1-12-26 LVSD Committee of the Whole

001I now call this committee of the whole agenda setting meeting to order today, January 12th at 4:50 p.m. Mr. Secretary, would you please do a roll call? >> Yes. >> Present. >> Mr. Brown >> here. >> Mr. Here. >> Mr. F >> here. Mr. >> Here. >> Mr. >> Here. Mr. Mr. >> Here. Mr. Steph >> here. At this time, I'd like to note that Solicitor Mada is on the phone. Superintendent Moles is here. Director of Education Zorek, Director of Special Education, Dr. Kapitza, Director of Technology and Data, UNO, Don Kell, I'm missing any other district employees and Ed are also here in attendance. And I believe the presentations are going to be first. >> Public comments. >> Okay. Presentation. First one for buildings grounds. Uh uh the instruments here from uh Thomas Engineering. We

002have a presentation up there. This is the paving project that will be done at the uh RKM uh the middle school. And I thank Dan for coming to present. I think you're going to be very uh it's a very good uh presentation of what what's defined this project will be. Okay. Thank you. >> As uh as Eric had said, uh I'm Dan Schmidt from Gibson Thomas Engineering. Um we've been put with the task of putting together a hot mix paving program for the uh middle and uh elementary school up on uh off of uh uh excuse me, the road >> Bell Street Extension. Yes, Greg Street Extension. Yes. Um, so the first drawing that you're looking at is uh an overall uh view of the of the property. Um, it's colorcoded in the sense that

003um the blue is the area that we're going to pave, which paving would consist of milling the entire existing pavement off. It's a milling machine that removes approximately 3 in of the existing material. We then put down what we call a leveling course. And then we put down the final wearing course. In addition to that, we pointed out, you can see there's two areas here in green. Those are the areas where the rolloff garbage dumpsters are located. Uh the garbage trucks come in through there. We've seen significant deterioration because of the rolloff boxes being removed and brought back as well as the garbage. So that area we're taking off. Um you can see there's a there's a thing here. We're taking down about 12 in of material. We'll put more stone subbase, more binder, more

004asphalt. We're basically beefing up those areas. Um the other area that we have is at area number four here. Um we're creating a we'll call an emergency connection to this road here so that uh if something would happen down here that emergency vehicles couldn't get into the facility, we're going to have a pave transition here. Um, it's not included in this project, but we're going to have a small little gate uh in that location. It won't be used on a daily basis, but it'll be a gated area that'll have a box. Uh, we're going to do some kind of a lock box that emergency personnel or uh the school district personnel can can open that that transition. >> So, what you mean, what Dan mean by that was we'll buy the gate oursel that way

005we don't have it doesn't. >> Yeah. Because one of the situation we have here is this this contractor itself is a mainly [clears throat] an asphalt concrete contractor and typically if they don't do this particular work they would pay a sub to do that and then they would just charge 10 or 15% over top of it. So it just makes sense uh not to do that. Um we did get the drive uh drive-thru driveway permit is what the township. They did approve it already. uh Dan and his uh company put that together and it was already pre-approved, >> right? Um the other situation we have obviously there's line painting throughout uh the line painting will return. We have um speed humps throughout the facility. Those will be returned. And in addition to that, there's a

006uh let's go to the next page. We've also uh located some uh uh concrete sidewalk areas or curbs that are damaged right now that need to be replaced. They're also included in the bid. So, um and there's also a couple catch basins that need some repairs. We went around and and investigated which ones were in good shape and which ones were in bad shape. Um so we do that. Um that's all included in the project. Um we did this in the fall. We started this calculation in the fall. We will have a unit price for these situations for these curbs and these sidewalks and whatnot. So if something would happen this winter where a plow or damage would occur and we would need to um uh extend those numbers that we can do that at

007the unit price. So um it allows us to a little flexibility as far as that is concerned. >> And I know what Cindy I know one of your things is we have to do any core sampling and I I I brought that to Dan. We're going walking through this. We don't what the areas he identified with the yellow and green. That's where we're going down more to make sure the base is good. the other stuff in blue from your experience and what you saw the base is solid on there. >> Yeah, I mean there's there there could be a chance that there could be some underlying problems, but typically the cracking and everything show us that. Um the reason we dump core borings have their purpose, but really like when we do core borings, we

008do them for the building locations, we do them for structures like water storage tanks and whatnot. Those core borings are typically placed where that building is actually being built. Okay? So for paving, we don't do it because if I do a core boring here in five or six feet, it could be totally different. Okay? So when we do paving, one of the best things we have is that when they mill up this this area, that blue area, when they mill up and uh remove that millings, they're coming in with loaded trucks or empty trucks. They're filled with millings and they leave. we actually can then see how that subbase reacts. If there's pumping or there's uh we see uh ruting and stuff like that, that's when we make the additional changes to that. But to

009be honest with you, I mean, one of the things I actually talked to these guys about at one point was like like, hey, we could probably just overlay this because it's been so good. You see the buses out here and we really haven't seen any problems, but um we're going to mill it because it's been so long to do so. But but again >> you want to do the whole project and not you know >> we're looking for another 30 30 years to get this >> and that's why we're doing the catch basins everything the sidewalks there there is some like there the sidewalks that we identified and Ed and I walked around with him these are the ones that are safety hazards like um they need to be done as part of this project.

010If you see this walkway right here, you'll see there's some cracking around the where the planes are, but that's such a big walkway. It doesn't present a safety problem. Is it >> 100% perfect? No. But you can still walk and access that without any safety problems, trips or falls or anything like that. I mean, if you're talking about doing all this concrete work here, you're you're talking >> thousands of dollars. I mean, it's it's crazy. So identifying the things the green those are the sidewalks that do present a safety hazard. The this here was never touched. This was paved before right here. This was reconed before and this portion got really bad but this is from the original original. It's really old. So that needs done again. This one was reconrete here but again there's

011some major cracks there that we feel it's a safety aspect. >> So my question would be so I'm okay with like the parking lot areas around the school. My question would be the access from the gate coming up extension, that hill, that curve. Um, how do we know what that ground is like underneath there? Because >> you're going back to where he's going back down the whole way. You're going to put a real basin and everything. That's the the red area that he had here on this picture. >> Okay. >> This is going to be where it's not paved at all. So, you're going you're going the whole way down to the subbase, the binder, the wearing force, everything. >> This here is this is uh this is all dug out. >> Yeah, it's all

012right. from where down? >> Well, we're going we're create we created we told them we had about a 25 foot wide area enough for two vehicles to come in and out of here. Um, now there was uh I was given the um I was given the permit today this afternoon and and there's a there's like a drainage swell along this road and they said we have to keep maintaining that. So, we'll put like a little dip in that to keep to keep that going. But that's all dug out. And when you do this [clears throat] this six inch subbase, 4 inch binder, an inch and a half top, that's the that's a standard that we utilize for uh brand new roadways. >> Okay. But that's not but you're but that is not the whole way

013from like from where the curve comes out and it starts down the hill to the whole way get that is all a sloping on a you know grade pitch down there. How do we know without doing a a a core drill that that is solid with all the water that we've had moving up on that hill? >> Well, he's he said when they go down to do the millings, you're going to see what's underneath. >> We're going to see that and then you'll see whether it needs replace. There'll be a unit price in there if something does need replace. Yeah. >> I mean, the trucks will tell us that, but quite honestly, the buses tell us that every day. >> I mean, you know, like I said, you would see ruting as far as the

014wheels are concerned, and I just don't see that at this point in time. But there won't be a unit price. So it won't be so much of a change order. It's after we dig down. There's a unit price that they can charge if we do need extra >> subs that. >> Okay. I have a twopart question. First of all, how long is it going to take to do the project and when do you propose to start the contract? >> So in a perfect world, um we're ready right now. If the board would authorize us to uh advertise this project in if you authorize us in January, we would put out the advertisements in February. We have a a tenative bid opening of early March. Um our intent would be these paving guys are looking for

015jobs right in the beginning of the year. And so the best time to bid a paving job is in the winter when they're ready to go. We would bid we would bid the uh in March. If everything went well, you would award in March. It takes about four weeks to get all the bonds and insurance and everything signed. So, you're in the April area. We say we state that this work cannot be done until school's out, right? >> So, we're talking about early June and, you know, and July area. Uh, quite frankly, this billing probably takes place in in in two days. Um, the paving. So I think I mean overall when we got we got some curing of some concrete but you're you're talking about a month >> and so you know we talked

016about there are some things that go on in the summertime here with the with the with the with the school it's reduced traffic so we they they know that they work around it. Um realistically even when we're milling removing that material people could drive on that. Uh it's just the situation of when and even we pave the leveling it's when that final wearing You just want a couple hours depending on how hot the day is. >> Ask what is the curing? Is there a curing time after the whole thing is over >> as far as paving is concerned. It's a couple hours. It's just like a it's like a street that has to be again how how hot it is during the day if it can you know it can set we want to keep

