Rockwood Area School District

The board meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. These included approving policy number 819 regarding suicide awareness, prevention, and response, and discontinuing a guaranteed energy savings project with Johnson Controls. Approvals were also granted for the transportation driver list, a contract with KSL Group, an agreement with The Learning Lamp for Title I services, and an engagement agreement with The Reschini Group for Affordable Care Act compliance. Furthermore, the board addressed athletic schedules, the purchase of online software, and the disposal of district football equipment. Additional approvals were given for the Monsanto Grant, the district substitute teacher list, tenure status for individuals, employment of staff, and various coaching positions. Conference and field trip requests were approved, as well as requests for the use of school facilities and club activities. The Superintendent's Report covered topics such as the Raise.Me scholarship program, the auditorium project's completion, desk shipments, the new board room table, fall sports participation, PSSA scores, a cafeteria roof leak, and senior students attending the 9/11 Memorial dedication. Finally, the board approved a non-resident tuition waiver for an employee's student.

The board meeting included recognition of students of the month and public comments addressing the 2025 PAYS Survey, concerns about the district's volleyball program, and gratitude for the Board's support of the Student Exchange Program. New business included the election of a Treasurer and Secretary, appointment of an Assistant Board Secretary, acceptance of a property tax reduction allocation, adoption of the proposed final budget, and approval of various agreements and quotes for educational services, plumbing, cooperative programs, and membership renewals. The board also discussed facility upgrades, cooperative discussions with other school districts, and improvements to the athletic field. Updates were provided on athletic physicals, coaching vacancies, and upcoming graduation ceremonies.

The meeting addressed revisions to the Teacher Effectiveness Evaluation and Observation Plan and Procedures. The board approved a contract with Bedford-Somerset MH/MR for the 2014-2015 school year and an offer to purchase property at private sale. They accepted the retirement of Tim Vought and voted to employ several instructional aides and an administrative secretary, pending paperwork completion. Multiple conference and school facility use requests were approved. The superintendent provided updates on coaching vacancies, low junior high soccer numbers, and nutritional changes to the food service program. The board voted to eliminate the junior varsity football program and the strength and conditioning program due to lack of participation. They also discussed the future of the vocational agriculture program and voted to move Mary Gosnell to a 12-month position.

The board addressed the future of the football program, deciding to cancel junior high and junior varsity games for the 2014-2015 school year and pursue a cooperative sports agreement with Somerset Area School District. They approved transportation drivers and substitutes, agreements with Clapper Educational Consulting, Champion Christian School, and The Meadows Universal Community Behavior Health. The board also approved Rockwood students running cross-country independently with Somerset Area School District, the elementary reading and mathematics curriculum, and athletic schedules. Additionally, they accepted the quote from ASCC for the PA system replacement. Personnel matters included accepting resignations, approving coaches and mentor teachers, and appointing curriculum coordinators and chairpersons. The superintendent reported on lining the athletic field, the PA system installation, kindergarten class size, roof completion, and a letter from the ministerium regarding scheduling events on Sunday mornings.

The board addressed revisions to the Health and Safety Reopening Plan, including mask mandates on public transportation and reporting of COVID-19 cases. They approved a study of exhaust/ventilation systems and the first reading of new and revised policies related to social media, electronic signatures, trauma-informed approaches, threat assessment, weapons, hazing, bullying, dating violence, and emergency preparedness. Additional approvals included a junior high baseball and softball program proposal, transportation rates and routes, agreements for Title I services with Ignite Education Solutions, a Memorandum of Understanding with Community Action Partnership/Tableland, and various contracts and agreements for services and resources. The board also discussed the phone system, the search for an athletic trainer, restroom and locker room renovations, air handler replacements, the need for foster families, and a rate increase from Harbaugh Trucking, Inc. The board voted against participating in vaccination clinics and COVID testing on school premises.