Pittsburgh Public Schools public meetings in 2020

Legislative Meeting

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will hold a legislative meeting to vote on the 2021 General Fund Budget and associated tax rates (realty transfer, real estate, earned income, homestead/farmstead exclusion). The board also will consider accepting two grants: a $12,000 United Way Be There grant for attendance improvement at six schools and a $1,272 headsets grant for ELL students at Brashear High School. Other items include approval of prior meeting minutes and committee resolutions.

• Vote on 2021 General Fund Budget and tax rates (amounts not specified in agenda)
• Acceptance of $12,000 United Way Be There grant for attendance at Pittsburgh Beechwood, Brashear, King, Morrow, West Liberty, and Schiller
• Acceptance of $1,272 headsets grant for ELL students at Pittsburgh Brashear High School
• Approval of minutes from November 18 and December 7 meetings
• Standard committee resolutions authorizing contracts and grants

The Board of Directors approved several contracts for tutoring, mentoring, and translation services. It also accepted grants and donations for school attendance, technology, and STEAM equipment. Additionally, the Board authorized a contract increase for speech therapy services.

• Approved $12,000 United Way grant for school attendance
• Accepted 80 headsets (approx. $1,272) from Remake Learning/AIU3 for Brashear HS
• Approved $11,250 contract with WPIC for staff training
• Approved $4,550 contract with MAWATU LLC for mentoring at Arsenal 6-8
• Approved $7,000 contract with D.A. Jones and Associates for mentoring at SciTech Academy
• Approved $36,625 contract with FEV Tutor for Milliones 6-12
• Approved $16,000 contract with Pacific Education Group for racial equity training
• Approved $125,000 contract extension with Global Wordsmiths for translation services

Agenda Review Meeting

The Board will decide on several grant awards and contracts for student support services, including a $12,000 United Way attendance grant, a $1,272 headset donation for ELL students, and multiple mentoring and tutoring contracts totaling over $75,000. Items require action at this meeting.

• $12,000 United Way/Be There Mini Grant for attendance at six schools (Beechwood, Brashear, King, Morrow, West Liberty, Schiller)
• $1,272 On Ramp Grant for 80 headsets with microphones for ELL students at Pittsburgh Brashear HS
• $11,250 contract with Western Pennsylvania Institute and Clinic (WPIC) for Student Assistance Program training
• $36,625 contract with FEV Tutor for 1-1 virtual tutoring at Pittsburgh Milliones 6-12
• $16,000 contract with Pacific Education Group for racial equity training and certification

Board Reorganization

This is a procedural board reorganization meeting. The board elected a temporary president and secretary, then permanent officers including Sylvia Wilson as President, Kevin Carter as First Vice-President, and Terry Kennedy as Second Vice-President. It also elected a Secretary and Assistant Secretaries with bonds set at $250,000 each, and elected the City Treasurer as School Treasurer with a $250,000 bond.

• Sylvia Wilson elected Board President (9-0 vote)
• Kevin Carter elected First Vice-President (6-2-1 vote)
• Terry Kennedy elected Second Vice-President (8-0-1 vote)
• Election of Secretary (Superintendent) and Assistant Secretaries with $250,000 bonds
• Election of School Treasurer (City Treasurer) with $250,000 bond

The Board of Directors conducted its reorganization meeting to elect permanent leadership. The board appointed a President, First Vice-President, and Second Vice-President, and approved the election of the School Treasurer and Board Secretaries.

• Appointed Sylvia Wilson as President (9-0-0)
• Appointed Kevin Carter as First Vice-President (6-2-1)
• Denied appointment of Veronica Edwards as First Vice-President (2-6-1)
• Appointed Terry Kennedy as Second Vice-President (8-0-1)
• Appointed Kevin Carter as Temporary Secretary (9-0-0)
• Appointed Mr. Weiss as Temporary Secretary (9-0-0)
• Approved election of Secretary and Assistant Secretaries and Setting of Bonds (9-0-0)
• Approved election of School Treasurer and Setting of Bonds (9-0-0)

Legislative Meeting

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will vote on accepting three grants totaling over $1 million: an Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships expansion grant ($232,388), a CARES Act GEER grant ($409,000 for school supply kits), and a Continuity of Education Grant for A-TSI schools ($437,430). The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes, a diploma presentation to a veteran, and procedural items.

