Joseph Caputo

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call confirming a quorum was present following executive sessions held on November 12th for personnel and litigation matters. Informational items included honoring the 2025 Lakeland girls track and field team for their district championship and 66 straight dual meet victories, recognizing numerous individual athletic achievements, and noting that Coach Stevens was named Coach of the Year. The Board also acknowledged the successful Veterans Day celebration coordinated by high school teacher Kristen Lewis. Another informational item highlighted the return of the Lacawana College School of Petroleum and Natural Gas introductory course, which is offered free to students. Legislative updates confirmed the state budget passage, noting increased funding and technical changes to cyber charter reform that will yield savings. Student recognition honored Maggie Pittzman and Finn Davey as Seniors of the Month for October. Student representatives provided updates on the drama club production of Spongebob the Musical, a sophomore semiformal event themed 'A Night in Vegas,' and the current status of football season conclusion and the start of winter sports, including boys and girls basketball teams and the unified bocce team. CTC updates included naming student ambassadors and sharing a heartwarming story about a raffle winner. The Board then moved to motions, approving agenda items and the minutes of the October 22, 2025 regular business board meeting, and making a motion to appoint Susan Gibbs as a homebound instructor.

The meeting included an executive session for personnel matters, followed by student recognition for the months of November and December. Key discussion points involved an update on the lacrosse program, confirming that the girls' team would not field a team due to insufficient signups for the second consecutive year, while the boys' team would proceed with 19 participants, including co-op students. The board also highlighted a recent Scranton Times article showcasing the district's significant growth and high achievement on state assessments compared to other county districts. There was also a presentation recognizing the 2025 Lakeland Chiefs football team for capturing the Lacana League Division 2 in Class AA District 2 Championships with an 11-2 record.

The proceedings involved both a Reorganization Meeting and a subsequent Business Meeting. Key actions during the Reorganization Meeting included the election of a temporary president, Dr. Tren Ball, and the official seating of newly reelected board members, including Bradley Beneski, Patrick Gallagher, and Mark Solomon, with Magistrate District Justice Shawn McGra administering the oaths of office. Mark Solomon was subsequently elected as the President of the board for the ensuing year, and Julia Morrison was elected Vice President. The Reorganization Meeting also addressed the approval of the meeting schedule, board committee assignments for 2026, readoption of governance policy, and the nomination of officers for the remainder of the term. The Business Meeting addressed several personnel matters, including accepting resignations from a Unified Sports Coach and a Pair Professional, and appointing a new high school English teacher, Rory Niscoco Larson, pending clearances. A temporary leave of absence was approved for Support Personnel member Sue Gibbs, who was concurrently appointed as a long-term substitute math teacher. Additionally, an agreement between the School District, the Education Association, and employee 525 was approved. Financial matters included approving the list of bills for a specified period in November 2025 and authorizing the superintendent to pay bills in December 2025 for ratification in January 2026. Discussions also covered the financial impact of charter schools, noting a decrease in student enrollment but an increase in the state subsidy.

The meeting included recognition of students, updates on club activities, and discussions regarding the state budget's impact on the Lakeland School District. The board addressed the need for a fair and equitable state budget to adequately fund the district. They also approved agenda items, appointed a long-term substitute teacher, and approved co-advisors for the Unified Sports Club. Additionally, the board approved conference requests, the winter sports coach list, and the removal and appointment of club advisors.

The meeting included recognition of senior winners and discussion of their achievements. Student representatives reported on collaborative efforts with Carbondale area high school and upcoming student council conference. The CTC board provided updates on student achievements in welding, cosmetology, and technology. Motions were passed concerning uncompensated leave, personnel appointments, resignations, volunteer appointments, independent study requests, stipulation and waiver of hearing agreement, board policies on transportation and artificial intelligence, approval of bills and treasurer's report, food service provider contract renewal, and bus contracts. Public comment addressed equity among elementary buildings, field trips, and PBIS.