017the cars off it but it could be it could be next morning you know it could be later that day type of thing. Now then, you know, obviously there's some coordination of once that paving's done and the line painting and things like that, but realistically it's it's a 30-day period. >> So, if we start in June, the second week of June, school's out, we should be in the middle of June. In >> case there are some surprises if that would extend a little bit. >> Yeah. So, that way we got two full months for this project. And the other thing is we will put some significant uh liquidated damages on it in case they start moving us into the into the uh school year that we don't want to get down that >> that timeline

018makes me a little bit nervous about the uh uh community request to take a fire truck up there on July 18th. So that's something we just got the curveball [laughter] last week. So they want to play fireworks off here in July. >> Okay. >> Would there be a problem with the fire truck coming on there? Again, one of the things we talked about, this is the specifications. I can put that in there. Clear. >> Well, I don't know if the board even wants to do it all. So, >> well, I think that's around that. >> Yes, ma'am. >> This is the bid document that all the people that been on it will receive this document right here. >> Yeah. And I can put in there, you know, just just like I said, you couldn't start

019till school starts. I might be able to give them a couple day window where you don't want them in there or as long as we know that they can work around it so they're not paving a final wearing course on July 17th, right? You know, you know, we can work through that. So, those are the kind of 19th that day. >> Those are the kind of things we need to know. That's all. >> Yeah. Okay. You guys let me know if you want me to do that and we can add that to the specs. >> Well, the specs. >> Are you good with the time frame? I I mean, we've specked out the three weeks we had advertised in February. March would be the bid opening. >> Are we good to keep moving forward? >>

020We need to keep moving. >> Yeah. Yeah, >> I think this is the best time to bid out right now. >> It's the best time. Uh I I literally talked to a local paving contractor today and he says Pendot is not putting out a lot of work and they're looking for work. >> So it's the best time of year. >> So we'll board's good with authorizing them to go out for February. Okay. >> Y we'll get that in the paper and advertise. >> We do have money in the budget for advertising to come out of that part of the budget though. Any other questions for Danny Bills and Grounds? Mike, Robert, um, we'll let you know what I'll give you the exact bid. I can even give I'll send it to the whole board when

021the exact bid is if you want to come and more than welcome to >> I haven't been hiding. >> No more basketball. >> Oh, we just I play every Friday. Do you >> come on down? >> Okay, sounds good. >> Okay, while we're still presenting, getting into the finance, uh, >> good evening everyone. I have Joel and Cara from Wessle and Company. They'll be presenting the 202425 audit which you have in front of you. I'll turn it over to them. >> Very good. Good evening. >> Is that what the candy is about? >> Yeah. [laughter] Thanks for having us. I I know a lot of the board members, but I know I see some new faces as well. I'm Joel Valentine. I'm the CEO of Weso and Company. We've been doing the audit for probably

022about 10 years. So certainly uh appreciate the relationship with the school district and your trust in us to do the uh annual independent audit. Uh Cara Fronte is the principal uh that was in charge of running your engagement. She supervised our staff that was here dayto day and she's going to take you through the financial highlights and if you have any questions as we go through, please please ask as we're going through the presentation. Thank you. I'm just going to go off of the PowerPoint presentation that's [clears throat] in the packets. Um, keep it a little high level. Um, starting on page three of the PowerPoint. >> So, are there any ext. >> Okay. He's giving out the full thing. She's looking for the power hand out. >> Yeah, she's going over just the power.

023>> It's inside it, I think. Okay. >> All right. Starting on page three is our independent auditor's report. Um, as auditors, it's our responsibility to obtain reasonable assurance and issue an opinion um about whether the financial statements are free of any material misstatements and that they're recorded they're prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Um, we also conduct our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards as well as government auditing standards. Um, this year we issued an unmodified opinion as we have in past years. Um, which means it is a clean opinion and the best opinion that we can give. Um, we also issue an opinion on the schedule of federal awards. Um, and we issued a clean opinion on that and as well as two other um, the yellow book and single

024reports that I will refer to later in the presentation. Page tour is a highle look at your statement of net position your governmentwide. So this includes your governmental funds as well as your business type activities. Um, and this also includes all of your long-term assets, um, and long-term liabilities such as your capital assets, debts payable, as well as pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities. Um, including your total assets of 75 million this year, 24.9 million as capital assets of depreciation, 31.3 million as of deferred outflows related to the pension and oped plans. Um and that was the biggest swing from 24 and that's changes in the proportionate share of that li of those liabilities and contributions that are subsequent to the measurement date. Total liabilities included 13 million of outstanding bonds and notes payable um

02531.5 million of pension liability and 3.8 million in notepad liability um for a total uh negative change in net position of 1.7 million. Can >> I just want out to the board how important this statement is actually really good. You can see the improved almost $7 million of our deficit. A lot of that has to do with PE because the liabilities gone down. A lot of we paid down some debt of $1.7 million. But >> this can have a major impact when the school does for refinancing bonds or new bonds. >> It's almost impossible to see a school district that must have a positive net position here. >> It is unbelievable. So, we are that I I know I met with Sarah on Friday. This is really important. It's going to help our bond rating.

026So I think we should be as a board and the school district be happy with this this position here because we're showing $31.5 million of the Paser's debt on our books right now. So >> yes, >> it's not that we can f it's not an official borrowing, but we that's what we pay the 34% each year to the pension plan to fund it. So this is really positive. I think this is really good. I know through the I mean you you do a lot of school district and governmental audits. >> Yeah. >> This is as close as I come to seeing positive. >> I agree. Yeah. So very important. Yeah. >> Sorry to interject. >> No, that's good. Um slide five is the statement of activities um governmentwide once again. So total revenues of um

02736.5 million, total expenditures of 29.6 million for that positive change in in net position of 6.9 million. >> Again, this isn't the fund level. This isn't the general fund. This is overall with all the debt and the pension going >> all the long-term assets and liabilities [clears throat] that we add back. Yeah. >> We didn't make $6 million this year. Um, slide six is your general fund. Um, so this is just looking at your general fund. Had total assets of 15.5 million, liabilities of 5.9, and a total fund balance of 9.6 million. So pretty comparable to the 24 numbers. Um, slide seven then is a look at your um, budget to actual for the general fund. Um overall you came in a little bit ahead on your total revenues slightly over in expenditures but overall

028your actual um had a excess of expenditures over revenues of 387,000 but you came in under what you had budgeted the 637,000 so better than budget. >> Yeah. So we we basically anticipated almost a $640,000 loss. We ended up with a 387 negative balance. But >> uh there were some things that we didn't know about revenue and expenditures because of the state budget. But again, this is positive here that we met with we were within budget overall. >> So we took the 9.9 million and fund balance went down to about 9.6 million instead of the whole 600,000. Told you. >> Is that >> told you >> I [snorts] was hoping it was going to be ne I hope I was hoping that was going to be zero, but >> but a little bit of the

029outside costs and all that that a little more than especially in special ed that were out of garbage. >> Um slide eight is a two-year look at your revenue sources. Um local revenues which make up about 58% of your total revenue stay consistent as there's no in tax tax increase for 25. Um so you had u 20.3 million um in local revenues. State revenues did increase um 668,000 um which state revenues make up about 40% of your total revenue. And the federal revenues decreased about 700,000 as a result of less funding recognized because of those er funds and the co money that has been coming. So as as you've used that and recognized that money that money's come down. >> CO was gone for 2024. >> Yeah. So I just want to stop because I

030just want to ask you now where are we? Do we do you know projection from federal and state for next year right? You're going to see this. >> So it's going to be right about the 25. >> Okay. >> And it was probably that like before CO it was around. >> It was all right. >> The one thing you won't see on this slide that's better for the district is the cafeteria fund. We're in a C program. So we got a lot more federal money from >> CP to provide the breakfast and lunches for the people. Slide nine is a 10-year look at the fund balance in the general fund. And you can see the district has been able to continue to build up that fund balance over the years. Um you can see in

03125 we had that 9.6 ending fund balance in the general fund. Um keep in mind of this 9.6 there's 7 million of those funds um are committed for future capital improvements, technology initiatives and future retirement payouts >> all that. So that so we have un undesated about 2.4 4 million which is below the 8% that we're able to keep on on um unassigned in the in the general fund. >> Okay. So tell my stupid brain this when you say this translate 7 million is committed for all the contractual stuff >> for future future capital projects also for um >> wait future capital projects that's not that's not union contracts what is that >> capital projects is for like um the paving projects >> the stuff that we haven't seen yet because we haven't seen the

032five-year plan yet >> which we're going to present in February after we is finishing it up right now I actually gave a final draft Dr. before I've been. >> So, do we have an amount that's just for the contracted pasers and that kind of stuff out of the 7 million? >> There's I think 350,000 for that. >> That's all there's. >> We're almost frozen now. We're at the 34% range. Like we that's probably not going to pop out any more. >> Wait, so out of $7 million, Eric, come on. >> Three50,000 just for any increase in pieces for future years. >> I I get that, but that's not even a half a million dollars. So, you're still talking $6.5 million for capital fines? >> Yeah, Ed and I go all You'll see. We'll present it

