David Ashton

The board discussed several items including student presentations on school programs and extracurricular activities, a technology report on device deployment, and updates from the Erie County Technical School. The board reviewed and approved union contracts, including the Girard Federation of Teachers and a civil service employees contract. Additionally, the board approved an agreement for sport physicals, adopted a resolution for increased state educational funding, and participated in a discussion regarding a proposed cell tower lease agreement. The 2026-2027 General Fund Final Budget was adopted. Personnel matters, such as appointments, resignations, and salary adjustments, were also addressed.

The Board conducted interviews for a vacant Board Member position, resulting in the appointment and swearing-in of Kelly Fisher. The Board also passed a resolution regarding the intent to retain the Superintendent for a future term and approved the second reading of Board Policy 210 concerning medications.

The board discussed several items including the district's annual PSBA membership, the transition to the Keystone Agenda platform, and the proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, noting trends in enrollment, special education costs, and pension obligations. Additionally, the board considered a compensation study for administrative staff, discussed a departmental restructuring proposal involving the outsourcing of payroll functions and the hiring of a controller, and reviewed upcoming agenda items for a future meeting. Executive sessions were held to discuss personnel and legal matters.

The meeting began with procedural items, including the approval of the agenda which included the addition of Joe Mason as Baseball Assistant Coach (Split). Student representatives from EVES and GHS provided informational reports detailing recent school highlights such as a PTO Glow Party, 100th Day of School celebrations, athletic achievements, and arts recognition. Committee reports covered network infrastructure documentation and firewall security updates, the Erie County Technical School budget proposal, facilities updates including lighting control adjustments at GHS and hot water solutions at EVES, and the Girard Foundation's scholarship status. The Human Resources report noted a tentative agreement reached with Local 1968. The Board approved several consent agenda items, including the second reading and approval of eight Board Policies and two policy attachments, dual enrollment agreements, IDEA sub-grants, an addendum for psychologist services, approval of a new van driver, Treasurer's and Financial Reports for January, activity and athletic reports, surplus declaration for outdated math resources, and participation in a cooperative purchase program. A payment of bills excluding one specific check was approved, and a separate motion approved that specific check payment with one abstention. The Board approved the Erie County Technical School budget contribution. Personnel actions included acknowledging a temporary assignment change and accepting several retirements and one resignation, approving compensation for staff participation in Community Discovery Night and Early Intervention Transition Night, and adjusting/appointing supplemental positions and volunteers for Baseball, Volleyball, Softball, and Track & Field. Under New Business, the Board discussed outsourcing payroll and adding a Controller position, agreeing to further investigation. Finally, discussions were held regarding Policy 915 governing booster groups.

The board meeting included updates from Elk Valley Elementary School, Rice Avenue Middle School, and Girard High School, covering topics such as safety drills, career exploration events, and student data trends. Curriculum updates were presented, focusing on professional development, threat assessment training, and assessment transitions. Special Education updates addressed challenges due to the lack of a state budget and federal government shutdown. Discussions also covered athletics, cyber school updates, technology updates, facilities updates, finance updates, ESS sub rates, life insurance carrier options, use of force policy, the 2025-2026 PIAA Swim Season, Total Grant Services, and the ECTS Solar Project. Board goals were reviewed, and tentative items for the October 27, 2025, board meeting were discussed.