Northampton Area School District public meetings in 2020
22 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Combined Meeting
The Northampton Area School District Board will vote on routine financial approvals, including accounts payable lists totaling over $11.4 million and student activity expenditures for October 2020. The agenda also includes reports on student activities, curriculum, and human resources, with no major policy decisions or public hearings scheduled.
- Approve accounts payable lists totaling $11,451,996.93 across multiple funds
- Approve student activity expenditures for October 2020 totaling $66,864.52
- Approve resignation of Theodore Diehl, Extra Board Driver, Transportation
- Approve appointment of Jane Angsuco as 4th Grade Substitute at IES
- Public comment period with no pre-registered speakers
Reorganization Meeting
This is the annual reorganization meeting of the Northampton Area School District Board. The board will vote to approve the agenda, which includes electing the President, Vice President, and Beattie Representatives. Public comment is scheduled, with one registered speaker on a non-agenda topic.
- Vote to approve reorganization agenda including election of President, Vice President, and Beattie Representatives
- Public comment period: one registered speaker (Avery Neely) on 'Inspirations Throughout History'
- Meeting held in hybrid format with in-person and call-in participation
Regular Meeting
The Northampton Area School District Board will hold a regular meeting on November 18, 2020, with action items including approval of accounts payable lists, student expenditures, personnel changes, and the NASH fall play. The board will also receive reports on the Capital Funding Plan and student activities, and hear public comments on voting items.
- Approve supplemental accounts payable list for October 2020 totaling $12,320,229.76
- Approve accounts payable list for November 2020 totaling $148,679.93
- Approve student expenditures for September 2020, including $70,880.39 at NA Senior High and $25,803.24 for athletics
- Approve resignation of Vita Pastorius, Academic Technology Support Specialist, effective 11-25-2020
- Approve NASH Fall Play 'Almost, Maine' live-streamed on November 21, 2020
Work Session
The Northampton Area School District Board will hold a work session to review and vote on routine financial and personnel items, including accounts payable lists, student activity expenditures, and construction change orders. They will also hear reports on enrollment and facilities, and student activities from both high schools. The meeting includes recognition of Veterans Day and a new acting elementary principal.
- Approve accounts payable lists totaling $12,320,229.76 (October supplemental) and $148,679.93 (November), plus other fund lists
- Approve construction change orders for Franklin Elementary School, including $45,566.00 for pandemic-related schedule changes and a $15,816.00 credit
- Approve appointments: Justin Karolski (Social Studies, NASH, $25,267) and Caterina Macri (50% GOAL, FES/IES, $12,289)
- Approve supplemental contracts: Dan Heckert wrestling coach increase to $6,000, Amanda Young cheerleading sponsor to $1,920
- Approve NASH Fall Play 'Almost, Maine' live-streamed on November 21
Combined Meeting
The North Allegheny School District Board held a combined meeting on October 28, 2020, and took action on several items. The most consequential was the appointment of Dr. Melissa R. Friez as Superintendent for a five-year term starting July 1, 2021, at an initial annual salary of $185,000. The board also approved the NAI Fall Play retroactively, course changes for the 2021-2022 Program of Studies, the finance report including accounts payable lists, and various personnel resignations and appointments.
- Appointed Dr. Melissa R. Friez as Superintendent, effective July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2026, at $185,000/year
- Approved accounts payable lists totaling $21,400,890.70 across multiple funds
- Approved 2021-2022 Program of Studies course changes
- Approved NAI Fall Play 'Help Desk: A Stay-at-Home Play' retroactively
- Approved personnel resignations and appointments
Special Voting Meeting
The North Allegheny School Board held a special voting meeting to decide on amending the Return to School Plan. The board voted to move grades K-5 and 6-8 to Full-Time In-Person Instruction for the second marking period, with the superintendent retaining discretion to switch to Hybrid or Full Remote models at any time. Public speakers were heard on the voting items before the votes were taken. Both motions carried with the same 6-3 vote, with board members Mahler, Minton, and Warner voting nay.