033to the board. >> You You better do some twisting because you're not going to get it. >> There's no twisted. You see the project? >> I am just telling you very skeptical sitting right here. >> Okay. Well, like I said, we would review it for buildings and grounds first time. [clears throat] >> That money is well spent. >> Well, it it is common to keep that designation or commitment very general. That's sort of the language that the Pasbo actually recommends to to keep it a very general commitment of the fund balance >> because you just need the board to I'm committed. Then >> I know what you want. >> Slides 10 and 11 just lay out the notes of the financial statements. There was no big changes, so I wasn't going to go into any

034of the specific notes this year. Um, those are all pretty much the same as last year. Uh slide 12 is your single audit summary. So um in addition to our financial piece, we do a single audit which is um when you receive and expend federal funds over 750,000 in a year, you have to you're required to have a compliance audit on those federal funds. Um last year in 2025 you expended 1.8 million um of federal funds. In 24 you expended 2.3 million. As I said, that was the CO minus the ESRE money has um been used up. Those federal funds have come down. This year, we tested the child nutrition cluster um of 748,000. And we issued two reports uh related to those um federal programs. The [snorts] first is a report on internal controls

035over financial reporting and compliance. And the second is a report on um compliance with each with that major program. We issued two clean reports. We had no findings regarding the expenditure of federal funs. >> Yeah. One thing on this, the 748 is all the federal money. There was over another almost 100,000 in state money that matched the C program. And you'll know this has gone up significantly for 2425 was the first year. It was K through 12. Prior to that was elementary. And that locks us into a 5year cycle. We're in year two now of C for the free for all the all the buildings. So we got three more years after this. We locked in at that percentage. But yeah, now >> if if our um direct certifies go up, we can readjust it,

036but if they go down, we don't want to do it because we want reimbursement rate the way. So, we'll be monitoring this over the next few years. Okay. So, >> okay. Well, that is good. >> But if it does go up to direct certifies, we want to redo it so we reertify five more years. >> Oh, that's great. >> See how that goes. But I think those are that this is very good. So, over $850,000. >> That is great. >> That does our food program, which is great. >> Yeah, that's great. And then the last slide is our communication letter to those charged with governance. It's a separate letter that's included in the packet. Um it talks about our responsibility as auditors. Um that we the plan scope and timing of the audit that we

037complied with all of our ethical requirements. Um it talks about if there would be any significant changes in your accounting policies or your significant county estimates or disclosures um which there were none this year. Um it would lay out if there was any sign significant difficulties that we encountered while doing the audit or any disagreements with management which there were none. Um so it's just a this is also a clean letter. We have nothing else as auditors that we feel like that we need to communicate to the board at this time. >> That's your report. Um we're going to not present that. We'll approve that at the February meeting. I just want them to come in in January and present so you have the month to look at it. If there's any questions, it's their

038report. I mean, there's not too much we can change on, but it gives you a time to look over. If you make questions, please call me and then if I can't answer them, I can get them involved in answering the question. >> So, Eric, I just do have a question for you. And just so that you can, you know, on page I think it was page four, it might have been page five. And she rattled off a whole bunch of subcategories. Do you have all those specific numbers that I get them off? It's if you're talking about page four. >> So, is that in the >> It's in the audit. It is actual page four of your audit report. >> Okay. >> Don't you have to go back. It's called the governmental balance sheet. >>

039All right. >> So, you take that. These are the totals. You see, they tie directly in to that. And then if you want to look at page five of the presentation or page page five of the presentation is the governmental. It's the income statement basically. as page five of your report of the audit report. >> Okay. >> So, four and five match up. >> Match up. Okay. >> Now, if you go to page six of the PowerPoint, that is page six of the audit report. >> Okay. >> And if you go to page seven, that is actually going to be page eight of the audit report because there's a a reconciliation between the both. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Yeah, the reconciliation page shows you how we get from the to the

040governmentwide putting on the the long-term assets and long-term liabilities. Great. Thank you. Yep. >> But yeah, thank them. I think my staff and the whole administration office, I know with the schedule, federal awards, there's a lot of federal uh audits that they have to look at different things. So, it's just not me, it's the entire administration staff here. I want to thank everybody for working with them. And we we got you in pretty quick this year. Got you out. Yeah, it was great. They they do a good job auditing us. You know, they give us a good list of what we need to prepare for. >> Yeah, they're always Yeah, you're and your team are always ready and we enjoy coming out here and working with the district. Yeah. >> Thank you very much. >>

041If you want to leave that stuff, I'll I'll clean it up. >> All right. We'll leave you in the back, too. So, >> see you next year. Sounds good. Thanks everyone. Thanks again. >> So um before we proceed any further, I would like to make a note that four months ago uh the board made a significant change with the committee of the whole uh agenda seat setting meeting and tonight we're going to build on that. So previously the board president and vice president would meet with administration to set the agenda. uh under this new structure, the entire board is now involved with uh the process of setting the um agenda. So what happened was district administration submitted recommended items to the committee co-chairs. They then reviewed organized and they'll be presenting those tonight. Um because

042of that, there's no paper agenda to be handed out tonight. But when we discuss them, we will discuss the items that they will either be ready for action and go on the agenda or they require further review and they'll be returned to the committee for ongoing work or they areformational items only and there's no action anticipated this time and then the final agenda will be assembled based on today's work. So this is a new process so there may be some bumps in the road. I've already encountered a few. So please, you know, stand by and uh we appreciate everybody's flexibility. With that being said, we will go to the governance committee which is policy, legal, and financial. >> Well, we have Cindy and I are the co-chairs here. Um I definitely have notes on policy

043and um finance. Um, okay. I'll just get into it since it's a new structure. Okay. So, we have given the recent updates to the committee structure, specifically the consolidation of committees rather than a single committee structure, I asked Mr. Moles uh to update policy 005 and 006 accordingly. I also requested guidance from solicister mada regarding policy 006. I think we still have to take that one away since Cindy and I are planning to review this policy together as she had feedback. So, we're going to pull this policy. Um, it's still under consideration. >> 06. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. Because that was on my list to talk about and I was get Mr. Mata had some uh wanted to talk to the board in in its entirety with regard to uh the language that

044speaks to the simple majority or the twothirds vote. But if you're polling it, maybe it's premature. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, no. Sorry, Mr. Man, did you want to say something? >> Yeah. Why don't then I discuss that during the next committee meeting and then you guys can weigh in on it and then we'll decide how we want to move it forward. >> Okay. Is that okay with you? >> I am good. So, I just want to make sure right now we're on 005. We're keeping 006 we're pulling. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, where are we at for 008? Because I don't know that I discussed this one with you organization chart. What What do you have for Well, I I actually there were some questions on Tuesday, last Tuesday when we had our

045meeting and and these could be very simply Matt if you just want to explain these. So, um on the bottom half under the superintendent first of my question is under the business manager audit management. So, that's Wessle, right? So, that's when it says your little block under there, you're in charge auto manage. Is that Wessle? Is that okay? All right. That's what I wanted to know there. >> Okay. Now this was my question um as we are trying to work our way through the hierarchy of when we tell parents right how to solve problems in the school and it's go to the teachers go then the teacher goes to the principal but I so I don't see that structure in in this I was kind of lost as to where is that supposed to be

046in here >> so down here where it says instructional staff that would be nurses guidance and teachers. Teachers teachers are part of the instructional staff. They're right below um the principles and the assistant principles. >> Okay. And I got that. Okay. Principles. And then the principles and the assistant principles go to the director of special education. I get that which is Dr. Kabista and director of technology data and PM. And so that is Janine. But where does regular because I don't see a connection to like our gen ed kids. >> So that would be director of ed for Mr. uh Zahorek. So director of ed, there's a line that comes off of him >> um that goes through the building that jigs out to build. >> So this is smaller on this thing. There's a

047we have a better one that's bigger and blown up, but it didn't fit on the the organizational thing. But um I think your question at least is is addressed in that. Um but if if there's something wrong, we're happy to change it. No, I I just wanted to make sure that that the organizational chart was set up and we haven't changed the hierarchy of what we're telling people to do. So, so it's teacher, principal, and then for gen ed kids, it goes to Justin and then to Dr. Kapusta for special education. Yeah. And then to you. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And then if no um there's nothing settled, then it goes to the board. That's correct. >> Right. Okay. All right. That's what I want. >> The community is at the top here. And you

048know that you're top up or bottom up and top down. It's the opposite way. You know, so the community reaches out to the board of directors. Um you guys have influence over the solicitor, the secretary and myself. Um and then um my responsibility uh encompasses um those folks beneath that. >> Okay. And then our d our um athletic director answers to Justin >> uh and and the principles I think. Let me see if I where am I looking? >> Yeah. So, right here is your director of athletics, communications, and transport. And you only have him answer. >> Yeah. Yeah. I think that I think that is a a a a uh a decision we decided to make a change in that uh Mr. Zorch would oversee uh the director of athletics. >> Okay. Because that's

