Erie City School District public meetings in 2021
42 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board of Directors met to approve the Superintendent's report and committee reports. The board also approved a request to abate and exonerate unpaid school taxes for a property on West 3rd Street.
- Approval of Superintendent's report
- Approval of committee reports
- Abatement of taxes for 521 W. 3rd Street ($581.64)
- Recognition of Stairclimber Award recipients
- Moment of silence for deceased staff
Reorganization Meeting
This is a reorganization meeting of the Erie City School District Board of Directors. The board elected Lori A. Pickens as President and John C. Harkins as Vice President. Four newly elected members were sworn in. No policy or budgetary items were discussed.
- Election of Lori A. Pickens as Board President (unanimous)
- Election of John C. Harkins as Vice President (7-2)
- Swearing in of newly elected members Jay Breneman, Lauren Gillespie, Daria S. Devlin, and Leatra B. Tate
- Appointment of John C. Harkins as Temporary Chairperson to preside over the election (6-3)
- Meeting adjourned at 5:47 p.m.
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss COVID-19 updates and the health and safety plan. The board will also review the agendas for the upcoming reorganization and regular meetings.
- COVID Update presentation
- Health and Safety Plan discussion
- Review of December 8, 2021 meeting agendas
- Hearing of citizens
- Executive session
Special Board Meeting
The Erie School Board voted to award contracts for Phase II renovations at Woodrow Wilson Middle School. The board approved a $3,086,000 general construction contract to Hudson Group, Inc. and a $4,495,000 HVAC contract to Rabe Environmental Systems, Inc. The board also approved an administrative athletic appointment and removed previously tabled bid items from the November 10 meeting for action.
- Award of $3,086,000 general construction contract to Hudson Group, Inc. for Woodrow Wilson Middle School Phase II renovations
- Award of $4,495,000 HVAC contract to Rabe Environmental Systems, Inc. for same project
- Consideration of contract award to Penn-Ohio Electrical Contractors for electrical construction (amount not specified in provided agenda)
- Approval of administrative athletic appointment (non-bargaining) for Dale Mills
- Removal from table of four bid items for Phase II renovations
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie School Board met to discuss various administrative items and reports. The board approved a motion to submit correspondence to the Pennsylvania Department of Education requesting the district be removed from Financial Watch Status.
- Motion to request removal of Erie School District from Financial Watch Status
- Recognition of 8 years of service for Directors Angela McNair and Thomas Spagel
- Recognition of outgoing President Dr. Tyler Titus and Directors Darlene Feeney, Angela McNair, and Thomas Spagel
- Presentation of November 2021 Stairclimber Awards to students across various schools
Committee of the Whole
The Erie School Board meets as a Committee of the Whole to discuss general business, including Wilson Phase II renovations, after-school programming, and the district's financial watch status. No votes or decisions are scheduled; all items are for discussion and information only.
- Discussion on Wilson Phase II Renovations presented by Mr. Neal Brokman
- Discussion on After School Programming by Ms. Teresa Szumigala and Ms. Karin Ryan
- Financial Watch Status update by Superintendent Brian J. Polito
- Review of meeting agenda and any new business
Special Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board approved a three-year contract for snow plowing, removal, salting, and ground maintenance with Empire Snow Management, Inc., and Yardmaster, Inc. The meeting also included procedural items and an adjournment.
- Award on Bid for Three (3) Year Snow Plowing, Removal, Salting and Ground Maintenance to Empire Snow Management, Inc., and Yardmaster, Inc.
- Committee of the Whole Meeting to follow immediately after
- Three (3) Minute Speakers period available for public comment
- Motion to Adjourn Meeting at 5:39 p.m.
- Meeting held at Dr. James E. Barker Leadership Center, 148 West 21st Street
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet on November 3, 2021, to discuss Blended Case Managers, Auditor General Findings, and Wilson M.S. Phase II Bids. The meeting will also include a review of the draft agenda for the November 10 meeting.
