Daniel Castagna

The key discussion centered on an informational presentation by the Superintendent regarding Phase 1 of a two-phase construction project, including updates and public comments. The Board unanimously passed a motion to authorize the Clerk of the Works to proceed with Phase 1 of the High School Renovation Project, which includes drafting bid specifications, preparing contract documents, coordinating with design professionals, and developing cost estimates to advance the project to the bidding stage. Public comments were also received on non-agenda items, specifically concerning security and the bussing contract.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several items. Recognition was given to re-elected board members, and clarifications were provided regarding a library book donation to the Bridgeville Library and the rationale behind the Student Transportation Services RFP process. The board approved several fundraising activities, including the Polar Plunge and the Boys Basketball Alumni Game. In finance, the board approved October 2025 payments for the annual budget, construction invoices, a Depositary Agreement with Zions Bancorporation, participation in the 2026-2027 Joint Purchasing Consortium, an agreement for a district-wide website solution with Edlio, LLC, structural engineering services for wall crack monitoring, the sale of a trailer, a maintenance agreement with Huckestein Mechanical, and a letter to the Governor regarding the state budget. The board also approved the Intermediate School's donation of outdated books to reorganize for expanded space, and approved conference attendance for Title I staff. A major action included authorizing the administration to prepare and issue an RFP for all student transportation services.

The meeting covered several announcements, including an overview of the Life Skills program and notification that future board meetings would be held in the Primary School Gymnasium, with the March 10, 2026 meeting at Parkway West Career and Technology Center. A special Voting Meeting was scheduled for January 20, 2026, for an informational presentation and vote on Phase 1 of the construction project. Key approvals included the 2026/2027 High School Program of Studies, setting April 1, 2026, as an in-service make-up day, and approving the Powder Puff football fundraiser for charity. Personnel actions involved approving the Human Resources Report, the Act 93 Agreement, stipends for school psychologists, and multiple settlement agreements. The finance section included approvals for accepting two grants and a donation, accepting a golf simulator donation, approving budget payments for November and December 2025, and approving construction invoices. Policy discussions included approving the second reading of Policy 011 and conducting first readings for Policies 624, 626.1, 805.1, 805.2, and 827.

The meeting included an announcement recognizing a temporary Board Member for service. An Executive Session was held prior to the public meeting to discuss personnel, legal, and safety matters. Informational reports covered the South Hills Area School Districts Association (SHASDA) and The Pathfinder School, noting ongoing staffing needs. For Parkway West Career and Technology Center, the update mentioned an award recipient, updated admissions policy, and successful fundraising through the Culinary School. Action items approved included the agreement with eSpark Learning, the Student Enrollment Agreement with Wesley Schools, a community service project supporting the Bridgeville Athletic Association, approval of the Human Resources Report, a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Chartiers Valley Educational Support Personnel Association, the Act 1 Resolution certifying no tax increase for 2026-2027, authorization for interim invoice payments, and approvals for repairs to running track gates and replacement of a barrier arm gate at the High School/Middle School entrance. The Board also approved attendance for a conference and accepted a donation to support student experience enrichment. Finally, the Board approved the 2026 School Board Meeting Dates and the first reading to update Policy 011. Approval was also granted for the Scott Township Police Department to utilize Intermediate School facilities for officer testing.

The legislative meeting included several key discussions and actions. Recognition was given to Chartiers Valley High School for earning Silver recognition on the 2025 AP School Honor Roll, and the Board was recognized for Board Appreciation Month. A presentation was made regarding the Transportation Request for Proposal (RFP). The Superintendent reported on the ongoing Superintendent's Advisory Committee meetings and a recent senior class trip to the Carnegie Science Center and Acrisure Stadium. Public comments addressed transportation concerns, curriculum, and bus drivers. The Board approved budgets for the Parkway West Jointure and Parkway West General Operating for the 2026-2027 school year, motions related to deputizing Jordan Tax Service, Inc. for tax collection in Heidelberg, Collier, and Scott, and the approval of construction and budget payments for January 2026. Further actions included approving bids for additional cameras at the Primary and High Schools, accepting gift cards for the Homeless Program, accepting a grant from the Grable Foundation, approving staff training agreements, and conducting first and second readings for several district policies.