Brandon Valley Area School District public meetings in 2022
24 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
BVA December 6, 2022 Reorganization Meeting
The Belle Vernon Area School District Board of School Directors is holding its annual reorganization meeting to elect a president and vice president for 2023, appoint a solicitor, name depositories, and designate official newspapers. The agenda is largely procedural, with no policy decisions or public hearings scheduled.
- Election of Board President and Vice President for 2023
- Appointment of Andrews & Price LLC as School Solicitor at $700 monthly retainer and $125 hourly rate
- Naming CFS Bank, PLGIT, and PSLAF as depositories for school funds
- Designating Mon Valley Independent as official newspaper, Tribune Review for multiple advertisements
BVA December 6, 2022 Work & Regular Meeting
The Belle Vernon Area School District board will hold its December 6, 2022 work and regular meeting, covering routine approvals and several notable actions. Items include approving the sale of surplus items via Municibid, purchasing a replacement van, and approving personnel changes such as hires, transfers, and leaves. The agenda also includes financial reports, contracts, and facility usage requests.
- Sale of surplus items via Municibid totaling $7,300, including a 2008 Chevy school bus for $4,000
- Purchase of a van to replace a totaled 2014 van, not to exceed $10,025
- Approval of agreement with Radcliffe Law for expulsion hearing officer at $175/hr
- Approval of personnel moves including cafeteria tier changes and substitute teacher hires
- Approval of facility usage for St. Sebastian basketball and Rostraver Cheer
BVA November 21, 2022 Regular Meeting
The Belle Vernon Area School District board will vote on routine financial approvals, personnel actions, and policy adoptions. Key items include an Act 1 resolution capping any 2023-24 tax increase at the adjusted index of 5.5%, a $9,890 boiler repair, and a new energy supply agreement. The agenda is largely procedural, with consent items for bills, reports, and hires.
- Act 1 Resolution: no tax increase above 5.5% adjusted index for 2023-24
- Boiler repair at Middle School: $9,890 plus shipping from Reno Brothers
- Energy Harbor fixed price: 10.860 cents/kWh starting December 2022
- Tax refund of $1,414.09 to Ronald and Donna Jean Hawkins due to county assessment error
- Policy 714 Video Surveillance adoption
BVA November 15, 2022 Work Session
The Belle Vernon Area School District board is holding a work session to discuss and vote on a range of operational items, including financial reports, contracts, personnel actions, and policy adoptions. Key decisions include approving the Act 1 resolution to not raise taxes above the adjusted index of 5.5% for the 2023-2024 school year, a new energy supply agreement, and several personnel hires and resignations.
- Act 1 Resolution: not to raise taxes above adjusted index of 5.5% for 2023-2024
- Energy Harbor fixed-price electricity agreement at 10.860 cents/kWh starting December 2022
- Boiler repair for Middle School: $9,890 plus shipping from Reno Brothers
- Tax refund of $1,414.09 to Ronald A. and Donna Jean Hawkins due to Westmoreland County assessment error
- Hire Dr. Eric Knorr as MES Principal at prorated salary of $100,500/year
BVA October 24, 2022 Regular Meeting
The Belle Vernon Area School District board will hold its regular meeting on October 24, 2022, to elect officers for 2023, approve various contracts and agreements, and act on financial items including fuel bids, a van purchase, and a gym repair. The agenda also includes personnel actions such as resignations and substitute hires, as well as first readings of several policies.
- Elect Michael Gossert as 2023 President, Allison Mathis as Vice President, and Kathy Swope and Roberta Marcus as PSBA Insurance trustees
- Approve $23,687 change order from Carrier Corporation for Univent changes, paid from Capital Reserve
- Award #2 diesel fuel bid to Petroleum Traders at -0.0116 and unleaded gasoline to Glassmere Fuel at +0.889
- Approve purchase of a replacement van (trade-in 2011 Kia Sedona) not to exceed $20,000 from General Fund
- Approve $10,295 for Eichenlaub Inc. to replace high school gymnasium basketball winches
BVA October 18, 2022 Work Session
The Belle Vernon Area School District board will hold a work session to discuss and vote on routine operational items, including contracts for services, fuel bids, financial reports, and personnel actions. The agenda is largely procedural, with most items listed as consent actions.