- Hearing of Citizens - 3 Minutes
- Blended Case Managers - Ms. Scherry Prater
- Auditor General Findings - Mr. Neal Brokman
- Wilson M.S. Phase II Bids - Mr. Neal Brokman
- Review of Draft November 10, 2021 Meeting Agenda
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board met to discuss a proposed sales agreement with Woda Cooper Development, Inc. The board also reviewed superintendent reports and student enrollment data.
- Proposed sale of former Irving School at 2310 Plum Street and adjacent lot for $400,000
- Recognition of October 2021 Stairclimber Award recipients
- Public comment regarding elementary student busing
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole met on October 13, 2021, to discuss facilities planning, student services, and COVID-19 updates. The meeting was held at East Middle School and adjourned without taking formal action on the agenda items.
- Facilities Plan presentation by Neal Brokman
- Student Services update by Teresa Szumigala
- COVID-19 update by Neal Brokman
- Discussion on 2022 PSBA Officer election
- Review of agenda and new business
Special Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board met in a special session on October 6, 2021 at the Dr. James E. Barker Leadership Center, 148 West 21st Street. The board considered three‑year bids for snow plowing, removal, salting and ground maintenance covering the 2021‑2022, 2022‑2023 and 2023‑2024 school years. It resolved to reject the received bids and directed the administration to rebid the contract. The meeting then moved to other business and adjourned at 5:36 p.m.
- Reject bids for three‑year snow plowing, removal, salting and ground maintenance contract (2021‑2024)
- Direct administration to rebid the snow plowing contract
- Three‑minute speaker session
- Any other matter discussion
- Motion to adjourn the meeting
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Board of Directors will meet in a special session to consider snow plowing bids, followed by a Committee of the Whole meeting for general business. Discussion items include policing policies, after-school and summer programming RFP, snow plowing and exterior maintenance RFP, a stadium commission presentation, and the Pfeiffer-Burleigh sign. The meeting also covers the 2022 election of PSBA officers and review of a draft agenda.
- Special session to consider snow plowing bids
- Discussion of Policing Policies with Executive Director Neal Brokman
- After School & Summer Programming RFP discussion
- Snow Plowing and Exterior Maintenance RFP discussion
- Pfeiffer-Burleigh Sign discussion
Committee of the Whole
The Erie School Board Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss general business, hear from citizens, and receive a recommendation from the Police Committee. The meeting is scheduled for September 23, 2021.
- Police Committee Recommendation to be presented
- Hearing of Citizens
- Meeting at Dr. James E. Barker Leadership Center
- Live viewing available on YouTube
- Meeting adjournment
Committee of the Whole
The Erie School District Board of Directors meets as a Committee of the Whole to discuss a health and safety plan and a police recommendation from the superintendent and operations director. The meeting includes review of new business items, though supplemental new business was removed prior to the meeting. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion-only session.
- Health & Safety Plan discussion led by Executive Director of Operations
- Police Recommendation presented by Superintendent and Operations Director
- Supplemental New Business item removed prior to meeting
Regular Board Meeting
The Board of School Directors of the School District of the City of Erie met to review superintendent and committee reports. The board approved a hosted voice service agreement and travel for board members to an equity symposium.
- Agreement with Velocity Network for Hosted Voice Service at Woodrow Wilson Middle School: $485.85 monthly charge and $2,800.00 hardware and implementation charge
- Travel for interested Board Members to the National School Boards Association Equity Symposium West in Oklahoma City, OK, October 22-23, 2021
- September 2021 Student Enrollment Reports (Public and Non-public)
- Staffing Totals as of August 1, 2021
- Public comment from Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier (LEAF) regarding the ReLeaf initiative
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet to review a facilities plan, update health and safety protocols, and discuss a COVID testing program. The meeting will also include a review of the draft agenda for the next meeting.
- Facilities Plan presentation by HHSDR Architects/Engineers
- Health & Safety Plan Update
- COVID Testing Program discussion
- Police Committee Recommendation
- Review of draft September 8, 2021 agenda
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss the Facilities Plan, Health & Safety Plan, and the Garden Program. The meeting is a general business session with no formal votes scheduled.
