Bethel Park School District

The update covered two main areas. First, recognition was given to campus security personnel, including school resource officers, school police, and campus managers, for their diligent work in ensuring the safety of students, staff, and campuses. Second, the speaker expressed enjoyment in watching the Olympics and highlighted the inspirational stories of commitment, hard work, and diligence demonstrated by the athletes achieving success in their competitions.

The combined committee and regular business meeting covered various reports and actions. The Student Government Association and PTO/PTA organizations provided updates on school activities, including successful fundraising efforts and upcoming holiday events across multiple elementary schools. The Solicitor provided no report. The Superintendent recognized a custodian for retirement after 38 years of service and provided an update on the Strategic Plan progress. Key discussion points included regional Pittsburgh holiday events, a Girls in Engineering Club winter event, community service activities by Independence Middle School students, and the ongoing fundraiser for commemorative school closing ornaments. Curriculum updates focused on a productive Kindergarten team meeting regarding new building walkthroughs and scheduling, piloting new math curriculum materials in Kindergarten classrooms, and updates on expanding unified sports and musical programs (with a proposal to expand music to Kindergarten next year). Personnel actions included numerous appointments and acceptances of resignations for classified staff, approval of changes to the extra-curricular pay schedule, and opening several counseling and teaching positions. The Facilities Committee approved one change order for the New K-5 Elementary School Project. The Finance Committee approved routine expenses, including December salaries and bills totaling over $7.4 million, budget transfers for November, payments for the K-5 Elementary School Project, quotes for playground structures, and payment for field turf installation. The Policy Committee reviewed revisions to several policies, including Academic Standards and Curriculum.

The meeting included administrative items such as announcing an executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters, and approving minutes. Reports were provided by Student Government (SGA) concerning gratitude initiatives, Christmas planning, and attending a state conference focused on giving activities. The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) report detailed successful assemblies and fundraising efforts at various schools (Ben Franklin, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Memorial Elementary), upcoming holiday events, and progress on forming a new PTO for the new elementary school. The solicitor reported no items outside of executive session. A detailed construction update was provided for the K to 5 building, covering exterior work like paving and facade installation, interior progress including walls, casework, tiling, and lighting, as well as mechanical and electrical installations. Discussions on change orders confirmed a net reduction in cost, and the project is confirmed to remain on schedule for the target date. An update on the IMS facility was also briefly mentioned.

The meeting included congratulatory remarks for four National Merit Scholarship semi-finalists from Bethel Park High School and noted four additional students who will be named commended students. Discussions covered an apprenticeship program involving 29 high school students, Haley Hannon's achievement in the national FCCLA competition for her children's book, and Macy McKitrick's participation as a Russian language and culture ambassador in Moscow. Updates were provided on campus improvements, including a new water feature at the high school with Eastern Box Turtles. Student activities detailed included the Marshmallow Challenge at Independence Middle School, litter cleanup efforts, digital art projects using Chromebooks at Neil Armstrong Middle School, and a creative grammar lesson involving simulated surgery at William Penn Elementary School. Professional development highlights included Sharon Smith completing a fellowship program for special education leaders and a partnership between Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and the public library for community outreach. Parent-Teacher Organization reports noted increased PTO membership, spirit wear sales, and fundraising activities across various elementary schools, alongside updates on the district-wide Chromebook initiative. Board business included the approval of curriculum items (Science 9 Honors revision, 2015-2016 school calendar, professional development, and educational activities), personnel actions (approvals, resignations, changes in assignment, and tuition reimbursement), facility contracts (Fire Protection Services, architect hiring, and field wind screens), and financial matters (August and September salaries/bills, July and August financial reports, purchase of cafeteria tables, and a fuel contract). The Policy Committee announced the first reading of policies regarding approval, revision, and deletion. A notification was made that student attendance would be cancelled at Neil Armstrong only on September 23rd due to a water line break. Finally, the Rachel's Challenge program promoting kindness was presented to middle and high school students.

The meeting agenda was adopted, followed by the approval of the minutes from the August 28, 2018, regular meeting. The staff report highlighted student achievements, including National Merit Scholarship commendations and numerous AP Scholar awards. The report also covered successful community events like homecoming, the rescheduling of the powder puff football game, and various school-level initiatives focusing on innovative mindsets, fundraising for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and implementing educational programs. Discussions during business included curriculum items such as revising the school calendar and approving a memorandum of agreement for dual enrollment with the Community College of Beaver County. The Personnel Committee addressed several items, including personnel appointments, a resignation, sabbatical leave, and the approval of a new full-time school police officer. The Facilities and Services Committee discussed purchasing salt spreaders, a seasonal water shut-off project at the high school stadium, and necessary electrical repairs at the stadium to address water intrusion issues. The Finance Committee reviewed salaries, financial reporting, the purchase of stadium speakers, grant writing services, and lead/water testing proposals. A significant discussion in finance involved preparing for a fast-approaching deadline for safety-related grants, likely to be spent on new safety equipment.