Erie City School District public meetings in 2020
41 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board approved a consent agenda including the purchase of CKLA curriculum materials for $77,686.02 and the appointment of representatives for tax collection with Berkheimer. The meeting also included reports on enrollment and staffing.
- Approval of CKLA curriculum materials from Amplify Education, Inc. for $77,686.02
- Amendment to Confidential Contact Resolution with Berkheimer for tax collection
- Approval of Superintendent's report and committee liaison reports
- Student enrollment and staffing totals for November 2020
- Moment of silence for four former district employees
Special Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board voted to permit winter sports and extracurricular activities contingent on compliance with health and safety plans, with the ability for the superintendent to shut down operations if necessary. The board also approved an amended athletic health and safety plan for the 2020-2021 school year.
- Permittance of Winter 2020 Sports and Extracurricular Activities (Option 1)
- Amended PK-12 Athletic Health and Safety Plan for 2020-2021 School Year
- Permittance of Winter 2020 Sports in the event of hybrid or in-person instruction (Option 3)
- Cancellation of Winter 2020 Sports and Extracurricular Activities (Option 2)
- Motion to reconsider the question and re-vote Item #3.01
Reorganization Meeting
The Board of Directors met to reorganize the board as prescribed by the School Code. The meeting focused on the election of leadership positions for the board.
- Election of Tyler Titus as President of the Erie School Board
- Election of Darlene Feeney as Vice President of the Erie School Board
- Election of John Harkins as Temporary Chair
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board approved two change orders for the District-Wide Security Vestibule Project, deducting $57,778.86 from the total budget. The meeting also included the approval of the Superintendent's report and committee reports.
- Change Order #1 to General Construction Contract with E.E. Austin & Son, Inc. ($19,452.00)
- Change Order #1 to Electrical Construction Contract with Newco Electric Co., Inc. ($38,326.86)
- Approval of Report of Superintendent
- Approval of Reports of Committees and Liaisons
- Moment of silence for nine deceased staff and community members
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet to review the 2019-20 audit, discuss Erie County COVID-19 cases, and evaluate a school closure decision tree and hybrid instruction models. The meeting is held online via Zoom.
- Review of 2019-20 audit by Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC
- Discussion of Erie County COVID-19 cases
- Presentation on school closure decision tree
- Discussion on hybrid instruction models
- Review of Wilson Fire incident
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet online on November 4, 2020, to discuss the Erie High School renovation, school reopening plans, and 2019-20 financial results. The meeting will include a public hearing for four residents regarding high school sports cancellations and athletic programs.
- Public hearing for residents regarding Erie High School sports cancellations
- Erie High School Renovation presentation by HHSDR Architects & Engineers
- Reopening Update presented by Assistant Superintendent Teresa Szumigala
- 2019-20 Financial Results presented by Superintendent Brian J. Polito
- Non-Public Transportation discussion led by Solicitor Timothy S. Wachter
Committee of the Whole
The Erie School Board's Committee of the Whole meets online to discuss the district's return-to-school plan, with presentations from the superintendent and operations director. The board will also hear a presentation on student engagement initiatives from the coordinator of educational equity and diversity. Items are for discussion and information only; no votes are scheduled.
- Discussion of return-to-school plan by Superintendent Brian J. Polito, Assistant Superintendent Teresa Szumigala, and Executive Director of Operations Neal Brokman.
- Presentation on student engagement initiatives by Coordinator Ken Nickson, with attached report.
- Review of meeting agenda including new business and supplemental new business items.
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie School Board approved a contract with HUB International for processing Affordable Care Act tax documents at a cost of $250 per Tax ID. The meeting also included reports on enrollment and committee activities.
- Agreement with HUB International for ACA tax document processing ($250 per Tax ID)
- Approval of Superintendent's report
- Approval of committee reports
- Presentation on Roosevelt School athletic field
- Unfinished business regarding non-public school transportation (tabled)
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet online to discuss school operations, including ventilation, return-to-school plans, and athletic spectator policies. The meeting will also cover surplus equipment, police evaluations, and a memorandum of understanding.
