McKeesport Area School District

The meeting began with reports, including honoring several high-achieving students across various grades for academic excellence and participation in sports, arts, and clubs. The solicitor's report included a motion to amend the agenda to add a student discipline resolution. Committee reports covered athletic matters such as a no-cost baseball trip to Cooperstown and updates on grants; safe schools and grounds, noting the completion of security camera system migration and ongoing facility projects like stadium turf replacement; and CTE/Community Relations, detailing CTE program updates, community outreach events, and emphasis on mental health initiatives. The Education/Legislation/Policy committee reviewed mid-year assessment data, discussed scheduling for the 2026-2027 school year, expanded dual credit opportunities with CCAC, and the potential addition of cursive writing instruction. Finance discussions included an update on the food service RFP, a PowerSchool update, receipt of a $5.8 million Ready to Learn grant, and a Keystone update. Board actions involved approving multiple agenda items by consent, including the minutes for the February meetings, the 2026-2027 School Calendar, and the PSSA/Keystone schedules. Several policies were adopted on second reading, including those related to attendance, graduation, weapons, and finances. Under Curriculum/Special Education, actions included approving the 2026-2027 AIU Program of Services Budget, agreements with CCAC and PennWest University for dual enrollment/student teaching, approval of Comprehensive Plans for the district and technology center, and an extension for Special Education consultation services. Facilities and Finance actions included approvals for transportation drivers, facility requests, a baseball field trip, attendance at the PMEA State Conference, rescinding and re-approving the purchase of Opengate units, and approving fire alarm system repairs. Financial actions also included acknowledging the February 2025 Treasurer's Report, approving bills, approving a resolution for Grant Matching Funds, accepting the 2025 audit report, and approving agreements and tax appeals. Finally, student discipline resolutions were approved, and personnel actions included approving recommendations, appointing a substitute Athletic Trainer, and appointing a new Treasurer.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss personnel or potential litigation items. Key discussions during the regular session involved a comprehensive wrap-up of the 2023-2024 school year, highlighting themes like 'perspective mindset and tenacity' and 'tiger mentality.' New initiatives introduced included the Village Project collaboration, Champion (before and after care), and a bus status app for parents. The Superintendent detailed significant additions such as Anywhere Care for remote doctor consultations, a Student Safety Roundtable, and moving to a new security company, Kellington Protection Service. Achievements noted included Tiger Band's back-to-back Tournament of Bands state championships and various athletic successes. Academic performance reviews showed growth in ELA at the high school and significant gains in mathematics using Exact Path at the middle school level. Significant grant funding, including ESSER funds for mental health support, was reviewed. Committee reports covered capital projects such as parking lot paving and stadium lights, updates on the MAEA contract, and the presentation of the budget which avoided a tax increase for the year. The committee also discussed the future of the Special Education Coordinator position, which was eliminated, to be replaced by a Special Education specialist in each building. Furthermore, plans for the 2024-2025 year include implementing J Pouch devices in grades 6-12, expanding DGF services to Francis McClure Elementary, and initiating a three-year strategic plan.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss personnel, potential litigation, and related issues. Key agenda items included recognizing student achievements, such as the DARE graduation and student designs for new police vehicles, and announcing the appointment of the former superintendent as the superintendent for Hempfield Area School District. Committee reports covered several operational areas. The Athletic Committee noted the conclusion of spring sports, including the girls flag football team's first successful season and the boys 4x100 meter relay team qualifying for the PIAA state championships for the first time since 2007. The Buildings and Grounds Committee reported on high school restroom repairs and preparations for the auto body/mechanics shop for the upcoming school year. The Education Legislation and Policy Committee discussed curriculum materials to be purchased, including Amplify CK for teachers and students, and a new initiative with Penn State Greater Allegheny named the NIT Lion Leap for interested eighth graders. The Finance Grants Outside Funding Committee discussed delinquent real estate tax collections, capital projects, and equipment purchases. The Board took action on several financial matters, including approving the Treasurer's report for March 2024, bills, property tax refunds, and accepting a proposal for auditing services. Significant purchases approved were Yonder pouches for Founders Hall and the high school to reduce student distraction, a vent track tractor, and a Toro mower. Approval was also granted for Study Sync English secondary curriculum and Amplify Science curriculum, both funded by ESSER funds.

The event was the 2021-2022 National Technical Honor Society Induction Ceremony celebrating the academic achievements of technical students. Discussion points included the resiliency of students throughout the past year as the center moved away from mitigation efforts, the completion of program approval with the state, and the importance of skilled technicians in the current labor market. The ceremony included recognition of inductees across various programs, such as Building Construction, Commercial Advertising and Art, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, and Engineering, followed by the recitation of the pledge of membership which emphasized attributes like skill, honesty, service, responsibility, scholarship, citizenship, and leadership. Gratitude was extended to parents, district administration, and culinary students for meal preparation.

The event was the 27th D.A.R.E. Graduation ceremony, which aims to teach students to make responsible choices, stand up to bullying, and say no to drugs. The program included welcoming distinguished guests and recognizing the hard work of fifth-grade students over the preceding ten weeks. Recognition was given to organizers, teachers, and specifically Officer Marty for his dedication to the program. The bulk of the event consisted of announcing and recognizing the D.A.R.E. essay winners from Francis McClure and United schools across several classes.