February 23, 2026 LASD Board Meeting

001[laughter] Oh, thank you. Whatever. Okay. Anyone girls >> [laughter] >> for him. I only won a semester. her first yellow really >> [laughter] >> What's wrong? I was alive. >> [laughter] [laughter] >> All right, I will call the meeting to order at right on time at 7:05. Uh, opening exercises. >> Okay, I'd like to introduce our pledge leaders this evening. Nico Sonic, Tyler Sonic, Vito Sonic, and Thomas Sonic. Gentlemen, step up to the table in the middle, please. Ice flag of the United States of America and to the stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Please remain standing for a brief moment of silence. Thank you, >> gentlemen. Thank you so much. You are more than welcome to stay. All right. Um, so meeting announcements. Board meeting was held

002January 28, 2026 at 7 o'clock in the boardroom. A workshop meeting was held February 9th, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the boardroom. An executive session was held on February 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. for personal discussions in the administrative conference room according to title 65 section 308A1. The executive sessions was held on February 23rd, 2026 at 5 pm for personal discussion personnel discussions in the administration conference room according to title 65 section 708 A1 for contract negotiations. An executive session was held uh tonight, February 23rd at 6:30 for legal discussions in the administration conference room according to title 65 section 708A5. And finally, a board meeting is being held right now, February 23rd, 2026 at 7 o'clock in the boardroom. Janine, may I please have a roll call? >> Sure. Mr. President, Mr. David Bradley

003>> here. >> Mrs. Lorie Fry >> here. >> Mr. Jeremy, >> present. >> Miss Denise Hartley >> here. >> Mr. [clears throat] William Howland >> here. >> Mr. Alex, >> present. >> Miss Heather, >> present. And Mr. Timothy, >> present. >> Thank you. >> All right. Uh we have um no formal presentations or recognition. Um we have um section for public comment uh on the board's proposed approval of the agenda as presented or as modified. Hearing none uh approval of the agenda. Uh can I have a motion to approve the agenda as presented or in the alternative? So [snorts] >> second. >> Any questions, comments? All in favor? Opposed? The eyes have it. Uh, public comment. Traditional public comment period on agenda items only. This is for now. Um, we have Mr. Michael Pollson. Just

004been here a number of times over the last few years, but never to speak. So, this is this is new. So, all right. Well, uh, as I said, my name is Mike Coulson. I am the lead pastor at People's EC Church in Franklin Township. Uh, I understand there was a little bit of, uh, confusion last month about uh, why we give donations to elementary school and wanted to uh, just take the opportunity this this evening to come and uh, share for just a minute uh, why we enjoy doing that uh, and the purpose behind it. So, uh, we understand that the school district, uh, is, uh, well within its means to provide all supplies to the teachers, the classrooms. Uh, so that's not why we do it. Uh, we understand that there are pressing needs

005in the community. Uh, we do support a wide variety of charities and nonprofits uh, dealing with, uh, homelessness and, uh, food insecurity. So, uh, we do make sure that we, we cover our bases across the community. Uh but the reason why we have given donations to elementary school for uh the past number of years uh there's really kind [clears throat] of three main reasons. There's more than three but uh the three main reasons that we do it is within our congregation we have current and former uh teachers uh lunch aids uh pair professionals custodians uh and school administrators. Uh so we are well aware of how difficult all those jobs are. Uh and how often they go underappreciated. Uh they uh are not often recognized for all the the hard work they put in. Uh

006and so many of them going so far above and beyond uh their roles uh to support the students. So uh we want to to do something to help them to know that uh their efforts are seen and recognized by the wider community. Uh we also do it because uh we want to share God's love the staff here. Uh and we don't have the opportunity to come in in person and uh to be able to do that face to face. Obviously that would be disruptive during the school day, but uh giving a physical gift is one of the ways that uh we can share God's love with the the staff here and and hopefully some of that shines through uh with that uh simple donation. Uh and the third reason is uh we feel that the

007the Bible's pretty clear. Uh Jeremiah 29 calls us uh to seek the the welfare of the city to which you have been called uh and to to pray for it uh for its behalf on its behalf. So uh we want to make sure that we are not siphoning resources away from the community but that we are uh giving back more than we are receiving. Uh so we want to just seek to be the the greatest blessing that we can be in our community. Uh and uh we pray that by doing this as a congregation uh that it sets an example and inspires our individual congregation members to uh seek the opportunities around them and their daily uh their daily lives to be a blessing to others and we hope that it creates a a ripple

008effect that goes out from there. So, uh, we are definitely open to, uh, to additional ways that we can be a blessing to the school. Uh, if the school board ever has any, uh, any suggestions and ideas and ways that we can do that, uh, please reach out to me. If it's something beyond what we can pull off, I'd be more than happy to coordinate with other pastors and congregations in our community uh, to be able to to do that. Uh, so I just wanted to take the the opportunity and to just come and and share that. Uh if you have any questions or anything, feel free to reach out to me. Uh and uh thank you all for the the time that uh you put into serving our community on the school board as

009well. I know that it's long meetings and it's a lot of work and uh you guys are not thanked enough for the time that you put into it either. So I want to just conclude by thanking you all for the the time that you invest into our community. Thank you very much um for sharing those those words and your time with us and again for for your generosity of what you and your congregation did for our students. Much appreciate any other public comment hearing none. Um reports we have our student board representatives here with us tonight. What do you guys have for us? All right, we figured we we would reintroduce ourselves since there's some new members here. I'm Connor. My name is Equin >> and I'm Morgan Schaefer. >> We weren't here for the

010last meeting, so we have some stuff to catch up on from that. Um, in January, we had our midterms from the 13th to the 16th. High school held their midterm exams on their way to their classroom. Students were met with encouraging notes and helpful study tips to help them stay on top of their courses. This uh these notes and board was put up by the student council and u basketball senior night, both boys and girls basketball senior night was held on the 28th of January. Uh congrats to all senior players. Other sports news, um on January 16th, Evan Wentz, a 152 pounder for boys wrestling, achieved his 100th career win. Um as at the high school, the ASVAB testing was hosted on Thursday the 29th for 11th or 12th grader students interested in taking it.

011Starting our February report, the LRYC college scholars and dual enrollment uh information session was held on Tuesday the 17th. Um they the information session was provided by the high school for any 10th or 11th grade students looking to enroll into enrollment classes or start the college scholar program in the fall. The meeting lasted from se 6 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium that's >> uh on Friday the 6th of February the seniors were uh held a meeting during which the c a meeting was held during which we received our scholarship packages. Seniors had two weeks to fill them out and to apply to them and they were due back Friday, February 20th at 3 pm. There were a total of 75 scholarships offered to the senior class. The senior class as a

012whole appreciates our community for gathering together to provide our senior class with the financial help to achieve our future goals. >> Next, we have the girls basketball league championship. After beating Northwestern Lehigh in the Colonial League Basketball District 11 semi-finals, the girls advanced to the championship to face Notre Dame Greenpawn at Freedom High School on Friday the 13th. It was a very exciting day for our girls basketball team and the town rallied around them. The girls had a stellar performance and left with a trophy. Congratulations to all the girls for making history and beating the group from the to bring home the district championship for the league championship title for the girls basketball program. This past weekend, our girls and boys basketball teams played games in the first round of districts. Unfortunately, both teams fell

013short, but they played their hardest. The boys played ACC at Allen Allen High School, while the girls played Blue Mountain at Palmer. Both teams wrapped up a very strong season. >> District 11 boys wrestling went to Freedom this weekend for their tournament that lasted for two days, Friday and Saturday, February 20th and 21st. Mark Mucas and Lucas Croer were the district runnerups for both their weight classes. Placing second of the boys of the 13 boys that were sent to districts. All 13 of them made it to the second day of the tournament. Eight placed and six will advance to regionals. The boys team was also the runner up out of all the competing teams. >> And after a successful year, girls wrestling was looking forward to a hopeful district performance. Unfortunately, due to injuries, they

014were only able to send a small group of the girls who wrestled Kennedy Quinn and Kaylee Evans placed fourth. And that's the report that we have for both January and February. >> Thank you guys. Very nice to meet you. [clears throat] >> Take care. >> Next up, we have our superintendent before. >> Couple of updates. First of all, budget process. I'm sure Mr. Lens will be speaking to this a little bit as well. We have we have preliminary budgets for all of our departments and buildings. Uh in the next few weeks, we'll complete the process of making initial revisions, although we're kind of headong in the midst of that already. uh major a major component will be a staffish plan that will be completed in the same concurrent time period over the next couple of

015weeks so that we have a you know a sound basis for exactly where our personnel will be will be throughout next school year. Uh our plan right now is to present the expenditure side of the budget uh at least the first draft of such in March. So hopefully that will be prepared in time for the March workshop meeting. That is that is the goal. But it it may not be until the March board meeting. Next uh as spring as the calendar turns to spring, I will be uh working with Georgia's transportation starting in March to analyze the efficiency of our transportation services. Uh one of the things that has you know been been a topic a lot at least several times throughout my tenure so far here is you know long bus rides um number

016of students not necessarily who are eligible for transportation but who are choosing not to take our transportation. So we'll be looking at you know are we are we maximizing our efficiency uh but also having very you know reasonable reasonable travel time for our students to school. So looking forward to getting that. Some great news. Arley grant uh if you remember in the summer I think it was I think it was in August it was zoo if I recall correctly Janine uh we submitted submitted a grant uh through [snorts] the state through the early program. Uh we were notified that district was awarded $230,000 in grant funding from the state for this. This this funding is specifically for uh the traffic signal project. Um, and we are still working on gaining information about where the approval

017process stands with PEDOPS. Uh, I am eagerly awaiting an update that I requested last week from our solicitor uh, who has been working on that on that project. Uh, while I'm here, I want to give an incredible shout out to Janine sitting next to me. um she did almost all of the work that was necessary setting up the army grant and submitting the applications. sincerely thank you on behalf OF >> and another grant application that we are we will be hopefully uh looking to apply for which is the Pennsylvania school facilities Improvement Grant. Um, in order to complete this, we'll be working with Site Logic to complete the application. Uh, any awarded funding for eligible projects would require the district to match 25% of the eligible projects costs. So, what that means is we apply