- Online public comment registration deadline
- Return to School Options discussion
- Building Ventilation discussion
- Police Memorandum of Understanding
- Surplus Student Desks discussion
Special Board Meeting
The Erie School Board held a special meeting to award two contracts for district-wide ventilation upgrades. The board approved a $656,000 HVAC contract to Rabe Environmental Systems Inc. and a $159,700 electrical contract to Keystone Electric Division of Zenith Systems, LLC. The board also amended the health and safety plan to allow outdoor athletic participants to receive two tickets for household members, and continued the table on a non-public school transportation resolution until October.
- Contract award to Rabe Environmental Systems Inc. for $656,000 for HVAC construction for district-wide ventilation upgrades
- Contract award to Keystone Electric Division of Zenith Systems, LLC. for $159,700 for electrical construction for district-wide ventilation upgrades
- Motion to amend Health and Safety Plan to permit up to two tickets per athlete for outdoor home games, limited to household members
- Continued tabling of Eligible Non-Public Schools Transportation Resolution until October 14, 2020
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss the school reopening plan and vote on Pennsylvania School Boards Association officers. The meeting will be held online via Zoom.
- Reopening Update presentation
- Election of 2021 PSBA Officers
- Non-Public Transportation discussion
- Review of meeting agenda
- Executive Session
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School Board approved a tax abatement for a church and transferred student and capital funds between banks. The meeting was held online via Zoom.
- Abatement of $8,952.38 in school taxes for New Life and Spirit Revival Center
- Transfer of $4,934.26 from PNC Bank to ASL Student Activity Fund
- Transfer of Capital Projects (Fund 30) funds from PNC Investments to First National Bank of PA
- Approval of Superintendent's report and committee reports
- No public comments were received
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will hold informational presentations on several topics, including the 2020‑21 school reopening plan, building ventilation, health and safety, and non‑public transportation. It will also review the KOZ Extension, Title IX policy updates, and the appointment of voting delegates and election of officers for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association. No formal decisions are indicated; the meeting is primarily for discussion and public comment.
- 2020‑21 Reopening presentation by Assistant Superintendent Teresa Szumigala
- Building ventilation discussion with HHSDR Architects and CJL Engineering
- KOZ Extension discussion presented by City of Erie Community and Economic Development Director Chris Groner
- Title IX policy review led by Solicitor Jennifer E. Gornall
- Appointment of voting delegates and election of PSBA officers presented by Board President John C. Harkins
Special Board Meeting
The Erie City School Board met online on August 26, 2020 to consider health measures and extracurricular activities. The board approved a Temperature Screening Agreement with Interim HealthCare of Pittsburgh, Inc., dba Interim HealthCare of Erie, and authorized fall 2020 sports and extracurricular activities to proceed subject to approved health and safety plans. A motion to adjourn the meeting was adopted at 2:17 p.m.
- Approval of Temperature Screening Agreement with Interim HealthCare of Pittsburgh, Inc., dba Interim HealthCare of Erie
- Permission for Fall 2020 sports and extracurricular activities to proceed contingent on health and safety plans
- Cancellation of Fall 2020 sports and extracurricular activities (not voted due to prior approval)
- Motion to adjourn meeting at 2:17 p.m.
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Board of Directors will meet as a Committee of the Whole on August 12, 2020, via Zoom at 5:00 p.m. The agenda includes a review of the Health and Safety Plan, Title IX compliance, and general new business.
- Health and Safety Plan discussion
- Title IX compliance discussion
- Review of meeting agenda and new business
- Executive session scheduled
- Meeting adjournment
Regular Board Meeting
The Board of Directors of the School District of the City of Erie met to approve the Superintendent's report and various new business items. The board discussed student enrollment for August 2020 and heard public comments regarding online schooling and fall sports.
