Scranton School District

The meeting commenced with recognizing student achievements, including a musical performance by student and staff members, and a tribute to a young man from Plaza. The Superintendent provided updates, announcing that the Scranton School District received a Certified Teacher Registered Apprentices in Pennsylvania grant in partnership with King's College to address teacher shortages. Key dates included winter Keystone exam testing, winter break from December 24th to January 2nd, with school resuming January 5th. Professional development activities focused on the science of reading for both elementary and secondary teachers, and curriculum writing committees are integrating new state standards across multiple subjects. Student representatives reported on winter sports team activities and community service efforts by various student clubs. The board also discussed PSBA updates, including a new no-cost member service for wireless coverage and scheduled workshops for board members.

The Board meeting included reports on a new teacher apprenticeship grant, winter exams, professional development, and student activities, including sports and holiday events. Key business included the approval of a 2026 General Fund Budget, the acquisition of property at 1509 Maple Street, and the appointment of a new Career Technology Center representative. Various operational motions were approved, such as contracts for generator services, parking lot lighting upgrades, and a new radio communication solution. Additionally, the board approved an MOU for a paid holiday, reviewed personnel reports, and awarded a copier and print services contract to Topp Business Solutions.

The meeting included executive sessions to discuss Personnel, Real Estate, Litigation, Negotiations, and Safety and Security matters. Key reports were delivered by the Solicitor, Attorney Larry Moran, and Superintendent Dr. Erin Keating. Recognitions included achievements by Brayden Von Ahnen and AEPP Clubs, as well as finalists and winners of the Lackawanna Drug & Alcohol Billboard Design Contest. The Interim CRO, Dr. Carol Saylor, provided a report, and student representatives Max Hoffner and Shristi Dhungel presented updates. The consent agenda involved the approval of numerous financial items (Bill Lists, Treasurer's Reports, Tax Reports) and various operational and educational approvals, such as curriculum and platform purchases (Pearson, Edmentum), the 2026-2027 Instructional Calendar, and policy first/second reads. Non-consent agenda items included motions regarding Special Education Settlements and capital improvements such as lights for the Scranton High School Auditorium and Athletic Field. Personnel actions involved approving the Personnel Report, a contract for the Chief of Human Resources and Labor Relations, a settlement agreement, and an MOU with Act 93. Vendor relations focused on purchasing software, scoreboards, advertising proposals, and appointing an architect on retainer.

This World History Curriculum Guide outlines a mandated course for seniors, surveying topics from the foundations of democracy to 20th-century global politics and conflicts. The curriculum encompasses political, economic, religious, social, intellectual, and artistic developments throughout history. It is designed to develop critical thinking, historical source analysis, and an appreciation for global issues. The course is structured into four quarters, covering units such as Foundations of Democracy, Medieval Empires, Renaissance, Reformation, Age of Exploration, Absolute Monarchies, Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution, Age of Revolutions, Nation States, Industrial Revolution, Imperialism and World Wars, and 20th Century Politics, Conflicts, and The World Today.

The meeting included a Work Session and subsequent Board Meeting activities. Key agenda items involved recognitions for the Lackawanna Drug & Alcohol Billboard Design Contest finalists and winners, Lady Knights Basketball achievements, and the West Intermediate Kindness Club. Reports were given from Student Representatives and various officers including the Solicitor, Superintendent, Interim CRO, and PSBA Director. Executive Sessions were held to discuss Personnel, Real Estate, Litigation, Negotiations, and Safety and Security matters. The Consent Agenda covered numerous items, such as approving an MOU with the University of Scranton for Quinn Field use, approving the Bill List, reports from the Treasurer, delinquent tax reports, several budgeted purchases, donations, permissions for meetings/conferences, amendments to the instructional calendar, budget approvals, policy reads, and agreements related to therapist services and driver lists. Non-Consent agenda items included discussions related to Athletics & Student Activities, Budget and Finance (including the sale of delinquent 2025 taxes), Community Relations, Education, Operations (with motions concerning building improvements like locker replacement, auditorium seats, science lab design, fire doors, playground surface, and gym floor mats, as well as engineering services for an expansion), Personnel, Policy, and Vendor Relations.