018for two $2.5 million, we've got to be able to put up 25% towards whatever the eligible projects are. Now, if we're granted $2.5 million, any money that we take, but we're not we're not bound to take the full amount. So, at a at a point down the road, should we get any funding awarded to us, should the board approve us to move forward, there is a resolution on the agenda tonight. Um, we we don't have to take everything. We can scope the project down if we if we choose to, depending upon what we're granted. Um but but it's you know I I do believe that we have a pretty good chance at least at getting [clears throat] partially funded for some of our projects that show up in our facilities maintenance plan. um developing scalable

019projects. Essentially, if I look at this, our our primary focus is we have some necessary we have a necessary uh roofing project at the high school and that's the biggest stick that if you remember our facilities maintenance update, um there was actually there's actually been a revision to that if you remember that there were HVAC components that that were involved with the cost in what was projected. We dug a little deeper. uh they were they are actually in good shape and within their their lifetime. They are not at end life. Uh so they're that information was verified through site logic with the actual manufacturers. So we're in much better shape than what we thought we were there. So the next big ticket item that [clears throat] is eligible for this grant is that high school

020roofing project. Uh in addition to that, when you apply for this grant, it's one building. So it's not like here are the three things across the district that we're applying for because that's our biggest ticket. We look at the high school. So we'll focus on that roofing project. That will be our top priority. But aside from that, there are lighting updates that would be eligible that have been recommended to convert to LED lighting. And then there are some flooring things that, you know, original flooring from 30 years ago that, you know, could could be updated. And um but obviously all of those things uh would be, you know, we have to make decisions about how do we utilize the money. And if you recall, we we put $2.8 million last year into capital reserve and

021we're yielding about $8,500 a month in interest on that. So, by the time that rolls around, we will probably have about $100,000 of interest from that initial investment. Um, which in my mind helps to pay for the match that we're talking about in a very budget neutral way in terms of what we thought we had when we put that money aside. Uh, and I want to give Mr. Lens a big shout out and a lot of credit there for uh developing that financial plan. And I want to thank the board in time for for approving that transfer because without that we'd be having to come up with 25% without that in on hold. So that was a great move. Um it puts us in a very good position quite frankly to get some work done

022potentially without using much of our own money. Yes, it might have changed, but Pennsylvania has a Department of Education and roof buy from one of the largest roof manufacturers in the state of Pennsylvania called Carile. And they make a deal at the beginning of the year if you want to get underneath the roof program. the state pretty much, I want to say the word, significantly subsidizes the global purchase of Pennsylvania roofs for schools and uh uh governmental buildings when they do their once a year buy. You got to plan ahead, but you can go to them and say, "Look, I got a roof. It's got this many square foot." And then they'll add that to their corporate vibe with carile which promotes the state, promotes all the workers in the state, promotes our carile roof

023which we currently use on our roofing and you can maybe do something else with the money you're trying to find rather than spend it on roofing when the state has a program already that is so economical it's crazy. And this school is regretfully not participated in that usually because they need a little planning ahead. But if you already know you need a high school roof, this this should be [clears throat] this. Okay. We should at least look into an expert still need this. We'll do absolutely there's a new regime in there in Harrisburg, right? >> Any other questions about that? So that is on as a to go forward and and really what you're approving is for us to explore and submit the grant because we do need that resolution passed in order to do

024that. So Jason, I just haven't So this time we want to focus on the high school. Is this a yearly grant? So say next year we want to focus on sorry something at the middle school for the elementary. We could do that. So it's a yearly grant and we focus based on building. >> The only caveat to that is I will I will answer and say yes. The only caveat though is uh that is dependent upon the passing of the state budget. >> So it might not be available next year. We just never know. Although what I will say is politically this seems to be a pretty bipartisan popular popular endeavor because let's let's face reality. It's local communities right at home. >> Yes. >> Yeah. And Jason, I have the information for you. It's

025called the uh school facility improvement grant program. Provides grants to roof repairs and replacements in public schools and technical schools with project costs of $500,000 or more. Grants can range from $5 million per project aimed to improving safety and energy efficiency and educational facilities. >> Is this the same grant? >> Yeah. Well, no, I don't think it's the same one you talked about. >> Yeah. >> What's it called? the Pennsylvania school improvement school facilities improvement grant >> some >> yeah they'll they'll cover >> they are competit they are competitive grants though >> the one we're looking at >> can you send me >> yeah the one I know about is specifically for roofing because of carile because of the roof manufacturers >> that's in Pennsylvania to try and agenda >> but you said the one

026you were talking about was for any repairs right and energy efficiency. It's kind of like an escro. >> Well, >> energy savings. >> This one is this one is specific to um this is not necessarily a Giza. It doesn't have to be energy energy efficiencies. This one is literal facilities upgrades. So, it could be a window project, it could be roofing, it could be lighting, it can be but it could also be flooring and and such. So, uh, it's it's not, you know, I think that they probably look kindly, if you look at the history, they look kindly on on Giza Giza projects because there's a return on return on investment there over time. So, if if you send that to me, I will I will compare. And if they're two separate ones, I know

027>> we'll go after both of them. They might be. It sounds like they're similar, if not the same. Speaking of Giza, this is something we talked about before. We're working on an RFQ for a potential GISA contract. Uh, an RFP is a little different than RFP. There is no specific dollar amount that we'll be asked for in in the RFPs. We won't be asking for companies to to propose a number because an ease of project is theoretical based upon how much we can afford and what whether or not we want that particular project done. So, we're not saying if you have a a very specific project, you put out a request for proposal, it's scoped out. It's exactly for that. What we are looking to do is put out an RFQ and determine who we

028would like to if we would like to and who we would like to go into a contract as our visa contractor. So, that it's anything to guarantee that so it would only be projects that we still choose to do. We're not committing to any level of projects by going into a visa project or a visa contract. It just means that should we that is who we're selecting to go into that contract with. Uh part of the RFP process uh that I think we will want to reserve the the right to do within that RFQ is for interviews with firms who may give us proposals. Um, and so as we move through this process, I'll obviously continuously update the the community, but also also highly involved board. Uh, the types of projects that we envision going

029into will be in line with our facilities maintenance plan that we have the information on. We know we know what our needs are and the ones that can be done through visa. Obviously, that is good because those contracts come with no change orders whatsoever. Sounds impossible. >> Well, what happens is we we ask for that and then we say that is that is what we want in the contract and they have to basically make sure that they know what they're doing as as a contracting firm and know what types of problems they may run into because they they essentially have to keep that cost as opposed to the district which so often happens in >> construction projects. Um, just so you're aware, obviously, one of the things in our maintenance plan that is, I would

030argue it has to be a priority as we as we look forward is the paving project as a middle school. That is not GIA eligible. So, that would have to be we would have to put that out the bid. We would have to get that scoped out and then put it out the bid and and go from there. Go from there. >> [clears throat] >> The other thing we can do in a case of contract, which I would like the board the board to weigh in on, personally, I believe it's important that if we're spending money on things that that money goes into the community as much as possible. I would like for us to have a high preference on local vendors as long as they can display that they're just as qualified and within

031reason in terms of costs. Yeah, as long as it's not just because it's somebody's friend. >> Yeah, we can. Correct. And we can Yeah, we can limit it. Obviously, like it has to come within 5% of >> We have some quality people who do a lot of quality work around here. So, that would make the most [clears throat] I think over the years they were using like the same guy even though he charged like it has to be well within reason. As long as you have keep an eye on it, I think that's a great idea. >> And then finally, I know there were some there were some talks at the last meeting uh about graduation and getting worried with snow days and such and how would that push back. So, we did a very

032deep dive into our instructional hours and our days. uh we are still scheduled for June 9th and that is even after today's closure. Um, we actually still have a buffer of around 20 to 25 hours for seniors because you can either hit 180 instructional days or 1,000 hours. >> 990. Sorry. 900 for elementary, right? >> Yes. >> Which is bizarre to me that elementary is required to go less than than >> seniors. But um but we we still have a buffer for those seniors. um of about 25 hours. So you're saying one more I told myself [laughter] >> you mean the storm that was supposed to end the whole storm. >> So people but not >> that concludes my report unless anybody has any questions. >> That's great. Thank you. >> Thanks Jason. All right.

033Um, Matt, I believe is business [clears throat] administrator report. >> Yep. Thank you. Um, and sorry I can't be there with the storms. We're at about 14 in um where I live. So, yes, building on what Mr. Moser said, uh, we've been working focusing on budgets, having budget review meetings and preparation [clears throat] of the data um to bring back to the board in uh, March. Uh, additionally are working with um regards to incorporating the um state um budget indications as to revenue within um our budget um to present that um as part of a comprehensive revenue and expenditure budget um to the board of directors. Um also over the past month have done work with regards to um preparations for uh tax collection for next year. As um you may know there is currently

034a vacancy in tax collection um in one of the municipalities that collects for the school district. And so uh we're working on plans should that be something that the the district has to uh address. Any questions? Matt, when you're working on it's Bradley, when you're currently working on the planning for the budget and you're discussing it with your team and the administration, what communication software are you putting this information in and then sharing it? Is it Excel or is it a different software program? >> I mean, for communications, for example, like Mr. Moser and I had budget meetings uh with last week uh last Friday with each uh principal and head of department. So they were they were verbal meetings. >> Yeah. But once you put the information into a format that you're going to

035be sharing later, are you putting it in Excel? Is there another software you're using? How >> we put we put it into FIS, which is the district's financial system. And >> what what's the name of the district's financial system? FIS FIS. >> Yep. >> And does it generate reports? >> Yeah. >> Are those reports paper reports or Excel reports? >> It can take any any form of media with with with the reports >> report out. Okay. Can we get a Obviously, you're doing preliminary. Can we get advanced preliminary notice of this current expenditure uh report that was going to be coming out sometime in March that probably won't make our workshop meeting but may make our board meeting according to the superintendent. Can we get an early preview and just just do a dump to

