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. Please don't do this to us." Athletics (opens in new window/tab) Buildings and Grounds; Business and Finance; Curriculum; Personnel . 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. We have many wonderful programs for our students. We didnt do that; thats not our role. When [High School Principal Phillip] Woods got here, he said that hes going to keep control of the building, and hell call [the police] when necessary. 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. The dispute was settled in 2018. The board voted 8 to 1 to terminate James Harris without cause during a meeting on Wednesday. So, for that I do apologize. Question: Can you describe the environment at Woodland Hills when the district had police officers? Harris: Im not anti-police. 2023 Cox Media Group. Superintendents Message . I dont see the reason why I should be here. 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). The school board, staff and communitys belief in me is something I will never take for granted.. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspended superintendent accused of knowingly hiring man being investigated for murder. We added a number of supports, and then we pulled the heavy beam away, and it opened everything up. 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. "As a mom, it's important that my children have examples - have role models. 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 . 0183. Superintendents Bio. Woodland Hills Superintendent James Harris said there were several racially insensitive moments directed . 412.731.1300 ext. 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." Q: As police presence phased out, has anything surprised you? We still have our counselors, our behavioral interventionists and a great leadership staff in the building. 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 . Woodland Hills is a very special place, and I am proud to be a part of this family. Wednesday night's meeting got heated before the vote. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as the district's new superintendent. He is not eligible for any benefits but will be paid $615 per day. We have a great faculty in place, and the students in our district are capable of delivering great things. PITTSBURGH After four fights last week led to remote learning for Woodland Hills High School, students returned to the classrooms Monday with new rules. High School. 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. 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. Castagna has served as the acting superintendent since Jan. 28. The board voted 8-1 to remove James Harris without cause. Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Parents concerned Woodland Hills moving to hire new superintendent with checkered past. It comes as the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee is holding its first discussion in more than a decade on laws related to guns. 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). We knew week-to-week, we can see changes based on the minor adjustments that we were doing. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. A lot of people in the community are upset about it. How can these other districts replicate this given their own circumstances? 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 . He had been charged with a DUI in 2008 and in 2019. It was . Parents have to feel welcome when they go into the schools, students have to feel welcome. I am here to help that happen. Most of the speakers showed their support for Harris, while a few others wanted him fired. 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. Interim Superintendent November 17, 2021 / 8:50 PM The school district announced on May 25 that Castagna would officially be head of the district from May 26, 2022, to May 25, 2027. 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. While there were multiple speakers both at the meeting and via Zoom who offered support and criticism of Harris during the 2021 meeting, last Friday's meeting regarding Castagna did not have a single non-school board person from the district commenting in favor of his employment. 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. Castagna later sued the school district after they released a list of grievances againsthim. NORTH . 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. "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. JAMES P. HARRIS JR., the new superintendent of the Woodland Hills School District, fields questions from reporters after being sworn-in, Aug. You need to make sure that the students have respect for each other, respect for the teachers and respect for themselves. Patrick Varine is a Tribune-Review staff writer. 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. As many speakers after her also did, Moon made reference to Castagna's Google search results, which yielded his termination from West Mifflin, among several alleged claims that gave Woodland Hills families cause for concern. The school district announced on May 25 that Castagna would officially be head of the district from May 26, 2022, to May 25, 2027. / CBS Pittsburgh. (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 . Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. Interim Superintendent email: castda@whsd.net 412.731.1300 ext. Many teachers, and I'll say many of the board members, have been that to my children and to the children of the district. Have a tip for the WESA newsroom? ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. . 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. Woods described growing up with Castagna and being mentored by him. Make a gift of $7/month or more to get yours today! You can update your choices at any time in your settings. "We're trying to . They awarded damages worth $2.95 million on Monday. 