• Acceptance of $232,388 Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships Expansion Grant to serve 7 children ages 0-3
• Acceptance of $409,000 CARES Act GEER grant for student school supply kits and equitable services to nonpublic schools
• Acceptance of $437,430 Continuity of Education Grant for Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (A-TSI) schools
• Presentation of Operation Recognition Diploma to Elmer F. Sauer, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran from Carrick High School
• Approval of minutes from October 28, 2020 Legislative Meeting and November 2, 2020 Special Legislative Meeting

Agenda Review Meeting

The Pittsburgh School District Board will consider several resolutions to accept federal and state education grants totaling over $1.5 million. Items include a $437,430 Continuity of Education Grant for Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (A‑TSI) schools, a $409,000 CARES GEER Continuity of Education Equity Grant, and a $232,388 Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships Expansion Grant. The Board will also authorize an intergovernmental agreement with the Pittsburgh Mt. Oliver Intermediate Unit for up to $27,961 of non‑public equitable services and a $10,000 contract with Pacific Educational Group for racial equity training.

• Accept $437,430 Continuity of Education Grant for A‑TSI schools (PA Department of Education)
• Accept $409,000 Continuity of Education Equity Grant (CARES GEER Fund)
• Accept $232,388 Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships Expansion Grant (serves 7 children)
• Intergovernmental Agreement with Pittsburgh Mt. Oliver Intermediate Unit for up to $27,961 non‑public equitable services
• Contract with Pacific Educational Group for $10,000 racial equity affiliate training

Special Legislative Meeting

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will vote on a resolution that authorizes the superintendent to implement a hybrid instruction return‑to‑school plan. The Committee on Education and the Committee on Business/Finance will also recommend adopting resolutions that set procedures for using grant funds and for staff to modify contract details within approved budget limits. Additional agenda items include routine approvals of grant awards, consultant contracts, and payments across education, finance, and human‑resources categories.

• Resolution authorizing the superintendent to implement the Hybrid Instruction Return to School Plan
• Committee on Education recommends grant‑spending procedures: staff may use any increase for grants ≤ $1,000 and up to 15% increase for grants > $1,000
• Committee on Business/Finance recommends contract‑authority resolutions allowing staff to adjust contract details within the resolution’s total amount
• Approval of Education/Proposal Grant Awards
• Approval of Business/Finance/Consultants/Contracted Services

The Board of Public Education of the School District of Pittsburgh authorized the Superintendent to implement the Hybrid Instruction Return to School Plan. The resolution passed with eight yea votes and one abstention.

• Approved resolution authorizing Superintendent to implement Hybrid Instruction Return to School Plan (8-0-1)

Legislative Meeting

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will vote on accepting multiple grant awards, including two COVID-19 relief grants from the PA Department of Education totaling $165,765.30. Other proposed grants include a $3,000 Highmark Foundation grant for PPE and a $10,000 community garden grant for Perry HS. The board will also approve minutes and receive committee reports.

• Accept $62,161.99 PA Department of Education grant for COVID-19 health and safety in preschool early intervention
• Accept $103,603.31 PA Department of Education grant for COVID-19 compensatory services for young children
• Accept $3,000 Highmark Foundation grant for PPE and health supplies at Pittsburgh Beechwood PreK-5
• Accept $10,000 from 5 Points Merchants Group for a community garden at Pittsburgh Perry HS
• Approval of September 23, 2020 legislative meeting minutes

The Board approved several grants for COVID-19 health, safety, and compensatory services. They also authorized an intergovernmental agreement for non-public school ESSER services and accepted multiple private donations of technology and supplies.

