001Here's a world traveler. You ready to be back in the concession stand? >> I'm not supposed to be in concession stand tomorrow, which will be nice because I've >> Oh, that's so nice. >> For two years, I've not seen a performance at home. >> So, be nice to get to go see it. >> Oh, it's so good. >> Yeah. >> Does date Zoe? >> That's cute. >> They're family. They're very nice. Yeah. It's been a It's been a nice experience. >> Yeah. >> Look over you. >> Good ones. Bad ones. >> Is the camera some good lessons learned, right? >> Bobby lesson. >> Um I saw a picture of Adam in the Bahamas today, so I'm guessing he's not going to be here. I mean, he could be in a private. Bob's here. Somebody else
002want to be Oh, I didn't see if anybody wanted that was just a fancy background. [Music] >> Screwed up. If I were >> I trust you more than me. >> Just just relax over here. here. But >> would it matter if we weren't voting on anything? >> It would vote on each other. >> That's a good question. >> We do vote on human resources. >> Well, I heard that they fed the original crew. like screwed it all up because I think they had actually paid some people. >> Administrator's report administrators >> Good evening, Blackhawk. Uh welcome to the regular work session of the Blackhawk School Board of Directors. Um at this time um we are going to stand and say the pledge of allegiance. And as we stand um we are just going to take
003a moment of silence to honor September 11th and um in honor of the memories of those that lo that were lost as well as um in honor of all of those that were um that were heroes on that day. So we'll stand. We'll do a moment of silence and we'll take action. Ice 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. I believe um during our administrative updates tonight um we're going to hear a little bit more about how our schools also honor final limits. So um more to come on that. >> Um at this time could we please have roll call. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Uh Mrs. Klein >> here. >> Mr. Dr. Makoi.
004Mrs. Mana >> here. >> Mr. Ch >> here. >> Dr. Franker >> here. >> Mr. Van, >> Mr. Wizard >> here, >> and Mr. Zach >> here. Six present. So, you have the >> Thank you. >> There was an executive session prior to tonight's meeting to discuss personnel, safety, and legal matters. 1.5 solicitor's report. Dave, >> uh, >> no report tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> We'll move on to um agenda items 2.1 and 2.2. We'll first have our superintendent and administrative update and then we'll move on to our student representative. >> So I think uh Mrs. Veron is going to give an update on uh some activities that took place today. Thank you. and Constitution Day too which is next week I believe. >> Thank you. >> We had a wonderful
005day of impactful learning uh regarding America patriotism here at Blackhawk. Uh we are fortunate that we have a teaching staff that loves our country and love loves to instill that value in our students. Um, in our elementarymentaries, uh, 911 is a tough topic because obviously it's a tragic event, but they really frame it in the form of, uh, loving your country, patriotism, bravery, and as Mr. Rogers said, looking for helpers. So, they had a great read aloud for our youngest called Otto's Tales today, September 11th, which was super appropriate for the age. And um our elementary loves the patriotic craft, so we had flags, stars, uh memorabilia banners. Uh it was lovely. Um as we got into middle school, Highland had some great crosscurricular activities. Um one of our social studies teachers did uh stepping
006in the shoes of an average American during 911 and how 911 uh impacted America and the world. Uh in English class, they read about 911 disease. um really great connections in different uh curriculum areas and at the high school some really special things. Our very own patriot Mr. Wolver made the announcements uh and led the moment of silence which was impactful and um our social studies teachers did a variety of activities but two of our teachers Mr. Feelely and Mrs. Toman are very passionate about 911 because they're native New Yorkers uh and they do amazing activities and one of the activities Mr. teaches about is that there's a piece of the World Trade Center in Moon Township and any student who goes and sees it can get extra credit. Um, and I had the distinct
007pleasure of attending Mrs. Telman's lesson today. Uh, Mrs. Telman's father ran the bond dogs in the financial district in New York City and he had some experience with evacuation of the World Trade Center. So, when the accident happened, uh, she was here teaching and her family assumed that he was there. So on her lesson, she tells this, she does the um video of the man in the red bandana. All throughout the lesson, she's telling the story of how they didn't know where he was. And it wasn't until 9:00 at night that her family found out that he actually was not on site and that he was safe. Um there was you could have heard a pin drop in that room and it was such a privilege to listen to her tell that. and how wonderful
