001which means we get certain procedures that will be uh you know that are part of every meeting. So once we before we start the meeting you will all uh drew a a number at random as to what your speaking order will be. Um we will take you back to a designated room. It's going to be right through this hallway and to the left. You'll remain there until it's your your turn to come and speak. And then once you come and and you speak to the board for for no more than five minutes, um taking that time to explain why you would like to serve in this capacity and why you would be uh a qualified candidate for in for this role. Um we'll then return you to the room and and and continue through until
002all of the candidates have had an opportunity um to speak to the board. Uh at that point there will be a ballot process. We will recess after that ballot process for a brief period of time and once that is finished we'll call the meeting back to order. That that ballot will be read. Um and at that point depending on the outcome of that there could be a second and subsequent rounds moving forward u that may that may involve questioning of the remaining candidates. any candidate uh if there are not five votes uh in the affirmative for one candidate after the first process there were every candidate that received a vote in the first round would continue then to the second round where there would be and that would then continue until um the process plays
003out to where there is a candidate that is successfully um achieves the five votes. So again, I want to thank you on behalf of the school district and the community uh for being willing to serve in this capacity. As I said, it is it is a huge responsibility um for a volunteer position. Um and again to reiterate, this this seat will be for two years. Um at the next after two years, it will be part of what would then be five open seats as well as a two-year seat that would be a total for a total of six in the next election cycle. Any questions before we get moving? Okay. So, Sue, should we we should have them go back to the room and then we'll have someone bring them when we get to that
004point or do we want to have them here for the start of the meeting? >> I thought they might enjoy the pledge. >> We can do that. So, we'll do that and then then we'll we'll escort you to the room. So, I'll turn things over to our president. >> Okay. Thanks. Um, I'll call this meeting to order. If we would all please stand a uh for a moment of silence and the pledge of allegiance. Algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> May I have a roll call of members, please? >> Mr. Minion, >> I am here. M Mrs. Irwin Adams >> here. >> Mrs. McInness >> here. >> Mr. Cook >> here. >> Mr. McCully >>
005here. >> Mr. Romanoitz >> here. >> Mr. Pacificico >> here. >> Mr. Papis >> here. >> Thank you all. >> Okay. Um before uh we get into the bulk of the meeting, do we have any citizens other than the school board candidates that would like to address the board this evening? If you would like to, you can step to the mic, share your name, and express yourself to us. Seeing none, I will move to uh seeking approval for the minutes of December 2nd, 2025 and the minutes, well, I'm sorry, the reorganization meeting of December 2nd, 2025 and the regular schoolboard meeting of December 2nd, 2025. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor, please signify by saying I. I. I. >> Opposed. Okay. Well, I guess this is the time
006for the board candidate interviews. Before you go, I on behalf of the board, I would just really like to thank you all. We all read all the letters. Um we all appreciate the effort that you put into those letters and sharing um a little bit about yourself with us. It's an impressive group. Um, I would encourage all of you because unfortunately we can only pick one, but I would encourage all of you to uh to run for a school board seen in the future. We only had four candidates, five candidates, five candidates last time around. Um, so I promise you at the end of my next four years, I'll be done. So, mine will be open in in a in a couple couple years. um move on other things, but I would encourage you all
007to run. I mean, you're a talented group of people. You could we somebody mentioned you could literally replace this board and I'm sure do a great job. So, thank you all for making the effort to get here tonight. We do really appreciate it and we are impressed with the caliber of uh candidate that we got. We did a similar thing last time uh when I first joined the board and um that's how we ended up with Mr. Cook who subsequently ran for election and and won. Also during the last time we did this uh another board member Mr. Papis uh was not picked but his address to the school board was so good and well done um that after that meeting I said you got to run for for the elected seat next time and
008now he's on the board. So, um, again, there can only be one tonight, but I wouldn't let that deter you from from making an effort next time around. That being said, I'll turn it over to Sue to do whatever we have to escort them to a room. >> The lucky candidate who drew number one can remain in the room. >> Mr. Abbott, you can stay. No, no, that's >> Oh, that's they randomly. >> Oh, okay. >> Yes, Mr. Lawson. Never mind. >> Is anyone else having trouble logging on to board docs? I can't >> log on like two or three times. >> I can't get on. I've been I've tried like five times. >> If you close it all down and reopen it again. >> Okay. >> That's okay. Just is it just I mean
009I don't know if there's anything on there. >> Well, we get to portion. >> Thank you. >> I I I gave her mine. >> Gave me one. Thank you. And um Steve, I believe, welcome and thanks for for coming. Uh you have five minutes. Um I'll time you. I'll give you like a heads up when there's a minute left if that's okay with everybody. >> Okay. >> So So have at it, Mr. Lawson. >> Good evening. My name is Steve Lawson, resident of Altuna. Um grew up here. uh went to high school, graduated in 1971. Uh and looking at the other candidates, I probably one of the older people in that group, but hey, um my family has been in the Alton area school district since the 1930s. Okay. Uh I'm the oldest of five
010children in my family, all boys. Um I attended uh Georgetown University in Washington DC. Graduated in 1975. I was a government major. Uh after graduating I worked for a law firm as a corer for about two years because I was deciding whether I wanted to go to law school or not. I decided that I wanted to uh go more toward a service type of uh career. I uh worked as a um reading specialist for a program called Reading is Fundamental was known as RIFF. I did that for about two years. I then moved to Arizona because I like warm weather, but the uh it was warm, but the job market wasn't really good there. So, I returned to Altuna and in about 1982 83. From that point on, I was involved in human services. I
011worked for uh community action as an employment specialist, helped develop programs for people to get jobs. I then also worked at Blair Senior Services. Uh and then in about 1989, I started working for Northstar Services, which is a human service agency that uh works with individuals with disabilities. Then over the next 35 years, I worked with school age individuals collaborating with not only the Alton area school district, but the other school districts in Blair County. And we developed programs for individuals with disabilities in terms of transition looking at, you know, uh where once the person graduated, were they going to go to school? Were they going to need future training? Were they going to need some residential supports based on their uh you their disability? Um, I was also the uh chairman of the Blair
012County Transition Council, which was made up of the eight school districts, OVR, the county MHMR office, uh, and approximately 15 different businesses in the community. Children and youth also was involved. And we also we develop programming for individuals with disabilities in that same realm that I spoke of earlier. Uh I worked we were considered a model program for the state of Pennsylvania and I appeared with Dr. Malloy, Bob Jeffco at a number of state presentations and we also did presentations uh that was you know aired across the nation. So, I mean, I think I have a lot to offer the district in terms of collaboration, being a team player, looking at trying to develop programs and u for individuals uh with disabilities. Uh and also those programs are also programs that can be utilized for
013anybody, you know. So, I mean, in looking at your uh what you I was reading an article in the newspaper and I think Mr. Hatch said something to the effect that the school is successful if they can successfully transition people to do what they're, you know, what they want to do in terms of where they work, whether they want to continue with the military, whatever. So, I mean, I've got like 35 years worth of experience in in like actually working collaboratively with the community and I've been a part of the community. So, I was that the signal that I was approaching five minutes. Okay. Thank you. Nicole Tanny Hill will be the next candidate. Hi. >> Hello, >> Miss Tiny Hill. >> Yes. >> Um, welcome. >> Thank you for coming. Um, >> I'll have
014a timer. >> Okay. >> Five minutes. When it gets to one, >> I'll gently >> Okay. >> try and get your attention. Okay. So, thank you. >> Yep. So, my name is Nicole Tanny Hill and I'm interested in sitting on the board. Um, I have a unique background. I have a lot of experience. Um, I'm very passionate about the Altuna School District. I am a graduate of Altuna High School. I've been a resident all of my life. Um, and I actually served as the high school guidance counselor at the Greater Altuna Career and Tech Center um, from '08 to 2022. So, I really had um, a lot of perspective as what it's like to be an educator and what the needs are of the staff and the students and the families. Um, and so I