036an XL antenna to the board of where you're at now? >> Well, I think to what Mr. Moser identified we had meetings where we're getting changes from buildings and departments into that system and that target date that he identified for the end of March would be the information as to the update. So certainly at that point we'd be providing that to the board. Is there a way to get advanced information even if it's not uh finalized where you're at now where we are today and and you can leave and holes were >> and again so from from I'm speaking to you from Friday to Monday Mr. Moser and I were in budget meetings through the end of Friday that were verbal meetings with principles and department heads and in fact um then there is changes

037that they have to make and to submit to us. So I don't have those changes we don't have those changes other than those verbal discussions that those principles are to be providing you know to us for inclusion in what he identified would be providing to the board at the end of March. Okay. And [clears throat] that's that's the request from the administrators that are currently looking for the board to fund what their wishes are in the in the budget. They're lobby to the school district's board. What they're requesting, not an administrative review, but but you're taking the requests from each principle. what you described. >> It's what it's it's what they desire to have within their budget >> at each principal level. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Part of the challenge is that

038a lot of Matt, correct me if I'm wrong, that information isn't loaded into this at this point in time. >> Correct. Again, again, correct. That's what I tried to make clear that we were meeting on as recent as Friday of last week about budgets about what their desire is for inclusion in that to then have that be input into fists and then again with that target of providing that to the board. I can say with the snow I haven't received anybody's from our meetings that we've had on Friday that were through the end of the day on Friday. >> You're doing great Matt. We appreciate it. What's what's the documentation of these meetings? You guys create meeting minutes that then the principles can verify. >> There would be notes taken there. There's notes that are

039shared electronically. Um and then you know there are internal spreadsheets that have slightly different formatting depending upon the >> mean I don't know Dave you would be interested in seeing like those >> we can see normally we want to see the XL. So each principal will start putting in [clears throat] estimates into their Excel and then they give them to him and he's got to consolidate them and he puts them in fists and then he can make us a report. >> I understand if you can't get the spreadsheet you can maybe get these. >> Oh, we can get the spreadsheet. We just got to ask J. It's a public document but I appreciate that. If we want the notes as well that goes behind it that supports the spreadsheet to complete the lobby that is

040being created. That makes sense. I just really my level for here I just want to see what the numbers are. But thank you. Any other questions for Matt? Hearing none. All right. Thanks, Matt. >> Um, next we have Dave Brown. I'll try see. >> Well, I've got some exciting news tonight. For those that haven't heard, Eli Lily is uh in the final stages of building a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in the Lehigh Valley area near Fogglesville where they will package sterile medication products into injectors like Merro um vials, syringes, bottles, andor capsules. Um, and with the help of Lily, where Elry comes in, LRYC is receiving a $5 million ARCAP grant to establish a brand new Lily science and technology center by expanding our national advanced manufacturing center, which we established for our program work training

041for program for Amazon, and that's one of four in the nation. So, um, we're basically going to piggy back right on that and expand it into this other area. Um, the center will include teaching laboratory with a clean room uh simulator, a biotechnology lecture hall, anic filling suite, and an automated uh packaging line trainer um up to show how to operate equipment in the final assembly. So it's going to really mimic what that manufactured uh facility will be like. Uh LRIC will develop the curriculum towards intentional pathways for students with stackable credentials linking [clears throat] the workforce certifications to diploma certificate associate bachelor's degree including pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships. So it's going to be all-encompassing whenever they need their certifications. Um, there will also be a dual enrollment course for students in high school and career

042and tech schools. So, our career and tech school should uh definitely maybe I'll go down and talk to them too about this new program. So, if they take dual enrollment, they can roll right into taking classes at LRYC and get these cert certifications. Uh Lily expects 800 new jobs uh for the community such as warehouse associates, packaging and logistics which would be a high school diploma or a GED requirement, a maintenance technician, automation technician, warehouse technician for quality control operator for aniseptic filling which also would require a high school degree plus a certificate and that's where I'll start I'll 5C comes in with their curriculum. Uh the four third thing would be an engineering technician and lead operator for aneseptic or aseptic uh fill and that would be a associates degree. That would be Elry's

043main uh focus there or link there. And then finally uh engineer automation which would be the highest level of training uh which would require associates degree plus transfer to a bachelor degree. So the curriculum will have that. So it's seamless with all the articulation agreements that we have with the four-year colleges. They just go through LRYC and then right there and have a job waiting for them. Um so that's that's really great news and our Dr. Bieber did an excellent job. Uh she's known about this, but she couldn't really say anything until Lily came out and and announced that they were building the place. but she worked a lot behind the scenes in order to get this uh grant for us. Um you should uh have received or will be receiving the submissions for the

044ATL large uh trustee for LRYC. I mentioned that at the last meeting um that school districts can nominate somebody if they'd like. Uh the reason I mentioned that is because the deadline for the submission [laughter] of the ATL large candidate is March 13. So, uh, unless we have a workshop meeting where I come and remind you again, um, you'll have to do that before the next board meeting. I don't think we've ever nominated anybody in the past, but that's not to say we can't. And lastly, LRYC has an ongoing search for our Vice President of Finance, which would be similar to our business administrator here, um, due to a retirement. So, we've been through one series of interviews and the first top candidate, we had some excellent candidates. The top one took another position at

045the same time we offered and the second one was just about as good. We offered it to them and they also did the same thing. So, finding a, you know, a finance person is is tough, but we're not not going to settle. Um, we [clears throat] do have contingency plans in place with our staff that they're going to pick up the slack and our the lady that's retiring is going to stay on and help where the for any of the sensitive or, you know, proprietary information u needs to be protected, you know, dealing with the banks and things like that. So, we're we're still in pretty good shape there. But, uh, that's all I have to report. Anybody has questions? >> Yeah, I I have a question. Uh going back to first of all I

046love I love the fact you use the term stackability. >> Yeah. >> Throw me back to some high school principal days. Um but the the dual enrollment opportunity sort of attack. Would you share that information with me? >> Yes. >> Because right now I am superintendent record at Car Technical Institute. I would love to be able to share >> share that information. >> Absolutely. >> This is just being I mean we won't even have it now. It's just being developed because this is right right I mean they >> they don't have the place done yet but we're anticipating getting out ahead of it so that when they come online we're we're ready to roll >> and then I think same thing local schools if they have an idea of what's coming they can do the

047same thing even if it's a step or two behind >> Oh sure >> where you at that's how we take advantage of that. >> Thanks for uh bringing that up add that to our list. >> Thank you. Thanks Dave for >> All right. Uh next up we have the CLI. >> There was no meeting this month so I have no report. [clears throat] Uh but we will be back on a regular schedule next month. So going forward I should have something. [laughter] >> All right. Sounds good. Thanks. Uh CCTI. >> Um we welcomed Mr. Francisco back as our interim principal. We have many years at CCTI as a graphic design instructor, so we're excited to have them back. Skills USA had 25 students metal districts. They're taking 33 students to compete at States and Hershey.

048CCTI is in the planning phase again of their annual summer camp. This will be open to any fifth through 8th grader. Um there's no fee included. They do provide transportation and food and the students get to engage in 10 different technical areas. Um, I think it's a fiveday thing. The dates are in the works, so as soon as I know more, I can share that. The CCTI designer first bingo was going to be held on March 13th. Tickets are $25. All proceeds raised support student organization and events throughout the year. Um just a reminder, any student that is interested in CCTI is encouraged to see um the guidance counselors and they can go on a tour or take part in experience in any CT area that they're interested in. This concludes my report. >> Thanks.

049>> You're welcome. >> We have our meeting tomorrow, so I have nothing to report. >> All right, sounds good. All right. Um, next we have the minutes. Um, so can I please have a motion to approve the minutes of the January 28th, 2026 board meeting as well as the February 9th, 2026 workshop meeting? >> So move second. >> Questions or comments? >> All in favor? Opposed? The eyes have it. Next, we have our consent agenda. Under programs, uh we have consent agenda containing items 2.2 through 2.4. Those are the first reading of policies consisting of policy 010 governance policy on board member communications and information requests. Uh policy 102 academic standards. Policy 105 curriculum. Policy 11322 discipline of students with disabilities. Policy 131 behavioral support. also encompasses 2.3 second reading and final approval policies. 143

050standards for persistently dangerous schools 144 standards for victims of violent crimes, 209.2 diabetes management, 218 student discipline, 218.1 weapons, 218.2 terroristic threats, and 236.1 for assessment. Finally, also includes the transitional learning experiences uh for the 2526 school year. Uh so with that, do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda for items 2.2 to 2.4? >> Can we have like a discussion first on some of these motion >> or if you want to remove second >> questions? Wait, wait. So you just did a a motion, a second to cons. I'd like to make a motion that we remove 010 from this consent item. Do we have discussion? >> Sure. >> I get a second to that motion or second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> Are you going to go back? So, yeah. So

051it would be consent agenda would be two point would be all the other first readings all of the second readings and then the transitional experience. So can I have a motion to approve the consent agenda uh 2.2 through 2.4 with the exception of policy uh from the first three days. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Questions, comments? All in favor? >> I >> opposed. >> No. >> Believe the eyes have it. Um, so I believe we open this up to public comment first getting this. >> Make a motion to preserve. >> So, so the regarding the motion, do we have to make a motion first? >> I believe so. >> Okay. Can I have a motion for the uh approval of the first reading of policy 010? >> Second. >> All right. Do we have

052any public comment regarding this policy? >> Can you refresh the audience what this policy is because they probably didn't know it's only four people in the audience. >> So, but um essentially it streamlines the communication for directors uh who are um inquiring information from administrators through the superintendent. uh and also streamlines communication to the solicitor uh and information requests from the solicitor through either the president or vice president uh and in the absence of approval through them the full vote of the majority that is the 30,000 foot view of policy. I'll reiterate my questions from last time. I think you didn't have already answers, but >> sure. >> What where did this policy come from? What are its origins? And what problem is trying to be solved by this policy? >> Sure. Um and so

