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.. 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. The school board, staff and communitys belief in me is something I will never take for granted.. The Woodland Hills school board voted 5-4 after a contentious meeting in late January to hire Castagna as acting superintendent, at which many members of the public, and some on the school board, expressed opposition to hiring Castagna. 50 years ago this month, we exposed a state institution. 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. I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve the students of the Woodland Hills School District community as its superintendent, Castagna said. 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. A few others said that they supported a move to fire him. Woodland Hills is a very special place, and I am proud to be a part of this family. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and will continue to partner with our districts talented staff and dedicated community. You can update your choices at any time in your settings. That frees up the administration to do other things. Woodland Hills School District. The former West Mifflin superintendent who was fired after his second DUI case has been hired by the Woodland Hills School District. Jury orders West Mifflin School District to pay $2.9M to former Imagine decreasing that infraction rate almost 70%. Local students gather at state capitol, make plea for an end to gun 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. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as the district's new superintendent. How do you feel this change can be scaled or replicated for other districts who may have fewer resources or a larger population, like PPS, with an enrollment of 6,263 grades 9-12? 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. Woodland Hills High School - Facebook I look forward to seeing our district succeed.. Pittsburgh's Action News 4 repeatedly reached out to Woodland Hills Superintendent Daniel Castagna for comment for months on the charges filed against Miles. "That was never the intent. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. siteId: 126296, // Its detrimental. Castagna . Please don't do this to us." West Mifflin schools fired Castagna in 2019 after his second DUI case. PITTSBURGH After four fights last week led to remote learning for Woodland Hills High School, students returned to the classrooms Monday with new rules. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. 0183. 15. Q: As police presence phased out, has anything surprised you? Woodland Hills four-year graduation rate in the 2014-15 school year was just above 80 percent. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and will continue to partner with our districts talented staff and dedicated community. ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. . We didnt do that; thats not our role. 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. Caught On CCTV: Principal Holds Student's Head As He's Shot With - NDTV 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 . Woodland Hills School District reduces property tax - Yahoo News 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). Teresa M. Hawthorne Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent email: hawtte @whsd.net 412.731.1300 ext. Woodland Hills Online Academy; Woodland Hills Opportunity Camp; Woodland Hills Senior High School; Departments. 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. 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. Q: How has your background as a military police officer shaped the way you handle discipline at Woodland Hills? 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. The board voted 8-1 to remove James Harris without cause. I look forward to seeing our district succeed.. Scott then welcomed Castagna to the district before the official vote was taken. 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. The Woodland Hills School District webpage has moved to www.whsd.net, Please visit the new website for updated information. Especially after we have had time to demonstrate change," she said. "I could not find any evidence that Dr. Castagna had been active in the field of education in the last three years. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. "I appreciate the Woodland Hills School District giving me this opportunity to serve as its acting superintendent," Dr. Castagna said in the release. An October Message From The Superintendent | News Archive Staff Page - Woodland Hills School District 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. formatId: 34956, // Format : IAB Leaderboard 728x90 If we could do more things like this and have the community wrap around us and this problem. He had been charged with a DUI in 2008 and in 2019. 22-23 School Calendar - Woodland Hills School District Select Accept to consent or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use. Woodland Hills is a very special place, and I am proud to be a part of this family, Castagna said. Its finally closing. 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. Harris: You have to go building by building, and you have to empower the building leadership to make decisions. 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." Could policing be reimagined in schools? 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. Covid guidelines and mandates have been controversial during the pandemic, but Woodland Hills' covid procedures and requirements regarding distancing and mask-wearing are strict. 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. New superintendent James P. Harris Jr. ready to make big changes at Woodland Hills senior Desmon Jackson said whatever the intent was, it was hurtful. Students return to Woodland Hills High School with new rules - WPXI After an 8-1 vote, Harris stood up from his seat at the table and left the meeting. 0183. 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. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The board reorganization meeting is Dec. 6. 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. ", Speakers after Woods agreed that many people do make mistakes and deserve second chances but felt that Castagna has already had the opportunity to learn from his mistakes and failed to live up to the task. 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. Job Superintendent Salary in Woodland Hills, CA "Our plan is to continue to provide this relief," Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna said. Make a gift of $7/month or more to get yours today! This realization helped lead the district into phasing out police presence in their school. The students listened to their own local leaders testify, including Woodland Hills Superintendent Daniel Castagna and Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker. "I appreciate the Woodland Hills School District giving me this opportunity to serve as its acting superintendent," Castagna said in a statement. 