015currently work at Tyrone Area School District as the high school counselor. So, um, again, I I understand the perspective of the needs of being an educator and the supports that need to be in place. Um, and I'm also a parent. I I'm also on the on the parent side of things. I have two kids in the district um, and a community member. So, I understand multiple relevant perspectives that are important to be able to best serve our students. Um so areas of interest for me um is in literacy. I think it's very important for kids especially like coming out of third grade to be able to read and to be literate. Um I believe in having programs in place and initiatives to support literacy so that they um aren't having those gaps. um summer reading
016programs, um having additional um things to like keep the the the gaps from them losing what they've learned going into fourth grade over the summer. Summer reading programs, book programs. Um another area is the budget. Um I think it's really important for community members and families to understand where the monies and the allocations are going. Um I think they need clear transparent understanding of the monies that are in place and why it's important. Um and that a lot of the funding should be allocated towards the students and in the classrooms and in the learning. Um so I think it's important to really have that clear and open communication with the with the parents, families and community members. Um and I think safety is huge. Um I know as for both ends from being a parent
017from being um an educator is having strong security. I know that Altuna is very well staffed with resource officers. I think that having them go to trainings um where they're really wellversed in how to respond um and I think it's a collaborative effort with school counselors, the mental health workers, social workers, um threat assessment teams. Um, and then being able to relay that information to parents and families and community members so they understand protocols. Um, and and that's kind of where I feel like maybe my greatest strength is is just this is what I do all day every day. I'm a school counselor. I solve problems. I help get people around the table where um we can talk things out. We can make sure that everybody has an understanding. I do believe that parents, communities,
018the school district um I think we all have a shared vision that we really want Altuna to be successful. We want our kids to learn. We want them to thrive. And and a lot of times, I think communication is the key. Making sure that everybody feels heard, conveying clear understanding of of the needs and maybe why the initiatives we're doing um we're doing. So um so my interests are are that I think I could bring a lot of um experience to the table from from all different perspectives as a parent, community member, lifelong resident, um educator myself. So that's that's my interest. >> Okay. Three and a half minutes. Not bad. >> Okay. >> I like the succinctness. >> Thank you. >> Sure. >> And we'll call in the next person and invite you back
019out when it's all done. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Mrs. We can install her. >> Yeah. Hey. Hi Lori. Thank you for showing up. Um, >> you have five minutes. I'll give you a signal at one and other than that I I'm sure. Thank you. Go right ahead. >> Hi, I'm Lorie Mangan. Um, I thank you for this opportunity and acknowledge this is obviously an a unique situation. Um, you all stood for elections um to to serve the district and the community. So, the current vacancy obviously u may present an awkward challenge uh for you choosing a new member that um would fit and have the chemistry to work with the rest of the board members here um and also have the necessary skills. But I feel um that I do have
020I do believe that I have those necessary skills to fill this vacancy. First and foremost um I was born in Altuna and um in addition to that I um have spent my entire life here in Altuna. My husband would affectionately call me an Altoid um because I've not moved or gone any other place other than Al Altuna. Um after graduation um I'm first I'm also a proud alum of the Altuna Area High School and um after graduation uh I attended and um received my graduate and uh or undergraduate and graduate degree from Penn State. Um after high school um I um have have worked after I graduated um from college. I have worked my entire um career in the Altuna area school district and um I first um worked at the Altuna area high school
021as a math teacher and then was the uh the assistant principal for the class of 2000. While I was here at the high school, um, I served on many committees and worked with staff, students, and the community in such roles of as cheerleading coach, homecoming, student council, prom, afterglow, csite, and say it just to name a few. Um, after that, I became the principal of Roosevelt Junior High School and then the Altuna area junior high school. In this in these roles as well as the role of title N coordinator for the Alton area school district um I gained valuable experience in budgeting curriculum adoptions personnel communicating with staff students and parents in the community managing building projects staff development following and implementing board policies and as well as state and federal laws and much more.
022before I retired in 2024, I built a teamwork um spirit in the Altuna area junior high school. Um within that um the goal obviously was to educate the whole child and and my many years um here within the district um has allowed me to understand um and be very familiar with the culture of the district. I believe that I would transition um well into working with this current board administration as well as obviously parents in the community. The goal obviously um is to continuously improve um the uh the educational program in our district. goals for the board um as a board member um is always to follow the vision and mission of the district um so that it meets the needs of all students and obviously also want to have um a safe learning environment
023and the the key to all of this is being able to do that and and be fiscally responsible to the members of our community. Um, we should also want to attract uh the most qualified staff here to our district um for our students and to continue to foster continuous improvement um throughout our school district. Um we also want to have an open lines of communication as well. my experience and background, I believe that I do uh have these um uh these these uh skills and would be able to bring those to the current current board. So, I want to thank you um for your time and hope that you give me the opportunity to um serve the bo the the district and the community um in for for um for everything that they have done
024and given to me um and my family through throughout the years. So again, I thank you very much. >> Thanks, Lorie. Thanks, Kelly. What's this? and also really I don't think I could go to I don't think I can um I still haven't. >> Hello, Miss Skellyy. Exttemporaneous. I like it. >> I Hey, you know what I said? I walked in, I was just like, "Wow, this is impressive." And and it's amazing. And I think that's wonderful. Anyway, um so my name is Pam. I'm >> going to give I'm going to give you five minutes. >> Okay. >> And I'll put I'll put the finger up at one to give you a warning, but >> a warning. >> Other than that, the stage is yours. >> All right. Well, thank you. Most of you I'm
025familiar with. You're familiar with me. My name is Pam Skellyy. I'm a retired teacher here in Altuna. I spent 33 years blood, sweat, tears in the elementary schools. Um, after retiring as a teacher, I spent two years stubbing. That is quite a beast. Um, and with both of those, um, parts of me, there's a lot of things I would do differently in both parts. And there are a lot of things I think as a district we can do better. I got hired under the Dr. Murray era where you were so proud and you cried when you got the call from Dr. Maria that you were hired in Altuna. I didn't retire feeling that way, nor do young teachers feel that way. And it makes me so sad for our kids. So there's a lot of
026things I would like to try to do to build morale, especially with our young teachers because they're not going to be here in 33 years retiring if if if we don't do that. So that's certainly something I feel passionate about trying to help our teachers to feel that pride I did and that dedication to help tuna. There are kids, they're our future. They need the best. Um so as a teacher, I feel I can offer some things um in the substituting department a little bit. Um, as a parent, we had four children go through Altuna, which is pretty impressive because Dave and I both graduated from BG and he still bleeds purple and gold. So, I had to fight for Altuna, but I told him in no way could I teach in Altuna and have
027my children go somewhere else. To me, that made no sense. Altuna is the best school district there is. I'm not putting them in BG. I'm not moving districts. Um, life was not always perfect. Um, but we did a lot of things as parents. We did PTA. We coached, we even coached at Pen Lincoln when they didn't have coaches. H we ran, you know, the fundraisers. Uh our children did everything from AP stuff to chorus sports theater. A lot of experience in those realms as far as a parent goes. We did in school suspension. No, no, not the proudest moments as a parent. But you know what? I didn't agree with every principal. I didn't agree with every teacher, but I never bailed. Not on Altuna. I didn't myself pick up and go to state college.