• Approved $62,161.99 PA Dept of Education grant for Preschool Early Intervention COVID-19 health and safety
• Approved $103,603.31 PA Dept of Education grant for Preschool Early Intervention compensatory services
• Approved intergovernmental agreement with Pittsburgh Mt. Oliver Intermediate Unit #2 for non-public ESSER services not to exceed $807,762
• Approved $59,586 payment to College Board for Advanced Placement Examinations at Pittsburgh Allderdice HS
• Approved $45,000 contract increase for Denny Civics Solutions to extend term to April 30, 2021
• Accepted $10,000 grant from 5 Points Merchants Group for a community garden at Pittsburgh Perry HS
• Accepted donations for Pittsburgh Perry HS including 3 computers from Google, 7 MacBooks from Circles of Greater Pittsburgh, and $8,200 in homework kits
• Approved September 23, 2020 Legislative minutes (unanimous)

Agenda Review Meeting

The Board of Pittsburgh Public Schools is voting on accepting several grant awards, including two COVID-19-related grants from the PA Department of Education totaling over $165,000. Other grants support a community garden at Perry HS, technology for e-learning, and teacher recognition. All items are for action and discussion.

• Accept $103,603.31 PA Dept. of Education grant for Preschool Early Intervention COVID-19 Compensatory Services
• Accept $62,161.99 PA Dept. of Education grant for Preschool Early Intervention COVID-19 Health and Safety
• Accept $10,000 from 5 Points Merchants Group for community garden at Pittsburgh Perry HS
• Accept $5,000 from Pittsburgh Pirates and PNC for teacher appreciation awards to five teachers
• Accept $3,000 from Highmark Foundation for COVID-19 related activities at Beechwood PreK-5

Legislative Meeting

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will vote on accepting multiple federal grants, including a $13,572,193 Title I grant for disadvantaged students, a $1,457,365 Title II grant for teacher training, and a $1,029,245 Title IV grant. A CARES Act/GEER/Special Education COVID-19 mitigation grant is also on the agenda but details are incomplete. The board will also approve the previous meeting's minutes and hear an executive session announcement.

• Accept $13,572,193 Title I grant from PA Department of Education for disadvantaged student programs
• Accept $1,457,365 Title II grant for teacher and principal training
• Accept $1,029,245 Title IV grant for well-rounded education, school conditions, and technology
• Proposed CARES Act/GEER/Special Education COVID-19 mitigation grant (details not fully provided)

The Board approved several state and federal grants, including Title I, II, and IV funds and CARES Act funding for COVID-19 relief. The board also authorized agreements to provide equitable services to non-public school students and approved a grant for a greenhouse at Pittsburgh Perry HS.

• Approved August 26, 2020 Legislative minutes (9-0)
• Accepted $13,572,193 PA Department of Education Title I grant
• Accepted $1,457,365 PA Department of Education Title II grant
• Accepted $1,029,245 PA Department of Education Title IV grant
• Approved $368,856.15 CARES Act/GEER/SECIM grant (7-1-1)
• Accepted $5,000 Grow Pittsburgh grant for Pittsburgh Perry HS greenhouse
• Accepted $3,000 Highmark Foundation grant for Pittsburgh Phillips PreK-5 seating
• Accepted $1,210,906 in USDOJ COVID-19 Disaster Emergency grants

Agenda Review Meeting

The School District of Pittsburgh Board will consider resolutions to accept multiple state education grants, including Title I, Title II, Title IV, and COVID‑19 relief funds. The Board will authorize officers to enter contracts and staff to manage grant details within the approved amounts. The resolutions also set staff authority for modest grant increases without further Board approval.

