Thats the key to removing the police. 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. I dont see the reason why I should be here. 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. Superintendent's Office; Title IX; Transcripts; Woodland Hills Foundation (opens in new window/tab) 23-24 School Calendar . Q: How has your background as a military police officer shaped the way you handle discipline at Woodland Hills? / CBS Pittsburgh. Woodland Hills Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole, 6390 yard, par 72 championship golf course and country club. It comes as the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee is holding its first discussion in more than a decade on laws related to guns. Question: Can you describe the environment at Woodland Hills when the district had police officers? Key Responsibilities: Supervise on-site activities. Harris: Its less tense. He initially told KDKA it involved only a half-dozen students. The students listened to their own local leaders testify, including Woodland Hills Superintendent Daniel Castagna and Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker. He was placed on unpaid leave July 2 pending termination. So I hope you hear our voices. Walt Calinger - Wikipedia Woodland Hills senior Desmon Jackson said whatever the intent was, it was hurtful. Woodland Hills is a very special place, and I am proud to be a part of this family. Harris: Any business or any organization wants people to feel welcome, but the students have a lot of needs, and so do staff. Ensure on-site staff are complying with plans and safety requirements. BECOME A MEMBER. School Board - Woodland Hills School District Learn more in our Cookie Policy. Q: How do you work to get beyond the belief some people have that students need police in schools? email: hawtte@whsd.net
The school district announced on May 25 that Castagna would officially be head of the district from May 26, 2022, to May 25, 2027. sas.call("std", {
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. Castagna later sued the school district after they released a list of grievances againsthim. The violence continues to touch and impact the youth of our area. 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. Do you feel more informed? Nov 17, 2021. In recent weeks, several fights have broken out at the district's high school. Woodland Hills School District partners with Trey Edmunds, Leon Ford to NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as the district's new 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. Dave Gremmels - General Manager, Superintendent - Woodland Hills Golf You would be placing someone that many people in the community don't trust. Castagna has served as the districts acting superintendent since late January, following the school boards decision to terminate superintendent James Harris contract in December2021. How do you work beyond the notion that people will take advantage of a school environment without police presence? Former Daniel Boone superintendent hired by western Pa - The Mercury 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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 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. This is not a person who has actively been working to improve children's lives in the past three years," said Moon. The School Board, staff and communitys belief in me is something I will never take for granted. Students return to Woodland Hills High School with new rules - WPXI 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. This realization helped lead the district into phasing out police presence in their school. Q: In the 2018-19 school year, there were 1,381 students enrolled at Woodland Hills Jr./Sr. 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. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. "If you choose to go against what the community wants, we are going to fight you, and eventually, we're gonna win. A legal fight could cause a delay and leave the matter to the new school board members, who take their seats in January. 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. 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. (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 . In his subsequent lawsuit, Castagna argued he was targeted and eventually fired because of political differences with several school board members. Strategic Plan Midpoint - Professional Education. Woodland Hills School District names Dr. Daniel Castagna as superintendent "There are currently five board members who . Woodland Hills School District officials voted 8-1 in November 2021 to terminate the contract of Superintendent James Harris effective December 17. January 28, 2022 / 9:29 PM Woodland Hills Online Academy; Woodland Hills Opportunity Camp; Woodland Hills Senior High School; Departments. pic.twitter.com/l73WMgdWIs, Nicole Ford (@NicoleFordTV) March 23, 2023. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Parents concerned Woodland Hills moving to hire new superintendent with checkered past. So, it was a gradual approach to removal. Students, parents, coaches and community leaders shared their opinions with the board. I am here to help that happen.". However, we have a terrible image problem. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Change your mind. Woodland Hills Foundation (opens in new window/tab) 23-24 School Calendar; Superintendent's Office . 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. Woodland Hills is a very special place, and I am proud to be a part of this family, Castagna said. 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. Then it got down to one [officer]. It was the last meeting for three board members. Harris told KDKA that the school board president, vice president and school solicitor asked him to resign on Tuesday. