Neither Scott nor Currie could be immediately reached for comment. Does Woodland Hills collect data around arrests and citations? 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 . We have a great faculty in place and the students in our district are capable of delivering great things. Woodland Hills Foundation (opens in new window/tab) 23-24 School Calendar; Superintendent's Office . Superintendent's Office; Title IX; Transcripts; Woodland Hills Foundation (opens in new window/tab) 23-24 School Calendar . 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. We thank Mr. Harris for his service as the district superintendent and will work with him to ensure a smooth transition.. The Woodland Hills School District webpage has moved to www.whsd.net, Please visit the new website for updated information. This is the first time in district history, a 41-year time period, that property taxes have been reduced. The students listened to their own local leaders testify, including Woodland Hills Superintendent Daniel Castagna and Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker. Harris spoke with PublicSource to discuss how the atmosphere has changed and how this idea can be considered in other districts. Woodland Hills Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole, 6390 yard, par 72 championship golf course and country club. In his subsequent lawsuit, Castagna argued he was targeted and eventually fired because of political differences with several school board members. 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. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. May 25, 2022 at 10:51 pm EDT. 0183. Harris: The phased-out approach it showed not having a need. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Woodland Hills Superintendent James Harris said he was shocked when he was asked to resign. "But I am also a foster mom, mother, and child care educator for the past 18 years. You can update your choices at any time in your settings. (Photo by Dayna Delgado) Those infamous videos of Woodland Hills students either being tackled, put in a headlock, lifted up against a locker, slammed to the ground, etc., by a school resource officer or another adult in an authoritative capacity have . 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. Superintendents Bio. 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. "I appreciate the Woodland Hills School District giving me this opportunity to serve as its acting superintendent," Dr. Castagna said in the release. 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 school district announced on May 25 that Castagna would officially be head of the district from May 26, 2022, to May 25, 2027. pic.twitter.com/l73WMgdWIs, Nicole Ford (@NicoleFordTV) March 23, 2023. I look forward to seeing our district succeed.. 50 years ago this month, we exposed a state institution. When you introduce a law enforcement officer into a situation, theres very little gray involved; its either black or white. "Mr. Harris has consistently lied to us, to the media, to our parents, to our students, to our teachers. 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. 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.. Q: How did the culture change as police presence began to phase out? He was placed on unpaid leave July 2 pending termination. Hed previously been charged with driving under the influence in 2008, and he was later charged again in August 2019. Interim Superintendent Parents have to feel welcome when they go into the schools, students have to feel welcome. 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. Thats the key to removing the police. High School. 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. CBS News Pittsburgh: Free 24/7 News CBS Pittsburgh App Many pointed to Castagna having been charged with driving under the influence three separate times. "I do also believe, as Dr. Woods, in second chances," said Brandi Fisher, CEO and President of Alliance for Police Accountability. Question: Can you describe the environment at Woodland Hills when the district had police officers? "My wife and I are graduates of this district, and we are fierce defenders of this school district, but this is indefensible. 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. The agreements were approved by the Woodland Hills School District Board of School Directors during their legislative meeting on January 18, 2023. "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. Mike Belmonte; Terri Lawson; Dr. Tammi L. McMillan, Ed.D; Darnika Reed; Carlton Scott; Bridgett . Superintendents Message . You can contact Patrick by email at pvarine@triblive.com or via Twitter . The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as the district's new superintendent. The districts superintendent believes its changed the school environment for the better, though he notes that its crucial not just to remove police, but also to increase student and staff supports. She can be reached at sschneider@wesa.fm. 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. Q: How long did Woodland Hills not have school police prior to shutting down because of COVID-19 in March? Board members did not say what prompted the termination. So I hope you hear our voices. Teresa M. Hawthorne Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent email: hawtte @whsd.net 412.731.1300 ext. "The result of what some of us believe was a hasty and unwarranted action was a loss of public trust." However, with the redesign of the high school and a lot of our buildings are safer, theyre harder to get in if youre an outside person trying to do some bad stuff in a school. A legal fight could cause a delay and leave the matter to the new school board members, who take their seats in January. "It's detrimental. ", First published on January 28, 2022 / 9:29 PM. Superintendent Johnson said the numbers have been static in the last three years; they're getting just as many back as they lose. If we cant de-escalate a situation, then no one really can. 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. My family is very strong and stuck together, and I dont want to see that fall apart due to gun violence, said Xavier Weisenz, a Woodland Hills freshman. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspended superintendent accused of knowingly hiring man being investigated for murder. The conversation with Harris has been edited and condensed for brevity and clarity. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Parents concerned Woodland Hills moving to hire new superintendent with checkered past. Woodland Hills senior Desmon Jackson said whatever the intent was, it was hurtful. The average Job Superintendent salary in Woodland Hills, CA is $80,488 as of March 28, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $67,946 and $92,869. 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 . As the General Manager and Superintendent, I lead all aspects of operations with a . pageId: 726593, // Page : Woodland_Hills/ros Please don't do this to us." The violence continues to touch and impact the youth of our area. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspended superintendent accused of knowingly hiring man being investigated for murder. The district is holding a town hall meeting Monday at 6 p.m. at Focus on Renewal in McKees Rocks. Board President Jamie Glaser read the motion to terminate James Harris without cause effective Dec. 17. 