Melissa A. Garman

The meeting included the approval of the Operational Reports Consent Agenda, which covered minutes from the January 13, 2026 meeting, treasurers' reports, and various bills. The board also approved a Consent Agenda which authorized several staff trips and conferences, and student trips for various grade levels and activities, including trips to Pittsburgh, the Allegheny IU, and the Fort Ligonier. Approval was granted for two information items regarding IDEA-B projects. The Extracurricular Consent Agenda addressed resignations of an Assistant Weight Trainer and Yearbook Advisor/Manager, and approved volunteer coaches for Rifle and Wrestling, and authorized advertising for a Head Varsity Football Coach position. The board adopted nine School Board Policies, including those related to Meetings, Attendance, Weapons, and Procurement. The 2026-2027 school calendar was adopted. Quarterly reports for the period ending December 30, 2025, were approved. The board approved the SCTC General Fund budget of $6,847,875.00 and the SCTC Adult Fund budget of $750,000.00 for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year after roll call votes. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters. Following the open session, the board approved the hiring of two staff members (Clerical Assistant and a Secretary) and approved advertising for a secretary position. Approval was also granted to advertise for an Elementary Assistant Principal/Transportation Coordinator, and an unpaid leave request for one employee was granted.

The meeting included the approval of the Operational Reports Consent Agenda, which covered the adoption of the current meeting agenda and minutes from previous meetings in December 2025, along with financial reports. The board also approved the Consent Agenda, which authorized several staff trips and student trips, pending receipt of necessary forms. Other approvals included a PSP MOU for 2025-2027, yearly building volunteers, a homebound instruction request, and salary adjustments for staff based on continuing education credits. The board approved an upgraded scoreboard change order not to exceed $15,000.00. The board conducted first readings and subsequently adopted several school board policies, including those related to Meetings, Attendance, Weapons, Purchases, and Emergency Preparedness. Approval was granted for a parent to provide transportation for their child. The board accepted a notice from the Tax Claim Bureau and approved the exoneration of past due taxes for a property designated for North Star Youth Outreach. An executive session was held to discuss personnel and litigation matters. Approvals were granted for numerous volunteer coaches/advisors and several paid coach positions, with separate roll call votes for specific appointments. Approval was also granted for long-term substitute teachers for the remainder of the 25-26 school year, and retirement notices for two staff members were accepted. The board declined, by a tied vote, to proceed with advertising for an Elementary Assistant Principal/Transportation Coordinator.

The meeting included discussions on future plans for the middle school, including the possibility of closing the school for the 26-27 school year. Concerns were raised about the progress of construction and the need for contingency plans. The board also discussed the potential sale of the middle school building and the value of the property, including the fields and timberland. Options for using the property for athletic facilities were also considered, including the possibility of turfing the area and building a community structure. Capital projects and grant funding opportunities were also discussed.

The board held a reorganizational meeting that included the election of a temporary president, reading of certificates of election of newly elected board members, and swearing in of the new members. Elections were held for president and vice president, and appointments were made for a PSBA liaison and tech center representative. The board approved the regular school board meeting schedule and updated committee assignments. Public comments were heard regarding concerns about the football program and guidelines for volunteers in wrestling. Communications included BTA insurance forms and school director training information. Martell's Pharmacy information was discussed, and reports covered construction updates, elementary boiler quotes, updates to crab trees, and changes in the school code. The business manager presented information on revenues and expenses for 2425, the act one resolution, and RTL funding.

The North Star School District Board of School Directors convened for a Committee of the Whole Meeting to discuss personnel and general purposes. The meeting included the adoption of the agenda, a period for public comment (which was empty), and an executive session to discuss personnel and general matters. The board then reconvened into open session before adjourning.