- Approve agreement with Achieving True Self for applied behavior analysis services
- Approve 2023 Spring Baseball Training trip to Tampa Bay, FL (no cost to district)
- Approve fuel bids: award #2 diesel to Petroleum Traders at -0.0116 and unleaded gasoline to Glassmere Fuel at +0.0889
- Approve purchase of replacement van (trade-in 2011 Kia Sedona) not to exceed $20,000
- Approve resignation of Dr. Deidra Stepko as Marion Elementary Principal
BVA September 20, 2022 Work Session
The Belle Vernon Area School District board is holding a work session to discuss and vote on routine operational items, including approving school trips, contracts, financial reports, and personnel changes. The agenda is largely procedural, with most items listed as consent actions.
- High School Chorus Trip to New York City, April 27-29, 2022
- High School Band Trip to Nashville/Gatlinburg, TN, April 26-30, 2022
- RFP advertisement for snow removal and salting services
- Bills presented for payment: General Fund $475,263.50
- Tuition reimbursements totaling $13,932 for four staff members
BVA August 15, 2022 Regular Meeting
The Belle Vernon Area School District board will vote on a consent agenda covering contracts, personnel changes, and financial approvals. Key items include agreements with healthcare and educational service providers, several staff resignations and hires, and payment of July bills totaling over $256,000.
- Pressley Ridge addendum: $18,550 per student per semester (increase of $550)
- Watson Institute agreement: $53,223 per student for 2 students
- Maxim Healthcare: RN $60/hr, LPN/LVN $55/hr
- STAT Staffing wage increases: LPN $52.88/hr, RN $54.88/hr, etc.
- OPW Fuel Management System purchase: $14,950 from Total Tank Works
BVA August 9, 2022 Special Voting Meeting for Personnel
The Belle Vernon Area School District board is holding a special voting meeting focused on personnel and business items. They will vote on hiring a school counselor and a student services coordinator, and will consider awarding a contract for the Multiplex Drainage project. The meeting also includes routine opening procedures and public comment.
- Approve Angela Hodge as School Counselor at $49,000 salary
- Approve Anthony Greece as Student Services Coordinator (salary not listed)
- Award Multiplex Drainage Project to Piccolomini Contractors Inc. for $85,900
- Record bids for Multiplex Drainage project
- Public comments limited to 3 minutes for district residents
BVA August 9, 2022 Work Session
The Belle Vernon Area School District Board is holding a work session to review and approve a series of routine administrative items, including student and athletic handbooks, service agreements, financial reports, and personnel actions. The agenda is largely procedural, with most items listed as consent actions. Notable items include several healthcare and staffing contracts for the 2022-2023 school year.
- Pressley Ridge addendum: semester rate per student increases to $18,550 (up $550)
- Watson Institute agreement: $53,223 per student for 2 students for 2022-2023
- Maxim Healthcare staffing: RN $60/hr, LPN/LVN $55/hr
- STAT Staffing addendum: wage increases for LPN, RN, specialty nurse, certified school nurse
- OPW Fuel Management System purchase from Total Tank Works, LLC for $14,950
BVA July 19, 2022 Combined Work Session/Regular Voting Meeting
The Belle Vernon Area School District board will hold a combined work session and regular voting meeting. Actions include appointing Jason Gross to fill a board vacancy, approving multiple contracts for the 2022-2023 school year, and awarding construction bids for freezer replacements. The board will also consider financial reports, fee changes, and policy adoptions.
- Appoint Jason Gross to fill board vacancy
- Approve SPHS Behavioral Health Services contracts for 2022-2023
- Award High School freezer construction to Caliber Contracting ($102,900) and electrical to Miller Company ($7,300)
- Approve Carrier unit ventilator installation at Middle School library ($32,280) and change order for High School ($4,370)
- Raise adult breakfast to $3.00 and lunch to $5.00; a la carte items up to $0.50 increase
BVA June 27, 2022 Regular Meeting
The Belle Vernon Area School District board will vote on the final 2022-2023 budget of $42,050,000, along with numerous contracts, agreements, and financial actions. The agenda includes approvals for educational partnerships, facility projects, and personnel changes. Several items require roll call votes, including the budget and a homestead/farmstead resolution.
