001Welcome to the Wattsburg Area School District where a student centered and future focus for a world-class education. Welcome to the regular board meeting for Monday, June 15th, 2026. Would you all please stand for the pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. May I have a roll call, please? >> Mr. Blazer, >> present. >> Mr. Brumagen, >> present. >> Mrs. Heatherington, >> here. >> Mr. Morve, >> here. >> Dr. Pushchek, >> here. >> Mr. Snippert, >> here. >> Dr. Will >> here. >> Dr. Williams. >> Mr. Young, >> present. Thank you. Uh to start off this evening uh I'd like to accept a motion to approve the agenda
002as presented or amended. >> So move push check. >> Second Heatherington. >> Are there any >> I do have an amendment to >> to add information to building and grounds um >> concrete work subject D. >> Yes. >> Yep. Uh, I would like to add the name uh to award it to Jesse L. Fisk Senior LLC >> for the amount of $21,335. Could I have a motion to the effect of the amendment? please from a board member. >> So move sniffer second. >> Any other questions, comments on the agenda for this evening? >> So we'll vote on the amendment first, then we'll vote on the agenda. >> Yes. So we have the amendment motion. All in favor, please say I. >> I. Opposed. Name. >> That motion carries. Now the motion to approve the agenda.
003>> We had a motion. Do we have a second? >> Le second. >> We did have a second. >> Leah had a second. Any others? All in favor on that one, please say I. I post oppos. Nay. That motion carries as well. Thank you. Thank you for getting that last second information >> for this evening. Uh now entertain a motion to approve the minutes from the regular board meeting uh on May 18th. >> So moved. Heatherington. >> Any questions, comments, or concerns on those hearing? None. All in favor, please say I. I. >> Oppose. Nay. That motion carries. I'll now entertain a motion to approve the minutes from the work session on June 8th, 2026. >> So moved, Heatherington. >> Second. >> Any modifications or edits on those? Hearing none. All in favor, please say
004I. I. >> Oppos? Nay. >> That motion carries. >> We have nothing under Do we have nothing under school reports this evening? Any last second additions? >> No school reports this evening, Mr. President. >> Thank you, Dr. Berlin. Uh, it's now time for guest and citizen comments. Do we have anyone signed up to speak with us this this evening? Excellent. Now, it's time for the superintendent report and the chair will recognize Dr. Kimberlin. >> Thanks, Mr. President. Um, I just had a if this is my last board meeting, so I just had a couple comments. Um, when I started here in the year 2000 as an assistant principal at Senica, it was my first administrative job and I thought to myself, well, this is a good starting point, a a good place to to learn
005how to uh be an administrator, but uh I thought to myself, I'm probably not going to stay here very long. Um, and things were much different. We didn't have in there was I mean I I don't want to sound like uh somebody's grandfather but there was no internet literally no internet here in the building. Uh we had an intranet uh so teachers could send notes to each other and then to me and the principal and and uh that's all it was. So instead of like saying the same things in the faculty room or in the hallways, we were just sending it on the internet to each other and then you'd hear people go, "Hey, did you get my message um out in the hallway and then they'd launch into exactly what they sent the other
006person." Uh so that was the beginning. Now if I look at today, it's unbeliev I would not have imagined what we have today. back then at that point in time. So, there's been a lot of change. Um, a few things that haven't changed. We have really wonderful staff. Uh, but but the most important thing is that the the students haven't changed. They're still awesome and we have wonderful families. Um, so that's kind of what sticks with me when I think, you know, the whole arc. uh many changes, but it's been a pleasure to serve the kids and the families and work with the parents here. I I I feel um very privileged, uh humbled, and certainly appreciative of the opportunity to serve the community. Um, it's been the most challenging and the most rewarding portion
007of uh my life and career and I would sign up and do it again. So, thank you everyone. Um, thank you. I appreciate it. >> And I'm sure during board correspondence and dialogue, we'll have some words to share of thanks for you as well. We uh this has been quite a ride for each and every one of us in our own way. Um and the level of exposure that we've had to what you've done for the district uh is absolutely recognized. Um and I can assure you uh that that impact will be lasting here. So uh we thank you for those comments. >> I appreciate that. And if you want to have a shorter meeting, you could just email the comments to me now on the internet. You don't have to post them on the
