Brian Kotun

The board meeting focused on several key items, including discussions on fee increases for updated Policy 707 and presentations on the K-12 Guidance Department Chapter 339 Plan and the 2024-2025 Audit Report. The board approved various educational items, policy readings, and revisions, as well as finance-related items such as the award bid for diesel fuel, grant awards, and advertising agreements. Personnel actions were also taken, including the approval of new hires, resignations, leaves of absence, and the addition of various staff to substitute lists. Additionally, the board approved facility improvements and change orders, as well as a student trip for the high school region choir.

The document details two meetings occurring in January 2026: a Board Workshop Meeting and a Board Legislative Meeting. The Legislative Meeting included a Board President's Report noting executive sessions held for personnel and legal matters, and announcing committee meetings. A presentation acknowledged School Board of Director's Recognition Month. The student representative reported on Show Choir, Candy Cane Castle, teacher appreciation, and upcoming events. Major approvals during the Legislative Meeting included Education items such as the 2026-2027 Curriculum Adoption, the 2026-2027 School Calendar, and various affiliation and tuition rate agreements. Policy actions involved second readings of numerous policies, including Academic Standards and Evaluation of Employees, and the reaffirmation of the governance policy. Finance items approved included the Act 1 Resolution, Financial Reports, Bills List, and Budget Transfers. The Personnel section approved new hires (certified and non-certified), additions to various coach and volunteer lists, and accepted several resignations/retirements. Leaves of Absence for staff were also detailed. The Facilities and Support Services section approved facility use requests and change orders for the Performing Arts Center and Stadium. The Athletics & Activities section approved student trips and a teacher/student conference.

The meeting featured a recognition segment for Board of Education members during Schoolboard Appreciation Month, where students presented books honoring retiring or serving members, covering topics such as anti-bullying, service, leadership, and community. The Superintendent provided an extensive report highlighting excellence in academics, including honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities, receipt of a $7,000 donation from Tom's Turkeys shared among district buildings, and student participation in the Norwin Rotary, UPMC's healthcare event, and various local contests. Excellence in Athletics and Activities included congratulations for the wrestling team being named county champions, the cheerleading squad achieving state runner-up status, and recognizing student participation in the 'Nights in Unity' program. Excellence in the Arts covered student recognition for a holiday card contest design, National Art Honor Society leading lessons at a preschool, the Hillrest chorus performance at a Penn's game, and PTA Reflections program participants. Student Government reported on successful events like the 'Candy King Castle' and teacher appreciation efforts, and announced upcoming events like 'Norwin's Got Talent' and the Senior Citizen Luncheon.

The meeting involved two parts: a Reorganization Meeting and a Legislative Meeting. The Reorganization Meeting included administering the Oath of Office to several members, appointing a Temporary Chairperson, and electing the Board President and Vice President for the term spanning December 2025 to December 2026. Other reorganization business included appointing liaisons for legislative programs (Legislative Chairperson, PSBA Liaison, WIU Liaison) and a CWCTC Board Appointment. The Legislative Meeting addressed Education items, approving additions to the Student Teacher List. Finance items approved included the Bills List and Budget Transfers. Personnel actions involved approving new hires, resignations/retirements, leaves of absence, and additions to various substitute and coaching lists for the 2025-2026 school year. Facility use requests and two student trips for Athletics & Activities were also approved. An Executive Session was held prior to the meetings to discuss personnel and legal matters.

The meeting included recognition of the Norwin Girls Cross Country Team for winning the PA 3A State Championship and updates from the High School student representative. The board approved several education items, including additions to the student teacher list and various service agreements. Policy items related to student suspension and expulsion, foreign exchange students, student teachers/interns, purchases, audits, fund balance, and travel reimbursement were approved. Financial reports, the bills list, and donations to Hillcrest Intermediate School and Norwin School District were approved. Personnel matters, including new hires, resignations/retirements, leaves of absence, substitute lists, and teacher tenure awards, were addressed. The board also approved facilities change orders and several student trips for athletics and activities.