Kathy S. VanSchaick

The board discussed the 2026/2027 budget, focusing on current revenue and expenditure projections, the impact of adding an athletic trainer, and strategies for addressing the budget deficit, ultimately opting to utilize RTL Adequacy Funds to maintain a 0% tax increase. Additionally, the board reviewed equipment requests totaling $270,755.77 to be funded by remaining 2025/2026 budget funds. An open forum was also conducted where public comments were addressed.

The Board recognized several students of the month from various district schools and reviewed winter sport and academic competition qualifiers. The Superintendent provided updates on the athletic facility project, participation in educational conferences concerning bullying and data analysis, and the introduction of House Bill 2358. The Business Manager presented the proposed 2026/2027 budget, detailing various facility projects, revenue sources, and expenditure adjustments. Additionally, the board addressed personnel appointments, approved various contracts and agreements including an affiliation with Commonwealth University, and passed resolutions regarding post-issuance compliance and the state budget. The meeting concluded with the formal approval of policies regarding attendance and purchasing.

The committee reviewed the five-year facilities plan, including schedules for elevator repairs, the replacement of worn-out gym doors, and the status of building automation phases for Clark Wood and Westfield Area Elementaries. Additionally, the committee discussed planned sidewalk repairs and the replacement of the administration building roof.

The meeting included student and staff recognitions, a review of tenure and professional contracts, and an open forum regarding budget concerns and athletic facility projects. The Superintendent provided updates on professional development wellness days, athletic facility financing, the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library partnership, and residency verification for cyber charter students. The business report covered budget timelines, revenue assessments, and proposed state budget impacts. Various action items were approved, including personnel appointments, retirements, a name change for the online academy, funding for student activities, inventory services agreements, and various policy updates.

The regular monthly meeting commenced with call to order, moment of silence, and Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions involved recognizing the Student of the Month for various schools within the district. During the open forum, a community member expressed trust in the Superintendent's judgment regarding weather-related school closures and advised caution regarding borrowing funds for the athletic facility. Action items approved via voice vote included 2025/2026 Co-Curricular Appointments, approval of volunteers, the 2026 summer school program for credit recovery, the 2026-27 Future Planning Guide, yearbook quotes, and the 2026/27 Pupil Transportation Cost Index Adjustment. Roll call votes approved compensation for summer school teachers/aides, use of the Principal's Special Request Fund for student support, Category 2 E-Rate Funding Bids for battery backup upgrades, a General Obligation Bond Resolution for capital projects, a Settlement Agreement, a Linkage Agreement with Keystone/Red Rock Job Corps, a Change Order with LDG, a 3-year contract with NRG, the renewal of a copier lease agreement, and bids for the Williamson High School Kitchen Sanitary Plumbing Project. First readings were held for several proposed policy changes. Superintendent's reports covered the Athletic Facility Project update, Governor Shapiro's Budget Address, and Senate Bill 1014 regarding a cell phone ban.