049where I'm wondering where the principles got lost in there. See, that's because you know, right? Because right now, isn't it that the he Wesley answers to the principles of each school like middle school or high school, then that goes to Justin if need be. But that's not in your organization. I don't know if it has to be. I'm just asking you. >> I think that was a decision that we made. We were having Dr. Caposta be the immediate supervisor of the school psychologist who's an act 93 member and we saw that maybe Mr. Zorich would be the direct supervisor of West despite the fact that he's an act 93 supervisor. Okay. If and and he doesn't answer really to like the elementary principles. So we just didn't see a line going to the principles making

050a lot of sense there. Of course, Mr. Gorge is going to consult the principles in any sort of observation of the athletic director. >> Rachel still approve the P before they come to me as well. >> Okay. So if a parent calls me, so if a parent calls me and has a gripe or a question and I will say and they say, "Who do I email?" And I tell them, "You send an email to Wesley and the principal at the school." That's >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. >> Yeah. Especially if it's an athletic thing. >> Well, it would be athlet Yeah. >> They've always collaborated both the middle school and the high school, not the elementary, as Mr. said >> because you know the the coaches are in both of those schools but not the elementary

051schools. >> Okay. Sorry. Okay. Well then I'm good. >> Great call out. >> Well, you know what? I'm just like I get I'm just like I don't want to mess up the system but I want to make sure that's >> okay. So I what we also discussed was Cindy. So we're going to meet after this regarding O6. Um Cindy will provide. So I'm I'm providing next steps right now or I'm sorry we didn't go over 610 and 611 purchasing um >> yeah every year we do this in January. It's the CPI increase that we have to do our bids and threshold for quotes. So this comes directly from the state we're allowed to have done and that's what we're doing 610 and 611. >> okay I have a question. So if I go on to

052this policy and I click on the 7 what is it 720 and or 751 and 807 when I go into them they say that the base is 10K or 185. So why are we and I'm sure you have an answer at >> what policy numbers are these >> 610 and 611. >> Yeah. But what what are the ones did you go? >> It's the ones that are referenced in the policy. >> Yeah. We got to change those then. >> I was going to say cuz they say the other way. Wait, can you give me those policy numbers now? >> No, these are >> those are old. Those are old uh those are old numbers. >> But when you go to 610, you're saying it takes you to another policy. >> When you're when you go

053into here and you click on the state links. >> Yeah. A state law, not a state policy. State law. >> We need to update those links. >> There's a new law. >> Oh, no. What what what they are is old links. >> They're old links because they don't Yeah. See, and that's that's the problem with using, you know, somebody else to do your stuff for you is because they don't get in and update those links whenever you update the numbers. So, those links were the links from probably >> 15 years ago and then they just never when PSBA updated our policies, they never went in and updated those links. >> So, we might need the links. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So you're telling me something from 15 years ago was higher than it is now?

054>> No, because the limits are higher. >> No, it's higher. >> No, the high the limits are higher now. It's like the limits are 132 and what 28 or something. >> The amount keeps going up that you >> need to um 610 and 611 the links that you're saying. >> Oh, it's one, two, and three that are >> Yeah. in the policies. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Then we'll >> we'll make sure those links are out there because these are we is you they updated every year the >> Yeah. >> So we'll make sure we make those links out. >> Yeah. Then um we have on 611. >> Okay. >> We have three pages of completely blank. >> Yeah. That's part of the formatting that I am that we are redoing as we tweak the policies.

055But that's in that all that stuff I talked to you about Tuesday about who's going to handle that and all that stuff. >> Okay. Sorry, one more question then. Um on since we have all these line numbers on it says line 19 through 22 says the building principle is to check if the purchase is subject to a bid >> as language. I mean they can't they should check they should check with me if they need to do that. >> Yeah. Okay. So, who's the buck stop with? You or the building principal? >> Buck's with me. >> We might want to change that. >> Madison 611. >> Uh 19. >> Is that policy 61? >> 611. Yes. >> Policy 611. >> Okay. We'll go principal to business. >> What lines are those on there? >> 19

056through 22. >> One nice thing about the line numbers of December. >> I know. I know. That's why we started putting them on. [clears throat] >> Okay. any so before I go into next steps does anybody else have any feedback on the um 005 organizational chart 610 and 611. Okay. So next steps Cindy and I will be meeting to go over 006. Um I Cindy will provide an update on the AI policy and notification of weapons. Um from our last meeting it sounded like Cindy was planning to advise Janine on reming the rate 2024 for each of those policies >> and change a revision date. >> Yeah, I would recommend that Janine provide a time frame on when on which this information will be completed by. Um in my opinion, this is not an immediate

057ask and should be completed within a reasonable time that we agree upon. Per the direction of direct director Boyd, we are identifying which policies we have for the board goals. >> Can I just add because Janine's looking at me like what are you talking about? So, okay. So, sorry Janine, this was not So, in our in our meeting last Tuesday, we were discussing about why our policies are the way they are online. And the problem was because right now we're all on PDS. When we left PSBA, we're on PDS. Our links don't work there. And Joe had put on through coding a um copyright down at the bottom. And we had not changed revision dates. though whenever we mitigated with PB SBA uh Gary Mattis suggested that we take that copyright off. Now Joe had

058done that by code and I don't know what code Joe used. So I had started going through all of the the triple zeros uh the 100s I had done three things. I had changed um I had taken the copyright off which because I don't know the code it's a page by page deletion um actually but if you hit the first if you hit the first page of the policy it normally takes it off for the entire policy. Uh the revision dates all have to be revised. Um two years ago we had a motion to change the words uh all the words learner or learners to students. So I was doing that change while I was in there. And I was doing those formatting changes like those extra things that popped up whenever Joe transferred those

059all over. Um and then I sent the zeros, the triple zeros, the 100s to Janine to put those onto the website. They never got there. And as I was working through the 200s, I found a law that stated that every attachment that is that is referred to in our policies being bylaw has to be on our website and they have never been. So then I had to go back and start pulling the attachments out and Janine and I talked about. So anyways, right now we're in this massive mayhem of how that is all going to happen. And so the board agreed, I'm sorry Janine, but last Tuesday, this is not my job chores. So we are going to have to meet to discuss how all those are going to and so that's when she is

060talking about um you know an expected date and time of when this is all going to be done. >> I just want everyone to understand there's like 300 documents. >> Yes, there are. Yes, I get that. >> This was to be something as policies were updated then those changes were going >> not not the re Yeah. not the revision date and the copyright thing that happened after the mitigation was signed with PSBA and then Gary Mattis said no you need to get in there and ch and it would have been a simple code change where Joe would could have gotten in change the code take it off the you know the the copyright change the revision date because it's it's almost going to be the same for almost everything but he up and died and

061I don't know the code he used and so that's why it all has to be I was doing it all by hand now you may be able to figure it out you know better because you're that's your But I don't didn't know the code. So, but the other things the learner student was as we were going through revisions. Yes, that is right. Um and then the formatting was the same thing. But the other two um Gary was very um he was pretty powerful in saying no, we need to get those off as soon as possible. Um, but you know, the last six months I've been really busy and those just did not all get handled. >> Sorry. >> Um, before I go to finance, any thoughts on our next steps? >> Um, I just want

062to clarify about the PA act 44. I believe >> it was next on my list. >> Okay. >> Wait, what is that one? >> That is the weapons >> weapons. What is the number of that? >> PA act 44. >> So, so it's a a new law that requires uh uh parental uh uh notification if if a weapon is found on campus. Uh my suggestion would be that we continue use the same mechanisms mechanisms that we use to notify uh parents of any any sort of happenings that are on uh school property, our our Facebook page, our school messenger, that sort of thing. Knock on wood. I hope this is never applicable, but that would be um that would be my suggestion with your permission that that's what we'll do to be compliant with that

063law. >> Wait, so you are saying that this is something that if one child brings a weapon, we have to inform everybody in community. That's what that's what the act says. Okay. And we need to put that in our weapons policy. I don't know why, Justin. Do you remember us talking about that whenever you and I discussed things with we met once with Tim to discuss if anything needed changed and then you and I made >> that this one never came up, did it? >> This one never came up, but this just came out maybe like a couple weeks ago. >> Well, it came out last year, but it went into effect on the 6th of January. >> Okay. >> Um >> Okay. >> And the IU is offering some guidance for schools to do

064that, and that's keeping with um >> Yeah. suggest it's not a whole lot different than what we would normally do. I mean, if there were a weapon, I think that >> Yeah, we'd probably do that anyway. You know what I mean? If there were a weapon, it would be a lot of concern parents and such, but this just mandates. >> We have to put in policy if that's what you're saying. Okay. >> And then the [snorts] take it down. >> We need to put it in policy since it's >> Oh, yeah. That >> I don't know. >> Yeah, we don't want to go. >> You probably want to put it in there just to have it in there as well, too. >> Yeah, we got to do it regardless. So either way. Yeah. >> And

