We cannot and will not stand for it. }); Dr. Daniel Castagna
Its finally closing. He joined the call on zoom. "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. NOW PLAYING ABOVE. "During the course of our search for an acting superintendent, we had the opportunity to speak with both internal and external candidates. Woodland Hills Foundation (opens in new window/tab) 23-24 School Calendar; Superintendent's Office . I think we can change it, it can change," said Carter Lance, a Penn Hills junior. Now inspired by the journey, these kids hope to use this experience to make a change back in their own communities. sas.setup({ domain: 'https://www5.smartadserver.com'});
Change your mind. Superintendent Johnson said the numbers have been static in the last three years; they're getting just as many back as they lose. Dr. Daniel Castagna Superintendent Email: castda@whsd.us Superintendent Bio. formatId: 34956, // Format : IAB Leaderboard 728x90
Last year, pre-COVID, we were down about 70% in our incidences. The board also accepted the resignation of members Ronna Currie and Marilyn Scott. This position is a position of public trust. 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.. 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. 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. "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. On Jan. 10, 2018, he began a two-week medical leave, and the school board voted Jan. 19 to place him on paid leave. pic.twitter.com/l73WMgdWIs, Nicole Ford (@NicoleFordTV) March 23, 2023. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as thedistricts new superintendent. "Why are we not looking internally," asked Jennifer Alfieri, a registered speaker, and parent. It was a 15-month ordeal that ended in Castagna suing the district in federal court. 2023 Cox Media Group. / CBS Pittsburgh. "It's detrimental. 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 . 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. 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. "During the course of our search for an acting superintendent, we had the opportunity to speak with both internal and external candidates. Then it got down to one [officer]. Harris was hired in 2018 as the district was under the spotlight after its school police were accused of using excessive force. "I do also believe, as Dr. Woods, in second chances," said Brandi Fisher, CEO and President of Alliance for Police Accountability. We didnt need three years worth of data to make a decision. 15. So I hope you hear our voices. He was set to be arraigned later that month on DUI charges stemming from an incident in Beaver County three months earlier. "Our plan is to continue to provide this relief," Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna said. They awarded damages worth $2.95 million on Monday. 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. The jury late last week ruled in favor of Castagna, now acting superintendent at Woodland Hills, on all but one of the claims he laid out against the district in a lawsuit filed in 2019. 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. Please read the update below from Superintendent James Harris regarding Wednesday's incident at the 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. 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 . And now, we realize we dont need any. ", 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. He initially told KDKA it involved only a half-dozen students. 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. Students, parents, coaches and community leaders shared their opinions with the board. People should have the opportunity to reinvent themselves and prove themselves. Woodland Hills Online Academy; Woodland Hills Opportunity Camp; Woodland Hills Senior High School; Departments. He said the experience has changed him and because of that, he wanted to make the trip to Harrisburg. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as thedistricts new superintendent. 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 dont see the reason why I should be here. 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. The Woodland Hills School District board of directors voted to approve a budget plan that would reduce property taxes. We have a great faculty in place, and the students in our district are capable of delivering great things. 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. You would be placing someone that many people in the community don't trust. The board voted 5-1 to appoint Castagna as the superintendent; board member Terri Lawson abstained from voting. 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. That's who I cared about, and that's who you should care about.". Instead, I simply found that he co-owns a bar that has been shut down for covid violations. Haunted Hills hay rides there are special effects, but nobody thought somebody got shot, then I turned over and the dude is just there, laid out, had got shot, said Che Hawkins, a Clairton City sophomore. You have to feel welcome, and when you have to go through metal detectors, or youre being patted down like youre going to the airport or something, you dont feel like youre in a safe environment because of those things. The board voted 8-1 to remove James Harris without cause. 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 concept of voting out or recalling the board members who vote yes on Castagna was mentioned multiple times during the meeting. Athletics (opens in new window/tab) Buildings and Grounds; Business and Finance; Curriculum; Personnel . I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve the students of the Woodland Hills School District community as its Superintendent, Castagna said. 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. This is the first time in district history, a 41-year time period, that property taxes have been reduced. 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. "I could not find any evidence that Dr. Castagna had been active in the field of education in the last three years. Most of the speakers showed their support for Harris, while a few others wanted him fired. Castagna replaces James Harris, who was fired in December. We didnt do that; thats not our role. Superintendent's Office; Title IX; Transcripts; Woodland Hills Foundation (opens in new window/tab) 23-24 School Calendar . "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. 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. / CBS Pittsburgh. 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. Interim Superintendent
The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as the district's new superintendent. How can these other districts replicate this given their own circumstances? Links. 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. 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. "We have many wonderful teachers. 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. Mike Belmonte; Terri Lawson; Dr. Tammi L. McMillan, Ed.D; Darnika Reed; Carlton Scott; Bridgett . Have a tip for the WESA newsroom? Castagna has served as the acting superintendent since Jan. 28. It was . What we did was instead of having police show up for something, we have mental health people, we have behavioral interventionists, we have principals, were all trained, teachers who are trained to de-escalate and talk to the students and community members, so that they do feel that theyre in a place of shelter. Castagna has served as the districts acting superintendent since late January, following the school boards decision to terminate superintendent James Harris contract in December2021. 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. So, it was a gradual approach to removal. Scott then welcomed Castagna to the district before the official vote was taken. ", First published on January 28, 2022 / 9:29 PM. 