PENNCREST School Board (Nov 10, 2025)

001calling 2025 to order. Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Beers here. >> Mr. Bennett here. >> Mr. Brown here. >> Mr. Chy here. >> Mrs. Croll here. >> Pastor Custard >> here. Mr. Johnston >> here. >> Mr. Savorski >> here. >> Mr. Gleski >> here 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. >> Please remain standing for the moment of silence, please. Thank you. >> This time we're going to enter into the committee the whole welcome everyone. Thank you for coming out on this very snowy evening out there here. It's not very pleasant out. So, um, thank you for being here. We'll begin with our student representatives. Um, >> yes, >> has a different >> Oh,

002they do. Sorry, I don't know. >> Cameron, Ella from Ella's here. Good morning. Good. Good evening. [laughter] I guess not, right? It is dark out. >> Good evening. I'm Ella Morant, your student representative for Cambridge Springs. At last month's board meeting, the Latin honor system was discussed. Cambridge Springs students think implementing the system would be a good decision. You can use the system starting this year to honor all students who have gotten good grades while also being able to eventually honor the valid Victorian and saludiatoran as well. Personally, my GPA is over a 4.0, yet I'm still only third in my class. only honoring Valad Victorian and Saludiatoran leaves out so many students who also have a high GPA like myself, just not the highest. It's easy to say that valad Victorian and saludiatoran is

003the is the way it's always been and if you have that title, you had to work for it. But what you miss is the circumstances within that because it's in some cases there are students who put out their best effort and study endlessly yet can never reach the top. Implementing the Latin honor system will put motivation back into the school. For so many students, they give up because they know they won't ever get to first when they are competing against gifted students. With the Latin honor system, they would continue to try in school if they knew they could get recognized by their own personal best effort. Now for what's been happening in Cambridge Springs. Last Friday, students woke up bright and early, but more like dark and early [snorts] to show support for Cambridge Springs

004to be featured on Eerie News Now, who is doing a segment for our school, which was one of the four finalists in How Cool Was Your School. Remember to vote for us daily. The school has been trying to collect food and donations to box food in order to feed 60 families in need within the Cambridge area. We started this year early, but it didn't seem to help as we haven't gotten many donations yet. This Friday, 10th and 11th graders or in upper class math will be traveling to Penn State bearing for women in engineering. Also this Friday, leadership council will be hosting a Veterans Day breakfast which will be followed by the Veterans Day assembly hosted by Will Marcelo. If you have served in the military, I encourage you to go to the breakfast on

005Friday at 8 a.m. The food is always delicious and thank you for your service. Also, happy birthday to the Marines today. Sadly, last Friday the Devils football team finished their season with the loss and second round of playoffs against Wilmington, but winter sports are starting up very soon, so the students are looking forward to the upcoming season. Please remember to keep up with Cambridge on all social media platforms and stay in tuned. Thank you. >> [applause] >> IS MAPLEWOOD HERE? LOGAN HERE? >> SO, Segretown Cameron, thank you for being here. >> Thank you for having me. Hi, my name is Cameron Hul and I'm the Segretown High School student representative tonight. So, I'm going to talk about some events that we've been doing um at the high school. Um recently we filled up our Panther

006200 board and the students who turned in our pause tickets were rewarded for the good behavior that they've shown um over the last quarter. Some prizes included an NFL football gift cards, candy, and a bunch of other prizes. Um we had a quarterly celebration during win last week. So students participated and signed up for STEM um Halloween themed Halloween themed STEM activities that they got to choose from. Um so that was really successful. Um, we are continuing a student led tutoring program during win every Thursday. It's held in Miss Peter's room and we've had a lot of students have that have been going to that. Um, it's hosted by a math and science club. So, that's been successful. Um, our team of tech interns have put together a video um, showing students how to be

007prepared for class and for the school day. Um, so that was shown to students last week as well. So, we got very positive feedback on that. Um, last Friday, Key Club and student council put on the junior high fall ball. So, that was a dance that was held and it was a strong success and we had a good turnout for the junior high students. And also, currently we have the food drive going on which is a big part of our Panther Cup um grade like reward system. Um, so whoever wins that will get points that'll go towards our incentive at the end of the year and um we have a great participation and it runs through this week. So yeah, that's what I have. That's what's been going on at Secrettown High School. >> Well,

008thank you. We appreciate it. [applause] >> And I know we'll have another night to honor our athletes, but Cameron did participate at the PIAA state championships in cross country. So, since she's here tonight, job well done. [applause] Um, at this point in time, our PA8 representative, Debbie Miller. >> Can you hear me if I just back here? >> Good evening, uh, members of the board, administration, students, community members, and esteemed colleagues. As we move into November, a month traditionally focused on gratitude, I speak to you tonight on behalf of the Penrest Area Education Association to express our sincere appreciation and reaffirm our commitment to a partnership. First and foremost, we are thankful for the ability to work together with this board and the administration. [snorts] In any school year, we face challenges, but this year,

009what stands out is not the presence of problems, but the spirit in which we approach them. We appreciate the open door, the willingness of the administration to meet with the union leadership and individual teachers to discuss issues before they escalate, the shared goal, the mutual recognition that every decision we make must ultimately serve the best interest of our students. And specifically, we want to recognize the recent successful collaboration on schedule changes. The effort to restructure our school day to better meet the needs of all students and offer a wider curriculum was a complex undertaking. We are grateful for the way the district involved teachers at every stage. Listen to our feedback on implementation challenges and worked alongside us to create a schedule that is both educationally robust and manageable for our staff. Our teachers have

010been tasked with finding an answer to the apathy and answer they have arrived at pretty good teachers are sharing their passions with the students and allowing new avenues and relationships to be forged. On Thursdays, you might see them teaching fly fishing or sign language, which is collaboration even with our own deaf and hearty hearing students as well or even a t-shirt graphic design. And there's more. In my own readers theater group, I have noted that a student who struggled to even attend school has not missed a single Thursday yet. This is a shining example of a true partnership in action. Or we could talk about the ongoing challenges of school safety. We have felt heard by this board and the administration on our concerns to make our school a safe place with no tolerance for

011bullying or threats of violence. The collaboration on the cell phone policy and the student handbook change to eliminating backpacks in the classroom has been advantageous to our students and staff security. This collaborative spirit is the foundation upon which great schools are built. We look forward to continuing this constructive dialogue as we tackle future issues such as the transition of a new board, class size, [clears throat] the budget process, or staffing needs. Second, we want to celebrate and express deep gratitude for the unique and invaluable role of our smaller schools within this district. While some would argue that efficiency often favors size, our teachers know the profound advantages of smaller classes. Deeper connections. Our students are not just numbers. They're individuals with names, stories, and specific needs. In a small school, teachers can more easily know

012every student, leading to a true sense of belonging and community. targeted support. We are better equipped to identify and implement personalized interventions helping students who are struggling to catch up and providing enrichment for those who are excelling and stronger community bonds. The schooltoome connection is vital. Our small school settings naturally foster closer, more meaningful relationships with parents and guardians, turning them into true educational partners. Our small schools are not me not merely buildings. They're vibrant, nurturing hubs of their respective communities that consistently deliver highquality personalized education. We urge the board to continue supporting policies and resources and allocating funds that recognize and preserve the unique power and strength of these smaller environments. In closing, this November, the teachers of Penrest are grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to shape the lives of our future leaders and

013grateful for a system that allows us to work with the board and the administration toward common solutions like the recent success in our schedules and school safety. Thank you for your time and your commitment and your continued partnership in making Penrest a place where both students and staff can thrive. >> [applause] >> Um, I'm going to turn this over this next part. Uh, we have our ads here. There's all three here tonight. Sean and Justin are here. So, I'm going to turn this. We're going to talk [clears throat] a little bit about soccer in the district you guys have been putting together. So, you can come up and introduce yourselves and um, state what schools >> you is. He doing all the talking. >> Yeah. [clears throat] That's not surprising. Support from the rear. >>

014You want me to You want me to sell you something? No. Um, so my name is Sean Rhodess. Um, first off, I want to thank everybody for giving me the opportunity to speak. Uh, the three of us, uh, Justin, Chris, and I along with some other people have kind of talked a little bit. So, we've kind of come up with some ideas. Um, so basically, uh, for those that don't know me, my name is Sean Rhodess. I'm the current AD at Maplewood. Um, while this is the first year as the primary ad at Maplewood, I have been the assistant for the last four years. Um, while also coaching boys basketball for four years and girls for the last three. Um, so I'm here tonight really to speak on a professional capacity as the AD in

015a former coach that boldly states that we as a district can no longer continue to field these two separate soccer programs. Uh, one being a Maplewood, the other being a cooperative agreement between Cambridge and Seagertown. Um, for the past several seasons, I've witnessed these skeleton type crews rosters, um, in which he's which both squads frequently feel minimum or less than minimum number of players to compete. While 11 girls are the are what is considered to be the standard, I've seen numbers as low as seven or eight, um, on the field due to injury, illness, or whatever the other variable is. Um, and while starting a game with less than 11 is not uncommon for our two squads. Uh, the opponent that we play is not required to do such. So that's them if they choose

