001for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all Rodriguez. Dr. >> President >> here >> Mr. Mr. >> here >> Mr. >> Here we have a >> thank you Mr. Rodriguez uh information Dr. Harris >> thank you start off with She's hiding there. >> Our student representative from high school. [clears throat] Another season for the from 6 to 10. That's all I have. >> I I think the amount of money that you raised with your programs is absolutely sensational. Wonderful work by all involved. >> Truly. Thank you. questions. >> Are you getting ready for the um second semester for your senior year? [laughter] >> It flies. It does. Come back
002from break and then before you know it's May and then graduation comes >> couple. You're not done yet, but [snorts] next couple just enjoy the next couple months. Good times. >> Thank you all. >> Thank you. Sean, if you ever get a chance, you should come up and watch [snorts] the telephone. >> I would love to. >> We come we come up every year. Um >> our daughter was a Make a Wish kid, so we always come up with a donation, but it's it's just worth even if you're not donating to come up. It is such an impressive um day, >> how they orchestrate it. You You think you were down at WTA or KDKA. >> It's so impressive. >> Mr. Ben and his kids, they do such an um outstanding job putting it all
003together. And then the whole district from every elementary school to middle school to high school when they all raise funds and do something to keep it going. It's [clears throat] unbelievable. >> And that's um 530,000 since you've been doing this has been right. >> Make a wish 66,000. >> Yeah. Channel 2 and channel 4 also were here >> and they put it on the news which was great. >> But we have over half a million dollars from this community over seven I think it's seven years it's been going on. >> Yeah. About Yeah. >> It's amazing. A lot of fun. >> Very so impressive. >> A lot of good wishes that we raised and good community support [snorts] as always. >> Do you know how many wishes that did you have? >> Is it 7,000
004for the wishes? >> Something like that. >> 7,000 530. >> Oh, like nine wishes. >> Yeah. 70 7 whatever 53 divided by seven. [laughter] >> It's about nine. >> Oh, Steve. He's watch. He actually watches us from the home and because he's recording all this meeting, he's actually saying it's 5,000 per wish. >> Oh, >> he's hearing us. And we ran a 13 [snorts] this year. >> Great. >> So 13 this year. And let's see what he says. Um 100. We had over 100 wishes so far since we started. Obviously 500,000. >> That's excellent. 5,000. I thought it was a little bit more, but he he's right on. So he's man, so I appreciate it. And then our favorite part of each month is when we have the students of the month. And I always
005asked the board members um either when they get elected or when they decide to leave after a long period of time, what was your favorite part of serving on the board? And it's [snorts] always been honoring students of the month. If you think about it, we have um 3,781 students in the district and every year we choose between 27 to 30 students. So, it is very hard to actually achieve this honor and to be recognized. And when you hear what the principles have [snorts] to say about the children who are being recognized tonight, um it's amazing. Like, I can't believe these are our students and these are things that our kids are able to do because when I was in the elementary school or the middle school or the high school, I never would have
006achieved or dreamed of doing half these things that they do. And it it's all good things. And you should be proud as parents and as grandparents and whoever with the family members because I I say this at every meeting. Your kids can leave the house [snorts] and do whatever they want to come here. No one's around. You know, you're not there. They're on their own. They can choose to do many different things. And um what they choose to do, they always choose to do the right thing. And they're recognized not only by their teachers and their principles, but also their classmates as kids who deserve this honor. And when you hear the speeches, it's really going to u melt your heart that you're really having great things there in front of you. You should be
007very proud. After we recognize the three students, we're going to do a picture, but then we don't have a chance to really honor them tonight. So, I invite them back in September where we actually do a follow up when we have a football game and they let them watch it from the Warrior Center and we do like a little party that night. So, you'll be getting that information over the summer. So, it's kind of nice to celebrate later because after you celebrate here, then we have a meeting to continue. So, it's too hard. So, I'm going to start with Dr. Pera. >> Thank you, Dr. Harris. >> Thank you. >> I have a couple elementary district notes I'd like to share. Um, believe it or not, kindergarten 2026 registration started on Friday. Um, I don't