008internet. >> You don't have to use the internet now. >> Yeah. and we're still struggling to get high speed across the district. So, 26 years later. All right. The chair will now recognize Mrs. Vicky Bending for our business administrators report. >> Thank you, Mr. President. For tonight, the general fund treasures reports uh 7 as of May 31st, 2026, 7,666,356.35. And then the year-to- date uh budget versus actual report uh so it's 92% of the fiscal year has been completed. We have spent 85.32% of our total budget expenditures. We've received 81.21% of our year-to-ate budgeted revenues which we leaves us with a deficit of 1.1,372,665.81. 81. That being said, I'd like to mention that on June 1st, we received over $3.4 million. So, um it's just a timing thing. Uh capital projects in uh that account
009as of the end of May, $18.65. Cafeteria has $853,16045 at the end of May. And the profit and loss report for the cafeteria, we had a loss of $26,9247 for May, which brings our year-to-ate profit to $24,118.72. The student activities accounts have a collective $71,53062 in those accounts as of the end of May. Moving on to the bill lists, we have checks written prior to the work session since the last board meeting totaling $118,348.33 for the general fund. We had checks written between the work session and tonight's meeting for the general fund totaling $15,374.77. And the bill list for your approval this evening for general fund totals $42,68649 and the cafeteria bills totaling $62,1729. And then that is all I have this evening. >> Thank you, Mrs. Bendig. I'll now entertain a motion to approve
010the business reports, payments, and the invoices as presented. So move push check. >> Second, will. >> Any questions, comments, or concerns on those? Hearing none. All in favor, please say I. I. >> Oppose. Nay. That motion carries. Thank you, Mrs. Bending. We have no items under legal advisement for this evening. So, the chair will now recognize Dr. Andrew Pushjack for finance. Thank you very much, Mr. President. 10 items tonight for our June finance heavy part of our meeting tonight. Um, so we'll go through a few uh standard items. The 7A is the budgetary transfer. Um I'll enter uh so moved >> second blazer. >> Any questions on that one? Hearing none. All in favor please say I. >> I post name. That motion carries. >> Second item Mr. President approve the engagement of the auditing
011services that we've had in the past uh for the upcoming audit. So moved. >> Morve second. >> Any questions on the engagement for auditing services? Hearing none. All in favor please say I. I >> oppose. A that motion carries. >> Thank you, Mr. President. 7 C is the adoption of the final general fund budget for 2627 school year to approve the adoption of the general fund budget for 2627 fiscal year in the amount of $33,4816. So moved. >> Second, Blazer. >> Any questions or comments on the final adoption of the general fund budget? Hearing none. May I have a roll call, please? Mr. Blazer, >> yes. >> Mr. Brumagen, >> yes. >> Mrs. Heatherington, >> yes. >> Mr. Morave, >> yes. >> Dr. Pushchek, >> yes. >> Mr. Snippert, >> yes. >> Dr. Will, >>
012yes. >> And Mr. Young, >> yes. >> That motion carries. Thank you, Dr. Pushcheek. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Now, we will have resolutions to fund said budget that we just passed. I'll enter I will uh 7D, real property tax resolution. Be it resolve Watsburg area school board of directors does hereby levy the uh real property tax resolution as presented on your agenda. So move. >> Second. Blazer. >> Any questions on the real property tax resolution? Hearing none. May I have a roll call, please? >> Mr. Mr. Blazer, >> yes. >> Mr. Brumagen, >> yes. >> Mrs. Heatherington, >> yes. >> Mr. Morve, >> yes. >> Dr. Pushchek, >> yes. >> Mr. Snippert, >> yes. >> Dr. Will, >> yes. >> Mr. Young, >> yes. Thank you. That motion carries. Thank you, Dr. Pushcheek. >>
013Thank you, Mr. President. Next item is 7E per capita tax resolution. Be it resolved. The Watsburg Area School Board of Directors hereby reenacts upon the residents and inhabitants the per capita tax resolution as listed on your agenda. So moved. Second, Blazer. >> Any questions or comments on the per capita tax resolution? Hearing none. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Nay. That motion carries. >> Thank you, Mr. President. 7F is the act 511 per capita tax resolution. Resolve the Wattsburg area board of school directors hereby reenacts the per capita tax resolution known as Act 511. So moved. >> Second, Blazer. >> Any questions, comments, or concern on the act 511 per capita tax resolution? Hearing none. All in favor, please say I. I. >> Oppose. Nay. That motion carries. Thank you, Dr.