016to do it, they're being they're actually being very nice. Um, so while like I said, while most schools, it it shouldn't penalize our own kids, um, or their kids honestly to have to sit to accommodate our our number problem. Um, I often witness girls playing hurt in hopes just to help their teammates out just to get by. Um, the biggest thing is the lack of numbers is less than ideal for a myriad of reasons, and I'll briefly touch on a few. The main reason to me is safety. Um, it's not it's not safe at all for these girls to be subjected to the less than ideal conditions that exist with minimal numbers. The field of play is large and regardless of conditioning, substitutes are certainly necessary. While I can't speak for Seagertown Cambridge, I can

017accurately state that uh the Maplewood team suffered multiple injuries down the stretch of the season. And even if selected for postseason participation, uh we would have fielded a less than full roster. And that's not only one not competitive, but it's not safe either. Um to ask eight or nine kids to do what 11 should be doing um is not safe. Um now in the beginning of this the season, I mean Maplewood started with 13 girls. Uh so that was a better number than we've had in the past. So it was actually a little promising, but due to a couple concussions, a broken leg, and then I think there was illness, we would have, like I said, we going into the postseason would have started with would have started with nine girls. Um, now I will

018say the co-op of the two programs by no means guarantees a larger roster, but I think it it gives the opportunity for such currently right now. I mean, it's no secret. I mean, I've been at Maplewood for quite a while. I mean, volleyball is the thing out there, especially in the fall. It's hard to draw kids off of that. Now, this year, like I said, we were able to get some more girls, so that was good. Um, the next reason I believe the co-op is necessary is to give these student athletes the best possible chance to compete. These girls shouldn't be traveling to a game just hoping to complete a 90-minute contest to compete in the 90-minute contest, but knowing that they can compete at a level that they're familiar with seeing these other schools

019do. Uh that mindset is is tough to maintain. Knowing you're going into that to that game with less than ideal numbers is the again, is the co-op a guarantee at larger numbers? No. But by doing such, it shows that our district is is trying to give these student athletes the best chance. Now, I do know that while I'm aware that combining these programs may be frowned on upon individual communities, um these girls are being dealt an injustice by not doing what's right. The boys currently run a program with all three schools together that operates out of out of Seaggertown here. Um and I consistently hear our athletes just saying how defeated they feel just even going to a game. Um you know, because they know what a lot of times what they're getting in. With

020all that said, um I've talked, like I said, I've talked with Justin, Chris, um the ad here at Sagertown. We believe that we should base the the program at Maplewood simply due to that the boys are here and not having to juggle field time for practices, games, etc. Um, I can personally attest to the trials of juggling field, gym time, uh, stuff like that. So, it doesn't make it easier on me moving it out there because then I'm now dealing with the co-op side of it and transportation and things like that. But, I think it's what gives the girls the best opportunity across the board. Um, I also know that we just received new uniforms last year. Um, and I know we have enough to we would have more than enough to probably fill, you

021know, to to adequately give them uniforms and such. Um, it's again, it's not a secret. This could present some logistical problems. This district's big. I mean, it's no secret. We've talked about this. Um, but the three of us as ads, we work really hard to make sure there make sure everything works despite the challenges with this kind of merger. >> [clears throat] >> The next step in the process should this happen uh would we would have to apply uh for a cooperative agreement with the PIAA. Uh the new parameters for PIAA were just released on Friday. So numbers wise it could it could change our classification. Uh we don't know that yet. I mean until we sit down and do the final collaboration we don't know what that'll be. But regardless of where that is,

022I just feel like this gives our girls the best opportunity to compete and you know and and not just to do something just to do it. I mean I I really think this year I I can speak for Maplewood. I mean they made great strides this year. Their numbers the games that last year were 15 nothing were maybe three nothing this year. You know a lot more competitive. So I think things are going in the right direction. Um but other than that, so we did have an initial cut off date for a cooperative agreement for October 1st. Obviously, we don't meet that date. What that would do is then that they would decide if if you don't jump a classification, you'd be postseason eligible. If you do jump a a classification, they may render you

023not eligible for postseason. But at this point, we're not getting there anyway under the current situation. So at least if this at least if we do this, it gives the not only the girls in the present time coming up, but the future a chance to really, you know, put their best foot forward. So um other than that, that's that's where I'm at. Like I said, Justin and I and Chris have talked in depth about this and we just we feel some things do at some point. Um obviously there's more discussion to be had. So again, I'm open to any questions uh should anybody have them. uh my fellow my ADS administrators, we've we've kind of talked about this a little bit. So, um we're definitely not going into it blind. I mean, we've I've done

024some homework on it. Um and I've talked to other schools that have done it just to see what they're, you know, they might not necessarily have the logistical size that we do, but um nonetheless, that's where we're at. So, um I just want to say thank you for letting me speak and um hopefully we can move forward one way or the other. So, thank you. questions. >> Yeah, I have a few actually. Um, >> so I think this is anticipated. Uh, I know the club already is combined with the younger girls. Yeah. >> Um, they've been playing together for years. I've coached them personally. Maplewood, second time, and Cambridge girls. >> Um, the cuto off I thought was January. >> No, for so that was one of my questions. No. So the cuto off to

025you can you can apply for that but if it changes your if it changes your classification October 1st is that that that date. >> Soccer are they moving to six classifications next year? >> Yes it's I believe I believe it is going to six because I know volleyball's going to six. >> I'd have to I'd have to look at but I think it is going to six. >> I would look into that before we know whether we're going to have to forfeit postseason play. Um whether >> Yeah. Oh absolutely. We're definitely going to look into that. And even if we do do this, we definitely plan to uh try to appeal the process. >> Yeah, I would we would petition up through if we could. The the classification the parameters actually just got released on

026Friday um for the sports I and what they do is for those that don't know what they do is so just hypothetically if Maplewood was the host school, I know we had 98 girls 9 through 11. So they would take our 98 and they would take 50% of Seagertown, 50% of Cambridge. Wherever that total puts you, that's where you that's where you land on classification. So, >> and we were already in the low end of that single classification. >> Yeah. Correct. >> Um, second thing, you're right with the numbers. Concussions that's most prevalent in girls is soccer and concussion protocol can keep them out for weeks. I think that was probably both. Uh, question about the field though. They're already at Certown, girls and boys, correct? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I believe >> I'd rather

027you guys maintain because I've had a lot of complaints of one field being maintained properly. I don't see why we would divide them into two fields. >> Well, we already have one at Maplewood, so we there's no it's not an additional maintenance. I mean, we already >> mowing and >> we already do it. You do it now. >> If I could finish um they already have one space in Sega Town where the girls and the boys both play and we have a hard enough time maintaining that field for the girls and boys. So, I don't see why we would at We already have it correct. We're stretched thin as it is. If you talk to the maintenance, they can barely get down. I've coached on that field. The grass gets this tall. Uh it makes

028sense to me to put them on one space and maintain one really good space for the soccer programs because you're right, they're both successful. They feel the 78 girls, 78, and they're still in postseason play. Elevate the space, I believe, is what Mr. Ford used as a phrase. I don't see we can't maintain. We maintain them. Yes. Do we maintain them properly? I don't think we do. And that's my own eyes. It's my own eyes. I'm not saying anything with the maintenance. We just are thin. And I think putting them in one space, you got a practice, you got a game space, you have your shed, you have scoreboard, everything's there. You have parking. To me, it doesn't make sense to continue to use a space when we don't need it. >> That was that

029was my question to you. Um because I' I've seen the field per >> well Maplewood actually I'm I mean I can speak this year I've never seen it as good as it ever this as good as it ever has been. I mean Nick has done a fantastic job with Richard through them. I mean we've worked together. I personally went over and redid the dugouts myself on my time on my dime fixed everything because I wanted it to get give them the best opportunity make it look you know make it look good. Um and I get I get what you're saying. I definitely understand that. Yeah, if we invest into one space, time, energy, effort into one space as opposed to having two mediocre spaces. Um, that was my question. But I I am I would

030like to appeal that if we if we were just initial the initial phase, we're not positive how it's going to turn out. We just wanted to present this to you because in the end, you know, it may sound like we're trying to >> take things away, but we're trying to ensure that girls continue to have this opportunity. I really I mean honestly circle back and end up with six or seven kids in the team and now you miss half a season >> where if we do this now the girls continue to have that opportunity to play. >> Is it what I like to say we're all going to stay where we are and everything's going to be great. You know maybe time it would have but at this point in time over the past couple

031years what we've seen where we've seen the teams at and their numbers this seems like the next logical place to consider. So Maplewood. So I we just did ours. I think M I know Maplewood was at 98 girls 9 through 11. I think Cambridge was at 91 or 92 >> 92 and I think >> Serger Town was 94. They were So that changes some things for volleyball too because now they're going to six classes. Um I know Maplewood is jumping up um because of 94 was actually the cutoff. I mean >> Seager Town was literally on the line. >> You're talking volleyball. >> Yeah. So, soccer, I'd have to look at the exact number. Um, honestly, because it because it was over. I mean, and I'm still obviously in volleyball season here. My phone blew

