001To the flag of the United States of America and to the stand, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Good evening everybody. Madam Secretary, please do roll call. >> Present. Dr. Mr. Leonard >> here >> Mr. M >> here >> Mr. >> here >> Mr. >> here >> Mr. Petus >> here and Dr. >> Thank you Dr. Harris information. >> All right, I'm getting to the favorite part of the meeting and just want to make sure everyone Steve Vintage is texting. Make sure our microphone's on because remember even though we're not being filmed here, it is being filmed live. So for um Facebook and online community, but we're doing the student of the month recognition and this is a very um great accomplishment and I'm very proud of all the students who are being
002recognized. If you think about it, we have 3,800 students who are enrolled here about 3,769 students and every year we might choose perhaps 27 to 30 students uh to make it student of the month. So it is a very difficult task. It is not only decided by one teacher, it's decided by the whole school community including the um support staff, the teacher as well as the principal. And there's a lot of recommendations that go into it. And for them to always try to choose the one student to recognize because remember not every school comes every month. It's very challenging. It's very hard. And what the kids do to deserve it, you're going to hear from your principles. It's going to make your heart feel very good because they do this all and you're not around.
003You can send your kids out to school. >> [snorts] >> You trust them to go off to school and they can do they can go several different ways. They can do anything they want when they get here. No one's really, you know, if your mom and dad's not around, but they choose to do the right thing. And when you hear about what the principles are going to read about your child, you're going to really say, "Yes, you're raising a great kid. You're doing the right thing and you're going to be very proud." And tonight, you might not have a chance to do the celebration afterwards, but we do invite the kids back for the very first football game. And we actually have dinner for them. The and they're recognized on the field. So, we're going
004to list the different students of the month. After awards, when they're done, we're going to take a quick picture for our website and for the media. That's kind of where we're going to go. We're going to start with Mr. Jeff Schwarz from Level Green. >> Thank you, Dr. Harris. It's my honor to introduce Molly Poic, Level Green Elementary Student of the Month. Up Molly. Molly is a daughter of Erica and Derek and the proud older sister of Lucy who is in kindergarten. A fourth grade student at Level Green, Molly is a dedicated learner who consistently puts forth her best effort. She credits her parents' encouragement as a key factor in her academic success. Molly's favorite subject is reading. She enjoys reading because it allows her to explore new stories and learn new information. And she's
005currently reading A Puppy's Tail, Molly Story. Outside of school, Molly is a catcher for her PE Pen Trafford softball team and enjoys sled riding, snowball fights, and jumping on her trampoline. She also dreams of becoming a first grade teacher one day. The staff at Level Green had many wonderful things to say about Molly. Her teachers shared that Molly exemplifies our core, our school's core values in every way. She comes to school each day with a positive attitude and a smile that is truly contagious. She's an excellent student who works hard, stays engaged, and takes pride in her learning. Molly is kind, respectful, and always willing to help others. She is motivated, eager to learn, and frequently contributes thoughtful insights in class. Molly is a wonderful friend, a strong role model, and a true representative of
006Level Green Elementary. Because of these qualities, we are confident she will continue to do great things throughout her years in Pent Trafford. We are proud of her accomplishments and grateful for the energy, leadership, and kindness she brings to our school community each day. Molly truly represents the very best of our Penn Trafford School District, and we are honored to celebrate her as this month's elementary student of the month. Congratulations, Molly, on this. [applause] And Mr. source teacher reading going on at level green or the elementary schools. >> Yeah, thanks Dr. Harris. This week we're completing our Acadian reading benchmark assessments. Uh we'll be using that data along with the teachers what they're seeing in the classroom every day to check in on our students progress and make uh adjustments needed to their individual plans. Uh
007also our LG Cares project is currently collecting pet supplies for the helping bridge to home animal rescue in Washington, PA. We're really excited to partner with our PTO on this and the many other great causes throughout the year. Uh also today we kicked off our American Spirit Week at Level Green. We're proud to start this new tradition and raise money for the Wounded Warriors Foundation in Pittsburgh. And finally, I just want to thank our parents and PTO for their continued support. Their involvement and generosity truly make a difference in everything we do at Level Green. >> Thank you. >> That's all I have. Thank you. >> I appreciate it. Next we have Tracker Elementary and we have Dr. >> Forb said Kelly [laughter] answer to that >> very hard. I know >> I would like
008to introduce Cara Tranter. Cara is a fifth grade student at Trafford Elementary. She's a daughter of Matt and Kayla Tranter of Trafford. She has a sister, Briana aka Breezy, is in the audience. Uh, she's a first grader at Trafford and Matthew 14, who's a freshman here at the high school, and a dog named Bailey. I do, too. So, we have that in common. She likes to play softball, girl after my own heart, and spend time with her family and friends. Little side note, her coaches are former Pent Trafford State Champions, Emma Little, Ally Pry, and Julia Morhead. And Emma is here. >> Her favorite subject is math and she'd uh rather not do grammar. Uh when she grows up, she wants to be a nurse because she likes helping people. So that says a lot
009about Cara. Her sister says she's happy for her because she works really hard. She's kind. She lets her sleep in her room and she does her nails and she's a very good sister. Um I have some comments from the some teachers and then I wanted to start out though by saying that I myself uh nominated Carara. And the reason that I nominated Cara to be voted on was because when I first came to Trafford, she brightened my day every day. So since I she I'd walk down the hallway, she had a big smile on her face and say hello. But now she adds in how's your day and she actually means how was your day? She wants to know. So that is why I thought I'd put her in the in the running for student
010of the month. Um she exemplifies exactly what the world needs today. Um uh some of her her teachers have said Carara was also a worthy warrior in November for cooperation and teamwork. Um and it was welld deserved. She treats everyone with kindness and respect. She works well with others and is a team player. She never complains, tries her best, and wants to succeed. She is a leader and sets a great example for her young for the younger students in our building. She's a joy to have in class, and I'm lucky to be her teacher. Uh Denise Doyle, her first grade teacher, said, and this is a while ago, so it's pretty impressive. It's a one It's wonderful to see your students continue to grow each year until they head off to middle school. Every time
011I see Cara, she always has a smile on her face and says hello to me with a hug following shortly after. She is responsible, caring, and friendly to everybody on top of being an exceptional student at Trafford. I know this is only the beginning of hearing about the great things that Cara is going to accomplish. Congratulations, Cara, on being student of the month. >> This is [applause] Oh, I'm not done yet. >> I'm not done yet. [laughter] That's just from the teacher. >> Oh, >> sorry. >> Got to keep going. >> Jamie, Mrs. Whitick, Mrs. Whitick says, "I was lucky to teach Cara in second grade and it's been amazing to see the person she's become. She's hardworking, a hardworking student, never gives up, talented athlete, and a sweet and loyal friend. She shows respect.
