Juniata County School District

Key discussions during the workshop included clarification regarding an error in the mailing of homestead farmstead tax exclusion applications, which was attributed to the county rather than the school district. A presentation was given on the health professions program and HOSA. The Board interviewed three candidates for the Region 5 representative position. Superintendent Holderman provided updates on the reaffirmation of PSBA's Principles of Governance and Leadership, the proposed 2026-2027 school calendar, an irrigation proposal for the East Juniata High School soccer field, Act 44 weapons notification guidelines, junior high field hockey sign-ups, and proposed revisions to the district's facility use policy. Additionally, agenda items for the subsequent board meeting were reviewed, focusing on STEM teaching responsibilities at the elementary level.

The meeting included the election of a temporary board president, the election of the President and Vice President of the Board of School Directors, and appointments to the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 Board of Director and Pennsylvania School Boards Association liaison. The board approved establishing the schedule for regular meetings. The board accepted the resignation of a board member. A contract with Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 for special education services was approved. Facility use requests were approved, and new drivers were added. Various field trips were approved. The employment of a substitute teacher was approved, along with a mentor. A leave was also approved.

The board workshop included a presentation on proposed auditorium restroom upgrades at East Juniata High School and a secure vestibule/office reconfiguration project at Tuscarora Junior High School. There was a recap of the fall athletic season. Recognition was given to music educators, Megan Russell for coordinating a Veterans Day program, Kim Guiser for Veterans Day activities, and teacher Heather Dysinger. Tanya Williams was recognized for implementing creative art and STEM activities. The board reviewed the upcoming board meeting agenda and considered waiving the facility use fee for a fundraising volleyball tournament.

The board meeting included discussions on various topics such as a correction to the agenda regarding a part-time custodial position, special education at the elementary school, and student lunch debt. The board accepted a donation to offset lunch account costs and approved facility use requests. They also discussed obtaining an appraisal for the former Mountain View Elementary School property and soliciting bids for construction and restroom upgrades. Financial reports and bills for payment were approved. The board approved drivers and shuttle service for a holiday program. Additionally, they approved field trips and an agreement between the parents of a student and the District. Personnel matters, including resignations, employment, assignments, extracurricular positions, and leave requests, were addressed.

The meeting included communications from the board secretary and members, as well as public comments. Discussions covered a successful read-a-thon, donations to the Advanced Placement program, and an affiliation agreement with Pennsylvania Western University. Facility use requests and a contract for soccer field turf maintenance were approved. Financial reports and bills were approved for payment. The board also approved Joseph Berkheimer as a driver. Field trips were approved, and various personnel matters were addressed, including employment, substitutes, tenure, supplemental positions, extracurricular positions, conferences, educational leave, and leave requests. The administration was authorized to fill vacancies, and policy revisions related to academic standards, curriculum, extracurricular activities, athletics, and diabetes management were approved.