Littlestown Area School District

The meeting commenced with procedural formalities and a period for public comment, where concerns were raised regarding Policy 9003 concerning public speaking restrictions, citing potential violations of First Amendment rights and the Sunshine Act. The main discussion focused on presentations and reviews related to curriculum, co-curriculum, and policy, specifically concerning science resources. Presenters reviewed pilot program feedback for Mystery Science, detailing overwhelmingly positive student survey results regarding engagement, enjoyment, and understanding of science concepts. The presentation highlighted how the curriculum aligns with new science standards (STEELS), supports critical thinking skills like observation and evidence-based reasoning, and offers strong cross-curricular connections, particularly with math. The goal of the review was to determine the next steps for adopting the Mystery Science curriculum across grades K-5.

The meeting included student representative reports and building principal reports covering topics such as Winter Keystones, Xtra Math, iReady diagnostics, and music concert planning. The Thunderbolt Foundation Report emphasized advocacy, the success of the Care Closet, and the availability of teacher/student grants. Public comment included concerns regarding board conduct and the district's long-term financial trajectory due to rising costs, as well as issues related to district enrollment, cyber schooling, and allegations of cyberbullying. The Finance & Budget Committee Report addressed the PA Leadership Charter School settlement, facility requests, the 2026-2027 LIU General Operating Budget, an Operations and Maintenance Agreement with Stormwater Management, an increase in LPN starting wages to $25.00/hr, approval of capital projects, and review of donations and invoice payments. Discussions during the finance segment included solicitor fees and compliance. The Curriculum, Co-Curriculum, & Policy Committee Report involved the first reading of several policies (Tobacco and Vaping Products, Controlled Substance Abuse, Tuition Income, etc.) and the final reading/approval of other policies (Academic Standards, Discrimination/Harassment, etc.) and the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar. Additional reports covered ACTI financial updates and the Superintendent search process. New Business included discussion about the pending lawsuit involving Ms. Susanne Johnson and solicitor reports.

The Regular Board Meeting included actions taken under Finance, Property, & Supplies, which involved approving a Transportation Agreement, the 2026-2027 YAA Operational Budget, authorizing the advertisement for bidding on Baseball/Softball improvements, approving the Spring Musical event, and accepting an anonymous donation. Payments for various funds (General, Cafeteria, Student Activity, Capital Projects) were also approved. The Personnel Report covered approvals for the Board Secretary Job Description and the appointment of Thomas Showvaker to that role. Several staff hires for coaching and instructional roles were approved, alongside the acceptance of staff resignations/retirements. Approvals were also given for volunteers, a Contracted Driver, 2026 Spring Coaches, and several overnight or out-of-state trips for conferences and academic purposes. Under Curriculum, Co-Curriculum, and Policy, approvals were granted for ELA Pilot Resources and the Littlestown Area School District Branding Guide. The final reading of several policies and procedures, including those related to Tobacco and Vaping Products, Controlled Substance Abuse, Tuition Income, and Travel Reimbursement, was also approved.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting covered General Business, including student representative reports, an FBLA State Officer Report, and Building Principal Updates. The Finance, Property, & Supply Committee Report included recommendations for approval of a Transportation Agreement for an LASD student, the 2026-2027 YAA Operational Budget, advertising for Baseball/Softball Improvements for bidding, approval for the Spring Musical date, and several donations. The committee also addressed the payment of various invoices and a review of the Treasurer's Reports. The Personnel Report sought approval for the Board Secretary Job description and the appointment of the secretary, several new staff hires (including coaches and a technology instructional coach), resignations/retirements, volunteers, contracted drivers, and approval for several overnight and out-of-state trips. The Curriculum, Co-Curriculum, & Policy Committee Report included recommendations for approval of ELA Pilot Resources and the District Branding Guide, as well as the final reading of several Board Policies/Procedures.

The meeting covered several administrative and financial matters. Key discussions included student representative reports, recognition of November Students of the Month and ACTI Students of the Quarter, and reports from building principals on assessment data and local achievements. A public comment addressed board conduct, communication, and financial matters, including acknowledgment of the Holiday Caring and Sharing initiative. The Thunderbolt Foundation Report emphasized the impact of board conduct on future Superintendent recruitment. Major business involved approving minutes from various previous meetings (excluding the one in progress). Financial decisions included the approval to purchase a Logitech Camera System for livestreaming, approval of a CoStars Contract with Lobar, acceptance of donations, a transfer of $475,000 from the General Fund to Capital Reserve, approval for 2026-2027 Capital Projects Part 2, and approval for various invoice payments. Discussions arose regarding General Fund allocation for ambulance coverage for football games. Personnel matters, including hires, transfers, resignations, and trips, were handled in Executive Session. Curriculum discussions involved approving a pilot resource for Elementary Science (STEELS) and approving changes to Course Selection Guides for MAMS/LHS, along with noting the first reading of several policies. Additional reports included appointments for the Adams County Technical Institute (ACTI) Representative and Alternate. The Superintendent provided updates on Cyber Charter reform. In New Business, updates on Sunshine Act revisions were given, and questions were raised regarding enrollment trends, electric bill usage related to construction lighting, and the allocation of ACTI funds between land purchase and program contributions.