001here. >> Are there any additions to the agenda at this time? Do I have a motion to approve? the first second. All in favor signify by saying I >> opposed. Motion carries. Executive session was held on September 9th, 2025 from 7:10 to 7:50 p.m. to discuss personnel. Executive session was held on October 7th, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 to discuss personnel and consult. to our minutes. I have a motion to approve the minutes. We have a first and a second. Are there any questions on the motion? >> All in favor signify by saying I. >> Oppos. Motion carries. Area school district will provide learning opportunities to meet the needs of a diverse population and a dynamic workforce. Rick area school district will continue to build transparent and trusted relationships with all stakeholders. Rich area
002school district will continue to build a culture of safety and support for all students, staff, families, and the community. >> Thank you. You want public comment? I don't think we have any public comment for tonight. All right. Sorry. The purpose of public comment is not to debate with the board, but rather an opportunity to address the board on matters of concern, official action, or deliberation which are or may be before the board. The board requires that public participants be residents, including pupils of this district or taxpayers of the district. Those wishing to address the board must state their name and address. When recognized by the president, each individual will have three minutes to address the board. Mr. Celely, you are sir. several things like everyone knows last time we were reassessed in the area for
003taxes and that's just an equalization uh between homes was 1984. That's 41 years ago. 41. If you don't think things have changed, believe me, they have. I just sold two properties because I'm getting a bit old. Okay. Uh just sold two properties. Unbelievable what the valuations are on the homes around. One is very very old, looks like a Taj Mahal. The others are just average houses and they're up higher than the one which looks like a Taj Mahal. So therefore, my feeling was to give you all a copy of this so that at least you can read it and see what the differential is. This is in New York State. I live in three states, four states. And it's all the same with respect to uh uh assessments. In this one case, they were both
004assessed 100,000. On reassessment, one became 300,000 and the other became 150. So you had a little bit of growth in one, but a multiple of three in the other. And you can see the way the taxes then are adjusted. And uh I'll just set it up very easily for you. The board can review it, determine what they wish to hear. My hands. Oh, one other thing uh and that is the next budget. I would like to see a budget this year. Last year we didn't see one. Okay. I did receive a state package, but state package you may as well take a loo and put it over the rise because there's no definition there. Whether you have two people, three people, four people, five people, etc. And as the board projected to us a month
005ago or two months ago, perhaps you're going to re-evaluate what you're spending money on. Okay? And I believe unless the budget is drawn up from basic uh basic characteristic, you have no budget. It would be the same thing. uh and the legislators. I contacted the new one McCormack. I got an email from him and I said, "He's not answering a question." It was just a piece of paper he sent out. Did you hit Bill yet? Yeah, we did. It says, "I'm a sweetheart. I have six years in office." Okay. Uh and any uh comments, etc. No comments. >> No questions at this time, but thank you for your handout. >> No questions at this time, but thank you for your handout. We will take a look at it. >> Thank you. >> Okay. I hope
006your attorney is on the line because uh I believe she should also have a role in this. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Moving on for information for the board from faculty and staff. Uh we did a recognition tonight um with new employees. Do you want to read those off for the public? >> Sure. Um the new the new employees that came tonight for our um little social and meet and greet with the board was Miss Carolyn Conervote who was our middle school special education teacher, Maline Nukem who was our high school life skills teacher, Austin Eric who was our seventh and eighth eighth grade social studies teacher. Lindsay Mlan is our middle school science teacher. Liliana Gorski was hired as a paraprofessional. Mara Leer a parrofessional. Courtney Mitchell is our new elementary autistic support
007teacher. Kristen Banks was hired as a pair professional. And then Mr. Feroski was there representing as the new principal. Mr. Heindel as the new principal at FSG. And um Ken Boat was actually hired as a director of student affairs. And Chris Samson was a new custodian hired. >> All right. Thank you. >> Uh moving on to buildings and grounds. Uh Mr. Elias, >> I'll use this, I guess. All right. Uh, main drive of the RSD building grounds department is to ensure a clean, safe, attractive, well-maintained and efficiently functioning facility that enhances learning environment along with the school spirit of the Ridgeway elders. Throughout the year, personnel complete many different tasks and repair requests along with any emergencies that may arise. Other services include, but are not limited to, management, maintenance of buildings, maintenance of utility
008and energy management systems such as or have access to monitoring or of environmental issues such as air and water quality as well as landscaping and all types of repairs due to unforeseen circumstances, trash removal, snow removal, building and site security, primary maintenance checks and services of all equipment, safety, maintenance, inspection, planning and scheduling, new construction and summer projects, warehousing, inventory, emergency mergencies, disaster planning, maintaining, fire protection systems, and pest control. This past summer went pretty well. With all the change to the elementary school, we had to move 18 different teachers to different classrooms. That was a task. Uh, which was a huge chore along or along with replacing carpets in one of the rooms, some touch-up paint to the rooms, and reorganizing a lot of the storage areas. Potholes were filled and curbs painted. was
009addressed along with grass cutting and tree and hedge trimming. The entire school was deep cleaned. At the middle high school, we accomplished a good bit. The upstairs hallways were painted white and the door frames were painted marooned. The filled house, sports complex, and all entrance ways were powerwashed. We fixed the steps to the upper parking lot along with repaired several handrails. We repainted traffic flow arrows, handicap parking spots along with parking lines. We fixed a sink hole in the back parking lot/ drain. Repainted the sixth grade wing staff bathrooms. Repaired the ceiling in the kitchen. Fixed the vinyl fencing by the pickle ball courts. Uh relayed the tile floor for the sixth grade entrance way. We fixed the landscaping wall, the gym entrance, and the middle school sign structure was repaired. We moved some lockers
010and added an outlet in the boys locker room for boys basketball team. All shrubs and grass was maintained all summer and we completely cleaned and sanitized the entire school. The maintenance in the custodian department take pride in their work ensuring a clean, safe and well-maintained facility. We have a great staff here and they are proud of their efforts to support the district's pursuit of a quality education this time. Does anybody have any questions? >> All right. Thank you. Um Mr. lives. Looks like you guys were pretty busy. >> It was very busy summer. >> Thank you so much for all the work. The buildings looked great at the beginning of the school year when we came back. >> Thank you. >> Okay, moving on to students of the month. Um, we have uh Mr. Hindo.