012And by the way, she does have some friends in the audience with her that came to back her up. She always makes a it a point to go out of her way to ask me how I'm doing, bring me a picture, or just for a hug. I love watching her grow into the special young lady she is today. Can't wait to see where she comes goes from here. Care Bear, you rock. And then lastly, Cara is a unique personality that is shown from day one. She was always our little sour patch kid. She definitely can hold her own and will not let anyone treat her badly. She sure is a feisty has a feisty side. But on the other hand, Cara has always been so caring and empathetic towards other people. I have been told
013by teachers, coaches, friends, and neighbors that she will always always willing to help others and treats everyone fairly and always tries to include everyone. There is nothing better than as a parent than hearing those wonderful things about your child, especially in times when you are not around them. Cara gives gives it all her all in everything she does when she wants something and will push and work until she reaches her goals and gets what she wants. When I got the phone call to tell me that she was picked for student of the month, I was so incredibly proud. That showed me she was being respectful, nice, kind, and caring towards other people even when her dad and I aren't there. Care Bear, we always we'll always remember to give Always remember to give your your
014all and always treat others the way you would like to be treated. Continue to be the wonderful student, classmate, teammate, daughter, granddaughter, niece, and friend that you are. And that's from your mom and dad. >> Congratulations. Anything [clears throat] else you want to share about going on at the elementary school or >> um similar to what I fig what Mr. Schwarz said doing the cadence testing and data meetings coming up with each individual grade level to go over those things. Um Valentine's Day party. Um, and I ju I just wanted to say that I wasn't here what in December after the Christmas time, but our PTA paid for the entire building to go see the Nutcracker together downtown and it might have been the best experience I've had as an educator. >> It was awesome
015to do and all paid for by our PTO. >> Good job. That's why we have the PTO. >> That's right. >> And they help. They really do help the schools in time. all the fun extra career curricular things that we sometimes can't always afford. >> Right. >> So, thank you. >> All right, Dr. Cash. >> Hello, thank you, Dr. Harris. I'd like to introduce May Wang. Come on up, May. [applause] All right, May tonight is accompanied by her mother and her father. They're in the back there. She's in eighth grade. She currently has a 4.0 GPA. She has aspirations to attend a Michigan University after she graduates and major in biology. She is a level nine gymnast out of 10 and last year she competed in the Eastern National Finals and uh her competition of
016choice is the floor exercise. Every Sunday she attends a three-hour Chinese school in Pittsburgh. Um which is very interesting and I spoke to her about that. She is fluent in three different languages, English, Chinese, and Japanese. And she's currently taking Spanish. It's very, very um impressive. >> Highly motivated. Yes. So, I spoke to some of her teachers, and they had very kind words about May. First off, Mrs. Lanna. May is a standout student who brings a wonderful combination of heart and hard work to our classroom every day. She is exceptionally kind to everyone she meets, creating a positive and welcoming environment for her peers. Mrs. Manup Pell states, "May enters the classroom with a greeting every morning. She works hard on all of her assignments and even shares her study techniques with others, which we
017all appreciate. She is accomplished young lady who will be prepared will be prepared for the next step in her life. Mrs. Rogers May is truly a pleasure to have in class. She brings a smile and positive attitude to class with her every day. She is kind and helpful to everyone and always puts forth her best effort. She is consistently completes exemplary exemplary work with thoughtfulness and pays attention to detail. She is a wonderful student who helps us helps make TMS a special place. Mrs. Boast, I've had the pleasure of teaching May for two years. She is a wonderful young lady, very conscientious of her work, volunteers, and helps others without hesitation. Mrs. Lockwood May Wang is conscientious student who does well academically in my class. She is responsible and hardworking. She is a pleasure to
018have in class and is very well deserving of this honor. And finally, Mr. Ta May consistently completes all her assignments on time and her work is always done to a high standard. She uses her study hall time effectively by staying focused and productive, taking initiative in managing her responsibilities. In addition to her strong academic habits, she is kind, respectful, and considerate towards both her peers and staff, making her a positive presence in the classroom and the school community. Congratulations, May Wang, for being Trafford Middle School student of the month. [applause] >> Anything you want to share about the middle school? >> Sure, Dr. Harris. Um, next week we have spirit week, Valentine's spirit week. We have a lot of spirit down at Trafford. We have lots of spirit. Um, also coming up is the book
019fair on February 11th and 12th. Um, students that sold uh during the fundraiser, we're taking them to Urban Air on February 25th. Great. >> And um, finally, Bistown is March 9th. That is a financial literacy. It's a simulated town learning with real world economic principles which will be taking place in Carnegi. So, we're taking all of our students there. And that's through junior achievement. >> Yeah. And finally, we are ramping up for the PSAs and starting to work on that already. So, we are preparing. >> Great. >> Second half of here. It's it's already started. It has appreciated. Dr. Healey. >> So, for the high school, um I have Briana Grills, if you can come on up. [applause] >> At the high school, we have 1,200 kids, so it's a little bit more difficult. Um,
020so I actually came up with Briana whenever I was standing out here by the door in the morning as I do harassing the kids for wearing shorts and slides in the 20 degree weather. Um, and Mrs. Kukaro kind of was talking to me about the student who was doing very well. So that kind of led me to leading her other teachers which is this is what they said about her. Um, Briana is a student who you can always count on. She is someone who is passionate about what she enjoys. She's a hard worker and a helper to all. She takes initiative and truly wants to do her best in everything. Um, when she is involved in preschool class, it is amazing to see her dedication already to teaching and her caring nature towards her students.