065then the take it down act. We're already working on that. Did you say that? Take that's the AI deep faith. >> That's the one. Well, I think >> Yeah, that I already have some of that paperwork I had gotten from um Matt, did you send me you sent me stuff on AI and then I had gotten stuff from Darren and stuff and so I think Derry or one of the two of them sent me the the PSBA uh PNN and I have so we have a rough draft and we were working through that uh with the union and we were having trouble trying to get an agreements on what the teachers think the depth of AI usage should be cinema right there. That's where we were at. Then that's why that policy didn't get done

066because we still they didn't know anything. We don't know anything. So somebody has to make a decision and I don't want to be the person who knows nothing about AI to make the decision. The teachers did want to make the decision about the AI because they know nothing. So I guess the best thing is just to go with the law and I don't know. >> I'm just concerned because we had 180 days from April to get this done and so we >> we'll get it. Cindy >> the triple zer's the 100s. >> I didn't receive those. I don't know if you sent them through because it was too big of a file. But if you would have sent me something, I would have uploaded it. >> Okay. >> So that's one. So if you want

067to >> give me the computer you were doing them on and I can take them off of it. That's fine. Second thing the AI policy >> I have model policies like that I got from attorneys like we've joined. So there are out there and it's one of those things you don't want to reinvent the wheel. >> You want to look [clears throat] at what's out there and then you want to look and what we want to do. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I was gonna say you have websites for that. >> They're not I have like actual policies. >> That's all I did. I just shared with you one I found I think I sent Justin. [clears throat] >> Okay, we'll follow up with next steps then. >> Yeah, we'll get that. Okay, I do have

068um stuff I want to talk about finance. Uh but Cindy, I know you wanted to go over the specific motions. The specific motions or was it me? >> Oh, it doesn't matter. I I mean I can do it. Okay. So, we have the normal every month. Um we have the normal uh treasures report, general funds bills, cafeteria bills. Uh will we have a project fund bills this month? Capital projects. Will we have Okay, I don't see on here. So, I'm assuming there's no budget transfers. Okay. But that is one of the norm because there's one, two, three, or five basic ones usually every month. Okay. And then we have one on here to accept a grant from the Pittsburgh Foundation in the amount of 84,000 for a phase 2 baseball improvement project. We got that

069which will go to the um >> press box and the rest bathrooms that right. Um so FO626 um Sarah Sarah and I are going back and forth on this one um which is going to um lead to discussion. So FO626 the IU wants to amend their prices that they originally put in their contract with us at the beginning of the year because in their incapable mentality they did not charge enough money. So now if they don't [snorts] charge more money now they're going to send a bill at the end of the year. And my well my idea is first of all we only have one student there but we are working with a board and administration and at the IU that needs to be put on task. And my idea is that they should have

070had this figured out at the beginning of the year. And we are ready. >> Cindy, Cindy, Cindy, >> what? >> We may want to talk about this in executive session because this may be potential litigation. >> All righty. Okay. So, we're going to put that one on hold till we discuss that in executive session. And then the last one is to Eric, do you want explain that last one because I don't know that I totally understand it. >> We we are our prek counselors through Satan Hill. They're the uh they're the actual with the prek count grant and when this and then so this motion is to amend the agreement when the state budget was passed we got $250 more per child in our prek counts program which we have 51 kids so that just

071increases our amount that we're getting from the state through that grant so that's what that amendment is there for so we should expect uh 51 kids times 250 I should know off the top of my head but I don't right now 51 we'll be getting another 12 750 in our prek counts program. Currently, it's around 58,000. So, that'll be over $521,000. >> Good. >> So, that's good news. >> That is good news. That is always good news. And I think that's the last one for finance. Any comments from the board? >> One thing I want to know here, we have two treasures reports October and November because the reward meeting. So, you'll see two treasures reports this month. Usually there's this one, but >> Okay. I just have you know being a new board member

072I just wanted to share my notes from the last month to keep everyone apprised. So um since being named governance chair I have met with Eric on twoa Mr. Kosix on two occasions. The first meeting was a meet and greet focused on the school budget background and the paving project and the second centered on a review of the audited financial statements. Thank you Mr. for taking the time to answer my ad hoc questions, which has been helpful in increasing my understanding of public school finance requirements. >> Through these discussions, it became clear that there are significant differences between operating a public school such as Ligonier and operating a private school like Valley School of Linger. Private schools often have endowments that they may govern at their ownru discretion without the statutory restrictions imposed on public

073school districts. Additionally, private schools control their enrollment processes and may accept or decline students. In contrast, Ligonier Valley School District is legally required to accept all resident students. Currently, the district serves approximately 300 students with special needs representing approximately 20% of the student population. When a student qualifies for special education services, the district is legally obligated to provide additional services potentially until the student reaches 21 or 22 depending on eligibility. Another significant distinction is cyber charter school funding. Ligonier is required by law to pay tuition costs for students who enroll in cyber charter schools with costs ranging from 8,000 to $28,000 per student. Private schools do not bear this obligation. The district currently spends approximately one year $1 million annually on cyber charter tuition which represents a significant financial burden. >> Sarah, can I two

074things? Maybe you wrote that. We spend about 1.7 million a year. the $8,000. If they would have lowered it to 8,000, it's over 13,000, right? Yeah. So, those two I just want to clarify. >> Okay. $1.7 million. Okay. >> During my time as an active participant in schoolboard meetings, I've consistently heard both board members and community members, including Director Hutchinson, raise concerns regarding the need for cyber charter funding reform. Unlike private schools, the district is also bound by collective bargaining agreements as well as statemandated retirement employment laws which govern staffing costs and cannot be altered by the board. Despite these constraints, it is important to note that Ligonier currently has the low lowest millage rate in West Morland County. The district's total an annual budget is approximately 36 million. Of that amount, roughly 21 million

075is allocated to salary and benefits. Um approximately 10% of the budget or 2.1 million is dedicated to debt service which is ongoing payments towards existing bonds and like we just said 1.7 million to cyber charter schools. It is important to note that um there are contractual salary increases this year of three and a half% while healthc care benefit costs are projected to increase 9 to 10%. Um, in summary, public and private schools operate under fundamentally different financial, legal, legal, and operational frameworks. While comparisons are often made, they are not directly comparable. So, I I hope this explanation helps clarify why the cost per student at Lincoln Valley is higher than that of Valley. I am committed to transparency with the community regarding the district's budget. This is January. Budget is approved in June. I hope

076that each of these meetings we we provide a conversation about what what we're doing in the budget. Um and in our last meeting that we had, I think that um it was clear that we all share a collective commitment to responsible fiscal management and that recognizing that this responsibility extends beyond any single committee. So my next step is to have Eric provide additional analysis of the budget about what's going up like healthcare and salaries and what's what are some cost savings. Afterwards I plan to connect with the board and Eric on reviewing these items in budget in the budget more granular. >> Some good news rates go from 34% down to 33.49. [laughter] >> Okay. Um, next is student success and facilities. >> Dr. Fman, do you want to start with building and grounds or

077do you want me to do >> um why don't you start with education and go into building? >> Okay, perfect. So, um, I have six agenda items for educational programs. Um, the first one is that the approval be given for Rachel FA to attend the SAS Institute at Hershey Lodge on this is a retroactive approval on December 7th through the 10th, 2025. Uh the cost of the district was $1,50.71. Um I have another conference approval, uh Adam Story, to attend the 2026 Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference at Hershey Lodge on February 1st through the 4th, 2026 at a cost of the district would be approximately um $1,432. Uh next up we have Carly Sutton be accepted as a graduate fellow for or through Saint Vincent College. Um and then we have the permission be

078given to the addition of the following Ligonier Valley School District course of study to be offered at Ligonier Valley High School commencing for the 2026 2027 school year. And it's cyber security 1 and cyber security 2. Um Mrs. KSIS will put this in your board um folders, but it is just a brief overview of everything. It has the course objectives. Um it's weekly breakdown on what is going to be discussed in the class, but um it will be offered to grade levels 9 through 12. Um both courses will be a one semester uh course. Uh and then the core textbook will be principles of cyber security edition. Then I have a field trip uh the Ligonier Valley Middle School 8th grade students to Washington DC on May 15, 2026 with the cost being funded through

079class funds and individual particip uh participant payment. And then finally, we have anou with the district and the Ligonier Valley Education Association regarding the correction for the 2026 2027 supplemental pay rate for the position of marching band director as listed in the 2023 2028 collective bargaining agreement. Basically, there was a tight >> Yeah, it wasn't board yet. So, >> it was a typo I presented to >> Yeah, but I thought we already >> Well, we had to get anou with the union because it's a contract. So basically there was a typo. It read 6,659 and it was supposed to read 5,659. So thisou is correcting it. >> Any questions? >> How uh how many students going to go in Washington DC? >> Um I'm not sure. Justin, do we have a number yet? >> I