014Pushcher. >> Thank you, Mr. President. 7G is the earned income tax resolution. Be it resolved the Wattsburg area board of school directors here enacts the earned income tax wage tax as presented on your agenda. So move. >> Second, Blazer. >> Any questions, comments, or concerns on the earned income tax resolution? Hearing none. All in favor, please say I. I oppose name. >> That motion carries. Thank you, Dr. Pushjack. >> Thank you, Mr. President. 7H is the realy transfer tax resolution. Be it resolved the Watsburg area board of school directors hereby enacts the reality transfer tax as listed on your agenda. So moved. >> Second, please sir. >> Any questions on the reality transfer tax as presented? Hearing none. All in favor, please say I. >> I. Oppos. Nay. >> That motion carries. Thank you, Dr.
015Pch. >> Thank you, Mr. President. 7 I local services tax resolution resolved that the area school district board of school directors hereby and acts upon the privilege of engaging in an occupation the local services tax as presented on your agenda. So moved >> second blazer >> any questions or comments on the local service tax resolution hearing none all in favor please say I >> oppose nay that motion carries thank you Dr. Bushchack >> thank you Mr. President, the final item under finance 7J is the act one homestead farmstead exclusion resolution to approve the act one exclusion resolution homestead farmstead as attached. So moved. >> Second. Blazer. >> Any questions on the act one homestead farmstead exclusion resolution? Hearing none. All in favor please say I. >> I post name. >> That motion carries as well.
016Thank you Dr. Pushjack. >> Thank you Mr. President. Chair will now recognize Mr. Greg Brumagen for buildings and grounds this evening. >> Uh, Mr. President, this evening I'll pitch hit here for Dr. Jesse Williams on building and grounds. I believe there's seven items underneath building grounds tonight. Um, that I would like to move uh one. >> We can do those at one I I believe. So, um, item A, facility use request. Actually looks like we're removing the request for this week as attached. Uh, item B, campus paving to award the bid for campus paving to Ocross Paving and a total cost of $99,89924. Item C, boiler project to award the bid for the boiler project to KMBB mechanical heating and cooling for a total project cost of $289,770. Item D, campus concrete work. uh as
017amended earlier to approve a contract of campus concrete work to Jesse Fisk Senior in the amount of $21,335. Item E, snow removal to approve the snow removal agreement between Wattsburg Area School District and Helen Nelson Trucking for the 2627 school year as attached. Item F, pavement seal coating to approve the agreement between Wattsburg Area School District and Pavement Care Services for a two coat application of seal coat and crack filling of the pavement area surrounding the athletic complex at a cost of $5,350. Item G, uh, as amended, Stark Tech service contract to approve the addendum to the service agreement between Wsburg Area School District and Stark Tech for engineering services for HVAC monitoring and project management for July 1st through September 30th or 26th as attached. So move >> second push check. Thank you, Mr.
018Promagin, for pinch hitting this evening. Does anyone have any questions, comments, or concerns on the items or amendments contained in those seven that have been moved? Hearing none, all in favor, please say I. >> Oppos? Nay. And those motions carry. Thank you again, Mr. Brumagen. Uh the chair will now recognize Mr. Jeremy Blazer for personnel. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh there are eight items tonight under personnel. Without objection, I'll move them all as one. Uh the first one uh 89A is appointments. A motion to approve the following appointments as outlined below and on the addendum as well. Uh 9B is resignations. Motion to accept the resignations is outlined uh listed below as well as the addendum items. Uh 9 C is leave requests. Motion is to approve leave requests as outlined. 9 D is
019the conference request list. Motion to approve the conference requests as outlined. 9E is administration and travel staff travel reimbursements for attendance and meetings. Motion to approve those reimbursements for all PD related meetings for the 2627 school year. And 9F is a Dr. Grew Barber Center ESY 1:1 aid service agreement. Motion to approve that agreement uh for one-on-one aid services uh July 6, 2026 through August 6, 2026. Uh 9G is service substitute list additions. Motion to approve the list additions listed below. and 9H is the tuition reimbursements motion to approve the attached tuition reimbursements. So move >> more of a second. Any questions, comments, or concerns on those eight items under personnel for this evening? >> Hearing none. All in favor, please say I. >> I oppose. Nay. And those eight motions carry. Thank you, Mr.
