand teacher certification, in-state tuition for DACA recipients, Pittsburgh Public Schools will use grant funds to send security guards to a police academy. Castagnas firing from his West Mifflin post came after a series of hearings throughout 2018 under a law that allows for superintendents and assistant superintendents to have their contracts terminated with a school board vote for neglect of duty, incompetency, or immorality.. 412.731.1300 ext. 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. You can update your choices at any time in your settings. The students listened to their own local leaders testify, including Woodland Hills Superintendent Daniel Castagna and Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker. The concept of voting out or recalling the board members who vote yes on Castagna was mentioned multiple times during the meeting. 2550 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15218. So, for that I do apologize. In his subsequent lawsuit, Castagna argued he was targeted and eventually fired because of political differences with several school board members. Help us inform people in the Pittsburgh region with more stories like this support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation. "During the course of our search for an acting superintendent, we had the opportunity to speak with both internal and external candidates. The Woodland Hills School District Welcomes Dr. Daniel Castagna as Interim Superintendent. As many as 30 students were identified in a cafeteria fight. MFH Superintendent - Jobot Scott then welcomed Castagna to the district before the official vote was taken. Castagna has served as the acting superintendent since Jan. 28. "My organization is all about second chances; we even hire previously incarcerated individuals. Harris has come under fire recently for his handling of fights at the high school, including one involving as many as 50 or 60 students. Castagna has served as the acting superintendent since Jan. 28. "We have made a commitment to provide a wide range of support systems to our students," Woodland Hills Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna said. The police dont do that, and you hear police complain; theyre being called out to intervene in situations where they shouldnt be the ones doing it. Woodland Hills Superintendent Alan Johnson told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "Mr. Hollis is taking a couple of isolated incidents and turning them into a pattern that does not exist. / CBS Pittsburgh. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. 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. Instead, I simply found that he co-owns a bar that has been shut down for covid violations. A statement from the board said that it would begin a search for a new leader immediately. Many speakers during the meeting noted that they were frustrated by the districts lack of transparency in the matter. We thank Mr. Harris for his service as the district superintendent and will work with him to ensure a smooth transition.. Doose was the final registered speaker of the night before the public comment section opened up. Walt Calinger - Wikipedia We still have our counselors, our behavioral interventionists and a great leadership staff in the building. That frees up the administration to do other things. Woodland Hills School District names Dr. Daniel Castagna as "Why are we not looking internally," asked Jennifer Alfieri, a registered speaker, and parent. Help us inform people in the Pittsburgh region with more stories like this support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation. This button displays the currently selected search type. He joined the call on zoom. Board members did not say what prompted the termination. 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. Interim Superintendent email: castda@whsd.net 412.731.1300 ext. 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 . 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. Castagna was fired by West Mifflin school officials in 2019, and this past March, a federal jury ordered the district to pay him nearly $3 million the result of a lawsuit in which he accused the district of violating his First Amendment rights to political affiliation and free speech, violating the states whistleblower law and breaching its contract with him. Learn more in our Cookie Policy. I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve the students of the Woodland Hills School District community as its superintendent, Castagna said. "During the course of our search for an acting superintendent, we had the opportunity to speak with both internal and external candidates. }); Dr. Daniel Castagna In recent weeks, several fights have broken out at the district's high school. Woodland Hills School District - Wikipedia Staff Page - Woodland Hills School District The Woodland Hills School District board of directors voted to approve a budget plan that would reduce property taxes. During the process, Dr. Castagna earned the support of the majority of the board," said Scott. Harris: This is the first year we have no police. Other speakers did not agree. 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 . West Mifflin accused Castagna of asking employees to complete private work on school district time and lying about his DUI history. Harris spoke with PublicSource to discuss how the atmosphere has changed and how this idea can be considered in other districts. Change your mind. The dispute was settled in 2018. Castagna, in a statement released by his attorney, thanked the jurors. Rontez Miles appears before North Versailles judge Just having a stabler, calmer environment; we had less blow-ups between students and staff. West Mifflin officials could not immediately be reached for comment. January 28, 2022 / 9:29 PM "We have people internally. 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. Imagine decreasing that infraction rate almost 70%. "The result of what some of us believe was a hasty and unwarranted action was a loss of public trust." TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. I am here to help that happen.". While they were still identified as police, this would be the beginning of a culture shift when it came to policing at Woodland Hills. This spacious zippered tote with a design by local artist Andrea Shockling represents different Pittsburghers walks of life, just like we strive for our nonprofit newsrooms journalism to do. In a 5-4 vote, the Pittsburgh Public Schools board voted Wednesday to use $27,000 in grant funds to cover costs of police training for four district security guards. The board also accepted the resignation of members Ronna Currie and Marilyn Scott. Some speakers said Harris helped improve district and student achievement. 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. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as the district's new superintendent. Castagna was fired as superintendent of West Mifflin Area schools in March 2019 following two DUI arrests and accusations of neglect ofduties, incompetency, and immorality. Especially after we have had time to demonstrate change," she said. Patrick Varine is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Former Woodland Hills superintendent responds to new documents - WTAE You have to make an environment thats friendly and welcoming. When they bring that role of police into the building, it does create an environment that is a bit more tense than if they were not police, just by the nature of the role. He can be reached at kellen@publicsource.org. 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.. He had been charged with a DUI in 2008 and in 2019. The tone of the night changed briefly when Castagna's only non-school board public supporter stood up to speak. If youre remodeling your house and theres a support beam, you dont just knock that beam out because you dont want it there, you have to put supports around it.
I Hate Living In Charlotte, Nc,
How Did Josh Norman Pass Away,
Graphql Computed Fields,
White Patches On Face Vitamin Deficiency,
Business Objects Query Builder Export To Excel,
Articles W
French 
English