032up all weekend wanting to know where we were going to end up and what was going to happen. Yeah. >> You know, and it wasn't so much they I think they anticipated us moving. They were more they were wondering like what are the other schools doing? So, >> if we choose to play up as a classification, can we is that a two-ear cycle? Is that a one year cycle? So, if we choose to play up, that's a two-year cycle. We could choose to play up and allow postseason play. >> Yes. That's typically Yeah. If you Yeah. >> It's when you are saying you're lower, but you actually have more numbers. You can't play. >> Correct. Yeah. They would Yeah. Because what they're doing is they're they're obviously wanting people not to cook the numbers and

033then all of a sudden say, "Well, we're going to play down or play here." Correct. >> You know, so but >> I really hate to see a team not be able to make postseason because of logistics at a state level. So anything and with the six classifications was hard to anticipate. the circling background. These girls have been playing together for Oh, yeah. since they were four years, five years old. Um they've anticipated this is gonna happen. >> Yeah. And that's what we and I've kind of gotten that, you know, I talked to some of the the girls out there that play that French Creek. I think that's what that is. >> Yeah. >> That and so they were all I mean the ones that I've talked to about it personally, they're I mean they they

034like the idea because obviously it gives them a chance to to compete and they and these girls have been playing together, you know, as a group anyway. They're not, you know, they're not separated. Yeah. >> So, >> I worry and I've always thought as we continue this because I'd imagine these are conversations we'll have is how are we going to use facilities to make sure that everybody has equal opportunity >> just because you have an opportunity if you're in crossing bill and you got to go to Maplewood >> you're basically you don't have an opportunity. >> Yeah. And that's the toughest parting but have there been any estimates of the transportation? >> Well, right now I know like for practice we don't we don't provide transportation. You know what I mean? So, it's just would

035be games. I know I know Justin and I and Chris as well. I mean, we do a lot of juggling with with the tech buses and the the shuttles and stuff like that to get kids where they need to be and and dismissals and such. So, game time. No, I mean, I'll be honest with you, the biggest problem the only problem biggest problem you could have if they're both at one thing is the the district 10, they set your schedule. You don't get to pick it. So, so the there would be there'd be a team going early going I mean and obviously you schedule your practices. Okay, well the boys are away now the girls go. So there is that. That's the only reason I mentioned because I know what it's like to juggle all

036that stuff. Most people don't know what that is and and how it is. So that's why we kind of talked about that to where you wouldn't necessarily have that. But now is there an opportunity? Is there a possibility that maybe some kids drop off? You're always going to have that. I mean there's no guarantee. I mean, you could have we could have girls not playing now under the current situation just because they know it's, you know, it's going to be tough. So, there's no guarantee with that. I mean, I'd love to have that crystal ball, but I don't have that. And that's why I said I it doesn't necessarily guarantee us it doesn't guarantee us anything. But I think going forward, I think it at least from a district standpoint says, okay, like, you know,

037we I mean the rest of our I mean, most of our teams are adequately equipped. I mean, as far as numbers and or staffed or whatever. So, I just feel like this, you know, going forward, from what I've seen, I I've watched it for four years. This is my fifth year watching it. It's hard. I mean, I'll be honest with you, it's hard because I wouldn't want to run around that field. I can tell you that right now. Um, and then when you're running around, when you're short staffed, I mean, I I've seen a maple with seven girls because that's the minimum you can go. >> That's the absolute minimum you can go. And I've seen them start with eight. And the other teams, like I said, they don't have to do it, but what

038they'll do is they'll get a lead knowing they're good, then they'll back off, you know, so they are nice enough, I guess, but so >> becomes kind of a disservice at some point. You're allowing girls to play, but then [clears throat] when it's like you're just an inter mural team. You're you're like, "Hey, we got a player who's never played before. Here you are in a varsity squad." >> Um, so I I agree with with that all. Um, question about classification again for the ads. if we just again I'm really concerned about missing a postseason play for I mean I can only imagine a senior you know be able to make it but can't >> right >> um when would we have to decide to move up is that after we get assigned our class

039or >> Well so with the numbers coming out now with the numbers coming out now I mean we could actually probably look at that and see where it would lay us the biggest thing is is I we would have to know who's the host because you're dividing you know what I mean I mean the numbers are relatively close. So, it probably wouldn't make much of a difference, but when you're only two or three over, which whoever's hosting does make a difference. So, because >> I think I think in the end actually it's whatever it is, it's the biggest schools the not the host. The biggest school is the first number we count. So, make what has 98 that's the initial number we count. Then it's half of Sagertown, half of Cambridge Springs. We can put

040it wherever we want it. >> But in terms of numbers, it's the biggest school that's counted first and then half of the >> then it's 50% of the other team. And then once we get classified, we can play [clears throat] up or not. >> Well, that and again, this is I mean that's one of those things >> I don't know like we couldn't so if we bump up this uh we end up double A we might get out. I don't know if then saying we'll play AAA to have the opportunity to play up. >> That would be coaches to >> I don't know at that point or not. And again that also becomes the next the next thing is how that goes if we do go do this going forward because we obviously have two

041coaches of Maplewood. We have two Cambridge Seager town. You know where we go from there. So >> um yeah and again the field is not centrally located. It is most centrally located. Um it's when we start getting into buildings I think is when we're going to cause problems. Yeah. >> Uh when we start these discussions for other sports when they have to be gyms and so forth. Correct. >> Those will be questions later on. >> From what I understand though, Sean, when you do appeal anything, we would appeal to it. A lot of schools are getting they're getting a yes answer on these type of correct. Am I Am I accurate on that? >> Yeah. Yeah. You're not. Yeah. It's not wrong. I mean, it it's just one of those things when you do it.

042I mean, just like anything, you have no idea. I mean, one day they might say yes to five things and the next day they might say no to five things. So, it's just a >> the fact that we're in that transition time too in between. If this had been >> the beginning of this season, it might have been different. But now, since we're in that transition time going into the next year cycle, I think we have got a better opportunity. >> But we also have to be we also have to be careful how we approach that because if you approach that with them saying, "Well, we're looking at postseason eligibility." Now they're looking at it from we doing this strictly from a competitive reason and that's not so we got to be careful how we

043approach it but I think I mean I'm sure we can figure it out but but yeah like I said so I mean there's definitely some variables to discuss but I just we had talked about it and we just want to get it out there now and and get rolling. I mean unfortunately I mean the season ended in October and to have that discussion before that's over is just a huge distraction to the kids and everybody else. So >> yeah, what was the numbers? You said 13 girls for >> So we started So Maplewood started with 13. Um, which like I said, compared to prior years, I mean, I'd seen him start with no subs at all or just short-handed to start with. Um, so we started the year with 13. [clears throat] Um, and then

044we, like I said, we ended the year with we had nine girls and I mean >> came down started at 12. We were down to 10. They got a couple more girls to come back out, but had we made the playoffs, we would have been going to the playoffs with >> We both would have been in the same boat. >> Yeah. Cambridge had how many? >> That's That was 12 to The biggest the team got was 12 and that was Sanger Town and Cambridge together. >> Oh, together. >> That was the co-op team together. >> Yeah. >> So, we had I think I believe there was five girls from Cambridge Springs and six or seven from Sagtown. But it's nothing to go to these games or I mean obviously I didn't go to most of

045the or the away games but when you see Senica come in and Mercier Prep and who are all in our region to come in and they've got 10 girl they got as many girls on the sideline as we do total you know and that's not including the 11 they have playing. So right off the bat psychologically our girls I don't care how good you are. Our girls are like uhoh, you know because they know they're not getting a break. And like I and the officials like I said they are good about being decent about it. Like hey we'll throw a water break in here. will do this, but they can only do so much >> legally, you know what I mean? Like they they have to keep their their deal going, too. So, um, but

046yeah, like I said, that's >> it. Numbers-wise, I mean, most of the teams that I won't say most, a lot of the teams we play have, you know, what we had between three schools, you know, combined numbers wise, it's it wasn't uncommon to see 20 plus on a sideline. um you know and that's the part that's like I said that's the tough part for the girls and it's the tough draw to get kids in you know to to pull them in because you know they're already facing an uphill battle um you know and now especially I think there's just so many things to do like there's well I'm not going to play I'll go do this I'm not going to play basketball I'm going to go do like used to be you had three or

047four sports is what you had and and that's what you had now I mean there's a million different options it feels like and it's so to get kids in and then really invest is tough. >> So >> yeah, I agree. Common misconception is that kids aren't participating. They're actually participating. >> They're doing something else >> more things to do and then they choose one sport year round and that hurts every >> Yeah, absolutely. I mean you >> Yeah. Well, that's the toughest part. I mean, and you're sharing kids. I mean, >> and you know, I mean, like I said at Maplewood, I can speak for because it's volleyball. I mean, there's no secret of that program over there. Well, those kids aren't sharing. I mean, we had a couple kids. I think we were going