020Blazer. >> Thank you. >> Chair will now recognize Mr. Steven Morave for policy. >> Mr. President, there is uh one item on the agenda tonight and that is the second reading of policy 237, updated policy 237 for electronic devices and that's to approve that second reading as outlined and attached. So moved. >> Second snippet. >> Any questions on second reading on policy 237? >> Mr. President, I recall that uh once this is enacted there'll be some uh correspondence, some sort of notices that are going out from the district. Is that I remember that was mentioned previously. So I just that'll happen over the summer >> prior to the start of the 26 27 school year. Yes. >> Fair enough. Yep. Thank you. >> Any others? >> Hearing none. All in favor please say I. >>
021I oppose. Nay. That motion carries. Thank you very much, Mr. Mor. >> Thank you, Mr. President. >> In keeping with our June heavy agenda here, the chair will now recognize Mr. Aaron Snipper for curriculum. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I have six items this evening which include three addendum items. If there isn't an objection, unless we want to separate out item C, I'll move them all as one motion. Uh item A is special education plan additions to approve the additions to the Wash area school district special education plan previously approved on April 20th, 2026 as attached. Uh subject B is homebound instruction to approve the homebound instruction of Wattsburg Area School District students as outlined. Subject C is the Erie County Technical School Transition Center operating agreement to approve the agreement between the Erie County
022Technical School and the Wattsburg Area School District to provide special education services July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2027 as attached. Uh subject D and addendum McGra Hill number world's special education curriculum to approve the quote from McGra Hill to purchase number world special education curriculum for 2627 as attached. Subject E is an addendum everyday speech special education curriculum to approve the quote for everyday speech to purchase special education curriculum for 2026 27 as attached. And final subject F addendum touch math special education curriculum to approve the quote from touchmath to purchase K2 special education curriculum for 2627 as attached. So moved >> more of a second. >> Any questions on those six items under curriculum this evening hearing? None. All in favor please say I. >> I oppose. Nay. And those six motions carry.
023Thank you Mr. Snippert. >> Thank you. >> Chair will now recognize Mr. Mr. Red Bumij for technology. >> There's nothing for technology tonight, Mr. President. >> Thank you, Mr. Bumagen. Chair will now recognize Dr. Veronica Will for transportation. >> Thank you, Mr. President. There's nothing under transportation. >> Thank you, Dr. Will. Chair will now recognize Mrs. Leah Heatherington for athletic and extracurricular. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I have three items and without objection, I would like to move all three in one motion. First one being um one uh 14A extracurricular appointments to approve um the extracurricular appointments for 2627 school year is attached. B athletic appointments to approve the athletic appointments for fall sports for 2627 school year is attached. And C is the volunteer list addition to approve the additions to the WASD volunteer
024list as listed. So moved. >> Second. Push check. Any questions on those three items under athletic and extracurricular hearing? None. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Oppos? Nay. Those three motions carry. Thank you very much, Mrs. Heatherington. Uh, under miscellaneous this evening, uh, I'd like to entertain a motion from the board uh, to approve the items on the surplus list as attached. >> So, move Blazer. >> Second, Will. >> Any questions on the surplus textbooks or educa special education surplus list? Hearing none. All in favor, please say I. I. Oppose. Nay. And that motion carries. The chair will now recognize Mr. Steven Morve for the Erie County Technical School joint operating committee report. >> Mr. President, this is the report of the uh May uh joint operating committee that happened on the
02521st of May. Uh just a few uh upcoming stat uh items to state um coming up for this summer. New student orientation is the 19th of August and then the first day of classes is on the 25th of August. and then the diggers and dumpers. That event is in September. So, those are some upcoming items that um we can look forward to. Uh in addition, we'd like to uh we uh I can alert the board that we kept Knox Law as our solicitor. So, that is another year of uh Attorney Kennedy. She will be attending those board meetings and um is our uh gives us our legal advice at the joint operating committee. Uh also, we received a uh new uh a grant for a new paint booth uh and accepted some quotes. Uh so
026therefore a new spa spray booth for the auto body uh group will be coming uh over the summer and that'll be paid majority via a grant and then a little bit left over from the capital funds. Uh and then we also we uh re-retained our audit firm just like we did tonight uh for the uh tech school as well. Similar uh the firm that we used in the past will be retained for this upcoming year. Uh in addition some of those grants I just like to give some stats like I indicated the paint booth that was received from $148,000 grant for uh additional equipment. Uh and then we're receiving a grant for $48,000 for a welding machine, a little over $10,000 grant for a 3D printer, a little over $16,000 grant for a tire changer,