- Amendment to End User License Agreement with Infinite Campus, Inc. for $7,213.33
- Adoption of Career and Technical Education Course Task Grids for 2020-2021 at Erie High School
- Approval of August 2020 Student Enrollment Reports (Public and Non-public)
- Public comment on moving all students to online school until spring 2021
- Public comment on fall sports and district reopening plans
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss operational plans for the upcoming school year, including health and safety protocols and academic strategies. The board will also review the student handbook and the real estate tax schedule.
- Health & Safety Plan discussion
- Accelerated Learning Plan discussion
- Student Handbook and Dress Code review
- 2020-21 Athletics discussion
- Real Estate Tax Schedule discussion
Special Board Meeting
The Erie School Board met in special session to consider health and safety plans for the upcoming school year during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a tabled resolution failed (5-2), the board approved a revised version (8-1) that gives the superintendent flexibility for instruction. An amendment to limit in-person instruction to the Green Phase was rejected (3-6).
- Motion to remove tabled resolution from the table passed 7-0
- Original resolution to approve health and safety plans failed 5-2
- Revised resolution to approve updated health and safety plans passed 8-1
- Amendment to require in-person instruction only during Green Phase failed 3-6
- No public comments were preregistered for the meeting
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is discussing options and perspectives for reopening schools. The board is taking action on a Health and Safety Plan and an Athletic Health and Safety Plan.
- Action on Health and Safety Plan presented by Brian J. Polito, Teresa Szumigala, and Neal Brokman
- Discussion of Reopening Plan Options with Superintendent Brian J. Polito
- Information from Jon McEnroe, Erie County Safety/Training Coordinator regarding the Erie County Department of Health
- Perspective on reopening from Blue Coats Coordinator Daryl Craig
Special Board Meeting
The board is meeting to consider adopting health and safety plans for the 2020-2021 school year, along with discussions on the reopening plan, student handbook revisions, and a dress code update. Action items include a $246,800 agreement with Eagle's Nest Leadership Corporation, a $9,000 summer school program, and disposition of surplus vehicles.
- Adoption of health and safety plans for 2020-2021 school year
- $246,800 agreement with Eagle's Nest Leadership Corp for the Eagle's Nest Program of Academic Distinction
- $9,000 Eagle's Nest Summer School for Reading and Math
- Disposition of surplus vehicles to highest bidder(s)
- Revisions to Student Handbook and Code of Conduct for 2020-2021
Special Board Meeting
The Board of Directors of the School District of the City of Erie met in a special session to adopt the proposed 2020-21 final budget. The meeting included public comments regarding the budget and the district's police contracts. The board also approved several administrative contracts and a tax abatement.
- Adoption of the proposed 2020-21 final budget
- Public comments regarding the termination or reallocation of a $1 million police contract
- Tax abatement of $424.57 for 320/322 Reed Street
- Agreement with Scribbles Software, LLC for child accounting software totaling $9,600.00
- Agreement with REABAH, INC. d/b/a Networking Technologies for Azure Windows VDI configuration totaling $4,950.00
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Board of Directors meets as a Committee of the Whole to discuss and receive information on several items, including a Roosevelt School demonstration, CARES Act funding allocation, and the proposed 2020-21 budget. No votes are scheduled; the meeting is informational and includes time for new business.
- Roosevelt Demo – presentation by Executive Director of Operations Neal Brokman
- CARES Act Funding discussion led by Neal Brokman
- 2020-21 Budget overview from Superintendent Brian J. Polito
- Review of June 10 meeting agenda and new business
- Supplemental new business
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School Board approved the superintendent's report and a consent agenda including software contracts for internet filtering and business management. The meeting was held online via Zoom.