008for our students to who are, you know, definitely weren't born at 911 and are just hearing that, but to hear that teacher recount that and how what was just so important. So, it was a great day. Um, and next week, if you are unaware, if you are a school district that accepts federal money, you are obligated to teach Constitution Day, which will be another wonderful day of American activities involving the Constitution. So, the teachers are gearing up for that next week. And we have our student rep report but I'll add what was that I had previous class today and I wanted Let's use this one. >> Yeah, >> give it that one. >> Sounds weird. >> So, I was one of those students last year who had like new to see the piece of center
009that is up there for extra credit and that's really cool. So, if you ever get a chance, go out and see that. And one of the things that we did in Mr. Peter's class was we watched a documentary on 911 which gives you the information leading up to what happened and also real accounts of people who were in the hit on 911. And that takes me to my host which I'll have our football team has their community night tomorrow versus Southland and it is it is community night and because of 911 our cheerleaders will be wearing bananas for the with the bandana from 911 and then the drop. Our ball team were closing off their seasons in the next two weeks. Our boys have a record of I don't know how many how many matches
010they play but they have won one match which y our girls are student team is also wrapping up their season and their record is 48 and our boys versus match today this yesterday and today was day so all our dress up and ready for day the seniors have voted for our court this week and next week they will be voting King and Queen are coming to sale tomorrow. So, we're very excited for that. And we're trying sports. >> Thank you. >> Great job with that. Thank you very much. >> Thank all right. So, uh >> yeah, public relations. Yep. But is very proud of our students achievements and we encourage the extracurricular activities that happen in each grade. Please visit each school's website for updates and happenings in our buildings including holiday events and concerts.
011And I did not see that anyone had signed up to speak on any agenda items. Has anyone changed their mind about speaking on an agenda item? Okay. >> Thank you. And do you have a report tonight as the PSA board rep? No, >> thank you. Believe Mr. had a report for the county and technology report for county >> and no report. >> We did hear that um some of our students that may um school through an immediate unit um started back to school on Monday. Well, they did because they found a new home for them at the Midland Tech Center. And God bless the owner for letting this happen. And uh Dr. Rosen, he Yes. He is being very thorough updating the board on the day-to-day activities and what they're finding and the remediation that
012needs to happen at New Horizon is going to be huge. It's way worse than they thought. Just the pictures that I saw. Um, for those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, there was mold found at the New Horizon building um up by the hospital. And so all the appropriate steps are being taken and it's going it's going to be it's going to work out and the students all 190 students have a home. So we're happy. >> Thank you. 7.1 extended the approval of minutes from last u month's voting meeting. It was on August 21st. May I have a motion to approve the board meeting minutes for the 21st of August? >> I'll make a motion. >> Thank you, Mr. Show. Do we have a second? >> A second. >> Thank Mr. Whizzler
013on that one. Thank you. Any discussion on this item? Hearing none. All in favor? I I >> any opposed? Motion passes. We'll turn it over to you, Mr. SH for finance. >> So, we got some good news on the finance front uh this month. Uh the first three items are uh some awesome grants that we um that we've got again this year. One is the Greyel grant. Then we have the Dollar General Literacy Foundation grant and the Chucky Mahoney Memorial Foundation grant. Um those are all uh it's real money goes we use that money we count on it and so I want to thank um Greyel Foundation Dollar General and Chucky Mahoney uh foundation uh for those grants. Um we got some boring monthly bills uh and a financial report but the main thing I
014think we wanted to talk about in this section are uh releases for staff devices. So I'll I'll kick it over to Dr. Manette. >> Certainly. Thank you so much. Um so last month we had the privilege of of Mr. Hicks presenting on our IT infrastructure and it was a lot um a lot of um costs a lot of devices and it was it was a little overwhelming. So we we went back and said okay what do we need to do how can we prioritize and that was something that we had always planned to do. Um I don't think that the implication was all of that right now. It's we need to start investing in in our IT um staff devices. We do have um a specific amount about $127,000 that is budgeted for device replacement.
