Montoursville Area School District

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and acknowledgment of Veterans Day. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the presentation regarding the adoption of a parameters resolution for the issuance of $18 million in non-electoral indebtedness (General Obligation Bond Series of 2026) under the Pennsylvania Local Government Unit Debt Act. Discussion covered placeholders for debt issuance parameters, such as the anticipated amount of $7.5 million for the Lighter project, and the timeline for pricing the bonds, which was expected to lock in the rate between mid-December and mid-January. The finance section also included the approval of Treasurer's reports for the general fund, cafeteria fund, and school activity accounts ending October 31st, followed by the approval of invoices for the general fund and cafeteria fund ending November 11th. A detailed query was raised and addressed concerning a large payment to Robert Mides for marching band instruments, clarifying that the purchase included drums, cases, and harnesses, with partial funding coming from foundation grants. The Superintendent's report included updates on the transition period for the new Superintendent replacement, finalization of fixed assets for auditors, verification of student rosters for transportation, and the plan to reintroduce professional recognition on a quarterly basis, beginning with special education staff.

The organizational meeting included the election of a temporary president and the reading of certificates of election for re-elected members. Nominations and elections were held for the offices of President and Vice President. The board confirmed committee assignments. The Sun-Gazette was approved as the designated newspaper. The meeting place, time, and dates for regular monthly board meetings and work session meetings during the calendar year 2026 were approved.

The meeting included a student representative presentation. The Business Manager's Report included the approval of the General Fund and Cafeteria Treasurer's Report and the presentation of bills. The business office is starting the preparation of the budget. Details were shared on testing, the food drive, the Polar Plunge, the musical, parent/teacher conferences, dual enrollment, and e-hall passes. The board approved an agreement for a comprehensive reevaluation, authorized the solicitor to execute a stipulation of settlement regarding a tax assessment appeal, and approved field trip requests. Approvals were also given for the use of facilities. Additions were made to the substitute teacher list, and approvals were granted for a long-term substitute assignment, FMLA leave, a resignation from the coaching staff, maternity leave, and additions to extracurricular activity and extra duty positions. Committee reports included discussions on future work session items, such as turf for the baseball field and the Indian Park Complex, and a sports update.

The meeting included a presentation on a bond resolution, covering its parameters and potential for future refinancing. The board discussed and approved a resolution authorizing the incurrence of non-electoral indebtedness through the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, series of 2026. They also approved the General Fund and Cafeteria Treasurer's Report and the presentation of bills. Updates were provided on various school activities, including testing processes for special needs students, financial aid opportunities, Veterans programs, book fairs, fundraisers, and parent-teacher conferences. The board approved the nomination and election of Jessica Reich as school board secretary and a resolution to limit the 2026-2027 real estate tax increase. Field trip requests and an agreement with ECTS for filing 2026 E-Rate documentation were also approved. Additions were made to the Substitute Teacher and Substitute Building Security list, and a request for tuition waiver for an employee's children was approved. Committee reports covered PSBA, policy, IU, LCTC, Memorial Gardens, budget, Montoursville Foundation, building and grounds, extra-curricular activities, safety and security, and wellness.

The board discussed a supplemental addition to the agenda for personnel matters. Public comments included mentions of a Laurel Queen from Murville and compliments for the Tennessee drum and bugle corps. The business manager's report covered the treasurer's reports, invoices for the general fund and cafeteria fund, bus routes, and school bus safety. Superintendent reports included updates on staffing, student enrollment, and upcoming training. The board also reviewed and approved general agenda items, personnel matters, and the school bus driver list. Committee reports were given, including updates on construction bids and enrollment at LCTC.