053I I'm reflecting on sort of the discussion we had at the workshop and I may have misspoken. Um so the policy in fact is confirmed um to be from through Jeff through Fox Rothschild but it was from White House School District. Okay. So it was an iteration of their policy. Uh and essentially what's what's meant to happen by that policy or or the purpose of it is to again all the things I said um but also it's meant for situations where there could be potentially fairly split divided work um and um essentially a means to control those sort of again the communications that go through from one side or another um that's essentially the general intent of the policy. Again, we talked about the workshop some of the other benefits, not having repeat communications to

054solicitors, not potentially, you know, overspending money legal fees in that regard. That's essentially the basis of what came from. So, I think that I may have even I may have suggested it was template from PSBA. That was not the case. >> Correct. [laughter] So I want >> it's not because I'm a little bit familiar with PSPA 010 which I think it's actually been phased out but yet is not the same. >> Sure. Okay. I'm sorry again there was a lot of reports. >> I mean was this requested of Jeff? Were you struggling? Did you think that the board was having difficulties that this this policy will solve or you're trying? >> So this had been shared with us from Jeff some time ago. Um but essentially the email that came out from or came from

055Jerry >> shared >> no just shared directly with me and then I shared it I shared it with Alex [clears throat] and meeting >> so it originated with Jeff's idea. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. The uh the concern that I think should be discussed is and if you could reiterate the reason for the policy is in the event that you have a split board. If you have a split board, it's five to four or majority with a minority. In the event the minority is looking for information from Jeff the [clears throat] or from the solicitor, sorry. If the minority is looking for information from the solicitor, the majority has the ability to block that and then not allow information to be disseminated to these quote minority board members. Each individual within the board has

056access to the solicitor. He works for the board as a whole, but he also works for the individual directors as our insurance is covered for omissions and errors and other things. So, if you're writing a policy in an effort to make sure that the split board still has access to the solicitor, it should be the other way around. In the event that you're you can't use five people to block four people from having access, it would be the other way. You'd say three board members would have the ability to get the information from the if you're trying to limit it, you put it at three or you'd put it at two. Two people have to be adult individuals thinking this is a good use of our solicitor's time and our board's time. Let's get this

057information straight from the horse's mouth to do it with the majority of five. There's no reason to even go to the solister because you already decided what you wanted to do. So that's where 010 has to change the uh uh number on it no matter what. That's the first indication to change it to something that isn't used in other systems because if anyone looks it up, they're going to have a plethora of >> Pennsylvania School Board Association 010. So, we should at least pick a different number. But I think that the understanding of what's trying to be accomplished related to split boards and limiting access to a solicitor, especially when you have a split board, the the ability to access information through the administrators through the administration and then through the solicitor is incredibly important

058and that's why a board is made of nine and that's why you need a majority vote because you want to get different ideas from different people and different positions. I think another concern is that this didn't come out of the board. We didn't solicit this. We didn't >> ask for somebody else. >> Someone from outside the district perceived that this might be helpful to us and it didn't it didn't come from us. That's the part I don't like. >> I don't think it's much different than when Jimmy was president and I was vice president and we pretty much followed the same practice but we only left the communication to our president. >> Yeah, that was an error. That was horrible. >> Yeah. Why would you ever do that? I don't care how dogmatic it is.

059You don't do stupid things twice, right? And Jeremy, you should apologize. That was a mistake. Don't do it. >> Right. It wasn't just president. The whole thing was that we wanted to make sure that the solicitor wasn't getting 16 emails from one board member in particular about the same thing that you know and then one answer and then another question and then we wanted to make [laughter] sure that everywhere. So what we did is we made sure that it went through the president and always carbon copied the vice president and the superintendent to make sure because also the superintendent at the time was typically utilizing the solicitor who run the district. It was constant. So we had to get you know that spending under control. So we decided to kind of funnel it up, but

060everybody was made aware when something was sent to the solicitor and everybody was notified that all they had to do was email and ask to talk to the solicitor directly instead of going, you know, through the whole process. Like I could always misinterpret something and I did. I had a couple instances where I accidentally misinterpreted something and it it caused a curfew. So, so I only had one request from one board member ever to talk to the solicitor one and nobody else did. So, they were more than welcome to do so. See, so there was a way it was there was a way to control the cost, >> right? >> But there's a better answer to that other than what you picked. >> Agree. That's the point. >> You're right. >> Way better answer. >>

061But this this policy is not really the answer. Another bizarre thing about it, and I'm sure it's not in the White Hall version, is that it like confers powers upon the vice president, which is not typical PSBA policy. >> Back up a second. Uh, it's not in the wake policy. I just pulled it up. >> Oh, >> so it's either old, it was removed, >> or it's not available. >> Uh, it goes from seven right to 11, then 12. the normal 12 >> 11 is the new PSBA version of its own 10 that's been supplanting 10 in various issues >> just just for clarification so did Jeff just say hey I got an idea for a policy or was did this come from the discussion that we had Alex um and then you asked so

062Jeff had shared this >> okay >> before these so when you had said that I said hey this actually matches perfectly with >> what you were suggesting in terms of >> so unsolicited shared this with us. >> Okay, that's interesting. Okay, thanks. >> No, >> just wanted to make sure. >> No, no, I would have made more sense if I brought this up to you than you went to him. >> Yeah, >> which was would be fine. >> Sure. You know, but >> unsolicited unsolicited >> but could he but but playing devil's advocate could have he offered it because of the past practices of you as a president and Joy as a president being the ones that overseeed contacting him and he said you know this has been the practice in the past there's not

063a policy instead of just having it as a informal practice this is a polic policy that >> that's not your answer. So, it's really >> No, no, I know. I'm just saying though that that would make logical sense to me is there wasn't a policy, we had practice in place whether it was right or wrong. But in my opinion, the board should have needs and then contact Jeff and say, "We have a need. We're trying to solve a problem." I find it just a little strange that he's thinking about us and that he says this. So, And and I would um I would like to make a motion to table this so that we don't sit here all night talking about this and bring this back up at another um >> I'll second that >>

064another meeting so we could discuss it fully. Maybe even give us till the next workshop maybe somebody come up with either a better policy or changes to this one that would make it. That's just my opinion. So I I make that >> any other um thoughts, comments. >> Okay. So motion the motion is to >> table. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Okay. >> All in favor? >> Opposed? >> Not sure when he renewable motion again. This is the table, >> right? >> And I can't find any tens left in the system. [clears throat] >> There's no >> Yeah. >> Um, Mr. William Helen, >> no. >> Miss, no. >> Mr. Timothy T. >> No. >> Miss Joy Beers, >> yes. >> Mr. David Bradley, >> uh, yes to table. >> Miss Lori Fry,

065>> no. >> Mr. Jeremy Glass, >> yes. Hartley. >> Yes. >> No. >> Yes. No. >> The motion on the floor is to pass. >> So we have to make another motion. Okay. So can I have a motion to approve the policy 010 for first reading? >> Second. All in favor? >> Wait. Discussion, right? Motion. Second discussion. >> We've already discussed it. >> I'm discussing something. You just had a Can I discuss the floor, please? Thank you. >> Um he offered a table until something better become a part of of um review or come forward. And that tableabling that's going to restrict this motion, this policy that's going to restrict five people's access and deny four people's access is now going to be voted on in public to pass to go to the next level

066without review. And even after it showed up on unique circumstances, doesn't exist in the system and is going to handcuff the minority of the board's access to a solicitor. at which point if you actually limit that access, >> the next step for the minor minority board member that needs support from the solicitor, you're forcing them to go to court to say that the five people on this board that are going to stop an individual from having access to the solicitor is overstepping their legal bounds because there's no Pennsylvania school code that allows you to restrict the access of an individual to access to their solicitor which is our solicitor. There's got to be a mechanism. So what the way to do it rather than solving a split makes what? Exaggerating. >> You got it. So

067the Yeah. So the goal would really be if we could actually create a real policy that works the same way. One person filters all comments to the solicitor to reduce the cost. Said filter reviews. This policy restricts >> restricts. So f excuse me still. Thank you. So the person should filter. The person can check past conversations with the solicitor confirming whether or not the answer has already been applied saving us the money. That filter then can be applied to whether or not the solicitor is engaged but cannot be restricted. And the the response from the solicitor needs to not go back to the filter but to the entire board. Those things would correct the past dogmatic practices in the that were detrimental to this district and it would correct the situation where you're limiting the

068amount of interactions with the solicitor that cost us money and you're providing for the most fully informed board and the Pennsylvania state supreme court said that every individual director has a affirmative duty to be fully informed. So if they need information to make a better decision, they need to have access to their solicitor. That's why we pay him to stop that or try to prevent that because five people on a board want to do it. You really don't have that right. So roll call vote if we're doing this and it'll save everybody a lot of time if we realize that there's a better way to do this policy if you want to control cost and limit interaction with the solicitor. That's all I want to do with I really didn't idea to put a policy

069in place like this, but this one is not. >> And since we have a motion and a second and it's a new motion, they get a right to speak as well. >> So I think the floor of the certainly will um I think approving this policy for as first reading doesn't preclude changes. I agree. That's what they said about the elementary center as well. Change it. >> That's the same logic that was used when they built the elementary center. We're just going down the path. We're going to go check it out. >> Is that the way the vote just meant to pass it is the way the vote would be able to bring the second reading pass. >> Correct. I think it would be much more at that point. I would much more want a

07063, a 72, an 81. I don't unanimous obviously that's what we're trying to get to. We're trying to get to a unanimous by tableling it and coming up with a better policy that everybody can agree with, not just fighting. >> Sure. And and and that certainly can still happen. And that is as president that is my intention. >> Now hold everything out of this policy to make it an appealing policy. >> And you might have the greatest intentions. >> It is. >> The road to hell is paved with them, >> right? This you're going to hell. I appreciate everybody's perspective even if they differ from what >> I think we should hear from the four audience members in order to elaborate on this. >> Again, this is procedural. So >> I just want I want

071to understand that you you know no matter what the SBA tells you, we are in charge. We are the board is in charge. Not the solicitor. No offense Jason, not the superintendent. The board is what is elected by the people to make sure that everybody does their job the right way. So far, Jason's doing a great job wrong, so everything's cool. But again, any policy that we in place, [clears throat] Jason just decides to fly to the moon and we have no superintendent. We get another superintendent and we picked somebody that was horrible. I mean, then we're we're screwed because we got the policy sitting here. Yes, we may change it, but then it becomes completely obvious that we're trying to change something and we may not get the votes. Then you guys might not

072be the five that are voting for it. You guys might be in the majority. >> Right. >> I just I just want to add in that you can make changes for a second reading of the policy and then if there still would need to be more changes, it would have to go back for a first reading. the the Beth. Thank you, Beth. Do the four have the right to force changes and require this to be passed by a vote of greater than five to four >> for what purpose? I'm sorry. >> Because right now, five bully [clears throat] four people into not having access to the solicitor. >> That's not what this is. >> It is. And hang on a second. If I'm not mistaken, Beth, thank you for being on the line right now.