048to possibly maybe have a cross country running [clears throat] or two, but which those kind of can line up. I can see how those work because I know for the boys, we have some that run cross country, play soccer. Um, so that possibly can work in that dual sport type deal. But, uh, and that dual sport thing is tough, too. I mean, it's there's nothing easy about that. Something suffers no matter how you do it. I mean, >> I think on behalf of the board, we we thank you for your efforts in supporting the girls and trying to >> Yeah. I mean, I mean, as a as a coach, as as long as I've coached and Justin, I mean, and we've talked and I I said I said it's, you know, in our opinion, it's

049it's our job to give him the best opportunity, whatever that opportunity may be. I mean, if it's decided, no, we're going to stay the the way it is, then, you know, then it's we got to figure it out. But, um, >> thinking outside the box. >> Yeah. I mean, we got a little bit of time. Not a lot of time, but a little bit of time. So, >> we wanted to bring it this month without having it on the boat. Right. Any questions that the board has things through if you get those to me, I'll get it to this. >> Yeah. Then we'll we'll definitely look into things further as far as playoff for a vote. Okay. So, that's the the plan here would be to bring that back in December for a vote, but

050we wanted to give a month to announce that ahead of time and discuss it. >> Thank you, Sean. >> Absolutely. Thank you. >> Thanks, John. >> Thanks, Justin. >> You didn't really do much, but I'll still Sorry, Justin. I couldn't resist there. Um, just a couple other updates. Uh, winter weather is upon us. Um, so just as a reminder, we uh we we put some thing we put some correspondence out. Um we um we say we this is a superintendent's decision. Um we we go to great lengths. We talk to the supervisors. We talk to the state. Um I think I have about three different weather forecast. We talk to other superintendent. We start about 4:30 in the morning to really um do a hard look at this. It's it's difficult in our district because

051we have 400 square miles and we have varying weather systems. Um so we um we try to make the best decision um for the vast majority of the students but um it is upon us a little sooner than we had hoped and uh hopefully it'll clear off here this evening but um know that we um we take all that we get input from our bus companies also and uh so I get all that information the three superintendent in Crawford County we try to work in unison because of Crawford Tech and so we try to make the decision there. I think there was one time last year that we had to um we had to cancel because things were so bad and they they didn't get that weather down a little bit further south and down.

052So anyway, just wanted to bring that up and share that that it's upon us and uh we're going to do the best we can with those decisions. I always say this too, parents always have the last um right. If they feel it's they deem it unsafe, then they can keep their child at home and we will not count that. we will excuse that absence. Okay? Um because there are times when we can't get a bus down certain roads, especially the dirt roads, some of the hills last year. We're not going to penalize kids if if the parents choose to bring them, then they also have to choose to come and get them at the end of the day because we don't know if we can get that bus there at the end of the day.

053So, um but we always give a parent that right. We want to be cognizant of driveways, of length. You know, there's some there's some walks out there that kids have to go through, too. So, um, we try to be understanding and work with, uh, people on that. So, just wanted to bring that up. Um, we do have, uh, a transition going on in the board. I I I would be remiss if I didn't, uh, tell David, Teresa, Bob, um, you know, thank you for your service. Um, being a board member is not always a popular uh popular decision. You're not get they're not getting paid. They're doing this uh to serve their communities and um I appreciate uh all all three of them. Um I' I've worked with all three of them very well. Bob's

054been the president. Um he's probably had to listen to me a little more than than the other ones and uh but his insight and wisdom in that call every once in a while just to tell me hang in there. So I'm very appreciative and just want to give them a thank you. [applause] state budget update. Um we have a motion you'll see on under new business tonight for the board members. Um PSBA is the um schoolboard association. They have asked that we um pass um this this provision basically asking the um legislative body to get a budget passed. And um I would uh I would also encourage that the superintendent I I I know we have a I have an interview to do tomorrow with the local media. They're doing that with uh um all

055the superintendents in the area. I don't know which ones they'll pick. Trying to get our folks to um you know our representatives to get back and and do that. We are and I don't want to speak for Kristen, but we are in good shape um through the end of the year. Um we we we feel like we're in good shape, but we are pulling out of our reserves to to pay for things right now. Uh that's a testament to the to the good planning of of this board in pre in former boards. And uh so but it's it'll January 1st there'll be some hard decisions making if we don't have a budget. Um we hear things like it's things are going to go then all of a sudden it's crickets. And so um that's kind

056of where we're at. Kristen, you want to add anything to that? >> Yeah, I was gonna do it now. Okay, go ahead. I'll do it now. >> Um, so like Mr. Ford said, we still don't have a budget. The House and Senate are meeting again um November 17th through the 19th. So hopefully after that week, we'll have some good news. Um, but like you said, we're okay. Um, I was going to touch on in my report, they did release the state uh gambling funds. So we received those in in revenue on top of about $7 million in tax revenue last month. So the conjunction of both of those we are in a good financial spot for the next couple months. Um but hopefully by then we'll have a budget. If not we are going to

057have to start um you know making some decisions on on our next steps. Um but we are living on the reserves right now um with our tax revenue that come in. So um that's why our reserves is important to have those couple months in um in your reserves. So, but with our tax revenue right now, it's an okay time just because of all the revenue coming in. So, but again, like you said, in January, we'll have to if we don't have a budget yet, we'll have to start making some decisions. But hopefully after November, because they're supposed to be working on next year's budget in November, so hopefully they'll pass last year's and then start working on next year's. So, hopefully next month I'll have a better update for you. The other the other piece

058under new business, um you'll see the PA250 and that's the that's a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and Pennsylvania's um also celebrating that and Pennsylvania played a unique role um in that history and so they're trying to get all the counties involved with that. They've got some they've got some u they're moving displays and bringing it into different communities to celebrate and the main celebration will be next summer. But um so that's again a resolution basically saying that we support this. I think the I believe this was founded back in um 2000. They had a commission started 2019 I believe. Um and then they've been working toward that both and then the federal government's working toward that and it's going to be a it's going to be a

059big celebration. So, um just a resolution that I wanted to talk to the board about here. Um also, um the last thing on you'll see on the agenda, um under personnel, we are we are pulling the last two items under personnel to vote for them separate tonight. And so those are uh personnel contracts um our KUSPA contract Act 93. I'm going to let uh Kristen go through the highlights of those um and uh so you know um you know what that is. So >> um the act 93 agreement is the administrator agreement. So that includes your principles and some central office employees. It'll be a 5-year agreement. Um we went ahead and removed some of the the titles that were obsolete in there like athletic athletic director and student support services. um added the titles

060of the director of facilities and grounds transportation and the coordinator of curriculum. Um couple changes. The learning curve will go from a 5-year curve to a four-year curve um to 85% 90% 95 and 100%. Um we'll increase the district opt out for insurance. Um again, if we can get more people off our insurance, that saves us. So we pay them to get them off of our healthcare insurance. Um the retirement sick day payout. um that will increase. Again, that's only paid that's a realized cost in the event that they retire in the Paser system. Otherwise, that cost is um just a a liability um until realized 10 vacation days. We're going to allow them to roll those over to sick days um with the caveat in there because we're requiring them to only use 10

061days of vacation during the school year. So when students are in session, we need our um administrators working and in the buildings to manage their buildings. So with that, um if you can't use up all your days, we'll allow you to roll 10 rather than five. Um additional days off for holidays, just the day after Thanksgiving was never in their agreement. And then a couple days from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day, um there's like two or three days in there depending on how it falls. We're going to add that to the agreement. Um, and the salary increment will be 3% the first year and one and a half every year after that. Again, we're finding people value time off more than raises. So, we're hoping with um the additional time at Christmas. Um, that

062helps offset their their lower raise amount. We're offering two healthcare plans. One will be at a percent of premium for a PO plan and the other will be a high deductible plan uh where we'll have an HSA option which the district will fund dollar for dollar up to $850 and $1,700 for a dependent plan. So those are the highlights of act 93 and the highlights of the PESPA contract. Um we're removing four positions from the PESPA contract. Um those are your positions within central office. we have for our employees that will be removed from the union in exchange. Um, healthcare again the same thing percent of premium for a PO plan added the high deductible plan with the dollar fordoll match up to 850 and 1,700. The retirement benefit for them again the sick day

063payout in retirement it's only a realized liability if it's used in the retire in the Per system and have at least 10 years with the district. Um, personal days. Um, they currently have three. We're going to add two days to give them a total of five personal days throughout the year. Um, vacation, we changed that schedule a little bit. Um, we reduced it by a year or two. So, it's 1 to 5 years. They'll get 10 days, 6 to 12, 15 days, 13 to 19, 20 days, and 20 plus years is 25 vacation days. Um, again, they'll get the holidays the same as the all the other contracts over the Christmas break from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day. Um it's only a couple days. We reduce some of the training hours required for the