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and will continue to partner with our districts talented staff and dedicated community.. "During the course of our search for an acting superintendent, we had the opportunity to speak with both internal and external candidates. 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). Former school resource officer Stephen Shaulis was accused of excessive force for knocking out the tooth of a 14-year-old, among other incidents. 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. Superintendents Bio. 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. Hed previously been charged with driving under the influence in 2008, and he was later charged again in August 2019. Castagna has served as the acting superintendent since Jan. 28. Woods described growing up with Castagna and being mentored by him. Castagna replaces James Harris, who was fired in December. 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. 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. 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. He said the experience has changed him and because of that, he wanted to make the trip to Harrisburg. Castagna, in a statement released by his attorney, thanked the jurors. I have cousins who are officers, I have cousins who are in law enforcement and in the judicial system. 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. "During the course of our search for an acting superintendent, we had the opportunity to speak with both internal and external candidates. 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. 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. "We have people internally. Pittsburgh's Action News 4 repeatedly reached out to Woodland Hills Superintendent Daniel Castagna for comment for months on the charges filed against Miles. I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve the students of the Woodland Hills School District community as its superintendent, Castagna said. 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. Castagna will be the acting superintendent for one year or until a new superintendent is hired. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as thedistricts new superintendent. Woodland Hills School Board Votes To Terminate Superintendent James "This is Indefensible." Castagna Voted In Against the Wishes of Superintendent Johnson said the numbers have been static in the last three years; they're getting just as many back as they lose. You dont need police to control the hallways at school to keep it calm. Job Superintendent Salary in Woodland Hills, CA 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. Woodland Hills Superintendent James Harris Says He Will Fight - YouTube Dr. Daniel Castagna Superintendent Email: castda@whsd.us Superintendent Bio. 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. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. November 17, 2021 / 8:50 PM I think we can change it, it can change, said Carter Lance, a Penn Hills junior. 2023 Cox Media Group. Harris walked out of the meeting right after the board voted. 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. Q: How long did Woodland Hills not have school police prior to shutting down because of COVID-19 in March? Covid guidelines and mandates have been controversial during the pandemic, but Woodland Hills' covid procedures and requirements regarding distancing and mask-wearing are strict. Imagine decreasing that infraction rate almost 70%. 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. Theres a lot of professional folks in that building who helped create a better environment. 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. 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. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. "It's hard to find someone who hasn't had some issues. 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. I was never trained in the military police academy to patrol a high school. Especially after we have had time to demonstrate change," she said. 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. 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.. Harris: We have layers. Phillip Woods, former principal, and current superintendent at Aliquippa, stated, "It's hard listening to the comments and the judgment of Dr. Daniel Castagna. 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 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 district said Harris' last day will be Dec. 17th and the search for a new superintendent starts immediately. It is not . And now, we realize we dont need any. We thank Mr. Harris for his service as the district superintendent and will work with him to ensure a smooth transition.". PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspended superintendent accused of knowingly hiring man being investigated for murder. Andre Patterson cast the lone vote against the move. PublishedNovember 17, 2021 at 9:53 PM EST. "As a mom, it's important that my children have examples - have role models. Q: How were you able to get staff, students and families on board? The board voted 8 to 1 to terminate James Harris without cause during a meeting on Wednesday. The district serves 12 municipalities east of Pittsburgh and enrolls about 3,300 students. 35 years later, we take a look at the impact of the - PublicSource 0183, Teresa M. Hawthorne
Justice Thomas Caulfield swore Castanga in as the new Woodland Hills superintendent. . 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. In a seemingly abrupt move Wednesday night, the Woodland Hills School Board voted to terminate its superintendent. 22-23 School Calendar - Woodland Hills School District May 25, 2022 at 10:51 pm EDT. A few others said that they supported a move to fire him. Castagna's appointment carries a term of one year or until the district hires a new superintendent. He .
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