Erie City School District public meetings in 2025
28 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Committee of the Whole
The Board of Directors will meet for general business purposes and committee updates. The agenda includes reports on finance and operations as well as a review of the upcoming regular meeting agenda.
- Centralized Call Routing System report
- Translation Devices discussion
- Superintendent update from Dr. Natalyn Gibbs
- Board Governance Committee highlights
- Board Policy Committee highlights
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie School Board will consider approving the Act 1 Resolution capping property tax increases at 5.4% for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. They will also vote on financial reports for November 2025, the superintendent's report, and reports from committees. The meeting includes student presentations, a moment of silence for deceased staff, and updates on enrollment and staffing.
- Act 1 Resolution (Taxpayer Relief Act) capping property tax increase at state index of 5.4% for 2026-2027
- Approval of Report of Secretary Financial Report, Capital Projects Report, and Treasurer's Report for November 2025
- Student Spotlight: 5th grader Bryan Monger presents compare and contrast of Diwali and Christmas
- District Enrollment Tally as of November 26, 2025; Staffing Totals as of December 1, 2025
- Moment of silence for five deceased employees including retired teachers and a lunch lady
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Reorganization Meeting
The Erie City School District Board of Directors held a reorganization meeting to elect leadership. Dr. Jay Breneman was elected President and Angie Amatangelo was elected Vice President. The meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
- Election of Dr. Jay Breneman as President
- Election of Angie Amatangelo as Vice President
- Oaths of office administered to Dr. Jay Breneman, Gary Horton, Leah Merski, and Zakaria Sharif
- John Harkins elected as Temporary Chairperson to preside over the election
- Meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
Committee of the Whole
The Erie School Board meets as a Committee of the Whole for general business, including a presentation on the Strategic Plan and Panorama Update by Ms. ShaQuita Gatewood. The board will also review the regular meeting agenda and discuss new business items.
- Strategic Plan and Panorama Update presentation by Ms. ShaQuita Gatewood (attached document available)
- Review of November 12, 2025 Regular Meeting Agenda and new business discussion
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie School Board approved a change order for roof restoration at the District Administration Building and approved committee reports and superintendent updates. The meeting included a moment of silence for four staff members and students who passed away in October and November.
- Approval of roof restoration change order for District Administration Building ($6,971.00)
- Approval of committee reports and superintendent updates
- Moment of silence for four staff and students who passed away
- Approval of reports of committees and liaisons
- Pledge of Allegiance led by a 5th grader
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Board met as a Committee of the Whole to conduct general business. Members received updates from the superintendent, reviewed PVAAS results, and heard a STEM in Action presentation. A bond issue was presented by CFO Brian Cheese, and the strategic plan was updated. The meeting also included review of the draft agenda for the November 12 regular meeting and other informational items.
- Bond Issue presentation by CFO Brian Cheese
- PVAAS results presented by Executive Director Karin Ryan
- STEM in Action presentation by Supervisor Rick Schneider
- Strategic Plan and Panorama update by Chief Accountability Officer ShaQuita Gatewood
- Board Orientation PowerPoint review by Director Linda Graff
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board of Directors met to approve the minutes from the September 10 meeting, the superintendent's report, and committee reports. The board also approved a consent agenda including travel for staff to the America School Health Association in Denver and the SkillsUSA National Tech Chair Meeting in Phoenix.
- Approval of September 10, 2025 meeting minutes
- Approval of Superintendent Natalyn Gibbs' report
- Approval of travel to America School Health Association (Denver, CO)
- Approval of travel to SkillsUSA National Tech Chair Meeting (Phoenix, AZ)
- Committee and liaison reports presented
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Committee of the Whole
The Erie School Board meets as a Committee of the Whole to discuss educational updates on PSSA and WestEd partnerships, finance and operations items including electric buses, a tax exoneration request, and facilities Phase II financing. The board will also review candidates for PSBA officer positions and the draft agenda for the October 8 regular meeting. No final votes are expected; this is a discussion session.
- Facilities Phase II Financing presentation by Financial Management
- Electric Bus Update from Assistant Superintendent Neal Brokman
- Tax Exoneration Request for 1703 West 36th Street totaling $1,619.17
- PSSA Update from Superintendent Dr. Natalyn Gibbs
- WestEd Update from curriculum director and principals
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Board of Directors is meeting as a Committee of the Whole for general business. The main agenda item is a discussion of the strategic plan by Ms. ShaQuita Gatewood and Mr. Neal Brokman. Other items include review of the regular board meeting agenda and any other matters.
- Discussion of strategic plan by Ms. ShaQuita Gatewood and Mr. Neal Brokman
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board approved financial reports for July 2025 and minutes from the previous month. The board also approved a contract for contract management software and travel to a trade show.