011Would you like to go first? >> Sure. >> Ready to give your speech? So, it's my pleasure to introduce Mr. Kyler Leah. >> Kyler is a son of Casey Caution and Rick the Leah. Uh, he was nominated in fifth grade by his teacher, Mrs. Freedel. His favorite subject is math, and I asked why. He said, "I am just good at it." What he likes the most about school is seeing his friends. How does he like to show kindness and help others? He likes to help others open doors, not clean your room. Uh, advice for other students, always be kind and helpful. His inspiration in school is his friends and his teachers. One thing he would do to make the school better is have more peer tutors. Okay. His future career goal is to be a
012doctor. And his favorite memory so far this year was the homecoming assembly. Mr. Kyler De Does that work? >> Our second student of the month, also a fifth grader, Miss Lake Pierce, got a little bit of the flu bug, so she will not be with us, but we will recognize her in November. >> All right. Thank you. Moving on, Mr. >> Um, so we have two uh um students of Mons Extraordinary Yelkers. Uh and we have videos from them since they can't we uh don't have them be here from the middle high school. So um Emily Reed is is the middle school one and we'll watch her videos uh first. So we'll learn a little bit about her. >> Emily Reed, one of September's extraordinary elders. She's the daughter of Sarah and Brian Reed and
013she was nominated by Mrs. Gina with me time to write practice problems off of the board for breakfast. Today I'm with Emily Reed, one of September's extraordinary elks. She's the daughter of Sarah and Brian Reed and she was nominated by Mrs. gotina for taking the time to write practice problems off of the board for another student who had heard their hand. So, can you tell us a little bit about your activities within school? >> Um, I like riding horses and softball. >> That's great. And so, what are some of your achievements in >> AR? >> And then who is your favorite teacher? >> Mrs. Martina. >> And why is she a favorite teacher? >> Because she lets me do she writes me to my book. And then who or how did you feel whenever you
014were um awarded the extraordinary? >> Very excited. >> And what is your advice to other students at RH? >> Always help and be kind. >> And last but not least, what are your future plans? >> Nurse. >> Um the interesting thing is she was uh limping down the hall today and I asked her why she was limping or she fell off her horse. So um she's very into taking care of her horse as she said there. So, um, we're really proud of her. Our high school, uh, extraordinary out there is Liam Mer. He's in 11th grade. We have a video of him as well. Just like any presentation, technology doesn't work. And I remember sitting there as a teacher going, "Oh, look, principal can't get the technology working. My am I." But we have Liam
015Mer with us. He is the son of Greg and Patricia Mason, and he is September's extraordinary elder. You was nominated by Miss Jackson for demonstrating outstanding leadership, empathy, and inclusion in a race across project. So, can you tell us a little bit about your activities within your school and your community? >> Uh, I do track and cross country and then I work at boxes of pizza. >> Wonderful. Can you tell us a little bit about your achievements at school? >> Uh, French honors society and high honors. >> And then who is your favorite teacher here at school? Miss Jackson because she is good at teaching. >> Wonderful. And how did it feel to be honored with um the extraordinary title? >> Surprising. >> And so then what are some of your advice to other students
016here at RHS? >> To be kind to others. >> And last but not least, what are your future plans? >> Uh to attend college for help with that. So, those were our extraordinary uppers from the middle and high schools. >> All right. So, Kyler, Emily, and Liam, congratulations. And let's give them a round of applause. >> Yeah. Um, if we'll get like a quick picture of the the Ridgeway Record wants to grab a a picture real quick. Um, do I have any volunteers from the board for a picture? Anybody? Thank you all. >> I'm on my vest today, so I'll be okay. >> We usually stand by the wall over there. >> Yeah, she's recognizing Thank you. >> All right. Uh, moving on to board business. if we could have an update on the middle
017high entrance construction project. >> Yeah. So, we did um we actually met with her >> last Thursday. >> Hey, Don. >> I'm sorry. I have it on. >> We'll get close to it. >> Okay. >> Speak directly to the end of it. >> We We met with the architect last Thursday. Um, it was actually >> Can you hear me now? >> Your mouth. >> Me, too. >> Um, we met with the architectural firm last Thursday. The meeting was was in reference to the foundation gymnasium project here at the elementary. However, we touched on the middle high entrance project. they are going to have those bid documents to us next week. Um, so we will then be placing the the ads for the bids. Um, and we'll follow the timeline that they had given us originally.
