Stephanie Adams

The board meeting focused on a review of the English language arts curriculum, including recommendations for establishing a K-12 curriculum framework, adopting standards-aligned assessment systems, and implementing independent reading programs to foster student engagement. The presentation highlighted the need for consistency across grade levels and buildings through common rubrics, collaborative grading, and a phased, multi-year implementation plan. Additionally, the discussion touched upon the role of standardized screenings and assessment data in supporting early literacy and driving instructional improvements.

The meeting included a calendar review for upcoming events, including curriculum and budget presentations, employee recognition, and final budget approval. A member of the public provided input regarding the implementation of campus cameras. The board received reports on student activities, including fundraising initiatives for local cancer patients and student wellness planning. The board considered and approved a license plate reader partnership with the local police department. Additionally, the board approved a consent agenda, heard updates on foundation and legislative activities, including potential state legislation regarding student cell phone usage, and allowed a public comment session concerning support for students in the district. The meeting concluded with athletic success recognition.

The board meeting featured a comprehensive curriculum review of the technology education department, including recommendations for adopting a unified departmental philosophy, restructuring the K-12 curriculum, and establishing continuous learning and community connections. Key topics included integrating artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into the curriculum, strengthening industry partnerships for career readiness, enhancing cross-curricular collaborations with departments like science and ELA, and planning for future infrastructure and staffing needs based on evolving workforce trends.

The Board approved LPR cost sharing with the McCandless Police Department and authorized several student travel requests including AFJROTC trips, DECA conferences, and competitions for Latin and Science Club students. Key financial approvals included an affiliation agreement with Westminster College, acceptance of donations from the Michael McNaughton Ban Memorial Fund and MidwayUSA Foundation, the 2026-2027 Allegheny Intermediate Unit Program of Services budget, and accounts payable lists. The Board also approved budget transfers, a GASB 75 valuation agreement, and a Not to Exceed Resolution for the Series 2026 Bond Offering. Facility-related approvals covered electrical panel upgrades, HVAC univent installations, gutter and downspout replacements at the Baierl Center, and a district-wide chiller maintenance contract. Additionally, the Board adopted the 2026-2027 school year meeting calendar, approved service agreements for alternative educational placement, and adopted several updated and new Board policies regarding student eligibility, attendance, discipline, and health.

The meeting included reports on Technology Education Curriculum Review and a Facilities of the Future update. Student activities reports covered numerous clubs, including Fencing, DECA, NAHS, and others, detailing recent achievements and upcoming March activities. Special voting items involved approving an application for the Public School Facility Improvement Grant totaling $3,324,564.80 for roof replacement projects, accepting the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Brendan Hyland effective June 29, 2026, and appointing Mr. David Deramo as the new Superintendent for a 5-year term beginning July 1, 2026. Curriculum matters addressed requests for student travel for AFJROTC, DECA, Latin, PJAS, and GOAL students to various locations in April and May 2026, and approval for 2026-2027 Camp Kon-O-Kwee dates. Finance actions included accepting two monetary donations, approving the 2026-2027 Allegheny Intermediate Unit Program of Services Budget, approving expenditures and accounts payable lists, approving budgetary transfers, approving a contract for GASB 75 valuation services, and approving a Not to Exceed Resolution for a Series 2026 Bond Offering up to $12,900,000 for construction projects. Human Resources actions included approving resignations, retirements (with one rescinded retirement), new appointments for professional and paraprofessional staff, various wage/status changes including confidential employee salary adjustments, and several leaves of absence. Property matters included accepting bids/approvals for electrical panel upgrades at Newman Stadium and the Transportation/Facilities building, approving an agreement for HVAC univents at Ingomar Middle School, approving gutter replacement at the Baierl Center, approving a roof coating contract for Franklin Elementary, and accepting a donation for a bike shed at Franklin Elementary. Multiple updated policies were adopted on the second read, including policies pertaining to nonresident students, attendance, discipline, and health examinations.