028I didn't take my kids to BG. Um I stuck without tuna. I believe it is the best place in the area for our children to be and I would like to be a part of that in a whole different component. Uh taxpayer I'm going to die here. So I truly feel that like even financially I you know there's it's our clientele is we need our clientele is I'm getting emotional. They need so much, but yet we can't ask them a whole lot either financially. It's a we're in a weird spot in Altuna. Um, but again, I feel there are things that we can do to improve things for kids. I would love to see some type of afterchool mentorship. We tried that with Zay Gates at Pen Lincoln. It it didn't work. It didn't last,
029but that doesn't mean something couldn't last with that. And if we need tax dollars or we just need to get organized with church and community, I would love to be a part of that. Even if it's not with the school board, if anyone's doing something like that, do you know what I mean? That like they they need people to do that. We talked to Jason McInness years and years ago and without tuna kids coming up to Pen Lincoln because we're such a close walking area. Um I know nothing about the school board. That's the one thing I don't know. I taught forever, mom forever, and going to pay taxes forever. I am sure I don't know anything, you know, about what all you do and and what you go through and all the financial and
030the state and the laws that go through running the school district. But I have to say if and there's so many amazing candidates you're not going to select wrong. Everything I do I'm going to do with like my from committees to volunteering to helping to voting is going to be with our kids because they're it. They're our future of Altuna. They're our future. They're they're it and they deserve the absolute best we can give. And I have a lot of ideas with our schools and with our community that maybe we can help a lot of the kids. And that's kind of all all I'm here to say. and I appreciate your time and I appreciate all the amazing candidates you're going to listen to tonight. So, thank you. >> Thanks, Pam. Appreciate it. Princess It's
031close. Hello, Mr. Francis. Stranger. Um, five minutes. I'll give you the signal at one. >> Good. Thank you. Yeah. >> Uh, a lot of you knew that I during the reele I couldn't run for reelection because it was a personal issue that I had to deal with. So, the the issue was resolved, but it was too late to to to run for office. And through the years, I served with a lot of good board members and some bad ones. But when I served with you guys collectively, this is the best board I ever worked with. We done we did a lot of good things and I want to be part of being aggressive again like this board is. Plus, there's a couple selfish reasons why I want to be back on. We all agreed that
032Keith Athletic Field should be passive recreation and I want to make sure that that is at passive recreation and what we're going to do there. And as chairman of the Vette, I started the renovation program. I want to be there to see what happens with that renovation. So, I appreciate your consideration for the empty board seat. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. Hello, Miss Troutman. >> Hello. >> Um, I have a timer on. You have you have five minutes to share your interest with us. Uh, I'll give you a signal at one. I'll try and not be too demonstrative to make you nervous, but um, have at it. >> Good evening and thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. My name is Amanda Troutman and I am honored to be considered for
033the open seat on the Altuna School Board. Education, service, and community leadership is deeply rooted in my life. My pap served on the school board for Tyrone for many years and also growing up on my family's dairy farm. I have been in several meetings and business meetings since I was five. Those early experiences taught me the taught me experiences taught me responsibility, critical thinking, and how decisions impact real lessons that still guide me today. As a young adult, I continue building leadership skills through FFA where I earned multiple awards and learned the value of teamwork and service. Later I res represented agriculture community as a fair queen and dairy princess experiences strengthened my public speaking skills and commitment to representing people and commitment around me. Being nominated as Blair County's hometown favorite therapist is something
034I deeply am proud of because it reflects the trust that families place in the work that I do. Professionally, I serve as a mental health therapist working with children, adolesccents, and families who face emotional and behavioral challenges. This role gives me firsthand insight into what students carry with them into the classroom and how essential it is for schools to support the whole child academically, emotionally, and socially. In addition, as vice president of NAMI Blair County, I help promote mental health, education, and resources throughout our region. I see how important a strong school community partnerships truly are. My community involvement extends far beyond my career. I have volunteered with toys for tots, supported families in times of crisis and serve as a foster parent and also as someone many children and families come to for support.
035These experiences have grounded me in compassion and taught me the value of listening and advocating for those in need. As a parent of a children in the school district, I understand the hopes, worries, and expectations that our families have. I also have deep respect for our teachers, staff, and administrators who work tirelessly to support our students. One of the most important roles of our schoolboard members is to support those educators to ensure that they have the resources, training, and policies they need to create safe and effective learning environments. If appointed, I would bring balanced trauma informed solution face solution focused perspectives to the board. My goal is to build a district where every student feels safe, supported, and capable of achieving their potential, and where staff feel valued, heard, and empowered. In closing, I believe
036strong school districts are built through collaboration, compassion, and community involvement. I care deeply about the Alena School District and I would be honored to serve and contribute to the future of our students, staff, and families. Thank you for your time and consideration. >> Thank you, Miss Troutman. >> Thanks. Hello, Miss Griffith. Welcome. You've been here many times, so uh the stage is yours. Five minutes. I'll give you a signal at one if you go that long. Okay. >> And the stage is yours. Go ahead. >> Hello everybody. I'm Karina Griffith. I've seen you guys plenty of this year as well as the other teachers that'd like to come in. Um a little bit about my background. I have been a nurse for almost 13 years now. I have my masters in marriage, couple and family
037therapy. So, I have a nice rounded aboutness about myself. Um, one of the reasons why I'm actually doing this is because I lost my husband to cancer last year. Right now, I should have a one-year-old um if things went our way. Um, but it was one of his dreams to do something more for the community. So, I wanted to do it in his spirit as well because these children would be mine. I would want to do something for them. Make the families be heard. Hear hear the students more and be present. I think that sometimes we forget that these students are our future. And if we don't listen to them, our future's a lot bleeer than we ever thought of. And the parents also need to be heard as well. Throughout the the lovely election
038year, I have met tons of family members. I've been to parades and different activities. I've come to things here at the actual school, been to the different plays, which yours was very great. I really loved Little Mermaid. It was so good. Um, but it's nice to get involved in the community. I may not have children here, but I have friends. I have family that have children in the school district. I have family members that work here as well. I grew up in this area. This is my home. This is not my high school. Part of mine is missing now. But it could be a part of my new home. Well, the students, I would have to learn the buildings, which is great. I have only seen this part in that hallway and the auditorium. So,
039it be nice to actually see what the school has. And as for our students, they have so many more opportunities now than I had when I was here. It's amazing. The STEM program, it's just something phenomenal. I'm so glad these students have that opportunity because I wish I had that when I was a kid. We had the CTC, which is great. That's where I got my LPN through and I'm very grateful for that. And I just want to make a difference for these children. They're they're integral to keeping our town healthy and educated and moving forward and doing all the progressive things. Altuna is an older town, but there's so many bright ideas out there. These children are so smart and they're so educated. And if we would listen to them and to give them
040more of that respect, like instead of just, hey, you're a kid. There are these individuals that are growing up that can make our futures even brighter. And anything else about me, I would like to tell you. Let me think. Throughout the election process though, it has been a little bit daunting. This is my first time ever running. And I didn't think I would even get to this point where I would get to that election. I was so proud of myself. I was so scared that I wouldn't even got through. And then I did. And then I got to the election night and I lost. But I didn't stop. I was raised you don't stop. You keep pushing forward. Anything that you want is possible. You just have to have the drive. And that's one thing.