- Approval of $23,332.22 agreement with BorderLAN Security for ContentKeeper internet filter
- Approval of $52,354.86 agreement with PowerSchool Group LLC for BusinessPlus software renewal
- Approval of Superintendent Brian J. Polito's report
- Approval of committee and liaison reports
- Moment of silence for seven deceased staff and community members
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet online to discuss the 2020-21 preliminary budget, instructional plan, and facilities plan. The public can view the meeting on YouTube and preregister for online comments.
- Meeting moved to online format
- Public comment preregistration required
- 2020-21 Preliminary Budget & Projections
- 2020-21 Instructional Plan
- Facilities Plan
Committee of the Whole
The Erie School District Board will meet as a Committee of the Whole online via Zoom. They will discuss the 2020-21 Instructional Plan and the Collegiate Renovation Project. The meeting also includes review of the agenda and any other business.
- 2020-21 Instructional Plan discussion
- Collegiate Renovation Project discussion
- New Business and Supplemental New Business
- Executive Session
- Meeting held online via Zoom
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board approved the proposed final budget for 2020-21 as a work-in-progress, with final adoption due by June 30. The board also heard the superintendent's report, received student enrollment and staffing reports, and held a moment of silence for former staff members who passed away. Executive sessions were held on May 6 and 13 regarding legal, personnel, and negotiation matters.
- Approval of proposed final budget for 2020-21 (work-in-progress)
- Student Enrollment Reports (Public and Non-public) for May 2020
- Staffing Totals for April 2020
- Moment of silence for Thomas J. Parry, Eva Tucker Jr., and Rita DeCarolis
- Certificate of Appreciation to Kailyn Fedak, student representative
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet online on May 6, 2020, to discuss the 2020-21 preliminary budget, online instruction updates, and graduation plans. The meeting is a procedural committee session with no formal votes scheduled.
- Online public comment preregistration required by email
- 2020-21 Preliminary Budget and Projections presentation
- Online Instruction Update presentation
- Graduation/Senior Recognition discussion
- Charter School Enrollment Cap Policy discussion
Committee of the Whole
The Board of Directors will meet via Zoom to discuss the upcoming school year. Superintendent Brian J. Polito is scheduled to present the 2020-21 Budget. The meeting also includes discussion on new and supplemental business.
- 2020-21 Budget presentation by Superintendent Brian J. Polito
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board approved the Superintendent's report and several travel expense corrections for staff who attended conferences in New Orleans and Youngstown. The meeting was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Approval of Superintendent Report
- Correction to travel for STEM Education Summit in New Orleans
- Correction to travel for Lake Erie Model UN in Youngstown
- Meeting held via Zoom due to pandemic
- Moment of silence for retired custodian Francis Rinderle
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will hold its April 1 meeting online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The agenda includes updates on instructional and special education plans, emergency school code amendments, and a preliminary budget presentation.
- Meeting moved to online format
- Public comment preregistration required
- Instructional Plan update
- Special Education Plan update
- Preliminary Budget Presentation
Committee of the Whole
The Erie School Board meets as a Committee of the Whole for general business. They will discuss the COVID-19 Continuity Plan presented by Superintendent Polito. Other items include a Banking RFP, charter enrollment, and the Eagle's Nest program. The meeting also includes Stairclimber Awards and review of the agenda.
- Discussion of COVID-19 Continuity Plan
- Discussion of Banking RFP
- Discussion of Charter Enrollment
- Presentation of Stairclimber Awards
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board of Directors holds a regular meeting with procedural opening items, including a moment of silence for several deceased staff and family members. The board recognizes Stairclimber Award recipients and Grover Cleveland Elementary for a Title I Distinguished School award. Reports are presented on curriculum, student enrollment, and staffing totals for February 2020. The board approves the superintendent's report, committee reports, and a consent agenda for new business by voice vote. The agenda is primarily procedural with recognitions and reports; no major financial decisions are listed.