- Facilities Plan presentation
- Health & Safety Plan discussion
- Garden Program update
- Fall Open Houses discussion
- Review of meeting agenda
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie School Board will vote on an agreement with Eagle's Nest Leadership Corporation for $334,824 for the 2021-2022 school year. They will also hear a summer school presentation from Lincoln Elementary, receive student enrollment reports, and consider travel for board members to PSBA workshops. Public comments are scheduled regarding Jefferson Elementary playground and field access.
- Agreement with Eagle's Nest Leadership Corporation for $334,824 for the Eagle's Nest Program of Academic Distinction
- Travel for board members to PSBA workshops in Pennsylvania, expenses paid from Board Travel account
- Citizen comments on managing public access to Jefferson Elementary School playground and permits for Jefferson Field
- Summer school presentation by Lincoln Elementary School students
- Student enrollment reports for August 2021 (public and non-public)
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Board will meet as a Committee of the Whole to discuss updates on the 2021‑22 school year, health and safety plans, facilities planning, and several district programs. Presentations will include the Erie County Veterans Memorial Park, the Mentor Program, and the Social Studies Curriculum. The meeting also covers virtual participation in board meetings and a review of the draft agenda for the August 11 meeting.
- Erie County Veterans Memorial Park presentation by Ms. Barbara Hauck and Ms. Mary Jane Koenig
- Mentor Program discussion led by Ms. Natalie Fatica
- Social Studies Curriculum discussion led by Ms. Nora Dolak
- Virtual Participation in Board Meetings discussion by Dr. Tyler Titus
- 2021‑22 School Year Update presented by Superintendent Brian J. Polito and Assistant Superintendent Teresa Szumigala
Special Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board approved coaching appointments for the 2021-2022 school year and a revised Health and Safety Plan for the upcoming academic year during a special session.
- Approval of coaching appointments for 2021-2022 school year
- Approval of revised District Health and Safety Plan for 2021-2022
- Meeting held at Dr. James E. Barker Leadership Center, 148 W. 21st Street
- Meeting adjourned at 10:23 a.m.
- Voting body: Erie School Board of Directors
Special Board Meeting
The Erie School Board held a special meeting and approved a consent agenda including an agreement with the United Way of Erie County to expand the Community School Model, and a memorandum of understanding for a community school partnership at Edison Elementary School. The meeting concluded with adjournment after about 17 minutes.
- Approved agreement with United Way of Erie County for Community School Model Expansion (budgeted, fiscal impact yes)
- Approved MOU for Community School Partnership at Edison Elementary with United Way and Achievement Center of LECOM Health (no fiscal impact)
- Consent agenda passed 5-0 with one board member not present
- Meeting held at East Middle School, 1001 Atkins Street, Erie, PA
Special Board Meeting
The board is meeting to approve the final 2021-2022 budget, which includes a real estate tax levy of 17.7190 mills and reenactment of other taxes. They will also consider a homestead/farmstead exclusion, a contract extension for temperature screening with AVEANNA Healthcare, and an agreement for the Summer S.A.I.L. program with Booker T. Washington Center. Public comment includes 11 speakers regarding the head football coaching position at Erie High School.
- Approval of 2021-2022 final budget with real estate tax of 17.7190 mills
- Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion authorization for 2021-2022
- Addendum #1 to contract with Care Unlimited (AVEANNA Healthcare) for temperature screening
- Agreement with Booker T. Washington Center for Summer S.A.I.L. Program
- Eleven citizen speakers on head football coaching position at Erie High School
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss health and safety plans, capital projects, the budget, and summer school. The meeting is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at East Middle School.
- Health and Safety Plan presentation
- Capital Projects discussion
- Budget review
- Summer School discussion
- Executive Session
Regular Board Meeting
The Board of School Directors of the School District of the City of Erie met to review superintendent and committee reports. The board approved a request from the Erie Redevelopment Authority to abate unpaid school taxes for a specific property.
