Kristy Batis

The meeting focused on updates for ongoing facilities projects, which included the Fairview window replacement, the Hartwood HVAC and lighting project, the Fox Chapel Area High School stadium light project, and the tennis court replacement project. A new business item involved a presentation by H.F. Lenz regarding a proposed renovation project for the Fox Chapel Area High School.

The meeting agenda included committee reports from Academic, Governance, and Projects and Planning committees. New business focused on several actions under Facilities/Transportation, including approving multiple change orders for the Hartwood Elementary School HVAC Project. The Finance section involved approving January 2026 disbursements for the General fund and Capital reserves fund, acknowledging the December 2025 finance report, filing student activity financial reports, authorizing the advertisement of bids for athletic supplies, approving the exoneration of tax collectors, approving Resolution 2026-2 regarding Deputy Tax Collectors, approving tax collector depositories, and approving the renewal agreement with Asset Control Solutions, Inc., for fixed asset management. The Instruction committee agenda included approving the 2026-2027 school district calendar. The Personnel section addressed accepting several resignations (professional and supplemental contracts) and approving numerous appointments (educational support and supplemental athletic/non-athletic contracts), as well as approving a professional leave request and ratifying a leave replacement and substitute teachers/instructional assistants. Under Operations, the ratification of an online ticket agreement with Kennywood for a school picnic was presented. The Superintendent's Report highlighted student achievements, including a high school senior qualifying for the AIME math exam and student awards at a Speech & Debate tournament and FBLA competition.

The Comprehensive Plan for Fox Chapel Area School District, spanning 2026-2029, outlines a strategic framework focused on maximizing student learning, achievement, and growth through an emphasis on educating the whole student. Guided by the pillars of Purpose, Passion, Care, and Community, the plan prioritizes inclusive and culturally responsive teaching, authentic learning experiences, and supportive environments. Key goals include improving regular student attendance through enhanced family communication, continuously refining educational practices to drive individual student growth in English Language Arts, and leveraging community and industry resources to expand opportunities for students to explore post-secondary interests and career readiness.

The Governance Committee meeting involved the presentation and discussion of several policies for potential Board approval in March 2026, including Policy 105 (Exemption from Instruction), Policy 204 (Attendance), Policy 218.1 (Weapons), Policy 247 (Hazing), policies related to purchases (Policy 610, Policy 611, Policy 626, and an attachment for Federal Fiscal Compliance - Procurement), and policies concerning law enforcement relations and security (Policy 805.1 and Policy 805.2). The committee also discussed key content for a Board Member Handbook and reviewed a new funding request for Club Sports. A lengthy discussion specifically addressed Policy 805.1 regarding school security.

The key discussions during the meeting covered New Business items including Policy Maintenance, Governance Opportunities (such as the PSBA Platform and Board self-assessment), Board goals (specifically the Board handbook), and the Comprehensive Plan focusing on questions regarding perceptual data. The Committee ultimately decided to review policies as required or needed and commence drafting a Board handbook.