- Amendment of North Allegheny Educational Plan for grades K-5 to Full-Time In-Person Instruction, motion carried 6-3
- Amendment of North Allegheny Educational Plan for grades 6-8 to Full-Time In-Person Instruction, motion carried 6-3
- Superintendent retains discretion to change instructional phase to Hybrid or Full Remote at any time
- Public comment period held with over 40 registered speakers on the voting items
Regular Meeting
The Northampton Area School District Board will vote on routine financial approvals, including accounts payable lists totaling over $17.6 million, student activity expenditures, and participation fees for the 2020-2021 school year. The board will also approve personnel actions, including resignations and appointments of substitute teachers and paraprofessionals. Public comment is invited on voting items, and the meeting includes student activity reports from both high schools.
- Approve accounts payable lists totaling $17,674,514.03, including $12,921,737.67 supplemental August list
- Approve participation fees: $75/season athletics, $50 marching band, $25 other activities, with family caps
- Approve resignations of 4 staff (custodians and special education assistant) and retirements
- Approve appointments of 16 professional substitutes and 8 paraprofessionals
- Approve student activities expenditures for July 2020 totaling $27,191.75
Work Session
The Northampton Area School District Board will hold a work session to discuss and take action on financial items, including approving accounts payable lists totaling over $17.7 million and setting participation fees for the 2020-21 school year. The board will also receive reports on human resources, special education, and student activities, and consider personnel appointments and resignations.
- Approve accounts payable lists totaling $17,774,914.03, including $12,921,737.67 for August 2020 and $3,704,519.88 from the 2019 Bond Construction Fund
- Set participation fees: $75 per sport per athlete (family cap $225), $50 for marching band (cap $150), $25 for other activities (cap $75), with authority to waive fees due to COVID-19
- Approve student activity expenditures for July 2020 totaling $27,191.75
- Approve 13 professional substitute appointments for NACA and other schools, with salaries ranging from $3,100 to $17,606
- Accept resignation of Special Education Assistant Nicole Wilhelm and retirement of Head Custodian William Sepp
Regular Meeting
The North Allegheny School Board will vote on amending the Health and Safety and Return to School Plans for 2020-2021, and on approving the Curriculum and Finance Reports, which include contracts for non-public school services and accounts payable lists. The board will also hear updates on school readiness and construction, and take public comment on voting items.
- Amendment to Health and Safety and 2020-2021 Return to School Plans
- Title I Non-Public School Agreement with Allegheny Intermediate Unit ($6,113.00)
- Title IIA Non-Public School Agreement with Allegheny Intermediate Unit ($1,584.00)
- Third Party Letter of Agreement for Non-Public Title I Services with Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV ($2,291.68)
- Accounts Payable lists totaling $17,999,032.46 (June) and $13,315,651.20 (July)
Special Meeting/Work Session
The North Allegheny School Board is holding a special meeting to vote on several personnel items, including resignations, appointments, and wage changes, and to approve a revised 2020-2021 Return to School Plan that adjusts the in-person cohort schedule for the first week. The agenda also includes acknowledgment of unpaid 2019 tax lists and a report on student teacher requests.
- Revised Return to School Plan: cohort 1 attends Sept 8-9, cohort 2 attends Sept 10-11
- Approve 7 resignations and 2 retirements, including bus drivers and assistants
- Approve 24 professional appointments with salaries up to $111,578
- Approve wage increases for classified employees effective July 1, 2020
- Certify unpaid 2019 taxes for delinquent collection by Maiello Brungo & Maiello
Special Voting Meeting 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
The Northampton Area School District Board held a special voting meeting to decide on the district's return-to-school plans for the 2020-2021 school year, including health and safety protocols and educational options. The board also voted on several related administrative and financial items, including a cyber academy principal appointment and a contract for cyber education services. Public comment was heard from many residents on the return-to-school plans.