041That's why I came back to put my hat in the ring again. Say, "Hey, I'm here. I'd like to do this for my students, for my community, and for everybody around me to be their voice. I've had more families reach out to me since then, and if I can get them resources, I reach out and say, "Hey, who do I get these people to?" Because I'm not in there. And they think I am, which is fine. But if I can help, I'm here for that. Do you have any questions for me? >> Not yet. Maybe. >> Thank you. And can I recommend if you want to tour buildings, Mr. Papis is the guy to connect with. >> I'd love that, honestly, because I have not got to see much if anything. It'd be it'd be
042great to actually be involved. >> All right. Thanks. >> Thank you. Improvement is next. Wait. Bobby, you good? You hearing everything? >> Yeah. >> All right. So, welcome. Um, I have a timer, so you you have five minutes. When you get to one minute left, I'll I'll raise my finger quietly. Um, but other than that, the stage is yours. >> Okay. Well, thank you for having me. Um, so my name is Amber Whitel. I live in Al. I've been here for 13 years. My husband and I have we have three kids together. Um, two of them are in public school. We have one kiddo in private. Uh, my background is in elementary education. I taught at a public school. I also taught at a private school. I also worked as a behavioral consultant support. So,
043I worked a lot with kids that had behavioral needs in the schools. Um, I got to work with them in their home setting, but I also was able to work in the schools with them, too. More recently, I work a lot more in the community. So, I oversee our kids ministry at our church. So, I get to work more one-on-one, well, more in groups with the kids, but also with their families. Um, I work with Joshua House. We do summer camps and programs for the youth like cross town and um stuff like that. So, I get to work with the kiddos, but I also get to work alongside their families a lot. Um, I think some of the goals that I would have, I definitely want to ensure, you know, that every child is getting
044a great education. They're in a great safe environment. I know that I have, we were in private private school and my son was really struggling. Um, so as an advocate for him, it was really difficult for me to actually get the things that I needed at that time. And I'm trying to advocate myself, not knowing a lot of the things. and as soon as we transitioned over to McAlliff Heights, I was able to get a lot of resources and a lot of feedback for for him. So, seeing that and seeing the resources that we provide, I would love to continue to see that grow and just making sure that teachers um and the kids have the information and the resources they need to provide, you know, the education that each kid needs. each kid is
045coming in with a different background and I think that's what we see a little bit more of is I don't want to say I think sometimes parents maybe don't have the resources they need or they don't know where to get them and so seeing um how we can bring more of an awareness to families too was something I would like to see and bring to the table. So that's it. Thank you for having me. Thank you for the opportunity. >> Thank you so much. We always give It's a count. This is not welcome, Mr. Abbott. Thank you for coming. Uh, you have you have five minutes. I'll put the finger up at one if you go that long. Only one person really has needed the finger, but uh I should watch how I say that,
046I guess. Huh. But, uh, the stage is yours. Um, well, my name is Jim Abbott. I've been an employee here at the school districts uh 1990 to 2015. I left for a couple years. Um, was up at Pen Cambria as a principal at the high school there. Then I came back in 2019 and retired in June from Logan Elementary. I was a teacher for 17 years. I was a principal for 18 years. Um, I did math at both the junior high and the high school. Uh my administration experience, I had been at three different elementaryaries here in the district and I also was an assistant at Altuna Area High for six years um back from 2009 to 2015. Um I also at the time when uh we did cyber schooling uh here I was an
047elementary facilitator uh and did some work there for three years uh to take care of things on the cyber school side. Um, I have a master's degree in educational leadership. I got my principal's papers in 2007 and I got my superintendence letter of certificate in 2010. Um, I've been involved with education my whole life. Um, it's something I look forward to. I u have four daughters. All have gone through here in the last 20 years with my youngest being a senior currently. uh and um always um talk to them about doing the best they can going as far as they can educationally because it opens up so many doors and everywhere else. Um one of the reasons I would like to be on the school board in general is my personality for people who have
048known me is I want to help every kid succeed and to do that as a teacher I did it within my classroom. As a principal, I did it to help the teachers get them the right materials, the different things that they need and help them succeed uh with their students. So, as a school board, that's one of the main things you do. I mean, our first goal should be getting students to improve their education, improve their knowledge, and making sure that we have everything set up for them to do that. Whether it be through our strategic planning and going through um a school board in my mind is not just nine people. I think it's actually 10. I think the superintendent has a major role within that school board um to provide guidance and everything
049else where the nine members, you know, you're in charge of policy, you're in charge of other things along that line, make sure that communication is open. Uh you go through and make sure that everybody is civil. You can talk about your differences, but when your push comes to shove in your public meetings, you go through and do what you need to do to make sure that this school district in whole can move forward. Um, as I said, strategic planning, financial uh, responsibilities is one of the major things that you do. Making sure that you balance your funding, budget, everything that you can do, and then make sure that you have the right program set up, the right materials set up, and things that you can do to help all of the students. Um, again, I
050retired in June. Really haven't left it because my daughter, like I said, is still at the high school. My wife is a teacher at the junior high. Um, I just really want to give back. I want to help. I want to be that person that somebody in the community can come up to. They can reach out. They can tell you their differences and you can talk to them and try to assure them that you're doing the best you can for the district and all the students as a whole. Um, and bring that back and be able to talk to the other eight board members to do that. So, with that, I would just like to say thank you for the opportunity to talk to you tonight and I look forward to seeing you all moving
051forward. Thank you. Thanks, Mr. Abbott. Grab it. Hello, Mr. Hornbake. >> Welcome. Um, you have five minutes. When we get to four minutes, I'll give you a f uh the I I'll stick a one up. >> Okay. >> And um give you a fair warning. So, have at it. >> Perfect. Um, just want to start off by saying thank you Paul for hearing me out um for this interview process. Um, I'm seeking this board position um because I have a vest vested interest. Um, my son, he goes to uh Logan Elementary and uh I think that my values align with the school board. Um, providing a safe space for uh children to learn. Um and uh I want to make our schools not just a place of instruction but a central uh community um for
052our students futures. Um a little bit about myself. Um I own a small business in Altuna. Um I started out about six years ago. Uh I've got to a place where I'm able to step away a little bit and look at different horizons. Um and that's why I took this opportunity today. Um I think that um some strengths that I would bring to the team um financial focus um and I'm a data or data driven so I look at all the facts and everything before I make my decisions. Um also team collaboration um but uh I attended Lake Erie College. I wrestled on a scholarship for them um where I pursued criminal justice and forensic psychology and then I kind of switched my career focus over into I'm now a PA state constable as well
053um and PIAA official. Um some other things that I do I volunteer at my son's other school uh being with us um taking the kids on field trips and stuff like that. Um, but other than that, I don't have anything else for you. I appreciate your time. >> Well, thank you. >> Appreciate it. I'll show you. Hey. Hi, Mr. Guys, how are you doing? >> Hey, pretty good. How are you? >> Good to see you again. >> Good to see you. >> Um, you have five minutes. >> Okay. >> And I'll give you a warning at at with one minute left. I'll stick a one up. >> Sounds like >> I got it right. Finally. All right. All right. >> Go ahead. >> All right. So, good evening, Mr. President, members of the board, and