008know how many there are for the district, but I know we already have over [clears throat] 30 at Makulla, so that's awesome. It ends on March 6th. We like to have as many parents register before March so that we can make some enrollment decisions and class sizes. The link is available on the district website. So to go kick on the Makea-Wish uh uh bandwagon that we were all on, the district and schoolwide Makea-Wish campaign obviously was in December. McCulla was able to raise over $7,700 just ourselves for the event by hosting a Grinch week and a morning donut event. We cannot thank the school, the community, and the district enough for their generosity. Um, we also want to thank Steve Venton and his student production team for all of their hard work. The fifth grade
009DARE program wrapped up in December. The graduation ceremonies have all happened in each of the five elementaryaries. The project winners were notified and celebrated, and they have a special event that's being scheduled near the end of January. We want to thank the Pen Township Police Department, Officer Meyers, and Dr. Harris for their continued support of the program. The marking period ends next week already on Monday, January 12th, and elementary report cards will go home on the 20th. We will also be administering uh semester assessments to measure student growth in the midpoint of the school year. And those are my district notes, but I would like to celebrate our student of the month. Katie, are you okay or would you like to stay there? Okay, Katie's a little emotional right now, which is totally fine. But
010um we are celebrating Katherine Joseph. Will we all give her please a warm round of applause? [applause] Katherine Josephic is a 10-year-old fifth grade student at McCulla Elementary School. She is joined today by her father Craig, her grandparents, her sister, and her brother. Her sister Kellen is a seventh grader at Penn Middle School, and her brother Colton is a second grader at McCulla. Katie is a fabulous choice for our January student of the month. She is a kind, polite, and gracious personality. She is incredibly sweet and a wonderful student and friend. When speaking with Katie, she told me that her favorite subjects are math and science. She loves science because of all the experiments that happen in class. Math is also another favorite part of school because she feels she's really good with numbers. Katie
011also told me that she also loves art class. She enjoys drawing and painting. Her favorite art project has been using the clay and the kiln. Katie currently is involved in gymnastics. She trains at Allison Beyond's gym. She's on a competitive team. Her favorite event is floor and she's looking forward to her second competition that's happening in January. When asked about what she likes to do at home, Katie mentioned liking to read and she loves to listen to pop music. She likes to read the I Survive series. She also sings in the fifth grade chorus. They just had a concert in December. When hanging out with her sister and brother, they like to play games and draw. And when I asked Katie what she might want to do when she gets older, she mentioned that she's
012interested in cosmetology. She loves to do hair, including her own. Two of Katie's teachers shared some thoughts with me. Mrs. Bastion, um Katie's home room teacher, stated that Katie is an outstanding student. She exhibits academic excellence through her strong work ethic, participation, and focus on learning. She is a true role model showing respect, responsibility, cooperation, kindness, and a positive attitude every day. She is a true leader in the classroom and is always willing to help in any way that she can. It is a pleasure to have her in class and an honor to have her as the McCulla student of the month. Mrs. Miklo, another one of Katie's teachers, mentioned that Katie truly has earned the honor of student of the month. She is hard-working, kind, is a positive student who always gives her best
013effort. Katie's cheerful attitude and dedication make her an excellent role model. I'm so proud of Katie and this well-deserved recognition. Katie is so welld deserving of this award and embodies the traits we look for in a student when selecting our student of the month. We're honored to have Katie represent McCulla as the January student elementary student of the month. Congratulations, KATIE. >> [applause] >> NEXT UP, WE have from Head Middle School, Mr. Roger Sullivan. >> Thank you, Dr. Harris. I have some school notes as well. Um, as you heard, the the semester is ending uh January 12th. And so, our students at the middle school, most of them will be taking new special classes uh beginning the second semester. Uh we too had you know holiday events and uh December is a busy time for
014that for sure and band concerts and our chorus concerts. Um we have a wonderful winter extravaganza that Mr. Weir hosts and his team and the kids get really involved. Um and uh in fact I took on three ice buckets as as a as a result of that outside the on the 23rd. It was it was cold. Uh so uh we had we had a good time. Um but one of the highlights that I got to witness uh being new is um the wonderful works uh that the the teachers and the students do in terms of Landram's Light uh which is a fundraiser um that the kids get involved in the two weeks before Christmas uh and brought in $4,500. Um, and this this money is is put together uh for cancer patients and they they