018They are also working on I'm going to segue into the next item. They are working on roof loads for all of the solar installation. So one of the one of the options that they're going to bring to the board for solar is roof installation at both campuses. So they are work they the architectural firm has to confirm the weight load whether or not it can support it etc. So they're also working on that for us uh as a gratus thank goodness. So, they are going to finish that and then we have to turn that back to PA solar so they can finish their work and they're going to have those three options available to the board for you guys to take a look at. I did have an opportunity to talk with Mr. Hanley from
019the burrow. Um, and I also have a phone call into the township, but I have not spoken with them yet. Um if it is a roof installation project, um that permitting can be approved solely by the city manager through the burrow. Uh if it is a ground mount or any other type of mount, it does have to go through a council meeting and get approved. So that's how that works from their perspective. He shared a lot of information with me about a project that they're actually in the midst of. They are looking at putting a plant, a solar plant where the old landfill was. Um, it's a significant revenue income for the burrow if in fact they get that in place. So, they're they're working on that right now and it's very attractive. So, he
020shared he shared the details about that which was very very nice of him. So, once I hear back from the township, I'll have more money more information on that, but I don't have anything tonight. That's it. >> Thank you. Does anyone have any questions? >> All righty. Uh we have no new business. Uh the intermediate unit 9 report at their next meeting is October 20th and we will have a report after that. Moving on to principal reports. Oh, we'll start with Mr. Ferdoski tonight. Okay. Well, I submitted my uh I can turn this on if you need to. I submitted all my stuff through the my board report and um to to a couple things I just want to focus on is like my goals for the upcoming year. Uh I'm someone that's real big
021on trying to get teachers involved uh and faculty involved not just in the classroom but in in the community. Um, and that was one of my major goals that I have for that. And I really, um, thankful there's already teachers that do a lot of things, but I'm going to actually ask them, you know, like in my I'm sharing my goals with them, um, so that they can see that that's one of the things I really want to see them be involved in the community and be a positive uh, awareness of the Ridgeway Middle High School. Um, it helps. I know it helps me as being someone that didn't didn't go to school in Ridgeway, but I was, you know, I've been available at a lot of the sporting events and the extracurricular things. And
022it's nice to for parents to see you there. So, that's definitely something that I'm really trying to push um through through the um through the teachers as well. And then uh we just wrapped up homecoming. Um we have crowned uh a king and queen at homecoming. Uh Josie Gerber was our homecoming queen who was escorted by Nick Dufffield. Everything went that week went really well. Um there was a lot of fun activities we did in school. We had a nice pep rally at the elementary school that the kids loved and I wish the middle high school acted that way during a pep rally cuz it was really fun to watch them on the video um that we shared on Facebook. And then um we had the pep rally as well. So, and then we had
023the dance on October 4th and um that was a good experience. It was my first time uh chaper running a homecoming dance and uh it was interesting. Lots of jumping around, not much dancing, but it was a it was still a good time. So, um that was a really good thing that happened at the school. Other than that, that's pretty much all I was going to share. Uh if you guys have any questions, I can answer them. Any questions? >> Thank you, Mr. Kindle. >> So, attached to my board report as well. Um, if you go all the way down to the bottom, you don't have to do it now, but I we posted a bunch of pictures that has been ongoing since September up to currently what today. Uh, three things through that you'll
024see on some of the pictures. We just wrapped up our Penny Wars competition. You can see the signs in here. uh cancer awareness which is led by Mrs. Frank. Uh it was absolutely huge this year in the third year grade level competition. They had jars lined up outside as they come in. Kids would drop it off. Uh the reason why I put how much they raised on there, if you look at the difference from 2024, they made almost $1,800. Today they cashed in at $3,400 that they will donate to Make a Wish on behalf of the elementary school. Um that is a credit to the entire school district itself and FSG. Uh outdoor classroom. If you come in by the office out here, you'll go out to the fourth grade wing. Uh in collaboration with
025Mr. Kulit, uh Mr. Okineski, and thanks to Mrs. Petroski, uh we found an area that we're going to try to put in an outdoor classroom at zero cost to the district. Uh we're going to work with the shop classes down at the middle high to create tables for up here. Uh my man Pete there find us a big whiteboard that we can attach outside there for the the students to use. Our goal is to get that up and running by the spring of 26. And I think it's a great area out there. If you'd like to see it, I can show you afterwards. And then the last part I want to highlight is our uh student resource officer, Officer Shler. She has been phenomenal at FSG. Um she implemented the safe to say program up
026here with the fifth grade students. Um she's met with various students throughout there to try to alleviate any situations. Uh she's been a rock star in riding the buses along with us and I highlighted that on there as well that the cameras have all been installed that have uh alleviated a lot of problems uh that we had earlier in the year for some of those buses. And one of the biggest things is uh she attended open house there to greet the parents so that they know who she is. So, it's been a very positive and productive month here at FSG, and it's only going to hit the ground running for this month with all the the fun that's going to happen here Friday with the Carnival. >> Any questions? >> Well, I would just like
027to say I really appreciate the collaboration that I see going on between the buildings. I think when the younger kids see the older kids and vice versa, that that's a really great thing. So, the homecoming um activities that you did Um, seeing that collaboration I think is a great thing. And also the outdoor classroom. I love that idea and I love that you're utilizing our high school students to do the building of the project. So, um, kudos. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Moving on to office of student services. my board attached. My board report was attached as well. I'm not sure these are working tonight. Oh, I got it now. We're good. Um, it's attached as well. Um, as evident by all of the new special ed staff that was at the
