Vanessa Russo

The board reviewed and approved various financial items, including general fund, food service, and student activity fund payments, as well as the proposed 2026-27 general fund budget. Personnel actions included the hiring of a mathematics teacher, approval of FMLA, resignations and reassignments of custodial staff, and the appointment of summer school monitors and teachers. Academics and curriculum approvals focused on youth services contracts, summer school programs, and vocational agriculture placements. Additionally, the board approved several building and grounds projects, such as sealcoating, an outdoor classroom architectural plan, and a bench project, alongside various athletic resolutions, district fundraisers, and the purchase of new band uniforms.

The board discussed a proposal for new band uniforms and heard public comment regarding kindergarten registration cutoffs. Financial actions included the approval of general fund, food service, and student activity fund payments. Academic decisions involved approving an extended school year agreement, the 2026-27 school calendar, and an agricultural science student placement. The board also authorized professional development and field trip requests, approved the use of facilities, and handled personnel matters including hiring a superintendent, teachers, and approving various staff contracts and resignations. Additionally, the board reviewed fundraising proposals and conducted a first reading of several district policies.

The meeting agenda included several items for action and information. Key discussion points involved public comment regarding increased supervision in the elementary lunchroom and a new business discussion about the DCI Drum Corps. Finance actions included approving General Fund, Food Service, and Student Activity Fund payments for January 2026, as well as awarding a bid to ShopSabre CNC for a new CNC Router Machine. Academics and Curriculum required approval for the 2026-27 Program of Study for grades 5-8 and 9-12, specific Career and Technical Education Programs, and minutes from the Wilmington Area Occupational Advisory Council and Local Advisory Committee meetings. Personnel actions covered approving additional substitutes and drivers for the 2025-2026 school year, and acting on a teacher resignation and a retirement resignation.

The meeting agenda included the recognition of the Board of Directors with an appreciation dinner. A public comment session addressed concerns regarding transportation. Key actions included the approval of the agenda for the work and regular session, and the approval of minutes from the November 18, 2025, Work/Regular Board meeting and the December 2, 2025, Reorganizational Meeting. Budget and Finance items involved approving various payments (General Fund, Food Service, Student Activity Fund) for November and December 2025, reviewing investment reports, and approving the closeout and transfer of the Class of 2025 account. Academics and Curriculum required approval for the enrollment of three Neshannock Township School District freshmen into the Wilmington Area School District Vocational Agriculture Program, effective January 21, 2026. Consent items covered approvals for Professional Development/Out of District Requests, Field Trips (including a Washington D.C. trip and a Cheerleaders Trip to Nationals). Athletics actions included approving resignations of Assistant Track-and-Field Coaches and approving Spring Sports Coaches and a Volunteer Football Coach. Business and Grounds approved Use of Facilities requests. Personnel actions included approving an FMLA leave extension, hiring additional substitutes and drivers, appointing a School Dentist, approving resignations, an unpaid leave, a retirement resignation, and the appointment of a Long Term Substitute. Board Matters approved appointments for the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center Representative and various fundraisers.

The meeting included a presentation on Pride & Promise and recognition of Scott Brush for board service. Public comment was heard regarding the gifted/enrichment program. The board discussed and approved various financial reports, including the Investment Report, Treasurer's Report, General Fund Payments, Food Service Payments, Student Activity Fund, Credit Card Payments, and Amazon Payment Register. A budget resolution for the 2026-2027 school year was approved, stating that the district will not raise property taxes above the approved state index. Agreements with Wesley School and Community College of Beaver County High School Academies were approved. The board also approved professional development requests, field trip requests, winter sports coaches, use of facilities requests, hiring of a Board Secretary and Assistant, an FMLA leave extension, additional substitutes and drivers. Fundraisers were approved, and there was a discussion on Policy 718.