027and then uh $19,000 for some additional workbenches for the uh the welding and the tech school there as well. Uh and then some stats again as through the end of uh April. Uh again, we are allotted our 96 slots. We had 73 students in those 96 slots. And out of the 1,144 slots through the entire tech school, there was 950 students that were uh enrolled at the end of that uh period. Coming up, uh there again, recall that there's 1,144 slots. There were 1,35 applications uh through the uh early part of I think it would be March and April. uh and then uh there's nearly 500 have offered a little over 400 have registered at the time again through the end of April. So they're going through the process of registering students and uh getting
028them signed up uh for their classes going forward. But again, a little over 200 applications more than slots that are available. So that's a positive. So we'll see how many students connect because a lot of those a lot of times it's they uh students if they don't get their first choice, they decide, well, I just don't need I just don't want to come. So we'll see how that shakes out, but there is a lot of second choices as well that do get connected. Um and so that that's coming up for this upcoming school year. And uh now the uh other large uh item that was uh discussion that had happened was there was actually it was kind of a interesting how this came about. There was a um we have a uh we were brought
029up to the board was the uh non-member tuition rates for students that are not members within the district and that includes folks that are like homeschooled and other folks uh and things that could come into the district that are students. But it also indicated about adults that adults could come in and be uh in the classroom during the day. And that was a discussion item that was brought up uh under that process of of uh approving the tuition rates. Well, that created quite a bit of discussion um regarding uh one prior to this board meeting on the 21st, there was a superintendent meeting that I believe happened on the 19th where this was brought up and the superintendent were very much against the uh concept of having adults in the classroom with high school students.
030uh and the uh the discussion there was brought up well it has been in the I'll say I'll call it the charter I guess if that's allow it's in the it's in the polic the technical school is uh >> agreement >> the agreement yeah the way that was it was the articles of agreement there's there's the term I'm looking for that apparently since 1969 it allows adults to come into the tech school during the day with high school students uh however it has never really been pursued sueded or um what I try to say encouraged uh within those within that time period. Uh apparently there are a few in the cosmetology program that are already in there uh that do uh adults and high school students are there at the same time, but there was
031quite a bit of object objection to that uh process. Uh and if you recall way back when when the um uh EC3 was going to rent out the uh the uh other building which is the uh the tech center or excuse me the skills building. There was a lot of discussion between the joint operating committee on how do we separate adults that are in EC3 with high school students that are also in that same building. So there was very much discussion when that topic came up of how do we limit access? how do we keep separation of the two etc etc. So in that same vein there was a lot of again back to this there was a lot of objections on how this was going to actually be managed. So the short version is
032is this this topic was tabled by the joint operating committee back in May with the discussion that it would be coming back up for our June meeting which is in the 20 which is on the 25th. So uh in that interim time there was another superintendent meeting and Dr. Dr. Berlin attended as well as all the other superintendents as well. And the uh comments there were again continually to be brought up that the districts are very much against this uh concept of having uh adult students attend classes with high school students in the tech center. the understanding and the reason where this was kind of I don't want to say pushed brought up was if there were open slots and as I indicated with those statistics there are open slots and uh maybe not this
033upcoming year but the idea would be is that if there are open slots that we could then open it up to adults in addition the some of the local industry were asking hey can we get our people trained they're this close. We just wanted to try to get them over the edge and get them to the point where um the tech school could train our adult folks that we wanted to hire. And that thought was, well, this is part of our charter. This is part of our agreement that we could train adults to fill these slots. So, that was where the kind of the the the the I guess the directive or the focus kind of came from for this whole thing. But uh again, as one of the other board members indicated, and frankly
034I did too, I didn't even know this was even an option that adults were allowed to come into the tech school and be with uh high school students at the same time. So this was new to me. It was new to other board members as well, Joocc members. And so again, I think the uh the consensus from the superintendent and the consensus that I picked up and and I'll say me personally is I'm very much against this and um I don't think this is in uh our Wattsburg area school district's best interest, nor is it in any of the other districts, but again, I can't speak for them. Um and so that will be come up as a topic of discussion at our board meeting. So, um, I'm getting some nods around the room or
