This marked the board's first in-person meeting after holding remote meetings the past several months. A limit of 25 people were allowed to attend, with each attendee being required to wear a mask and also have their temperature checked prior to entering.
The following items were discussed/approved during the meeting
Under Finance, the Final Budget for the 2020-2021 school year was approved. The budget included a 3% tax increase upping the millage from 2019-2020 budget from 42.34 mills to 43.65 mills. Tax payers are expected to see an average tax increase of $52.
The budget included $31,430,470 in total expenditures. The district was left with a $615,000 deficit after an unexpected loss of $125,000 in state funds which will be offset by not replacing one high school and two elementary teaching positions that were left vacant by retirees. Employees have also agreed to pay more towards health care premiums saving the district $75,000. The district also saved $135,000 through out of school student placements in alternative education programs.
In prepared statement by School Board President Charles Hepler stated:
"With the passing of this year's budget, this board and administration has worked diligently to reach a final number that was palatable in the current climate. In looking to carve out the deficit spending we had cooperation from the North Schuylkill Education Association, North Schuylkill Education Support Persons Association and the Adminstrative Staff who all agreed to contributing more for the health insurance benefits, we will also forgo filling three teaching positions due to retirements, and utilizing some monies from the general fund balance to close the gap. This became increasingly more difficult over the past few weeks with the State Budget Projections set for a five-month period and the use of flat funding with NO increase for 20-21 in state dollars."
The board motioned and approved the establishment of the current local taxes and real estate tax rates.
The board motioned and approved the dates for the Real Estate and Occupational Assessment Tax payments
The board motioned and approved the Seltzer Group as the Insurance Advisor to secure coverage for Property and Liability Insurance with Wright Specialty Insurance for the 2020-2021 school year
The board motioned and approved McGriff Insurance Services as the Insurance Advisor to secure coverage for Workers Compensation Insurance with UPMC Health Benefits, Inc. for the 2020-2021 school year
The board motioned and approved the designation of depositories for 2020-2021 school year
The board motioned and approved the Resolution approving a 2019 Note Modification Agreement Reducing the Interest Rate on the General Obligation Note
The board motioned and approved the Resolution Calling for the General Assembly to Provide Critical Support and Mandate Relief Benefitting Public Schools and Students Authorized the Board Secretary to submit PlanCon Park K: Project Refinancing Board Transmittal
The board motioned and approved the sale of repository properties in Girardville and Ashland.
The board motioned and approved an agreement with Permission Safe Inc. (DBA ZippSlip)
The board motioned and approved the addendum to Extend Agreement with ESS Northeast, LLC
Under Physical Facilities,
The board motioned and approved a Facility Use Application
Under Personnel,
The board motioned and approved Dr. Rob Thurich as the School Doctor for the 2020-2021 school year
The board motioned and approved Dr. Frank Blozousky as the School Dentist for the 2020-2021 school year
The board motioned and approved Ann Subick as a Homebound Teacher for the 2020-2021 school year
The board motioned and approved a childbearing/childbearing leave request for Marina Refi, Secondary Special Education Teacher
The board motioned and approved an MOU with the NSEA for a premium increase for the 2020-2021 school year Acknowledged the transfer/change of assignment for the following individuals for the 2020-2021 school year: Mary Lou Leibensperger, Erin Anderson, Matt Wislosky and Nancy Nestor
The board motioned and approved the issuance of permanent contracts for Taia Carpency, Amber McCabe, Kaitlin Mroczka and Pete Stanakis Approved an MOU with the NSESPA for a premium increase for the 2020-2021 school year
Curriculum & Instructional Programs
Board Member Susan O'Neill acknowledged the graduation of the Class of 2020
The board motioned and approved the adoption of textbooks Approved the revised 2019-2020 Title I Letter of Agreement with the IU 29
The board motioned and approved the changes to the National Honor Society Academic Requirements
The board motioned and approved the Comprehensive Plan – July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
The board acknowledged that the District will not be administering the Keystone Exams for the entire Spring 2019-2020 cohort
The board motioned and approved the Flexible Instructional Day Application for the 2020-2021 school year
The board motioned and approved the Intent to Participate Agreement with the Schuylkill IU 29 for the 2020-2021 Title III: Language Instruction for LEP and Immigrant Students
The board motioned and approved the Gifted Manual for the 2020-2021 school year
The board motioned and approved the Special Education Procedural Manual for the 2020-2021 school year
The board motioned and approved the Special Education Paraprofessional Guidelines and Procedures for the 2020-2021 school year
The board motioned and approved the PA Chapter 339 K-12 School Guidance Plan for the 2020-2021 school year Approved the TIPS Manual for the 2020-2021 school year
Under Food Service, Safety, Transportation
The board motioned and approved an MOU with the Schuylkill County Children and Youth Services regarding transportation procedures
The board motioned and approved Dr. Robert Ackell as the Pandemic Coordinator for the Phased School Reopening Health and Safety Plan Authorized the participation in Child Nutrition Programs for the 2020-2021 school year
Extracurricular Programs
The board motioned and approved Allison Hughes as a Volunteer Varsity/Junior Varsity Basketball Cheerleading Coach for the 2020-2021 Season and a Volunteer Varsity/Junior High/Junior Varsity Football Cheerleading Coach for the 2020 Season
The board motioned and approved the Resocialization of Sports Recommendations and Participation Waiver for Communicable Diseases including COVID-19
The board motioned and approved Tyler Mutchler as the Head Volleyball Coach for the 2020 Fall Season
The board motioned and approved Brooke Ennis as the Head Junior High/Assistant Varsity Cross Country Coach for the 2020 Season
Policy/Legislative
The board motioned and approved the first reading of the following policy: 217
Other Reports
The board motioned and approved the Notice of Adoption of Policies, Procedures and Use of Funds with the Schuylkill IU 29 Authorized the Superintendent and Business Manager to approve plans/use of funds during the summer months