028meet and greet a little bit ago. Um that's kind of my board goal, my administrative goal that I'm working on this year is just to help all the new staff that I have um you know provide the trainings that they need and the support in order to maintain compliance with all of the regulations that we have to follow. Um myself and some of those uh teachers mentors that you met tonight, we decided to do IEP boot camps. Um, and once a month we're meeting with the new special education teachers and kind of teaching them the basics. Um, and then moving from there. We've done one with the overall basics, how to collect present level data, you know, how to even email all the teachers, you know, just the best methods to go about that. Um,
029and then on October, we worked on setting up IEPs with the secretary and working on invitations because I'm finding, you know, lots of different colleges, they're great. They prepare in a lot of different ways, but they're not really prepared to write IEPs and that's a humongous part of their job and I have three brand new teachers and um two teachers that have only been there. This is the start of their third year. So, I just have a lot of new staff and so we just felt that was important to to work on this school year. Um our school psych, as you know, Francesca Goodman has been on maternity leave. Um, our previous site, Amy Finn, has offered to assist with that because only certain people can evaluate students. You have to be qualified in order
030to do that. Um, so she's been getting some of those assessments in. Um, from here, my secretary and I, we've been collaborating. A lot of my special ed teachers have stepped up to um, assist us with um, emailing teachers for data to collect the data to provide to the school site. Same things with the 504 plans. You know, we're trying to still carry on without that vital role from my for my department. Um, as you can see further on in the report with numbers, um, I am a little get a little concerned. We do have a lot of initial evaluations. I have seven, um, evaluations for IEPs in process. I have two for 504s and two for gifted, you know. So, I have 11 initials in proc prog progress, right? Process, sorry, right now. and
031that's a lot for this time of year. Um, on top of not not having an in-house site at the moment. Um, so we're we're doing our best to make sure that all of those get done in a in a timely manner. Um, as you can see by the numbers, there's just a little fluctuation at this point of the year. Kind of moveins coming in and out. There's 165 special education students within the district. That's um minus three from my board report last month. And it's just kids moving in, moving out. and there was one dismissal. Um, like I said though, there's seven initials in process. So, if those are finished by next month, my numbers could jump up very quickly. Um, for the chapter 15s, it's a total of of 26. And for the gifted
032students, we have a total of 16. So, I just like to outline those numbers because I think they're important. Um at this point we are up with the special education numbers um over my child count from from last year by by over 10. So and I anticipate that number that number to grow before child count has to be submitted in December. So that's my report. Does anybody have any questions? >> All right. Thank you. Right. Moving on to our business manager, Mrs. Thank you. Um, so I'm going to keep my report brief because I have Mrs. Horny here tonight to talk a little bit about the summer parks program just to give you guys an overview on how that went. Um, but everything's attached in uh my area, the nutrition P&L for September, we ran
033at a negative of $4,731. We'll see that start to reverse to the positive side next month. Um there is no information currently available on the state budget. Um they uh the Senate pushed a bill down to the House on the 8th. However, um they did they did nothing with that bill. Um the Senate is now out of session until October 20th and the House is out until October 27th unless they're called back. Um which that's not really promising. Um the education funding in the proposal bill proposed bill projected steady with some relief for cyber tuition calculations. We did run that calculation for our district. if it would if it would come through with the change that they're proposing, it would save us about $100,000 for cyber tuition. Um, that's only if they keep it in
034there in in the same form that it's in there. Now, um, I do have a synopsis of our 2425 medical and dental claims listed there for you guys to take a look at. Um and then just some additional information on our insurance for your review. There are numbers for enrollments for cyber rockets placements etc. And then finally the summer parks program was a huge success once again. It ran from June 3rd to July 10th with an average attendance of 80 plus kids per day. Um there are there is a link which I hope works to some great photos that um Mrs. Horning shared with us. So if you have time and you can take a look at them. If it doesn't work, let me know and I can send it to you so you can
035see them. They're a lot of fun. Uh the summary for the parks program is also attached so you can see the expenditures uh that were realized for the parks program. And I'm going to let Mrs. Horn give you a little overview of her fun she had. Hello. Um, so I've been doing the parks program for seven years. Um, it's a program that's provided by the Ridgeway School District, the Ridge Rididgeway Bureau, and the Ridgeway Township. It's for kids kindergarten through 8th grade. Kids 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th, and we get community service for it. Um, it runs six weeks like Donna said, Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Tuesdays, and Thursdays is at West End Park, which is revitalized. If you've not seen it lately, go down there. There's no running water in a bathroom. Great. Um,
036Wednesdays is up at Olsson Park. We also have running water in a bathroom up there. The first couple of years we did not carry water with me and Erica would know cuz she was there with me. They have a lot of little ones to go in the bathroom. But anyways, um I always have a theme for each week. We do all about bugs, camping, um beach week, everyday heroes, Fourth of July, and then we do water week our last week. Each week, um, we have crafts that go along with the themes and activities. I have guests that come in. Some of the things that we do, we make s'mores. We make homemade ice cream. I do all hands on deck. I call everyone I know because we have so many kids that um need help.