073Can I have the floor for a second, please? Can I have the floor for today, please? Thank you. So, >> you're welcome. So, Beth, if I'm not mistaken, if any one of the nine individual directors would have had a question about the filing that took place at the Carbon County Court relative to the Hazing incident, they could have gained access to our solicitor. Is that correct? If any one of the nine had a question, you guys would have answered. >> Correct. Under the this current policy, if it were passed, >> yes, if this current policy is passed, would any one individual director have the ability to look at public documents at the Carbon County Courthouse and have a question that they want to bring to their solicitor as a member of the board? Yes, it

074would just be funneled through a specific process according to this policy. Now, if if you have changes to the policy, those changes could still be made for a second reading. >> Correct? And if that person that's the filter had five people that didn't want that question asked or answered by the solicitor, what would be the recourse for the individual director seeking the advice of their solicitor that has now just been blocked by five people? What would be the next step that that individual director would do to meet Smith v. Richmond be fully informed? what would be the path and what would be the cost of that path. >> So I I well I think too that the the superintendent can alo also authorize that. So it doesn't necessarily have to go through a full um

075majority vote. >> I agree my question was simple. In the event that an individual director is blocked from having access to their solicitor, what would be their recourse under the >> under this policy? the policy does not designate a specific for a specific uh ability for for um the other board member to challenge that not going directly to the solicitor. >> So where would they go to be able to get access to their own solicitor or would they be completely blocked from having that advice? >> Look, I mean practically some of this would also could also be discussed potentially in executive session with the entire board. But at the end of the day, what would be the recourse of an individual director needing access to their solicitor that this school district pays for to [clears

076throat] get answers that may or may not be blocked by this filter of five people? The county court. >> I don't think that that would be the proper venue. No. And uh and again, you know, I do want to specify that I I think the purpose here isn't to cut out any voices, but to streamline the way that the board communicates with the solicitor. >> I would agree [clears throat] with the streamlining of a of a solicitor communication. However, there is a potential to be able to do exactly that with this policy if you wanted to be that kind of a nefarious person. Correct. You're empower this board is going to empower itself to give the ability to the majority and harm the minority. The whole reason we have the government we have is because

077four wolves vote to eat the sheep. Right? [laughter] >> So, so let me ask a logic question. This is first reading. I'm hearing what Beth is saying that we can make changes. >> You can. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you, Beth. I think logically we get together as a group and discuss those changes as Beth is recommending and come with a conclusion that most people will be comfortable with. Um I I mean I think that >> most being the majority >> I think >> most majority >> I think if an edit is like striking 100% of the language and replacing it with alternate language to me that doesn't meet the standard of first reading >> and if they wouldn't table it what could stand the second reading there's no table for discussion >> but you're automatically

078assuming that >> I'm not assuming anything You're saying there's no point that there's no point of having a discussion day. >> No, I'm saying it should be postponed until such time it can be reviewed and since we had different information when this thing first came about, we should review it and we should also explore these other options because you are setting up a situation where like before you can limit an individual director's ability to have access to a solicitor until he goes to court to go get it. At which point that could be very costly and timeconuming. When Barb was on the board and she didn't have access to the solicitor, hold on. When she felt that she didn't have access, she limited herself when she shouldn't have. She should have been asking questions. She

079needs to ask question. >> That was her playing. >> I agree. >> Okay. >> But and my point was that she should have stood up right then and there and resolved this. However, she did not. I am here to do that. How about it? Nine to one, 8 to1. I don't know. It's going to happen that every individual director is going to be able to talk to their solicitor that this school this school pays for so that we have access. If in the event that you feel that any individual is using that solicitor to an excess, a policy can be created. There is no problem. Don't bring one. It's >> kind of what we should have done. And I admit as I said being a new president, I >> and my solution to this problem

080is very simple. have one person, have them review previous questions, have them respond back to the board, and then have anytime anyone asks the board, the policy should be that the solicitor has to answer all >> right without a lot of the other >> done, including when our superintendent uses our solicitor, unless it involves FURPA or other issues because the board should be as informed as possible and as knowledgeable as possible. So, if he's having an issue that says, "Hey, man, what do I do with this?" We as a board that support our superintendent need to also understand the advice of our solicitor. So let's go prepared to the workshop meeting. That's I agree postpon don't even move forward with this chance to speak. It's been a while. >> I think we're ready for public

081comment. >> Um we got to preface this with a question. You all mentioned that there was a woman on the phone. death. Is she a representative of the solicitor's office? That wasn't true. >> So, I would just like to point out that to me >> that does not cut it. It is very hard to have a conversation with somebody on a phone with a room full of 15 other people. I have been an advocate for this for many years. I do not understand why we have a school board that does not have a solicitor that is present at the meetings. It would make it so much more streamlined and it would give every single person at that table access to the solicitor at either your schoolboard meeting, your workshop, your executive sessions, whatever you deem

082them necessary to be there. But it gives them that one-on-one or in-person access to a solicitor. And I do I I believe that every member of a school board should have the right to contact a solicitor. If you're representing and you're making decisions, you need to do so educate in an educated manner. So, but again, I'm just bringing it back because I asked many years ago to put out an RFP for a solicitor that would be here at the meetings. It was voted on to do that and then it never happened. But I think this is a prime example of why that is necessary. >> Thank you. >> Yes. I I think this policy 010 puts the cart before the horse. In any motion, information gathering is the first part. Second part is the motion.

083Well, with this policy in place, motion comes first and the information which isn't gotten is is put second. So, I think the policy is flawed. I really do. like like other people in our our public have commented, I think every member should have access to to the solicitor unrestricted. Otherwise, information gathering is going to be impaired. We're going to have we're going to have bad decisions, bad bad emotions. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. So again at this point like I've said I think that passing of this first reading does not preclude further discussion from taking place. We are the again the intent of this policy is simply to funnel communications in an efficient and a cost-effective manner without changing any current practice and and without shutting out any court members. that that is not

084the intent. I know it's it's it's being taken that way by some, but that is not the intent. That's not why I joined this board. It wasn't to shut out anybody. I want these discussions to be entirely communive. I want us to collaborate. I want us to come to solutions together. So again, we have a motion made um and let's bring ideas to the workshop. The motion is to approve the first reading of 010 for first first reading. >> Can I have a roll call, please? >> Sure. >> Mr. Timothy T. >> Yes. >> Miss Troy Gears. >> No. Mr. David Bradley? >> No. >> Miss Gloria Fry? Yes, >> Mr. Jeremy GL. >> No, >> Miss Denise. >> No, >> Mr. William Hen. >> Yes, >> Miss Heather. Yes. And Mr. Alex. >> Yes.

085[clears throat] >> All right. So, next up under programs, we have 2.5, the extracurricular activities list for 2025 2026. Uh, can I please have a motion to approve the extracurricular activities list for this 2025 2026 school year? >> I'll move second. >> Questions, comments on that is on there. Okay, >> I have a question. >> Yes. Aren't these already approved? >> Many of them officially um rather than try to essentially this is a a motion with a lot of redundancy, >> but rather than try to piece together all the ones that have been officially approved in some capacity. It it is >> I made the decision to make a an annual clearing house. It can be added to at any point in time. it some things can be removed and then we will update in

086July moving forward but there's always the flexibility of adding something new that is brought to the board later there are >> list of things on the website for everybody to see or like on the websites that are affected like high school has a list middle school has a list >> there will be after [laughter] that >> parents need to know what we offer them I mean offer the kids other than just a education >> and who the contact is for that activity. >> That is another good thing. >> Any other questions or comments? >> I just have one question and I don't have it pulled up but I read it earlier. Is this the one where there was a bowling club? >> Yes, >> this is on there. >> Do we have a bowling club?

087We do. >> You do. >> See, I didn't know we had a bowling club. >> We do. They actually compete in um it's at the very bottom. >> There there are some PIAA bowling teams. They compete Yeah, >> I've never seen it in a yearbook, so I I didn't know there was a >> It's really n honestly. It's it's an interesting list because you can see how the programs are in middle school and then transition to the high school, which I also think is is beneficial of the list because you can see, you know, choir, show fire, etc. So >> I'm sure that there's students who don't know what's available. >> Yeah, we get asked that all the time. >> It's a school sponsored. Oh, it >> should be >> [laughter] [laughter] >> It is

088two pages long. We weren't able to move FBLA into co-curricular by any means >> at this point in time. No, we have student because we have it available that students can join FBLA but not be enrolled in any current business class. So once you make a co-curricular they then you have to get in that class. >> Yeah. Any other questions or comments? Um, please thank the administrators on our behalf for compiling this list. I think that there's some good. >> Oh, that's right. So, with that, uh, I believe we did the motion. All in favor? >> Opposed? >> The eyes have it. Thanks again. All right. Next, we have city school enrichment journeys. Can I please have a motion to approve the following school enrichment journey request? We have the high school class of 2026

089with Nicholas Miller uh on February 6th to the Kapo Grove at Lakewood Park for a prom site visit the floor plan and the decoration layout. We have the elementary center prek counts Lori Hopus um on March 26 uh from 9 to 10:30 as well as 12 to 1:30 uh who will be taking the students on a visit to the library. We have the heightenary high school life skills and Amanda Uella uh April 22nd from 8:30 to 1:30 it'll be heading to the Da Vinci Center now in Allentown for our mobile fab lab with OVR. We have the Height High School student forum uh with Mary Joe Freehoffer on uh March 9th from 7:30 to 2:15 down to May High School for a student forum meetup. Uh we have the same group uh headed to the

