Kayla Challingsworth

The session included a detailed discussion regarding the food service management company renewal for the upcoming school year, focusing on adjustments to the Identified Student Percentage (ISP) due to potential changes in SNAP qualification criteria, and projected costs incorporating anticipated increases in food costs and administrative fees. The revenue projections for the 26-27 school year were reviewed, broken down into local revenues (including real estate taxes, per capita taxes, and earned income tax), state revenues (such as the Basic Education Formula and Special Education funding), and other sources like Federal IDA revenue and rental fees. The business manager noted that local revenues are the only segment over which the board has direct control through setting tax rates, and expenditures include significant capital purchases like cafeteria tables and equipment, which are expected to reduce the food service fund balance.

Key discussions during the meeting included the proposal for a middle school True Group (Tobacco Resistance Unit) aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco, nicotine, and vaping among students. Another major topic involved the renewal of the natural gas transportation agreement with Knox Energy, proposing an increase in transportation costs effective March 1st. The board also addressed the exonerations for tax collectors regarding delinquent per capita and occupational taxes for 2025, and whether to allow taxpayers to pay delinquent taxes at the district office temporarily before transferring liability to the collection agency. Furthermore, details were presented regarding the allocation of PCC school safety and mental health grant funds, specifically for maintaining resource officers and clinicians, replacing faulty high school gymnasium doors, and improving cybersecurity through software like Patch My PC and the reinstatement of For Anaylzer. Finally, auditorium upgrades were discussed, including replacing 55-year-old seating, stage curtains, and potentially recarpeting the high school auditorium, contingent upon cost savings from the seating project.

The regular school meeting commenced with the reading of the mission and vision statements for Kering School District. Key discussions and actions included adopting the agenda, approving financial reports (Treasury report, general fund balance, and various stabilization funds), and authorizing the payment of listed bills. Human Resources actions involved approving the resignation of a high school principal for retirement purposes and rescinding an offer of employment to a candidate for custodial maintenance due to unmet requirements. The board also approved personnel actions including new hires, retroactive pay, voluntary transfers, unpaid leave, and various coaches. Financial matters involved approving the 2025-2026 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B funds agreement, approving custodial expenditure, and approving bids for high school projects, including a sports complex lighting project. Additionally, the board approved a resolution for per capita and occupation tax exonerations and approved several software contracts. Curriculum items included approving the second and final reading of policies regarding attendance and another agreement. Informational updates were provided on procurement policy updates reflecting federal changes, pending state legislation banning cell phones in schools, and reviewing the governor's state budget proposal, including charter tuition formula changes. Congratulations were extended to UPMC for being named Kane's Business of the Year, to former teacher Debbie Wel as Citizen of the Year, to a sophomore for achieving 1000 career points in athletics, and to a retiring employee for 20 years of service.

The school board workshop included discussions on various facility plan updates and considerations. Key topics included repurposing the biomass building for auxiliary gym space and fitness areas, auditorium lighting and seating renovations, and locker room upgrades. The board reviewed two options for the biomass building renovation, one with a multi-purpose room and another with an added fitness center and weight room. Cost estimates from HHS were presented, with the multi-purpose room option estimated at $1.3 million and the fitness center option at $2.1 million. The board also discussed the district's capital reserve, encumbered costs, and upcoming projects, including district office heating and air, EUS cleaning, and LED lighting in the athletic complex.

The school board work session included discussions on various topics such as sixth grade team planning a schoolwide fundraiser to benefit the Kane Senior Center, seventh grade team inviting monthly guest speakers from the community, eighth grade partnering with No Feline Left Behind for fundraising efforts. The board also discussed policy updates, including policy 216, changes to policies 204 and 208, and revisions to the student fundraising policy. They also addressed the state mandate and the sunset of a policy. The board addressed the district's financial position, the impact of the lack of a state budget, and concerns over cyber charter expenditures.