- Approval of Health and Safety and Educational Plans
- Approval of Emergency Instructional Days and Hours Resolution
- Approval of Dr. Erin Crimone as Acting Principal of North Allegheny Cyber Academy with a $5,000 Act 93 bonus
- Approval of 2020-2021 Waterfront Learning Services Contract, cost not to exceed $360,000
- Approval of $15,000 award from NJM Insurance Group and PA DUI Association for 'Just Drive' PSA contest
Regular Meeting
The North Allegheny School District Board held a regular meeting on June 24, 2020, where they approved the curriculum report, including a $82,089.61 purchase of new ESL materials, and authorized the final budget for the upcoming school year. They also approved several finance items, including accounts payable lists totaling over $12 million, and new sports programs. The meeting was conducted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Approved $82,089.61 for new ESL curriculum materials (K-12)
- Approved K-12 ESL Supervisory Services Agreement with Allegheny Intermediate Unit for $13,500
- Approved Girls' Flag Football as a club sport (cost not to exceed $3,000)
- Approved Girls' Wrestling as a PIAA sport (cost not to exceed $8,500)
- Approved accounts payable lists totaling $12,434,661.83
Work Session
The Northampton Area School District Board will hold a virtual work session to discuss and take action on several items, including the 2020-2021 general fund budget, new ESL curriculum materials, and new sports programs. The board will also consider agreements for ESL supervision and Title IIA services, as well as routine financial approvals.
- 2020-2021 General Fund Budget of $178,344,317 with 19.1408 mills real estate tax (unchanged from prior year)
- Adoption of new ESL curriculum materials totaling $82,089.61
- K-12 ESL Supervisory Services Agreement with Allegheny Intermediate Unit for $13,500
- Girls' Flag Football as a club sport (cost not to exceed $3,000) and Girls' Wrestling as a PIAA sport (cost not to exceed $8,500)
- Accounts Payable lists totaling $12,434,661.83 across various funds
Regular Meeting
The North Allegheny School Board will vote on the 2020-2021 proposed final budget of $177,508,008 with a 19.1408 mills tax levy, and approve the A.W. Beattie Career Center budget. They will also consider adopting new math textbooks, disposing of old ones, and approving a dual enrollment agreement with CCAC. The meeting includes public comment and student activity reports.
- 2020-2021 Proposed Final Budget: $177,508,008 with 19.1408 mills
- A.W. Beattie Career Center Budget: $10,266,710 total; North Allegheny share $1,197,678
- Adoption of textbooks: Trigonometry Level 1, Financial Algebra, Linear Algebra
- Disposal of outdated textbooks (copyright 2004-2009) for ELA and Math
- Dual enrollment agreement with Community College of Allegheny County
Work Session
The Northampton Area School District Board will hold a virtual work session to review the proposed final budget for 2020-2021, estimated at $177,508,008 with a tax levy of 19.1408 mills. They will also consider adopting new textbooks, approving the A.W. Beattie Career Center budget, and recognizing employees with 25 years of service. The meeting includes procedural items like the call to order and pledge of allegiance.
- Proposed Final Budget of $177,508,008 with 19.1408 mills
- A.W. Beattie Career Center 2020-2021 budget of $10,266,710; North Allegheny share $1,197,678
- Adoption of textbooks: Trigonometry Level 1 (Cengage), Financial Algebra (Cengage), Linear Algebra (Pearson)
- Accounts Payable lists totaling over $13 million across various funds
- GEDF audit engagement with Maher Duessel for $1,800
Regular Meeting
The Northampton Area School District Board voted to approve the 2020-2021 Allegheny Intermediate Unit Program of Services Budget, which includes a district contribution of $163,478.57. The Board also approved a waiver to hold meetings virtually due to the Governor's Emergency Declaration and approved the 2020-2021 AIU budget. Additionally, the Board approved a waiver to delay the completion of the Comprehensive Plan until 2021.
- Approved 2020-2021 AIU Program of Services Budget totaling $2,202,973.00 with a district contribution of $163,478.57
- Approved waiver of Section 4a of Policy 006.1 to allow virtual meetings
- Approved Act 13 of 2020 Waiver to delay Comprehensive Plan completion until 2021
- Approved surety bond coverage of $1,000,000 for the District Treasurer
- Approved accounts payable lists including $8,172,081.32 for February 2020
Work Session
The Northampton Area School District Board will hold a virtual work session to review and take action on several financial items, including the 2020-2021 Allegheny Intermediate Unit Program of Services Budget, surety bond coverage, accounts payable lists, and student activity expenditures. The board will also receive informational reports on student activities and proposed textbook adoptions.
