Please take a moment to read this message from Woodland Hills Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna. We have many wonderful programs for our students. Many of those at the meeting questioned why the district did not promote for the position from within, being that the district has two people in administrative roles, Dawn Golden and Dr. Jean Livingston, both of whom have their superintendent letters from the department of education. When I look at Dr. Livingston, the principal when my first son started [and] is now 21, she's amazing, and she's still here." Students, parents, coaches and community leaders shared their opinions with the board. siteId: 126296, // Woods described growing up with Castagna and being mentored by him. 10:24 AM. 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. The students listened to their own local leaders testify, including Woodland Hills Superintendent Daniel Castagna and Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker. Teresa M. Hawthorne Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Email: hawtte@whsd.us Phone: 412-731-1300 x0183 FAX: 412-679-1621 . ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. . The contact is for one year or until a new superintendent is hired, according to school board documents. In the early 2000s, Woodland Hills was losing about 400 kids a year to charter schools. Help us inform people in the Pittsburgh region with more stories like this support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation. Unified. While they were still identified as police, this would be the beginning of a culture shift when it came to policing at Woodland Hills. "I do also believe, as Dr. Woods, in second chances," said Brandi Fisher, CEO and President of Alliance for Police Accountability. 50 years ago this month, we exposed a state institution. Please read the update below from Superintendent James Harris regarding Wednesday's incident at the high school. Its finally closing. I come to you tonight concerned that the board is only going to add to this image problem by bringing in Dr. Dan Castagna to lead our district." Please don't do this to us." Woodland Hills Online Academy; Woodland Hills Opportunity Camp; Woodland Hills Senior High School; Departments. Castagna will be the acting superintendent for one year or until a new superintendent is hired. We have a great faculty in place, and the students in our district are capable of delivering great things. 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. Woodland Hills Online Academy; Woodland Hills Opportunity Camp; Woodland Hills Senior High School; Departments. Harris: Im not anti-police. 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. Other speakers did not agree. "We're trying to . 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. Question: Can you describe the environment at Woodland Hills when the district had police officers? The school board, staff and communitys belief in me is something I will never take for granted.. "Why are we not looking internally," asked Jennifer Alfieri, a registered speaker, and parent. He served as the superintendent of West Mifflin from 2011 to 2019. We thank Mr. Harris for his service as the district superintendent and will work with him to ensure a smooth transition.". Woodland Hills school officials have made Acting Superintendent Daniel Castagnas position permanent, voting to confirm his appointment at a special meeting Wednesday night that also included the resignation of two school board members. We knew week-to-week, we can see changes based on the minor adjustments that we were doing. Especially after we have had time to demonstrate change," she said. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Castagna has not responded. 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. This is the first time in district history, a 41-year time period, that property taxes have been reduced. Woodland Hills Superintendent James Harris said there were several racially insensitive moments directed . Castagna has served as the acting superintendent since Jan. 28. The board voted 8-1 to remove James Harris without cause. 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. The board voted 8 to 1 to terminate James Harris without cause during a meeting on Wednesday. The first registered speaker was Annie Moon of Chalfant, a Woodland Hills alumni who had previously participated in a focus group about the district hosted by the AIU. She can be reached at sschneider@wesa.fm. We still have our counselors, our behavioral interventionists and a great leadership staff in the building. I know his heart, I know his mind, and I know his ability." This follows a recent study by the Black Girls Equity Alliance noted that school police is the largest source of referrals for Black girls in Allegheny County and has an outsized role in criminalizing Black youth. Board members did not say what prompted the termination. From early learning to higher education, Sarah is interested in students and educators working to create more equitable systems. Strategic Plan Midpoint - Professional Education. James Harris: The administrators who were there prior really relied on police intervention to help manage behavioral problems and discipline within the building. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. You just cant pull police out, that doesnt require any support. Athletics (opens in new window/tab) Buildings and Grounds; Business and Finance; Curriculum; Personnel . When you introduce a law enforcement officer into a situation, theres very little gray involved; its either black or white. 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. "It's detrimental. