John Barth

The Somerset Area School District's plan for 2019-2022 focuses on enhancing educational practices and student achievement. Key strategies include implementing common assessments, data-driven instruction, and substantial professional development for teachers. The plan aims to improve curriculum alignment, address the needs of at-risk students, promote a positive school climate, and ensure effective professional development. The plan also focuses on support services for students with disabilities, safe and supportive schools, and family engagement.

The Somerset Area School District Board meeting focused on the adoption of the 2016/2017 General Fund Budget, the setting of the school real estate tax levy, and the approval of the 2016 Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion Resolution. Significant financial decisions included fund transfers for capital reserves, tax appeal refunds, professional development, curriculum materials, and a maintenance truck. The board also approved tax resolutions, appointed tax collectors, renewed insurance policies, and authorized bond procurements for various officers. Consent items included approval of minutes, treasurer's reports, financial reports, and investments. The meeting also covered the approval of expenditures, budget transfers, regular meeting schedules, appointments of school physicians and dentists, supply/equipment contracts, cyber/charter school payments, a virtual infrastructure server project, and various agreements with external entities. Several personnel matters were addressed, including teacher and staff appointments, leaves of absence, and stipends. Finally, the board approved various facility use requests and field trips.

The Somerset Area School District Board meeting covered various topics, including the approval of the Auditor's Report for the 2014/2015 fiscal year. The treasurer's report for November 2015 was also approved, along with several consent items encompassing financial reports and investments. The board ratified the election of officers, directed the administration to prepare a preliminary budget proposal, and approved the closure of the Eagle View Elementary School Activities Account. Several FMLA leave requests were approved, along with the acceptance of a retirement and the appointments of several educational assistants, a co-curricular advisor, student teachers, and substitute teachers. Additionally, coaching appointments were approved, field trips and educational conferences were reported, facility use requests were approved, and a resignation of a school board director was accepted.

The board meeting focused on several key decisions. The board engaged RBC Capital Markets, LLC to refund the District's 2007A and 2007C bonds. A change order was approved for pool deck concrete preparation work with Wilson Construction Co. and/or Stonhard. The resignation of Ms. Leeann Higginbotham was accepted, and Ms. Jillian Kegg and Mr. Josh Beistel were approved as an elementary teacher and educational assistant, respectively.

The Somerset Area School District Board held an organizational meeting to elect a temporary president to chair the meeting until a permanent president and vice president could be elected. Following the election of a temporary president, the board proceeded to elect a president and vice president for the year ending at the reorganization meeting in December 2017.