035around the table. And so, that'll be my presentation that, uh, we are completely against having adults in the classroom with high school students at the tech school. >> So, >> you've received your official nodding stro. >> Yes, I've got I've got my nodding across the board. >> Uh, I think that was a pretty much a done deal to begin with, but I wanted to report. So, um, and then get that consensus back. So that'll be our position uh at our next it'll be next Thursday the 25th. >> Sounds like it did cause quite a stir though. >> Yes. Yes, that that is correct. That is correct. >> Any questions for Mr. Morve? >> Uh I don't mean to be ignorant but I don't really know anything about that what you're talking about other than what
036you sent I read. Um could it be something that's taken on a case- by case basis because a 19-year-old adult is a lot different than a 40-year-old adult? that was brought up uh to the point where maybe certain um well I'll parse out a certain um curriculum maybe like cosmetology is different than welding or is different than health sciences or that the the discussion that was kind of brought up was that becomes a very slippery slope on how do you manage selective groups versus non other groups that are non select that are not part of that group >> well I why can't you just have an age limit like 21 that's it I think we probably have to I don't know if that would be a change in the articles of agreement when we get
037to that point when you're starting to put caps on that. It just says adults. Um and again I think it's one of those that are um I think that case by case casis be becomes well if it's good for him or her why wouldn't it be good for the next person? Why wouldn't it be good for the next person? And I think you just open a huge can of worms. It's better, this is my opinion, that if it's a flat no there, it's easy to police that and policy that. >> I mean, I wouldn't be opposed to a night school option for >> Well, and frankly, that already occurs. There is that opportunity for adult education that happens already. >> Well, then why are we even having this discussion? Uh >> it's a great question
038>> because it was brought up and it was the uh again executive director again the the the intention was again let's fill some slots we already have the teachers we already have the facilities it would bring in revenue it would you know uh allow that to occur you know to help on the cost side we'll say the per student cost but again I think it it opens ourselves up into many more uh negatives than positives And so that's that's kind of where the uh the conversation went. And again, that's that's my thought and I think that's the thought of this board. >> Yeah. And at the end of the day, the current funding model is the 11 districts are funding the entire >> set of programming to service the students of those 11 districts. >>
039Correct. And if that model were to be broken for any reason for this subject or any other, you will absolutely jeopardize the participation of some and or all and or none depending on their choices of those 11 districts. So yeah, definitely tough tough conversations. >> Yeah. >> Any others for Mr. Mor? >> Thank you very much for your service on the joint operating committee on behalf of the Watsburg area school district. Um, these are the situations where we appreciate the fact that you've got a thumb on everything that's happening there. You're uh very good at being there for every meeting and making sure you get all the information to bring back to the board and I just want to I believe I can speak for everyone here uh and thanking you for that service and
040continuing that into the future. >> Very good. Thank you. >> All right. The chair will now recognize Dr. Andrew Pushchek for the Northwest Tri County Intermediate Unit report. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, as I had mentioned last week at our last meeting, I was not in attendance because I was at the Erie County Technical School uh for my daughter's graduation. So, I don't have much to report beyond the um board report that Dr. Berlin shared in his weekly update. That's all I have for the IU, Mr. President. >> Okay. Thank you, Dr. Pushchek. It's now time for board correspondence and dialogue. Mr. President. Sure. Dr. Kush. >> Uh, good evening everyone. It's truly an honor to sit here this evening, not only as a member of the school board, but as someone who's had
041the privilege of serving as board president during a significant portion of Dr. Berlin's remarkable 13-year ten tenure as superintendent in the Wattsburg area school district. Tonight, we celebrate a leader whose impact on this district and community will be felt for generations to come. When I think about Dr. Berlin's leadership, one word, one word consistently comes to mind and that is educator. Of course, he has been the instructional leader of the district, but for those of us who serve on the school board, he was also our teacher. Dr. Berlin understood that a strong governance depends on informed decision-making, and he made it a priority to ensure that board members were not only aware of the issues before us, but deeply knowledgeable about them. Whether it was unpacking complex state mandates, updating board policies, explaining the nuances
042of curriculum reform, guiding us through the realities of school finance, or understanding that we operate our own water and sewer systems. He approached each conversation with patience, clarity, and a commitment to transparency. He did not simply lead the district. He strengthened the board and in turn strengthened the entire system of governance. His financial leadership in particular has been nothing short of exceptional. Dr. Berlin consistently demonstrated a rare ability to balance fiscal responsibility with a clear vision for growth and improvement. Under his leadership, budgets were not just numbers on a page. They were strategic tools aligned for student success. He ensured that resources were allocated thoughtfully and sustainably, always with an eye towards long-term stability. Because of his stewardship, this district is in far stronger financial position today than it was when he began. At the