- Tax abatement and exoneration of $1,350.68 for 339 East 17th Street (Parcel #15-020-020.0-108.00) for tax years 2003, 2004, and 2005
- Approval of travel for Donna Bastian and Thomas Kostreba to the AWS District Conference in Cleveland, OH
- Review of June 2021 student enrollment reports and May 1, 2021 staffing totals
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss the 2021-22 budget, facilities plan, and curriculum updates. The meeting will be held online and includes a public comment period.
- Hearing of Citizens - 3 Minutes
- 2021-22 Budget discussion
- Facilities Plan presentation
- Phys. Ed. and Art Curriculum discussion
- Infinite Campus Upgrade discussion
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board approved a proposed final budget for the 2021-22 school year, which is a work-in-progress document that must be finalized by June 30, 2021.
- Approval of proposed final budget for 2021-22
- Executive sessions held on May 5 and May 12 regarding negotiations
- Student representatives introduced to the Board for May 2021
- Stairclimber Award recipients recognized for attendance, behavior, and classroom performance
- Five-minute public speakers: None
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Board met as a Committee of the Whole via Zoom. Board members presented a music curriculum update and a capital projects fund transfer. They also reviewed the agenda, considered new business, and addressed any other matters. The meeting concluded with an executive session and adjournment.
- Music Curriculum presentation by the Director of Curriculum and Assessment and the Dean of Visual & Performing Arts Academy
- Capital Projects Fund Transfer presentation by the Superintendent
- Review of agenda and discussion of new business
- Any Other Matter discussion
- Executive Session (closed) followed by meeting adjournment
Committee of the Whole
The Erie School District Board of Directors will meet as a Committee of the Whole to hear a presentation on financial projections from PFM, discuss the preliminary 2021-22 budget, and review plans for ESSER stimulus funds and facilities. The meeting will be held online with public comment available by preregistration.
- Financial projections presentation by Public Financial Management
- Discussion of 2021-22 preliminary budget
- ESSER stimulus funds presentation and academic support plan
- Facilities plan update including construction update
- Review of draft May 12, 2021 meeting agenda
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Board of Directors meets as a Committee of the Whole to receive presentations on the Blacktop Resurfacing Project at Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary and the Jim Herdzik Memorial Classroom & Garden at JoAnna Connell Elementary. The board will also hear updates on support for English learners, the truancy process, and fourth-quarter in-person instruction. No votes are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion and information.
- Presentation on Blacktop Resurfacing Project at Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary
- Presentation on Jim Herdzik Memorial Classroom & Garden at JoAnna Connell Elementary
- Support for English Learners update
- Truancy Process discussion
- 4th Quarter In-Person Instruction discussion
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board approved the Superintendent's report and committee updates. The meeting was held online with no public speakers.
- Approval of Superintendent's report
- Committee and liaison reports
- Appointment of Gwendolyn Cooley to Northwest Tri-County IU5 Board
- Student Stairclimber Award recipients
- No public speakers scheduled
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet online to discuss the 2021-22 preliminary budget, school calendar, and NOCTI testing. The public may view the meeting and preregister for comments.
- Preliminary Budget Book (1,669 KB) available for review
- 2021-22 School Calendar discussion
- NOCTI testing institute discussion
- Board Retreat planning
- Public comment preregistration deadline: April 5, 2021
Special Board Meeting
The Erie City School Board held a special session to discuss and vote on COVID-related school reopening plans. The board discussed fourth quarter instruction options and adopted Revision #5 to the School District Health and Safety Plan for the 2020-2021 school year, originally adopted July 27, 2020. The motion carried 7-0-1, with one member not present.
- Adoption of Revision #5 to the School District Health and Safety Plan for the 2020-2021 school year
- Discussion of Fourth Quarter Instruction Options by Superintendent Polito and staff
- Meeting held online; public could view via YouTube
- No public comment speakers registered for the Hearing of Citizens
- Roll call vote: 7 yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent (Thomas Spagel)
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Board of Directors met as a Committee of the Whole on March 10, 2021, to discuss the 2021-22 school calendar, staff vaccination plans, and instructional updates. The meeting was held online via Zoom.