015Um what um Aaron and Ms have been able to do is to through leasing stay within that line budget amount. The middle school and high school teachers are the ones that need the device replacement based upon the Microsoft 10 um update or lack of being able to to update. Um the elementary buildings, their devices are newer, so they are not impacted by this. Um so those will be able to be refreshed there. And then the server areas as well will be able to be drawn into that. Um so there's two different lease areas there. you can look at those, you know, for your reference. Um, but I think that was a very um efficient and good way to stay within budget. And as we continue to move forward into next year and the years to
016come, we will be looking at um student device cycles. We will be making sure we solidify our staff device cycles as well as all other IT components within the district. um because it there's there's a lot here um that we need to make sure that we're supporting if it's if it's going to be a part of our learning environment. >> Any questions on that? >> I have a question. Well, am I wrong to think this way? um in looking at these contracts and the time periods, you know, my initial thought with technology is you don't want to extend too far out on a five-year contract when the technology changes so fast and it could, you know, already be outdated. So, we have to look at the shorter term leases even if they cost more. >>
017I think that's right. And I think am I right or okay? >> Exactly right. And that's why the device is a 36-month. >> So that is a three-year. I think that Mr. Hicks will speak into the cycle if he needs to. But um we'll be looking at a different staff cycle for that. So by the end of that four-year period, everybody will be on the same cycle and then we can look there. Gota servers on the other hand lasts a little bit longer. Um, so which is why the recommendation was that 60 month or that longer one. So there are two different time periods there. But you hit the nail on the head with that. >> Any addition or anything else with that that you need? >> If I can clarify um on the server
018side, the hardware is layered with virtual servers. Um they are typically warrantied up to seven years. So I can extend that a little further. That seven-year warranty is built into that book. So for the next seven years, they will those that hardware will be covered with a warranty that covers other boards, the servers themselves, nick cards, network cards, uh and anything that would fault with that. Um we lay software over top of that that we can then upgrade and expand on. So they'll be covered throughout that piece. >> Thank you. Any other questions on that? >> So my question is the the $127,000 per year. It says here that it's the budgeted device replacement amount. So is that the full amount that is that is budgeted this year or that? So so will when we're
019spending all of that on this are there going to be other needs that might come up within the year that we would have already exhausted that budget? >> I think there are other line areas that have ancillary items in them. Um, Erin and I were speaking about that, but that isn't that's a a standard. We have a device replacement every year. >> So, this isn't a one-time cost. Every year we we have a a line item amount. It varies. >> Um, staff devices were originally in this um, we took them out. Um, and knowing that Mr. H was coming in and we weren't sure which device we were using um, or which that we may go with. And so, you know, we were able just to utilize those funds for for this. >> The other
020nice thing about having a lease is now we know we have this cost for the next three years, five years for the two different and that helps us plan our long-term budget for the other items that need to be part of this cycle. I'm just curious uh when we do these obviously we're locked into those seven-year pricing or that four year pricing as a as opposed to just purchasing in year one. Um is there a significant difference in cost over purchasing everything in year one or spreading it out over the four years or three years? >> So there is the cost of money over time canary. There is the cut maybe use this one right here sir please sacrifice less expensive than four year five year and then for the server side option actually. So
021the interest rate is relatively the interest very good interest rate. Um but you know there's cost to extending that over time. So the chart that I put in the agenda does indicate the average interest rate that would the total amount that we would pay over the life of the lease um total interest that we would pay over the life lease. So that's that's where your extra cost comes in. So rather than paying $89,000 today, we're going to pay $107,000 because that increased over those five years. that works. Thank you. Um, so I I would just like to say thank you very much to all of you for working through this because I know this was a big kind of I won't say bombshell, but it definitely was something that caused concern I think when in
022the community and in the school when it was presented last month. So um I appreciate like one month later we have a plan, we have it looks like um top-notch equipment and get us back where we need to be um so quickly I think is awesome. interest rates are great. I mean, I think this has been a major uh win. So, thank you very much for all the effort. I know that was a lot of hard work. Um, see, it's all good news this month. Um, and then, so the last thing I have is um I would just like to add the finance consent um items 8.1 to 8.6 to the agenda for uh September 18th, 2025 meeting. I'll >> second it. So, we have a motion. We have a second. Um, any discussion on
