Michael Cichra

This document outlines the Karns City Area School District's comprehensive approach to special education services. It details procedures for identifying students with specific learning disabilities and ensuring education in the least restrictive environment, including universal practices and academic programming for meaningful participation in general education and extracurricular activities. Key areas include continuous improvement in LRE, implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, oversight for non-resident and incarcerated students, and extensive professional development for staff in areas such as autism support, positive behavior interventions, paraprofessional competencies, transition planning, science of literacy, and IEP development. The plan emphasizes collaboration with parents and interagency partners to provide a full range of services and ensure a free, appropriate public education for all students with disabilities.

The regular meeting addressed several key areas including student representative updates on Student Council activities such as funding fan buses, Valentine's Day sales, and upcoming subcommittee events. Public discussion focused heavily on concerns regarding approximately $100,000 in assets (including books, smart panels, projectors, and kitchen equipment) left behind and allegedly disposed of or sold without community awareness following the closure of Sugarcreek Elementary School, with suggestions made for community recovery or sale of these items. Additionally, operational costs and funding requests for the UAA were discussed, along with the potential liability related to District employee equipment use and concerns about the possible dissolution of Junior High Baseball and Softball programs. Financial matters included the approval of cafeteria statements and bills, updates to the bus driver list, approval of curriculum guides, various service agreements, the first read of a draft Cell Phone/Personal Device Policy, various financial reports, personnel changes (including resignations, leaves, and hiring authorizations), approval of a General Contractor Change Order for the Sugarcreek Demolition Project, and the approval of Musco Lighting as the stadium lighting vendor.

The meeting included the approval of the Cafeteria Financial Statement and Bills. In Athletics, lease agreements were approved for field usage with Butler Area School District and Slippery Rock University, alongside the approval of a quote for new Softball Field fencing. Building & Grounds approved requests for Use of School Facilities, and Student Activities approved field trips. Curriculum decisions included the first read of the Junior High and Senior High Curriculum Guides for the upcoming school year. Multiple policies (006, 204, 218.1, 610, 611, 805, 805.1, 805.2) underwent their second and final read and approval, with Policy 626 being reviewed. Finance items involved approvals for General Fund Bills, Treasurer's Report, Student Activity Fund Report, and a budget transfer request. Personnel actions included changing an employment status to Professional Employee, accepting two retirements (Building Custodian and Elementary Instructor), approving unpaid leave for a part-time Cafeteria Worker, approving travel requests, updating the Driver List, authorizing the posting for an Assistant Principal position, and managing volunteer list additions/removals. Capital Reserve saw approval of various bills and two Electrical Contractor Change Orders for the Chicora Project. The BCAVTS report included approval of the 2026-2027 General Operating Budget, showing an increased share for the district. Miscellaneous items involved approving an amendment to a Professional Services Agreement, an agreement with Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV, and terminating an Owner/Architect Agreement with Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates.

Key discussions included a report from the Student Representative detailing Student Council activities such as pep rallies, blood drives, a trunk or treat event, and support for local food banks. Public comment addressed the financial match required for the Public School Facilities Improvement Grant program and the fair bid amount for the abatement and razing of Sugarcreek Elementary. Board liaisons were appointed across various committees. Significant actions included approving the cafeteria financial statement and bills, authorizing facility use requests, and approving field trips. Curriculum approvals included a revised agreement for an Inclusion/SEL Support Teacher and an agreement with Merakey Pennsylvania. Several policies received second and final readings or first readings, notably Policies 105.2, 122, 122.1, and 816. Finance actions involved approving General Fund, Treasurer's, and Student Activity Fund Reports, alongside approving a resolution for a $598,250.00 Public School Facility Improvement Grant for the Karns City Jr. Sr. High School roof replacement. Personnel matters covered appointments of a borough tax collector and deputy, approvals for substitute list changes, hiring a custodian, accepting a retirement resignation, updates to the volunteer list, and approvals for unpaid leave for cafeteria workers. The Capital Reserve section authorized accepting the $243,000.00 bid for the demolition of Sugarcreek Elementary School. Miscellaneous approvals included amending the 2025-2026 School Calendar and approving the 2026-2027 School Calendar.

The Reorganization Meeting included the appointment of a temporary chairperson, the election of officers (President and Vice President of the School Board Directors), and the approval of the date, time, and place for agenda setting and regular meetings. Mr. Dennis Kelly was appointed as the primary representative and Dr. Brenda Ealey was appointed as the alternate representative to the Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School (BCAVTS) Joint Operating Committee (JOC).