Jeffery Hatala

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence honoring veterans. Key discussions included an agenda revision concerning a middle school student observer's placement details. The board heard student reports highlighting achievements in athletics (volleyball, soccer, tennis, cross country) and academic/extracurricular activities (Career Technology Center events, student council activities including a can drive and trip to a leadership conference, and senior class fundraising). The Superintendent's report recognized numerous student athletic successes during the fall season, particularly noting the football team hosting a district championship game. Public participation included concerns regarding the elimination of funding for community education programs for adults, specifically adult basketball and volleyball, and a discussion about board members voting remotely via phone. Action items included the approval of the agenda, approval of minutes from the October 8th, 2025 meeting, approval of expulsion agreements, and acceptance with regret of specified resignations.

The session began with a Reorganization Meeting where certificates of election for newly elected school directors were read, followed by the swearing-in ceremony for board members Lynn Herd, Mara Maros, Pia Mlan, R. Mark Powell, and Elizabeth Walsh. Attorney Joe O'Brien was appointed as temporary president to preside over the elections, resulting in Mr. Bracy being appointed president and Mr. Jennings appointed vice president. The board reaffirmed Policy Number 11 regarding governance and leadership, established the meeting times and dates for 2026, reaffirmed board protocols adopted on June 11, 2020, and adopted Robert's Rules of Order Revised 11th edition as parliamentary procedure. The proceedings transitioned to the Regular Meeting, which included the Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of the district's mission statement. Student recognition was a significant part of the beginning of the regular session, honoring Katherine Sheruda, Roman Ritter, and Jacob Moss for their academic achievements and extracurricular involvement.

The meeting included discussions on mental health, safety, and kindness in schools following a tragedy, including a vote on starting an Avidum club to empower youth and address issues like depression and suicide. There was also a discussion of National Principles Month and the importance of advocating for federal education programs. The meeting also included recognition of three seniors and student reports.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics, such as construction along State Route 690, Pennsylvania State Police training exercises at school facilities, recognition of student achievements in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition and the investing challenge. The board approved agreements with the Agency for Community Empowerment, expulsion agreements, a contract for the business manager, and the employment date for the director of special education. They also addressed leaves, resignations, extracurricular appointments, and the creation of high school clubs. Additionally, the board approved transportation drivers, payment to Jefferson Township for a safety project, a resolution with NEIU19, a tax sale, school meal prices, the budget for 2025-2026, tax levies, homestead exclusion, insurance providers, financial reports, and authorized requests for proposals for solar arrays.

The meeting included discussions on upcoming events such as freshman and sixth-grade orientations, the opening of the parent portal on Infinite Campus, and the annual community cookout. Transportation and construction issues were addressed, with assurances of backup plans to mitigate potential delays. Public comments were heard, including concerns about parochial school bus transportation and the upcoming backpack policy. Two candidates for the vacated position in region three were introduced and spoke to the board. A new board director was appointed to fill the vacant position in region three.