054neighbors. Uh, for those who I haven't met, my name is Michael Gisauser. I'm a lifelong resident of Altuna, a husband and a father of a daughter who will soon be entering this district. Uh my path to this podium actually began in 2007 when I earned my Eagle Scout rank right here in this community. That experience taught me a lesson I carry with me every day. That leadership is not about power. It's about preparedness and stewardship. It taught me that if you want a better community, you have to show up and to serve. I'm asking for your vote tonight because I believe this board needs a specific set of skills to navigate the next two years for this term. You need a clinical precision in our budget and educational expertise and our oversight. I am here
055to offer both. First, I want to talk about financial stewardship. Professionally, I am a clinical pharmacist. My day-to-day work involves managing complex formularies and high stakes budgets. In this medical in the medical world, before we spend money on new treatment, we demand data. We ask, what is the return on investment? Is this treatment actually improving the patient outcomes or is it just costing us money? I see the scoreboard budget through that exact same lens. We owe to the taxpayers of this district to treat every dollar with the same scrutiny I treat a medical decision. My goal is to use my background in quality improvement to help this board identify waste. I want to look at our programs and ask, is this working? If a program isn't generating measurable results, we need to re-evaluate it. I
056want to ensure resources are going exactly where they belong, removing barriers so students can learn. Whether that is efficient transportation or necessary student support, every dollar must have a purpose. I am not interested in spending more money. I'm interested in ensuring that the dollars we have actually work. Second, I want to talk about academic standards. Currently, I serve as core faculty for UPMC Altuna's family medicine residency program, but crucially, I also sit on our program's clinical competency committee. In that role, my job is not just to teach. My job is to evaluate every resident physician against strict national standards to determine if they are actually ready to practice medicine. If a resident is struggling, I have to identify exactly where that gap is, whether it's critical thinking, knowledge, or professionalism, and fix it before they
057graduate. This gives me a unique vantage point. I see the end product of our K to2 pipeline. I know exactly where our graduates are strong, but I also see where they struggle. Because I work in competency evaluation, I can help this board look past the simple test scores. I want to ensure we are producing graduates who are resilient, who are independent, and who are critical thinkers. Whether they are going to college or into the trades, our goal must be competence, not just graduation. Finally, I want to be clear about my philosophy. I believe in local control, transparency, and parental primacy. My medical training taught me that one-sizefits-all mandates rarely work. What works in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, or Pittsburgh does not always work in Altuna. I believe parents should have full visibility in the classroom and the
058liberty to direct their ch child's education. I will always advocate for solutions that respect the family unit over state mandates. I know this is a midterm vacancy. You don't have time for a learning curve. Between my faculty role in educational governance and my clinical role in data analysis, I'm ready to be useful on day one. Thank you for your time and I ask for your vote. >> Thank you. >> Was that your fan club? >> Yeah, barely. >> Okay. All right. She did all right. Thank you. Hello, Mr. Simmons. Good to see you again. Thank you. >> Uh, you have five minutes to state your case. Um, I'll give you a warning when there's one minute left. And, uh, other than that, the stage is yours. >> Okay. Um, well, first of all, thank you
059for having me here. And my main reason for applying to the school board is well, three-fold. First of all, um I was a teacher here for 10 years. Um I had to stop teaching in 2018 um because I have a lung condition and at the time I was just way too sick. Um I would come into class and run an IV pool and I did everything that I could to keep teaching um because it was a passion of mine. I loved it and I miss it every single day. And unfortunately, I can't get back into the classroom in that environment. But to me, being a part of the school board would allow me to have that part of my identity back. And I know that I would pour my heart and soul into it um
060because I did with teaching and I would as a member of the school board as well. Um secondly, I have three kids in the school district now. I have um one who just started kindergarten. She's in Pleasant Valley and I am so excited to follow her journey. I love being a dad and I love watching my kids in school. And then I have two younger uh twins. They're four years old and they go to the Learning Express which is a hidden gem in the school district and I absolutely adore that school and I would shout it to the rooftops and I and I do. And third, um all three of my kids are autistic. They're on the spectrum. So to me, um, special education and differentiated instruction and different ways to help, uh, different learners
061is very important to me. Something I'm passionate about. I was passionate about it when I taught. I wanted to make sure that every student had a chance to learn to the best of their ability. And I want to make sure that my kids have that opportunity as well. And I will do whatever I can as a school board member, if you guys pick me, to make sure that my kids can secure the best education for their future. um because when they were born that was one thing I was super excited about from day one. I want to make sure that they can learn. Um some of my goals is if I were to uh join number one I want to have a good relationship with the community and I want to have a good relationship
062with the staff. I think if you talk to anyone that I've worked with um in my time in the Alton School District I had a very good relationship with my peers with the administration. I didn't ruffle any feathers. I did what I was supposed to do and I I did it because I loved it and I worked well with everyone that I taught with on my team and in other buildings as well. I also coached um on the tennis team which is another thing that I really miss. Um and so I had that outside experience where I've grown with the community. The tennis community is very large in Altuna and I've made a lot of connections there and I think it's important that we engage outside. Sometimes it feels like as an outsider that the
063school board is kind of like this hidden has a mystique around it and I want to change that. I want to make sure that we're out there talking to people so misinformation um doesn't spread and I try to fight that misinformation now on social media. I'm a big advocate of the school district. I'm an alumni. I am a proud graduate of the school and I do not like some of the things that are said about it because they're just not true. And I want to make sure that that continues in the future. And I also want to make sure that, you know, we're fiscally responsible, too. I don't want to just be going in here and saying, "Okay, we're going to make, you know, do anything that we can." I mean, I know I realize
064that we have limits, but for me, education will always come first. That's the most important thing, making sure that our students can grow. Um, I've spent so much time outside of the classroom looking at our data just because I still am engaged in and invested in how this district is doing. So, I will do what I can to to improve it in the future. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Simmons. Appreciate it. Hey. Hi, Kyle. Welcome. Good to see you. >> Good to see you, too. >> Um, so you have five minutes and I'll give you a warning at one minute. Other than that, the stage is yours. Have at it. >> Awesome. Okay. Thank you. Um, good evening, members of the board. I appreciate you taking the time to speak. Uh, let me speak
065to you tonight. Uh, my name is Kyle Cisran Leonard. I'm here today because I care deeply about our district, not only as a 2017 graduate, um, but as someone who continues to work every day with families on our district, um, who are directly impacted by decisions made in rooms like this. Um, being a relatively recent graduate gives me perspective that sometimes can be missing from board uh, board tables and I understand the academic pressures that students face today. I also understand the social, emotional, and mental health issues um, how this follow them into the classroom. I studied music education at Penn State for a few years, which gave me firsthand insight on um classroom environments, educator preparation, and the realities that students and teachers face today. That experience helps me approach um decisions with understanding
