Pottsville Area School District

The meeting commenced with amendments to the agenda to include the resignation of the School Board of Directors President, Linda Wytovich, and to authorize advertising the resulting vacancy. The Board reviewed public comment procedures and then proceeded with the election of temporary officers. Following the reading of relevant School Code sections, the Certificates of Election for the newly elected directors were accepted, and the Oath of Office was administered. Key actions included the election of Harry Ciavarella as President and Robert Thomas as Vice President for the 2025 calendar year. The Board approved the schedule for regular Board meetings for 2026 and authorized advertising for board meetings and vacancies. Approval was granted for the resignation of President Wytovich and to advertise the vacancy. Financial reports were postponed until the next meeting, but permission was granted to advertise for bids for the high school cafeteria renovation. The Board also approved a Discipline Waiver and ratified the Superintendent's pre-approval of credit hours for two professional employees. The Finance Committee recommended and the Board approved a resolution authorizing the Superintendent to sign electronic contracts with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Updates were given regarding public relations items, including congratulations to a scholar athlete and thanks for presentations on cyberbullying and charity match attendance. An executive session was held to discuss legal matters.

Key discussions included Superintendent reports covering staff credit approvals, salary adjustments, and an affiliation agreement with Susquehanna University. In Athletics, a youth soccer organization requested a conversation regarding a feeder program. The Facilities and Grounds agenda involved recommendations to approve a Professional Services Agreement with Sitelogiq for facility assessments, quotes for a milk cooler at JSC Elementary, and an amendment to extend the fuel services contract. Permission to advertise for the Steidle Field Rock Scaling and Removal Project was recommended, alongside informational updates on elevators, solar panels, and the five-year facilities plan. Finance items included approving payments for accounting services for tax collectors for the second half of 2024, approval of the tax collectors audit for the same period, securing a lease for a mail center, approving mandatory staff training agreements starting in 2026, and authorizing a temporary transfer of funds from the PSDLAF account to the General Fund. The Technology report indicated that an RFP for E-Rate equipment would be requested at the next meeting. Finally, the Board approved two $500.00 donations to the Girls and Boys Basketball Programs from Bob Weaver Chevrolet GMC.

The Board approved various financial reports and budgetary items, including treasurer's reports and fund allocations. Committee reports resulted in several key actions: the approval of athletic coaching staff, numerous personnel ratifications regarding custodial and teaching staff, tenure awards, and FMLA requests. Facilities and grounds initiatives were authorized, including HVAC service agreements, asbestos inspections, and kitchen equipment replacements. Furthermore, the Board approved technology infrastructure upgrades, including network cabling and wireless access point installations, as well as the adoption of new curriculum platforms and revised district policies.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the Financial Reports, which detailed fund balances as of January 30, 2026. The Board was recommended to approve several Discipline Waivers. The Athletics and Extracurricular Activities Committee recommended accepting resignations, approving new coaching appointments with stipends, and approving contracts for a digital scoreboard and NFHS renewal. The Facilities and Grounds Committee recommended approving a resolution to pursue a Public School Facility Improvement Grant, advertising an RFP for an Enrollment and Educational Space Study, and seeking bids for track resurfacing and backstop upgrades. The Personnel Committee addressed several actions, including correcting an hourly rate, ratifying new hires and resignations, approving seasonal specialist appointments, accepting retirements, approving salary adjustments and credit course reimbursements, and approving an addendum to an agreement with ESS Northeast, LLC. The Finance Committee recommended approving a Special Education Service Agreement, filing Act 80 paperwork, approving an agreement for actuarial services, and approving a settlement agreement regarding back taxes on a property. Additionally, the Board reviewed upcoming events, approved the 2025-2026 school calendar revision and the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 calendars, and awarded a permanent contract to one professional employee. The Policy and Procedure Committee presented the first reading of three revised Finance policies.

This comprehensive plan outlines the district's roadmap for guiding students to discover possibilities, uncover potential, and develop purpose. Key priorities include implementing consistent data benchmarking practices to monitor student progress and provide targeted instructional supports, establishing a cohesive evidence-based Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to address complex student needs and foundational skill gaps, and utilizing student performance data to ensure equitable access to rigorous learning and improved outcomes. The plan also focuses on renovating and updating aging facilities to create safe and appropriate learning environments, and reviewing and revamping instructional standards and pacing for K-12 mathematics courses.