023that item? >> All in favor? >> I. >> Motion passes. >> Agenda item number nine, personnel. Um, 9.1 we have the human resources report. 9.2 2, we have the Marter's updated drivers list and 9.3. Um, may I please have a motion to approve the personnel consent items 9.1 and 9.2? >> Make that motion. >> Thank you, Mrs. Klein. Do you have a second? >> I'll second. >> Thank you, Mr. Jacowitz. Any discussion on these items? >> Hearing none. All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Agenda item 10 is education. Mr. Vanzel um has some field trips there for us to review. Um 10.1 is a band field trip and PMEA state course field trip and I believe um we are um considering those tonight because of the distance that those students will be
024traveling. Is that correct? Thank you. Um, so do we have a motion to um add approval of the educational items 10.1 field trip requests to the uh agenda for voting for September 18th? >> I'll make a motion. >> I'll second motion. >> Thank you, Mrs. Manel. Thank you, Mr. Sh. Any discussion on the field trip items >> with there being cost for the for the U chorus field trip that is budgeted, correct? Those costs. Thank you. Any other questions or discussion? All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Uh support services. 11. We have a renewal agreement for OT and PT services. 11.2. We have the Meguire Memorial Extended School Year Program agreement. And um may I please have a motion to add the support services consent items 11.1 and 11.2 to the voting agenda
025for September 18th. >> Thank you, Mrs. Klein. I second. >> I'll second. >> Thank you, Mr. Wner. Any discussion on these items? All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Athletics and activities. Mister, >> no report this month. >> Thank you. Buildings and Mr. Athletics. >> Um, Dr. Vanetta, would you please speak uh to agenda item 13.1? >> Certainly. So, um, last month we, um, also discussed, uh, the chiller at this, um, that we all know needs to be replaced. So uh we wanted to make sure that we were looking at the same aspects um for this. HF lens is a mechanical engineering service that we have utilized previously. They helped us with sizing the rooftop units of the high school and saved us a considerable amount of money there. So we've reached out
026to them as well and asked them if they could assist in sizing the chiller and making sure that that was done appropriately. So what you see in front of you is the cost for their services for it. Um it is expensive uh for that. If you recall the rooftop units which is a completely different unit, different device was much less. Um but this is an extensive service you know that they're providing and we are spending a significant amount of money on this. Um you Mr. Fleshman and I are not qualified to make sure that this is the right size chiller. Um so I think that it's appropriate that we reach out to someone to make sure that this is appropriate. Um, these pieces of equipment are to last a very very long time and usually
027they are part of larger building projects and because they're part of larger building projects, they're usually put in um to those other other specs and other services where you have engineers all over the place. It's just for this one is what we have. So um any questions or anything regarding this proposal? I just have a quick question. Is this chiller going on the roof? >> This chiller is on the side of the building. Okay, that's it. Thanks. Yes, great question. >> Will a HF Lens will they supervise the installation of the unit? >> I believe that they will. Darren, explain more. I believe they will supervise that and there are several visits that they will come through and make sure that it is installed correctly and according to their specifications. >> I believe I read
028that. building a proposal for the site uh both before we go to bid for and during construction as well. Um but primarily uh I'll be on this um making sure that it's um installed properly and uh with their help over time. >> So both that it does say here on letter F site visits not specifically included. >> There are I believe three or four site visits included. >> There there are five under 11 um perform construction administration services during construction to observe the contractor installing systems in accordance to the construction document. Um so there is that up to three construction site visits are included which will consist in observing the construction. If we need to if you find that contradictory um we can get clarification from that um and make sure that they are aware
029that there might be uh providing services. I'm looking at D now. >> I think that that section that you're looking at where those are additional services that may be required. So those beyond that they quoted. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Oh, I see. Yeah. So if you read back to where it says three. >> Yeah. What additional services include that site visits not that haven't been specifically included. So that makes sense. >> So once HF lens completes um the specking, we would then have an appropriate um document that we would then send out for bid, >> correct, >> to different companies and they would come back with >> send it to quote. >> Um so quoting um with co-stars u and state approved vendors is appropriate for canned items such as this. um you know
030if the board chooses to do a bid they we can um but that's that's a little bit more of a process there um and then they usually manage that is that part as well um because there are official documents and opening meetings and things such as that. So would HF lens then provide a recommendation for us as to what company would be the best to do the actual like ordering and installation? >> Go ahead. Okay. So we're having >> right manufacturers train. So different contractors have relationship with manufactur. So they're going to help us get through the weeds to make sure that each is equal each machine is equal what we're asking for. And that's that's another >> Did that answer your question? >> Is there a time frame on once this is approved for