015create um u cancer uh patient tote bags and and packages for local people that are going through chemo and radiation. Um this year uh my staff and students um came in early one morning uh before school started and and and prepared and handed out 180 um cancer totes and have another 120 ready to ready to go. They'll also be using that money to pro to pro to provide Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter meals for families in need from our school community. So, what a what a wonderful thing to be a part of and super proud of our our school community. >> You also mentioned senior breakfast. >> Yes. Yeah. We we uh the students um the student council hosts a a senior breakfast that that same same day before I got the ice buckets and uh
016[laughter] um uh the [clears throat] band plays and the and the chorus sings uh Christmas songs. It's a really great thing. Seems like everybody enjoyed and >> absolutely meal was good too. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, uh it's my pleasure to to recognize um an eighth grade. So, first I want to say Kellen. You mentioned Kellen. She's a wonderful young lady too at Penn Middle School. But, uh it's my privilege to to recognize Natalyia Gunstrom, eighth grader at Penn Middle School. You're going to come up next to the to the podium, please. [laughter] She's she's joined by her parents, brother, and grandma. So, please wave. >> So, Natalyia is a very strong student. She maintains a 4.0 GPA while navigating the rigors of the spec spectrum and advanced program. Natalya is a is
017has distinguished herself as a leader in the mock trial program [clears throat] and a decorated innovator in the invention convention competition. She has won the West Morland County Invention Convention three out of five times for age group and and in that division and has consistently advanced to the state tournament. Her teachers say she is a diligent student who consistently works hard in all of her classes, always giving her best effort while remaining curious and unafraid to ask questions or learn from her mistakes, which is essential quality for growth. She is kind, respectful, and consistently willing to help others, often without even being asked. She too participated in Landram's light um throughout this process and showed up that morning to help help pack bags. She creates the daily announcement board. So I was new to the
018building and I get a I get an email middle of the summer. Sullivan I want to do the bulls and board. I didn't even know what that was. So, every every morning she she greetss me uh in the hallway next to my office and um creates the u bulletin board with messages for uh the students what time they're going to be dismissed, but also some um positive motivational quotes for the student body. Her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and outstanding character make her a wonderful role model for everyone around her. Natalyia demonstrates leadership in group activities, brings enthusiasm to every lesson, and treats both teachers and peers with genuine respect. Outside of the classroom, while playing volleyball, mom says that she is known for her powerful hits and spiking with relentless energy. Meanwhile, on the
019softball mound, this past year, she achieved an all-time season high of 241 strikeouts. Natalia [clears throat] has big dreams to attend a college, to be an electrical engineer, and played division one sports, most likely softball. These exceptional qualities make Natalya a true outstanding, well-deserving choice for Penn Middle School's student of month. We couldn't be prouder. CONGRATULATIONS, [applause] And next up we have [snorts] her first time at this meeting sitting on this side of the table and she was in the audience last time she had [snorts] started at our new hire >> and doing a wonderful job. >> I'm grateful that you took the job. So very happy to have you, Miss Megan Flity. >> All right. So you all have stolen half of my updates for the school. So, um I will just share what
020is new. Um this Wednesday we have our scheduling night for eighth graders to come up and meet the teachers and and help with scheduling. Um our SAT math boot camp starts on Wednesday. Um we also have about 115 students currently enrolled in our CWCTC courses. Um and we are doing a tour for the new students that are interested in potentially enrolling for next year on January 16th. Um we have some uh winter athletics are in full swing. Tonight is the hockey team's senior night. Um we have a double header um basketball tomorrow, both boys and girls here at the high school. Um the bowling team takes on Greensburg Salem or Greensburg Central Catholic on the 7th. The wrestling team takes on Norwin. The swim team competes here at home on the 8th. The cheerleading team