080do not have I was just really curious on that and also what's the ratio of student to show on that trip? Okay. just kind of looking at going into the swamp. You want to make sure that you got a good ratio of student to >> and will the chaperons have state clearances as >> correct. Okay. Yes, they do. Thank you. That's everything for me. >> This is my turn now. >> Thank you. [laughter] >> Um in terms of looking buildings are on the we tour director and myself went up to the middle school on the uh 12th of December and then on the 5th of January uh we with the addition of director Fitzwell went and visited the the elementary Um when we went to the went to the the uh high school and take

081a look around uh it was really very interesting seeing the cleanliness of the building. Very very impressive and that was one of the things that I was really interested in taking a look at particularly uh we are actually one of the big draws that will determine whether or not people want to come and live here based on how clean our it's the curve I guess of education to people coming in. The high school I thought was was excellent. Um, I didn't see much in the way of any any real problems with it. I've learned to start looking at ceilings a lot in these buildings. Those two up there, but [laughter] the stains, but it's really kind of interesting looking at some of some of some of the changes. We went up to the middle school

082and that was almost night and day that that we went into and there were obviously some problems that we that we encountered. Um, And it it really in terms of cleanliness, the middle school does need work. It really and truly does. I understand it's an older building, but the hallways um were very filthy in terms of the the cleanliness of the halls. Uh that's when the the uh Maria Bowman uh principal and the assistant principal Mr. story went around and they were they were telling us that part of the wall is getting replaced for parts for the floor which I understand that has been corrected which is good. Uh, and then also looking at the at the walls. I don't know when the building was last painted out, but the buildings the rooms themselves. >>

083Oh, it was just painted, right? >> Years ago years ago, >> it was probably a year before that because they did the brick, they did the not only the walls, but the property. >> Yeah. But it's been since I've been on the board, so it's been in the last four years. >> It really needs to be redone because looking at that, no, I'm serious. It's I worked in my my one school in in Virginia that I worked at before I retired was built in 1936. It was WPA project building and it was immaculate. Everything was was so it's not the age of the building. It's how are we taking care of it? And so the but the wall of the building the hallways need to be be redone repainted. the u I was talking with

084some of the teachers that were there that day. I asked them how how often the rooms have been painted out. The teachers have said they've been there 10 and 15 years and they have never seen the rooms painted out. Uh which is obvious because you do have paint hanging from the ceilings and from the walls. Um the other the other thing that was brought out and this is where where I got to meet Mr. was on the on the gas um gas emergency shut off valve and this really set off warning bells in my mind because I don't know how many of you were around here in 1977. I was on the University of Pittsburgh campus on January 20th that year when Langley Hall blew up because of a gas malfunction that they have said

085that they believe that the that the line had been cleared and that the cut off cut off valve worked. It didn't. Two people lost their lives, including a young girl from a 37 injured. And when we looked at the at that, it was rusted. And I asked Mr. Sutter to go take a look at it, which he has since gotten approval invested cost estimate for that. And that's something that needs to be taken care of immediately. Um, and I do have Mr. S. I'll turn that over to you in just a moment here. So, you have to explain that question to us because there's question I had also regarding uh you said something about the possibility of having to exchange the line that goes for the I may have misunderstood you clarification about the law

086you said was burping to that extent or something along those lines but anyways this is a building that really does need need change uh need need change I think to the to the other thing that really was was disconcerting was you had one hall where there was the genator her duty seriously and it was immaculate. But then you go into the others and the st the the obviously not receive the same amount of care. The stairwell when we walk down it somebody had written clean me into the dirt but it had been there so long that another layer of dirt has started to fill in what they already. So these are the types of things that that really need to be taken care of because it affects not just it doesn't affect just people when

087you come into the the community. I think it also affects faculty morale and it definitely affects students because if they see that we're not taking care of this place, why should they take care of their education? And this is one of the problems I think we're facing when we start looking at at once again the achievement scores. It seems like middle school is the transition transition area where the scores do start to suffer. Now granted, you do have a lot of hormonal changes going on during that time period and all the children no more those days, but at the same time we've got to make make it a uh students realize that this is important too. The teachers I we have good teachers and they're really working hard at providing the education we do need

088need to go and um and provide for them. Also, the other thing that that was was really bothersome to me was going into a they took me to a couple of restrooms where the stalls had been closed off for over a year that the the toilets were not working for a year. I have very little sense of smell, but what was coming out of there, I definitely couldn't pick up on and that bothered bothered me there. So, um, but anyways, middle school definitely is a target area for Cleveland because if you were a parent, potential parent coming into the school district to buy and your real estate agent walked you into the middle school, I can tell you from my own personal experience, I'm probably thinking, let's see, let's go somewhere else and take a

089look at another school district because of the cleanliness. It does does play a role in that. >> Mr. for a minute. Can I ask you perhap not a question I guess but make a comment. I was up at that school in fact I was in all the schools during the fall for open houses and I was at the middle school and when I went into the school and the whole way through I was through every every hallway every area it was immaculate at that time. So what has happened since um September to now that it's in that condition? That's a very good question and I don't have I'm just really really surprised because it was spotless then the rooms were the hallways everything literally shown >> the floorways were terrible and uh when we were

090walking down into the the cafeteria there uh the entryway out um I guess bus lane uh that circles by the cafeteria they there was Garbage piled up. >> Garbage pile up. Yes. For the I was trying to be a little more polite. [laughter] >> Sorry. It's all right. Abandoned equipment that was there that had not been removed. And that was something else that brought. And also in the in the cafeteria, you can literally go in there, push your fingers into the windows, and you're starting to to get make holes into the wood is starting to rot in there. So, it really does need need some attention. I think to part >> well the cleanliness is one thing you know the the physical plant is another thing but you know um are we short staff or

091something up there >> that's the thing that that I'm really I'm curious about because we have three janitors up there one janitor obviously is doing her job the other two we need to evaluate and see what is going on because I think that is part of it but those >> really I I can show you pictures I took pictures that day to claim me on the window seal was like, "That's not good." Cobwebs behind doors. >> September, it was spotless. It was absolutely spotless. They all were. I >> Well, I know before school started, a lot of your administration went up and did things and got some things ready. So, I know that the floors were because of that piece. Yeah. The piece of equipment that broke down. So, that was like, okay. But yeah,

092>> there's there the bathrooms like soup or soup soap that just hadn't been caked there. It was just kind of like it just was not good at all. >> Well, thank thanks for bringing that to the attention of the board. >> And the other thing too is that when you go down the ceiling, um, one of the things that I was concerned about that Christy was looking for too were was evidence of any type of black mold. I didn't see black mold, but the stains in the ceiling were very distracting. You've got leakage that's coming through either the the air I assume was the air conditioning. >> I think you're referring to the um elementary school. >> Yeah, that's the elementary school. >> But also, I thought we saw some at the top at the

093>> there. But but that that is one area that really does need it's a beautiful building. It just needs um and then when we went to um to Arcade Melon, uh the three of us went there. That was that was Um, at that point I was really wondering what we were going to going to see and I was very pleasantly surprised. Once again, very very clean, very immaculate. Um, I was concerned about the bat problem, but apparently that's going to be an ongoing issue to figure out how we cut off all their little roosting locations there. Uh but other than that it really did apart from the the um AC unit and the the HVAC system causing leakage condensation. That was pretty much it. Um going forward what I would like uh to see would

094be like a fiveyear plan for every building. That is going these are going to be what's going to be happening uh every five years. What we need to to redo. I'd like to see a one-year maintenance plan as to what's going to go on on a daily basis, monthly basis within the within the school so that we can actually start planning for that and really keep keeping Mr. >> We'll be getting that three to five year plan for you. >> Okay, that's what we're talking about. >> Very good. Very good. Oh, now >> Mr. >> That's all my contract is too. >> [laughter] >> something about that number >> something about pirates had one for 25 years and correct me our telephone conversation when you said that the people came up there was a in

095line >> vent okay >> and usually that they put those on a regulator outside the valve. >> So basically when they set pressure I I truly wish I'd been along but basically its gas. So obviously I wouldn't go out there and mess with that valve. Okay. While gas >> Yeah. Now the valve does need to be replaced. Your estimate that you presented which is somewhere $7,000. >> That's what you're getting. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Now what is the level for having multiple It's over 10. We're going to get >> I know that changes and I wasn't sure. >> Okay. Okay. >> Who does the outside as far as somech Yeah, that's a concern for us getting Oh, right. right. >> Exactly. Basically, they always have somebody come shut me up. something. How long do >>

096they really shut it off? They shut it off. And that's at a different location. That would be a house. >> Yeah. >> That's where they would Like I said, it's a safety concern because I don't want to see children. So, and and when there's a a situation, people even if they've been trained, they panic and they'll forget where things are. That's why this is very important to me. So, there are e That's the only place we really there's not a lot of gas. >> Right. Right. No, I understand. in the high school the the chemistry labs they don't use not really I know that valve works >> and that's all right but no I um I I I do want to go there's only one last last place that I want to Laurel Valley and

097I talked to uh director I wanted talk to director as well but to do that this Friday after that then what I want to do is come and talk to you and we'll go around so I have two data points I'm really big on having multiple data points there were some decision done by shall we say there were the railing going down. >> Yeah, the rail there was there were some other things but these are like once the tours are done compile a list and then everybody get together and >> get the data points. >> This is this is like I I'm not I'm not uh I'm not I'm not looking to hang or anything like that. >> Exactly. No, I understand. But these were these were issues that >> Okay. Um >> I'm good.