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. You dont need police to control the hallways at school to keep it calm. Harris had been an administrator since 2018, and the school board did not give a reason for his firing. 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. target: '' // Targeting Athletics (opens in new window/tab) Buildings and Grounds; Business and Finance; Curriculum; Personnel . He was set to be arraigned later that month on DUI charges stemming from an incident in Beaver County three months earlier. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as the district's new superintendent. Before the vote, school board members gave comments about Castagna, which caused conflict between some and caused disruption and shouting out from the public. Its detrimental. How can these other districts replicate this given their own circumstances? . Do you feel more informed? "As a mom, it's important that my children have examples - have role models. Castagna replaces James Harris, who was fired in December. Woodland Hills Online Academy; Woodland Hills Opportunity Camp; Woodland Hills Senior High School; Departments. Now inspired by the journey, these kids hope to use this experience to make a change back in their own communities. Covid guidelines and mandates have been controversial during the pandemic, but Woodland Hills' covid procedures and requirements regarding distancing and mask-wearing are strict. In the early 2000s, Woodland Hills was losing about 400 kids a year to charter schools. He joined the call on zoom. The board voted 8-1 to remove James Harris without cause. So, it was a gradual approach to removal. 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. Unified. "During the course of our search for an acting superintendent, we had the opportunity to speak with both internal and external candidates. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as thedistricts new superintendent. As a result, the district moved to virtual learning for two days in October. Mike Belmonte; Terri Lawson; Dr. Tammi L. McMillan, Ed.D; Darnika Reed; Carlton Scott; Bridgett . PREVIOUS COVERAGE: West Mifflin School District to pay former superintendent $2.9 million, 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, 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. email: hawtte@whsd.net 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. Change your mind. It was a 15-month ordeal that ended in Castagna suing the district in federal court. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. 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. "My organization is all about second chances; we even hire previously incarcerated individuals. Castagna, in a statement released by his attorney, thanked the jurors. Messages: April 5th . The tone of the night changed briefly when Castagna's only non-school board public supporter stood up to speak. 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. I dont see the reason why I should be here. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Superintendent James Harris of the Woodland Hills School District. We didnt do that; thats not our role. Q: How do you work to get beyond the belief some people have that students need police in schools? How do you work beyond the notion that people will take advantage of a school environment without police presence? I was never trained in the military police academy to patrol a high school. Q: On Sept. 23, the board of Pittsburgh Public Schools approved a resolution aimed to increase school police transparency and help to stop the school-to-prison pipeline. Select Accept to consent or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use. We have many wonderful programs for our students. "This isn't blowing over with me," said Tina Doose, a Braddock mother of seven children, three of whom have graduated from the district and three that are currently enrolled within it. 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. If we could do more things like this and have the community wrap around us and this problem. 0183, Teresa M. Hawthorne I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and will continue to partner with our districts talented staff and dedicated community. The Woodland Hills School District Welcomes Dr. Daniel Castagna as Interim Superintendent. Teresa M. Hawthorne Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Email: hawtte@whsd.us Phone: 412-731-1300 x0183 FAX: 412-679-1621 . Harris told KDKA that the school board president, vice president and school solicitor asked him to resign on Tuesday. 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. 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. I have cousins who are officers, I have cousins who are in law enforcement and in the judicial system. Woodland Hills School District. You just cant pull police out, that doesnt require any support. Castagna has served as the acting superintendent since Jan. 28. That frees up the administration to do other things. Help us inform people in the Pittsburgh region with more stories like this support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation. This realization helped lead the district into phasing out police presence in their school. Former Woodland Hills School District superintendent James Harris is speaking out after Pittsburgh's Action News 4 obtained new documents regarding his firing. 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. Ensure on-site staff are complying with plans and safety requirements. 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. 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. 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. Q: As police presence phased out, has anything surprised you? 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. What we did not want to have continue to happen was the criminalization of adolescent behavior. Help us inform people in the Pittsburgh region with more stories like this support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation. Castagna addressed his new district following news of the verdict in his lawsuit against West Mifflin. Castagna has served as the districts acting superintendent since late January, following the school boards decision to terminate superintendent James Harris contract in December2021. 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. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. (KDKA) -- The Woodland Hills school board has voted to terminate its superintendent. 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. We have over 200 kids, 400 parents in our program and they're very upset about it and everybody in the community doesn't know what's going on right now," said Kareem Sarvis from the Woodland Hills Midget Football Association. Woodland Hills is a very special place, and I am proud to be a part of this family. 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. We have a great faculty in place, and the students in our district are capable of delivering great things. BECOME A MEMBER. First published on November 17, 2021 / 8:50 PM.
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