Bradley Farineau

Key discussions and actions during this board meeting included the adoption of the agenda and the appointment of new personnel, specifically naming Breanna Eckenrode as a Special Education Teacher and Amy Gouza as a Food Prep Server. The board received reports from various committees covering Education, Finance, Personnel, and Policy. Financial motions involved authorizing payroll and bill payments, accepting financial reports for December 2025/January 2026, and approving budget transfers for January 2026. Further actions included awarding supplemental coaching and support contracts for the 2026-2027 school year, appointing and compensating summer school professional employees, and awarding extended year contracts for professional staff. The board also addressed governance by adopting PSBA Principles of Governance and Leadership and approving the final reading of Policy 627 regarding the Procurement Plan for School Food Authorities. The adoption of the French Curtailment Plan/Creation of In-House English Learners Programming was approved. Operational decisions included approving a Memorandum of Understanding with NWCTC for a Director of Safety and Security, approving attendance at professional conferences, appointing members to the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit Board, approving an agreement with Good Samaritan Hospice for bereavement services, approving the creation of a Flag Football Program, and approving the annual School Picnic at Kennywood.

The General Board Meeting covered several administrative actions, including the adoption of the agenda and the appointment of Committee Chairpersons for 2026 across various domains such as Education, Finance, and Personnel. The Superintendent provided updates recognizing student achievements in a regional poster contest and DECA competitions, as well as a local television appearance. Key financial actions included approving payroll, bills, and the Treasurer's report, alongside the renewal of the Gaggle safety software contract for three years. The board authorized the purchase of a new storage array and approved the creation of two new staff positions: an Autistic Support Classroom Aide and a Speech and Language Pathologist. Supplemental contracts for coaching and departmental chair positions were awarded, and approvals were granted for Family Medical Leave and Unpaid Leave requests. Policy updates included the first reading of three draft policies, notably updating the compulsory attendance age to 18, and the final reading approval of Policy 805.1 concerning Relations With Law Enforcement Agencies. Tuition rates for the Clairview Program were adjusted, and agreements were approved with Maxim for healthcare staffing and Barksdale Group for school portraits. Finally, approval was given for the use of the wrestling room by the Dane-Ger Wrestling Club, and a list of broken or unusable items for disposal was approved. Board considerations included an update on a recent loss, a proposal to explore a K-1 to grade 6 realignment for district buildings, recognition of auditorium upgrades, and planning for a subsequent board retreat.

The General School Board Meeting addressed several administrative and operational items. An Executive Session was held for matters concerning personnel, safety, and negotiations. Key discussions included the adoption of the agenda and reports from various committees such as Education, Finance, and Personnel. Major motions involved approving financial matters, including the payment of payroll and bills, and accepting the Treasurer's Report for November/December 2025. The board also considered authorizing the purchase of a maintenance vehicle, advertising for floor cleaning and waxing equipment, and certifying that property tax increases for the 2026-2027 fiscal year will remain within the State Act 1 Index limits. Furthermore, the board addressed personnel actions, including accepting resignations, approving new hires and appointments to open positions, and approving Family Medical Leave. Other actions included ratifying a five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the New Kensington-Arnold Education Association, appointing a member to the WIU Board, approving first and final readings of several Board Policies, and approving items for disposal.

The meeting included an Executive Session held for personnel, safety, and negotiations matters. Key actions involved adopting the agenda and addressing committee reports across education, finance, personnel, and policy areas. Financial motions authorized the payment of December 2025 payroll and bills totaling $2,922,880.01, along with accepting various fund reports. The Board considered the renewal of the Gaggle Contract for three years, the purchase of a new storage array, and the creation of new positions, specifically an Autistic Support Classroom Aide and a Speech and Language Pathologist. Supplemental contracts for coaching and department chair roles for the 2025-2026 school year were awarded. Approvals were also sought for Family Medical Leave and unpaid leave for specified personnel, as well as the first and final readings of several Board Policies. Furthermore, the board addressed adjustments to Clairview Program tuition rates, approved an agreement with Maxim for supplemental healthcare staffing, approved a service agreement with Barksdale Group for school portraits, authorized the use of the wrestling room by the Dane-Ger Wrestling Club, and approved the disposal of various broken or unusable items from Martin Elementary School and VJSHS. Finally, volunteers for various sports programs were approved.

This reorganization meeting involved several procedural actions and appointments. Key discussions centered on the election of a Temporary President, the administration of the Oath of Office, and the subsequent election of the President for 2026, resulting in Ms. Jane Graham being elected. The Vice-President for 2026, Ms. Amy Grillo, was unanimously elected. Motions carried unanimously to establish the general meeting schedule and times for 2026, including specific date adjustments for January, April, and December. Furthermore, the board appointed Ms. Mary Jendrey as the PSBA Primary Liaison for 2026, approved the Valley News Dispatch as the newspaper of general circulation for 2026, and approved representatives for the Northern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center Board and the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit Representative. The board also appointed Ms. Sarah Yurga to remain as Treasurer through June 30, 2026, and reapproved the First National Bank as the depository for various district funds. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments regarding past presidential service.