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. Now inspired by the journey, these kids hope to use this experience to make a change back in their own communities. 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. It was a 15-month ordeal that ended in Castagna suing the district in federal court. Woodland Hills superintendent describes benefits of - PublicSource Most of the speakers showed their support for Harris, while a few others wanted him fired. People should have the opportunity to reinvent themselves and prove themselves. 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 James Harris said there were several racially insensitive moments directed . email: hawtte@whsd.net Harris: Any business or any organization wants people to feel welcome, but the students have a lot of needs, and so do staff. Woodland Hills School District names Dr. Daniel Castagna as superintendent Instead, I simply found that he co-owns a bar that has been shut down for covid violations. Q: How are challenges addressed and solved now? 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 . NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. (KDKA) -- The Woodland Hills school board has voted to terminate its superintendent. 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. target: '' // Targeting It includes an update on action items from recent meetings with parents and high school students, details on recently completed and ongoing security improvements at all of our buildings, and much more. 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 . "Mr. Harris has consistently lied to us, to the media, to our parents, to our students, to our teachers. The concept of voting out or recalling the board members who vote yes on Castagna was mentioned multiple times during the meeting. This position is a position of public trust. "My wife and I are graduates of this district, and we are fierce defenders of this school district, but this is indefensible. Rontez Miles appears before North Versailles judge If we could do more things like this and have the community wrap around us and this problem. 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. Q: How long did Woodland Hills not have school police prior to shutting down because of COVID-19 in March? Many pointed to Castagna having been charged with driving under the influence three separate times. 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.. We knew week-to-week, we can see changes based on the minor adjustments that we were doing. We have many wonderful programs for our students. Assistant Superintendent - Woodland Hills School District 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. "We have made a commitment to provide a wide range of support systems to our students," Woodland Hills Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna said. As a result, the district moved to virtual learning for two days in October. Email news@wesa.fm. Then it got down to one [officer]. Castagna was hired by the district in 2007 and served as superintendent from 2011 through 2018. Parents have to feel welcome when they go into the schools, students have to feel welcome. Does Woodland Hills collect data around arrests and citations? NOW PLAYING ABOVE. 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: The phased-out approach it showed not having a need. ", He said that the students' behavior would not be tolerated, "and we will be doing a better job in becoming proactive moving forward.". About 30 students . Woodland Hills School Board Votes To Terminate Superintendent James As communities grapple with the role of policing on their streets, youth advocates and educators are also considering and sometimes fiercely debating whether police should have a presence in schools. The contact is for one year or until a new superintendent is hired, according to school board documents. I think we can change it, it can change, said Carter Lance, a Penn Hills junior. 2023 Cox Media Group. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. You would be placing someone that many people in the community don't trust. Links. 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. JAMES P. HARRIS JR., the new superintendent of the Woodland Hills School District, fields questions from reporters after being sworn-in, Aug. Woodland Hills Superintendent James Harris Says He Will Fight - YouTube Many speakers during the meeting noted that they were frustrated by the districts lack of transparency in the matter. A statement from the board said that it would begin a search for a new leader immediately. They questioned whether it was a good idea for someone who has been through alcohol intervention programs to own a bar and has pictures of himself on social media with containers of alcohol. The school district announced on May 25 that Castagna would officially be head of the district from May 26, 2022, to May 25, 2027. 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. He was set to be arraigned later that month on DUI charges stemming from an incident in Beaver County three months earlier. PublishedNovember 17, 2021 at 9:53 PM EST. 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 think people will be very nervous if we just said, OK, were getting rid of the police, but didnt put any other supports in place. Woodland Hills Appoints Former West Mifflin Superintendent Fired After When the new administration came in, they started to minimize the role of police officers and take over the daily discipline and the behavioral situation in the building. On Jan. 10, 2018, he began a two-week medical leave, and the school board voted Jan. 19 to place him on paid leave. Your vote tonight will be reflected in your record, and we will note it when you are up for election again.". / CBS Pittsburgh. 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. 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. 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. Castagna has served as the acting superintendent since Jan. 28. 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 . 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. Change your mind. In recent weeks, several fights have broken out at the district's high school. Harris spoke with PublicSource to discuss how the atmosphere has changed and how this idea can be considered in other districts. pageId: 726593, // Page : Woodland_Hills/ros 2550 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15218. Andre Patterson cast the lone vote against the move. Patrick Varine is a Tribune-Review staff writer. In the early 2000s, Woodland Hills was losing about 400 kids a year to charter schools. 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. 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 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.
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