• Accept Title I, Part A grant of $13,572,193 for supplemental student achievement programs
• Accept Title II, Part A grant of $1,457,365 for teacher and leader training
• Accept Title IV Student Support and Academic Enrichment grant of $1,029,245 for AP/IB fees, summer academy, and mental health services
• Accept CARES Act/GEER/SECIM grant of $368,856.15 for remote instruction and special‑education support
• Accept $5,000 Grow Pittsburgh grant to refurbish the greenhouse at Pittsburgh Perry High School

Legislative Meeting

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will vote on accepting multiple grant awards, including $225,082 for Pre-K Counts COVID-19 relief and $69,216 for Head Start CARES Act funding, plus a $5,000 grant from The Pittsburgh Foundation. The board will also approve minutes from previous meetings and adopt resolution statements authorizing contracts within budget limits.

• Accept $225,082 Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts CARES Act grant for early childhood COVID-19 relief, serving 787 preschool children
• Accept $69,216 Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program CARES Act grant for COVID-19 preparedness and iPad purchases
• Accept $5,000 grant from The Pittsburgh Foundation for general operating support at Pittsburgh Pioneer Education Center
• Approval of minutes from four prior meetings (July 15, July 22, July 31, August 4, 2020)
• Adoption of resolution statements authorizing staff to adjust contracts/grant details within budget limits

The Board approved several grants to address pandemic impacts, including a $11.1M ESSER grant for technology and PPE. The Board also authorized multiple contracts for early childhood professional development and health services to support a blended learning environment.

• Approved August 4, July 31, July 22, and July 15, 2020 meeting minutes
• Accepted $11,146,817 CARES Act ESSER grant for technology, PPE, and professional development
• Accepted $225,082 PA Pre-K Counts CARES grant for childcare COVID-19 relief and iPads
• Accepted $69,216 Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program CARES grant
• Accepted $244,155 GEER Equity Grant for Career and Technical Centers
• Accepted $181,889 Partner 4 Work grant for 55 paid student internships
• Accepted $336,869 Title III grant for English learners
• Approved $82,080 contract with Interim Healthcare of Pittsburgh, Inc. for nursing and health support

Agenda Review Meeting

The Board of Directors of the School District of Pittsburgh will consider resolutions authorizing acceptance of multiple grant awards and related contract authority. Major items include a $11,146,817 CARES ESSER grant for technology, PPE, and professional development, as well as $225,082 PKC and $69,216 HSSAP CARES grants for early‑childhood COVID‑19 preparedness. Additional proposals are a $5,000 Pittsburgh Foundation grant for the Pittsburgh Pioneer Education Center, a $244,155 GEER equity grant for Career and Technical Centers, and a $181,889 Partner 4 Work grant to fund internships for Start on Success students.

• Accept $11,146,817 CARES ESSER grant for technology, PPE, professional development (Mar 13 2020–Sep 30 2021)
• Accept $225,082 Pennsylvania Pre‑K Counts CARES grant for early‑childhood COVID‑19 preparedness and iPads (Mar 1 2020–Nov 30 2020)
• Accept $69,216 Head Start Supplemental Assistance CARES grant for early‑childhood COVID‑19 support and iPads (Mar 1 2020–Nov 30 2020)
• Accept $244,155 GEER equity grant for Career and Technical Centers to fund programs and equipment (deadline Jun 30 2021)
• Accept $181,889 Partner 4 Work grant to support 55 Start on Success students with paid internships (2020‑21 school year)

Special Legislative

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board is holding a special legislative meeting to vote on several contracts, including a $65,778 one-year deal with Talking Points for a parent-teacher communication tool with translation. Also up for approval are purchases of Achieve3000 Literacy and Actively Learn ($204,875) and Newsela ($127,000) for supplemental social studies curriculum. All three contracts were previously recommended by committees and are expected to pass.