- Adoption of final 2022-2023 budget of $42,050,000
- Cisco Capital Lease for $163,272.00 (5 yearly payments of $32,654.40, 0% interest)
- Middle School furniture upgrades totaling $123,532.69 (ESSER funds)
- Drainage and pavement project at Multiplex for $76,499.00
- CSC Insurance renewal for $323,529 with optional violent incident limit increase
BVA June 21, 2022 Work Session
The Belle Vernon Area School District board is holding a work session to discuss and vote on the final 2022-2023 budget of $42,050,000, a tax levy resolution, and several contracts and agreements. The agenda includes approval of the budget, tax rates, and various service agreements, as well as financial reports and policy readings.
- Adoption of final 2022-2023 budget of $42,050,000
- Tax levy resolution: 89.41 mils for North Belle Vernon and Rostraver Twp; 20.41 mils for Belle Vernon, Fayette City, Washington Twp
- Cisco Capital Lease agreement for $163,272.00 (5 yearly payments of $32,654.40, 0% interest)
- CSC Insurance renewal for $323,529, with option to increase violent incident limit to $1,000,000 for ~$7,534
- Elementary start time change: student drop-off at 8:15 am, instruction 8:50 am, dismissal 3:22 pm
BVA May 23, 2022 Regular Meeting
The board is reviewing several service agreements, including AIU services and substance abuse treatment. The meeting also includes decisions on personnel hires, tuition reimbursements, and the addition of a new Autistic Support classroom.
- Approval of ESY Summer Education Agreement at a $2,000 tuition rate
- Rejection of freezer bids for Marion Elementary and High School
- Sale of 2007 F-350 truck to Andrew Mincer for $8,900
- Approval of tuition reimbursements totaling $7,740.00
- Addition of a full-time elementary music position for the 2022-2023 school year
BVA May 17, 2022 Work Session
The Belle Vernon Area School District Board is holding a work session to review several financial and operational items. Key discussions include the adoption of the proposed final budget, various contract approvals, and the rejection of recent freezer bids.
- Adoption of the Proposed Final Budget for the 2022-20rag school year
- Rejection of all freezer bids for Marion Elementary and the High School
- Approval of a $2,000 tuition rate for the ACLD's ESY Summer Education Program
- Awarding the sale of a 2007 F-350 truck to Andrew Mincer for $8,900
- Approval of agreement with Adelphoi Education Systems for behavioral and emotional support
BVA April 25, 2022 Regular Meeting
The Belle Vernon Area School District board is holding its regular meeting to approve various contracts, agreements, and financial items. This includes agreements with Chestnut Ridge/New Directions, Seton Hill University, and Duquesne University, as well as awarding bids for bus supplies, motor oil, and tires. The board will also review and approve financial statements, bills, and reports for March 2022.
- Contract with Chestnut Ridge/New Direction Counseling Services for partial hospitalization services
- Renewal of Letter of Agreement with Seton Hill University for dual credit program (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023)
- Agreement with Duquesne University for field experiences and student teaching (June 1, 2022 - June 1, 2027)
- Award bids for bus supplies to Penn Power Group, motor oil to PPC Lubricants, and tires to Goodyear and Good Tire Service
- Bills presented for payment: General Fund $276,596.89, Transportation $10,280.47
BVA April 19, 2022 Work Session
The Board of Directors met for a work session to review departmental reports, approve various service agreements, and review recent expenditures. The meeting included the presentation of monthly financial statements, investment reports, and several vendor bids for school supplies.
- Approval of contract with Chestnut Ridge/New Direction Counseling Services for student services
- Renewal of Seton Hill University College in High School Dual Credit Program agreement
- Approval of Duquesne University agreement for student teaching and internships through 2027
- Awarding of bus supplies bid to Penn Power Group, LLC
- Approval of $23,612.73 oven bid to Singer for the Middle School
BVA April 12, 2022 Proposed Budget Meeting
The Belle Vernon Area School District board is holding a proposed budget meeting to review the 2022-2023 budget. The agenda includes a presentation of the proposed budget, followed by comments from the board, administration, and citizens. No votes on the budget are listed; the meeting is primarily informational.
- Presentation of Proposed 2022-2023 Budget (attached PDF)
- Approval of the agenda (action item)
- Citizen comments limited to 3 minutes, must be district residents
- Meeting held at Belle Vernon Area Leopard Hall at 6:00 pm
BVA March 21, 2022 Regular Agenda
The Belle Vernon Area School District board will vote on routine consent items including February financial reports, bills totaling over $900,000, the sale of three used trucks, and the purchase of a dump trailer. They will also approve the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit's 2022-2023 operating budget and several agreements for the upcoming school year.