021She's going to be an excellent role model for years to come. The big words that I kind of took out there that kind of led me to you were leader, role model, confident, and helpful. That's kind of what started the talk. Then Mrs. Xen said, "Bri does a great job and is a student intern um during fifth period. She helps in the coffee shop cleaning up um helping to prepare for the next day. When they are finished, she initiates tasks for other students to do. She does a great job working with the students. She shows exceptional leadership qualities that will serve her well in anything she plans to do in the future. She has been a great addition to our classroom and a huge help for me and the other teachers. Mrs. Stewart said, "Briana
022is a hard-working and motivated calculus student who consistently stress her excellence. She is kind, respectful, and always willing to support her peers. She is a leader in her group and someone who the students rely on when they get stuck. She is a perfect combination of academic ability, collaboration skills, and positive attitude. All which are important skills will take her far in life." Mr. Tusk probably said the most important or one of the best things I've had anybody say. Um, especially being a daughter of a father of a daughter. Briana is a strong student that holds her own in astrophysics in a class dominated by boys. She is not afraid to speak her mind and challenge ideas the boys put forward and will sometimes change her understanding to do so. She works very hard to earn
023top marks. Mr. Bjacowski said, "You have a very positive attitude. Could you help to create a great environment and it's an inclusive place for all? Um, Mrs. Alba said, "You are a Spanish National Honor Society president. You couldn't ask for a more driven and sincere person. She's always on top of things, getting ready for the club, taking a lead whenever is necessary, working on uh working hard for the initiatives, and she's truly a wonderful person. So, because of all of those things, that's why I chose you. Those are things that don't often get seen and I had to do a little bit of digging to find. So, I'm very proud of you and so should mom and dad. [applause] >> And Dr. What's before we take the picture, what's going on at the high school?
024>> Uh we just had the snowball dance uh last week was a huge success. I know there were some concerns with the impending weather, but luckily it held off. Uh we had about 300 students attending the dance. We have club day coming up at the high school on February 11th. This is a fantastic opportunity for students who don't participate in athletics or academics to be involved in different activities. This past weekend we had the mock trial compete at CMU. Uh we placed third overall. Sienna Owen um ranked top witness and a D3 Pengali ranked top advocate in both plaintiff and defense. She was the only student in the entire tournament to receive that recognition. Cheerleading won second place in states as a 3A small competitive cheer. Returned from nationals recently, won third in competitive cheer
025and seventh in sideline. We have athletic signing day coming up Wednesday at the gym lobby at 9:00 a.m. The basketball team has a double header tomorrow. Mr. Cornelius has been doing a great job bringing out the pep band, getting the crowds involved. Uh, the girls have currently won 20 straight home games, hoping for 21. Hope I don't jinx them. Yes, tomorrow. Hopefully I didn't jinx them. >> And the boys currently have a five game win streak. So, >> knock on wood. >> The playoffs, too. >> Yes. Uh, and they just actually beat Thomas Jefferson, which is the number one team uh in the Whipples. Tory D uh Dphano I I keep mispronouncing it. Just broke the all-time steels record for Penn Trafford with 255. Wrestling did well in the first round lost to Connellville. Unified
026Botchi had their senior night last week. Uh both teams won. It was very successful against Franklin Regional. The Pent Trafford swim teams participated in county swimming championships. The girls finished second, the boys fifth. And the ice hockey team is currently having a fantastic year. They're currently in first place uh trying to play for Penguins Cup and I was fortunate enough to be there with Mr. Hetrick on senior night to see them play that game. It was a fantastic night. >> Lock is on and there's also the drama Mama Mig. >> Yes, I was going to say the uh musical starting to get ready to ramp up and I know kids are getting ready to meet with counselors and start talking about classes for next year because once the last day of school hits they're locked
027in. >> Quiz go on TV. They didn't miss one question. >> That's correct. I thought that was awesome. That was a >> I was proud of that. Also in addition and after stick around tonight the swim meets going on. It should be going on to least eight if you want to see some swimmers. But actually now is the time we're going to stop and take a picture of all our students of the month. So please come up and um to the board and parents are more than welcome to take a picture with them as well. from our business manager. But I completely unfortunately pointed to Dominic at the beginning of this meeting. We had some terrible we received some terrible news over the weekend and one of our bus drivers been driving with us since
0282012 for a student unfortunately passed passed away. Um he was as he drove all 21 for the high school and Trafford Middle and for Trafford Elementary. I had written some things nice to say to send out and Amy actually added some. So if you wanted to take a moment to say what you added and >> um I just added that I he was he was definitely a bus driver that you would want to have for your elementary student. He [clears throat] knew every kid's name that came on the bus. He had nicknames for them. He told a joke when they came on. uh if like if there was a kid on the bus that that you know didn't know where he live, he would help them and and talk to them in a way that
029you you would want. So he was just a great a great guy that you would feel safe with your kid. >> So >> appreciate that. >> Very sad. >> We set out um he did he was always driving with us but in December he kind of stopped because he had an illness and then unfortunately that was the illness that led to his death. can say Trafford's pretty sick of people dying. >> Yeah, we are. We've had a unfortunate. So, at this time, we're just gonna have a moment of silence for >> We're just have a moment of silence for At this time. >> All right. Thank you. And then at this time, I'm going to turn it over to not show much. How long has it been? >> How by myself? A month. >> A
030month. About a month. I'm gonna move out of the screen, Rebecca, because I want you want to block you with my hand, but she's going to do a presentation and I'll let you I'll let you go the whole Thank you very much, Dr. Harris. So, good evening board. In front of you, you have a paper copy of the presentation that's being shown publicly as well. So, this is the cyber charter tuition rate update. As you know, the legislature of PA finally passed something that puts us in good progress to lower our tuition rates for cyber charter. I know it's a hot topic. Um, the budget impass took a long time. So, I wanted to do this presentation for you to give you an update of where our current cyber charter rates are, where they started
031the year, and where they're going to be now, and the savings that we'll realize for this year based on those new rates, along with the changes that we'll sustain into the next budget season and years to come if the code if there's no more changes to that code. So, you can go ahead and advance the slide. So, Act 47, the changes to section 1725A of the public school code only impact our cyber charter rates. There are no changes to our brickandmortar cyber schools um and their their tuition rates. So, we have cyber schools that are approved by the state and then there's charter brick and mortar. So, these changes for Act 47 only impacted our cyber tuition rates, not our brickandmortar charter schools. So, and that's a key a key thing to keep in mind
032because we do have students that we pay charter tuition for that this rate does not impact. So, the changes to the act, it slows the rate of our increase for cyber charter, but it's not a flat rate. So, our rates will continue to climb each year, but it re it really resets the base. So, it slows it down a little bit. and PTE uses their form and the numerator and denominator to evaluate and set our tuition rate. So, we're just plugging in our budgeted expenditures and we're plugging in our uh ADMs, which is our average daily membership from the state. So you're using last year's budget and last year's enrollment numbers that we're financially responsible for and that is the tuition rate that we use for the current school year's billing cycle. So you're a
033year behind on the rate and what we use for them. So if we can go to the next slide before the act 47 changes were made to the cyber charter law. So when we started in 2025 um of July 1, we had two rates just non-special and special ed. And then in January of 25 through June of 30th of 25, that's when they did the first change where they said, "Okay, we have a non-special rate for regular ed, but they broke down special ed into two rates. One was for brickandmortar and one was for cyber." and those rates were impacted for six months of last year. Then come July 1st of this year, but as you know, the state budget did not pass on time. So, um, this all just came about with the passing
034of the budget in November. And then PTE finally updated the tuition form, uh, the 363 form with all of the new laws intact with Act 47. um the final version that we're using uh was finalized in January of this year. So, but the rate that we have submitted will get to build back to July 1. So, we'll see the savings for the whole year and not just like last year we only saw savings for six months. So, this one is going the whole way back to July 1, which is good news. But, it brings us to four rates. So, we're going to have four different tuition rates. One is for cyber charter for regular students, cyber charter brickandmortar schools for regular students and then special ed still has two brick and mortar and cyber charter.
