woodland hills superintendent

Theres a lot of professional folks in that building who helped create a better environment. target: '' // Targeting 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. I can understand that we don't always make the best decisions, and that shouldn't follow us for the rest of our lives. 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. Question: Can you describe the environment at Woodland Hills when the district had police officers? Help us inform people in the Pittsburgh region with more stories like this support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation. ", 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. siteId: 126296, // Video shows principal holding a student's head while he's shocked with The board voted 8-1 to remove James Harris without cause. The students listened to their own local leaders testify, including Woodland Hills Superintendent Daniel Castagna and Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker. Interim Superintendent email: castda@whsd.net 412.731.1300 ext. We added a number of supports, and then we pulled the heavy beam away, and it opened everything up. 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. Mike Belmonte; Terri Lawson; Dr. Tammi L. McMillan, Ed.D; Darnika Reed; Carlton Scott; Bridgett . Athletics (opens in new window/tab) Buildings and Grounds; Business and Finance; Curriculum; Personnel . 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). Sarah previously worked with news outlets in Pennsylvania, Illinois and Idaho. Last year, pre-COVID, we were down about 70% in our incidences. 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. Castagna has served as the districts acting superintendent since late January, following the school boards decision to terminate superintendent James Harris contract in December2021. Harris was hired in 2018 as the district was under the spotlight after its school police were accused of using excessive force. 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. I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve the students of the Woodland Hills School District community as its Superintendent, Castagna said. Sarah Schneider is WESA's education reporter. Harris: The phased-out approach it showed not having a need. Through the course of the night, people stood up to plead with the board against hiring Castagna. Staff Page - Woodland Hills School District Harris walked out of the meeting right after the board voted. Walt Calinger - Wikipedia 0183. 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. A federal jury on Monday ordered West Mifflin School District to pay nearly $3 million to former Superintendent Daniel Castagna in connection with his 2019 firing. On Friday during a special legislative meeting, the Woodland Hills school board appointed Daniel Castagna as acting superintendent. Woodland Hills Superintendent James Harris said there were several racially insensitive moments directed . "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. 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. 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. He joined the call on zoom. 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. So, for that I do apologize. I think we can change it, it can change," said Carter Lance, a Penn Hills junior. 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 Woodland Hills School District webpage has moved to www.whsd.net, Please visit the new website for updated information. If we could do more things like this and have the community wrap around us and this problem. He is not eligible for any benefits but will be paid $615 per day. JAMES P. HARRIS JR., the new superintendent of the Woodland Hills School District, fields questions from reporters after being sworn-in, Aug. We have a great faculty in place, and the students in our district are capable of delivering great things. Woodland Hills is a very special place, and I am proud to be a part of this family, Castagna said. email: castda@whsd.net He was set to be arraigned later that month on DUI charges stemming from an incident in Beaver County three months earlier. 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! I implore you not to hire the candidate for the interim position of superintendent. 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. Unified. 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. We thank Mr. Harris for his service as the district superintendent and will work with him to ensure a smooth transition.". The board voted 8 to 1 to terminate James Harris without cause during a meeting on Wednesday. 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 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. Thats the key to removing the police. "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. 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. How can these other districts replicate this given their own circumstances? 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. Justice Thomas Caulfield swore Castanga in as the new Woodland Hills superintendent. 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. The School Board, staff and communitys belief in me is something I will never take for granted. Imagine decreasing that infraction rate almost 70%. sas.setup({ domain: 'https://www5.smartadserver.com'}); Its detrimental. "I could not find any evidence that Dr. Castagna had been active in the field of education in the last three years. West Mifflin schools fired Castagna in 2019 after his second DUI case. (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 . 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. Please take a moment to read this message from Woodland Hills Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna. 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. 2023 Cox Media Group. Superintendent's Office - Woodland Hills School District Board members did not say what prompted the termination. This is the first time in district history, a 41-year time period, that property taxes have been reduced. The board voted 5-1 to appoint Castagna as the superintendent; board member Terri Lawson abstained from voting. 0183 The Woodland Hills School District Welcomes Dr. Daniel Castagna as Interim Superintendent. 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. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as the district's new superintendent. Hed previously been charged with driving under the influence in 2008, and he was later charged again in August 2019. "I do also believe, as Dr. Woods, in second chances," said Brandi Fisher, CEO and President of Alliance for Police Accountability. We have a great faculty in place and the students in our district are capable of delivering great things. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and will continue to partner with our districts talented staff and dedicated community.. I am here to help that happen. Superintendent Johnson said the numbers have been static in the last three years; they're getting just as many back as they lose. Woodland Hills School District reduces property tax - Yahoo News "It's detrimental. 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. 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. Woodland Hills appoints Castagna as permanent superintendent; 2 school You just cant pull police out, that doesnt require any support. 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. Woodland Hills School District - Wikipedia ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. . The agreements were approved by the Woodland Hills School District Board of School Directors during their legislative meeting on January 18, 2023. Q: How has your background as a military police officer shaped the way you handle discipline at Woodland Hills? 