Northwestern School District

This document outlines the academic and administrative schedule for the Northwestern School District for the 2026-2027 school year. It details student and teacher days, holidays, early dismissal dates, teacher in-service days, grading period end dates, and state testing schedules. The calendar includes specific dates for events such as Thanksgiving Break, Christmas Break, Memorial Day, and PSSA and Keystone testing.

The Northwestern School District's 2023-2026 Comprehensive Plan focuses on empowering students to become respectful, responsible, and successful citizens prepared for a global society. Key areas of focus include improving student academic performance, fostering a positive learning environment, and enhancing collaboration among students, staff, parents, and the community. The plan emphasizes data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement of instruction, strategic resource allocation, and the development of professional learning communities. Targeted outcomes include improved student attendance, academic growth, and overall success, as well as enhanced collaboration and communication among all stakeholders.

The Northwestern School District's strategic plan focuses on empowering students to achieve high academic standards, integrity, leadership, and citizenship. The plan emphasizes preparing students for 21st-century careers through a strong work ethic and diverse educational opportunities. Key areas of focus include improving curriculum alignment with state standards, enhancing instructional practices through differentiation and data-driven decision-making, providing comprehensive support services for struggling and gifted learners, and fostering a safe and supportive school environment. The plan also addresses resource optimization, community partnerships, and professional development to ensure effective teaching and student success.

The board meeting covered various topics including financial reports, reports from Erie County Technical School and Northwest Tri-County I.U. #5, the solicitor's report, and the superintendent's report. Discussions included policy approvals (second and first readings of several policies), 2016-2017 fall extracurricular recommendations, volunteer approvals, budget approvals (bills payable, IDEA Section 619 user of funds agreement, Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit budget, Erie County Technical School budget), food service contract renewal, exoneration of delinquent property taxes, fire department donations, textbook approval, addition of resource material, overnight conferences, overnight trips, approval of the 2016-2017 district calendar, a resolution of support for the Rural, Regional College of Northern Pennsylvania, mentor approvals, student adjudication, authorization requests for proposals for custodial contracts and guaranteed energy savings projects, and addendum items including the addition of a student to the graduating class and substitute approvals. A key discussion point involved the Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit budget, addressing concerns about staff and vehicle fleet sizes following a forensic audit.

The meeting covered various topics including reports on the financial status, student perspectives on positive school events, and updates from the solicitor and superintendent. Key decisions included personnel matters such as approving an FMLA request, accepting a resignation, and approving substitute teachers. The board also addressed policy approvals, extra-curricular recommendations, and building and grounds issues, including approving bids for masonry and wall panel repairs. Finally, the meeting included discussions and approvals regarding the disposal of library books and textbooks, the creation of an activity account for a student club, and the approval of a summer counseling program.