021is competing in states in Johntown on Friday. And the boys will travel to Warwick on Friday. The girls travel to Kisky. And the Botchi team takes on Norwin. So, we have a lot going on um in our athletics. Um, so I was not sure how to do student of the month, so forgive me, but um, you know, uh, with the break and everything, um, I did not get to really interview, um, our high school student of the month, who is Amelia Lightner, if you want to come on up. Um, and I did not get to, you know, meet her family um, prior to or interview them, but I did ask um, around for her teachers, and this is what they had to say. So, it's my honor to present Amelia as our 10th grader um
022here at the high school student of the month. Amelia is an exceptional student who consistently demonstrates hard work, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to the success of those around her. She advocates for herself when she needs support and just as readily advocates for others, always wanting everyone to feel successful and valued. In the classroom, Amelia is engaged, curious, and thoughtful. She asks meaningful questions, participates actively in discussions, and is outstanding group member during collaborative activities. She willingly helps classmates when they are confused and brings positive energy that truly brightens the classroom environment. Amelia is also known for her kindness, respect, and maturity in her interactions with both peers and adults. Her positive attitude, and willingness to follow expectations have helped create supportive and productive classrooms throughout her years at Pentraford. Mr. Persia specifically shared that
023it has been a privilege of teaching Amelia before and now again in her 10th grade year. It has been wonderful to see her see the impressive young adult she is becoming. She leads by example and consistently puts forth her best effort. Beyond the classroom, Amelia volunteers extensively through CAT. [snorts] Standing out in a club of over 500 members through her dedication and service. She balances her volunteer work with maintaining strong grades and working hard as a dancer. Amelia is driven, compassionate, and well-rounded, and she aspires to become a teacher one day, a role she is already well suited for. Amelia's strong work ethic, positive attitude, and genuine care for others make her an excellent role model and a valued member of the Pentrafford community. We are proud to recognize her as our student of the
024month. Keep being yourself. [applause] And if the students of the month were you want to come up for a photo too? Come up for a photo on the side. Terrible. Since we have nobody signed up, uh we will move on. Uh there is no old business and we did have a executive session prior to tonight's meeting at 5:45 and we uh >> discussed personnel and school safety and security uh topics. We also received information on votech enrollment and uh some school code changes. Now is the time of the meeting that uh we will do the consent agenda motion. Does any board member wish to remove any item from the consent agenda? All right. Having nobody said uh no. Uh may I have a motion? >> I'm sorry. I have one question. Can we typically on
025the the extracurricular positions read those stuff? if it was a main one being hired like a main coach or >> I mean just question that's all because I thought we all the the hired positions we were even if they were the spring or fall sports just remember >> okay we could put those back on to make sure they're right in the future some of the you know the coaches and stuff I did think it is nice to to read that so people know >> absolutely >> well well just one clarification on that Dr. Harris, this information is public, correct? >> Correct. >> All right. Thank you. So, you making the request, Dr. >> Future, if we can any of the position hires if we can put them back on. >> Dr. Kasha, I agree with
026you. >> That'll be >> recognized. Some of the coaches >> folks are working with the musical and things like that. No problem. Sounds good. Thank you. >> And may I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> So move. >> Second. >> Question being called for. This will be a roll call vote. All in favor say I. Opposed. Motion carried. >> All right. Personnel curriculum. Uh, Mr. John Otto >> here. >> How are you? >> John, I know Rocka, wasn't she approved last month's meeting? She came last month, but just in case she wasn't just officially. >> Can you say that again, ma'am? I'm sorry. >> Deanna Rocket. She should have been approved last month. She came to the meeting. Um, she was a teacher tracker. >> I think we did. >> I do,
027too. And I just happened to look down and saw her name again. and she gets approved twice. >> Okay. I just wanted to make sure there was just not. [laughter] >> Yeah. >> I just wanted to bring that to everyone's attention in case you know there was m say I just wanted to say I know for a fact that she was here. Okay. >> John, I want to interrupt again. >> No, no, you're good. Uh [snorts] motion to employ the following personnel. New employment is contingent upon the receipt of all necessary documentation that will include clearances. Act 34, Act 151, Act 114 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within 30 days. Mike Russo, super sub at the high school for $160 per day and he starts 1217 2025. Deanna Roco is a teacher at Trafford Elementary.