035So the tuition decrease is just on the cyber schools that we have. So if you can advance to the next slide. Other important legislation impacts to this code which are really helpful and beneficial to us um to all the schools in the state is that the residency proof now it must be sent to the school by November 1st and March 1st of every year. And this is really important. It's really going to help cut down on transit and students and people that are coming and going and we might be paying a bill that we shouldn't be paying. So this is really going to help. The other factor that's really going to help is anybody who has habitual truency, those children cannot automatically just shift to cyber charter school. So those two things really help that
036they put those changes in. So that will definitely help stabilize our cyber charter tuition rates so that hopefully we can take some of those budgetary savings and apply them to other parts of our budget um that need help whether that's curriculum or wherever we're going with the uh process that we're doing. And then also they added new deductions and this is how we were able to see a savings with our cyber charter rate. We were able to deduct a 100% of our cyber charter non-sp specialed tuition budget. Now though we could deduct this, it was about a million dollars from our total expenditures. You also then had to deduct the number of cyber charter students you had. So it wasn't just a total $1 million deduction. It also reduced our ADM. So it's relative. it
037it is a good decrease but the number of students also went down with that we were also able to deduct 100% of our tax assessment and collection. So the monies we pay for our real estate property taxes to be collected all of that was deducted from the cyber charter tuition. Uh for us that deduction was a little over $230,000. And then 60% of our operations and maintenance and student activities we were able to deduct from our cyber charter tuition as well. And our those amounts were a little over four million for our operations and then a little over a million from our student activities. So those are the decreases that leads us to our new rates and the savings that we're going to see. So, for this school year, based on our students through December,
038um we will save approximately almost $88,000. And that's the based on the students that are on our invoices that are our kids that are just in cyber because that's where the savings is going to be. So, if you go to your next page, this is a breakdown. The left columns is where we started in July 1 with the original rates before the act 47 changes. And then the new rates, what we're going to start billing now that we're going to send to our cyber charter schools are on the right. So it breaks down each tab. So I'm going to highlight the one and then you can read the rest. But our nonsp special ed, so our regular ed cyber charter rate was 13,89984 per student per year and that is now going down to $12,300.99.
039So for our cyber regular students, we're saving almost $1,600 a year for those students in our cyber tuition rate. So that is a win for the district. And then you can see the brick and mortar um did go down a little bit, $74 less than where we started because again the act 47 changes don't apply to the brick and mortar. Um and then special ed you can see our rate started at 22,56429 for both. And with the new changes, one is about $500 more and one is about $100 less. Um, and again, that's all based on the form and the formula and we put the numbers in and it spits it out. So, we can't um, and that the increase is because our ADMs went up and you know, you have to pay for what
040the what students you're financially responsible for. So if you go to the next page, um this just is a breakdown through December as how many students we have for regular ed cyber, regular ed brick and mortar, the special ed cyber, and the special ed brick and mortar. So we had a total of 100 students that we are financially responsible for as of the December bill. And then you can see the per year student cost, what the yearly total is, and then the uh new rate increase or decrease. So, as you can see, we're now projected to spend $1.5 million on our cyber charter tuition, and that's a savings of almost $88,000 for the year based on our student counts as of December. Um, so that is a good decrease for us and hopefully will help
041offset some of the budgetary things because I know the budget that was passed, I believe there was probably about 80,000 to 90,000 of a deficit budget. So hopefully this will help wash that away so that we can finish level or with a little bit of a surplus which would be nice as well. Um but that's what the savings is. And the next page just shows you what the budget is for cyber charter was 1.8 million and we've spent 91,000. We have 973 remaining. Um, so we're on good pace to be under budget in this category, which is also a really good thing for the district to be in that position because you and I both know throughout the year our biggest cost um, cyber, special ed, transportation. So hopefully this win of the $80,000 along
042with being a little bit under budget because when you budget for students, you're counting how many kids you had in April or May and this is how many kids we have now in December. So that's the difference as well. So this is good news for us as we move forward. And this will also allow me because we're using this year's budgeted numbers, we can use this year's estimated enrollment numbers. So I'll be able to budget better moving forward because I'll know what the number is. I'll be able to say, okay, we have this many students. This will be our tuition rate estimated and get it really close so that we're putting the money in the correct budget um function code moving forward. So that's all I have for you, but I'll gladly field any questions.