037We have a lot of the kindergarteners that were coming into the school this year that came this year. So, I needed a lot of extra help. We have great community that will volunteer and help me out. Um, the Christian Alliance Church comes every week and gives the kids snow cones for free. Um, the lunches every day provided by the nutrition group. They brought breakfast for the next day and then on Thursdays they brought breakfast and lunch for Friday, Saturday and Sunday and they went home with a half a gallon of milk each kid. >> Wow. >> Um, which was amazing. Um, also the community pool. I was able to last year, two years, the last two years we've done this. We go down there for a free swim day and the nutrition group makes us
038pizza. So, we have a pizza party and we get to swim all day, which is really cool. Um, the firemen are huge help to our program. Water week is the firemen. They come in and host down my kids every single day. I have blow up pools that I fill up so the kids can play with that. Um, this summer, if you'll remember, it got really, really hot. I think it was week four and I called Frank Latron and asked if he would come and he came every day and hosted every one of those things, too. So, that was really nice. Um, like Donna said, an average of 80, the most I've had this year was 120 kids. I had three people that were helping me this year. Kristen Tutton, um, Chris Kobach, and Barry McGrath.
039That's the most I've ever had helping me and I really appreciated that because we really really needed it. It helps with behaviors. It helps with especially with those little little ones, you know, we need a lot of help with that. So, that was awesome. Um, we really have a lot of fun at the parks program. The kids enjoy it. My grandson gets to come with me. He can't wait to go. He has all these new friends. And what's fun is you'll see some of the kids that are little stinkers in school, but they're really, really kind to young children and they're helpful to others, you know, and I have these high school kids that a lot of them we've had and they come back and they work with these kids and it's really rewarding to
040see. We have an amazing community and I really appreciate all the support this questions. >> Thank you, Beth, for everything you do. on to superintendent report. >> Sure. So, the first couple months of school have been really um stockpiled with do and safety pieces. So, um last week we had the fire department and the police departments, both the state and the local committee, just do a safety walkthrough, making sure all of our buildings are sound and anything that would they would think we would need. Um, we just had a couple requests and they were ones that we had were already working on which, um, historically numbers on the windows that they could see on the outside, reflective numbers on the bottom of the classroom doors. At the elementary school, they have most of those done.
041At the high school, we do not. So, that's one of the things that when we do the outside numbers, we'll be doing the inside numbers. Um, also, as Erica said, she has a young staff. I also have a young staff. So, one of the things we've been doing through leadership is bringing in community um our community partners just to see the new faces to learn the new people. So, we've had drug and alcohol come in. We've had probation come in, the district attorney has come in um just to meet and Dickinson just to let them know what services are available so that we don't miss anything that kids might need. I've had lots of meetings with RA. Um we've scheduled a monthly meeting just to stay on top of everything as we work through the
042school year. um been preparing a lot of um information for parents. Um you have received that one the other yesterday that I was getting ready to send out tomorrow. Um we have talked a lot about budget. So one of the things when people want to know how that really impacts us, one of the things I found out today because the federal government has shut down our high school students, but I'll take the ASVABs because we have no military personnel to come in and do them with them. So our ASAPs have been currently canled and for till further notice. Um, and I know that sounds kind of weird, but for a lot of kids at the high school, that's how we get their pathway to graduation. And if they don't take that as that, they could
043maybe not have a pathway. So, that's really important that we get those done at some point. But until the federal government starts paying the soldiers, we have no way to get those accomplished. Um, on a our legislative update, there's just a couple of things I want to talk about. Um, House Bill 1701, creating a school's facility inventory. So, this is one where they're going to start monitoring what every district has within the school building. Um, that was just presented. So, we'll see how that pans out when they get those um pieces together. Also, ones just um they're anticipated not to move forward, but you might hear about there's electric school bus grants and unemployment compensation for striking workers. But the ones that may impact us, um the student s ban in schools. So, that's one
044that everybody's starting to talk about. All of a sudden, it's hitting all of my news feeds. Um, but there's and there's a hearing on it on October 21st. So, I'll be interested to see how that um ends. I I am worried about it's going to end much like the masking piece. I'm worried about those how that came about. So, um when you want parents get very defensive if you take their students cell phone away. So, it could be it could be interesting how how that what that means or where that goes. Um, an interesting one for me was a cyber wellness bill where they're requiring cyber kids not to not have all of that face to or online instruction but have more face to face. So, that's interesting if you read that in my report
045there. And then the last one which might have potential impact for us, there's legislation coming out of district 16 that although we have one SRO per district was what the mandate was, now they're saying they wanted one. They're requesting one per school. So that'll I'll be interested to see where that one lands. So just things to keep your eyes on. That's all I have. >> Are there any questions? >> Yes, I I do have a question. I know that in the summer we were in the middle of a transition, but I did get some community members that asked me about the cyber charter reform petition that was um published in the St. Mary's paper and in some of the McKeen County papers. All the superintendants in those counties signed except for us. Um, so I
046just wanted to get your answer. Um, >> oh, absolutely. And Amy has an email from um, Ed Albert from Pars because she had asked me about that and I called him. I said, "Ed, I did this on the very first day and he said there was a glitch in the system and I had an email from him that says yes, you did sign that. It just didn't hit the paper." So I forwarded it to to Amy if you >> Thank you. Yeah, I think that was a question on people's minds and I thought it might have been due to the transition period, but thank you. >> Nope, I filled it out as soon as it came through. >> Any other questions? I just want to add so um both Mrs. Sadlinger and Mrs. Mowski reported