• $65,778 contract with Talking Points for a parent engagement mobile app/website with translation, funded by COVID-19 relief and general funds
• $204,875 purchase of Achieve3000 Literacy and Actively Learn for web-based social studies collections
• $127,000 purchase of Newsela for customized social studies curricular units and professional learning
• Resolutions statement authorizing staff to adjust account numbers and performance periods without exceeding total amounts

The Board approved several contracts for educational software and hardware to support distance learning and family engagement. The largest expenditure was for the purchase of 7,000 Dell laptops. All motions passed with unanimous support from the present members.

• Approved 1-year contract with Talking Points for parent engagement tool not to exceed $65,778 (8-0)
• Approved purchase of Achieve3000 Literacy and Actively Learn not to exceed $204,875 (8-0)
• Approved purchase of Newsela social studies units and licenses not to exceed $127,000 (8-0)
• Approved retroactive purchase of 7,000 Dell Latitude 7390 laptops via 2NDGEAR not to exceed $4,175,640 (8-0)

Special Legislative Meeting

The Board voted to postpone in-class instruction for the first nine-week quarter of the 2020-2021 school year, directing all students to begin the year with remote learning. They also approved a Health and Safety Plan for the 2020-2021 school year. Additionally, the Board authorized a $30,000 contract with Professional Training Associates for virtual COVID-19 safety training for staff.

• Postpone in-class instruction for first nine weeks; all students begin with remote learning (unanimous 9-0 vote)
• Approve Health and Safety Plan for 2020-2021 school year
• Authorize $30,000 contract with Professional Training Associates for COVID-19 safety training
• Provide virtual training via Webex for staff starting August 10

The Board of Directors approved a resolution to postpone in-class instruction for the first nine-week quarter of the 2020-2021 school year, requiring all students to begin in remote learning. The Board also approved a Health and Safety Plan for the school year and a contract for COVID-19 staff training.

• Approved remote learning for the first nine-week quarter of 2020-2021 (9-0)
• Approved 2020-2021 Health and Safety Plan (9-0)
• Approved contract with Professional Training Associates, Inc. for COVID-19 staff training not to exceed $30,000 (7-2)

Legislative Meeting

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will vote on accepting several grants, including a $22,848.80 CARES Act grant for early childhood COVID-19 mental health and supplies, a $5,000 STEM grant from the Carnegie Science Center, and a $1,000 Remake Learning grant for Schiller 6-8. The board will also approve the minutes from June 24, 2020, and hear committee reports on education and business/finance. Personnel and financial reports are scheduled.

• Accept $22,848.80 CARES Act grant for early childhood COVID-19 mental health services and supplies
• Accept $6,151.60 CARES Act expansion grant for seven additional children
• Accept $5,000 STEM grant from Carnegie Science Center for preschool STEM activities
• Accept $1,000 Remake Learning grant for Schiller 6-8 STEAM Academy school store
• Approval of June 24, 2020 legislative meeting minutes

The Board authorized several grants for remote learning and early childhood STEM programs. It also approved multiple contracts for mental health therapists and behavioral support services for students with exceptionalities.

• Approved $40,000 grant from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary for remote learning devices
• Approved $22,848.80 and $6,151.60 CARES Act grants for Early Head Start COVID-19 support
• Approved $5,000 Carnegie Science Center grant for preschool STEM activities
• Approved $1,000 Remake Learning grant for Pittsburgh Schiller 6-8 STEAM Academy
• Approved $222,000 contract with Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. for mental health therapists
• Approved $195,000 contract with Familylinks for mental health therapists
• Approved $150,000 contract with System 1-2-3 for Emotional Support Program
• Approved $30,000 contract with Pittsburgh Cultural Trust/Gateway to the Arts

Special Legislative Meeting

The Board of Directors approved a revised 2020-2021 school calendar and several educational funding items. These actions include accepting a grant for leadership coaching and authorizing contracts to support teacher training in digital environments.