043If I don't know the answer, I can get back to you. >> I was going to ask this >> whether you can answer or Dr. Harris. Are we seeing a growth in number of students going to cyber school or is it flattening, lessening? Where are we? So >> based on what you said about the um >> yeah the 100 students do we have more or less? >> We have less this year than last year. >> What we budgeted for was a little bit more and that's what we she kind of showed on [snorts] the presentation that we we over budgeted. >> Yeah. So and the kids you know it fluctuates and comes and goes. So you have to be careful with that number too. You don't want to undershoot it because you have no control
044over who's coming in and out. But we do have control over the tuition rate and knowing that number. So we should definitely be budgeting for who we know is currently enrolled um and leave a little bit for that. >> Thank you. >> And we also offer our own. >> We also offer PT Academy that money. >> Can you explain that? I I I'm glad you brought that up. What is a PT academy? That's the same. We utilize the services from the Wu and they have an online version of something very similar to the other cyber schools that compete, but it's actually done at a lower cost. >> Great. >> We pay probably onethird of what we do for the cyber. >> Great. >> Yeah, I was just going to say the attendance requirement has already
045been a benefit to us um with our cyber numbers and I suspect the March 1 verification residency verification is also so we'll that the question I was asking >> more than six unexcused absences >> six unexcused in a given school >> yes >> thank Once they hit that number, it's they can't start coming to school and then go to cyber. Once they hit it, they hit it. So, in the past, they would hit that and then they weren't coming here. So, they would to not get in trouble with enroll wherever PA cyber and then we would get the bill, but they weren't doing school at either place. >> We can now tell them no. And we don't have to pay that bill. >> They would fake it here and try to go there, fake it
046there, and we get the bill. Yeah. So, these these act act 47 and the code changes are a huge win for this battle. It's not exactly 100% where we want to be yet, but it's definitely final some movement in the right direction for us for the state. >> Good news. >> So, our children have three options as far as education. come to Benford brick and mortar. Go to our own Wu cyber school. >> Yes. >> Or this is it state sponsored cyber school? >> Yes. >> And there's also private schools. Yes. >> And charter schools. >> Yeah. >> But those three options that I just named we pay for. >> Same with the charter schools. Yeah. >> Correct. >> We pay for charter brick and mortar charter schools. >> Questing house. >> You don't pay
047for As for >> that's why these code changes are so important because you always see those advertisements go to cyber it's free it's free it's free >> but the taxpayers pay that bill >> and those three options those other options are allowances made by the state determines where a child can go and receive that free education at taxpayer expense >> well you can come here or the parent can choose to enroll their child in cyber >> but we don't have the option to say no you're going to cyber school. You're coming to Pent >> Unless they're eventually true. >> Unless they're just passed >> that just passed um in November when they passed this budget. >> Any other questions? >> Thank you. [snorts] >> Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez. Well, >> and I left off the
048career tech, but I know Jim Matarato has something he wants to share. >> Yeah. On the vote, it's it's usually on the agenda. The vote doesn't meet uh except the first Thursday of every month. So, obviously, the meeting won't be till after this meeting, but people might wonder, well, why do we take time out of our agenda to talk about the vote? Well, one of the reasons is we need to understand that it's something we're paying for. uh the enrollment we have about 124 kids right now taking the totech and in votech I mean they have like over 17 programs which we we are promoting votech uh Mr. Rodriguez, what does it cost us per pupil to go to Votech >> per pupil? It's a little over $6,000. I believe it's $6,600. >> Okay. >>
049So, out of our budget, believe it or not, that's a a good bit of money. In fact, county busing everything else, I think, uh total district last year paid $653,000. So, we do have a responsibility to the public and the board to know what are these people doing there? Is it worth us going to? And so, that's why we report on it every month. So just so you have an awareness but also one other thing if I can add our life skills a lot of people don't know what we do with our life skills. Our life skill kids they employ 12 students here and uh they have a cafe every day. Those kids they make chocolate chip cookies from scratch. I love it. They sell 170 cookies a day. It's their average day. Sometimes when
050I'm here it's 172. I make sure I get up. Uh but aren't and they're delicious. Oh too good. And these kids are special kids. And we're just so proud. They have a botchi team for our Special Olympics. They just won, I think, recently. They're gonna have a track team. And there's a lot going on with these kids. And uh just I think people need to know that Mrs. Enoch I believe is one of our leaders. And >> Miss Bry, >> pardon me, who else? >> Thank you. >> I make sure I get all the names, but they're teaching these kids not only how to make cookies, but they're making change. They're learning how to be customer service. There's a lot to on it. So, just to know that the life skills part of our school
051and tremendous thing and they get paid incidentally. I didn't didn't tell me how much, but uh it's even they even get paid for doing it. So, it just depends. >> They're running the student store up here. Pardon me. >> They're running the student store up here at the high school as well. >> Ah, student store as well. Thank you. >> Oh, yeah. Mr. Kubak, this is part of your >> in your lane. >> It is my lane. [laughter] Anything else you want to say about with our life skills? >> Mr. Patus asks all the time. We are getting them out um establishing those relationships for work placements and admin [snorts] students exposed and building those relationships to get work as the next step after the coffee shop. >> Yeah. Yeah. It's it's a great program
052>> to go across the hall and work in the school cafeteria. >> We have two. >> You have very good. All right. How about 2 a.m. or PM or just two all day period >> depending on their availability during their schedule. So, um, one actually is in the middle of the day stocking and and preparing for lunches. They can't serve during lunchtime though and then after helping cleaning up because they're actually not being paid by air. However, we do have a graduate who doesn't work. >> Yeah. One is actually >> Yeah. >> What do you mean like the table? >> The employed person is doing the dishes and the other one is stocking chips and helping with the French fries. And >> at least I got you across the hall. Okay. And please keep on