043same time, Dr. Berlin never lost sight of what matters most, and that is the safety and well-being of our students and staff. He was proactive and forwardinking in strengthening district-wide safety and security measures, investing in systems, protocols, and partnerships that provide peace of mind to families and the broader community. His leadership made safety a cornerstone of our schools, not as a reaction to challenges, but as a commitment to prevention, preparedness, and care. Of course, no superintendent's legacy is complete without a focus on teaching and learning. And here again, Dr. Berlin excelled. He championed curriculum development that was not only rigorous, but relevant, preparing students for success beyond the classroom. He supported innovation, embraced datainformed decisionmaking, and ensured that our programs reflected both high standards and the need of a changing world. His work elevated the
044academic experience across the district and positioned our students for success in college, careers, and life. His leadership also extended to personnel, operations, and facilities, areas that are often behind the scenes, but absolutely critical to a district success. Dr. Berlin had an exceptional ability to build and support strong teams, fostering a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and more importantly, accountability. He understood that great schools require great people and he invested in recruiting, retaining and developing talented educators and staff. At the same time, he ensured that our operations ran efficiently and that our facilities refle reflected the pride we have in this community. From maintenance to modernization, he approached every detail with care and foresight. But perhaps most importantly, Dr. Berlin leaves behind a district that is stronger, more resilient, and more respected than ever before. Through his
045leadership, this district has not only improved, but has also become a model of excidence excellence in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania and beyond. He set a clear vision and worked tirelessly to bring it to life, always grounded in what was best for students. Dr. for Berlin. Your leadership has made a lasting difference. On behalf of those of us who've had the privilege to serve alongside you as board members, thank you. Thank you for your partnership. Thank you for your integrity. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to this community. You have elevated not only this district, but all of us who've had the opportunity to learn from you. As you begin this well-earned retirement, we wish you continued success, fulfillment, and time to enjoy the many things that bring you joy. Your legacy here is secure,
046and your impact will not be forgotten. Ken, congratulations and thank you. >> That concludes my remarks, Mr. President. >> I'm not sure what to say to that, but thank you. I'm very, very humbled. Um, I don't think I paid for that many words, Andy. I thought it was only going to be like 10 minutes. But no, seriously, I I I I never expected to have the time here that I that I have had, and I've uh really enjoyed every minute of it. And um I I'm so happy that people uh feel good about what we do here. and um I'm happy to have been a part of that and and work alongside a lot of people to make that happen. So, thank you very much. I technically should have went first and push second, but
047anyways. Um, every minute. You sure about that? >> What was that? He said he loved every minute. >> Every minute. >> Um, >> on average. >> Yes. On average. >> On average. >> Joking aside, as somebody who does retirement planning on a daily basis, congratulations. And somebody who uh worked in schools and works with teachers now in an era where everybody wants out as fast as possible. Thank you for your tenure to this district. Um, I struggle with if I want to continue or not, but today we voted on the budget. So, I'm going to talk about the budget budget again. So, it just happened to align on us. So, I apologize if I'm detracting from your moment. Uh, like I think most people, I joined the board to be uh proactive and and to
048help create change, much like I think what you try to do in in your tenure as superintendent. Uh, earlier today, you know, we again voted on a budget, which meant we again had to vote on our on our tax and our millillage. And I don't have all the data in front of me, so I apologize, but I believe that makes us continues to keep us second in line only to irks in in Erie County. Uh I may sound like a broken record, but my whole role of you know, signing up and trying to join this board was to be proactive and try to uh make change in this district. Uh as you know, attending these meetings over the last couple years, lots of different issues have come to the table. uh from taxes to teacher
049turnover to charter tuition to student proficiencies. Uh I look forward to um work sessions where we can jointly work through these issues. I feel oftentimes board members bring things to the table, Mr. President, and say stuff and then nothing ever happens on it. And so again, I'm going to talk about being proactive with issues. One of the issues I see as a lifelong resident and hopefully my family continues to save for generations to come in this district is taxation and the fact that we continue to increase at the rates that we increase compared to those around us. Uh when you look at Fort Lebuff School District, when you look at Harbor Creek, you know, our neighboring developers aren't going to develop here. You know, it's just too big of a gap and we can only