• Acceptance of $150,000 grant from Richard King Mellon Foundation for professional learning
• Contract with NWEA and ANet not to exceed $200,000 for COVID-19 learning loss prevention
• Adoption of revised 2020-2021 school calendar delaying student start dates
• Approval of the Re-Socialization of Sport plan for athletes

The Board approved a revised school calendar that delays student start dates to provide more staff professional development. It also authorized a contract for COVID-19 learning loss prevention and approved a plan for the return of athletics.

• Accepted $150,000 grant from Richard King Mellon Foundation (9-0)
• Approved contract with NWEA and ANet not to exceed $200,000 (9-0)
• Adopted revised 2020-2021 school calendar delaying student start dates (9-0)
• Approved Re-Socialization of Sport plan for athletes (9-0)
• Approved July 15, 2020 Special Legislative Human Resources Report (9-0)
• Approved Item A2 of the Human Resources Report (7-2-0)

Agenda Review Meeting

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board is reviewing resolutions to accept grant awards and authorize contracts, primarily focused on COVID-19 relief for early childhood programs. Key actions include accepting $22,848.80 and $6,151.60 in CARES Act supplemental funding for Early Head Start partnerships, and authorizing contracts with two childcare agencies for up to $12,000.40. A $5,000 STEM grant from the Carnegie Science Center for preschool classrooms is also under consideration.

• Accept $22,848.80 CARES Act one-time supplemental grant for Early Head Start childcare partnerships (Early Childhood)
• Accept $6,151.60 CARES Act expansion grant for seven children in Early Head Start (Early Childhood)
• Authorize contracts with UPMC Shadyside (Matilda Theiss) and Mt. Ararat Community Child Development Center for $12,000.40 in COVID-19 support
• Accept $5,000 STEM grant from Carnegie Science Center (through Heinz Endowments) for preschool STEM activities
• Accept $1,000 Remake Learning grant for Schiller 6-8 STEAM Academy school store

Legislative Meeting

The Pittsburgh Public Schools legislative meeting on June 24, 2020, includes roll call, approval of minutes, and votes on several grant awards. The largest item is a $7,444,385 IDEA-B grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support 4,445 students with disabilities. Other grants include $1,340,271 for an institutionalized children's program, $871,200 for the ELECT program for pregnant and parenting students, and $42,282.40 for special-education licenses.

• Accept $7,444,385 from US Dept of Education for 2020-21 IDEA-B 611 School Age Grant (4,445 students with disabilities)
• Accept $1,340,271 from PA Dept of Education for Institutionalized Children's Program at Mercy Behavioral Health/Reedsdale
• Accept $871,200 from PA Dept of Education for continuation of ELECT program for pregnant and parenting students
• Accept $42,282.40 from PA Dept of Education for 53 licenses each of News-2-You and Unique Learning Systems
• Approval of May 20, 2020 legislative meeting minutes

The Board approved the May 20, 2020 meeting minutes and accepted several state and federal grants, including $7.4M for students with disabilities. The Board also authorized multiple contracts for early childhood health screenings, professional development, and behavioral services.

• Approved May 20, 2020 Legislative minutes (9-0)
• Accepted $7,444,385 US Department of Education IDEA-B 611 School Age Grant
• Accepted $1,340,271 PA Department of Education grant for Institutionalized Children's Program
• Accepted $871,200 PA Department of Education grant for ELECT Program
• Accepted $75,184 Pittsburgh Foundation grant for student computers
• Renewed University of Pittsburgh HealthyCHILD contract for up to $316,817
• Renewed Educational Based Services contract for up to $237,300
• Renewed System 1-2-3 contract for up to $147,625

Agenda Review Meeting

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board is reviewing multiple grant awards at this Agenda Review Meeting, including a $7,444,385 federal IDEA-B grant to support 4,445 students with disabilities. Other notable grants include $1,340,271 for the Institutionalized Children's Program at Mercy Behavioral Health/Reedsdale and $692,095 for career and technical education. The board also considers smaller grants for licenses, equipment, and support programs.

