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). He . 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. "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. This button displays the currently selected search type. 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. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and will continue to partner with our districts talented staff and dedicated community. I was never trained in the military police academy to patrol a high school. 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. I can understand that we don't always make the best decisions, and that shouldn't follow us for the rest of our lives. MFH Superintendent - Jobot Many pointed to Castagna having been charged with driving under the influence three separate times. Do you feel more informed? The school district announced on May 25 that Castagna would officially be head of the district from May 26, 2022, to May 25, 2027. Especially after we have had time to demonstrate change," she said. 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. Several community members and parents spoke in favor of Harris during public comment before the vote. JAMES P. HARRIS JR., the new superintendent of the Woodland Hills School District, fields questions from reporters after being sworn-in, Aug. This small Wilkinsburg private school wants to grow into a 'village' in the community, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. 15. 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. ", 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. }); Dr. Daniel Castagna I look forward to seeing our district succeed.. Please enter valid email address to continue. Assistant Superintendent - Woodland Hills School District 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. Harris had been an administrator since 2018, and the school board did not give a reason for his firing. 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. Woodland Hills School Board Votes To Terminate Superintendent James Athletics (opens in new window/tab) Buildings and Grounds; Business and Finance; Curriculum; Personnel . Castagna's appointment carries a term of one year or until the district hires a new 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. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. (KDKA) -- The Woodland Hills school board has voted to terminate its superintendent. January 28, 2022 / 9:29 PM ", 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. "I do also believe, as Dr. Woods, in second chances," said Brandi Fisher, CEO and President of Alliance for Police Accountability. 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 . PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Parents concerned Woodland Hills moving to hire new superintendent with checkered past. In his subsequent lawsuit, Castagna argued he was targeted and eventually fired because of political differences with several school board members. He served as the superintendent of West Mifflin from 2011 to 2019. Castagna . / CBS Pittsburgh. 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. Members . 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. 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. Woodland Hills appoints Castagna as permanent superintendent; 2 school Woodland Hills Superintendent James Harris said there were several racially insensitive moments directed . Help us inform people in the Pittsburgh region with more stories like this support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation. I implore you not to hire the candidate for the interim position of superintendent. 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. 35 years later, we take a look at the impact of the - PublicSource Woodland Hills School District reduces property tax - Yahoo News We didnt do that; thats not our role. 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. Make a gift of $7/month or more to get yours today! Other speakers did not agree. First published on November 17, 2021 / 8:50 PM. We added a number of supports, and then we pulled the heavy beam away, and it opened everything up. Jul 2018 - Jul 20213 years 1 month. West Mifflin accused Castagna of asking employees to complete private work on school district time and lying about his DUI history. Woodland Hills School District names Dr. Daniel Castagna as superintendent 2023 Cox Media Group. Pa. superintendent with 3 DUI arrests is hired amid protests: 'It's 0183 The Woodland Hills School District Welcomes Dr. Daniel Castagna as Interim Superintendent. 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. Woodland Hills Superintendent James Harris said he was shocked when he was asked to resign. She can be reached at sschneider@wesa.fm. PITTSBURGH After four fights last week led to remote learning for Woodland Hills High School, students returned to the classrooms Monday with new rules. 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. Woodland Hills School District - Wikipedia Justice Thomas Caulfield swore Castanga in as the new Woodland Hills superintendent. We cannot and will not stand for it. He joined the call on zoom. Woodland Hills superintendent describes benefits of - PublicSource . West Mifflin accused Castagna of asking employees to complete private work on school district time and lying about his DUI history. "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. Teresa M. Hawthorne Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Email: hawtte@whsd.us Phone: 412-731-1300 x0183 FAX: 412-679-1621 . 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. 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. So I hope you hear our voices. 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 . Caught On CCTV: Principal Holds Student's Head As He's Shot With - NDTV We thank Mr. Harris for his service as the district superintendent and will work with him to ensure a smooth transition.. Daniel Castagna, superintendent of the Woodland Hills School District, said after the vote, "I'm truly humbled and honored by the board's decision to allow me to serve students and the community . Covid guidelines and mandates have been controversial during the pandemic, but Woodland Hills' covid procedures and requirements regarding distancing and mask-wearing are strict. 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. The faces of victims of gun violence were held tight by students and loved ones on the steps of the state capitol. The officer sees that and may file charges for assault, or I complain because you hit me too hard then you have a fine or summons because of it. The students listened to their own local leaders testify, including Woodland Hills Superintendent Daniel Castagna and Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker. Sarah previously worked with news outlets in Pennsylvania, Illinois and Idaho. The agreements were approved by the Woodland Hills School District Board of School Directors during their legislative meeting on January 18, 2023. "I appreciate the Woodland Hills School District giving me this opportunity to serve as its acting superintendent," Dr. Castagna said in the release. The officers prior to us getting here would be involved in the day-to-day happenings with what was going on with the students. "Our plan is to continue to provide this relief," Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna said. Harris: We have layers. 50 years ago this month, we exposed a state institution. "The result of what some of us believe was a hasty and unwarranted action was a loss of public trust." Woodland Hills four-year graduation rate in the 2014-15 school year was just above 80 percent. Students, parents, coaches and community leaders shared their opinions with the board. West Mifflin schools fired Castagna in 2019 after his second DUI case. I am here to help that happen.". 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. Superintendents Message . How do you work beyond the notion that people will take advantage of a school environment without police presence? Just over 24 hours after being asked for his resignation, the Woodland Hills School Board voted to terminate Superintendent James P. Harris's . Messages: April 5th . 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. Castagna later sued the school district after they released a list of grievances againsthim. 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.. 10:24 AM. 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. 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. Q: How has your background as a military police officer shaped the way you handle discipline at Woodland Hills? Learn more in our Cookie Policy. Doose was the final registered speaker of the night before the public comment section opened up. 