Canton Area School District

The event served as the 90th Jacob Shulov Medal Award meeting, where the acting chair called the meeting to order. The discussion included the history of the continuous award, which recognizes outstanding work in chemistry and chemical engineering in the Niagara Frontier since 1931. The ceremony recognized two medal winners due to delays caused by COVID-19: the 90th winner, Dr. Mary McCourt, and the 91st winner, Dr. David Hang Hour. The event also included recognition for ACS members celebrating 50, 60, or 70 years of service, specifically honoring Frank Denan for his 60th ACS membership anniversary. Following introductions and recognition, the medal presentations took place, followed by presentations from the awardees.

The Superintendent provided updates on Act 47 of 2025 and Act 135 of 2024 concerning structured literacy requirements. Business items included the approval of Treasurer's Reports for November and December 2025, approval of bills for December, and approval of tax additions, exemptions, and exonerations. The Board authorized advertising of bids for the 2026/2027 school year, accepted the 2024/2025 financial audit, and accepted the Act 1 resolution certifying that no tax rate for the 2026/2027 budget would exceed the 5.0% tax index. Other approvals involved the BLaST IDEA Section 619 Use of Funds Agreement, the 2025/2026 Spring Sports Bid, the addition of new class accounts, appointments for tax collectors and deputy tax collectors for specific townships, and the reappointment of a delegate. Personnel actions included approving tenure for one employee, a new part-time cafeteria worker hire, additions to the volunteer list, rate changes for Game Helpers Per Event Pay, and an addition to the substitute list. Policies reviewed included the second reading approval for policies on Gifted Education (No. 114) and Admission of Students (No. 201), and the first reading for Classified Employee Overtime (No. 330). The Board also approved the second quarter Central Treasury reports and a request for an overnight field trip to the ACES Leadership Conference.

The Superintendent reported on various items, including recognition for a Life Skills class receiving Valentine's cards from all 50 states, and information regarding VFW essay contests for middle and high school students, including the announcement of Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy contest winners. The resignation of a CHS Life Skills Teacher was accepted pursuant to Board Policy 308. Business items approved included the Treasurer's Report for January 31, 2026, approval of January 2026 bills, approval of transportation changes, and the addition of the Debate Club to the CHS Central Treasury. The Board also approved the proposed 2026/2027 BLaST I.U. 17 General Operations Budget, a Letter of Agreement with MAC's Driving Academy, the 2026/2027 NTCC Budget, and two Memorandums of Understanding related to a Supervisor Stipend and general district agreements. Personnel actions included approving the hire of a Part-Time Cafeteria Worker, updating the Co-Curricular Sports List with an Assistant Baseball Coach assignment, approving retroactive substitutes (paraprofessional and guest teacher), and approving retroactive additions to the volunteer list for various clubs and sports. Unpaid days for several employees in January 2026 were also approved. In policy matters, the second reading of the revised Classified Employees Overtime policy was approved, along with the first reading of five other revised policies including attendance, weapons, purchases, and law enforcement relations. Finally, approval was granted for an overnight field trip for the PMEA Region Chorus Festival and for the 2026/2027 Canton Area School District Calendar. An executive session was held prior to the meeting to discuss personnel and legal matters.

The meeting focused on new business items, primarily addressing the completion of an official walkthrough inspection using a new checklist recommended by the insurance company. Completed checklists for each building will be retained on file. Additionally, various employee injury reports were discussed to identify root causes or determine necessary corrective actions. No unresolved old business items were present.

The Canton Area School District's Special Education Plan outlines its commitment to providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with disabilities from 2026 to 2029. The plan emphasizes educating students in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) through individualized, skill-based programming, integration of Visual Phonics, and comprehensive universal practices addressing academic and social-emotional needs. Key components include robust professional development for staff in co-teaching, positive behavior supports, de-escalation techniques, and ensuring equitable access to extracurricular activities. The district also focuses on collaborative partnerships for behavioral health services to foster inclusive and supportive learning environments.