Joseph Finau

The Board meeting included committee reports from various departments. Financial actions taken included the authorization of payroll and bills, the approval of budget transfers, the transfer of funds to the Capital Projects Fund, the authorization of the Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion, the setting of the Real Estate Tax Levy, and the adoption of the General Fund Budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, the Board approved various tax acts, employee benefit rates, insurance coverage policies, and technology-related service agreements. Personnel actions, including the termination, retirement, and resignation of staff, along with the hiring of new personnel and the award of supplemental contracts, were also addressed. Finally, the Board moved to approve the school calendar, the first reading of several school board policies, and various memoranda of understanding and affiliation agreements with external service providers.

The board meeting agenda covered a wide range of administrative, financial, and personnel items. Key discussion points included the adoption of the proposed final general fund budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the authorization of property tax installment plans, and the exoneration of school taxes for specific city-owned property. Financial business involved the approval of payroll, bills, and treasurer reports, as well as budget transfers. Operational matters included purchasing new floor maintenance equipment and student transport vans, and the renewal of various educational service agreements with external providers such as Adelphoi Education Services, Merakey Pennsylvania, MHY Family Services, Glade Run Lutheran Services, and Westmoreland Casemanagement and Supports, Inc. Personnel actions covered resignations, hiring, internal appointments, FMLA approvals, and the awarding of supplemental contracts for staff. Additionally, the board approved the creation of new special education positions, a sick bank MOU, a five-year transportation contract renewal, a band trip to Orlando, and the disposal of outdated curriculum and athletic equipment.

The board addressed various personnel actions, including hiring, appointments, resignations, and the creation of special education positions. Financial matters included the approval of payroll, bills, the proposed final general fund budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and tax-related resolutions. The board authorized equipment purchases, including floor maintenance machinery and student transport vans, and approved educational service agreements with external organizations. Additionally, the meeting covered supplemental contract awards, school activities such as a marching band trip, and the disposal of outdated curriculum materials and athletic equipment.

This document outlines the New Kensington-Arnold School District's Future Ready Comprehensive Planning process, developed collaboratively by a team of diverse stakeholders. It identifies key themes such as addressing the entire school community, fostering high expectations, providing diverse opportunities, and ensuring continuous improvement and growth. The plan is guided by core beliefs, including student-centered learning, teamwork and collaboration, continuous student assessment and support, individualized education, critical and creative thinking, data-driven decisions, and strategic talent development, all intended to transform the District into a high-achieving institution.

The board discussed and addressed several key agenda items including the approval of financial motions such as payroll, bills, and treasurer reports, and the exoneration of school taxes for properties owned by the city. Action was taken to appoint a food service management company, renew email security and subscription platforms, and approve an agreement for the payment of officials. Furthermore, the board authorized bidding for a swimming pool filtration system, tree removal at an elementary school, and handled various personnel actions including resignations, retirements, hirings, and internal appointments. Additionally, the board approved an amendment to the school calendar, modifications to custodial positions, the implementation of extended school year programs, and the renewal of professional organization memberships and service agreements.