047on the budget um where it's at. Uh a few concerns. Uh the board last week did discuss the budget um and how it's impacting our district. It's impacting a lot of districts. I'm encouraging everyone here, everyone online tonight, please, please reach out to your our legislators. Let them know that this is affecting our district soon. It's going to be hitting our district very hard. the board will be making some very difficult decisions as our reserve money runs out. So, uh, in November, if this does not go through, we will be looking at several decisions, possibly borrowing money. Um, and that will affect our taxpayers in the community. So, please, please, please, um, if you have not sent out emails to the legislators, please do so. um call them, stop and see their offices, whatever you
048can do. Uh everybody needs to uh band together at this point throughout Pennsylvania and get them to pass a budget. Okay, moving on to our buildings and grounds. >> Mr. Mccertie. Okay. I move that we approve item 9A, the title one plan, 9B, the comprehensive plan, and 9C, the snow removal proposal. Second, >> we have a first and a second. Are there any questions on the motion? Could I have a roll call vote, please? >> Mr. Kobach, >> yes. >> Dr. Kaufman, >> yes. Mrs. Hanley, >> yes. >> Mrs. Holtz, >> yes. >> Miss Kick, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lowry, >> yes. >> Mr. Mccur, >> yes. >> Miss Good, >> yes. >> Moving on to FI finance. Mr. Kob, >> I move that the Ridgeway area school board approve finance 10 A through 10
049C as listed. Is that >> We have a first and a second. Are there any questions on the motion? >> Can I have a roll call vote, please? >> Dr. Kaufman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Hanley, >> yes. >> Mrs. Holt, >> yes. >> Miss Kick, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lowry, >> yes. >> Mr. McCertie, >> yes. >> Mr. Kova, >> yes. >> Miss Good. >> Yes. Motion carries. Moving on to policy. Mrs. Kemick. Um, I move that the Ridgeway Area School District approved policy items 11A as listed. >> We have a first and a second. Are there any questions on the motion? Can I have a roll call vote, please? >> Mrs. Hanley, >> yes. >> Mrs. Holtz, >> yes. >> Mrs. Kmig, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lowry. >> Yes. >> Mr. McCertie. >> Yes.
050>> Mr. Kobach. >> Yes. >> Dr. Kaufman. >> Yes. >> Miss. Good. >> Yes. Motion carries. Moving on to personnel. Dr. Kaufman. >> I move that the Richway Area School Board approve the personnel items 12A through 12 L. Second. >> We have a first and a second. Are there any questions on the motion? Roll call vote, please. >> Mrs. Holtz, >> yes. >> Miss Kick, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lowry, >> yes. >> Mr. McCertie, >> yes. >> Mr. Kova, >> yes. >> Dr. Kuffman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Hanley, >> yes. >> Miss Good, >> yes. >> Motion carries. Extracurriculars. I move that the Ridger Area School Board approve the extracurricular activities items 13A through 13 C as listed. >> We have a first and a second. Are there any questions on the motion? >> I
051have a question. How much does it cost us to have our teams go to districts? As far as busing, it's between $300 and $700 per bus depending on the length of the trip where they have to travel to. So we currently have district playoff approval of boys soccer cross country and then we have permissions uh letters for girls soccer and football. >> What are permission? >> Do you want to explain? >> Sure. So, um I did some re research on this and starting in about 2122, um if athletic teams were under 500, which is what the policy said they would be, they could um request to enter the playoffs with a less than 500 record and that's what the permission is, but it needs board approval for that to happen. >> So, we're just giving
052them permission. We're not giving them board approval. What would the difference be? >> I don't know. That's what you said. You need board approval for permission. But that does that mean >> Well, they ask us for permission to ask you for approval to go. >> So, this is an approval for them to go. >> Yes. If you vote yes tonight, you are approving for them to to attend playoffs. I don't have that word going against our policy at 50%. That didn't start until 2021. That's the last I could find on um board docs anywhere back further. There was nothing attached there. I couldn't find anything back further. >> No one else asked for permission. >> Hm. >> No one else asked for permission. Um I I can't I can't answer that. All I know is
053there was no letters of permit like request to attend before that on board doc. >> Do we have the money to support that? >> Um we don't have money for anything. >> Say it. >> Do does that have to be done this month or can it wait until next month? Playoffs will be over by the end by the end by by the November meeting. Yes, playoffs will be Yes. Sorry. >> So, we're being asked to approve entering the playoffs with a less than >> 500 record. >> Less than 500 record. And that's contrary to a policy. >> So, we're making an exception to a policy. >> Right. They're asking permission. Correct. Um, and they currently, so girls soccer has currently two games remaining. If they win those, are they in the 500? Okay. Football, they
054have three games remaining. If they win those, >> they're currently 500 right now because this was before they played last Friday where they won. So, they're currently at 500. They have two more games remaining. >> Who are they? >> Football. Football has two more games remaining. They are currently at a 500 record and they have two games remaining. Can Can we change? I mean I at this point we have a second on the motion that's on the floor. >> Yeah, we do. That's why I opened up for questions. >> So can we make um another motion that we approve district playoffs according to board policy? I would like to make that motion. Do I have a second? >> So does that mean then if if these two teams reach the 500 then they get to
055go? Is that correct? It's according to board policy. >> I like that. But I think we have to vote down the first motion. I think we have to take action on the first motion. >> Does anybody know Robert's rules well enough to >> Jennifer? >> I don't do we do we have to take action on this motion if I mean I'm guessing we would >> second one. >> There's a second motion on the floor. Well, you can't have Did you make a motion to amend? You can't have two two main motions pending at once. >> All right. So, we have to finish this motion. If you are not in favor of the district permission, then you will vote no. If the motion If the motion does not carry, then Jennifer, can we make another motion?