- Approve 2020-2021 AIU Program of Services Budget of $2,202,973.00 (District contribution $163,478.57)
- Approve surety bond coverage for District Treasurer ($1,000,000) for April-June 2020
- Approve accounts payable lists for February and March 2020 (totaling $8,172,081.32 and $15,762,690.55 respectively)
- Approve student activities expenditures for January and February 2020
- Proposed adoption of math textbooks (Trigonometry, Financial Algebra, Linear Algebra) for 2020-2021
Regular Meeting
The Northampton Area School District Board will hear a presentation on the Technology and Engineering Education Curriculum Review and vote on approving minutes and student activity trips, including FCCLA and GOAL trips. The meeting also includes public comment opportunities and reports on student activities.
- Technology and Engineering Education Curriculum Review Report presentation
- Approval of minutes from January 15, 22, and 27, 2020 meetings
- Waiver of Board Policy #241 for FCCLA trip to State College, PA (March 30-April 1, 2020)
- Approval for GOAL students to travel to Washington DC for National Middle School Science Bowl (April 30-May 4, 2020)
- Public speakers: John Harrison on Property and Supplies Report
Special/Work Session Meeting
The Northampton Area School District Board held a special/work session meeting on February 19, 2020. The board voted to ratify a collective bargaining agreement with the North Allegheny Federation of Teachers, effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2026. They also approved several student trips and a waiver of field trip policy. The meeting included reports on human resources and student activities.
- Ratified collective bargaining agreement with North Allegheny Federation of Teachers (2020-2026)
- Approved FCCLA student trip to State College, PA (March 30-April 1, 2020)
- Approved GOAL students trip to Washington DC for National Middle School Science Bowl (April 30-May 4, 2020)
- Approved waiver of Board Policy #241 for FCCLA trip
- Approved Camp Kon-O-Kwee fifth grade program dates for 2020-2021
Special Voting Meeting
The Northampton Area School District Board held a special voting meeting on January 27, 2020. The board voted to appoint Ms. Natasha Dirda as the NASH Principal and approved an engagement letter with Mullen Coughlin LLC to investigate a technology matter. No public speakers registered in advance.
- Appointment of Natasha Dirda as NASH Principal (approved, 6-0 with 2 abstentions)
- Approval of engagement letter with Mullen Coughlin LLC for technology investigation (approved unanimously)
Regular Meeting
The Northampton Area School District Board will hold a regular meeting with procedural items, reports, and votes on student activity trips. The board will consider approving several out-of-state trips for student groups, including HOSA, Indoor Percussion, and DECA, along with waivers of field trip policy. Public comment is also scheduled.
- Approve HOSA trip to Valley Forge, PA (Mar 31-Apr 3, 2020)
- Approve Indoor Percussion trip to Dayton, OH (Apr 14-18, 2020)
- Approve DECA trip to Hershey, PA (Feb 19-21, 2020)
- Approve minutes from Dec 4 and Dec 11, 2019 meetings
- Public comment period for residents
Work Session
The Northampton Area School District Board held a work session on January 15, 2020, where they approved the 2020-2021 school calendar, which starts after Labor Day due to construction projects and ends on June 11, 2021. They also approved the appointment of Tommie Murray as Franklin Elementary Assistant Principal and approved student trips to Valley Forge and Dayton. The meeting included a proposed preliminary budget presentation and reports on student activities.
- Approved 2020-2021 school calendar with first day after Labor Day and last day June 11, 2021
- Approved Tommie Murray as Franklin Elementary Assistant Principal
- Approved HOSA student trip to Valley Forge, PA (March 31-April 3, 2020)
- Approved Indoor Percussion trip to Dayton, OH (April 14-18, 2020)
- Proposed Preliminary Budget presentation by Director of Business Operations