Amy Kuntzman

The meeting commenced with the Reorganization segment, during which newly elected and re-elected Board members were sworn in by the District Magistrate. Key actions included the adjournment Sine Die of the previous board structure and the subsequent nomination and election of various offices, retaining Mr. Kenneth Vescovi as Board President, Mr. Jerry Brant as Vice President, Mr. Donald Owens as Second Vice President, and Mrs. Stacy McDonald as Treasurer. The Board reappointed Stephanie Renninger as Board Secretary and confirmed representatives for Vo-Tech. Legal services were appointed to Fanelli Legal Law Offices for the 2026 calendar year, and the School Board meeting schedule was approved. The Annual Reorganization Meeting was adjourned, followed immediately by the call to order for the Regular Monthly Meeting. Under New Business, the Board ratified and approved several Field Trip Requests and Fundraiser Requests for upcoming dates. In Budget and Finance, representatives were appointed for Act 32 of 2008 compliance. Under Buildings and Grounds, the Board ratified and approved various Use of Facilities Requests. A First Reading was conducted for new policies concerning Extracurricular Activities and District Social Media. The meeting included an Executive Session. Finally, the Board approved prospective substitute teachers, a mentor appointment, and ratified the hiring of bus drivers. The Board also voted to deny Grievance #01-25-26 filed by CHESPA.

The board meeting agenda covered a wide range of administrative, financial, and operational matters. Key discussion topics included the acceptance of the secretary-treasurer's report, approval of expenditures, and the review of the employee absentee report. The board reviewed and approved various field trip requests and facility usage agreements. Financial actions included adopting the IU08 General Fund Operating Budget, the Admiral Peary Preliminary Joint Operating Budget, and authorizing the refunding of the 2020 Bond. Additionally, the board discussed policy updates, professional leave requests, staffing changes including hirings and resignations, and contractual agreements for after-school programs and student transportation.

The meeting included public comment regarding potential changes to student conduct rules at varsity football games, and recognition of a sophomore for outstanding athletic achievement in Cross Country. The Superintendent noted School Director Recognition Month and discussed the positive effects of recent changes to cyber charter funding. The Board approved the payment of bills for January and accepted financial reports for previous months. Key actions involved ratifying and approving numerous field trip requests for various clubs and classes, approving fundraiser requests, accepting the low bid for elementary school paving to be included in the next budget, ratifying and approving several facility use requests, discussing ongoing matters concerning flashing school zone signage, approving the Food Operating Statement for December, renewing participation in the ARIN IU28 ELECT Program, approving proposed changes to the High School Course Catalog, and approving the second and first readings of several operational and financial policies. The Emergency Operations Plan was also approved. Furthermore, the Board ratified and approved various hiring actions, including bus drivers/dispatchers/mechanics, substitute teachers, and substitute custodial staff, ratified leave of absence requests, accepted one resignation, and ratified a Memorandum of Understanding with the employee association regarding substitute assignments.

Key discussions and recommendations included a presentation of Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science projects, ratification and approval of various Field Trip Requests and Fundraiser Requests for subsequent months. The Board also addressed Use of Facilities Requests, notably for events extending into May and August through February of the following year. Action items included a recommendation regarding the installation of flashing school signage on Glendale Lake Road, approval of the Food Operating Statement for January 2026, and approval of the calendar for the 2026-2027 SY. Policy readings covered updates on Finances, Pupils, and School Board Procedures, including emergency preparedness. Miscellaneous items involved approving service agreements with Merakey Pennsylvania and ACRP's Center for Achievement School, and approving a proposal for Security Services. The session included hiring approvals for Coaches for various sports and Weight Room Managers for the 2026-2027 SY, ratification of Bus Drivers/Van Drivers, and additions to the Guest Substitute Teacher and Substitute School Police Officer lists. Other miscellaneous discussions involved the CHEA Retirement incentive and authorization for an SPO to execute duties of the Chief of Police with an increased hourly rate, as well as approval of a civil action settlement agreement.

The meeting involved the approval of various financial matters, including payment of bills, budget updates, and the adoption of the operating budget for the 2026-2027 school year. The board reviewed and ratified multiple field trip requests, use of facilities agreements, and professional leave requests. Key agenda items included the approval of an independent educational evaluation agreement, the ratification of coaches and bus drivers, and discussions on transportation plans, school safety policies, and building maintenance projects such as HVAC controls. Additionally, the board addressed curriculum planning, personnel resignations and retirements, and held an executive session for confidential matters.