090Carbon County Environmental Center for another student forum meetup. This is on April 30th from 7:30 to 2:15 p.m. We have the Lehigh Area Ed Center second grade class, Loren Zer. On May 18th and 19th headed to Crystal Cave for geology and natural science exploration. And we have first grade Janine Matika. Uh May 22nd from 9 to 2:15 headed downtown heighten to explore downtown, visit the police department, fire station, library, local parks, and the highrise. Motion second. >> Questions, comments? All in favor? [clears throat] Oppos? The eyes have it. Um, appears we have no use of school property at this time. Okay. Um, financial matters. We have the, uh, consent agenda. And the consent agenda is encompassing of items 3.2 through 3.6. Again, those are Barbine Thornton and Company, BSI 1095 agreement, Sweet Stevens, Cats, and

091Williams LLP agreement, uh, Integra One, Cisco Maro, and FBLA funding. Uh, can I have a motion to approve the aformentioned consent agenda items? >> Call for a second. Second. No. No. Um, there's a consent agenda item for BSI on that. They'd love to separate that out. >> Okay. >> You need a second. I'll make the second. Now you make a motion. >> Yeah, I'll make a motion that we pull that one out of the consent agenda item. >> Okay. Um, all in favor? >> Can I ask why? >> Yes, you'll be able to. >> I'm sorry. [clears throat] I need a second to pull that one. Okay. Yeah. Questions. [clears throat] Well, >> why why do you have to pull that one? >> Uh because uh BSI is integral to our cost of the district

092within our budget program and it should be reviewed prior to the negotiation that you're having with your staff and also in uh conjunction with our upcoming budget season. If you put them cart before the horse, you're going to pigeon hole and force yourself to not have options. Whereas, if you don't agree to that yet until you review your options and decide where you're going to go with your staff andor your budget, you'll be able to have options. Right now, you're basically it's like kind of putting pieces in the color wheel and you're identifying some primary colors which kind of force the elements to go out because you recommend we do not. Now, I recommend that we review it carefully prior to approving it because whereas it looks good and has been good and there's benefits

093to it, um my fly onthe-wall observation of our negotiations committee uh puts this into perspective that it might not be the best option for what they're asking for and looking for. So why don't we take a look at it as a board before we pigeon hole ourselves into these three primary colors. The three primary colors of the budget is going to be salaries of our individual staff, the medical benefits that we provide [laughter] for them and then the the educational instructional of our students. >> So this is a really big part of it. >> Your opinion? >> This one is just about filing something. Yeah, I was just reading. >> This isn't about the contract. This is about them filing the 2025. >> Go ahead. >> Medical claims, I would believe. >> I would defer

094to Matt. >> Yeah. Matt, are you on? >> Yep. Yeah. It's just we we were complied by a federal mandate to file 1095C's, which BSI has traditionally completed those forms and filings for us. And that's the request in that motion. Do we get copies of them when they file them or are we seeing them when they file them on our behalf? >> Yeah, I believe um Becky gets copies of them and retains them. Just again, it's very similar for processing W2s. >> Sorry. Prior to or after filing? >> I can't speak for Becky. We'd have to follow up with her on that. >> Pull it off until we actually see what's going on. So, we're not committed. we actually see what we're doing. To file documents on our behalf without the board reviewing them is

095an error that we like to correct in every aspect of this board. It has caused great detriment in the past. >> All right. Any other questions? Why not set up that motion? >> I would like to see what Dave wants to see on this, but are we going Matt? Are we going to miss a deadline if we don't file don't sign this and file this right away? >> Yeah, I mean BSI holds all of your healthcare data. They do all your open enrollments and and data for that. And so we're required as an entity to report and provide 1095C's not only to the government but also to the employees so they have those when they file their taxes. So, we would need to get those completed and timely before the IRS deadline for filing. >>

096What is the IRS deadline filing? >> April 15th. >> So, you have plenty of time. >> So, you have plans to review. You should see things before. It's such a simple concept. You should see some before you sign it. You should see some before you file it. I I understand what your concept is, but I don't want to put the employees at a >> they're not. >> What if they want to file like right away? >> They can. We just have to meet after we see it. You have to see it before you sign it. That's a simple concept. That's all I'm looking for. I want to be able to see things prior to signing them. That's my bone of contention. >> It's a pretty simple one. I think though the point is [clears throat]

097most people April 15th is the deadline but if we're already at the end of February or towards the end of February and >> depending on can I I have the floor now. Thank you. >> I respect that. Yeah. Go ahead. >> Before we push off the time and people only have two weeks to file their taxes. I think it's a legitimate question. How long would it take to review these? We don't want to push, we don't want to give people, our employees, two weeks to file their taxes because >> that may not be in their best interest. >> You asked the question, I'll answer. How about 10 days? We should see things 10 days before they get filed. We should see things 10 days before we're going to submit them. We should see 10 days

098before things go to the court, before things go to different agencies, before the safe schools report gets filed. We should see things 10 days before they get processed. >> Jason, do you know there are any redaction requirements for something like this? >> I do not. >> With the medical information, it does not really no. Now I'm looking I'm remembering the 1095C is basically a form that just states that we >> we offered healthare. >> We offer healthare >> and who didn't how many? I my thing is and and this is this was not brought up at the workshop though was on the agenda and that's where I'm you know >> I know we should have done it before it's a mistake but we shouldn't redo the mistake by not by filing something we didn't read

099>> exactly are we see that's what I want to know the responsibility prior to this >> yeah I was going to say I don't really know I mean what do you I mean it tells you what what you paid for someone's health benefit It tells you that it doesn't. Yeah. >> It just says we have to do this because of Obamacare. This is what you got. >> So what what is your goal? >> My goal is to see things before we submit them. I want to see things before we sign them. I want to see things before we give one of our subordinates like BSI the right to submit them on our behalf. I think the board should see things before they sign things, before they endorse things. other things. >> This seriously is just

100for I fully respect the principle. It's one I want to keep. It's a moral rigid principle. I want to say things before we approve them. All right. So, regarding the motion to pull set agenda item from the consent agenda. All in favor? >> I opposed. What? Let's get another one because you got a whole bunch of people that were eyes and nose for pulling it. >> I I heard two eyes. I didn't get to really hear the names. >> This is to hold BSI. >> Yeah, please. >> Mr. Beers. >> Yes. >> Mr. David Bradley. >> Yes. >> Miss Lori Fry. >> No. >> Mr. Jeremy Bl. >> No. >> Miss Denise Hartley. >> No. >> Mr. William How? >> No. >> Miss Heather? >> No. >> Mr. Timothy Cat? >> No. and Mr. >>

101No, >> two yes, seven. [clears throat] >> So, motion fails. So, back to the original consent agenda 3.1 for uh approval of consent agenda items 3.2 through 3.6. Um, can I have a motion to approve? Said consent agenda items. >> I have a question about changing one verbage in one of the policies. >> Okay. Okay. >> I still want to approve it, but I would like to change something to be in 3 3.6. >> 3.6. Okay. Do you want to make a motion to remove from >> that agenda? Okay. >> Uh, is there a second? >> Do you want to comment on the change? Um, I'd like to change the policy language to only have the approval of the funding brought to the board for approval if it is more than the $4,500 that we

102approved in the past two delegate to treat the process basically, [clears throat] >> right? >> Yeah. Yeah. So that so okay so that would be done separate from >> would that that would basically >> 240.1 come as a first reading >> it would have to come if it's being changed. >> Yeah has to come at the workshop to be reviewed and then for first reading at the legislative. >> Yeah. Okay. So, we can still approve that with the with the the intention for this to be brought forward. >> Okay. >> Um, any other questions, comments? >> Okay. Um, all in favor? >> Opposed? Sounds like the eyes have it. Um, so let's now vote on >> Oh, wait a minute. >> So that was the motion to pull >> 3.6 from consent. >> Okay. >>

103Yeah. So now we'll go back to consent agenda. That's okay. >> I got very confused. >> It's really mental gymnastics. [laughter] >> So you have to approve 3.6. >> Yes. So we'll we'll do the consent agenda first and then go to 3.6. Six. >> Why do we have to remove 3.6 if we >> Yeah, we don't. >> We don't have to. >> Can I retract that motion, please? I'm sorry. >> I'll retract my second number. >> All right. So, we'll go back to the consent agenda. This is going to be consent agenda of approval 3.2 through 3.6. Again with the caveat understanding future um discussion 240.1 do I have a motion to approve aformentioned consent agenda items. >> So move second >> questions comments hearing none. All in favor? >> Oh that's roll call. I'm

104sorry. >> Can I have roll call please? >> Sure. Missing a lot too. >> Mr. David Bradley. >> No. See before you sign, >> Miss Lorie Pratt. >> Yes. >> Mr. Jeremy GL. >> Yes. >> Miss Denise Hartley. >> Yes. >> Mr. William Helen. >> Yes. >> Miss Heather. >> Yes. >> Mr. Timothy. >> Yes. >> Miss Joy Beers. >> Yes. >> Mr. Alex. >> Yes. >> All right. Thank you. >> All right. Next, we have item 3.7, DC facility improvement grant. Um, so I understand this was essentially analogous to the PSFIG application that Jason was speaking to during his u superintendent report. Um, so with that, could I have a motion to authorize administration to pursue the Pennsylvania Department of Community Economic Development, uh, facility improvement grant for potential facilities projects and approve a

105local match up to 25% of the total project cost not to exceed 500,000 contingent upon grant award? >> Second. >> Any questions, comments? >> Just want to reiterate this does not obligate us to this. It allows us to pursue it. Any other questions? Hearing none. All in favor? >> Opposed? The eyes have it. Moving [clears throat] on. Item 3.8, PEND. ARLE program grant. Um, do we have a motion to accept the automated red light enforcement grant issued by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in the amount of 230,000 to assist with the restriping of Bank Street and Bridge Street to provide 75 ft northbound and 75 ft southbound left turn lanes as well as the installation of a traffic signal and ADA pedestrian accommodations. >> So move questions, comments hearing none. All in favor? >> Opposed? >>

