Rebecca Koehler

The work session focused primarily on financial matters related to proposed athletic facilities. A representative from PFM Financial Advisors presented a financial overview detailing potential funding options. This overview included an explanation of current market stability, a summary of the district's existing outstanding debt, examples of potential new money scenarios, and a sample motion for future Board consideration.

This document outlines the Northern Tioga School District's Athletic Facilities Project for 2026-2027, presented to the Board on February 23, 2026. The project aims to enhance student opportunities, increase safety, support multiple sports and school programs, and allow for expanded community use. Key upgrades include new multi-use fields, updated lighting, new tracks, and improved spectator seating at Cowanesque Valley High School and Williamson High School. Funding involves district reserves, borrowed funds, and a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program Grant application. Next steps include bid award, budget finalization, and coordination of practices and games.

The meeting included a presentation by Superintendent Kaufman regarding the proposed Athletic Facility project, covering benefits, planned upgrades, funding sources, and next steps, followed by the approval of the Athletic Facility Bid. The Board also approved the hiring of a Clerk of the Works for the Athletic Facility Project. Additionally, the purchase of 2026/27 technology replacement equipment, totaling $266,000.00, was approved to be funded by the technology reserve, with purchasing advanced to the 2025/26 school year to mitigate potential cost increases and supply shortages.

The regular monthly meeting commenced with call to order, moment of silence, and Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions involved recognizing the Student of the Month for various schools within the district. During the open forum, a community member expressed trust in the Superintendent's judgment regarding weather-related school closures and advised caution regarding borrowing funds for the athletic facility. Action items approved via voice vote included 2025/2026 Co-Curricular Appointments, approval of volunteers, the 2026 summer school program for credit recovery, the 2026-27 Future Planning Guide, yearbook quotes, and the 2026/27 Pupil Transportation Cost Index Adjustment. Roll call votes approved compensation for summer school teachers/aides, use of the Principal's Special Request Fund for student support, Category 2 E-Rate Funding Bids for battery backup upgrades, a General Obligation Bond Resolution for capital projects, a Settlement Agreement, a Linkage Agreement with Keystone/Red Rock Job Corps, a Change Order with LDG, a 3-year contract with NRG, the renewal of a copier lease agreement, and bids for the Williamson High School Kitchen Sanitary Plumbing Project. First readings were held for several proposed policy changes. Superintendent's reports covered the Athletic Facility Project update, Governor Shapiro's Budget Address, and Senate Bill 1014 regarding a cell phone ban.

The meeting included student and staff recognitions, a review of tenure and professional contracts, and an open forum regarding budget concerns and athletic facility projects. The Superintendent provided updates on professional development wellness days, athletic facility financing, the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library partnership, and residency verification for cyber charter students. The business report covered budget timelines, revenue assessments, and proposed state budget impacts. Various action items were approved, including personnel appointments, retirements, a name change for the online academy, funding for student activities, inventory services agreements, and various policy updates.