064staff. Um and the wages for the support staff is a dollar in year 1,60.7 cents and 80 cents to conclude the contract. Um and 9month employees will have the ability to be paid over 12 months. That was in the previous agreement. Those are the highlights of the past >> and and that was that'll be on there. We did talk to the board about that executive session today too. So, um trying to be transparent in our approach. >> Any comments or questions on anything I've talked about? Okay, we'll move on to Mrs. feeling in the education report. All >> right, we have a lot of things in the education report tonight starting with some athletic travel, Sacred Town baseball to Charlotte, North Carolina in March. Um they would miss about three school days. Um a Maplewood

065wrestling to Hickory, Bergtown, and Grove City, which would be um a potential three total days depending on when they have to go for weigh-ins. The Maplewood High School band is has been invited to participate in the Pearl Harbor Pearl Harbor Memorial Day parade or memorial parade and ceremony on December 5th through the 10th in 2026, which they would miss potentially four days um of school. You will need to do some pretty significant fundraising. I did share information with all of um you in the newsletter. About $110,000 is what they need to raise for that. Um Jamie has a pretty significant and the boosters has a pretty they have a pretty significant fundraising plan. They have to generate those funds in a very short period of time. Um so we'll be looking for approval from you

066in order to start that process to gather those funds if that's something we want to support. But it's what an opportunity for those students if they're able to raise those funds. Um there's some resources. We have a lot of re guest speakers coming in um on a variety of topics. We're really again looking at bringing in our community resources for our buildings. We have restaurant management, insurance, bookkeeping, tax taxes. Um we have some Veterans Day speakers coming into our buildings. Um we have OVR, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation coming in. Um we also have again this year the um Hayden Hitchcock Memorial Foundation is sponsoring a an assembly for all three of our high schools and that's the Adavoy Assembly. It's a rock band with a positive message about caring um and being caring for

067one another and with a very positive caring message for students. Uh we have women's services coming in. Um the we we did an approval for catch my breath for the high schools. We have an elementary medical center has a fifth and sixth grade presentation that we want to get approved for students in all three elementaryaries on. Uh it's a vaping prevention program. We're starting to see that at younger and younger ages. So, we want to dip down into those elementary grades. Uh, we have um David Samuel um for a planetarium presentation and we have a forestry presentation at Cambridge Elementary tied to a grant opportunity. Um Alyssa Reinhardt is doing a survey for staff and students gathering some information at the high school level on the impact or availability of um AP courses or the

068lack thereof at some of our high school classes. And I know that there's been some um questions brought to the board about that recently. So she is in a graduate program and her um topic is on that particular piece. So it actually would give us some um good feedback for to inform our district as well. So if the board approves of that survey, then we can use that information for for our own purposes as well as for our study. Um, and then there's been several books that I've done a lot of reading over and um, research to get on the list. They've been donated through a variety of resources. We have conferences, there's a couple conferences where we want to send staff to, but of course that is all pending the receipt of our federal

069funds and grant funding to pay for those. Um, we have transportation with Washington County. We have service agreements with comprehensive children and family services and so are those typical agreements where if we share children and um for information sharing there's also been a request from our prek counts um folks that we have students in our buildings. We've adjusted that kindergarten state start age u we've acted up to June 30th. We have six students that are currently enrolled in prek counts that would not be able to stay in that federal program. Um, PreK Counts classroom also would not be able to start in our kindergarten. So, PreK Counts is asking for a one-year exemption for those six particular students, which um they're asking the board to wave that agreement for one year. When that happened at

070Conant when they adjusted their age, preK counts done the same thing at Conant and um asked for that exemption for those students as well. basically like a grandfather this first year only um for those students that don't [clears throat] have anywhere else to go. Okay. So, >> um we're also um asking for approval to move to the Latin honor system that we can implement for this year. Um we have not brought the vow back because we're waiting to see what the new CIS system brings forward to us to see if we can then bring that back. It would be a start date four years from now. We've got to make that transition to the new CIS system to make sure that we're equipped to do that with the incoming freshman. So, we want to start

071with the Latin honors honor system for the 26 graduates and then once our new CIS systems here, we'll look at the val for the freshman, next year's freshman. Um, Cambridge High School's applying for two grants actually, a $65,000 grant for sustainable systems education. um and a up to a $500,000 grant for um to develop and implement a school a school project that's from the USDA grant and actually it's going to the aquaponics lab both of them towards the aquaponics lab which is pretty exciting if they were to get that grant um there's a lot of growth in that aquaponics area and it would tie to the community and providing some vegetation um and growing opportunities with tilapia and um some gardens in the community that students would be working on and then giving back into

072the community. So, it's a great opportunity for them. Cambridge >> Yeah. Yeah. Go ahead. >> I say Cambridge Elementary is also looking at a grant, a substantial grant that's tied to forestry and with um the the um RC, I believe it is. is a type with someone through there and it would be with the first graders in that particular building. So, there's a lot of grant opportunities out there that our teachers are researching and trying to bring funds into our buildings to help support what's happening. A lot of them tied to the science area. There's a lot of STEM grants out there and um funds available for for students um or for teachers to use with students. And you'll see also some acceptance of grants from Northwest Rec for brighter teacher grants. Seatan Elementary had

073two teachers awarded. Terra Carco about $500 for propagation station and Jun Mach got $500 for maker space. And I think that all that I have like to mention today that Latin honors recognition system. Can you just go over that again quickly? >> Sure. So that's what Mrs. Henry presented on last um last month where it's the kumlada sumakum lada um where it recognizes their three different levels of performance. So our top level you you don't have to be valictorian or saludiatoran but it does recognize three different levels of achievement basically. Um and we will come up with a way at graduation there's chords or medals that they would be awarded and recognized at graduation if they meet those those honor. >> So the vow sal >> well we can't implement vow style this year. Remember

074in that presentation it takes for it would be because you have to start with an incoming group of freshmen. So to do validictorian and saludiatoran if our cy system is up and ready because remember we're changing our student information system we would start with the incoming freshman next year 26 27 incoming freshmen. They would start with the course selection and start with those recruiting credits their freshman year. So the first year we could do validictorian and saludiatoran would be 202930. >> Right. So can we have that verbiage in the resolution? >> So I want to make >> I wanted to make sure before we put the validictorian saludiatoran in the resolution that our system system was ready for that in the for the 2930 >> but it would be nice to have it in there

075that as soon as possible val will be initiated. That way we don't just drop it and >> or can we bring it back in December? Can we bring the ballot tomorrow? We can add it tonight if that's okay. Jordan, is it can we amend that? I don't >> I don't know the answer to that quite honestly. >> Yeah, that's I think that's fine. >> Okay. So, how do we want to >> say it would be pursued or something? Just adding that the implementation of B cell would would occur as soon as possible depending on our system being able to depending on the IT program. >> Getting Christine >> likeendum [cough] [clears throat] to be determined. make a motion. >> We'll have to make a motion to adjust. >> Jordan, we'll make a motion to adjust

076it. >> Yeah, >> and then Mark, we don't have we're we're right now in the beginning process of the CIS over where we're putting together our timelines for how that's going to work. Um, in the transition, >> our first step meeting is scheduled for November 20th. So, that's the very first step. got November 28th >> with the goal to try to use the the new CIS for scheduling this year. That is the goal. So, um we were very clear with them in our first uh meeting with them that that's what our expectation was. >> Any other questions for Mrs. uh Fel any of the educational report? All right, Richard is uh Richard Luke is going to talk a little bit about a few things under the facilities. So, last month we um we gave you

077the updated costs for the Cambridge Springs Elementary Project. Um this month we've asked uh Eric and Keith from Mccclure to come. They have the presentation and they can hand those handouts if anybody wants them. Uh numbers haven't changed. It's the exact same presentation we had in October. Um the goal of them being here tonight would just be to field any questions you guys had. We we went through it last month and talked through the numbers. Um so this is your opportunity to ask them any questions about um this project and our current uh building condition and um you know as we see outside with with winter weather you know our boilers are running and we are uh we are kind of limping that system along to to get through this winter and planning for for

078the future. So >> I think I think Eric, one of the big questions from the board in the last couple of months was the condition of our boiler system and what would happen and what would be the plan if um you know if if something goes down, how soon could we be up, what kind of cost would that that's probably one of the biggest questions from the board they wanted to answer. So those are all very good questions and there's a lot of factors at play that could determine that ultimately. Um I guess I would start by you know the information is here as far as the age of the systems. We've outlined all that and this is really just the same document that we presented this time last year just the scope that wasn't

079uh completed. But essentially if say one of the main boilers were to go down in that building you know there's definitely a way that we could come in and help augment that boiler and keep that boiler afloat. You know, we are a boiler chiller company. That's part of what we do. Um, if you were to look at bringing in a temporary boiler, a boiler in a box, if you will, I would estimate that you would probably spend anywhere between 10 and $15,000 a month to have that. Now, that wouldn't be obviously in May. You pull that out, it'd be gone. But that expenditure would begin on the very first day that you essentially didn't have heat there. Um, you know, that's a a a worst case scenario. Obviously, uh, running it to fail this year

