Patrick Baughman

The board discussed a range of administrative, financial, and operational matters. Key topics included the approval of various field trips for students, the adoption of the 2026-2027 school district calendar, and the authorization of service and affiliation agreements, including iPad lease and student exchange programs. The board approved significant financial expenditures, such as cafeteria and general fund bills, a new truck purchase, and software contracts for email protection and device management. Personnel actions were taken regarding salary adjustments, resignations, retirements, and leaves of absence. Additionally, the board approved an emergency management software suite and a stadium turf replacement contract, while receiving reports on student achievements, community outreach initiatives, and updates from the Forbes Road CTC and PSBA.

The meeting involved the approval of adding items to the agenda, including a DECA Field Trip and unpaid medical leave requests. The Board President announced a prior executive session concerning personnel issues. The Superintendent recognized a student for outstanding instrumental music achievements and two staff members as Highlands Heroes. Community outreach covered upcoming spring events, including a Mini Musical Workshop and the middle school musical, 'Legally Blonde'. The Board approved the cafeteria bills, an agreement for speech language therapy services, and the 2026-2027 Middle and High School Programs of Studies. Key actions in Buildings and Grounds included approving a contract to replace stadium turf and an HVAC repair agreement. Personnel actions involved approving a new School Police Officer, hiring classified staff, accepting retirements for the Assistant Superintendent and the Coordinator of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Funding Programs, a salary adjustment for an officer, and terminations/transfers. The Board ratified general fund bills and approved the Treasurer's and Investment Report for January 2026. Policy matters included approving the second reading of several 600 Policies and reaffirming the Principles for Governance and Leadership. The board ratified the DECA Field Trip approval and approved an unpaid medical leave. Discussion followed regarding signage for facility closures, such as the stadium and track.

The meeting included the flag salute and roll call. The board appointed a temporary chairperson, followed by the election of the President, Vice President, and Treasurer. The board also appointed a PSBA Liaison and a Forbes Road CTC Representative and Alternate. The date, time, and place for agenda planning and regular school board meetings for 2026 were set. The meeting was then adjourned.

The meeting included student recognitions and reports. The board approved various items, including booster organizations, the formation of new clubs, a discipline agreement, and agreements for translation and interpretation services. They also approved an increase in the hourly pay rate for substitute paraprofessionals. Several leaves of absence were approved, and new hires were made for classified staff and a long-term substitute teacher. The board approved a revision to the Assistant Superintendent's contract and a tentative agreement with the Highlands Education Association (HEA). They also approved payment of General Fund Bills, Real Estate Tax Reimbursements, a Transportation Study Proposal, and participation in the Allegheny Intermediate Unit Joint Purchasing Program. The hiring of athletic personnel and the creation of student lifeguard positions were also approved. Updates were provided on Forbes Road CTC and PSBA/NSBA events. The board approved the first reading of several policies and the retirement of others. The Highlands Education Association thanked the board for the tentative agreement.

The meeting included recognition of the National Honor Society for their community service, updates on student activities, and discussions on school events like the Homecoming parade and Mikayla's Voice inclusion program. The board approved the cafeteria list of bills, the School Nutrition Program agreement, and the Student Activity Fund Report. They also ratified and approved several FMLA leaves, approved the retirement of a paraprofessional, and approved a new hire for an Elementary School Office Secretary. Furthermore, the board approved the High School TSI Plan, use of facilities, payment of General Fund Bills, settlement of real estate tax assessment appeals, an Adult Open Swim Program, and hiring of athletic personnel. There was also discussion of policies related to medications, student discipline, controlled substances, and suspension and expulsion, as well as second readings of revised policies. The board also discussed additional signage within the school district.