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. 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. 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. Interim Superintendent email: castda@whsd.net 412.731.1300 ext. 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. Very rarely were they ever called, so the officers sat in the office all day. So, it was a gradual approach to removal. Castagna later sued the school district after they released a list of grievances againsthim. A few others said that they supported a move to fire him. Instead, I simply found that he co-owns a bar that has been shut down for covid violations. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. We have a great faculty in place and the students in our district are capable of delivering great things. Woodland Hills School Board fires its superintendent, cites need for Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. "I could not find any evidence that Dr. Castagna had been active in the field of education in the last three years. Castagna addressed his new district following news of the verdict in his lawsuit against West Mifflin. I look forward to seeing our district succeed.. Q: In the 2018-19 school year, there were 1,381 students enrolled at Woodland Hills Jr./Sr. 412.731.1300 ext. I have cousins who are officers, I have cousins who are in law enforcement and in the judicial system. School Board - Woodland Hills School District Woodland Hills is a very special place, and I am proud to be a part of this family, Castagna said. If we could do more things like this and have the community wrap around us and this problem. "My wife and I are graduates of this district, and we are fierce defenders of this school district, but this is indefensible. This realization helped lead the district into phasing out police presence in their school. He served as the superintendent of West Mifflin from 2011 to 2019. That's who I cared about, and that's who you should care about.". pageId: 726593, // Page : Woodland_Hills/ros High School. The Woodland Hills School District board of directors voted to approve a budget plan that would reduce property taxes. So, for that I do apologize. Woodland Hills School District officials voted 8-1 in November 2021 to terminate the contract of Superintendent James Harris effective December 17. 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. email: castda@whsd.net "That was never the intent. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and will continue to partner with our districts talented staff and dedicated community.. Castagnas firing from his West Mifflin post came after a series of hearings throughout 2018 under a law that allows for superintendents and assistant superintendents to have their contracts terminated with a school board vote for neglect of duty, incompetency, or immorality.. Email news@wesa.fm. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. (KDKA) -- The Woodland Hills school board has voted to terminate its superintendent. Harris told KDKA before the meeting that he plans to fight the decision. The contact is for one year or until a new superintendent is hired, according to school board documents. Especially after we have had time to demonstrate change," she said. 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. Please take a moment to read this message from Woodland Hills Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna. The district said Harris' last day will be Dec. 17th and the search for a new superintendent starts immediately. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. 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. I am here to help that happen. Woodland Hills senior Desmon Jackson said whatever the intent was, it was hurtful. The officers prior to us getting here would be involved in the day-to-day happenings with what was going on with the students. 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 . We added a number of supports, and then we pulled the heavy beam away, and it opened everything up. Harris: We have layers. Links. "This is Indefensible." Castagna Voted In Against the Wishes of He was placed on unpaid leave July 2 pending termination. 50 years ago this month, we exposed a state institution. 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. "During the course of our search for an acting superintendent, we had the opportunity to speak with both internal and external candidates. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and will continue to partner with our districts talented staff and dedicated community. Steve Shaulis: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know | Heavy.com 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 . We thank Mr. Harris for his service as the district superintendent and will work with him to ensure a smooth transition.. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Parents concerned Woodland Hills moving to hire new superintendent with checkered past. 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. Five students sued the district in federal court, alleging the district fostered a culture of abuse. I can understand that we don't always make the best decisions, and that shouldn't follow us for the rest of our lives. Athletics (opens in new window/tab) Buildings and Grounds; Business and Finance; Curriculum; Personnel . When they bring that role of police into the building, it does create an environment that is a bit more tense than if they were not police, just by the nature of the role. 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.. Superintendent's Office - Woodland Hills School District Woodland Hills superintendent describes benefits of - PublicSource The violence continues to touch and impact the youth of our area. The district serves 12 municipalities east of Pittsburgh and enrolls about 3,300 students. The former West Mifflin superintendent who was fired after his second DUI case has been hired by the Woodland Hills School District. During the process, Dr. Castagna earned the support of the majority of the board," said Scott. The Woodland Hills school board abruptly fired its superintendent Wednesday night. That frees up the administration to do other things. 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). 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 . I dont see the reason why I should be here. . "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. 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. I look forward to seeing our district succeed.. 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. "We have many wonderful teachers. 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. Neither Scott nor Currie could be immediately reached for comment. She can be reached at sschneider@wesa.fm.
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