Michael Murphy

The board meeting included a student presentation on nature-themed dioramas and a mid-year food service program update from The Nutrition Group. Financial actions included the approval of bank account summaries and expenditure reports, and the review of federal grant and budget reports. Superintendent and administrative reports covered topics such as technology, athletics, curriculum scheduling, and facilities. Personnel actions involved the approval of a retirement, staff employment, volunteer roles, and supplemental contracts. Additionally, the board approved an E-Rate telecommunications proposal, resolved a grievance, denied a tax refund request, and passed a resolution to pursue grant funding for an HVAC replacement project.

The board received a student presentation on the PBIS talent show and reviewed financial reports including a bank account summary, expenditures, and a 2026-2027 preliminary budget review. The superintendent and administrative staff provided reports on various school operations and initiatives. Personnel items including resignations, volunteer approvals, and supplemental contracts were addressed. The board approved a multi-year service agreement with BLaST IU17, a professional staff collective bargaining agreement, a retirement notification MOA, and a transportation contractor fuel agreement. Additionally, the board conducted a first reading of new fiscal policies, approved revisions to the 2025-2026 district calendar, and adopted the 2026-2027 district calendar.

Key discussions during the regular board meeting included a student celebration presentation regarding a recent NTCC visit by fifth-grade students. Financial actions approved included the bank account summaries and expenditures for November and December 2025, and the update of district depositories. The board approved quarterly reports for the High School and Elementary schools. Financial reports provided informational updates on federal grant monies and the 2025-2026 Revenue vs. Budget and Prior Year report, alongside a breakdown of Repsol Oil & Gas Royalty Revenue for October through December 2025. Superintendent and administrative reports covered topics such as Board Appreciation, Farm Show, grants, copier bids, testing, scheduling, curriculum updates, IEPs, and facility issues including snow removal and air handler work. Personnel actions included the approval of professional staff substitutes, volunteers, and supplemental contracts, along with opening advertisements for open positions. The board approved the agreement for legal representation by Sweet, Stevens, Katz & Williams, LLP for the 2026-2027 period. Policies presented for first reading covered academic standards, curriculum, conduct, and service animals. The committee meeting schedule for 2026 was approved, and Richard Jones was elected as the NTCC District Representative for 2026. The designated newspaper of general circulation for 2026 public notices was approved, and an overnight trip request for the ACES Leadership Conference was authorized. General board discussion included human resources requirements and committee purpose statements.

The meeting commenced with the election of a Temporary President from the holdover members, resulting in the selection of Richard Jones. Following this, new school directors were sworn into office. The main business involved the election of the President, where Benjamin Laudermilch was elected by a 5 to 4 vote, and the subsequent election of Connie Kuhlman as Vice President. The Board approved the schedule of board meetings for 2026, including a reorganization and general business meeting in December 2026. Personnel actions included the employment of a full-time District Paraprofessional and a District Teacher Substitute, as well as approving a volunteer Swimming Coach. An overnight trip request for the PA Farm Show was also approved. The session concluded with general board discussion and an adjournment into an executive session to discuss negotiations.

The agenda included a student celebration, financial actions such as reviewing the bank account summary and expenditures, and a discussion on the proposed budget for 2023-24. The Superintendent's report was presented along with committee reports. Personnel items were addressed, including retirements, resignations, employments, and supplemental contracts. Contracts and agreements were reviewed, including those with NTIEC, Blessings Daycare, Lackawanna College, and Myers, Patsy & Associates, LLC for auditing services. Programs, curriculum, and policy matters were discussed, including a second reading of Policy 810.3 and textbook recommendation requests. Transportation matters were addressed, and other items included the election of a School Board Treasurer, a leave of absence, an overnight trip for the FFA State Convention, a review of a potential Junior High Soccer recommendation, and an international student exchange.