Southern Columbia Area School District

The committee meeting covered the facility usage fee schedule, specifically addressing the criteria for when rental fees should be charged for boosters versus outside for-profit organizations. The committee reached a consensus that organizations benefiting school programs or boosters may be exempt from facility rental fees, provided that appropriate service and custodial costs are covered, particularly for events held on weekends. The meeting also included a curriculum update regarding cyber school enrollment numbers and a progress report on Career and Technical Education (CTE) student assessments and credentialing.

The board discussed and approved transportation agreements with Bond Transportation and Fishing Creek Transportation. The facility discussion included the need for additional storage, with a proposed purchase of a storage container to address space constraints for athletics, music, and drama programs. Additionally, the board considered the selection of stain over paint for the new gymnasium floor, noting its increased durability and aesthetic quality despite the higher cost.

The board meeting included two main sessions: an activities meeting and a curriculum directors meeting. Key discussion topics during the activities meeting focused on the status of junior high field hockey and potential strategies to sustain the program, along with a proposal to explore a co-op arrangement with Bloomsburg High School for the competition cheer team due to low participation numbers. The curriculum directors meeting featured updates on the cyber program, CTE industry credentials, and upcoming field trips. Additionally, the board reviewed comprehensive survey findings gathered from community members, faculty, and students regarding academic needs, with a significant emphasis on expanding healthcare-related CTE offerings, enhancing real-world and hands-on learning opportunities, and addressing student motivation, study habits, and cell phone policies.

The board discussed several items, including the approval of a new school psychologist, addressing bus safety and road condition concerns raised by township supervisors, planning for summer facility projects involving painting and landscaping, and the replacement of a damaged batting cage and its equipment. Additionally, the board considered participating in a federal grant application for a waterline project intended to extend public water to the school.

The board meetings covered various operational and educational topics. The Activities Committee discussed the potential for a co-op program in competitive cheer with Bloomsburg High School, recapped successful winter sports seasons, and planned for resurfacing the gym floor, including the addition of volleyball court lines. Additionally, the committee addressed the need for appropriate fan conduct at athletic events and expressed support for establishing a new golf program. The Curriculum Committee provided updates on the co-op education program, reviewed the district's cursive writing instructional model, and reported on the elective showcase and academic planning sessions for students transitioning to high school.