080and then replacing in the summertime would most likely be the least or the most costefficient way to address it. But we know that, you know, obviously the finances are going to dictate it and the condition of the boiler is going to dictate that. So, without having any guarantees, I would estimate somewhere between 10 and $15,000 a month to bring that temporary heating in. Um the system is unique in fact that it's the only boiler stock that you have left in the district that is of that original cast iron boilers. Um you know all the other boilers and all the buildings are now high efficiency condensing boilers and the design that we have to go back in there would be a high efficiency condensing style boiler. Uh unfortunately you can't mix and match. You can't put

081one high efficiency in and one regular boiler in there because it's it's a different type of plumbing setup. The the piping is all different. all the controls are in there. So, there's really no good way to to rip that band-aid off other than to limp it as long as long as you can in order to to get that most life out of it. Um, having have that system be I know we estimated here the the time frame of that system. I believe that boiler plant is from well the one boiler plant is from 2006, but the original ones are significantly older. I believe they're from the 1989 renovation if I'm correct. >> Um, >> so there's and there's three just so there's three total boilers. >> There is. Yep. >> There's two in the main

082room and then there's a loop boiler that basically catches that run on the other side of the building and then shoots it downstream. We would eliminate that third boiler and just put two new ones in that could do the entire campus or the entire building there. So, the document you have in front of you really, like I said, it didn't change too much uh on the pricing page, which is page 12. As you can see there, we essentially removed the generator that we replaced just last summer. Um, this board, future boards can decide to do any work. We'll help you with it no matter what. We do want to let you know that, you know, if you look at the pricing that we have here, year-over-year increase was probably around 6 to 8% overall. if

083we remove some of the scope, we add in uh the cost escalation over the course of that year. So, we want to have full disclosure about that. You know, the costs are not obviously not going down. When we originally looked at that boiler 6 years ago, obviously we came up with a cost for that was significantly lower. We've had a lot go on since then, unfortunately. But, um, you know, we're still trying to hold that cost as well as we can for you as well, though. Um, this would be the sixth phase of work we've done in the district. It would essentially be the last building to work in here. So, I want to answer any questions you guys have. Make sure you're in a position of knowledge for, you know, what we're asking to

084do. Essentially, we're asking to pick a scope on here. Uh, and then we could put a contract for a amendment forward for the vote the board to vote on. I'll just start by everyone in this room probably knows my thoughts on this and it doesn't matter because I can't vote on any of it anyways at this point, but I'm still going to say them. Um, I really would encourage the board to do a full in-depth study before taking more steps. Um, the the boilers would definitely need done, you know, to keep that building alive. We got to look at our area utilization. um you know our enrollment is not increasing so we need to be looking at that very closely before we bite off more and time is limited for sure I think Rich you

085would I think it's probably the third boiler that's the biggest problem maker at this point right that runs the separate little loop but >> it is but I mean we also have multiple classrooms that are currently without heat because they you know the the univvent and co the coils have leaked and we have to shut them off. Uh, one of the main boiler loops in the building is is leaking into a classroom that we're bandating. Um, the domestic water we've done some repairs to, but we have more leaks there. Um, it's everything's showing its age. >> Oh, yeah. Um, so I think piggybacking on what Eric said, I I think that we've we've put ourselves in a position to get through this school year, this winter, and I feel pretty confident that I mean, we

086can't predict a catastrophic catastrophic failure, but I think we put ourselves in a good position to be able to get through this winter. Um, but we need to make some decisions on what those next steps look like. >> I I agree with that completely. I'm just I'm just saying we need to gather as much information as humanly possible before we I mean this is this is a huge step. Like we either got to be all in or we got to figure out what the alternative solutions are. >> Richard, do you have an estimate on what that would look like with some of the repairs that you just mentioned there? Uh just the repairs that we know of today, we probably have 12 to $15,000 that that I would I would need to do right now

087if we're not going to do something >> to make it this year or to make it through the fall. >> We can we can we can put temporary heat into those classrooms, put space heaters and stuff like that, but >> that's that's a real band-aid solution. That's you know that's just buying time. So, are the the non-heated and the drips and leakings are those in classrooms that are actually being used or not? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah, they're active classroom. >> Okay. Now, there was supposed to be a second study done after the initial facility use that would say what are the options of what we are going to do. Um, I don't think this is something that this present board is going to be able to vote on. >> We don't have it

088on there for vote. >> No, this is Yeah, this is just for you guys for discussion. >> Yeah, correct. >> This is only for discussion just like we talked about last two meetings. Yeah. >> Yep. >> Yeah. We really just wanted I mean Eric Eric's goal here was to to be able to answer any questions. I know last time we last month we talked about what does a temporary solution look like to get us through this winter. Those are minimum numbers Eric put together. Again, that's worst case scenario, you know, just for backup planning purposes. But I think we just need to start those discussions about what what what scope are we looking at? Are we looking at a multi-year approach? Are we looking at just doing mechanicals and not worrying about lighting, flooring? I

089mean, we we just need to start to have those discussions. >> But the entire high school is done, right? >> Correct. So, and we're using 40% of the high school, right? >> I don't I don't >> from the facility, >> we were at 40%. >> That would be your utilization student base. Yeah. >> So, >> but it doesn't necessarily mean we're only using 40% of the building% of that building. You would need to do that building, >> but you are right. The utilization%, >> right? >> Yeah. utilization >> maybe not to 100% capacity, but we are using 80% of the rooms in in that building. >> Utilization is low. Um it's slightly lower than every other district around here. Most buildings are in a 50 to 60 range because there are rooms that you could

090fit 50 kids in, but they're pull out rooms. They're individual learning rooms that are required by the state, required by IEPs. And so saying that 40% of the building is used is is uh it's a misconception, but it would be nice to have a report that says it could potentially be a possibility to move the elementary school into the high school and then decide what we're going to do with the elementary school. I'm not saying >> yeah. So a report close the elementary school. I mean my initial questions are you have one gym or every kid K through 12 getting gym class you have can the cafeteria maintain a K through 12 building is everybody the studies for right >> well no you don't need to study tell you we don't have enough cafeteria to

091handle all 12 grades we don't have enough bathrooms to handle all 12 grades we don't have the gymnasium to handle we can't have elementary mixed with high school kids >> no you can't >> so we have one gym in high school one cafeteria in high school so I can tell you you don't need to study to tell you you need two of each minimum. >> Yeah, but there could be other options too. >> I don't know. I don't know if they make sense because like genuinely you would need an expert with it. I mean that's a nice gym at the elementary school. There's a nice little section there. >> We have a lot of stuff in. >> So I don't know is part of that worth >> utilizing. Is part of that building worth renting

092out? I don't know. I think you would really need to really need to look at that. Um, I mean, I think there's >> you just got to think outside. >> Running out a school with kids in it is a whole another >> Well, you may have to do some major restructuring on how you would section it on a little bit there. You know, that costs a lot of money. >> Yeah, but if you're able to take in revenue, it would [clears throat] be worth it. >> Dave, I agree with you. Definitely need to do a study book at things, but >> but you want to rent that building out, you want to sell it, try doing that with no boiler and all the pipe freeze. You can't run any building without a boiler. I'm not

093saying that we need to do it right this minute, but even if we don't use that building a year from now, that boiler quits, we got to still do something. Even if there's no kids in there, you can't have a a thousand square, you know, multi,000 foot building with water pipes in there. Just let it sit. >> No, we can't. >> We're talking about boiler right now. And >> it's something we're going to have to do whether we use the building or not. You can't you can't shut down the whole system and just leave a building empty and want to do something with it in the future, whether it's rent, sell, open it back up. You can't do that. I've ran into that. >> Saying that sounds don't sound like it. >> We're not saying

094don't do the boiler. We're saying don't do it now. If you say you can make it you can make it to spring. >> We wouldn't start until the summer. I don't mean to interrupt. We wouldn't start the summer. We couldn't do it now. It would start summer. >> If something happens to it, you're you're going to do something. >> Can you speak to what the what the timeline would need to be? If we were going to do a project next summer, when would we when would this board need to make a decision? >> We would want it to be very similar to the last five projects where we're wrapping up and we've done most of our this board and Mcclai most of the votes in in November, >> December. uh that would line up well

095for this project. So we could have pre-pro mobilization, get all of our subs ready to go, get all the pre-ro planning, allow Keith another full four or five months to have everything ready to go, start the project just as we've done the last ones, and then we're rolling right through it. >> So that's the ideal. What's the uh what's the absolute >> Well, it depends on something in the summer. >> Depends on the scope. >> Well, that's if we go with the boiler and the HVAC system and we just strictly go with that, >> right? That gives him time to get everything scheduled. Yeah. >> And then we can >> revisit, do the study, get more information like uh Mr. Gilleski said, which I agree with him on that. >> But we can't sit here

096and say we're just moving the school. We're going to do that. We need to study. >> I would say we would probably realistically want to know at least by the middle part of January what direction you're going. >> Now, is that for the boiler? Like if the boiler you would need to do, >> whatever you would decide to do, that's when I would want to know. Whatever the scope is that this board would pick, we would want to know then so we could start planning because I mean there's a lot of stuff that goes on when these projects go on. I know Keith has spent years here on campus. Uh there's a lot of other people involved as well. Construction managers, project managers, site superintendent, you know, equipment, engineering, all those things have to come