098Yeah, I think we're good to go. I don't know frequency drill. Okay. >> Okay, we're going to um have to move on now. That's all for that group. Next is human resour. So the the motion for to allow the bids to go out for the baseball field. Does that go under building grounds? Where does that go? >> Why don't we put that underneath there? Yeah. Yeah, that's a good idea. >> Okay. We'll put a motion to go out for bid for the paving project. >> You okay with we'll put together a motion good? So it'll be B10 B12 >> human resources. >> Um I'd like to see us have job descriptions. So, you know, when you're involved in a uh an interview, you you know basically what the tasks are going to be and what

099supervisors can expect from that person doing that job. I'd also like to see >> Wait, wait. I'm I'm Is this something we're planning for the future? Do you have any agenda items under the human resources? >> No, I don't have any agenda items. >> Okay. So, this is a plan for something we want to see in the future. >> I thought you wanted some goals. So, that's >> uh that's for another meeting, but yes. Okay. Go ahead. This is just your motion. >> This is just your motions for the agenda. So, there's nothing under personnel or supplemental. >> No, we're not we're not moving at all on that hiring. We talked about that at the beginning. So, that would have been the agenda. >> Okay. >> Piece. >> Gotcha. There are some additional uh uh

100personnel committee agenda items in lie of that one. Um I can share if you don't have them. >> No, I don't have them. >> Okay. Um be a a retroactive uh approval for a hiring of a long-term mathematics teacher beginning on December 19th. Um, retroactive approval of an employee for a medical leave of absence from December 11th to an undetermined date. Retroactive approval of a FMLA beginning January 13th through April 7th. Um, approval for uh intermittent use of FMLA uh for employee number 1621. Uh approval to be given to employee number 888 for an unpaid leave from February 18th and 19th. Uh approval to be given for the hiring of a 12-month clerical position at Ligonier Valley High School at an hourly rate of 1975 uh to commence January 27th of this month. >> Is

101this to replace Diane? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Debbie Debbie Deb. the approval to be given to the hiring of uh a life skills autistic or is that the one we're not doing? Okay. Yeah, that's the one we're not doing. Sorry. Uh approval to be given to the hiring of a substitute nurse for the 2526 school year and approval to be given uh the changes that I shared with the entire uh board for the job description of the school police officer. Again, uh approval of the job description is not necessary. If that's something you want to take off, you have some feedback, uh, feel free to let me know. We talked about this some months ago and I didn't want to sit on it. I shared with the board a couple of examples. Uh, I know

102that there's some reservations with regard to school police or school security officer. Um, if if we don't want to call them school police, um, they won't have arrest powers or containment powers. So, um, that was the reason I aired on the side of that because I thought that might be something that you'd want want to have in each one of the schools. Um, that's that's the uh gist of the personnel committee recommendations. >> If if I may, this is Gary. Um, if we're going to move into the school police realm, we would need to take those issues to the court of common police to get approval. >> So, >> yeah, I think items discussion. I think that Yeah, I think that >> So, we'll take that off. So my question is under the new uh

103the way we're doing committee of the whole why were those not sent on to human resources? >> I believe they were. >> They were. Oh, they were. >> Who's who else? Oh, Jen must have Oh, okay. Jen must have Okay. >> Sorry. >> Bless you. >> That it for that one? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Student experience. >> There's some supplemental. >> Oh, yeah. Supplementals. Yeah, I could go those too. Um approval to be given for the appointment of uh assistant boys track coach which would be a renewal. Um marching band director a renewal and varsity head varsity football coach renewal. Um two volunteers for the um high school musical uh two separate high school musical volunteers and that's it for supplementals. Okay, I'm gonna stop and ask Eric a question if you don't mind.

104Sure. Um, so in our monthly because we were trying to as a board uh look forward and get a monthly what's going to come up this month, this month and this month. Why is it that these um like the assistant voice track person and the marching board renewal? Why are they coming up now as opposed to like in June or you like why is the why is it a midyear contract? And this isn't it's for the the 2526 assistant boys track coach was never filled. >> Okay, >> that's why it's because >> that's why it's coming up because Okay, >> for 2627 they're renewing them already for 2627 the marching band. >> Okay, so this and the board I want your input on this just to make it a little bit easier so that we

105don't have to do this every single month. Um, can't we just do these all in like June like for the 26 27 year? >> I it listen. It's up to the board. We'll get them as we come along from the athletic. >> Yeah, that's the problem we had last month was we were trying to get a wrestling coach and wrestling season was about to start despite >> Well, that's different though. That's having a coach whenever we don't have one. But if we're talking about a supplemental contract for the 26 27th school year, why are we approving those now? Can't we just say >> they start already? Like I know >> 26 27 they're still finished after 256. >> Yeah. No, that that's just Yeah, that we're on 25 26. They're still even though they're if

106like just for example the two there the marching director of football their their contract goes from July through June >> for the 25 26 year >> and they don't renew those so after the end of the season and they get their evaluations that's why that's why that's why they renew because their evaluations done but it's up to the board if they want to come at once or what I mean I >> we get them as we get from the athletic director to put on there I mean that's for >> that's something to look at >> because I have more input about that >> that way I mean it's got ready to go for the next year. But that's that's a board decision. >> Okay. We'll discuss >> that's all >> and you even have that

107on our uh responsibilities to be looking into that whole process. So that will be coming up. Okay. At some point. >> Okay. Now student experience. [laughter] >> Oh no. Are you ready for me? >> Oh okay. I I I was making sure. Okay. Um for the agenda, first of all, we need and this is these are all routine um motions. Approval to be given for the Levi school district spring sports teams to participate at regional and state meets contingent upon an individual or team progressing to the regional or state playoffs. And again, you don't know that's going to happen till we get to that point. The second one is a retroactive approval. and we've already approved this because we needed to get this person aboard. Retroactive approval will be given to the following program volunteer

108for the 2526 school year and that's Mary Munel for varsity girls basketball. They're currently in in um play. Um the next one is approval to be given to the following program volunteer for the 2526 school year. Jamie Watski for uh softball. The next approval will be given to the following program volunteers for the 26 27th school year. Ivad Drosski and Yolana Rosie for marching band. And then I'm going to skip this one item and come back to it. And then approval be given to the following program volunteer for the 26 27th school year and that's for Allison Stephy for marching band. And that'll be one that Gary has to um >> abain abstain again. every every month we vote one or two >> general [laughter] >> well we just have it as a separate motion

109so everybody can just vote and you can just abstain from that specific motion same with under the uh supplementals as well >> right and then we're going to go back to one that has been um with the athletic committee since last November Nate Sylvester um who is a parent of a student who's going to metriculate from valley to Ligonier next year there's an organization in town called the Laurel Highlands youth cycle cycling team. And this the reason why we're asking for approval to do this, and I'll explain a little bit more what it is, is it's going to provide another opportunity for our students to maximize their potential by doing something that's a little bit out of out of the realm of ath athletics as such that you know, you can cycle all the time.

110this cycling group actually and I know Gary is aware of that group and maybe >> it's a mountain bike group is what it is >> and it it's from many different school districts but it's actually originated and and the leadership here at Ligonier Valley. So what they're asking for is they want to be able to use our district logo Ligoner Valley Rams for their name and logo. the organation organization is part of the Pennsylvania Interlastic Cycling League, not the PIAA. Um, it will not require any financial backing or any liability for the district. And I do have um when we talked about this, as I said, it started back in November. It's going back and forth. I believe he even contacted um Chrissy at one point about it. It's a wonderful opportunity for uh students

111and also for the district to have their name out there as well. I don't have quite enough of these to pass around. Dawn, could you make enough and make sure everybody actually has one? They're front and back and pass them as far as I go and Don will catch it up. Um, so what I'm going to do rather than go into this, I had um Wesley in working with Mr. Sylvester do this as a memorandum of understanding that the district will have with the group. Um it's not a policy we would want to put in because if we get another request like this it could be entirely different in terms of what they would propose but they have um all their people have full clearances it operates according to the intercolastic league the certification safety

112protocols insurance absolutely everything is under the um opaces of the league itself. The only thing they are asking us as a district to do is to approve using our logo which is it's it's a positive thing very positive and it's also going to then um particularly we if we have one kid coming in from Valley next year that might bring some more back to our high school would that not be good. We're talking about increasing our um census anyhow. So it's yet another way to get the get the school out there >> as long as there's no legal problems or anything. I think it's part of the what I call aesthetics. >> Yeah, I think >> it's a great opportunity. >> I I would recommend the motion be uh pending solicitor's final review. >> Right.