066about how policy actually plays out in classrooms. I've run for this position twice before, so I come with a clear um understanding of what's expected of me, um the responsibility, and the time commitment that comes along with the position. Uh, I was also previously endorsed by the Alton Area Educators Association, which I view um as a meaningful reflection um of trust from the the educators who know firsthand what our schools need. In my professional life, I work in human services where I see daily um how challenges like housing instability, poverty, mental health needs, transportation barriers, and limited access to resources affect our students and families. These issues don't stop at our school doors. they show up in attendance um behavior learning and whether or not um children feel safe and supported within their um learning
067environment. I approach my work through a trauma-informed person- centered lens and I believe that this perspective is critical when u making policy decisions that affect students. I also bring practical experience that is um directly re relevant to board um board service. In my current role, I regularly manage um grants, budgets, and compliant um compliance requirements. This has shaped how I think about fiscal responsibility, data-driven decision-making, and making sure that resources are used effectively and transparenc uh transparently to deliver real results. Beyond my direct work, I'm also a member of the Blair County Social Social Services Advisory Board as well as the um secretary of the Blair County Children, Youth, and Families Advisory Board. I'm also the chair of the um Blair County Overdose Prevention Task Force. These roles have strengthened my ability to collaborate across
068agencies, balance different perspectives, and focus on outcomes. All skills that translate directly to effective schoolboard leadership. If appointed, my priorities would include supporting staff by advocating for the resources, professional respect, and uh working conditions that they deserve by strengthening student support services, by navigating proactive um approaches to absenteeism, bullying, and mental health, and strengthening partnerships with community organizations that can add value to our schools without putting a burden onto our taxpayers. This board is making important decisions in real time that impact real students, um staffing, budgets, and our communities. This is a moment for someone who understands our district, understands our schools, and someone that's ready to contribute uh immediately. I'm ready to serve now because my background bridges education and human services. I bring recent student experience and educators perspective shaped by my music
069education studies, professional expertise managing complex systems, and strong relationships across countywide services that support students and families. I believe I'm the strongest candidate because I combined I have combined lived experience, proven commitment, and practical skills and I'm prepared to contribute um from day one. Um if you're looking for someone who understands classrooms, who understands our community, is ready to do the work now, um I would be honored to serve alongside you. Thank you so much for your your time, the consideration, and um I really appreciate it. >> Thanks, Kyle. Well done. >> Thank you. So, so at this point, um, you all have a written ballot in front of you. If you can indicate your name and ballot, we'll give you as much time as you need. Um, once that's completed, Mr. Pacifica, if you
070can hear, um, if you could please send Mrs. Franks an email and your district email um, indicating your your valid ballot selection. At this point, um, you are selecting one name. At this point, uh, once we have all ballots collected, we'll take a brief recess to allow you to go to the bathroom, do whatever you need to do, and at that point, we'll come back and and board secretary will read, uh, we'll read those ballots. Any questions? >> Any questions from >> Yes, there is a place for you to print and sign on your ballot. Please make sure you do both. Yes. If we have if we don't have five and we have to bring them out for an additional question, we're going to have to decide on the question, >> right? >> Uh if
071we want to have a uniform set of questions, it should be uniform that we ask all candidates. I mean, last time that we went through this, we asked one yes >> question that we voted on actually >> because there were different options. >> Like there were there were a couple questions posed and we had to >> the actual question >> we had to select which question >> if we get to that point. >> Well, if you have a consensus, you don't have to play here. I mean, if you really want to have it for purposes of maintaining historical record 100 years. >> Okay. Well, let's I guess wait and see what the vote is. >> So, what we could do is there could be a motion to entertain possible questions for a subsequent if we
072would get to that point. Then in the discussion piece, you could you could decide we could have conversation about what you would like that question to be. Is that right? Yeah. >> Yeah. And I would revert back to questions from the outer. >> Okay. Yes. the ones we were asked when we ran for office. If you have your ballot complete, if you just want to put it in front of your name tag, that way Miss Franks would know that you're completed and she can come around and collect Did you get Mr. Pacific's email? Okay, thank you. >> Yeah, >> I I don't think we need to read that. >> Does anybody need more time? Does anybody need more time or is everybody >> Okay, why don't we entertain a motion to recess? >> Carl, correct?
073Entertain a motion to recess. >> I will accept a motion to recess. >> So, do I have a second? Second. Michael. Any discussion? All in favor, please signify by saying I. I. >> I. >> Opposed? We have recessed. >> Okay. We'll we'll um we'll call this meeting back to order and um again thank all of you. Uh this is very painful for all of us because um so many good people and uh you all did a great job. Uh the letters were great, your presentations were great and um you know I know we're we all agonized over this. So, with that being said, I guess we'll read uh the votes and if there's uh multiple people, we will then um boil it down to those people and maybe ask a question of those that we'll
074read the votes. Um the votes have been submitted uh by each member, including our member who is part participating remotely. He sent an email through his district email account securely to Mrs. Franks. Um if there are if there is a a candidate that receives five votes which would be a majority um that candidate would be the will become the member of the board. Um if there are not then we will then proceed with any member who or any candidate who received a vote into a a second round of discussion. And this will be roll call. However, we will not be calling out roll call. Mrs. Franks will read the ballots as she received them. in no particular order because they kind of landed in a pile on my day. So, um, Mrs. McGinness voted for
075Mr. Francis. Mr. McCaulay voted for Mr. Francis. Mr. Minan voted for Miss Tanny Hill. Mr. Romanowitz voted for Mr. Francis. Mr. Cook voted for Mr. Gisauser. Mrs. Irwin Adams voted for Mr. Simmons. Mr. Pacificico voted for Mr. Abbott and Mr. Papis voted for Mr. Francis. >> Totals would be um Do you want to read the totals? >> Go ahead. I'm showing totals of four for Mr. Francis, one one for Mr. Abbott, one for Mr. Gishauser, one from Mr. Simmons, and one for Miss Tanny Hill. >> Okay. So, those five folks, um, if you would please remain. Um, we'll move to a a second round of of discussion. Uh, the board wants to discuss potential questions um to be asking for the remaining five candidates. So, we would ask that for any of the five that
076would be remaining for consideration um to please go back to the uh sequestered room. Um and then once the the questions have been decided upon, we will call you back in um what would be the what would be the way to call them back in? Would it matter? We'll just we'll just call you back in in the order um we'll just do alphabetical order um to answer those questions then. Okay. Everyone else is welcome to remain um but you you're not required to do so. >> And there'll probably be one question and it'll probably pull it from um the questions we were asked as candidates by the Altuna mirror. Okay. I will um I need to seek a motion to have a discussion about making a decision about the question we will ask of the
077remaining candidates. Do I have a motion to discuss and arrive at a question? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> I guess the discussion will be what question? So um well first all in favor signify by saying I. I. >> All opposed. All right. So, let's have that discussion. Um, does anybody have the questions we were asked by the Altuna mirror? I don't >> No, but we we have these interview questions that Brad sent today that align with >> Okay. >> I mean, I don't know. I I have there's there's seven of those. Um, I'll read them off and you guys can tell me if you like any of them or if you want something else. Um, the first is what's the board's job versus the superintendent's job. Give an example. Um,
078how would you handle a parent asking you to make the principal do X? Describe a time you disagreed with a group decision. What did you do after? What data would you want to see monthly, quarterly to monitor district goals? How would you respond to an executive session topic being discussed online? What is your approach to balancing budgets under constraints and mandates? How would you ensure you represent the whole community, not one group? I mean, I don't know that they're the best questions, but that's what I would think, too. I would probably pick seven if I were picking one of those. What? >> Questions. >> Do you have them? Brad, you looking them up. the altimir. Why are you running to be a member of the school board? What is the biggest challenge facing the district