- Recognition of Stairclimber Award recipients for improvements in attendance, behavior, and classroom performance
- Grover Cleveland Elementary School presented with Title I Distinguished School Award
- Curriculum update presented by Director Nora Dolak
- Student Enrollment Reports (public and non-public) for March 2020
- Staffing Totals for February 2020 approved as part of consent agenda
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss the 2020-21 school calendar, the Facilities Plan, and a review of a pilot program. The meeting will also include presentations on a high school technology demonstration, an outdoor classroom project, and a special education program review.
- Discussion of 2020-21 school calendar
- Presentation on Outdoor Classroom & Conservation Project at JoAnna Connell
- Review of Pilot Program
- Discussion of Facilities Plan
- Presentation on Scholarchip technology
Committee of the Whole
The Board of Directors of the School District of the City of Erie is meeting as a Committee of the Whole for general business. The session includes presentations and discussions on district operations and community relations.
- Discussion of Roosevelt Demolition with Executive Director of Operations Neal Brokman
- Discussion of Student Handbook Updates with Assistant Superintendent Bea Habursky and Solicitor Jennifer E. Gornall
- Presentation from Erie Downtown Development Corporation CEO John Persinger
- Discussion of We Love Erie's Public Schools Week
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie School District Board of Directors met for a regular session including presentations on career and technical education. The meeting included student recognitions, enrollment reports, and updates on executive sessions.
- Career and Technical Education Recruitment Plan presentation
- Recognition of Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. and the Foundation for Erie's Public Schools
- Stairclimber Award student recognitions
- Student Enrollment Reports for February 2020
- Staffing Totals for January 2020
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss general business, including a presentation on the Minority Book Drive and updates on custodial, collegiate, and construction projects. The board will also review the draft agenda for the next meeting.
- Presentation on the Minority Book Drive for Erie's Public Schools
- Custodial Request for Proposals (RFP)
- Collegiate Bids
- Roosevelt Demo
- Review of the February 12, 2020 meeting agenda
Regular Board Meeting
The Board of Directors of the School District of the City of Erie met to review the Superintendent's report and recognize students and community members. The meeting included reports on student enrollment and staffing totals.
- Approval of the Report of Superintendent presented by Mr. Brian J. Polito
- Recognition of community supporters for fundraising for the Biletnikoff Field sign replacement
- Presentation of January 2020 Student Enrollment Reports (Public and Non-public)
- Review of Staffing Totals for December 2019
- Recognition of 17 Stairclimber Award recipients for attendance, behavior, and classroom performance
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole met on January 22, 2020, at East Middle School to discuss general business, including policy updates and handbook revisions. The meeting concluded with an adjournment.
- Responsible Contracting with the District Policy discussion
- Student Handbook Revisions discussion
- Review of agenda items and new business
- Separations discussion
- Any Other Matter discussion
Public Hearing to Present to the Public the Selected Proposal of a Third Party to Perform Custodial and/or Custodial Supervision Services.
The Board of School Directors is holding a public hearing to present a selected proposal from a third party. This proposal concerns custodial and custodial supervision services for all facilities owned and operated by the School District.
- Public hearing regarding a Request for Proposals for Custodial and Custodial Supervision Services
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss the results of a custodial outsourcing bid, 2018-19 budget transfers, and a middle school math curriculum recommendation. The meeting will also review the draft agenda for the January 22 regular board meeting.
- Custodial Outsourcing Bid Results
- 2018-19 Budget Transfers
- Middle School Math Curriculum Recommendation
- Collegiate Renovations
- Review of January 22 Regular Board Agenda
Special Board Meeting
The Erie School District Board is meeting in special session to consider adopting the Act 1 Resolution for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, which commits the board to not increase any school district tax at a rate exceeding the Act 1 Index of 4.0%. The board also will consider approving a proclamation honoring former board director Eva Tucker Jr., and other general business items.
- Adoption of Act 1 Resolution (Taxpayer Relief Act) for 2020-2021, capping any tax increase at the index of 4.0%
- Proclamation honoring former Erie School Board Director Eva Tucker Jr.
- Approval of New Business: School District as presented (consent agenda)