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. After an 8-1 vote, Harris stood up from his seat at the table and left the meeting. Instead, I simply found that he co-owns a bar that has been shut down for covid violations. Woodland Hills Online Academy; Woodland Hills Opportunity Camp; Woodland Hills Senior High School; Departments. "As a mom, it's important that my children have examples - have role models. Many teachers, and I'll say many of the board members, have been that to my children and to the children of the district. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as the district's new superintendent. 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 . 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 . He was set to be arraigned later that month on DUI charges stemming from an incident in Beaver County three months earlier. I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve the students of the Woodland Hills School District community as its Superintendent, Castagna said. "We have people internally. In the early 2000s, Woodland Hills was losing about 400 kids a year to charter schools. We knew week-to-week, we can see changes based on the minor adjustments that we were doing. 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." A legal fight could cause a delay and leave the matter to the new school board members, who take their seats in January. / CBS Pittsburgh. Woodland Hills is a very special place, and I am proud to be a part of this family, Castagna said. The school district announced on May 25 that Castagna would officially be head of the district from May 26, 2022, to May 25, 2027. This position is a position of public trust. Superintendent's Office; Title IX; Transcripts; Woodland Hills Foundation (opens in new window/tab) 23-24 School Calendar . 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. 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. So, for that I do apologize. Neither Scott nor Currie could be immediately reached for comment. 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.. NORTH . 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? "That action often gave the impression that we were downplaying the severity of the incident," the letter states. Woods described growing up with Castagna and being mentored by him. The board also accepted the resignation of members Ronna Currie and Marilyn Scott. It comes as the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee is holding its first discussion in more than a decade on laws related to guns. Your vote tonight will be reflected in your record, and we will note it when you are up for election again.". In recent weeks, several fights have broken out at the district's high school. 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. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. NOW PLAYING ABOVE. I think we can change it, it can change," said Carter Lance, a Penn Hills junior. Superintendent Johnson said the numbers have been static in the last three years; they're getting just as many back as they lose. "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. This is not a person who has actively been working to improve children's lives in the past three years," said Moon. Due to the pandemic, students at Woodland Hills are only partially in school for in-person instruction, but Harris describes the positive change hes seen since they started reducing, and finally eliminating police from school (they still have unarmed security guards). Then it got down to one [officer]. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspended superintendent accused of knowingly hiring man being investigated for murder. Former Daniel Boone superintendent hired by western Pa - The Mercury 0183, Teresa M. Hawthorne 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. Theres a lot of professional folks in that building who helped create a better environment. 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 . 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. email: hawtte@whsd.net It was a 15-month ordeal that ended in Castagna suing the district in federal court. "I could not find any evidence that Dr. Castagna had been active in the field of education in the last three years. Harris walked out of the meeting right after the board voted. You can contact Patrick by email at pvarine@triblive.com or via Twitter . I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve the students of the Woodland Hills School District community as its Superintendent, Castagna said. Woodland Hills hires Dan Castagna as superintendent - WTAE Both voted against Castagnas appointment as acting superintendent in January, along with board president Mike Belmonte and Lawson. sas.call("std", { During the process, Dr. Castagna earned the support of the majority of the board," said Scott. 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. Please take a moment to read this message from Woodland Hills Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna. Local students gather at state capitol, make plea for an end to gun Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. This realization helped lead the district into phasing out police presence in their school. 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 board voted 8-1 to remove James Harris without cause. 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. Harris told KDKA that the school board president, vice president and school solicitor asked him to resign on Tuesday. I just dont think thats the job for them to do thats for the principal, teachers and counselors in the schools to do. He was placed on unpaid leave July 2 pending termination. 2550 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15218. 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. Nov 17, 2021. "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. The concept of voting out or recalling the board members who vote yes on Castagna was mentioned multiple times during the meeting. That's who I cared about, and that's who you should care about.". Harris was hired in 2018 as the district was under the spotlight after its school police were accused of using excessive force. Woodland Hills is a very special place, and I am proud to be a part of this family. Members . A lot of people in the community are upset about it. ", He said that the students' behavior would not be tolerated, "and we will be doing a better job in becoming proactive moving forward.". Interim Superintendent email: castda@whsd.net 412.731.1300 ext. Steve Shaulis: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know | Heavy.com A statement from the board said that it would begin a search for a new leader immediately. The tone of the night changed briefly when Castagna's only non-school board public supporter stood up to speak. Through the course of the night, people stood up to plead with the board against hiring Castagna. "There are currently five board members who . During the process, Dr. Castagna earned the support of the majority of the board," board member Carlton Scott said in a district-issued release. 22-23 School Calendar - Woodland Hills School District 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. As the General Manager and Superintendent, I lead all aspects of operations with a . 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. "We have many wonderful teachers. 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 . Scott then welcomed Castagna to the district before the official vote was taken. Castagna was hired by the district in 2007 and served as superintendent from 2011 through 2018. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and will continue to partner with our districts talented staff and dedicated community. Castagna has not responded. Castagna will be the acting superintendent for one year or until a new superintendent is hired. "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. 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. The board voted 5-1 to appoint Castagna as the superintendent; board member Terri Lawson abstained from voting. The School Board, staff and communitys belief in me is something I will never take for granted. Its detrimental. The Woodland Hill School District released a statement after the meeting that said in part, "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. Kellen Stepler is an editorial intern for PublicSource. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and will continue to partner with our districts talented staff and dedicated community.. If we could do more things like this and have the community wrap around us and this problem.
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