113And we we will get this. >> That's why I said >> Gary, we were trying to usurp your duties, but was we were putting this together, we had it put together as a memorand memorandum of what understanding you can look at it any changes that need to be made. Anybody that has a question about it, if you could get back to us, for sure, we would like to have it on the agenda this month because it's time for them to begin their training for their next season. They actually have a season. >> I think I think it's important to note, Director Hutchinson did this, but I think it's important to note we're trying to expand our athletic opportunities for kids and and there are some others that some folks have expressed, but this one seems

114like a no-brainer. >> That's what I was going to say. I was gonna say we have we have no financial uh liability. Eric likes it. Eric loves this. [laughter] >> Gary, we'll get this to you um tomorrow so you can look it over. You may have to tweak it a little bit, but it looks pretty good to me. >> Okay. So, if you're all okay with it, we'll have it on the agenda for approval um at the meeting. And then we have one more. We have several things in process. And I need to say Gary and I did meet on what? Friday, >> but we had not met prior to that because Gary wanted to wait till we had a meeting with um Christy and MJ on the 6th in regard to what our new

115uh policy and process was going to be. So >> part of my military training. [laughter] >> So anyhow, we did meet and we um went over all this stuff. Another thing that has been in the works for a while, and Eric, I know you're aware of this, a proposal to add middle school baseball and softball to provide more opportunities for our athletes. Um, this is something that I think you all have had since last November, even quite a long while. >> At any rate, we're going to pass this out also um that you have a chance to look at it. We would like to get it on the agenda for February. This will give you a chance to look at it. have any questions? Um, it's a it's a wonderful opportunity. The Little League boosters

116are going to program fund the program for the first year, 100% of the program. >> Wow. >> And typically when you have a new sport that starts, it's around $15,000. So, you put all the pieces in it. >> So, you know, they are going to fund it for the 26th 27th school year. >> A uniform, but it might be worn out with travel. >> Well, well, it depends on some of that, but that's a minimum. Yeah. >> Yeah, that's a minimum. Year 2728, the district will assume 25% of the budget, the boosters covering 75%. Year three, it will be 50/50. And by year four, then the district will, you know, absorb the uh total responsibility. >> They're going to pay for the coaches, too. >> Yeah. They said they're going to take care of >>

117handle and everything. Yeah. >> Because it just it just says covering all cost related equipment, uniforms, spill, maintenance, and travel. You don't worry about because we're >> Yeah, we'll get that clarified. >> Another with the union teachers union because the supplementals are in the class. >> Right. Exactly. Okay. What What about insurance costs? Our insurance will probably go up because of this at least some some factor. >> I'd have to check on >> Well, we'll get to cost of what it's going to be. So, we would like to get it on the February agenda, >> but we'll get more information. And if anybody in reading this has a question, please get to uh Wesley. Uh Gary, >> I've done a lot of work on it. all the details need opportunity normal but yeah >> yeah

118it agree >> so is this is me and my you know non-academic brain I mean um athletic brain so when our so in year four where it says the school district assume full financial responsibility for both programs fully integrating in the district's athletic budget but our our teams all have booster teams I mean >> that's who that's paid for to start with >> yeah but so so all of our other teams have boosters what do the boosters They don't pay for the coaches. They don't pay for the travel. They don't pay for the >> They're independent. >> We pay that all in our athletic or current. >> Okay. So, what do the boosters pay for then? >> They pay for anything supplemental. >> Jackets, bags, >> meals, all >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. That's what

119And if you look at the 32 33,000 series in our budget, that's all the athletics >> and supplemental activities. >> And and this is just something that we're going to be doing. um the athletic committee um going forward. >> Um the flow chart that we already have on the uh coaches, what the heck is it called? Handbook in the parent handbook and their general overview of the flowchart. We don't even have boosters on there. We really need to have them because they're under the head coach's uh purview. watch because we want to put them as part of the squidity because they're a separate organization >> to 100% 100% but they they answer to the coach but that >> they answer to their they answer to their executive branch they have the officers they answer to

120>> and they have their own um >> bylaws stuff. Yeah. Thanks. >> I think what we're I think what we're talking about, Eric, is just so people understand, >> you know, because uh Wesley does ask him how much money they're raising and stuff like that, he does get involved in that and just get out of planning and stuff. So, I think maybe even if you just put it in in there with dotted line or something just to let them know that we are aware. >> I I'm deferring Gary on this one. I don't >> It's just something. Yeah. >> Yeah. defer to Gary because I know you we don't want any >> because if we take responsibility then we're responsible >> we don't want any responsibility at all >> and we want that clearly defined

121right now we don't have a booster handbook to even define that >> what do you think about that Jerry >> I would agree we don't want to take responsibility for those things so when I get the policy over we'll maybe tweak it a little bit and maybe we'll develop a a handbook to go along with Right. That that's something that we have on >> just goes along with the whole >> trans I talked to Wes over the weekend. He's exploring handbooks and he has a couple of examples some of which Gary's probably familiar with. So >> we have 12 samples in our mailbox already that he got immediately when we began talking about this because you know it's clear as mud right now >> with with the boosters. >> It all goes and we don't

122want responsibility trying to get more people. We have nothing to do with their bank account, their audits, anything like that. Nothing. And just as a matter of fact, last year the um softball boosters with their table they brought on the back of a truck and did all their fundraising in the grass selling whatever. They raised $30,000. >> And we did meet with them. They asked to meet with us. Um when was that, Gary? that they met with us about the use of the new field. Um because they had a lot of questions about how how they were what they were allowed to do and so on. That could be all defined within the booster handbook then because you know it it is the property of the school district but they use it and so on

123and fund raise. So I I do think and I have thought for a long time we do need a handbook. It doesn't have to be 40 pages. 12 pages was kind of the normal what uh Wesley did. >> Again, it's just basically recognizing them that they're there >> that they're separate >> and assisting >> because >> Yeah. I I guess I guess almost to sum this up it it the handbook will provide guidance for them but separation for us. >> For us. Absolutely. That's that's clear. >> That's fine. That's [laughter] >> Yeah. Thank you. You're welcome. Yeah. And I'm glad you had already talked to Wesley about that because it's something we [laughter] need to get working on. >> And then Gary, do you want to do the instructional >> No, go ahead. You're good.

124I'm I'm a rookie at this. So, you go. >> Okay, Gary. Next time it's going to be you. Okay. We need to approve the uh change in the instructional calendar. We already took two of our snow days and used them up. So, we have to reschedule. >> Sorry. >> So, that'll be on the agenda for approval. >> Not the weather. Sorry. And we'll also have the uh census for the month on there. And that's one of the things that we've been tasked to look at. You know, why are numbers going up or down? Whatever. So, that's my report, madam. Okay. >> There's some drivers. >> There'll be TA 2020226 and driver a mechanic for >> Oh, sorry. >> Wait just a minute. Oh, I missed that page. Sorry about that. Thanks, Eric. Yeah, >> we

125got clearances for them. They go, they have to go through me first to make sure the clearances so they can continue. So, all their clearances will be met by >> and this is kind of interesting because um and I sorry about that uh miss uh we have to approve the following lowar staff for the 2526 school year. They're they're always adding on all the time. Bernice McDonald as a driver, Richard McDow as a driver, Tana Nixon as an aid, and Caleb Campbell as a mechanic, which I found kind of interesting that that's part of what we have to approve. >> Do they have a mechanic? >> Yeah, I would have I would not have thought we had to approve that. That's the first time I've ever seen that. >> So, that is very important. Yeah.

126Okay. Good. All right. So, for next month, we have some major improvements to do. We have to stick to what is going on our agenda and so that we flow a little bit. We need to improve our lines of communication. A lot of that is on me. Um are there any additional comments from the solicitors >> Gary? >> No, I have not I was unmuting. I I been keeping it muted. >> Um I have nothing good further at this time. >> Nothing more. I do just just to follow up with uh Dr. Prime your question. Um all of 8th grade is going on the Washington DC trip and that'll be about 90 students and then they're taking six teachers and one administrator >> Dr. Kapla >> I just all the buildings I've met with all

127the teachers administrators um and we're working on MTSS the special education I'll be reaching out to the educational committee to be a part of the steering committee. Um so we're just you know just boots on the ground running sitting in a lot of placement right now getting to know you meetings. We have new story here today. So every week we have somebody coming in either as a new special director or meetings like that just continue to the community relate. Okay, >> Janine, I'm >> good. >> Any comments from anyone in attendance? >> No further comments. Meeting is adjourned at 6:34.