031them to get the specs in place so we're ready for whenever we need it in the spring? >> I would hope as soon as possible. um because these are not, you know, correct me if I'm wrong, but we don't just have these randomly at the chiller shelf. So, they need to be manufactured and and made to some extent according to those those specifications. So, I would hope mean by October, you know, that these I don't know if you think that's realistic, but within a month or so that they would hopefully have some details and then we could put that out to quote and obviously um you know, install as soon as possible. Springtime I'm I'm hoping is very realistic. >> I think by November we may >> by November. Thank you. >> And then will
032we have to wait for good weather for it to be installed? >> Okay. So that's So in the meantime, the noise that's coming from it that's being contained and and so we're mitigating that as much as possible. Mr. was able to move some of the blankets around and I believe what you say six decimals lower >> roughly just under 70. So hopefully that will just improve as the weather gets cooler and then hopefully be fixed by next. >> We relocated some blankets and we did some things and we made remarkable improvement. So I think right now years ago >> Thank you. Anything else? >> Thank you. Uh, may I have a motion to add 13.1 to next week's agenda? >> So moved. Do >> we have a second? >> I'll second it. >> Mr. Any
033discussion on the item? >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> Motion carries. Uh, we do not have a policy report this evening. Um, next week we will move um to 15 with the full consent agenda. Um, at this time um we're moving on to 16. Additional business 16.1. Do we have any public comment on non-aggenda items? >> Hi. I appreciate the explanation for the engineering services. makes a lot of sense as the past practice has been in this district. We've used trained before they have a well all of their stuff is proprietary and you can't get anybody else to work on it. That's definitely something to consider the expense of having train of a problem, especially if you're doing something. I'd like to request that your voting is be noted on the agenda as
034such because there's no way to tell on the agenda what you're going to vote on. And if that was something that you were voting on was important to me, I might make a special effort to attend the meeting, but it doesn't say what you're voting on. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offered funding opportunities through the public school facility improvement grant known as PSFI. These grants could be applied toward a wide range of projects including HBAC um health and safety improvements, roofing, weather, plumbing. And those grant awards arranged from $500,000 to $5 million. This program was available in 2003 and 2004. And in 2004, 208 schools in Pennsylvania received this funding. Many or at least four of them are within read. Many of the eligible projects align closely with Blackhawk's current facility needs. With that in mind,
035was Blackpuff able to apply for either of these grant cycles? If so, what was the outcome? And if not, can we understand the reasons why we didn't submit an application? have somebody chat with you in the next couple of days to talk more about that. >> I'm hoping that once the Pennsylvania budget gets approved, whenever that happens, that that grant will be available again for next year and has a very short window of when you can apply. But you >> and just to clarify your question, you're asking if if the district in 2003 or 2004 >> for those funds because it seems like most of the schools that applied got the >> 2003 or 2023. >> Oh, good. I was >> Yeah, I was like I'm hoping I'm hopeful that when the budget gets approved
036this year, the same kind of grant will be available. And if you weren't aware of it, then we need to be aware of it because you can combine projects in buildings within your district and it covers the list of stuff that it covers is ridiculous. It's all the stuff that we're doing in the cameras and upgrades to your safety systems. So, I just felt that was something to be aware of. Thank you. How many prioriters say this, but no one has provided a clear timeline for corrections and completion of the district's refresh website. In its current state, the site is unacceptable and an embarrassment. It does not reflect the professionalism or standards our community expects. This needs to be addressed. Just today, I was looking for something and it's not available. And if you search
037for it, I went through 33 pages of stuff that came up when you searched for it and nothing that I was looking for was in there. Please the website Pauline Barley. I have a question. When are we planning on moving the camera to where the door is if >> Thank you for your comments and just to clarify um this portion of the board meeting is for public comment so it's not a question and answer time but we do appreciate your question >> with a little reach out to you in the next couple of days. >> Okay. >> Thank you. And I'm hoping that somebody went past the fencing up at Biz and took a look at it. >> I don't know what you're talking about. >> Yeah, I know you don't. >> You, too. >>
038Do you have any school directors who would like to make any um comments this evening? >> I would I would like to make one comment because I'm going there in 10 minutes. >> It is a soccer game. I know there there's it is community night at the high school soccer game where some of our kids are playing. Um so if anybody wants to go, you get a free snow cone. Um >> really that's awesome. >> Yeah. >> And it's pretty nice out tonight so it won't even be too cold to eat it like sometimes. So uh I do appreciate that we do these community things. I think it's really great that um we have a bunch of crazy little kids running around on the field. They really do like it. My kid is one of
039the ones that loves running around out there. So, I would encourage anybody to go or bring your kids, have snow cone. That's all I got. >> The next meeting of the Black School Board of Directors is September 18th, 2025 at 6:30 here at Pilot Middle School. Um, do I have a motion to adjourn tonight's meeting? >> I make a motion. >> Thank you, Mr. >> Mr. Wner. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Don't ask them. detail who's coming