Ian R. Farr

The board meeting included a moment of silence for deceased former staff members, student recognition for academic and extracurricular achievements, a superintendent's report highlighting student accomplishments in arts and athletics, and public participation where concerns were raised regarding staffing reductions, the elimination of elective courses like Bio 2, and the resulting impact on class sizes and student opportunities.

The board meeting agenda includes the formal call to order, recognition of deceased staff members, and administrative announcements regarding upcoming sessions. Key action items involve community education courses, a memorandum of understanding with local police departments, a resolution for electronic signatures, and a student expulsion agreement. Personnel actions cover retirements, leaves of absence, staff terminations, and the approval of volunteer coaches and substitutes. Transportation matters include approving school bus drivers. Financial business items include authorizing the superintendent to approve change orders for 2013 renovation projects, contracting athletic trainer services, purchasing equipment for a school multi-purpose room, and advertising for blacktop repair bids.

The board discussed multiple personnel changes, including resignations and retirements for teaching, guidance, and maintenance staff, alongside new appointments for custodial positions. Financial actions included the approval of the proposed operating budget, renewal of food service contracts, and the award of contracts for miscellaneous summer renovation projects, including general construction, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work. Additionally, the board reviewed telephone and communication system contracts, approved student observer programs, accepted a middle school renovation plan, and authorized the hiring of moving services for upcoming projects.

The board discussed various business items including a dual enrollment agreement with Lackawanna College, the addition of a golf clinic to the community education program, student travel for a band performance at Walt Disney World, and several student expulsion agreements. Personnel actions involved the resignation of a custodian and the approval of various leaves and status changes. Transportation items included the approval of new bus drivers. Financial agenda items featured the submission of PlanCon documentation for bond refinancing and middle school renovations, the authorization of change orders for renovation projects, the procurement of moving services, the approval of an athletic trainer contract, and the implementation of fees for credit card payments of delinquent taxes.

The Board convened to address personnel matters in an executive session and to conduct business regarding the agenda. A key action item included the potential approval of a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the North Pocono Education Association and the North Pocono Board of Education, slated to be effective from July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2020.