097after that. And we want to leave ourselves enough time so it's a successful project, whatever it is. Um we tried to make these all a cart as possible on here so you can pick and choose. Uh, and that was a direction of of the board from the last time in that. So, you know, we want you guys to make educated decisions. I will note that there's a lot of stuff in that elementary from 1958. >> I mean, 1958 is a long time ago. >> There's also a lot of stuff from 1989, which is a long time ago as well. I will say that you got a lot of dollars squeezed out of those pieces of equipment. Um, and that it wasn't like that building is unique in that, you know, the high school was very

098similar, Maplewood was very similar, here was very similar. So, you know, it's just a renewal of these buildings and you do have to do that over time. If you're going to keep them, if you're going to keep kids in them and you're going to invest in them, then that's really what you have to do. And this is the time that it's come for that building essentially with the degradation of systems that m Mr. Luke is talking about as well as just that we've known over the last six, seven, eight, nine years of being in the building. So, um >> we we need to do something this as soon as possible. This is winter coming up. Space heaters are not going to protect pipes. >> No. >> You have a broken pipe. You have a disruption

099in the learning environment. There are still, it may be the lowest populated school, but there are still hundreds of kids in there and their learning will be disrupted because nine people can't come to a consensus. Uh that is unfair to them. There are hundreds of kids at their primary learning levels. I do not want to disrupt 10 minutes of their learning, let alone hours or days. Space heaters are not going to protect pipes. But we're still talking about passing it now for being replaced in the summer, right? >> Yeah. >> In the next month or two, >> do something right now because we have to. >> It's not an option, >> but we can get things moving for summer >> or we can pay 15,000 a month. >> That's an estimation. And that's for a

100boiler. You could bring in air handling units and put them at the end of each hallway and [clears throat] I don't know what that would cost. So that we've had situations like that before where say we started a month early and all of a sudden you have a cold snap. What are we going to do? We have the boilers already ripped out. We've brought in air handlers and piped them into the building. So, you're putting air in the hallways and then fanning it into classrooms. There's all kinds of solutions we can help with. Yeah. >> for now, you do have options. >> That's why we're in this situation because in the last 20, 30 years, the boards did nothing to >> right >> upkeep these buildings. So, that's one of the reasons why we took

101a couple years ago the decisions we did because you can't afford to build a new school, plain. It's very expensive, almost $400 a square foot nowadays. So, >> oh, that's all [laughter] we >> I have not regretted a single vote that has improved a school. And I don't think in the months and years ahead I would regret a vote yet that renovates and helps the building. And I don't think this board has regretted any of our decisions regarding renovations. I could be wrong and I'm sure there's people that disagree, but I I would imagine that I'll be in the same position months from now. >> I [clears throat] did want to note if any funding comes available in terms of grants. I know we worked with Mr. Dixon to get the uh the hazardous materials

102grant last time for the high school. That was a big part of uh some of the previous work we did there as well as the Esser's funding. So, you know, you have used alternative funding other than bond sourcing and and your your f you know, >> we have set up a goal with total grant services. We had three major goals that we and we put that at number one to see if there's anything that they can find uh for that. So we are actively pursuing grant funding because I that would be the ideals if we could get some grant funding to us. So >> I would say I can't make any promises on grants especially without a state budget. I can't promise >> we are literally pursuing multiple layers of grants. Um may not matter.

103We may have a couple months. >> All right. I don't want to belver my time. I appreciate you guys. If you need anything, I'm always available to answer your questions. >> Pleasure. Thank you. Appreciate you guys. >> So, thank you guys. >> Thank you very much. >> The only other thing I have on the agenda tonight, which this is not up for approval. Last month, we talked about the uh bleachers at Mapwood High School in the auxiliary gym. Mr. Rhodess has taken a lot of time uh working with some vendors to put together pricing. We have three quotes attached um tonight. We're not looking for a vote on that right now. Um, it's about a 12-week process for those if we were to order them. So, they're not going to be ready for winter sports

104season anyway. And without a state budget, we don't feel comfortable asking you guys to make a decision on that. Um, but once the state budget is passed, we would probably come back. Um, once state budgets passed and we can start our capital planning for next year, hopefully, um, we would we would bring that back to you for a motion. So, we just wanted to give you those numbers so you had that to uh to digest. This is the auxiliary juice, not the main. >> Correct. >> And Sean, in 2 minutes or less. All right. >> What are we doing this winter? Just let's let the board know how you've made arrangements for this winter for sure. >> Sure. Um, so basically what we're doing is we're using the elementary gym, which those bleachers aren't necessarily

105ideal, but they haven't failed anything yet. Uh, yet being the operative board. So, we're using that. We're using I've basically moved everything junior high over there. Uh it's virtually impossible to and I to use just one gym. Uh there's no way to do it. You can't you'll have kids in gyms till 10:00 at night and that's not ideal. Um so what we did, we moved everything junior high over there uh to allow that auxiliary gym basically at this point to be used as a practice facility for your out of season sports. Um just to get everything going. And like he said, I got the three quotes. [clears throat] Um they're all pretty close. Uh but uh yeah, so that's what we're doing with that. Um it's not easy. Logistical nightmare. I'll tell you that right

106now. Anybody wants to trade, I'll I'll gladly let you take that over. Um because it is a lot to get things around and doing officials, other teams, things like that. Everybody kind of got accustomed to using that high school auxiliary gym. Um you know, it's got a new scoreboard in it. The gym was redone um with the exception of the bleachers. Um, so that's why we felt it best to keep it on campus. The attendance with the kids, all that stuff. Um, you're not going to have any of that. The kids don't kids don't attend the elementary school, but it's just what we have to do this year to get by uh for winter and probably in the spring. So, >> Thank you. That was any other questions for Richard financial report? Kristen. >> Um,

107we've already touched on the state budget, so hopefully next month we'll have some better news. Um, you'll see on the agenda just our normal treasures reports, dispersements for you guys to approve. Um, there's a donation from um an anonymous donor from Cambridge Springs High School for boys basketball uniforms. So, they are sponsoring those. They wish to remain anonymous. Um, we're looking to purchase some cafeteria equipment. um that will come out of fund 51, not fund 10. So that's not our general fund. Um so the state budget right now has no impact on that fund. That money is in there um from having CD for the past couple years. The cafeteria fund is um has money in it. So they have the money to purchase this equipment. Um we're looking at four milkers. Yes, all four

108broke pretty much at the same time beginning school year. >> So it's uh yeah, not coincidental. um they're expensive at all, but we're looking to purchase four of them. They're they're have a workar around right now using coolers and shifting milk around and um they would appreciate to have new coolers. Um it would make it a lot easier. So there's those are on for approval tonight. Again, fun 51 not fun 10. So not >> does everyone understand that different? Yeah. >> Okay. Just wanted to make sure what what are the the milk coolers like >> what are you what are you talking like just for the little >> Yeah, they store more in them than just little milks, but it's basically a refrigerator in your cafeteria. >> Okay. >> Yeah, it's a cooler. >> So,

109does the milk that would come through the nutrition group then that comes straight through there? >> It all comes through there. I know this this would probably not work in work with the nutrition group, but like having Titusville dairy is like really unique to around here and that you know Townville all that a lot of that milk right there goes to Marburger goes to Turners like you know those I just know like those milk places they give you coolers a lot of time they give us coolers all the time to keep product in or something like that. Now, I know that with the nutrition group that probably would cross a line there, but just I don't know local milk, local farms is so important. I just think there could be a kind of a neat

110opportunity there. >> So, actually, we own the equipment. They don't they just it's their products that we own that equipment and we did look into those avenues and Turner no longer they don't sponsor the coolers anymore. So, >> we did have that in the past. They used to and some of the milk coolers that we're getting by on were Turner coolers that were donated. >> I don't know Turner real well. I know the Marburger family very well and they they've been great. >> I don't see why that would hurt them going through them to get the milk because they reached out to me about local beef. >> Did they? >> Yeah. So, I wouldn't see why they couldn't reach out for local milk. >> Yeah. Just a thought. >> Yeah. Right. Right. No, that's I

111>> Yeah, it's great to support all local and then they, you know, lend us the coolers for their product. >> It is we do have Turner. >> We have we have Turner Turners. >> Oh, we do. >> Yeah. Which Turners is is all too. So, >> yeah, they use Turner. >> Yes. >> Contracts too. >> Uh the nutrition. >> Yes. Yeah. [laughter] >> Oh, that nutrition worth contract. Is that just Pancress or is that all nutrition group for the tri county area? >> They have a lot of contracts in this area. There's really only a couple companies that nutrition group. So, it's just north of >> Yeah. I I had asked Chris, can you please reach out and talk to them? Um I personally reached out because I actually know someone in the Turner group.

