James Comunale

The meeting encompassed several key administrative and operational decisions. The board accepted the treasurer's report and approved financial disbursements, including payroll and utility expenses for the current month. Operational approvals included the Intermediate Unit 1 2026-2027 General Operational Budget, a revised district calendar, and the first reading of a federal fiscal compliance policy. Personnel actions were comprehensive, covering resignations, leaves of absence, FMLA requests, the rescinding of a hiring motion, and the appointment of new personnel and athletic coaches. Additionally, the board approved facility usage requests, authorized the high school football program to apply for WPIAL readmission, and granted approval for a staff member to attend a regional music competition.

The board meeting covered a wide range of administrative and personnel actions. Key topics included the acceptance of financial reports and authorization for bill payments, approval of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 district calendars, and the first and second readings of revised board policies. Numerous personnel actions were processed, including retirements, leaves of absence, resignations, and new hires for various teaching, cafeteria, and coaching positions. The board also granted permission for the use of school facilities by various organizations and approved professional development attendance for staff members.

The board held a special meeting to discuss elementary school closures and consolidation options, including a presentation by the superintendent regarding budget impact and consolidation timelines. The meeting also included an executive session concerning student confidentiality and school safety. A motion was proposed to authorize the advertisement of public hearings regarding school closures, but the motion failed.

The work session covered a range of operational and administrative matters. Key financial actions included the acceptance of the treasurer's report, approval of monthly bills and payroll, and the purchase of wrestling mats. Educational agenda items focused on the approval of district calendars and the reading of policies regarding federal fiscal compliance and early student admissions. Personnel actions involved processing numerous retirements, leaves of absence, resignations, and the hiring of various staff, including coaches for the fall athletic season. Additionally, the board approved several facility usage requests for community groups and accepted the Single Audit Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.

The meeting included a public forum where a constituent addressed the board regarding school consolidation and recognized a student athlete. The board entered Executive Session for personnel and collective bargaining matters. Key agenda items involved adopting the agenda, approving financial reports including tax collections and preliminary statements for December 2025, and authorizing payments for bills and payroll for both December 2025 and January 2026. The board tabled a motion regarding financial support for three public libraries, approved a resolution stating the district will not raise the tax rate beyond the Act 1 inflationary index for 2026-2027, and appointed a representative to the Southwest Regional Tax Bureau. Furthermore, the board approved changing the district's financial software from ProSoft Technologies to CSIU, authorized payment for a secure entrances project, and addressed numerous personnel matters including accepting resignations, granting FMLA leaves, a leave of absence, rescinding a coaching hire, and approving new hires for instructional and coaching positions across high school and middle school levels, as well as musical activity sponsors. Administrative actions included adding substitutes to the list, approving facility use for youth basketball practices and a PTO event, approving student intern placements for counseling and nursing, approving conference attendance requests, and approving a lease agreement with the Private Industry Council.