050charge charge farm fields that are already taxed at preferential treatments so much. Um and so again I'm going to ask if we can do some type of study into proactive measures. Our issue is not um isn't the millillage. Our issue is currently we don't have enough assessed prop enough assessed properties to assign the millillage to you know how can we increase uh our properties and I mentioned this before I think a lot of our neighbors are using some type of lura uh um initiative to increase or to development. Um, so, um, since we voted on it again, I was hesitant to vote yes on the budget and I'm I'm hesitant to vote yes on future budgets because although I understand we have a need to spend money, you know, we have a decreasing enrollment, you
051know, I think we have a stagnant I'm assuming it's a stagnant, I don't have all the data, building permit in our district, you know, uh, we have an increase in in services and we keep offering offering and offering, you know, but uh, it's difficult to cut. I'm a product of cuts, you know. Uh my position got cut, which is what led me out of education. I get it. I understand it. But I don't know if we can continue to offer services like we are indefinitely forever just on tax hikes, you know. So again, I don't understand what the issue is with seeking out data for other solutions to the problem such as how do we increase taxable uh properties in our district. So uh just want to give my thoughts on the budget process and
052on future of taxation. Thank you, Mr. President. >> Thank you, Mr. Benton. >> No other lights coming on. >> I'll make some comments, please. >> Absolutely, Mr. Pleaser. >> Uh Dr. Berlin, you know, when I think about your tenure and and my short time of that tenure on the board, uh, one of the things that stands out is your ability to see into the future, to see what's coming down the road and to prepare us, uh, ready us, steady us for what's happening. And certainly some things come along uh, more quickly like, you know, a pandemic uh, that we can't maybe see coming, but uh, all in all, you you are able to keep us ahead of the curve uh, and punching above our weight to use some uh, catchphrases. So when you uh gave
053your comments and talked about uh not expecting to be here for all that time that you have uh maybe you can't maybe you can reflect back on yourself and use some of your skills uh to see where you're going. Uh but I thank you for uh your service. I thank you for your time. Always remember that you said my three years as board president were your easiest three years but to keep that between us. So I will um but uh I I hope you enjoy yourself. I hope you uh get uh continue to have good health and to uh you know uh enjoy your all your hard labor uh and spend time with your family and friends. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Blaze. >> Any others before I end us? Um my apologies for
054the last two years of board presidency then as I apparently am the most difficult according to Mr. Blazer. I assume you were referencing me, but he isn't supposed to tell the rest of the story. Uh, I'm not real good at summing things up, but if anyone wants a funny story, I can tell you how Dr. Berlin and I first met. >> Oh, no. I won't actually tell that story or the random phone calls during co um just to check in to see how things were going. >> That those were a lifeline. That was a lifeline. We every time I picked up the phone during CO I did not know what was going to happen. Like it would one phone would be you have to get the masks off the students because and here's the list
055and then the next one would be like you have to get masks on the students because of this list. And then in between those occasionally Brian would call and go how's it going? I'm like well you know and he'd say I'm just want to tell you you're doing a good job. there's it's not nothing easy about what's going on right now. You're doing a good job. Um, so that was that was very very helpful. Came out of the blue, but you know, those kind of things help me keep going through that tough time. >> My wife taught me that especially when we're in situations when we don't actually know right from wrong. There's decision makers that have to sit in the middle of that all the time and the first thing we can do is
056thank them for their service. So that being said, um, every single step of the way here for you, and while you know, Greg did appropriately say, did you enjoy every minute? Uh, we know that the minutes of challenge were at least 49.9% of the time when you say the average was enjoying every minute. >> Yes. Um, and we understand I think really the the advantage we have as board members and I think really more so in in the last couple of years that I've been able to um serve as board president and work more closely with you have an even deeper understanding of the challenges uh that this job presents. Um and those challenges can be taxing. Uh and we know that you have given of yourself in more than a few ways. Um to
057that end and for that we know that you have sacrificed for this district. Um that is a big deal. That is a really big deal. Um the acumen that you bring, the the knowledge, the support. Um I can't say enough about you know the financial turnaround that we've uh experienced here in all respects. uh under your leadership, but I do understand how taxing it is. Uh more so now than ever. Um not trying to, you know, make anyone in the room nervous that might be sliding in. Uh but each gets to make their own way. You made your way. You made your impact. You made your mark here. And now as you go into retirement, we wish you well and the best. And you can go continue to make your mark even if it's just
058in the garage for a while. which I think is where you're going to be hanging out. >> That is. Yes, absolutely. So, thank you. I I really appreciate that. >> Any others for this evening? >> Now, entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> So, move push check. >> Second. >> We will be recessing to the cafeteria for some ordeves and to celebrate Dr. Berlin. That motion carries. All in favor, please say I. >> And we are journed. Thank you all. >> Congratulations.