053expanding. >> Yes. >> And I want to talk about you mentioned the botchi unified botchi. to the unifi match last week. It just really warms your heart to see these kids. They are so amazing and they're having so much fun, so excited. I was there for senior night. And I tell you, Jessica Palone, who I understand is the superstar at the high school, everybody knows her, >> sang the national anthem, which was really cool because her sister Allison, who is a star on our softball team, sings occasionally at three, three words, I've got my at the pirate games. [snorts] And um Oh, it's just it just so heartwarming to see these kids and how much fun they're having. >> Yeah. And our school does so much. You mentioned about clubs. This How many clubs do
054we have? >> About 33. >> 33 clubs at our school and there's so much for the kids to be doing rather than just get in trouble. There's so many beautiful wonderful things. What are some of the clubs? If parents are listening, they ask your kid if they can can join. >> You have esports, you have clubs for foreign languages, chess clubs in here. >> Um you have there there's quite a different quite a few. >> Too many to name off the top of my head unfortunately. >> Understood. That's why I didn't try >> robotics. That's that's one. >> Oh gosh. So, >> well, thank you. >> I'm gonna turn it back over to um Dr. Klein for old business. >> All right. There is >> Recognition of visitors. Uh we had nobody sign up unless
055those flashy socks that Dr. Cap's wearing would like to say something. [laughter] >> I noticed him. >> All right. We have um no uh items under old business either. >> Uh the board of directors did convene an executive session on uh February 2nd, 2026 at 5:15 to discuss personnel. Uh the board also met and received items on enrollment, attendance areas, and district data as well. Moving on to the consent agenda. Uh does any board wish to remove any items from the consent agenda? Yes, I'd like to the athletics and extracurricular approving trips. I think that's on the consent agenda. I might be wrong, >> but I think we should list I think we should let that be known. It's on page seven, item F. >> Yes. >> All right. Right. May I have a motion
056to approve the consent agenda items excluding letter F under one motion? >> Motion [clears throat] question. >> All right. Question being called for. This will be a voice vote. All in favor of the motion say I. All oppose say no. >> Motion passes. All right. Item F. >> All right. That's >> good. Move to approve the following extracurricular trips. High school boys basketball team to practice and compete in an offsection game >> Lit. Thank you. >> Which is by York, PA from January 9th to 10th. The high school wrestling team to compete in a tournament in Brookville, PA from January 16th to 17th. high school cheerleading to compete in the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships in Orlando >> from January 28th. >> High school wrestling team to be determined to compete at the Whipio
057Championship at Canon Math. High school wrestling team to compete in the regional championship at Canon Math. High school wrestling team to compete in the state championship at Hershey, PA. High school baseball to practice and compete in spring training at Cocoa Beach from March 15th to 20 um to 20th. Okay. High school indoor color guard to compete at the WGI regional Richmond regional event in Pohatan, Virginia from March 13th to 15th. I was just down there. high school FBLA club to compete at the FBLA state leadership conference in Hershey, PA from April 12th to 14th. >> Second question. >> Question being called for this will be a voice vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. >> I have the next one. >> Yes. Athletics and extracurricular. Mrs. >> I move to
058approve the following spring athletic and extracurricular positions. Salaries are determined in Inordance with the negotiated agreement, new employment is contingent upon the receipt of all necessary documentation and the acceptance of act 34, 151, and 114 waiverss from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within 30 days. Prom coordinator Tammy Thornton. Tammy head varsity baseball coach Lou Cortazo. Assistant varsity baseball coaches Brett Pharaoh, Dana Williams, Frank Pakora, JV baseball coach, head baseball coach Zachary Susella, junior high baseball coach Mike Dear, head varsity softball coach Danny Little, assistant softball coaches Mike Cleland, and Amber Watson, softball JV coach Ron Brady, Hannah Dobernick, Jason Keenan, softball coach, middle school head coach. Gary Bako, co-s softball coach, middle school assistant coach Carly Rub, tennis coach. Megan Satira, tennis coach as for boys, I'm sorry, tennis coach assistant for boys. Denise Huda, track
059coach, head track head coach. Sarah Lockchner, track coach assistants Dave Bak, Jason Caruso, Matt Bolinski, Keith Rigger, Eric Rigger, Aaron Simmons, Jason I'm sorry, track coach Pen Middle School, Jason Zimmer, TRA, track coach, [cough] assistant, Pen Middle, Chad Wat, Ray Kllin, track coach, head track coach at Trafford, Derek Guthford, assistant track coach at Trafford Middle. >> Patty Ozente and Dennis Kosaglo. >> Boys head volleyball coach. Jim Shaw, boys assistant varsity coach. Randy Cookar. >> Very good. >> That's all. >> That's enough. >> That is enough. [laughter] >> Second >> question. Question being called. This will be a voice vote. All in favor say I. >> I. opposed. Motion carries. Mr. Leonard, budget and finance. >> Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to make a motion recommendation of building and ground community to
060proceed with the building bidding through KPN or other vendors for capital improvement and capital equipment purchases. Penalis maintenance repair and paint. Malais repairs window replacement paint. Pen middle cafeterium floor to replace tile. Pen middle hairs department. [snorts] Mella um pen middle hair department fire panel upgrade. Traford kitchen steamer dishwasher park steam wells freezer including the pad. Second >> Question being called for. This will be a voice vote. All in favor say I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. >> Personnel and curriculum. Mr. Otto [snorts] personnel. New employment is contingent upon the receipt of all necessary documentation and will include clearances act 341 15114 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within 30 days. Jenny B. teacher of McCulla. Zachary Lavel, leads ground technician for the district. Emily Yun, super subs, [snorts] super sub at Harrison Park. Emily Carris, super
061sub at Tra Elementary. [snorts] Megan Gent, super sub at Penn Middle School. Mario Disso, a super sub at Pen Middle School. Emily Vroomman, a SLA at Harrison Park. Hunter Bergman, fellow at Trafford. Stephanie Kravitz, LTS. Seri from Sunrise. Marissa, LTS. Ashley Miller, Trafford Elementary. Amy Pante, LTS. Megan McDonald. Denise Zelmore, lunch room aid at Tra. >> Do we have a second? I have a question, >> Dr. Harris. What are for people that might not know, some of these positions are like, what is that? I know what a teacher is, but what's a super sub as opposed to an SLA? >> Sub is somebody that were to come in every single day. They're assigned to the building and they get the first or two like call offs if we have a teacher who can't make it.