079and what would be your proposed solution? If elected, what would be your top priorities on the board? When facing a budget deficit, what is your stance on raising taxes? Actually, that was from May. Sorry, those were the ones from May Number two. I still like how would you ensure you represent the whole community, not one group. I mean, I don't know how everyone feels, but that that's what I would choose maybe. >> I'm okay with that one. Or if you went by the mayor one, the one about the raising taxes if there's a deficit. >> Good point. What is the biggest challenge facing the district and what would be your proposed solution? You guys can live with that one. I can. >> Okay. Okay. I'll make a motion to ask how would you ensure you
080represent the whole community, not one group. >> So moved. There's a second. >> Second. >> No discussion. All in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. All right, that's the question. Everybody okay with alphabetical to bring them back? Okay, Mr. Abbott. Alpha order will be Mr. Abbott, Mr. Francis, Mr. Houser, Mr. Simmons, Miss Tananiel. We'll do three minutes this time. Is that all right? Welcome back, Jim. We've uh we selected a question that we will ask of all candidates and give each candidate three minutes. I'll give you the signal at 30 seconds remaining. Uh Kelly, can you read the question, >> please? Thank How would you ensure you represent the whole community and not just one group? >> Well, the biggest thing I would do is is get out in the community and
081see different people at different places. Um, I go to many different places. Currently, I'm a member of the Jaffa Shrine and I see a lot of the the membership from there. I go to a couple different breakfasts and different lunches during the day now that I'm retired and there's a lot of different people uh from different areas that go there. Um the main thing is being available, being able to um being able to make yourself available to any of the the constituents. Um you know, I plan on attending different events, not only with the school district, but different areas um so that I can still take stay in touch with different factions of the community, different people and so forth. So for the most part, I think the visibility and being available would be my
082two biggest things. Plus the different groups and uh membership areas that I am already involved in should be able to make me be able to touch most of the different community within Altuna. >> Thank you. Hey, welcome back, Mr. Francis. >> Thank you. We have uh selected a question that Kelly will read to you and we'll give you three minutes. Although uh it probably won't take that long, but I'll give you a signal at 30 seconds if you do go three minutes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> How would you ensure you represent the whole community and not just one group? >> Well, that I I think I've been doing for for 30 years. uh you know you have naturally our our students come first uh and our taxpayers and we have uh different needs. We
083have our special need community. We have our gifted community and you have to be active in all of them and make sure that they get uh get what they deserve out of this school district which I think is a pretty good uh pretty good project that we have here. Other than that, I don't know what else I could do. I mean I I kind of represented uh 30 years uh mostly all every every poss possible uh uh person or deal that I could do and so thank you. That's it. Thanks >> Mr. G House. Mr. Pacific Hey, welcome back Mr. Guyser. >> Hello again. Uh we as a board have selected a question uh as a followup to your original talk with us. I'll let uh Kelly read it to you. Uh you'll have three
084minutes. I'll warn you with 30 seconds left. Okay. Thanks. >> How would you ensure you represent the whole community and not just one group? >> So this is a very good question because it kind of ties with my career outside of education. Um, in my line of work, I work for pretty much an underserved clinic. So, I basically have to be the patient advocate for every single group that I deal with. So, it doesn't matter if they're, you know, rich, poor, Republican, Democrat, doesn't matter what they are, we have to treat them all the same. So, how I you do deal with that is kind of like a pragmatic approach. Um, I don't just sit there and go, "This is my philosophy. this is my this is what I believe. This is my own personal
085opinion. I try to listen to what people's uh ideas are, what their concerns are, and try to frame that into something that I can help with. So, it's we it's not what I want to do for the school board. It's what this community wants to do for this for the school district. So, I may have an entirely different idea of what we want to do, but if that's not what the community does, that's not going to work. Because we've all seen the videos of school boards across the country where people come in, they start screaming and they're like that, you need to do this, you need to do that, and it's just not feasible. It's not not pragmatic. It's just a bunch of emotions running wild. So, just got to listen to people. That's that's
086what I would say. You just got to listen to people, get in their shoes. We're all We're all Pennians. We're all from Altuna. So, we all basically live in the same community. So, if we help one person, we have to help everybody because this is where we live. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Appreciate it. >> Simmons. Hey, welcome back, Mr. Simmons. Um, the board has uh agreed on a question to ask of each candidate and you will be given uh three minutes to respond. I'll give you a warning at 30 seconds and uh Kelly will read the question for you. >> How would you ensure you represent the whole community and not just one group? >> Well, I think first of all, you have to meet with everyone in the community. You can't
087just focus on one group. And by that, you mean just like the people outside of the district or in the district, too? because >> Oh, yeah. Well, yeah. So, I mean, I think that you would look at me and think, "Oh, he's going to represent the teachers." And I don't think that that's a fair thing to do. You have to number one recognize your tax base. What do the people in the public want? You have to understand what's best for your staff and to support them, but also how do you benefit the students. So, I think this is getting out there talking to all the different people. I'm in the community. I think that you have to number one what is going to best improve education that's the number one thing um even at the
088behest of some other people's what they may want um but I think that ultimately you just have to meet out with the community figure out what different subsets want because it never and then come up with a compromise as well because I think that that's important you can't just have one group be happy and another group be happy typically no one will be happy and if no one is happy then you know you've succeeded in a way because everyone's getting a little of what they need. Um, and at the same time, you have to do what's best for the kids ultimately, and that would be my goal. >> Okay. Thanks. We'll call you back. And welcome back, Miss Tanyhill. Um, the board has decided on a question that it will ask of you. Uh, all
089the other candidates were asked the same question. We'll give you three minutes to respond. Uh, at at 30 seconds, I'll give you the the three sign and Kelly will read the question to you. How would you ensure you represent the whole community and not just one group? >> That's that's kind of the bread and butter of what I do every day. Um I'm used to collaborating with um parents, um community members, stakeholders, people within the school district. Um but I think it's important to make every population feel heard and feel as though they have a voice. Um I know that the needs and and the concerns of everybody are different. Um but but it's important to make sure that everybody has the opportunity to feel that they they feel heard. And so um I think
090just networking and communicating and being able to sit down and have honest and open conversations um being available to meet with um parents, community members, and and just being able to hear what they have to say and offer solutions to them. Um, I know that in my role a lot of things that I hear about is safety concerns for parents. They don't understand what we're doing. Bullying, they're saying, "What are we doing to solve those problems, budgeting, where is all the money going to?" And I think a lot of it is just a communication issue. Um, giving everybody the platform and the time to be heard and to be able to address their needs and concerns. >> Thanks. >> All right. Thank you. >> Appreciate it. We'll call everybody back then or do we wait
