North East School District

Key discussions and actions during this regular meeting included the recognition of students achieving 'Road to Gold' honorees for January. A technology projects presentation outlined recommended expenditures for the 2026-2027 budget, covering website rollout, cybersecurity training, and infrastructure upgrades. The marching band director presented plans for a proposed trip to Walt Disney World, funded through student fundraising. The Superintendent's report covered a professional learning day, fundraising success at McTeacher Night, Gifted and Talented student projects involving local businesses, and updates on competitive team participation and student achievement recognition. The Board discussed the draft 2026-2029 Comprehensive Plan availability for public review. Board reports addressed the draft budgets for the Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit and Erie County Technical School (ECTS), including an increase in North East's share of the ECTS budget, and updates on the School Health Council's wellness policy review. Public participation addressed the marching band trip and staff changes. Significant business items approved included various General Fund, Food Service Fund, and Capital Projects Fund invoices; approval of the Capital Projects Report and Treasurer's Report for January 31, 2026; purchase of a new multi-purpose vehicle and a van via cooperative purchasing networks; approval of a parent/guardian transportation contract; approval of personnel actions including employment, retirement acceptance, resignation acceptance, leave of absence approvals, and employment of coaches and advisors for the current and upcoming school years; approval of student travel for a reward trip and staff travel for professional observation and training; and final approval of the Erie County Technical School's proposed General Fund Budget for 2026-2027.

The meeting involved several key agenda items and discussions. The Board recognized students for academic achievements, including NEHS and NEES Road to Gold honorees. Presentations covered the 2026-2027 technology capital projects budget, detailing recommended expenditures for laptops, Chromebooks, security cameras, and printers, along with a proposed Marching Band trip to Walt Disney World, funded primarily by student fundraising. The Superintendent's Report highlighted a productive professional learning day, successful community partnerships like McTeacher Night, student field trips focused on art, science, and entrepreneurship, and updates on the NEHS LifeSmarts team and PMEA District 2 Region Band qualifiers. The Board also received reports from the Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit regarding their draft budget and the Erie County Technical School (ECTS) budget, including discussions on North East's increased share and potential surplus funds. Key actions included the approval of the General Fund, Food Service Fund, and Capital Projects Fund invoices, approval of the Capital Projects and Treasurer's Reports for January 31, 2026, and the purchase of a Multi-Purpose Vehicle and a Van via cooperative purchasing networks. Personnel actions included the employment of a long-term substitute, acceptance of a retirement, acceptance of a resignation, approval of leaves of absence, additions to the substitute list, and employment/confirmation of several coaches and advisors for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. Student travel and staff travel items were also approved. The Board discussed the future budget timeline, including facility and comprehensive plan presentations, and approved the ECTS General Fund Budget for 2026-2027.

The committee meetings spanned several months, focusing primarily on reviewing and resolving reported safety incidents, including assaults on staff by students involving physical contact, falls, and workplace injuries. Key discussions included clarifying Workers' Compensation procedures for employees who initially decline coverage, following up on accident reports from previous months, and reviewing the annual safety committee training which transitioned to a shorter online format. The committee also distributed and reviewed the findings from the Annual Building Inspections across various school facilities, leading to work orders for necessary repairs such as securing exterior outlets, fixing door hardware, and addressing storage blocking egress routes. Furthermore, the committee discussed and tentatively approved the 2025-2026 meeting schedule, addressing adjustments needed for committee composition to ensure proper supervisory/non-supervisory balance following personnel changes.

Key discussions and action items for this meeting included staff recognition for various achievements, including a PA Certified School Business Specialist and student honorees. Presentations covered facilities projects and curriculum updates regarding the replacement of a Math Elective Course and the NEHS Program of Studies. Business items involved the approval of technology expenditures totaling $147,288.26 for the 2026-2027 school year and rescinding/re-approving the purchase of a 9-passenger van due to a vendor quote error, resulting in a higher approved cost. Personnel actions included accepting a retirement request, approving new substitutes, employing long-term substitutes, and approving a staff transfer. The Board also approved several financial and operational items, such as the Intermediate Unit #5 Budget contribution, athletic participation for the spring 2025-26 season, and applying for a Public School Facility Improvement grant for kitchen HVAC and emergency power upgrades at North East High School. Student travel requests for PMEA events were also reviewed.

The Facilities Committee reviewed and discussed proposed capital projects for Summer 2025, including general capital projects and related equipment purchases for 2025-2026. The committee also received an update on the status of previously board-approved capital projects ongoing in Spring/Summer 2025. Other topics included a review of food service fund equipment purchases, the status of the HHSDR feasibility study for the North East Elementary School and its impact on declining enrollment, and the status of the HHSDR feasibility study for athletics facilities (fieldhouse and stadium entrance). Finally, the committee discussed long-term capital projects scheduled for the five-to-ten-year range and financial matters pertaining to the general fund balance, capital projects fund balance, and existing debt service.