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. You have to make an environment thats friendly and welcoming. West Mifflin officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Former school resource officer Stephen Shaulis was accused of excessive force for knocking out the tooth of a 14-year-old, among other incidents. "Our plan is to continue to provide this relief," Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna said. Woodland Hills Foundation (opens in new window/tab) 23-24 School Calendar; Superintendent's Office . Your vote tonight will be reflected in your record, and we will note it when you are up for election again.". 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. Nov 17, 2021. Please enter valid email address to continue. The former West Mifflin superintendent who was fired after his second DUI case has been hired by the Woodland Hills School District. Woodland Hills School District is a public school district located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, serving twelve municipalities in the Pittsburgh area; Braddock, Braddock Hills, Chalfant, Churchill, East Pittsburgh, Edgewood, Forest Hills, North Braddock, Rankin, Swissvale, Turtle Creek and Wilkins Township (except for a small portion). 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. We have a great faculty in place and the students in our district are capable of delivering great things. 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. As many speakers after her also did, Moon made reference to Castagna's Google search results, which yielded his termination from West Mifflin, among several alleged claims that gave Woodland Hills families cause for concern. He had been charged with a DUI in 2008 and in 2019. 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. Castagna has served as the districts acting superintendent since late January, following the school boards decision to terminate superintendent James Harris contract in December2021. 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. "We have made a commitment to provide a wide range of support systems to our students," Woodland Hills Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna said. Five students sued the district in federal court, alleging the district fostered a culture of abuse. However, we have a terrible image problem. "It's hard to find someone who hasn't had some issues. So, it was a gradual approach to removal. He initially told KDKA it involved only a half-dozen students. Woodland Hills is a very special place, and I am proud to be a part of this family. "During the course of our search for an acting superintendent, we had the opportunity to speak with both internal and external candidates. Board member Bridgette Kreach mentioned that she had received letters of recommendation from colleagues at West Mifflin for Castagna and that his interview with the board went well. To my new Woodland Hills School District family, I hope this verdict allows us all to move forward together with the goal of creating opportunities for our students and multiple pathways to success, he said. Harris: Its less tense. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. / CBS Pittsburgh. Q: How has your background as a military police officer shaped the way you handle discipline at Woodland Hills? You bring in experts, you bring in an architect, you bring in an engineer, you bring in the city inspector to the building inspector to look at that and make sure that all the supports are right before you take that beam away, and thats what we did. Select Accept to consent or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use. Harris spoke with PublicSource to discuss how the atmosphere has changed and how this idea can be considered in other districts. First published on November 17, 2021 / 8:50 PM. ", First published on January 28, 2022 / 9:29 PM. I can understand that we don't always make the best decisions, and that shouldn't follow us for the rest of our lives. Harris was hired in 2018 as the district was under the spotlight after its school police were accused of using excessive force. On Jan. 10, 2018, he began a two-week medical leave, and the school board voted Jan. 19 to place him on paid leave. Woodland Hills Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole, 6390 yard, par 72 championship golf course and country club. 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. The violence continues to touch and impact the youth of our area. Harris told KDKA before the meeting that he plans to fight the decision. Patrick Varine is a Tribune-Review staff writer. 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 . 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Castagna, in a statement released by his attorney, thanked the jurors. After an 8-1 vote, Harris stood up from his seat at the table and left the meeting. 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.. 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. 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. "We have people internally. Several community members said to the board that the decision to vote came up so quickly, so they wanted to know the facts and continue the conversation. Phillip Woods, former principal, and current superintendent at Aliquippa, stated, "It's hard listening to the comments and the judgment of Dr. Daniel Castagna. He said the experience has changed him and because of that, he wanted to make the trip to Harrisburg. CBS News Pittsburgh: Free 24/7 News CBS Pittsburgh App We understand that there has been heightened attention and discussion regarding this decision, board member Carlton Scott said, but we truly believe that Dr. Castagna will faithfully and expertly guide the Woodland Hills School District during this transition period.. 