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 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. The Woodland Hills school board abruptly fired its superintendent Wednesday night. "The result of what some of us believe was a hasty and unwarranted action was a loss of public trust." 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. 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. Woodland Hills four-year graduation rate in the 2014-15 school year was just above 80 percent. 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. "During the course of our search for an acting superintendent, we had the opportunity to speak with both internal and external candidates. 10:24 AM. 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. Oregon romance writer charged with murdering husband found guilty, 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, Bride killed, groom critically injured after wedding reception when drunken driver hits golf cart, Man charged in connection to death of woman hit by truck in Oakland, 1 person killed in shooting in McKeesport, Many Dollar Bank customers missing hundreds of dollars due to ATM skimming, Its getting worse: Community seeking answers from Pittsburgh leaders in light of recent violence. Dr. Daniel Castagna Superintendent Email: castda@whsd.us Superintendent Bio. pic.twitter.com/l73WMgdWIs, Nicole Ford (@NicoleFordTV) March 23, 2023. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Please enter valid email address to continue. 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. 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.. A statement from the board said that it would begin a search for a new leader immediately. 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 . Messages: April 5th . "I appreciate the Woodland Hills School District giving me this opportunity to serve as its acting superintendent," Castagna said in a statement. Castagna has not responded. 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. Board President Jamie Glaser read the motion to terminate James Harris without cause effective Dec. 17. He initially told KDKA it involved only a half-dozen students. 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.. 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. Castagna's appointment carries a term of one year or until the district hires a new superintendent. Woodland Hills School District officials voted 8-1 in November 2021 to terminate the contract of Superintendent James Harris effective December 17. Phillip Woods, former principal, and current superintendent at Aliquippa, stated, "It's hard listening to the comments and the judgment of Dr. Daniel Castagna. Some speakers said Harris helped improve district and student achievement. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. "If you choose to go against what the community wants, we are going to fight you, and eventually, we're gonna win. The former West Mifflin superintendent who was fired after his second DUI case has been hired by the Woodland Hills School District. In a seemingly abrupt move Wednesday night, the Woodland Hills School Board voted to terminate its superintendent. Harris: When I first got here, we started collecting our write-ups, or incident referrals. sas.call("std", { Harris: The phased-out approach it showed not having a need. The conversation with Harris has been edited and condensed for brevity and clarity. Strategic Plan Midpoint - Professional Education. Harris told KDKA that the school board president, vice president and school solicitor asked him to resign on Tuesday. While they were still identified as police, this would be the beginning of a culture shift when it came to policing at Woodland Hills. Five students sued the district in federal court, Pennsylvania Senate votes to ban safe injection sites, Dollar Bank says ATM 'skimmer' breached some users' card data, urges customers to monitor accounts, After School Satan Club near Allentown gets go-ahead from judge, Former Amazon exec wants to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., starting in New Kensington, Polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk's archives 'come home' to the University of Pittsburgh, Sto-Rox School District seeks public input on financial recovery plans, Pa. Dem lawmakers renew push to expand teacher certification, in-state tuition for DACA recipients, Pittsburgh Public Schools will use grant funds to send security guards to a police academy. Key Responsibilities: Supervise on-site activities. 0183, Teresa M. Hawthorne Q: How did the culture change as police presence began to phase out? siteId: 126296, // Woodland Hills is a very special place, and I am proud to be a part of this family. 412.731.1300 ext. Mike Belmonte; Terri Lawson; Dr. Tammi L. McMillan, Ed.D; Darnika Reed; Carlton Scott; Bridgett . 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. "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.". 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. 0183. "We have people internally. Very rarely were they ever called, so the officers sat in the office all day. The school district announced on May 25 that Castagna would officially be head of the district from May 26, 2022, to May 25, 2027. During the process, Dr. Castagna earned the support of the majority of the board," said Scott. 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. Sarah Schneider is WESA's education reporter. Doose was the final registered speaker of the night before the public comment section opened up. 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. Help us inform people in the Pittsburgh region with more stories like this support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation. Theres a lot of professional folks in that building who helped create a better environment. In recent weeks, several fights have broken out at the district's high school. The officers prior to us getting here would be involved in the day-to-day happenings with what was going on with the students. When you introduce a law enforcement officer into a situation, theres very little gray involved; its either black or white. Castagna . Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. "My organization is all about second chances; we even hire previously incarcerated individuals. You have to make an environment thats friendly and welcoming. Students, parents, coaches and community leaders shared their opinions with the board. I come to you tonight concerned that the board is only going to add to this image problem by bringing in Dr. Dan Castagna to lead our district." ", First published on January 28, 2022 / 9:29 PM. Together, his classmates, along with Woodland Hills and Penn Hills students, listened and felt the pain of survivors who shared their stories. You would be placing someone that many people in the community don't trust. ONLY ON 11: We were there as students from Woodland Hills, Penn Hills & Clairton traveled to Harrisburg to talk gun violence.Hear the personal impacts and desire for change from those teens on @WPXI at 6:15pm. "I do also believe, as Dr. Woods, in second chances," said Brandi Fisher, CEO and President of Alliance for Police Accountability. Woodland Hills Online Academy; Woodland Hills Opportunity Camp; Woodland Hills Senior High School; Departments. . The Woodland Hills School District Welcomes Dr. Daniel Castagna as Interim Superintendent. Harris was hired in 2018 as the district was under the spotlight after its school police were accused of using excessive force. 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 am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve the students of the Woodland Hills School District community as its superintendent, Castagna said. Castagna has also served as superintendent in the West Mifflin School District from 2011-2019, and has worked in administrative positions in both the Baldwin-Whitehall and Hopewell Area school districts. 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. ", Prior to being fired from West Mifflin, Castagna was an assistant principal in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District from 2005 to 2007 and a teacher in the Hopewell Area School District from 1999 to 2005. email: castda@whsd.net 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. Does Woodland Hills collect data around arrests and citations? When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. 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. Andre Patterson cast the lone vote against the move. 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He was set to be arraigned later that month on DUI charges stemming from an incident in Beaver County three months earlier. Woodland Hills School District. Thats the key to removing the police. 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. I just dont think thats the job for them to do thats for the principal, teachers and counselors in the schools to do. And now, we realize we dont need any. "It's hard to find someone who hasn't had some issues. Q: How were you able to get staff, students and families on board? This realization helped lead the district into phasing out police presence in their school. 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. January 28, 2022 / 9:29 PM PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Parents concerned Woodland Hills moving to hire new superintendent with checkered past. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. You just cant pull police out, that doesnt require any support. 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.. "We have made a commitment to provide a wide range of support systems to our students," Woodland Hills Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna said. This is not a person who has actively been working to improve children's lives in the past three years," said Moon. About 30 students . Harris walked out of the meeting right after the board voted. As the General Manager and Superintendent, I lead all aspects of operations with a . However, we have a terrible image problem. Castagna later sued the school district after they released a list of grievances againsthim. The contact is for one year or until a new superintendent is hired, according to school board documents. What we did not want to have continue to happen was the criminalization of adolescent behavior. The board also accepted the resignation of members Ronna Currie and Marilyn Scott. 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. Q: How long did Woodland Hills not have school police prior to shutting down because of COVID-19 in March? From early learning to higher education, Sarah is interested in students and educators working to create more equitable systems. The Woodland Hills School District has officially appointed Dr. Daniel Castagna as thedistricts new superintendent. 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. 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. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspended superintendent accused of knowingly hiring man being investigated for murder. As many as 30 students were identified in a cafeteria fight. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. The concept of voting out or recalling the board members who vote yes on Castagna was mentioned multiple times during the meeting. 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. "But I am also a foster mom, mother, and child care educator for the past 18 years. Through the course of the night, people stood up to plead with the board against hiring Castagna. 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. 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.. "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. The Woodland Hills School District webpage has moved to www.whsd.net, Please visit the new website for updated information. 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. 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. + Caption. NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. (KDKA) -- The Woodland Hills school board has voted to terminate its superintendent. 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.