- Approval of financial reports for July 31, 2025
- Approval of August 13, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes
- Contract with CobbleStone Software for $19,660.92
- Travel to FABTECH-CHICAGO in Chicago, IL (Sept 8-10)
- Approval of Superintendent's report and committee updates
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss district operations, including a budget update and strategic plan progress. The session includes reports on student services and a review of the upcoming September 10 regular meeting agenda.
- 2025-2026 Budget Update presented by CFO Brian Cheese
- Strategic Plan Update from ShaQuita Gatewood and Neal Brokman
- Presentation on efforts to reduce food insecurities by United Way of Erie County
- Discussion on BET Service Day
- Review of the draft September 10, 2025 Regular Meeting Agenda
Public Board Meeting/Retreat
The Erie City School District Board of Directors will hold a public meeting and retreat on August 23, 2025, to discuss board operations, priorities, and updates.
- Open meeting and procedural items
- Presentation on 'Our Why' by Chief Accountability Officer
- Updates from cabinet members and superintendent
- Superintendent and assistant superintendent evaluations
- Any other matter discussion
Regular Board Meeting
The Board of Directors of the School District of the City of Erie is reviewing financial and enrollment reports. The body is deciding on travel approvals and contract change orders for district projects.
- Approval of Financial Report, Capital Projects Report, and Treasurer's Report for period ending June 30, 2025
- Approval of District Enrollment Report and Staffing Totals as of August 1, 2025
- Travel approval for Dennis TeCulver to attend the MET Live in Schools 2025 National Educators Conference in New York, NY, October 7-10, 2025
- Change Order #1 to contract with HRI Commercial Food Service for equipment at the New Edison Elementary School Project
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Committee of the Whole
The Erie City School District Board of Directors meets as a Committee of the Whole for general business. The agenda includes presentations and discussions on the 2025-2026 budget, community schools, immunization, data integration, and the strategic plan. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion session.
- 2025-2026 Budget Update by CFO Brian Cheese
- Community Schools Update from United Way of Erie County
- Immunization Overview by Supervisor of Health Services Kerry Roach
- Data Integration System discussion
- Strategic Plan Update by Superintendent Dr. Natalyn Gibbs and Mrs. Shaquita Gatewood
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board will hold a regular meeting to approve routine financial reports for April and May 2025, as well as minutes from the May 14 meeting. The board will also vote on two staff travel requests, including a civil rights education trip and a trauma-sensitive schools conference. Superintendent Brian J. Polito will present enrollment and staffing reports. No major policy changes or new contracts are on the agenda.
- Approval of Secretary's Financial Report for 10-month period ended April 30, 2025 and 11-month period ended May 31, 2025
- Travel for Asia Dickerson to attend Walking in Black History (Birmingham, AL; Montgomery, AL; Atlanta, GA) June 17-22, 2025, with salary only
- Travel for Scherry Prater and Donna Wall to attend Creating Trauma Sensitive Schools Conference (Dallas, TX) June 26-29, 2026
- District Enrollment Report for June 2025 and Staffing Totals as of June 1, 2025
- Moment of silence for two former staff members who passed away
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Committee of the Whole
The Board of Directors will meet as a Committee of the Whole to conduct general business. The session includes discussions on the upcoming school year budget and safety measures.
- Discussion of 2025-2026 Budget with Mr. Brian Polito
- Discussion of Gun Safety Initiatives with Mr. Neal Brokman
- Review of the draft June 18, 2025 Regular Meeting Agenda
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie School Board will vote on the Secretary's Financial Report for the nine months ended March 31, 2025, the Capital Projects Report, the Treasurer's Report, and the minutes from the April 9 meeting. They will also vote to approve the Superintendent's Report after presentations on a student Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage project and a Portrait of a Graduate initiative. Public comment includes a five-minute presentation by Dan Bolla of Premier Education Services on prevention programs.
- Approval of Secretary's Financial Report, Capital Projects Report, and Treasurer's Report for 9-month period ended March 31, 2025
- Approval of Superintendent's Report covering presentations and updates
- Student spotlight: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage project from Perry Elementary 5th grade
- Presentation on Portrait of a Graduate by district principals and CTE director
- Travel approval for Jeff Weiss and Peter Wojciechowski to attend Academic Decathlon National Championship in Des Moines
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will review financial projections and the 2025-2026 budget. The board will also discuss ARP ESSER funds and student walking safety initiatives.
- Financial projections presentation by Ian Tyson of PFM Group Consulting, LLC
- 2025-2026 Budget presentation by Superintendent Brian Polito
- Discussion of ARP ESSER Funds
- Student Walking Safety Initiatives presentation by Assistant Superintendent Neal Brokman
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board approved financial reports for the first eight months of 2025 and the superintendent's report. The meeting also included reports on enrollment, staffing, and committee activities.