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. Its detrimental. 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 includes students from Braddock, Braddock Hills, Chalfant, Churchill, East Pittsburgh, Edgewood, Forest Hills, North Braddock, Rankin, Swissvale, Turtle Creek and Wilkins. That frees up the administration to do other things. Do you feel more informed? Harris: When I first got here, we started collecting our write-ups, or incident referrals. 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. Woodland Hills Superintendent James Harris said he was shocked when he was asked to resign. On Wednesday, Aug. 15, the Woodland Hills School Board voted unanimously to hire Harris as the next superintendent for the Allegheny County district, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 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. He is not eligible for any benefits but will be paid $615 per day. 0183. Harris walked out of the meeting right after the board voted. 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. The board voted 8 to 1 to terminate Harris without a cause after he came under criticism for his handling of fights at the high school. Very rarely were they ever called, so the officers sat in the office all day. The School Board, staff and communitys belief in me is something I will never take for granted. Castagna was hired by the district in 2007 and served as superintendent from 2011 through 2018. ", He said that the students' behavior would not be tolerated, "and we will be doing a better job in becoming proactive moving forward.". This is not a decision that was taken lightly, but it is one that the board believes is necessary for the district to move forward. "I appreciate the Woodland Hills School District giving me this opportunity to serve as its acting superintendent," Castagna said in a statement. "We have said no thank you, and we are saying tonight, no thank you. Doose was the final registered speaker of the night before the public comment section opened up. They awarded damages worth $2.95 million on Monday. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Sarah Schneider is WESA's education reporter. So, for that I do apologize. Woodland Hills is a very special place, and I am proud to be a part of this family. 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. I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve the students of the Woodland Hills School District community as its Superintendent, Castagna said. The faces of victims of gun violence were held tight by students and loved ones on the steps of the state capitol. 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. About 30 students . Andre Patterson cast the lone vote against the move. You can update your choices at any time in your settings. 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. In his subsequent lawsuit, Castagna argued he was targeted and eventually fired because of political differences with several school board members. "I look forward to working with the school board, administrators, teachers, staff, students, and families so that together we can achieve excellence on every level. He joined the call on zoom. Harris: This is the first year we have no police. Now inspired by the journey, these kids hope to use this experience to make a change back in their own communities. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as thedistricts new superintendent. Could policing be reimagined in schools? 0183. Neither Scott nor Currie could be immediately reached for comment. Interim Superintendent email: castda@whsd.net 412.731.1300 ext. I look forward to seeing our district succeed.. Q: How were you able to get staff, students and families on board? The Woodland Hills School District with a notably smaller enrollment of 3,310 in the 2018-19 school year eliminated police from schools after a two-year phase out. At Pittsburgh Public Schools [PPS] the areas largest district, with an enrollment of 22,859 advocates and protestors called for removal of police from the districts police force. Castagna addressed his new district following news of the verdict in his lawsuit against West Mifflin. The Woodland Hills school board abruptly fired its superintendent Wednesday night. It is not . "There are currently five board members who . It was . Do you need that data to understand the problems, or were you just able to take action? Superintendent Johnson said the numbers have been static in the last three years; they're getting just as many back as they lose. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and will continue to partner with our districts talented staff and dedicated community. I have cousins who are officers, I have cousins who are in law enforcement and in the judicial system. Members . Instead, I simply found that he co-owns a bar that has been shut down for covid violations. "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.". Teresa M. Hawthorne Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent email: hawtte @whsd.net 412.731.1300 ext. If we could do more things like this and have the community wrap around us and this problem. We thank Mr. Harris for his service as the district superintendent and will work with him to ensure a smooth transition.. Former Woodland Hills School District superintendent James Harris is speaking out after Pittsburgh's Action News 4 obtained new documents regarding his firing. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Imagine decreasing that infraction rate almost 70%. Interim Superintendent 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. