Ryan Call

The meeting included a joint public hearing to discuss the SAU #7 2026/2027 budget. Key budget discussions centered on an assessment increase of $67,973 from the prior year, with the primary driver being the relocation of the Curriculum Director position to the SAU budget. The overall budget increase was noted as 10.58%, or 3.11% excluding the effect of moving the Curriculum Director position. The 2026/2027 SAU #7 budget was approved. Additionally, the members decided to cancel the December meeting, with the next meeting scheduled for January 2026 in Pittsburg.

The meeting involved a Public Hearing to discuss the 2026/2027 Budget, which is slated for approval under Unfinished Business. Reports from the Superintendent covered strategic planning, goal setting, and the presentation of two calendar options, one of which was adopted, beginning September 8th. The Special Services report detailed staffing levels, student evaluations, the purchase of equipment for life skills classes, and trauma training for staff. The Technology report covered updates on Alma system issues, copier upgrades, and research into implementing a VOIP phone system. The Business Manager presented a budget review, noting an anticipated use of $200,000 of the remaining balance, the final year of the Farm to School grant, and an overall budget increase of $155,434, with discussions on position allocation and health insurance renewals. Curriculum updates highlighted work on the master plan and competency-based grading. New Business included the approval of an Auditing Questionnaire and a motion to bring a bus towing MOA to the towns. The meeting concluded with setting the date for the budget public hearing.

This 3-year draft strategic plan for the Pittsburg School District, developed with broad community input, aims to guide the school-wide community towards achieving high levels of standards and success with a mission of 'All students will achieve success.' It is future-focused, student-centered, and community-driven, identifying six key priority areas: Enrollment Growth, Educator Recruitment & Retention, Real World Learning, Academic Growth for All, Responsible Budgeting, and Safe & Supportive Facilities.

The Pittsburg School District's draft strategic plan is designed to be forward-thinking and responsive to student needs, with the overarching mission that all students will achieve success. The plan is structured around six key strategic priority areas: Enrollment Growth, Educator Recruitment & Retention, Real-World Learning, Academic Growth for All, Responsible Budgeting, and Safe & Supportive Facilities. It aims to engage the community in shaping the future vision of the school district.

The SAU School Board Joint Meeting commenced with a non-public session addressing specific matters. Key discussions included strategic plans ongoing in Stewartstown, SAU, and Pittsburg, which may necessitate contracting a professional for a year-long study on the school system's makeup. The board adopted the 2026/2027 School Year Calendar, setting the start date after Labor Day. The Special Services report covered staffing levels, IEP processes, student support activities including specialized trauma training, and the purchase of adaptive equipment. The Technology report addressed ongoing issues with state reporting in Alma, the exploration of a VOIP phone system to replace aging copper lines, and the resolution of hiccups following copier upgrades. The Curriculum update noted progress on updating the master plan and recent PLC discussions on competency-based grading. The Business Manager presented a budget review, noting plans to use approximately $200,000 of the remaining balance, the conclusion of the Farm to School grant, and discussing the relocation of the CIA Director position. Health insurance will remain with Health Trust despite a premium increase. The CTE Director reported high engagement in career and technical programs. New business included approving the Auditing Questionnaire and a motion to bring the bus towing MOA to the towns. The meeting concluded with setting dates for the budget public hearing and workshop.