• $7,444,385 IDEA-B grant for special education services (4,445 students)
• $1,340,271 grant for Institutionalized Children's Program at Mercy Behavioral Health/Reedsdale
• $692,095 Carl D. Perkins grant for career and technical education
• $871,200 ELECT grant for pregnant and parenting students
• $53,168.29 for CTE equipment (Self-Piercing Riveting Gun, Dustless Blaster, CNC Lathe)

Legislative Meeting

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will consider adopting resolutions from the Education and Business/Finance committees, including acceptance of several grant awards. The board will also vote on approval of prior meeting minutes and hear financial and controller reports for April 2020.

• Accept $157,010 CARES Act grant for early childhood COVID-19 response including mental health services
• Accept $478,614 IDEA 619 grant for early intervention services for up to 1,600 children
• Accept $1,016,024 IDEA 611 grant for early intervention staff salaries, contracts, and professional development
• Approve minutes from three previous meetings (April 22 Special, April 29, May 13 Special)
• Personnel report of the Superintendent, financial reports, and new business (details not specified)

The Board approved several million dollars in state and federal grants for early childhood and special education. It also authorized multiple facility improvement contracts and accepted several corporate and community donations. The May 20, 2020 Education Report was approved by a unanimous vote.

• Approved $157,010 CARES Act grant for Early Childhood mental health and support services
• Approved $478,614 IDEA 619 grant for early intervention staff and professional development
• Approved $1,016,024 IDEA 611 grant for early intervention staff and professional development
• Approved $5,540,053 State Early Intervention grant for staff salaries and program costs
• Approved $7,800 contract with John Nicholson for math professional development at Pittsburgh Concord PreK-5
• Approved $42,800 contract with Marvin Miller, Architect for flooring at Pittsburgh Colfax K-8
• Approved $125,600 contract with The Hite Company for lighting at Pittsburgh Carrick High School
• Approved $58,900 contract with The Hite Company for lighting at Pittsburgh Weil PreK-5

Special Legislative

This special legislative meeting includes resolutions to purchase technology for remote learning, approve personnel actions, and enter into partnerships. The board will decide on a $1.365 million contract for 7,000 Lenovo Chromebooks for students in grades 2-5, a $195,119.60 purchase of Dell computers for two schools, and a $100,000 internet partnership with Comcast and Neighborhood Allies. Other items include approving amendments to Pennsylvania School Boards Association bylaws and a personnel report.

• Purchase of 7,000 Lenovo Chromebooks for grades 2-5, total not to exceed $1,365,000
• Purchase of Dell computers for Pittsburgh Langley K-8 and Pittsburgh Westinghouse 6-12, total $195,119.60
• Partnership agreement with Comcast and Neighborhood Allies to provide Internet Essentials to students, cost paid by Neighborhood Allies ($100,000)
• Approval of amendments to Pennsylvania School Boards Association bylaws
• Approval of Special Legislative Human Resources Report including Addendum A

The Board authorized several technology purchases to support remote learning, including Chromebooks and laptops. It also approved a partnership for student internet access and amendments to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association bylaws.

• Approved contract with Cloudcast LLC for 7,000 Lenovo Chromebooks not to exceed $1,365,000
• Approved purchase of computers and laptop carts for Pittsburgh Langley K-8 and Pittsburgh Westinghouse 6-12 not to exceed $195,119.60
• Approved partnership agreement with Comcast and Neighborhood Allies to provide Internet Essentials to students
• Approved amendments to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association bylaws
• Approved May 13, 2020 Business/Finance Special Legislative Report
• Approved Special Legislative Human Resources Report, including Addendum A
• Approved Item A2 on Page 1 of the HR report (8-1-0)

Agenda Review Meeting

The Board is reviewing several grant proposals and contracts, including a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act grant for early childhood, three state early intervention grants, and a tutoring contract. Decisions will be made at the regular meeting on May 20, 2020.