- Approval of financial reports for 8-month period ended February 28, 2025
- Approval of superintendent's report
- Approval of committee and liaison reports
- Travel approval for Thomas Kostreba to Miami for welding society meeting
- Moment of silence for former teacher Nancy Werner
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will open with procedural items and a brief public comment period. It will then hear a presentation of the Special Education Plan by Dr. Angela Kownacki and a presentation of the preliminary 2025‑2026 budget by Superintendent Brian J. Polito. A presentation on the R.B. Wiley Charter School enrollment cap increase will follow, and the board will discuss new business and review the draft agenda for the April 9 regular board meeting.
- Special Education Plan presentation – Dr. Angela Kownacki, Director of Pupil Services
- 2025‑2026 preliminary budget presentation – Superintendent Brian J. Polito
- R.B. Wiley Charter School enrollment cap increase presentation – Carla Johnson, Chief Administrator
- Review of draft April 9, 2025 regular board meeting agenda
- Public comment – 3‑minute allotted time
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board of Directors approved financial reports for the first seven months of 2025, capital projects, and the superintendent's report. The meeting included reports on enrollment, staffing, and winter athletics.
- Approval of Financial Report for 7-month period ended January 31, 2025
- Approval of Capital Projects Report and Treasurer's Report as of January 31, 2025
- Approval of Superintendent's Report presented by Brian J. Polito
- Approval of Reports of Committees and Liaisons
- Junior Class Field Trip to Cedar Point, Sandusky, OH on May 18, 2025
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will hear presentations on the district's 2023-2024 audit and the wellness and farm to school program. Discussions include snow make-up days, the school lunch program, and appointments to the Athletic Facilities Commission. The board will also review the draft agenda for the March 12 regular meeting.
- 2023-2024 audit presentation by Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC
- Snow make-up days discussion
- School Lunch Program review
- District Wellness & Farm to School Presentation
- Athletic Facilities Commission Appointments
Special Board Meeting
The Erie City School District Board of Directors elected Dr. Natalyn Gibbs as Superintendent for a three-year term starting July 1, 2025. The board also approved her employment agreement and appointed her as Assistant to the Superintendent for a temporary period ending June 30, 2025.
- Election of Dr. Natalyn Gibbs as Superintendent (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028)
- Appointment of Dr. Natalyn Gibbs as Assistant to the Superintendent (April 1, 2025 - June 30, 2025)
- Approval of Dr. Gibbs's employment agreement
- Meeting held at 1910 Sassafras Street
- Motion carried with 7 'Yea' votes and 1 'Nay' vote
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie City School Board approved the January 15 meeting minutes and the superintendent's report. The agenda includes committee reports, IT updates, and a consent item for travel to Los Angeles.
- Approval of January 15, 2025 meeting minutes
- Approval of Superintendent's report
- Committee and liaison reports
- IT Department Review presentation
- Travel to Los Angeles for Law Enforcement Engagement
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will hear presentations regarding student expulsion reviews from the ACLU of Pennsylvania and the Crime Victim Center of Erie County. The board will also discuss snow make-up days and school counselor highlights.
- Expulsion Review presentation by Ms. Ghadah Makoshi, ACLU of Pennsylvania
- Expulsion Review presentation by Ms. Amy Blackman, Crime Victim Center of Erie County
- Snow Make-up Days discussion with Ms. Teresa Szumigala, Assistant Superintendent
- School Counselors presentation by Ms. Scherry Prater, Director of Student Services
Regular Board Meeting
The Erie School Board's regular meeting on January 15, 2025, includes routine approvals of prior meeting minutes and the superintendent's and committee reports. The board will also hear a district enrollment update and staffing totals, and recognize a notable graduate, school directors, and high school police officers.
- Recognition of Eleanor Smeal, Strong Vincent H.S. graduate, for Presidential Citizens Medal
- Recognition of Erie High School Police Officers by board president and city police chief
- District Enrollment Report for January 2025
- Staffing Totals as of January 1, 2025
- Approval of meeting minutes from December 4 and 11, 2024
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Superintendent Search Process Work Session
The Erie City School District Board of Directors will meet to discuss the recruitment process and data collected by consultant Ray and Associates regarding the superintendent search. The meeting is a work session with no formal votes scheduled.
- Consultant Ray and Associates to discuss recruitment process and data
- Review of previously approved quality characteristics for superintendent
- Executive Session scheduled after the work session
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will hold a procedural opening, followed by public comment. Board members will discuss an expulsion review, the science curriculum, a facilities plan update, the 2025‑2026 budget and the 2024 bond issue. Additional items include a policy committee report, board goals, and new business such as separations. The meeting will conclude with any other matters and adjournment.
- Expulsion Review – presented by Assistant Superintendent Teresa Szumigala and Solicitor Jennifer E. Gornall
- Science Curriculum presentation – led by Director of Educational Services Karin Ryan
- Facilities Plan Phase II Update – presented by HHSDR Architects/Engineers
- 2025‑2026 Budget presentation – presented by CFO Brian Cheese
- 2024 Bond Issue presentation – presented by Superintendent Brian J. Polito