- 2021-22 School Calendar discussion
- Staff Vaccinations discussion
- Academy Neighborhood Association presentation
- Police & Student Support Services update
- Instructional Update
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board of Directors met for a regular session conducted online. The agenda includes the recognition of student award recipients and reports from the Superintendent.
- Service Agreement with WAE Balancing, Inc. for $53,200 to commission, test, and balance new HVAC equipment at Woodrow Wilson Middle School following an October 2020 fire
- Recognition of March 2021 Stairclimber Award recipients across various district schools
- Approval of the Superintendent's Report presented by Brian J. Polito
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss ESSER funds, construction updates, in-person instruction, and graduation credits. The meeting will be held online on March 3, 2021.
- Public comment preregistration deadline for March 1
- Discussion of ESSER Funds
- Construction and Renovation Update
- In-Person Instruction plan
- Graduation Credits policy
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board approved a $156,500 contract for HVAC commissioning and testing for the Erie High School partial renovations. The meeting also included the approval of the Superintendent's report and committee reports.
- Approval of $156,500 contract for WAE Balancing, Inc. for Erie High School HVAC work
- Approval of Superintendent's report
- Approval of committee and liaison reports
- Student representatives introduced to the Board
- Recognition of student Stairclimber Award recipients
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss a proposal for in-person high school learning. The board will also receive information regarding the Erie High School project.
- High School In-Person Proposal presented by Assistant Superintendent Teresa Szumigala
- Erie High School Project update from Executive Director of Operations Neal Brokman
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss a proposal for middle and high school in-person learning, receive updates on construction and renovation, and review the draft agenda for the next meeting. Public comment is available for residents who preregister.
- Middle & High School In-Person Proposal
- Construction & Renovation Update
- Erie Downtown Development Corporation Update
- Review of Draft February 10, 2021 Meeting Agenda
- Online public comment preregistration required
Committee of the Whole
The Board of Directors of the Erie City School District met as a Committee of the Whole on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom. The agenda included an open meeting item, a Spirit Council presentation by the Director of Educational Equity and Diversity and two student representatives, and an instructional update by the Assistant Superintendent and Director of Teaching and Learning. The board also discussed new business, any other matter, and held an executive session before adjourning.
- Open Meeting (procedural)
- Spirit Council presentation – Director Ken Nickson and student reps Caleb Balzer and Leyna McClelland
- Instructional Update – Assistant Superintendent Teresa Szumigala and Director Karin Ryan
- Discussion of New Business
- Executive Session (closed)
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board of Directors met online to approve the superintendent's report and committee reports. The board also certified that a 4.6% tax index increase is sufficient to balance the 2021-2022 budget.
- Approval of Superintendent Report
- Approval of Committee Reports
- Act 1 Resolution for 2021-2022 Fiscal Year
- Student Enrollment Reports for January 2021
- Staffing Totals as of December 1, 2020
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Board will meet as a Committee of the Whole to discuss financial projections, a resolution not to exceed the Act 1 Index, federal COVID relief funding, the COVID-19 vaccine plan, the second semester instruction plan, kindergarten report cards, a board retreat, and the East Middle School mascot. No votes or decisions are scheduled; all items are listed as discussion or information.
- Discussion of financial projections by Public Financial Management
- Resolution not to exceed Act 1 Index for property tax increases
- Federal COVID relief funding update
- COVID-19 vaccine plan for school district
- Second semester instruction plan for students
Special Board Meeting
The Erie School Board meets in special session to consider amending Board Policy 610.1 on Responsible Contracting with the District. The board will also receive a COVID-19 update from the superintendent and operations director. No public speakers registered for the hearing.
- Amendment to Policy 610.1 Responsible Contracting with the District (Section 600 – FINANCES)
- COVID-19 update presented by Superintendent Brian J. Polito and Executive Director of Operations Neal Brokman
- Moment of silence for former board director James R. Herdzik, who passed away January 3, 2021
- No public comment speakers preregistered