Abington School Committee Approves Budget Transfer, Evaluates Superintendent
Committee gives Dr. Moschella "proficient" overall rating, approves $152,000 transfer from salary to expense accounts
ABINGTON - June 17 - The Abington School Committee approves a $152,000 budget transfer and gives Superintendent Dr. Felicia Moschella a "proficient" overall performance rating during its June 17 meeting at Abington Middle High School.
The committee unanimously approved the transfer from the salary account to the expense account for fiscal year 2025, following a presentation by Sarah Gainey, Director of Finance and Operations.
"I am requesting that the school committee approve the transfer of $152,000 from our salary account to our expense account," Gainey explained during the meeting. "This is inclusive of all salary and expenses from the general fund this fiscal year."
The final salary account stands at $23,759,818 and the expense account at $7,033,824, for a total of $30,793,642.
Committee Chair Chris Coyle presented a summary of Dr. Moschella's evaluation, noting that the superintendent received "proficient" ratings in three standards and "exemplary" in one, resulting in an overall "proficient" rating.
"Dr. Moschella gave herself a proficient rating in every standard and a proficient rating overall," Coyle explained, adding that the committee's ratings were determined by majority vote on each standard.
The evaluation covered four standards: instructional leadership, management and operations, family and community engagement, and professional culture. The superintendent received "exemplary" in family and community engagement and "proficient" in the other three areas.
One committee member wrote, "Dr. Moschella has followed and exceeded a longstanding tradition of being present within the community to facilitate strong relationships with the students, families, and community partners."
Another noted, "Dr. Moschella is fantastic at reflection. She sets high expectations for herself and those around her, and encourages continual improvement."
In response to her evaluation, Dr. Moschella expressed gratitude to the committee and staff.
"Being evaluated is awkward, but I want to thank this team. It starts with this school committee, and I am so fortunate to work with all of you," Dr. Moschella said. "We have an incredible staff, we have an incredible administrative team, and together, we are going to continue doing great things."
She added, "Celebrating what we do really well doesn't mean that we don't continue to strive for excellence across all areas. That's my goal, that's what I strive for every day."
The committee also heard updates about transportation changes for the upcoming school year. The district is participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) through the National School Lunch Program for the 2025-26 school year, which allows all students to receive free breakfast and lunch.
"This provision allows all students to receive free breakfast and free lunch without needing to fill out a meal benefit application," Gainey explained. "This increases student access to meals in addition to reducing paperwork and simplifies the process for both schools and families."
Following this change, the district will no longer use a transportation fee waiver form. Instead, it will rely primarily on direct certification to waive bus and athletic fees. Students are automatically deemed direct certified if their household receives SNAP, TAFDC, or similar assistance.
Committee members emphasized the importance of submitting bus transportation applications by the July 1 deadline.
"July 1 is a deadline, not a suggestion," member Heidi Hernandez stressed. "Please don't make it harder for all the other families by waiting until August."
The superintendent added, "We establish stops based on the applications that we get by July 1, so the later that you apply, the less chance that there's going to be a stop near you."
Other items discussed at the meeting included:
* The committee will meet in early July to ratify a tentative agreement with the Abington Education Association
* Extended School Year (ESY) programs begin July 7
* School supply lists are available on each school's website
* Summer reading recommendations are posted on the middle and high school websites
* The next regular school committee meeting is scheduled for August 26, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
The committee also recognized student athlete Aiden Calcano Da Silva, who recently competed at New England's and is advancing to Nationals in hurdles.
After addressing all agenda items, the committee voted to enter executive session to discuss negotiations with the Abington Education Association Units A and B and non-union personnel.