Nicole L. DelGuerico

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included recognizing student achievements, such as artwork selection and a basketball milestone, and acknowledgment of a grant received for Poultry Science education. The Board of Directors Report involved dispensing with the reading of prior minutes and approving the second reading of several policies covering Personnel Files, Dress and Grooming, Complaint Process, and Management Team, as well as the first reading of policies on Compensation Plan, Job Related Expenses, and Professional Development. Appointments were approved for the Business Manager as School Board Secretary and as the representative for the Berks Health Trust District and the Berks Earned Income Tax Collection Bureau. A resolution was adopted to pursue a DCED grant for HVAC unit renovation at the Intermediate and Middle School. In Business and Operations, the board approved general fund, food service, and capital reserve fund bills, and accepted various financial reports through December 31, 2025. Several change orders related to the High School Woodshop Expansion and Greenhouse Project were ratified, including credits and costs for scope modifications, electrical installations for new equipment, and security infrastructure. An agreement for purchasing and replacing stadium bleachers was approved. The board also adopted a resolution regarding the Act 1 index for the 2026-27 fiscal year and approved the 2026-2027 BCIU Mandated Services Proposed Budget. The Superintendent's Report included action items such as approving travel for the Superintendent to a conference and approving the first reading of the 2026-2029 Comprehensive Plan and the K-8 Computer Technology Curriculum. The Personnel Report included accepting a resignation, approving a change of assignment, and approving the ACT 93 Administrators' Compensation Plan.

The Safety Committee meeting covered several administrative and substantive topics. Key discussions included reviewing the 2025-26 Safety Committee Meeting Schedule and noting the location of the committee website. Under new incidents, one minor incident involving a food service employee cutting their finger was reviewed with no safety issue requiring discussion. Major focus areas involved safety and security updates, specifically reviewing sub-committee work on physical and digital safety and security, including educating community members and planning for digital safety nights. The committee also reviewed the implementation and usage policy for visitor/contractor badges across the district. New business involved generating ideas to promote safety awareness, such as a slogan/poster contest. A significant portion of the discussion focused on bathroom behaviors district-wide, noting issues with vandalism, inappropriate use of paper towels, and resulting ceiling tile damage, particularly at the High School and Elementary School levels.

The meeting agenda outlines several organizational procedures, including the administration of the Oath of Office for four-year terms and the election of a Temporary President, President, and Vice President. A significant portion of the agenda addresses the appointment of delegates to various boards and commissions for the ensuing year, including delegates to the Berks County Tax Earned Income Tax Collection Bureau, the Committee on Legislative Action, the Policy Committee, the Strategic Planning/Goals Committee, and the Negotiations/Compensation Committee. Specific appointments are noted for the District School Safety and Security Administrator and the District Title IX coordinator. The agenda also includes a motion to accept the Proposed 2026 Board Meeting Schedule and Budget Adoption Schedule, mandating advertisement and posting in accordance with Sunshine Laws.

The meeting included the announcement of election results for the Board of Directors and the administration of the oath to newly elected members. The board proceeded with reorganization, electing a Temporary President, President, and Vice President. Delegates were appointed to various boards and commissions, including the Berks County Tax Earned Income Tax Collection Bureau, the Berks County Committee on Legislative Action, and the District's Policy Committee. The board also discussed and approved the proposed 2026 Budget Adoption Schedule and 2026 Board Meeting Dates.

The meeting included discussion and updates on safety and security topics, including the updated E.O.P. submission, crosswalk concerns near East Penn Manufacturing, and general suggestions for improving safety such as keeping doors locked, improving lighting, and adding signage. There was also discussion on the Red Bag Inventory and upcoming quarterly training. Doors not latching properly due to wind/air movement was raised as a safety concern.