091till we vote? >> So at this time um you should have another ballot sheet. Uh we're choosing from the five names of of this the the candidates that answered questions in round two. That would be Mr. Abbott, Mr. Francis, Miss Tanny Hill, Mr. Geisauser, or Mr. Simmons. Um please vote as you did before for one of those five candidates. Um once you've cast your ballot, please print and sign. Um Mr. Pacifica, if you could please uh send another secure email to Miss Franks with her selection of those five. >> Pardon me. >> We have more. Oh, wait. Did Do they have a They have a second ballot form, right? >> You should have You should have more than one ballot form here. Oh, if we have to vote again, we have more. We >> We
092came prepared. >> Yeah. Just let us know once you receive Mr. Pacific's email and then we can >> Pardon me. >> You're good. You can bring it back in. >> There's Romeo >> again. The ballot submission will serve as the the roll call. When the uh applicants return, we'll go ahead and have Miss Franks read read the results. I still feel here. Okay, I think that's Okay, folks. Once again, all the board members uh have cast a a ballot as well as our uh mobile uh board member, Mr. Pacific, sent a security email to Mrs. Franks with his with his selection of the five. >> Mr. Papus has voted for David Francis. Mr. McCaulay has voted for David Francis. Mrs. McInness has voted for David Francis. Mr. Minan has voted for David Francis. Mrs. Adams
093has voted for David Francis. Mr. Romanowitz has voted for David Francis. Mr. Cook has v voted for Doug Simmons. Mr. Pacificico has voted for Nicole Tanny Hill. I'm showing six votes for Mr. Francis. >> Thank you very much. Um at this point, having received six votes, uh Mr. Francis would be the successful candidate uh for the two-year board appointment. Um congratulations to Mr. Francis. And I would like to thank all of our candidates for their process in that interest. Um >> would I be able to say something? >> Absolutely. So we we need a we need a vote to appoint him. Correct. >> Yeah. >> Yes, you would need a motion. >> Okay. Um, I make a motion to approve Dave Francis to the vacant board seat. >> So, move. >> Do I have a
094second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? I guess we had enough discussion. Um, all in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. Anyone opposed? Motion carries. >> Okay. Mr. Francis, if you wouldn't mind taking the seat of the the vacant seat. Um, at this point we would then move forward with uh >> swearing in >> the appointment by our swearing in. >> Yep. >> Correct. Okay. Miss Adams. >> Yeah. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> I just want to um encourage everybody that was here tonight. I mean, I think I speak for all of us in the sense that um the the individuals that put in for it, um you know, are are all top-notch, commendable, and like Val said, everyone could serve up here. Um I just wanted to kind of
095explain my thought process as a schoolboard member. I feel that it is my responsibility to represent the community. Um and Mr. Francis um has been elected and won um I believe at least eight times. Um, so I feel that the community has um kind of um spoken to add him. So that was really where my thought process came from because this is elected position to really kind of um follow suit with the fact that the community has nominated and elected him um multiple times in the past. Okay. >> It's all you. Okay, thanks a lot. You know, there was a Alpacina said that, you know, they brought me back in. I they drugged me back and this wasn't the case. I I wanted this so bad to to be part of this board because I
096said before, it's such a united board and and we did such good things before and we're going to do good things in the next two years. I have all the confidence in us and and we do it collectively as a team. So, thank you very much. >> Thanks, Dave. Um I would encourage whoever's left to stick around. You're going to see the fastest conclusion of a board meeting you you ever see. So, it'll be a good lesson for you when you guys are on this board someday. Um Mr. Francis, who was just the recent chair of Greater Altuna Career Technology Center board runs, it's like an auctioneer. He is he's the best at it. I'm I'll never I'll never catch him. But um again, please stick around. I'd be glad to speak to any of
097you after the meeting. Um and I'm sure any of us would. So um we'll get moving right now. So under six, education administration recommends uh board of school directors approval of the Altuna Area High School ATSI plan for 2526 school year. See the attached plan. That's under A. Under B, we have a contracted services agreement as the creation of uh specialty props as well as costume creations and alterations for the Altun area Junior High School Drama Club's fall show. Do I have a motion to approve those two items under 6A or I'm sorry 6A and 6B? >> So moved. You got it. Justin got it. >> All right. And somebody seconded like you could take your pick. Um any discussion? All in favor of approving items 6A and B, please signify by saying I. I
098opposed. Motion carries. Moving on to seven. We were all provided a personnel list, a personnel items list. Um seeking approval of that of those personnel agenda items. Do I have a motion? Do I have a second? Any discussion? All in favor of approving item 7A, please signify by saying I. I. Anyone opposed? Motion carries. We will move on to eight, business operations. Administration requests approval to offer the following dispositioned items for public sale. Eager Beaver heavy duty equipment trailer, Bobcat backhoe attachment, Bobcat snowblower attachment, Miller Trailblazer welder, two Delta bench band saws, two Delta tabletop band saws, and a Delta shopmaster band saw. Also under B, uh, Mr. ation recommends approval for the 25 through 27 Blair Family Solutions parking lease agreement. Do I have a motion to approve items 8A and B? >> Do
099I have a second? Any discussion? >> Yeah. Are are those items is there a bid on these or just the highest bidder gets gets >> it? It'll be a clo we'll advertise on our website and it'll be a closed bid process with a deadline date. >> So, whoever has the it'll be high bidder. Correct, Mr. Franks? >> Yeah. >> Hey, you you just got on the board. So, let's calm down, buddy. All right. All in favor of approving items 8 A and B, please signify by saying I. I opposed. Motion carries. Now we will move on to uh committee chair reports. Do we have any committee chair reports? I would assume not. >> I I think we have to reconvene and do committees again, Bill. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I haven't done that yet. Um
100that's one of the things the board president does assign makes committee assignments. So they'll all be lobbying me to get on the library committee or you >> IU you can replace me. No. No. All good. Um, next, uh, no committee chair report. So, under B, uh, board president's report, um, while while I have the mic for a second, I would just like to recognize the loss of a distinguished Altuna alumni, uh, a a very close friend of mine, Steve Tanny Hill, passed away last evening. And, um, I just wanted to send my, uh, thoughts to his family down in South Carolina and extended family here. It's interesting that independent of all that I vote for a Tanny Hill and that was not planned. Um so um that's all I wanted to share publicly and uh
101winging best thoughts to Steve's family. Um I know that Miss Krue does not have a report so I'm not going to put her on the spot. Um which is usually the highlight of this meeting so we'll have to go without it. Next Mr. Hatch superintendent report. very briefly just echo Mr. Minion's sentiments. Um I had the privilege of being both a teammate and a competitor against Steve Taniho and he is truly a gifted athlete and personality. Um if you had the privilege of knowing um Steve and and being part of anything um the best athlete that I played against um you know growing up in the late 80s and early 90s um just brought an energy and and a character um to the court, to the field, to anything he did. truly believe that he
102literally could have shined at anything that he wanted to do. Um so he'll be sorely missed. Um sentiments to his family. Um terrible day for for the Altuna community, but I want to thank all of our our board candidates. Um I just echo what Stephanie had said. Unbelievable um presentations and and and list of credentials with our people. Um, so again, I want to thank you for the time that you took to to be a part of this and and I do hope that you consider being a very active, you know, person, a community member in the district. Um, even though that that you're not necessarily, you know, an active board member at this time, we have many, many opportunities to be directly involved in in the school district and I would encourage you to
103do so. Um, and and I will be reaching out to you personally um to to discuss what that looks like. Thank you. >> Thanks, Brad. Um, moving on. Uh, employee union employee unions response. I don't think we have one. Uh, middle management. No. Mr. Solicitor. No report. Okay, that's good. Coming from a solicitor. Um, finally, I will seek a motion to adjourn this meeting. Mr. Papis, do I have a second? >> All right. Any discussion? All in favor of moving to adjournment, please signify by saying I. I. Anyone opposed? Meeting is adjourned.