028She's in the step three portion of the contract and she is to start January 13, 2026. Aubrey Donovan is a teacher at Trafford Elementary. Step three, January 13, 2026. Katie Crompton, >> Long-term sub with Ms. Smida at Harrison Park for $220 per day, effective 1225. Alexis Buzzard, >> SLA, >> student learning assistant. Student Learning Assistant at Trafford Elementary, $31,500 pro-rated, effective 15206. Emma Little SLA at McCulla, $31,500 prrated, effective January 5, 2026. Allison Pradie, special ed, SLA McCulla, $31,500 prrated, effective January 5, 2026. >> Second Question. >> All right. Question being called for. This will be a roll call vote. All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> Opposed. >> Okay. Abstain. >> Thank you, Mr. Matarazzo. Motion carried. >> Dr. Harris. Take a second here. >> Take a second because one
029of our our other teacher we just hired this past month um is actually in the audience. So, Aubrey Don, first off, if you can come up to the near the podium and you turn the podium [applause] on the speaking to us, but that's actually the people watching. >> Yeah. >> All right. And [laughter] we can hear obviously, but the people I know, >> right? >> Appreciate it. First of all, How long have you been here? You started the very first year. You started at the high school as a Spanish substitute. >> Yeah. Um I've been floating around the district for about five and a half years now. I started at the high school um doing a longterm Spanish position for the first quarter of the school year. Um and then I ended up going to
030a different school district for a little while and I made my way back here and I've been a super sub and an SLA for um four and a half years now. So, long time. >> You learned a lot around the time and obviously was very impressed with you because now I got your contract and get your own first kindergarten. >> Yes, I'm very grateful and I actually had the opportunity to be in a long-term position in kindergarten in the building that I'm in right now. So, um it was a great learning opportunity. I'm really excited to carry that forward into my >> Well, when you were at track, you guys off there were was there till February about three quarters of the year. >> You know, you have the experience and you did an outstanding
031job. >> I mean, we were really impressed with what you did and how much support you gave with the families and information provided and feedback. Usually for kindergarten, they have the benefit of actually seeing you every day. [clears throat] >> Absolutely. You know, I think that's a great thing that you know being a chapter for the past couple of years. made those connections with the community. I know you're principal very happy to >> and I'm very you've been here for a long time so I'm very paid off >> there last couple years we haven't hired anyone this year we're hiring too many you never know with >> very grateful for this opportunity and Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to continue your work. >> I have to say we're fifth grade. >> You
032never know. I might make my way back someday with the scores, the data, the math. So >> yeah, I just wanted you to know that too. It was nice. >> I appreciate it. Congratulations, [applause] >> Dr. Harris, can I ask I want to put something on this new person here. >> Oh, no. [laughter] >> She just started. Can you share with us people on there? What's your first impression of this high school? >> Your fresh eyes. >> Yes, my fresh eyes. It's amazing. I mean, the students and staff have all been so sweet and friendly and, you know, there's not really anything that has negatively, you know, I I said earlier, everyone, all of my friends that are in education are like, "Oh, we have the Sunday scaries. I don't want to go back." I
033didn't have them. And so, for me, it was really exciting to be able to come back to somewhere I really liked. So, >> And you're willing to travel just to get here and looking to move into the area, right? >> Yes. Yes. I actually um closed on a house. Well, I'm closing on a house. So, I accepted an offer yesterday. >> Fantastic. >> In our district. >> Yeah. >> In our district. because she wants her kids to go here. >> So, which school are you going to be? >> Um, [laughter] found the house, right? >> Yeah. I went and showed her it. [laughter] >> I'm very happy for you and your family and I saw your boys that night. They're going to be very happy. >> Yes. They they saw the house. They were very
034excited. They've already claimed rooms. So, [laughter] >> Twins. Yes. And we're going to have to give her a new plaque because she's going to become a doctor >> in the future here. >> Yep. >> Changed a lot of plaques here. >> Not all got it during his time. Dr. >> I was always came with my business. [laughter] >> Yes. >> Jump back. John went to John. retirement. >> Yes, absolutely. Well, it's still fresh on my mind that we're going to accept retirement. Move to accept the following retirement resignation. Tamara Patula, a teacher at Trafford Elementary, effective January 12, 2026. >> Second. >> Question being called for. All in favor of the motion say I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. um Aubrey who just hired she's actually replacing mayor I want to thank her for all the
035years I don't have exact number 32 years in the district she has taught at um different schools throughout the longest time I will read the bio for her dedication and she had her kids go through a district. She was a resident very active involved in everything she did very >> motion to meeting >> second meeting at 7:40.