106The eyes have it. Next, we have donations and local grants. We have two listed here. Um, first is an eight 18 boxes of educational card games used by the elementary center and the middle school from the education team at Top Trums, the same company that creates Monopoly. Uh, additionally, we have a generous donation of $505 from Griff House in real to be used for the Title One reading program. Do I have a motion to accept the affforementioned donations and local grants? >> Can we read the letter from the grill for the donation to explain why they make their donation? >> This this was a question. So I just want I think we need to clarify the title one reading program. Griff Ale House and Grill ran a Super Bowl raffle to support title one reading

107program. The raffle raised $55 to support literacy and the title one reading program within the school district. We wish all LSD students continued success throughout the year. Connie Hayatt, I probably pronounced that wrong. I apologize. Griff's Ale House. >> That's awesome. Uh, thank you to Connie and her team. Um, any other questions or comments regarding the donations? So, it's related to an alcohol establishment and gambling. >> We've heard your opinion on that previously. >> Yes, >> I appreciate that. >> And we've and and we discussed it >> outside of our school policy or is it within our school policy to accept this? >> Anybody look at it and decide? So, our students also do fundraising and they do fundraising with a lot of restaurants and other establishments, which I believe I'm not going to speak

108specifically, but they also serve alcohol. So, would you like to suggest that our students not do fundraising? if they serve alcohol. >> To be honest with you, Denise, >> I suggest that the board follows its policies. And if we're promoting an alcohol or gambling, the board should not be involved in it. If it's extracurricular and they're doing it outside of the board's purview, let them have it. If they're if their morality is such that they do that, they're welcome to decide that. But when it's the board doing it, the board has policies we should follow them. The whole key is that we have policies and we follow it. >> We're thanking them for the donation. I think we should thank them, move on and let it go. >> These are people that are doing right

109by our res by sorry I'm in work mode there by our students and our community and I thank them for their donation along with the 18 boxes of educational card games. >> Yes. And I agree that they're doing right. I think the board should follow its policies and then it too would be doing right either change the policy or follow the policy right now we should follow the policy >> have a review of that policy for the workshop >> and then we'll see if we need to start >> yeah maybe >> okay >> until then we should be enforcing our policies our job any other questions or comments again I'd like to echo what Denise said and thank everybody for their donations Um, all in favor? >> Opposed? I'll say nay. >> The eyes have

110it. Next, we have prek counts Lehigh Valley Zoo. Uh, can I have a motion to approve the booking contract for the prek counts field trip to the Lehigh Valley Zoo. The cost of $975 is to be paid out of the PreK Counts grant. >> So move. >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? [snorts] Hearing none. All in favor? >> Opposed? The eyes have it. Next, we have per capita and occupational tax exemptions. I have a motion to approve the exemptions from per capita and or occupational tax for February 2026. >> Any questions or comments? Hearing none. All in favor? >> Opposed? Next, we have per capita occupational tax refunds. I'm going to have a motion to approve the following refunds for per capita and or occupational tax. Brian Ostein 2025 occupational tax retired. Uh Julie

111Deal 2024 occupational tax income below 10K. >> Second, >> questions or comments? All in favor? >> Opposed? >> The eyes have it. Next we have food service transfers. Um, do I hear a motion to make the following transfer from the general fund to the food service fund as for the reimbursements from the commonwealth to the NSLP lunch federal 89,9883 breakfast schedule 22,19540 state lunch 3126.38 state breakfast 537740 uh sorry $7740 uh and lastly child and adult care food program 3727 780 second >> questions, comments hearing none. All in favor? I >> oppose. The eyes have it. Next, we have some budget transfers. We have a uh budget transfer uh for a $556 for Chromebook for a student and we have an additional budget transfer of $48.90 for additional supplies for a student. Um is there

112a motion to approve the affformentioned budget transfers? >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? I have one. Was this budget transfer is already done or are they this is in advance of the uh budget line item going zero? Do we know where this budget transfer? So it's coming from uh 012000. Is there currently money in that line item? >> There is. There is. We would only complete the transfer if it's approved tonight. There there's only if we make this transfer, >> correct? >> Okay. So, did we spend this money already? >> No. >> So, we transfer the money first and then you're going to use it to buy these Chromebooks. >> Correct. >> Same for the supplies for the student. >> Correct. >> You're the man, Matt. We love you. Thank you. Greatest thing in

113the world, following the rules. >> Fantastic. I appreciate greatly. Way to go, Matt. Any other questions or comments? Hearing none. All in favor? I >> opposed the eyes. And we have it. Um three, item 315, activities fund. Uh do I hear a motion to approve the Kitary High School and Kitary Middle School activities funds for January of 2026? So move second. >> Any questions or comments? Hearing none. All in favor? >> Opposed? The eyes have it. Next we have some reports. Do we have a motion to approve the following reports for January 2026? The condensed board summary, the expenditure report, the revenue report, the treasures report, and the fund summary. [clears throat] Any questions or comments? Hearing none. All in favor? >> I oppose. >> The eyes have it. Next, we have item 317, payment

114of bills. Uh, do I hear a motion to approve the following payment of bills for February 2026, uh, totaling 4,718,32940? >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? >> Hearing none. All in favor? >> Opposed? The eyes have it. Next we have the athletic coaching contract item 4.1. Do I hear a motion to approve the area school district extra duty services contract for athletics? >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? >> I'd just like to thank everybody for working on this to get it so we had it by this meeting. And I'm just happy we have contracts for our um coaches. All right. Uh all in favor? >> Opposed? >> The eyes have it. Next we have contracts for extracurricular activity advisors. Do I have a motion to approve the aforementioned Hecker School District extra duty

115service contract for activity advisors? Second. Any questions or comments? Hearing none. All in favor? >> Opposed? The eyes have it. Next, we have item 4.3. 4.3, candidates for employment. Do I hear a motion to approve the following candidates for employment in accordance with the respective contracts? We have Emily Newton, par professional at the middle school at an annual salary of $21,021 prorated for the 2526 school year and effective February 24th, 2026 pending any necessary documentation. Excuse me. We also have uh Kenneth X Senior to be transferred to the building and grounds utility custodian position at an annual salary of $35,99482 prated for the 2526 school year and an effective date of February 24th, 2026. Additionally, we have Daniel Oswall to be transferred to the lead utility custodian for building and ground position at an annual

116salary of 48,635 prated for the 2526 school year and also an effective date of February 24th, 2026. >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? Hearing none. All in favor? >> Opposed? The eyes have it. Next, we have candidates for the substitute list. Uh, do I hear a motion to approve the following list of requested candidates for the 2526 substitute list pending any necessary paperwork? We have Jared Hunter, substitute custodian, and Jennifer Farcus, substitute lunch. >> Selected that. >> Any questions or comments? Hearing none. All in favor? >> Opposed? The eyes have it. Next, we have some candidates for athletic coaching/manager. Um, do I hear a motion to approve the following request for athletic coaching/manager candidates as per contracted rates adding any necessary paperwork? First, we have Michael Brady, head boys soccer coach, a sipment of

117$5,3328. Marcia Thomas, head volleyball coach at a stipen of $5,3328. Travis Hand, volunteer middle school track and field coach. Marine Lupold, assistance girls soccer coach at a stipen of $3,810.75. Jared Smith, assistant girls soccer coach at a stipen of $3,810.75. Anthony Pagato, assistant cross country coach at a stipen of $3,716.33. Tyler K, Mike Bush, Cory Hartzel, Simon Tech, Michael Gekel, all assistant football coaches, all in a stipen of $4,4435. Additionally, Justin Smith and Chris Rogers, assistant middle school football coaches, a stipen of $4,440.93 each. Uh, Kyle Spots, volunteer football coach. We have Dan Meyers and Magdalene Lona, both assistant varsity softball coaches, each at a stipen of $3,810.75. Additionally, Nicole Serno and Abby Miller, assistant junior high softball coaches, each with a siphon of $3,800 $810.75. Tim Snder, volunteer softball coach. Dan Brown Miller, spring

118game manager at a pay rate of $19.29 per hour. Additionally, Ron Ravenol and Terry Kinda, also spring game managers at the same hourly rate of $1929 per hour. Finally, we have track workers uh at $35 per event. Uh, these include Brian Buffington, Brenda Buffington, Khloe Moyer, Diane Brown, Miller, Cherro, Lori Gervin, Grace Kern, Jennifer Cook, Renee Marciante, Nick Miller, Ryan Stroll, Tim Sher, Travis Han, Ronda Repel, Skyhawk, and Glenn Whiteman. >> Question, [clears throat] >> that was the motion. Beginning the motion. >> Okay, I have a motion. >> A second. Okay. Question or comments? >> So, my question is this. I I think it's great that Kyle wants to be a volunteer football coach, but he's also the athletic director. So, my question is, as the athletic director, does somebody else do those assessments for

119those coaches as he's working directly with them? >> Do the volunteers. >> Wait a second. You said should >> her answer was do they or don't they? I I do not know right now. >> There you go. Okay. Thank you, sir. >> You're asking You're asking >> I just clarified >> you're asking whether Kyle evaluates the head football coach. >> Right. If he's if he because because to me that's a conflict of interest because he's I'm not once again not saying he shouldn't volunteer and should be part of the team, but because he's part of the team in my opinion, someone else should then be assessing those coaches. And I'm just asking if that's done. I I don't know. So, I'm just asking the question. >> Yeah, it will be. >> Okay. >> It will

120what? >> it will be what? >> It'll be okay. Because the other question you have is uh as our athletic director, is he qualified for doing any is he certified, I should say, for doing any assessments of any of our staff. >> I have to check on his certification and how they align with. >> Yeah. I don't know if he's qualified for doing any of them. [clears throat and cough] So, we have to check whether or not our coaches have been evaluated, whether the coaching staff's evaluations have been done properly by properly certified people and the conflict of interest is very important. Historically, having there's enough volunteers in this community that if our board says we need a volunteer, we should get one. I love that volunteers. It's great. has experience. Sharing experience with uh

