New Kensington Arnold School District

The General Board Meeting addressed several key areas, including personnel appointments for open positions and supplemental contracts for the 2026-2027 school year, as well as appointments for Summer School professionals and extended year contracts. Committee reports covered the Education Committee's discussion on English as a Second Language programming and realignment initiatives, Building and Grounds updates concerning facility repairs (gym divider, auditorium doors, bridge railings) and snow storm response, and the Finance Committee's review of the proposed 26-27 budget following the Act 1 resolution regarding tax increases. The Board approved Policy 627 (Procurement Plan for School Food Authorities), adopted a French Curtailment Plan/Creation of In-House English Learners Programming, and approved service agreements, including an MOU with Northern Westmoreland CTC for shared security staff and an MOU with Good Samaritan Hospice for bereavement support. The Board also approved the creation of a Flag Football Program for a trial season and approved the annual school picnic date. Discussions included consideration for hiring an HR Consultant and updates on significant athletic events and camps.

The meeting agenda covered committee reports from Education, Building and Grounds, Personnel, Finance, Policy, Community Liaison, WIU Representative, Vo-Tech Representative, Athletic Committee, and a Board Secretary Update. Key financial motions involved authorizing the payment of the March 2026 payroll and February 2026 bills, accepting various financial reports including student activity and treasurer reports, approving sales from the Unsold Property Repository, and approving budget transfers for February 2026. Significant action items included approving a request for a Public-School Facility Improvement grant for a Boiler Replacement Project, authorizing the commitment of local matching funds for the same project, authorizing the replacement of server room battery backup units, accepting a proposal for GASB 75 valuation services, authorizing the advertisement of bids for new hot water boilers and a sound system. Personnel actions included accepting resignations, approving new hires, appointing personnel to open positions, amending a prior board motion regarding a Special Education Teacher, appointing and compensating Summer School Professional Employees, awarding supplemental contracts for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, approving staff for Temporary Extended School Year Positions, approving attendance at a conference, approving legal counsel for Special Education matters, renewing an agreement with The Children's Institute, and approving a proposal for Crisis Prevention Institute training. Finally, appointments to the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit Board were scheduled for different terms.

Key discussions and actions during this board meeting included the adoption of the agenda and the appointment of new personnel, specifically naming Breanna Eckenrode as a Special Education Teacher and Amy Gouza as a Food Prep Server. The board received reports from various committees covering Education, Finance, Personnel, and Policy. Financial motions involved authorizing payroll and bill payments, accepting financial reports for December 2025/January 2026, and approving budget transfers for January 2026. Further actions included awarding supplemental coaching and support contracts for the 2026-2027 school year, appointing and compensating summer school professional employees, and awarding extended year contracts for professional staff. The board also addressed governance by adopting PSBA Principles of Governance and Leadership and approving the final reading of Policy 627 regarding the Procurement Plan for School Food Authorities. The adoption of the French Curtailment Plan/Creation of In-House English Learners Programming was approved. Operational decisions included approving a Memorandum of Understanding with NWCTC for a Director of Safety and Security, approving attendance at professional conferences, appointing members to the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit Board, approving an agreement with Good Samaritan Hospice for bereavement services, approving the creation of a Flag Football Program, and approving the annual School Picnic at Kennywood.

The General Board Meeting covered several administrative actions, including the adoption of the agenda and the appointment of Committee Chairpersons for 2026 across various domains such as Education, Finance, and Personnel. The Superintendent provided updates recognizing student achievements in a regional poster contest and DECA competitions, as well as a local television appearance. Key financial actions included approving payroll, bills, and the Treasurer's report, alongside the renewal of the Gaggle safety software contract for three years. The board authorized the purchase of a new storage array and approved the creation of two new staff positions: an Autistic Support Classroom Aide and a Speech and Language Pathologist. Supplemental contracts for coaching and departmental chair positions were awarded, and approvals were granted for Family Medical Leave and Unpaid Leave requests. Policy updates included the first reading of three draft policies, notably updating the compulsory attendance age to 18, and the final reading approval of Policy 805.1 concerning Relations With Law Enforcement Agencies. Tuition rates for the Clairview Program were adjusted, and agreements were approved with Maxim for healthcare staffing and Barksdale Group for school portraits. Finally, approval was given for the use of the wrestling room by the Dane-Ger Wrestling Club, and a list of broken or unusable items for disposal was approved. Board considerations included an update on a recent loss, a proposal to explore a K-1 to grade 6 realignment for district buildings, recognition of auditorium upgrades, and planning for a subsequent board retreat.

The General School Board Meeting addressed several administrative and operational items. An Executive Session was held for matters concerning personnel, safety, and negotiations. Key discussions included the adoption of the agenda and reports from various committees such as Education, Finance, and Personnel. Major motions involved approving financial matters, including the payment of payroll and bills, and accepting the Treasurer's Report for November/December 2025. The board also considered authorizing the purchase of a maintenance vehicle, advertising for floor cleaning and waxing equipment, and certifying that property tax increases for the 2026-2027 fiscal year will remain within the State Act 1 Index limits. Furthermore, the board addressed personnel actions, including accepting resignations, approving new hires and appointments to open positions, and approving Family Medical Leave. Other actions included ratifying a five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the New Kensington-Arnold Education Association, appointing a member to the WIU Board, approving first and final readings of several Board Policies, and approving items for disposal.