Matthew Thomas

This policy outlines a trauma-informed approach for a school district, recognizing the impact of trauma on the educational environment, student achievement, and staff well-being. Its purpose is to direct district staff to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for trauma-informed approaches to education. The plan encompasses provisions for training, evidence-based screening tools, coordinated student services, age-appropriate instruction on trauma-informed topics and social-emotional learning, and staff wellness and support programs. The policy also mandates data collection and periodic review to ensure its effectiveness in promoting resilience and supporting the school community.

This document outlines the strategic goals and curriculum focus for Plum Borough School District for the 2021-2022 academic year. Key strategic goals include ensuring school safety, enhancing student achievement and academic rigor, maximizing fiscal responsibility, ensuring community and customer satisfaction, cultivating a high-quality workforce, and benchmarking performance against best practices. The curriculum focus areas for this period are Science K-12, Health & Physical Education, and Library K-12, supported by a structured timeline for resource review, evaluation, and professional development.

The board discussed personnel actions, specifically recommending the hiring of two English teachers for the upcoming school year. Susan Monroe was recommended for a position at Oblock Junior High School and Katelyn Zanotti was recommended for a position at Plum Senior High School, both effective in August 2022.

The board meeting focused on personnel actions, including the elimination of the Director of Special Education position and the creation of the Director of Special Education and Student Services role. Other personnel matters included revisions to the ACT 93 MOU salary ranges and position titles, the creation of new coaching positions, processing of various resignations and retirements, and the appointment of new staff for various teaching, administrative, and summer tutoring roles. Additionally, the board reviewed medical leave requests for maintenance staff and designated various department leaders and special services sponsors for the upcoming academic year.

The board conducted a special voting meeting followed by a discussion meeting. Key topics included the appointment of Dr. Thomas, the approval of various personnel resolutions, and the acceptance of a grant donation from the Dollar Bank Foundation to support the Rachel's Challenge positive behavior initiative. The board also reviewed travel requests for staff to attend educational conventions and professional conferences, approved an overnight field trip for the varsity baseball team's spring training, and authorized an overnight field trip for the music department's performances at the state capital. Additionally, the board discussed administration requirements for the Future Educators Grant and reviewed ongoing intergovernmental partnerships with the borough.