121uh interested ath athletes is a wonderful thing, but we got to make sure the conflict of interest is there. Sometimes you have to give up one thing to get another. And if you're going to say, I want to get paid to be your athletic director. It should separate himself from those other opportunities. >> Oh, I'm sorry. It's >> okay. Um, I noticed that cheerleading is not on there and it's my understanding that the position has not been advertised yet and I was just wondering when that was going to happen. >> It will be posted this. >> Any other questions, comments? >> All right. Hearing none. All in favor? >> Opposed? Two names. I didn't actually say. Um, all right. The eyes have it. Uh, candidates for extracurricular activities item 4.6. Do I hear a motion

122to approve the following candidates for extracurricular activities advisors? We have Guy Pots and Doug Bowman, both the springweight training adviserss, both at a stipend of $1,021.65. We also have Stephanie Gustafson as assistant science olympia junior adviser at a siphon of $1,450 >> second >> questions comments hearing none all in favor >> opposed the eyes have item 4.7 Georgia's transportation driver do I hear a motion to approve Caitlyn King as Georgia's transportation company incorporated addition school bus driver. >> Questions or comments? >> One question. Why doesn't it say pending all necessary clearances? >> There you go. >> I can answer that. She was previously approved with us because she was approved on a previous year. >> So, her clearances are still Yes, she's current >> and all the other credentials are met. Fantastic. Thank you. That

123should have been in my opinion that should have been added to the agenda that this person is qualified and all the credentials have been for us. >> All right. Any other questions, comments? Hearing none. All in favor? >> I oppose. >> The eyes have it. Next, we have item 4.8, professional development. Uh, do I have a motion to approve the following professional development opportunities? These are employees 633, 1871, 1660, and 301 to participate in the morphine magic boot camp training on May 12, 2026. Uh, and employees 1614, 625, 1807, 1783 on June 4th, 2026. Uh, the training is virtual at a total cost of $1,000 paid out of the district professional development budget. Employees 532 and 1928 to attend Reading League Summit 2026 from confusion to clarity turning data into instructional impact from May 4th

124to the 6th in Syracuse, New York at a total cost not to exceed 2500 to be paid out of the district professional development budget. of employees 1078 1943 1843 1874 775 and 1753 at the PMEA state conference at Kalahari Convention Center playing from April 23rd to the 25th with total cost not to exceed $1,500. We had employee 1231 at the 58th annual PSADA conference in Hershey from March 17th to the 28th at a total cost not to exceed $1,000 to be paid out of the athletics budget. We have employees 694 and 6 and 624 to compete to complete the AI certification program foundational AI for school leaders uh running from April 6 uh to May 8th at a total cost of $800 paid out of the district professional development budget. And finally, we have employee

1251700 to attend the AP summer institute virtually with Eastern Kentucky University running from August 3rd to the 6th at a total cost not to exceed $1,000 paid out of the district professional development budget. Move. >> Second. >> Questions, comments. Hearing none. All in favor? [clears throat] I >> oppose. >> The eyes have it. Next, we have item 4.9, preapproval of employee continuing education courses. Do I have a motion to approve the following requests for preapproval of the courses program of study for employee continuing education? We have employee 1136 uh for a CD course innovative teaching strategies. Uh a second one before you burn out teacher self-care interventions. Another one creating a local NGSS curriculum. And finally leading with science and engineering practices all running from um February 24th to May 29th. Um each up to

126$865.50. Additionally, we have employee 1306 uh undergoing training under for principal internship that running from May 11th to August 2nd um up to $1,731. Uh and lastly, we have employee 1876 participating in online course design from January 27th through June 28th at a cost up to $1,731. Second >> questions or comments? Hearing none. All in favor? >> I opposed. The eyes have it. [cough] Item 4.10, [clears throat] acknowledgement of FMLA, FMLA leave. Uh, do I hear a motion to acknowledge FMLA leave for the following employees not to exceed 12 weeks, employee 74 with FMLA leave starting on March 11th, 2026 and employee 920 immitted FMLA starting February 2nd, 2026? Second. Any questions, comments? Hearing none. All in favor? >> Opposed? The eyes have it. Item 4.11, reservation for retirement. Do it. I hear a motion

127with appreciation to accept the following resignations for retirement. Marilyn Rook as a district custodian effective June 30th, 2026 after 4.2 years of service to the district. >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? [clears throat] Thank you, Marilyn, for your service. All in favor? >> I opposed. The eyes have it. Item 4.12, resignations. Do I hear a motion with regret to accept the resignation of the following employees? Uh, Jennifer Parkus as middle school lunch aid effective February 27th, 2026. >> Second, >> questions, comments [cough and clears throat] with people that resign. >> We offer them. Does anyone ever take some >> And do you present that to the board once you receive your information? Fantastic. Thanks. >> Question. Any other questions, comments? >> All right. All in favor? >> Opposed? >> The eyes have it. Uh,

128no miscellaneous old business or new business. Communications 8.1. Director's concerns. Do we have anything submitted in advance? >> No. May comment. I think you requested a special meeting. I requested an executive session which we did have. I thought you session. >> Great request by the way. And thank you for hosting that. >> Alex, could I add something also? Something I saw maybe read or maybe on the news. I think Pennsylvania recently passed the law um or the policy restricting cell phones as of next academic year. We had talked about in the past, you know, different options for that, how we're going to kind of go with that. I think we need to kind of pick that up again, figure it out, kind of move forward with a strategy on that. >> Yeah, I think those

129will affect next. Yeah, I recall from those discussions and again that was sort of a a flash in the pan given the circumstance. I think we discussed it after reorg um but I believe we have some policy in place. I think the question is how well is it being enforced at the various schools but no I I agree with that talk about those pockets in some different stuff. >> I don't think that'll meet the requirements by the state that they're passing right. I understand, but I think the current legislation is that they would like you to not bring them to school or have them checked outside the building before you even enter the building. Is that correct? >> Or completely out of sight. >> Yeah. Until it comes back at the end of the school

130day. So, literally, it's like having your own little mini lockers. >> We're still I'm actually attending a web I'm actually attending a webinar next week. >> And I would say we have to follow it. >> Most likely >> it's going to become I mean has been enforced. >> The thing that schools the thing that schools are yeah it's a managerial it's a managerial question. How do how do you manage the circumstances when this is now the law? Well, we don't know the final. I mean, but it actually went back to the house. So, it's going to be >> I say it's not the law yet. And I can just see just myself. I think what we discussed previously was a lot of children and parents, you know, having a cell phone, not using it during

131class, but unfortunately, you know, emergencies happen. So, checking it on breaks, etc. So I would be surprised if parents don't push back or the community and vice versa doesn't push the house push back on the house on that bill. >> Well, Bill has a very good point though. We should keep it on our radar. >> Oh, absolutely. Need to know how we're going to manage it once it the final law comes into effect. Or I mean preempting it right now would not be a good idea because what if we want to do something cool and they say no, >> right? The largest lobby in the state of Pennsylvania is the PSEA. I don't think those parents have a chance in heck about stopping anything that the state wants to do. >> Oh, there's always a

132chance. One should never assume somebody doesn't have a chance. >> I agree. Four to five is the chance. This was a, you know, it was an incredibly bipartisan bill coming through as well. Yeah. >> Um, so it'll be it'll be interesting to see how that plays out a little bit. >> That that shows you how much funding you have had behind it. >> How many people have >> there's a PR there's a Princeton study related exactly to this principle? >> Yes. It distracts learning and distracts. of the Princeton study on whether or not a bill will pass at the state house related to whether or not nobody wants it or everyone in the community wants it or the lobbyists want it. I will share with you and the board. Thank you. >> Thank you. >>

133Um public comment. >> Yes. >> Yeah. In terms of the cell phones, um there's a very good article that I I gave the superintendent back two months ago uh issued by the um the uh right the the the supervis the um no the um the the schoolboard association of of the United States actually and they they've studied the issue and several states now have already banned cell phones bell to bell in other words from the beginning of the school to the end. Um, New York State has done it. Um, Arizona, I believe several several um, it's coming down the pike. I don't think I don't think anybody's going to stop it. They also did a study in one of the states that showed that majority of parents were actually in favor of the cell phone

134ban. Uh I think the evidence is becoming very clear that cell phones at an early age are detrimental to learning, detrimental socially. Uh the the country of Denmark has totally banned the sale of cell phones to children under the age of 14. Um France is also threatening to limit them. Sweden also is doing that. It's um it's ubiquitous. It's it's coming down the pipe. I don't think there's any doubt it's going to pass. If it if it doesn't, Pennsylvania will be the outlier. >> Dr. James, you are 100% correct. The only thing that might change will be how technology is given to kids that might be closer to the beeper side of the world where they can have access to knowing that something's wrong and they can go to the office because their beeper went

135off. >> Yeah. Yeah. So they don't have the same they have the parents will get the access. The kids will have access. They'll be able to push the button and say help, help, help. Much like I fallen and can't get up, right? I got to protect myself. I have bullies in the school. I have abuses. I got problems. I got issues I want to deal with. They're going to have that button. And the parents are going to be able to also have that button to say get to the office. I need to talk to your, you know, your grandmom's. I got to go pick you up. So hopefully that technology will show up and we'll have it to keep our kids safe. >> I think I think audiovisisually monitoring the classrooms would put a lot

136of the parents worries to rest that their kids are being watched very carefully. So they they might not have their cell phone with them, but yet they're they're totally under surveillance by our by our administration. I think it's another thing that would would be a positive appro to monitor in the classrooms. >> Another great conversation, Dr. Davis. I think the uh adventure that occurred during CO will also be blocked by the PSA and never let parents see inside these school rooms again. Appreciate that in any other public comment hearing none. With that, uh, we have item 8.3 adjournment. Uh, do I hear a motion to adjurnn the meeting? >> Questions or comments? >> Thank you all for productive discussion. [clears throat] Dr. James, thank yes. All in favor? [laughter] Thanks.