056>> Well, we have a motion in a second. I'm trying to So, what is the motion? Is it 13 A, B, and C? Correct. >> Or is it just A? >> It's A, B, and C. >> And Mrs. Kem, what what did you want have done differently? >> That the motion be that um the permission reflects district policy, that we only approve teams to go to playoffs according to the current district policy. So, we would take out 13B right now. >> This would mean that 13B, should they get to 500 after their games, they would be allowed to go to playoffs. >> Can they amend the first motion, Jen, to remove 13B and just vote on 13 A and C? Well, yes, you can do two things. The the people who made the motion in
057the second can agree to just modify their motion and and have it be just approval of A and C or you can make a motion to amend the main motion by striking everything that was inert. But I but I think we're also saying that the motion is that all teams that meet the board policy were approving to go to playoffs. Therefore, if those listed in 13B meet policy, they are also approved to go to playoffs. But we're not. >> My my question to the board is why do you need a motion to approve schemes to move forward consistent with board policy? I mean, if they meet board policy, it they automatically you're giving them the authority to move forward without any action. >> Correct. >> Unless the board policy says you have to approve all
058of them. >> Does does the board No. So then, so then we only need a motion to approve 13C unless there's a unless somebody wants unless So let's vote on the current motion and then if it gets voted down, we'll make an ocean for 13C. Um 13A doesn't need voted on. >> Well, she said we could amend our motion and just make it 13 C. >> Why do you need any motion? So, there are two teams, Jen, that are requesting to attend playoffs with a less than 500 record. That would require board permission. >> Oh, >> okay. >> Is that A? >> That's B. >> It's B. >> That's B. >> Yeah. >> But but A is for teams that already meet board policy. Therefore, we don't even need 13A. >> Cor. Yes, that I
059mean I don't know what that policy says off the top of my head, but presuming that you're saying that boys soccer and cross country meet the requirements of the policy, you don't need to approve them to go forward. I mean, you I don't ever remember anything like this being on the agenda before. Has it been in past years? >> Yes, >> it has. >> So, I have the policy right here. Do you want me to read it? Okay, here's this section. Participation in playoff competitions. >> What What policy? >> One, two, three. One, two, three. Um, teams entering playoff competition must have a 500 record. Individuals entering postseason competition must have the qualifying criteria of their league and that would be wrestling, gymnastics, golf, track, cross country. If the team individual does not meet the
060criteria but wants to continue um the coach does not, the matter will be discussed by the athletic director. And there's a little bit more about that. If a team in or individual does not meet the criteria, the board upon request of the respective coach will consider authorizing playoff competition based on their win loss record against schools of similar size. Okay. So, it seems to me that you don't need to approve and and I it seems like is is 13B might be approved. Are they asking for the exception now or are they asking for the exception after they play another couple games? >> It needs to happen now because playoffs will happen prior to the next board meeting. Jen So, is the statistics listed um a win loss record against schools of similar size? >> No,
061that that is not >> that's what I was going to say. Like I mean, I'm sure that's probably not even factored in there. So, like for like girls soccer, I'm sure they probably played maybe a few boys and technically that wouldn't count, I guess, under that reading of of that. So, I We can't really make a decision then because we don't have the criteria of the board policy. >> Yeah. And I don't know who they I don't know what that record. >> I'm wondering if that was stated in the board policy or teams like the football team that would play quad schools. Well, that's what he's saying that they play Dub Boys, which is definitely not a similar size to >> So, last year we were four and six when we got in because we
062played Dub Boy St. Mary's um larger schools. >> So, it worked for your benefit last year, but but this year it's working against you. >> Well, we played uh St. Mary's, which is a triple AAA score. We're going to get it. I'm not worried about that. I'm more worried about girls soccer. I think we're going to be all right. I really do. >> So, I mean, I guess what I'm asking for is justification why we would not follow board policy. And what the and if we're meeting that criteria, if the similar size schools were at a 500, it sounds to me according to board policy that we would then approve them. If they're less than 500, then it becomes a >> you're at 500. You don't have to automatically go in. >> Miss Trust. >>
063Yeah. >> When you're researching this, did you see anything um that there's teams that asked to be in that were under 500 that the board turned out? >> Nobody turned Nobody was ever turned down. >> They weren't turned down, but they didn't dance. We still went, but they didn't advance. >> And they didn't advance. So they Nobody Nobody has advanced that's had a below 500. >> They played one game and we're out. >> They play one game. And I guess the problem is is during this time of budget constraints when we have money to spend, when we aren't up against when we're looking at cutting um things that are educational. I think think that's where the board is concerned is that we don't want to spend money on non-essential educational items when we are looking
064to cut essential educational items. >> That's right. Yes, that is the issue. >> And without a budget now we're put in a position where we have to look at every penny we are spending. Um unfortunately our political um representatives are not taking this into consideration when they are uh deciding their budget and not doing it in a timely manner like we are required to do. >> And I think that's the problem and that's why we are upset is that we are required to have a budget. if we don't have a budget in an even timelier manner than the state requires because the county will then find us a certain amount if we don't have that budget. So we are penalized severely if we don't have a budget in a timely manner. The state then double