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. Many speakers during the meeting noted that they were frustrated by the districts lack of transparency in the matter. The former West Mifflin superintendent who was fired after his second DUI case has been hired by the Woodland Hills School District. sas.call("std", { Former Daniel Boone superintendent hired by western Pa - The Mercury Change your mind. However, we have a terrible image problem. . When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. West Mifflin officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Harris told KDKA that the school board president, vice president and school solicitor asked him to resign on Tuesday. 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. 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. "We have many wonderful teachers. 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 . The board reorganization meeting is Dec. 6. 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. 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. 15. Former Woodland Hills School District superintendent James Harris is speaking out after Pittsburgh's Action News 4 obtained new documents regarding his firing. May 25, 2022 at 10:51 pm EDT. 412.731.1300 ext. We cannot and will not stand for it. 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. We have many wonderful programs for our students. PublishedNovember 17, 2021 at 9:53 PM EST. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as thedistricts new superintendent. 35 years later, we take a look at the impact of the - PublicSource "That was never the intent. 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 . Castagna later sued the school district after they released a list of grievances againsthim. West Mifflin accused Castagna of asking employees to complete private work on school district time and lying about his DUI history. BECOME A MEMBER. Immediately, he had the officers trade their bulletproof vests for khakis and polo shirts. Doose was the final registered speaker of the night before the public comment section opened up. An October Message From The Superintendent | News Archive 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.. Woodland Hills Online Academy; Woodland Hills Opportunity Camp; Woodland Hills Senior High School; Departments. 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. Castagna . 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, but we truly believe that Dr. Castagna will faithfully and expertly guide the Woodland Hills School District during this transition period. If we could do more things like this and have the community wrap around us and this problem. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. This position is a position of public trust. NOW PLAYING ABOVE. PITTSBURGH After four fights last week led to remote learning for Woodland Hills High School, students returned to the classrooms Monday with new rules. 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. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and will continue to partner with our districts talented staff and dedicated community. 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. 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. New superintendent James P. Harris Jr. ready to make big changes at 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. 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.. Local students gather at state capitol, make plea for an end to gun TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. He was placed on unpaid leave July 2 pending termination. Members . It comes as the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee is holding its first discussion in more than a decade on laws related to guns. 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. 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). Castagna has served as the acting superintendent since Jan. 28. It was the last meeting for three board members. Q: How do you work to get beyond the belief some people have that students need police in schools? The Woodland Hills School District Welcomes Dr. Daniel Castagna as Interim Superintendent. "During the course of our search for an acting superintendent, we had the opportunity to speak with both internal and external candidates. 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 . 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. 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. 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: West Mifflin School District to pay former superintendent $2.9 million, Oregon romance writer charged with murdering husband found guilty Oregon romance writer charged with murdering husband found guilty (NCD). 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. 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. 412.731.1300 ext. 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. 0183, Teresa M. Hawthorne Some speakers said Harris helped improve district and student achievement. After an 8-1 vote, Harris stood up from his seat at the table and left the meeting. 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 . 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. 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. Mike Belmonte; Terri Lawson; Dr. Tammi L. McMillan, Ed.D; Darnika Reed; Carlton Scott; Bridgett . 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. Parents have to feel welcome when they go into the schools, students have to feel welcome. Instead, I simply found that he co-owns a bar that has been shut down for covid violations. Harris: Any business or any organization wants people to feel welcome, but the students have a lot of needs, and so do staff. During the process, Dr. Castagna earned the support of the majority of the board," board member Carlton Scott said in a district-issued release. "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. Dr. Daniel Castagna Superintendent Email: castda@whsd.us Superintendent Bio. The conversation with Harris has been edited and condensed for brevity and clarity. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Woodland Hills School District partners with Trey Edmunds, Leon Ford to Hawkins witnessed the chaos and death of a Steven Eason, a Central Catholic student who was shot in 2021. 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. "There are currently five board members who . 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. He served as the superintendent of West Mifflin from 2011 to 2019. The district is holding a town hall meeting Monday at 6 p.m. at Focus on Renewal in McKees Rocks. Castagna's appointment carries a term of one year or until the district hires a new superintendent. Q: In the 2018-19 school year, there were 1,381 students enrolled at Woodland Hills Jr./Sr. Woodland Hills School District names Dr. Daniel Castagna as 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. Does Woodland Hills collect data around arrests and citations? NORTH . 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. Q: How were you able to get staff, students and families on board? Please read the update below from Superintendent James Harris regarding Wednesday's incident at the high school. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as the district's new superintendent. Superintendent's Office; Title IX; Transcripts; Woodland Hills Foundation (opens in new window/tab) 23-24 School Calendar . "Our plan is to continue to provide this relief," Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna said. The board voted 8 to 1 to terminate James Harris without cause during a meeting on Wednesday. He can be reached at kellen@publicsource.org. "If you choose to go against what the community wants, we are going to fight you, and eventually, we're gonna win. The district said Harris' last day will be Dec. 17th and the search for a new superintendent starts immediately. Its finally closing. 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. 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.