062And this way, they're always kind of guaranteed to have at least someone, not guaranteed the coverage, but at least someone in the building to cover in case we have a lot of calloffs and SLA is a student learning assistant. They're actually someone who works helping um small group instruction, large group instruction, working with the teachers, curriculum, especially in the areas of math and reading. A fellow is [snorts] a student who's going to become a teacher and they actually work for us all the year. It's part of a tuition agreement with currently right now it's St. Vincent, but we were just getting ready to approve the agreement with Satan Hill. So, we're going to expand our fellows for next year, which or for next year, [snorts] which is great. And of course, the LTS is long-term
063substitutes. Um, we have a couple teachers who were taken off this year um couple off right now um on maternity, please leave. So, >> thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Question being called for. This will be a voice vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carried. >> And I didn't mention the one position because I want to mention it now. the lead grounds technician um is Zach Lavel and Zach you come up for a few seconds and Zach is not new to the district. How long have you been taking care of our grass and our everything? >> So I've been involved um with the district now for 15 years. So it's been a while. >> So he's been independent for 15 years and we finally decided okay we tested him out
064enough we're going to hire him full time and it's a it's a privilege. It's an honor. I mean, I am very happy that you're going to be working for us full-time as a physician. You have dedicated anytime we ever needed anything, your services were there. You take care of our school and you give it 110%. I have nothing but complete confidence in your ability and I am very grateful that you're actually taking this job because we need you in that role. >> I appreciate it and I appreciate the opportunity from all of you and uh look forward to working with you. He's had a good name. He has a good name and good track record. >> Well, another thing I really am proud of, you're also What's your other role in the community? >> So,
065my other role in the community is I'm the fire captain at Harrison City Fire Department. I'm very involved in the community there. Um, also in the fire prevention that we do in the district, >> um, helping out with that. And then, [snorts] um, we talked, you guys were talking about clubs. Pen Middle has a fire club that I am also involved in. So, we have about 30 kids in there. >> Great. So, you know, just trying to recruit those kids as they get older. And then with the fire prevention also teaching them because um they [clears throat] pick up on the little things and when we go in each year, the kids are always excited to see us. So, something something good for the kids and appreciate doing it for you guys. >> Great. Well,
066I'm very proud that you have that role, too. And that we have someone with that role employed. Um we're treated very well by our police, by our fire department, by our road crew, by rescue the township every [snorts] all the Trafford Manor as well. So very blessed and I'm very honored she has that hold as well. I'm very glad to hire her. >> Thank you guys. Appreciate it. >> I have a question. >> Yes. >> Will he be permitted to leave work to respond to Parson City's fire calls? >> Yes, that's a good question. Sorry. >> Yes, because that's something that really I haven't given much thought, but it would be definitely want our community safe. So, let me expand upon that a [clears throat] little bit because a lot of folks don't don't understand
067the importance of that and the fact that this board places value in that um may come under question. The reality of it is our fire services are underserved and understaffed not just in Pen Township or the Pent Traver, but it is a western Pennsylvania problem and one in which nobody seems to have the answer for and very few people had the courage to even crack the seal on that conversation. But just this past year, we were very fortunate that Pen Township allowed its employees to leave work in a time of emergency. And I think it's safe to say that it saved the life of a little girl. >> So, the fact that we are going to permit this employee to leave and do other services for this community is is very valuable and I appreciate
068that and the work that you do. So, Glad to hear the answer to that question was yes. I have an additional question daily that based on a 2080 hours >> 28 >> 2008 >> 280 >> 28 that's right >> 28 >> full year >> and then you also get the um benefits for Correct. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. Thank you for being here. >> Thank you, >> Mr. You have another item. >> Motion to adopt resolution 2526-3. Dr. Master Harris to the 5-year commission, the superintendent of schools effective July 1, 2026 as per the terms of the agreement between the board of school directors and Dr. >> Question being called for. This will be a a voice vote. All in favor say I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. >> I as I stop you all the
069time. Thank you so much. [laughter] I really do. This one I really do appreciate. Now, honestly, I have It's been 34 years, 19 here, and it's been a blessing. Like, I have been very privileged to serve Pen Traers School District. Like, I don't feel like I'm I always feel like I'm a servant. Like, I I feel like I dedicated to my kids and I'm here to make sure the kids have the best education possible and I'm here to serve the community. Um, my first 15 years, I always told Tony, I think I took jobs and nobody ever wanted. And the last 19 years, I think I got a job that probably everybody would want. It has been a blessing. I've had excellent staff members. I've had excellent admin members and personnel. Um, they're the reason
070that I always look very good and our district looks good because I'm surrounded by strong people. I have a very dedicated board. I was blessed to have three kids to go through Penn Traford and they're all doing so well. I'm blessed to have a wife that works for Penn Trafford and thinks very highly of her school district and her students. So, it is Jess has always been a joy and the fact that I can do this for five more years. I know a lot of people with 34 35 are done. I am not. I'm still going and I'm still going strong and I feel like every year I'm actually getting better than I was when I first started. So, I contribute that to everyone in this room, all my admin, everybody. So, I do appate
071it and PT community as far as parents, students, business, all the rescue people, everybody. I always enjoy talking to them because I always consider them. And [snorts] sometimes I get feedback that's negative. I appreciate it. How else do you grow? You know, people say, "Well, aren't you mad at that person?" It's like, "No, I wouldn't be mad at that person. They're they're telling me what could be better for them and their family and their needs." So, you take it with a grain of salt and you try to do better. And I'm very appreciative. So, thank you for another five years. And you know, it's a blessing. probably [laughter] >> one of these days you're going to actually say I'm doing as good as Carl and Joe and that'll be the I'm trying before you retire
072because as of now I it's definitely Carl Joe Matt [laughter] >> one of these days Nick >> you'll retire before [laughter] Well, I will I will achieve that with Nick, but I I know you do I know you do appreciate me, but I know I'm going to still still try to do a little bit better for you. >> We do appreciate >> Dr. Can I ask one question? There's parents that may be listening, but what are the criterion you use to determine whether twoiron delay, cancel school, remote? >> Well, I'm glad she mentioned that because there's also one, it's kind of funny. Um, the newspaper reporter for the high school already got me and I was at the unified watch match and she's like, "Do you mind if I tape you?" And I said, "Fine."
