Shamokin Area School District

The association's annual meeting included the announcement and presentation of scholarship winners for the graduating class, with financial awards ranging from $3,000 to $6,000. Key discussions involved reports on school academics, athletics, and the success of the Cooperative Education Program. New association officers were ratified for the upcoming term, and committee members were appointed. The meeting also addressed association finances, including the review of various scholarship funds, memorial funds, and general fund contributions, and introduced new initiatives such as an electronic payment system and additional award categories for alumni recognition.

The rescheduled monthly board meeting covered introductions of new teachers and recognition of the September Students of the Month. Key actions included accepting the Treasurer's Report for September 2025 and authorizing payment of September bills, with a recorded dissent regarding a specific health insurance payment. The board acknowledged numerous student and staff accomplishments, including student council officers. A first reading was held for several new and revised policies and administrative regulations. The board passed a resolution to retain the law firm of Marc J. Bern & Partners, LLP, to represent the district against social media companies to recover costs associated with the social media crisis. Another resolution urged the Pennsylvania General Assembly to immediately pass a complete and responsible state budget to end the 2025-2026 fiscal year impasse. Approvals were granted for various agreements and contracts, including services for mass mailing, health/welfare benefits consulting, and database access for residency verification. The board approved advertising for proposals for a replacement dishwasher and approved a request for Real Estate Tax exemption for a disabled veteran. Personnel actions included accepting resignations, approving medical leave, appointing a tutor, ratifying sports coach appointments, adding personnel to security and substitute lists, and approving positions to be posted.

The Finance Committee meeting covered old business topics, including an update on the budget impasse concerning TRAN and Charter Cyber invoices, as well as other outstanding invoices. New business items discussed the use of facilities, including policy and guidelines, a fund raising report, administration pay including the current 25-26 school year salary listing, the athletics salary scale, and the compensation plan which included a board handout proposal, comp time procedures, and frequently asked questions.

The annual reorganization meeting involved the election of the President Pro-Tem, Attorney Frank Garrigan. New and incumbent board members were welcomed, and a motion was passed to reappoint current officers to their positions for a one-year term. The schedule for regular public meetings for 2026 was established, setting them for the third Tuesday of designated months at 7:30 p.m. Permission was granted to use facsimile signatures for the Board President, Secretary, and Treasurer, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Uniform Facsimile Signature of Public Officials Act. The Board also moved to advertise for proposals or bids for baseball and softball infield renovations, including addressing potential drainage issues for the softball field.

Key discussions during the meeting included acknowledgments of student and staff accomplishments for November and December, including thanking a retiring teacher, Mr. Styer. Financial matters addressed involved accepting the Treasurer's Report for November and December 2025, and authorizing the payment of bills for November and December 2025, with a division of votes regarding a specific health insurance payment. The Board revised the district's 2026 mileage reimbursement rate to $.725 per mile. Approvals were granted for several contracts and agreements, including the standard counsel services agreement, Act 80 Comparison Services, and a retroactive agreement with Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit. The Board also approved the Shamokin Area School District Police Department's handbook of Policies and Procedures. Furthermore, the Board approved depositing a significant refund from the Northumberland County Career and Technical Center into the Capital Reserve. Personnel actions included accepting several retirements and resignations, approving medical leave requests, appointing a new School Police Officer, two part-time Personal Care Assistants (with subsequent termination of one), and various substitutes and event security personnel. The Board also re-ratified a three-year agreement with AFSCME Local 2434 and accepted the resignation of a board member from the NCC&TC Operating Board, followed by the nomination of a replacement.