- Approve February bills: General Fund $385,765.38, fixed charges $517,966.40, cafeteria $74,757.57
- Sell 2007 F-550 dump truck for $12,600, 2007 F-350 for $6,000, 2010 F-350 for $12,300
- Purchase dump trailer from Smouse Trailers for $13,500 from truck sale proceeds
- Approve WIU 2022-2023 operating budget with district contribution of $9,484.98
- Approve purchase of repeater from Lauttamus Communications for $7,567.15
BVA March 15, 2022 Work Session
The Board of School Directors met for a work session to review departmental reports and financial statements. Key discussions included approving various service agreements, equipment purchases, and the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit operating budget.
- Approval of Mt. Aloysius College Cooperative Agreement at $65 per credit
- Purchase of a radio repeater from Lauttamus Communications & Security for $7,567.15
- Purchase of a dump trailer from Smouse Trailers & Snow Equipment for $13,500
- Approval of Westmoreland Intermediate Unit #7 budget with a district contribution of $9,484.98
- Purchase of record boards from Team Fitz Graphics for $14,915.00
BVA February 21, 2022 Regular Meeting
The Belle Vernon Area School District Board will hold its regular meeting on February 21, 2022, at 7:00 PM in Leopard Hall. The board will consider appointing Janis Niemiec to fill a vacancy, and will vote on several contracts and financial items, including a $438,785 lease for five additional school buses, a $25,000 Student Assistance Program liaison, and a $22,827.78 auditorium carpet installation. The agenda also includes recognitions, a presentation from the Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center, and adoption of revised policies.
- Appointment of Janis Niemiec to fill a board vacancy
- Lease of 5 additional school buses at $438,785.00 for 2022-23
- SAP liaison for 2022-2023 at $25,000 funded by ESSER grant
- Auditorium carpet installation at $22,827.78 from Capital Reserve Fund
- Approval of June 30, 2021 audit and $319,074.98 in January bills
BVA February 15, 2022 Work Session
The school board is reviewing several financial and operational items, including a security system replacement for the Middle School. The agenda also includes discussions on contract extensions, personnel hires, and various departmental reports.
- Purchase of new Middle School security system from Dagostino Electronic Services for $9,654.66
- One-year extension to Reno Brothers Service Agreement in the amount of $99,480.00
- Approval of a 2-year natural gas agreement with Snyder Brothers Inc.
- Trade-in of a 2011 Kia Soul for a new minivan not to exceed $20,000
- Lease of 5 additional school buses through Thomas Transportation
BVA January 24, 2022 Regular Meeting
The Belle Vernon Area School Board will act on a resignation and appointment to fill a board vacancy, and approve a consent agenda that includes major purchases: a $97,914 Carrier A/C unit for the high school gym and $154,383 in auditorium seating from Maffei Strayer Furnishings. The board will also consider contracts, personnel changes, financial reports, and policy revisions.
- Approve $97,914 Carrier A/C installation for HS gym from Capital Reserve
- Approve $154,383 auditorium seating purchase from Maffei Strayer Furnishings (ESSER II funds)
- Approve 1-year Reno Brothers service extension for $99,480
- Approve Radcliffe Law as hearing officer for expulsion at $175/hr
- Approve resignation of board director Justin Kosanko and appoint replacement
BVA January 18, 2022 Work Session
The Belle Vernon Area School District Board will hold a work session to discuss and vote on several financial and operational items, including the installation of an A/C unit at the high school gymnasium, a service agreement extension, and the approval of the 2022-2023 school calendar. The agenda also includes routine approvals of minutes, financial reports, and personnel resignations.
- Motion to approve $97,914 for Carrier installation of A/C unit at High School Gymnasium from Capital Reserve
- Motion to approve 1-year extension to Reno Brothers Service Agreement for $99,480
- Motion to approve purchase of 2 tailgate salt spreaders from Sabre for $5,670
- Motion to approve 2022-2023 school calendar
- Motion to approve advertisement for sealed bids to sell 2007 F-350, 2007 F-550 Dump Truck, and 2010 F-350