New Kensington Arnold School District

This document outlines the New Kensington-Arnold School District's Future Ready Comprehensive Planning process, developed collaboratively by a team of diverse stakeholders. It identifies key themes such as addressing the entire school community, fostering high expectations, providing diverse opportunities, and ensuring continuous improvement and growth. The plan is guided by core beliefs, including student-centered learning, teamwork and collaboration, continuous student assessment and support, individualized education, critical and creative thinking, data-driven decisions, and strategic talent development, all intended to transform the District into a high-achieving institution.

The board discussed and addressed several key agenda items including the approval of financial motions such as payroll, bills, and treasurer reports, and the exoneration of school taxes for properties owned by the city. Action was taken to appoint a food service management company, renew email security and subscription platforms, and approve an agreement for the payment of officials. Furthermore, the board authorized bidding for a swimming pool filtration system, tree removal at an elementary school, and handled various personnel actions including resignations, retirements, hirings, and internal appointments. Additionally, the board approved an amendment to the school calendar, modifications to custodial positions, the implementation of extended school year programs, and the renewal of professional organization memberships and service agreements.

The Board addressed several personnel actions, including resignations, retirements, and new appointments. Key approvals included the signing of a petition to the House of Representatives regarding House Bill 41, the establishment of an Intramural Program at Roy A. Hunt Elementary, and financial actions such as payroll authorization and bill payments. The Board also approved the exoneration of school taxes for city-owned properties, the renewal of food service and email security contracts, and an agreement for the payment of athletic officials. Furthermore, the meeting covered construction and maintenance items, such as the advertisement of bids for a pool filtration system and tree removal, as well as modifications to the school calendar and the creation or elimination of custodial positions.

The Board approved a Public-School Facility Improvement grant for a boiler replacement project, including the commitment of local matching funds. Additionally, the Board authorized the replacement of server room battery backup units, accepted a GASB 75 valuation services proposal, and authorized the advertisement of bids for domestic hot water boilers and a new stadium sound system. Personnel actions included the acceptance of resignations, appointments to open positions, the approval of summer school and extended school year staff, the awarding of supplemental contracts, and the appointment of volunteers. The Board also approved the hiring of special counsel for special education matters, the renewal of an agreement with The Children's Institute, and a crisis intervention proposal from the Crisis Prevention Institute. Finally, approval was granted for staff attendance at an educational conference.

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.