073You know, I'm not one who does any social media whatsoever. I never I never do. So, she just recorded. We actually had to step outside cuz all the cheering, which was nice. But she asked the same questions. And the criteria for not day. I do communicate with Trafford um road crew, pen Township road crew, pen township police, um Manor road crew. I'm talking with them. Are the road safe? Um they're out there. They know. they know the roads in and out. I actually took like Monday and t well Tuesday actually I was out driving myself around too as well. Um so that's for a snow delay for the cold we actually use [snorts] the formula for rest county. So if you notice on snow day some schools might be open some schools might have two
074hours that all depends on your area just because um Noran or Franklin or Janette they might have a different start time because that's basically their area is maybe not ready than us. So, we have to kind of go with what we're being told. But for a snow day, we're pretty much all I'm sorry, for a cold day, we're pretty much all together in West Warren County because we all follow the same formula. >> And what point was that? 0 degrees. >> A combination between the windchill and the temperature. You should be below zero for the temperature and5ative 10 to 15 for the windchill. >> Okay. >> And a combination of both. >> And I did have um two parents today feel like um we still should have been closed. What's tomorrow's forecast? What do you
075predict? >> We'll be in school. [laughter] >> I mean, I can't imagine. >> I'd be surprised. And I like I I personally love I mean, I'm never afraid to cancel school or close school because we do have the remote days and the fid days, but I'm always safety first no matter what. As much as I prefer in-person learning, I'm never going to risk anyone because I'm never I'm never going to gamble. >> And how well are you on the phone with the road crews? Um, I actually have to tell you sometimes with this last storm, we pretty much called it in advance, but the one time when we had the ice on the prior Thursday morning would be the two-hour delay, they actually called at 2:30 and said, "You need to have your crew probably
076start getting [snorts] to the high school." >> 2:30 in the morning. >> Yeah, >> I know you you told me 5:00 in the morning a lot of times. >> Then they called back and checking. >> Then I would call Denny or Brian and the nice the funniest conversation at 2:30 in the morning, I called Denny. He goes, "Well, by the way, while I have you on the phone, I want to tell you about the boiler alert. Was it the boiler alert tra or level?" Yeah, >> a level grain. It was fixed hot water tank. >> Hot water tank. And I said, "Okay." And I'm listening. I said, "Daddy, can you tell me later?" [laughter] >> It's just common. >> And while on the subject, you want to say something about our maintenance? >> I absolutely
077do. I have to tell you, first of all, shout out first of all my maintenance staff and the custodians and they took care of all our building the grounds. They truly wanted us to be ready. They were out there. All the custodians were out there shoveling. The maintenance did all the snow removal with the truck removal and they also did some shoveling and just even our dump truck went down and they even had to take the salt from the one dump truck by hand and get it to the other dump truck. So, we didn't want to waste this all because it is a hot commodity. Um, they worked, they worked, they worked Sunday, they came in Saturday, they came in last Sunday, they kept coming in. Um, even though they knew that the school was
078the next day, I'm like, "Okay, we're calling we're off the next day because we knew in advance, they still came out early." They said they just wanted to be ready for whenever the kids come back. They was always hoping to bring the kids back because they take pride in what they do. And that's dedication. All of them. I give them full credit. Like I said, they never it was non-stop. And even I want to thank the principles and the teachers and everyone who did work online. It's not easy. I have to tell you, I I get personally I do get distracted online like when I'm learning or when I'm in a class or doing a meeting. So I know the sitting there is um it's it's a difficult task, but they make it that the
079kids want to be there. So then they kind of we [clears throat] put breaks in the schedules. I give principles credits. they developed a schedule that has some breaks in there for kids so they kind of understand the need. So I I I do give a lot of people credit for that because it's hard and there one clarification I know when we call FID and remote days FID is considered what we always do for FID is always technically remote because we're what we are a school district that has always been online and we're there live so technically we're always doing remote learning. you're you're allowed five bid days, which is something you don't have to be remote. We choose to be remote. And this past year, the state now gives you remote days. So So
080technically, you have your five FID days and you have remote days. So technically, you have as long as you meet the hours. I don't want to say unlimited because I never would want to go unlimited all year or longer period of time, but it's more flexibility. So we don't have any days to make up. as tomorrow's regular schedule >> tomorrow's regular schedule and hopefully for the rest of the week. I know Friday we just watch it by >> you know give or take and I actually have to tell you some days they come out of surprise and what usually the surprise is the ice when you hear the ice and it freezes that's actually scarier to me than snow because that's like okay because you sometimes don't understand when there's ice. >> And and how
081was our attendance the first day back? I checked it and it seemed like we were very high attendance. It seemed like the kids wanted to be here. >> French principles agreed. >> I think parents wanted them to be [laughter] >> high school kids were excited to be back. >> Hey, Mr. Friends. >> Yeah, I did. And I did I I already tell you if I do receive something. I did receive two people who were concerned we were coming back today. I don't want to say it was complete. I did have two emails of concern. Rebecca >> um for maintenance. Yes. Custodial. We're still I believe we still need to >> shift. Yeah. >> Yes. When we have them available and the jobs have been posted. >> Yeah. >> We stretch them even further. What's the
082rate? >> The rate for subs? >> Yes. >> I'm not sure. >> I'd have to look it up. >> I thought it was 15. >> 1550. >> It's not high. It's to be honest, it's not a high amount to track people. >> And I know the carrots there. If you want to job, you try to come sub first or first. So, we hope to get you in the door. >> But we don't have, let's say, we don't. We have two openings right now. No. whenever they off. >> But the other thing is great. >> The benefits >> and you have a pension. >> Oh yeah. Well, that's part >> Yeah. >> Didn't you used to run the yard? Didn't you used to have I thought >> there is a rate but I can't remember. >>
083I thought >> it's about it was extremely low >> with the last contact who was able to move it up. >> I apologize. I don't have that number memorized yet. [clears throat] [snorts] >> Correct. But her starting rate starting >> I I just want to take a minute though too and >> say without a plan a week like last week wouldn't wouldn't have been able to pull off and our admin team between Dr. Paris, Tiffany, Lou, Denise, having a plan to put in place when it happened. I mean, face three, four years ago, that week would have been lost. I mean, because we wouldn't had anything and uh fortunately we had these guys had the plan in place figured out and got a chance to test it and it worked. So, it's, you know, a
084lot without the plan, we wouldn't have had the week. So, it comes from the top. We had five days in a row was 2010. I was here. I remember calling it 2010. Five. It was like five days in a row. >> And we had to make all those up because >> Exactly. >> We were off. >> Thank goodness for technology, the teachers willingness to do live, the principal schedule, everything. The whole community, the board for supporting our technology budget. >> You have to approve our next remote plan by the end of the year. >> It expires. >> She keeps reminding me. >> I'll do it. I'll do it. I'll get it done. [laughter] >> All right. With that same >> with that being said, do we have a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion. >> Second.
085>> All right. >> Meeting adjourned at 8:19. >> I'm not sure if swimming's still going on or not.