Jill Schmutz

The board meeting was held to appoint a new district superintendent for a five-year term and to approve their employment contract. The board appointed Dr. Joanna M. Wexler to the position effective July 1, 2026, with an annual starting salary of $255,000.00. Public comments covered various topics including district finances, tax increases, insurance, and the inclusion of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies within the district.

The committee reviewed and recommended several new courses of study for Music and English Language Arts to be submitted to the full school board for approval. Music courses, including Band, Chorus, and Orchestra for grade 6, as well as Exploring Music for grades 6-8, were presented with a fiscal impact of $18,475.00. Various English Language Arts courses for grades 6-10 were also reviewed with no fiscal impact. Additionally, the committee agreed to move forward with the development of an AP Seminar course to be offered in the 2027-2028 school year, noting associated fiscal impacts for the 2026 summer and the 2026-2027 school year.

The committee meeting included a review of the Pupil Services Department findings by the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement, focusing on MTSS framework, benchmarks, and student outcomes. Additionally, a summary of a 5th-grade field trip to Harrisburg was provided. Several items were recommended for full Board approval, including the adoption of 9th-grade U.S. History and Psychology textbooks, the renewal of the Math in Focus program resources, the adoption of middle school math intervention resources, an application for the Flexible Instruction Day program, and a revision to the 2026-2027 district calendar.

The board conducted several key actions, including the adoption of the proposed final budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and various tax assessment appeal settlement agreements. Operations approvals included facility use regulations for the 2026-2027 school year and multiple infrastructure bids for water service replacement, playground equipment, and emergency generator installations. Additionally, the board approved several settlement agreements regarding special education, a memorandum of understanding for a Head Start provider, and the adoption of various instructional textbooks and math intervention resources. Board policy 226 was affirmed, while policy 819 was tabled for further revision. Various field trips were authorized for music and athletic departments, and personnel-related actions including retirements, leaves of absence, and appointments were addressed.

The board meeting focused on the appointment of a new District Superintendent and the approval of the associated five-year employment contract. Following the appointment, the board provided time for public comments regarding district finances, taxation, insurance matters, and diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.