Mark A. Blanchard

The meeting commenced with a Work Session followed by the Regular Board Meeting. Key discussions included recognizing district social workers and addressing staff concerns following the previous meeting due to social media posts. Committee reports detailed that Policy 827 (Fraud) content is covered by existing policies, and a draft policy prohibiting cell phone use will be developed. The Policy Committee also discussed eliminating the second public comment period (Policy 903). Administratively, the Board authorized the process for issuing General Obligation Bonds, approximately $25,000,000, to fund new money needs for projects, and approved an amendment to the Collective Bargaining Agreement regarding staff work days. Updates were recommended for Policy 113.3 (Screening and Evaluations for Students With Disabilities) and Policy 827 (Conflict of Interest), while obsolete Policies 315, 415, 515 (Disqualification by Reason of Health) and Policies 316 & 416 (Nontenured Employees) were recommended for retirement. Approvals were sought for two overnight field trips. Public comment centered on Policy 903 and concerns regarding board policies and transparency. In action items, the board approved the agenda, the minutes from the February 17, 2026 meeting, personnel actions including retirements, resignations, new employments, and approved volunteer coaching positions and transfers.

The committee discussed updates regarding the sponsorship account balance, noting the historical context and prospective cash flow, with future capital expenses like the Chapman Stadium scoreboard requiring attention. Discussions covered the process for securing sponsorships, clarifying that capital expenses for athletics or extracurricular activities are the governing philosophy for fund usage, and standardizing sponsorship packages. An update on the athletic budget process was provided, focusing on equity and travel cost budgeting. Significant discussion occurred regarding spectator and fan conduct at athletic events due to recent incidents, leading to consideration of an educational program for parents regarding consequences for misconduct. Fundraising policy clarification was also noted following a booster violation. Updates on winter sports included team records and wrestler/swimmer advancements to championships. A preview of spring sports programs was given, mentioning venue changes due to other events. The committee reviewed PIAA updates, including a new rule allowing faith-based and secular private school students to try out for public school teams, and discussed potential petitioning regarding House Bill 41 concerning the separation of public and private schools in postseason competitions.

The Finance Committee meeting included a presentation on bond financing basics, detailing funding methods for capital projects like Eagle View and Green Ridge, types of debt, and the steps of a municipal bond issue. Discussion items covered the application for a Public School Facility Improvement Grant, approximately $1.5 million, to upgrade the high school's HVAC and hot water heater systems, requiring a 25% district match. The committee also discussed a proposal to switch regional internet service from IU 15 to IU 13 for better infrastructure and redundancy, despite an initial build-out cost. The monthly report reviewed January 2026 revenue and expenditures, noting slower growth in transfer and earned income tax, and better-than-expected performance in healthcare costs. There was extensive discussion regarding state funding for adequacy gaps, charter school funding changes, and future advocacy efforts concerning owed state education funds.

The meeting included a Work Session and a Regular Board Meeting, preceded by an executive session. Discussions and actions covered several areas: President Nestor recognized School Resource Officers and highlighted student achievements, including Science Olympiad results and National Signing Day commitments. Committee reports noted discussions on high school program of studies, middle school scheduling, and athletic department finance data. Informational reports included updates on teacher recognition and discussions regarding police coverage for prom and cybersecurity. Administrative items involved recommending approval for the June 30, 2025 Single Audit, approval of December 31, 2025 fund balances, approval for a five-year commitment to the Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 Wide Area Network (WAN) Consortium, approval of the Project Tomorrow Student Survey for grades 6-12, approval of a Mutual Aid Agreement for high school prom coverage, a resolution for a Public School Facility Improvement Grant application for high school mechanical upgrades, facilities use requests, and approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Shippensburg University for student participation in the Ship Start Program. The board also reviewed and recommended approval for updates to policies regarding screening/evaluations for students with disabilities (Policy 113.3), and the retirement of policies related to disqualification by reason of health (315, 415, 515) and nontenured employees (316, 416). Finally, updates to the Conflict of Interest Policy (Policy 827) were reviewed. Personnel actions included approving child-rearing leaves, retirements, resignations, new employments, an additional staff position fill, curriculum writing contracts, aquatics aide appointments, coaching positions, and staff transfers. The Superintendent reported on necessary adjustments to bus transportation schedules due to road closures.

The committee meeting focused heavily on policy discussions. Key topics included Policy 237 regarding Personal Electronic Devices, where the committee unanimously supported drafting a policy for a full bell-to-bell ban on cell phones and smartwatches during the school day, using Derry Township School District's policy as a guideline. The committee also discussed Policy 828 concerning Fraud; ultimately, the consensus was that adopting a separate fraud policy was unnecessary at this time as existing HR and financial policies adequately cover related issues, although the possibility of revisiting it was left open. Finally, the committee addressed Policy 903 regarding Public Comment in Board Meetings, with all members supporting bringing the matter before the full board for discussion, likely to streamline the process to a single comment period.