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. Some speakers said Harris helped improve district and student achievement. "If you all vote tonight to remove this great man, this great leader, you are making a bad decision, a real bad decision. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Parents concerned Woodland Hills moving to hire new superintendent with checkered past. I think we can change it, it can change," said Carter Lance, a Penn Hills junior. I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve the students of the Woodland Hills School District community as its Superintendent, Castagna said. sas.setup({ domain: 'https://www5.smartadserver.com'}); pageId: 726593, // Page : Woodland_Hills/ros We added a number of supports, and then we pulled the heavy beam away, and it opened everything up. Athletics (opens in new window/tab) Buildings and Grounds; Business and Finance; Curriculum; Personnel . . "My wife and I are graduates of this district, and we are fierce defenders of this school district, but this is indefensible. / CBS Pittsburgh. This realization helped lead the district into phasing out police presence in their school. JAMES P. HARRIS JR., the new superintendent of the Woodland Hills School District, fields questions from reporters after being sworn-in, Aug. Woodland Hills School District officials voted 8-1 in November 2021 to terminate the contract of Superintendent James Harris effective December 17. Even in my organization, we hire previously incarcerated individuals, but we don't allow certain people to work with children; because it's not about what I want, it's not about what Dr. Woods wants, it's about what the parents want. 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. 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. target: '' // Targeting Dr. Daniel Castagna Superintendent Email: castda@whsd.us Superintendent Bio. We cannot and will not stand for it. It was a 15-month ordeal that ended in Castagna suing the district in federal court. Harris told KDKA that the school board president, vice president and school solicitor asked him to resign on Tuesday. Before the vote, school board members gave comments about Castagna, which caused conflict between some and caused disruption and shouting out from the public. NOW PLAYING ABOVE. 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. "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. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as thedistricts new superintendent. Email news@wesa.fm. It made it less confrontational, it made it less tense and those are words that students have used with me when I asked them a couple years ago, when I got here. January 28, 2022 / 9:29 PM 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. Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. Castagna has served as the acting superintendent since Jan. 28. And we still have those items, but we try to make sure that the screening people smile and they welcome the kids to school, not just like youre coming into a prison door. Woodland Hills senior Desmon Jackson said whatever the intent was, it was hurtful. Together, his classmates, along with Woodland Hills and Penn Hills students, listened and felt the pain of survivors who shared their stories. 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. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspended superintendent accused of knowingly hiring man being investigated for murder. When [High School Principal Phillip] Woods got here, he said that hes going to keep control of the building, and hell call [the police] when necessary. A legal fight could cause a delay and leave the matter to the new school board members, who take their seats in January. He was set to be arraigned later that month on DUI charges stemming from an incident in Beaver County three months earlier. Hed previously been charged with driving under the influence in 2008, and he was later charged again in August 2019. sas.call("std", { 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 month . "During the course of our search for an acting superintendent, we had the opportunity to speak with both internal and external candidates. Harris: The phased-out approach it showed not having a need. 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. Thats how I can tell you when were down about 70% of our write-ups, meaning incidences where a teacher says that the student did something an infraction. Jul 2018 - Jul 20213 years 1 month. I just dont think thats the job for them to do thats for the principal, teachers and counselors in the schools to do. 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 need to make sure that the students have respect for each other, respect for the teachers and respect for themselves. The officers prior to us getting here would be involved in the day-to-day happenings with what was going on with the students. 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 . We didnt do that; thats not our role. If one cannot be trusted to take the health department orders seriously within their own establishment stands to reason that another way in which Castagna may not be the best role model to children is in regards to following covid procedures. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as the district's new superintendent. In recent weeks, several fights have broken out at the district's high school. The rally is only the beginning. 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. drug test 32093n sap 9 50 op 6a mda t, monteggia fracture orthobullets, sheryl lee ralph first husband,
