Solanco School District

The meeting commenced with roll call and the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. The primary agenda involved recognizing several outstanding students as Students of the Month from various schools including Bart Cring Parish, Claremont, Province Elementary, and Coreyville, highlighting their academic achievements, leadership, kindness, and positive attitudes. The proceedings also included recognition for athletic achievements, specifically district qualifiers for the cross country team and the football team, acknowledging their dedication and commitment throughout the season. The transition between segments involved detailed logistical explanations regarding student recognition procedures, including presentations of portfolios containing certificates and gift certificates.

The board meeting included the approval of previous board minutes and a review of financial reports for the general fund, capital project fund, and cafeteria fund for the month of January. Key business items involved recommending approval for several agreements: the Messiah University and Wilks University affiliation agreements concerning school counseling experiences and leadership programs, the GasB75 valuation and related services agreement for healthcare services projections, the architect services agreement with Dillow Architects for the high school restroom renovation, and two IDEA funds use agreements (Section 619 and Part B) for special education services. Additionally, the board approved seeking bids for the high school restroom renovation and the Providence Elementary School paving project. A significant discussion focused on the 2026-2027 school calendar, which proposes an earlier start date of Tuesday, August 25th, to align with other districts and address CTC student scheduling issues. Changes to weather makeup days, moving the traditional October day to February and shifting the MLK Day inservice day to Easter Monday, were also detailed.

The meeting included roll call and the pledge of allegiance, with presentations postponed due to weather. Key financial discussions involved the approval of the General Fund report, Capital Project Fund report, and Cafeteria Fund report for December, noting reductions in the General and Capital Project funds and an increase in the Cafeteria fund. The Board approved Athletic and Student Activity reports. Policy discussions included the second reading of Policy 218.1 regarding weapons and updates to Policy 204 concerning attendance, incorporating changes from the omnibus bill. The proposed 2026-2027 CTC budget was reviewed, showing a 5% overall increase, driven primarily by wages and benefits. The Board also reviewed the administration of the new BART Township Alumni Association Scholarship. The approval for a change order for the Smith Middle School dust collector was tabled pending clarification on a 10% markup detail, while approval was granted for an enhancement to the Smith Middle School ballistic glass to improve communication clarity. Finally, an update was provided regarding an additional $30,000 fee for engineering services on the district administration office building project.

The board meeting included a presentation segment recognizing students of the month from various schools, including Chelsea Crow from Claremont, Lucas Stevens from Coryville Elementary, Scarlet Rice from Barkle Rain, and others who were recognized or had excused absences. The meeting also featured a presentation by a representative of the Lancaster County School Retirees Association regarding grant awards totaling $2,210 to teachers for classroom supplies and educational projects, such as one focused on financial literacy and employability and another on purchasing award-winning books. The representative also discussed retiree workshops and scholarship opportunities offered by the association.

The agenda for the meeting includes addressing current district focuses such as growth impact on facilities, maintaining financial stability, and developing the K-12 academic program. There will be a presentation regarding a new Autistic Support Classroom at Solanco High School. Business items focus heavily on finance, including approval requests for various fund reports (General Fund, Capital Project Fund, Cafeteria, Athletic/Student Activity Reports), approval of the second reading for policies regarding Weapons and Attendance, and approval of the 2026-2027 proposed CTC budget. Motions include approving the administration of the Bart Township Alumni Association Scholarship and approving change orders for dust collectors and ballistic glass communicators at Smith MS, alongside approving updated engineering fee proposals and an alarm system proposal. The personnel section details resignations, new employments, retirements, changes of status, and changes of assignment. The board will also review committee reports and potentially enter Executive Session to discuss student discipline and approve a Judiciary Waiver related to student discipline.