Mina Ardestani

The meeting included executive sessions to discuss Personnel, Real Estate, Litigation, Negotiations, and Safety and Security matters. Key reports were delivered by the Solicitor, Attorney Larry Moran, and Superintendent Dr. Erin Keating. Recognitions included achievements by Brayden Von Ahnen and AEPP Clubs, as well as finalists and winners of the Lackawanna Drug & Alcohol Billboard Design Contest. The Interim CRO, Dr. Carol Saylor, provided a report, and student representatives Max Hoffner and Shristi Dhungel presented updates. The consent agenda involved the approval of numerous financial items (Bill Lists, Treasurer's Reports, Tax Reports) and various operational and educational approvals, such as curriculum and platform purchases (Pearson, Edmentum), the 2026-2027 Instructional Calendar, and policy first/second reads. Non-consent agenda items included motions regarding Special Education Settlements and capital improvements such as lights for the Scranton High School Auditorium and Athletic Field. Personnel actions involved approving the Personnel Report, a contract for the Chief of Human Resources and Labor Relations, a settlement agreement, and an MOU with Act 93. Vendor relations focused on purchasing software, scoreboards, advertising proposals, and appointing an architect on retainer.

This World History Curriculum Guide outlines a mandated course for seniors, surveying topics from the foundations of democracy to 20th-century global politics and conflicts. The curriculum encompasses political, economic, religious, social, intellectual, and artistic developments throughout history. It is designed to develop critical thinking, historical source analysis, and an appreciation for global issues. The course is structured into four quarters, covering units such as Foundations of Democracy, Medieval Empires, Renaissance, Reformation, Age of Exploration, Absolute Monarchies, Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution, Age of Revolutions, Nation States, Industrial Revolution, Imperialism and World Wars, and 20th Century Politics, Conflicts, and The World Today.

The meeting commenced with recognizing student achievements, including a musical performance by student and staff members, and a tribute to a young man from Plaza. The Superintendent provided updates, announcing that the Scranton School District received a Certified Teacher Registered Apprentices in Pennsylvania grant in partnership with King's College to address teacher shortages. Key dates included winter Keystone exam testing, winter break from December 24th to January 2nd, with school resuming January 5th. Professional development activities focused on the science of reading for both elementary and secondary teachers, and curriculum writing committees are integrating new state standards across multiple subjects. Student representatives reported on winter sports team activities and community service efforts by various student clubs. The board also discussed PSBA updates, including a new no-cost member service for wireless coverage and scheduled workshops for board members.

The special meeting addressed several administrative and project-related items. Discussions focused heavily on the approval of a stop-loss insurance proposal, clarifying that it protects the school district financially against high-cost health care claims without affecting current teacher healthcare plans. The board also addressed the urgent need to appoint an architect, Studio KLP, for the 1509 Maple Street project to ensure compliance with necessary due diligence and permitting timelines related to the Friendship House property agreement. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of comparative cost information for the architect selection and the authority to approve the solicitor's contract review, leading to an amendment to cap preliminary engineering costs at $15,000 while awaiting final contract review. The need to incorporate union input on related matters was also raised, leading to scheduling an Article 10 meeting for January.

The agenda for this special meeting, called for general purposes, included the Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call. The action items involved a motion to approve a Stop Loss Proposal and a motion to appoint Studio KLP as Architects for the 1509 Maple Street Project.