Mark Elphinstone

The meeting commenced with the pledge to the flag. Key agenda items included a report on Student Achievement presented by the Superintendent. The Board approved two Agreements between individual students and the Keystone Oaks School District. Information items covered reports from Parkway West Career and Technology Center, SHASDA, and the PSBA/Legislative matters, along with the announcement of the 2026 Board Committees. Approvals were granted for several Professional Development requests, including attendance at the PAFCS Annual Conference and the PMEA All State Conference and Festival. Furthermore, the Board approved placing a textbook, Introductory Statistics 2e, on display for 30 days and adopted the Program of Studies for Keystone Oaks Middle School and High School for the 2026/2027 school year. Personnel actions included accepting one resignation, approving appointments for Food Service Personnel and a Long Term Substitute Teacher, approving activity stipends, and recognizing an individual for tenure completion. The Board also approved various financial actions, including Accounts Payable lists through November 30, 2025, and December 31, 2025, and adopted Resolution 01-2026, certifying no tax rate increase beyond the index for the 2026/2027 fiscal year. Financial reports presented included budget-to-actual projections and summary of student activities accounts as of December 31, 2025. Additionally, the Board accepted a bid for exterior improvements (new windows and doors) at three elementary schools.

The Board of School Directors reviewed various agenda items, including professional development requests, a logo style guide, and academic agreements with external institutions such as the Community College of Beaver County. Several policies underwent first or second readings, covering topics such as independent study, attendance, freedom of speech, community engagement, weapons, and federal fiscal compliance. Personnel actions were discussed, including resignations, appointments, and compensation adjustments. The finance committee presented reports on accounts payable, budget revisions, tax collector exoneration, and athletic bids. Additionally, approval was granted for construction and maintenance projects, including playground remodeling at Aiken and Dormont Elementary Schools and the purchase of a scissor lift.

The Work Session agenda primarily focused on administrative and policy matters scheduled for the subsequent Business/Legislative Session on March 17, 2026. Key items slated for Board Action included the second reading and approval of several policies: Policy 118 (Independent Study), Policy 204 (Attendance), Policy 871 (Freedom of Speech by Employees), Policy 910 (Community Engagement Relations), Policy 912 (Relations with Educational Institutions), and Policy 914 (Relations with the Intermediate Unit). Additionally, the Board was scheduled to vote on the approval of the Logo Style Guide. The Work Session also included reports for information only, covering the Parkway West Career and Technology Center, SHASDA, and PSBA/Legislative matters, as well as a scheduled Executive Session.

The meeting covered several key actions, including the approval of the Agreement between Student 103838 and the Keystone Oaks School District, and the approval of the Project Succeed Contract participation for Bethel Park School District for the 2025/2026 school year. The Board conducted the first reading of several policies: Policy 236.1 (Threat Assessment), Policy 801 (Public Records), Policy 804 (School Calendar/Day), Policy 806 (Child Abuse), Policy 909 (Municipal Government Relations), and Policy 913 (Nonschool Organizations/Groups/Individuals). Several enrollment agreements were approved with Wesley Family Services, and an Affiliation Agreement for Internship/Practicum was approved with Robert Morris University. The Cooperative School Nurse Practicum Affiliation Agreement was approved with Eastern University, and an Addendum to the School Services Agreement for Speech Therapy Services was approved with Associated Occupational Therapists, Inc. Personnel actions included accepting one retirement and approving corrections to a salary, several new paraprofessional and custodian employments, changes in activity sponsor stipends, and approvals for various athletic sponsors for the 2025/2026 school year. The Board approved the payment of Accounts Payable lists through September 30, 2025, totaling $1,455,738.11. Significant action was taken to approve the purchase of approximately 42.4 acres of real property related to the Parkway West Career and Technology Center expansion and subsequent financing for this purchase. Engineering services from NIRA Consulting Engineers, Inc. for a feasibility study at Fred L. Aiken Elementary School were also approved. An overnight trip for the Golden Eagles Marching Band to Orlando, Florida, was approved, as was the advertisement for 2026/2027 athletic bids.

The meeting included the organization of the Board, featuring the election of Ms. Snyder as President and Mrs. Shaw as Vice-President. Following the reorganization, a subsequent meeting approved the appointment of Mr. Santo Raso to a two-year term to fill a vacant Board of Directors seat. Key discussions in the Superintendent's Report included approving Brentwood Borough School District to participate in Project Succeed for the 2025/2026 school year and approving a Professional Development request for the League of Innovative Schools Spring 2026 Convening. The Board also approved the abolishment of several policies related to physical examinations, tardiness, and early admission to college. Further actions included approving a Transition Services Agreement with Cares of Western PA, accepting the retirement of a Custodial Supervisor, appointing a new Professional Employee (Teacher -- ESL), approving activity sponsors for the 2025/2026 school year, and approving Family and Medical Leave for an employee.