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. We still have our counselors, our behavioral interventionists and a great leadership staff in the building. About 30 students . Key Responsibilities: Supervise on-site activities. "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. PITTSBURGH After four fights last week led to remote learning for Woodland Hills High School, students returned to the classrooms Monday with new rules. Hed previously been charged with driving under the influence in 2008, and he was later charged again in August 2019. We have many wonderful programs for our students. . Ensure on-site staff are complying with plans and safety requirements. Woodland Hills School District. Harris: When procedures and practices were put in place where they were no longer necessary, some of the officers who were here said, Why am I even here? Thats the success, when the officer says, You dont need me here.. Board President Jamie Glaser read the motion to terminate James Harris without cause effective Dec. 17. 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 . (Photo by Jay Manning/PublicSource), advocates and protestors called for removal of police from the. Harris told KDKA that the school board president, vice president and school solicitor asked him to resign on Tuesday. Nov 17, 2021. "I appreciate the Woodland Hills School District giving me this opportunity to serve as its acting superintendent," Dr. Castagna said in the release. Castagna has served as the acting superintendent since Jan. 28. "The result of what some of us believe was a hasty and unwarranted action was a loss of public trust." ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. . "But I am also a foster mom, mother, and child care educator for the past 18 years. Many pointed to Castagna having been charged with driving under the influence three separate times. 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. The students listened to their own local leaders testify, including Woodland Hills Superintendent Daniel Castagna and Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker. ", 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. 0183. Members . 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. Former Woodland Hills School District superintendent James Harris is speaking out after Pittsburgh's Action News 4 obtained new documents regarding his firing. Castagna has not responded. 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. When you introduce a law enforcement officer into a situation, theres very little gray involved; its either black or white. JAMES P. HARRIS JR., the new superintendent of the Woodland Hills School District, fields questions from reporters after being sworn-in, Aug. How do you work beyond the notion that people will take advantage of a school environment without police presence? 2550 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15218. Harris: Any business or any organization wants people to feel welcome, but the students have a lot of needs, and so do staff. 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. You can contact Patrick by email at pvarine@triblive.com or via Twitter . Castagna later sued the school district after they released a list of grievances againsthim. 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. The board reorganization meeting is Dec. 6. I have cousins who are officers, I have cousins who are in law enforcement and in the judicial system. A few others said that they supported a move to fire him. Unified. 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. 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. "Mr. Harris has consistently lied to us, to the media, to our parents, to our students, to our teachers. The dispute was settled in 2018. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. In a seemingly abrupt move Wednesday night, the Woodland Hills School Board voted to terminate its superintendent. A lot of people in the community are upset about it. Together, his classmates, along with Woodland Hills and Penn Hills students, listened and felt the pain of survivors who shared their stories. This article first appeared in a February 02, 2022 issue of The Valley Mirror. target: '' // Targeting
District officials defended his hiring following a meeting that saw hours of public comments. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. (KDKA) -- The Woodland Hills school board has voted to terminate its superintendent. 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 four-year graduation rate in the 2014-15 school year was just above 80 percent. 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. Imagine decreasing that infraction rate almost 70%. The agreements were approved by the Woodland Hills School District Board of School Directors during their legislative meeting on January 18, 2023. 0183 The Woodland Hills School District Welcomes Dr. Daniel Castagna as Interim Superintendent. Messages: April 5th . 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pittsburgh's Action News 4 repeatedly reached out to Woodland Hills Superintendent Daniel Castagna for comment for months on the charges filed against Miles. Both voted against Castagnas appointment as acting superintendent in January, along with board president Mike Belmonte and Lawson. 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. . 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 . Select Accept to consent or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use. West Mifflin schools fired Castagna in 2019 after his second DUI case. Woodland Hills Superintendent James Harris said there were several racially insensitive moments directed . 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. 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. The school district announced on May 25 that Castagna would officially be head of the district from May 26, 2022, to May 25, 2027. Parents have to feel welcome when they go into the schools, students have to feel welcome. siteId: 126296, //
TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. You dont need police to control the hallways at school to keep it calm. Sarah previously worked with news outlets in Pennsylvania, Illinois and Idaho. The Woodland Hills School District Welcomes Dr. Daniel Castagna as Interim Superintendent. West Mifflin officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Doose was the final registered speaker of the night before the public comment section opened up. During the process, Dr. Castagna earned the support of the majority of the board," said Scott. The bar Castagna co-owns, Cosmo on Carson, was cited in 2020 for lack of face coverings, failure to physically distance customers, and serving alcohol without a meal. 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.. In recent weeks, several fights have broken out at the district's high school. He had been charged with a DUI in 2008 and in 2019. We thank Mr. Harris for his service as the district superintendent and will work with him to ensure a smooth transition.. Superintendents Message . The students listened to their own local leaders testify, including Woodland Hills Superintendent Daniel Castagna and Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker. Just having a stabler, calmer environment; we had less blow-ups between students and staff. You can update your choices at any time in your settings. "It's hard to find someone who hasn't had some issues. The rally is only the beginning. Q: How do you work to get beyond the belief some people have that students need police in schools? Help us inform people in the Pittsburgh region with more stories like this support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation. Q: How has your background as a military police officer shaped the way you handle discipline at Woodland Hills? Kellen Stepler is an editorial intern for PublicSource. 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. 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. Many teachers, and I'll say many of the board members, have been that to my children and to the children of the district. The School Board, staff and communitys belief in me is something I will never take for granted.
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