112Um and uh they they are not doing that anymore just right now at this time. >> I tried and Kristen tried. So between the two of us any other questions for Kristen or or did you have more Kristen? >> I have not much. >> Okay. At this point in time there's no other questions. We will move into the voting part of the meeting. First one we have is citizens comment number three. Um there's nobody registered for citizen item. I believe so. >> Okay. Um, number four, the approval of the minutes. Resolved that the Penrest board of school directors approve the following minutes. October 14th, 2025 school board meeting. So move. >> Second. Motion and a second. Any comments or questions? Hearing none. All in favor say I. I. >> Oppos? Nay. Motion carried. Under the

113education report number five, resolve that the Penrest board of school directors approve the consent agenda education items B through N as presented. No >> that's right. So B, >> B through I. >> So we will uh do B through I. >> Let me let me read let me re read that please. Resolve that the Pen Crest board of school directors will presume approve the consent agenda B through I and K through N. So move >> second motion and second. Any comments or questions? Very none. All in favor say I. >> Nay. >> Motion carried under letter J the Latin honors recognition system. Here a motion to um so move to change the wording of that. I did. >> Okay. Can you read that please? It's >> I can't I can't see. [laughter] I I tried

114but I'm sorry I can't see that. Okay. Resolve that the Penrest board of school directors approve the implementation of a Latin honors recognition system to acknowledge student academic achievements at graduation ceremonies. Commencement commencing with the class of 2026 graduate completion ceremony. Upon implementation of the new cyst, the validictorian and saludiatoran will be utilized with the incoming freshman class of that year. >> So think do we have to add 2030 to that? >> Well, it would be >> dependent on what year we started. >> What year we start? It's just >> that we started hear >> any comments or questions other than >> hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I oppos. Nay. Motion carried. So that just change the we have to we have to >> we have to prove it. >> We have

115to right >> now I just I lost J come back J. Yeah. >> Okay. Letter J. Resolve that the Penrest board of school directors approve the implementation of a Latin honors recognition system to acknowledge student academic achievements at graduation ceremonies commencing with the class of 2026 graduation ceremony. Upon implementation of the new cyst, the validictorian and saludiatoran will be utilized with the incoming freshman class of that year. >> So move second. Motion and second. Any comments or questions? Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Oppos. Nay. >> Motion carried. >> Number six, facilities and transportation resolve that the Penrest board of school directors approve the listed contracted student transportation drivers at the contracted cost. So move. Second. Have a motion and a second. Any comments or questions? Hearing none. All in favor

116say I. I. >> Oppos. Nay. Motion carried. >> Number seven, the financial report. Resolve that the Penrest board of school directors approve the consent agenda financial items B through E as presented. >> So move. >> Second. >> Motion and second. Any comments or questions? Hearing? None. All in favor say I. I. Oppos. Nay. Motion carried. >> The personnel report. We'll do three separate We'll do three separate motions here. The first one resolve that the Penrest board of school directors approve the consent agenda personnel items B through I as presented. >> So move second motion and second. Any comments or questions? Hear none. All in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. Nay. to the personnel report. Letter J. Resolved that the Penrest board of school directors approve the presented collective bargaining agreement between the Penrest School

117District and the Penrest Education Support Professionals PSEA/NEA bargaining beginning July 1st, 2026 and continuing through June 30th, 2030 pending and solicitor review. >> So move second. Have >> a motion and second. Any comments or questions? Hearing none. Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Beers, >> yes. >> Mr. Bennett, >> yes. >> Mr. Brown, >> yes. >> Mr. Chie, >> yes. >> Mrs. Scroll, >> yes. >> Mr. Kuster, >> yes. >> Mr. Johnson, >> yes. >> Mr. Savorski, >> yes. >> Mr. Pleski, >> yes. Secured >> under personnel letter K resolved that the Penrest board of school directors approved the presented act 93 agreement effective July 1st 2026 and ending June 30th 2031 pending the solicitor review. >> So move a motion and a second. Any comments or questions? All in favor say I. Oppos. Motion carried.

118>> Number nine, new business. Letter A. Resolve that the Penrest board of school directors approve the America 250PA school district resolution. >> Second motion and second. Any comments or questions? Hearing none. All in favor say I. I. >> Oppos. Nay. >> Motion carried. Number nine, new business. Letter B, resolve that the Penrest board of school directors approve the PSBA endstate budget impass resolution. >> Second motion in a second. Any comments or questions? >> I'm going to comment on it. Um, I'm actually going to vote no on this. Okay. Um, I think that PSBA misses the target on this. Um, I don't think it's nearly aggressive enough. Um, I think that a letter head with Penrest on it would have a lot more weight to it than PSBA. Um, I think it's ridiculous we don't have

119a state budget. Um, so it's nothing against that. I think this just purely is not aggressive enough. I think we need to be aggressive and call out Governor Shapiro and the Democrats for wanting to spend $5 billion out our revenue that we take in. I mean, that's the insanity of this all. Sure, getting our school funding is very important, but I mean, the ma the big picture on this is just it's just so ridiculous. I think it's I think it's just insane. And I'd also would commend our uh representatives and legislators that have stood for stood on the line of not uh not spending this 5 billion over. So I just I think it just misses the mark totally. So but I think the intent was is good to put it on here. But any

120other comments or questions? We had a motion right? All in favor say I. >> I opposed. Nay. >> Motion carried. >> Number 10. Announcements. The board met for executive session on November 10th, 2025 for personnel early bird negotiations and legal matters. Number 11, the citizens comments on non-aggenda items. Um, Mr. Clark Chalky is here from the Cambridge Springs Bureau to talk about the future of Cambridge Springs Elementary System. >> Thank you, Mr. Ford, and thank you for this opportunity. Yes, I want to touch base and talk about the future, how I feel, and many of our citizens feel about the elementary school. But I first want to speak to you tonight and how we in Cambridge Springs are investing in our community to encourage new families to move to our town that can increase current

121student enrollment over time. With the help of the Crawford County Planning Commission and commissioners, the long- aaited demolition of the former Cambridge Springs Health Center, vacant since 2014, is becoming a reality. In this massive 2.5 acre space, two blocks from our schools, a new active aging senior center will be built as a current one downtown has far outgrown its space. Further good news, the Hudson Group, who developed the successful Adams Place in Cochran is returning to build a similar 40 unit independent senior living complex on the backside of this property. Why is that an advantage for us in our schools? This will help free up needed housing for sale because many of our Asian seniors having trouble keeping up with their homes want to remain in our town as is happening in Cochran. New families

122will then be able to move in as those seniors come into the new complex. The nonprofit CREATE along with the Burrow of Cambridge Springs has embarked on an ambitious five-year $1.5 million plan to bring a new community recreation park to the backside of our carnival grounds. Already the new playground is open for youths 2 to 11 with fantastic response. In the coming years, you will see a new full-size basketball court, pickle ball courts, a new concession stand, an entire walking track around the whole park and lights for our softball fields. Further, we are working with French Creek Conservancy to enhance recreational opportunities on French Creek. We are working so hard in Cambridge Springs to update our inner downtown core to bring in more businesses. As in the past two years, Rod and Debbie Miller added

123a beautiful new art gallery, floral shop, our seventh restaurant, and a fantastic community green space. The land use committee of the burrow continues to enforce residential ordinances to keep our homes free of accumulated outside clutter. To that end, look at the results when you likewise invest in our schools. All you had to do to see the benefit of the recent millions this board approved to finally upgrade Cambridge High School the past two years was the live 6 to 7 a.m. How cool is your school Friday from the Eerie News Now in the CSHS gym. Do you realize 175 students arrived by 5:45 a.m. and gave inspiring segments showing their Blue Devil pride? so proud of the remodeled school. With such momentum, it was disheartening to hear two of our members, Mr. Vleski and Pastor Custard,

124just last month at the October meeting, instead of finding ways to repair or replace the boiler in the Cambridge Springs Elementary School. Your comments last month were bulldozed the building. Your quote, Mr. You concurred, Pastor Kustard. May I remind you both of your 2023 pledge to the Cambridge Springs Burough Council and now current Mayor Dolores Hail. And I shall read that commitment to Cambridge Springs. We the undersigned candidates for PR penrest school board do solemnly commit our pledge to the Cambridge Springs community that we will preserve and maintain the Cambridge Springs schools plural for the students and citizens of this community. We have heard your voices and are responding with this pledge accordingly. Signed Brian Kustard, David Gillespie. So, this begs the question, and I hate to ask it, but it begs the question because

125we want this in Cambridge. Did Mr. Mleski and Pastor Custard lie to the voters of Cambridge Springs to get elected? And now, just two years later, betray us by their desire to close or move the students in one of our schools. Moving the students from the elementary school is closing the school. It certainly seems that way as this boiler repair has been in the works for years. Penrest board. How about a commitment to find create how about a commitment to find creative ways and keep CS elementary school open? Even prorating the needed repairs over several years. Look at the results when you invest in our schools like you did at Cambridge High and what is currently happening with the investments in Cambridge Springs. Invest and build up our schools instead of bulldozing or closing them.

126Thank you. >> [applause] >> MR. PRESIDENT, CAN I say one thing? >> I wanted to thank Austin. Austin from Mrs. Brown's first grade class, Sangertown Elementary, for this great Veterans Day card that they made that Austin made for me. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Motion to so move. >> Second. All in favor say I. I.