065penalizes us by not um fulfilling their fiduciary uh obligations by approving a budget in a timely manner and now we are penalizing our students twice. So I'm reviewing their schedule like the girls soccer schedule. So the only L they play St. Mary's >> twice. twice. >> Yeah. >> And we haven't played them yet, though. They're at the end. Those are the last they those aren't considered in their schedule. So, Punksy and Redbank are the only two bigger schools besides and they haven't played them yet. So, >> it's a 59 record. There's no way they're going to get to 500. >> You would take off. >> I don't even I think they might beat St. here. So, >> okay. >> I don't know. >> How do we get out of this? >> Could they have the
066option to go if they're under 500? If if I don't know, the district club paid for the bus if that's not going to be approved for you guys. >> They could do it at no cost to the district. >> I know we if if we wouldn't get the five, we would the booster club would pay for our bus. I know they would do that. That way the kids still have an opportunity to go. That's not a cost. >> So you could peel that. You could peel 13B out and approve it with the language that they can attend district playoff with a less than 500 record if there was zero cost to the school district. I mean this is really troubling because none of us here want to give you know >> or to take away
067you don't >> take away from student extracurricular activities that in the past we have been able to fund. This is this is very disheartening that we have to have this kind of conversation and the amounts in the overall budget are rather trivial. However, every penny counts and if we're looking to um curtail other acade um educational things, then this becomes really relevant and important and I think we have to follow board policy at this time. So, if there isn't a cost to the district, and as a parent, I detest making more things um respon making booster clubs more responsible for things. I really do. And I'm really um struggling with this whole thing. It doesn't make me happy in any way, shape, or form. I don't like telling booster clubs they have to do more
068fundraising to allow their their children these extracurricular opportunities. But Nora, I like telling um our superintendent that they have she has to curtail um educational opportunities either because of budget >> and and we're not doing any field trips and we're not you know for me it all kind of falls under that same umbrella. It does >> unfortunately and I feel you said it very nicely. I feel that exact same way. It's and I don't know how to get around any of that at this point right now. >> And that's the problem. >> Yeah, this would be a discretionary expense >> for sure. And that's why in the past it hasn't even come to a conversation. Unfortunately, we're no longer flush with money. We don't have the reserves that we had even a couple years ago
069and now we're we're forced to make these decisions. So what we have to do amend the motion. >> What Jennifer, is that how we do it? We amend the current motion on the floor. Yeah. Are you going I I think that's the best way in light of this conversation. And I think the best thing to do is somebody make a motion to modify it how you want. So Mrs. Chemic if you want to either strike the part that is 13B or modify 13B if you add that you're approving them moving forward. Um if there's no cost to the district but yes I think you you make a motion to amend articulate that and then if somebody then you vote on the amendment and then if that is approved then you vote on the main motion
070as amended. So, I would like to make an emot a motion to amend the motion on the floor, I guess, is how you say it. >> That right. >> Um, that Well, I move that we approve 13A. Well, it doesn't even require an approval. What I amend is that we allow teams to go to district playoffs if there is no cost to the district. and um to approve assistant coach 13C. >> What? >> So, what's the what's the motion to amend? You're you're just amending B. >> Sorry, we're just amending 13B that teams under 500 can attend playoffs if there is no cost to the district. >> Okay. So is there a second proposed >> board vote on the amendment only? >> Oh, on the amendment. >> Okay. Can I Are there any questions on
071the motion? >> Well, we need a second. Did we get that? >> Yeah, we have a first and a second. All right. Can I have a roll call vote, please? >> For the amendment. Right. Miss Kemick. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lowry. >> Yes. >> Mr. McCertie. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kobach. >> No. >> Dr. C. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Hanley. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Holes. >> Yes. >> Miss Good. >> Yes. So the amendment motion carries. >> Right. So now the the main motion as amended is is on the floor. So there can be further discussion or you can vote to whether or not to approve or fine. The main motion as amended. >> Jamie, what's your horse burn? She just doesn't want to. >> Okay. >> Which I get, which is the same reason,
072you know, >> I guess I they haven't had time to really react to this, so I I rather >> not vote for it. >> Okay. >> Any other questions? All right. So, we're going to have a roll call vote. >> I think it was the original, right, Jen? >> Well, we approved You just approved a >> We approved the amended motion. Now, we have to approve the motion. >> Somebody has to. >> Yeah. You're voting on the motion as amended. Yes or no? >> So, we're voting We have because we already made that, right? ABC. Is that what is it? >> It's been amended. So now we're making >> say >> we voted to amend. >> I move that the school board vote on the amended the motion as amended. >> Oh the motion as
073amended. So you're approving A, you're approving C and you're approving B as amended. >> All right. Okay. I just want to make sure everyone knew what we were voting on. So A C B as amended. >> Yes. I need to make that motion. I make that motion. >> No, it's already made. >> It's already made >> from the beginning. So, we need a roll call vote. >> Yep. >> The original. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Which was me and Jamie. That original one. >> Mrs. Lowry. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mccur. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kobar. >> No. >> Dr. Kaufman. Yes, >> Mrs. Hanley. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Holtz. >> Yes, >> Miss Kem. >> Yes, >> Miss Good. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. Okay. Uh, there was a workshop held October 4th, 2025. Are there
074any other matters that come before the board? All right. Um, our next meeting, we have a workshop session Tuesday, November 4th at 6:30 here at the cafeteria and our regular board meeting Tuesday, November 11th at 6:30 at the cafeteria. And I have a motion to adjurnn. So move second. >> All in favor signify by saying >> I oppose. Motion carries. Thank you everyone. >> Good night everyone. Hey.