• Submission/acceptance of CARES Act one-time supplemental funding grant of $157,010 for early childhood COVID-19 response
• Acceptance of IDEA 619 grant of $478,614 for early intervention services
• Acceptance of IDEA 611 grant of $1,016,024 for early intervention services
• Acceptance of State Early Intervention grant of $5,540,053 for early intervention services
• Contract with FEV Tutor for $50,000 to provide 1-1 tutoring at Pittsburgh Westinghouse 6-12

Legislative Meeting

The Board is meeting to consider several grant awards and routine business. They will vote on accepting continuation grants, including a $589,286 Early Head Start grant, a $111,250 summer employment grant, and smaller grants. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and committee reports.

• Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships continuation grant for $589,286 to serve 26 children
• Learn and Earn Summer Employment Program grant of $111,250 from City of Pittsburgh and Partner4Work
• Heinz Endowments grant of $49,500 for Para2Teacher tuition assistance
• Lancaster-Lebanon IU13 grant of $25,000 to improve graduation rates of students with disabilities
• Approval of February 26, 2020 legislative meeting minutes

The Board approved several grant awards for early childhood and student support services. They also authorized multiple contracts for school performance programs, translation services, and remote learning training.

• Approved Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships Continuation Grant for $589,286
• Approved $25,000 grant from Lancaster-Lebanon IU13 for student disability graduation rates
• Approved $49,500 grant from Heinz Endowments for Para2Teacher tuition assistance
• Approved $111,250 grant from City of Pittsburgh/Partner4Work for summer employment
• Approved $186,538.93 contract with Global Wordsmiths for translation and interpretation
• Approved $10,000 contract with BTPros for Microsoft Teams remote learning training
• Approved $35,000 contract with uNiqu' Performing Arts for summer enrichment at Pittsburgh Lincoln
• Approved February 26, 2020 Legislative minutes (9-0)

Agenda Review Meeting

The Pittsburgh Public Schools board will consider multiple grant awards and contracts at this agenda review meeting. Key items include a $589,286 continuation grant for Early Head Start child care partnerships, a $111,250 summer employment program grant, and contracts for summer enrichment and mentoring services. Most items are up for action and discussion.

• Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships continuation grant: $589,286 total (5.01)
• Learn and Earn Summer Employment Program grant: $111,250 from City of Pittsburgh and Partner4Work (5.04)
• uNiqu' Performing Arts summer enrichment contract: $35,000 for Pittsburgh Lincoln K-5 (6.01)
• D.A. Jones and Associates male mentoring contract: $11,000 for Pittsburgh Lincoln Pre K-5 (6.02)
• Heinz Endowments tuition assistance grant: $49,500 for Para2Teacher Program (5.03)

Special Legislative Meeting

The Board of Directors is deciding on several COVID-19-related actions, including amending graduation requirements for 2019/2020, approving virtual board meetings, revising the school calendar, and accepting free remote learning tools. They also authorized up to $66,020 for at-home learning kits for preschool students.

• Amendment of Policy 211: Graduation Requirements for 2019/2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic (passed)
• Approval of virtual board meetings during the coronavirus emergency (passed)
• School calendar revision: April 28 holiday becomes instruction day, final day moved to June 15 (passed)
• Acceptance of free remote learning tools from Achieve 3000, Discovery Ed., BTPros, Remind, Talking Points (passed)
• Purchase of 2,000 At Home Learning Kits for preschool students not to exceed $66,020 (passed)

The Board of Directors authorized the suspension of policies to allow virtual meetings and amended 2019/2020 graduation requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The district also revised the school calendar and approved no-cost remote learning tools and preschool learning kits.

• Approved suspension of policies to hold virtual meetings (9-0)
• Approved amendment to 2019/2020 graduation requirements (9-0)
• Approved calendar revision: April 28 becomes an instruction day and final day changed to June 15 (9-0)
• Approved no-cost remote learning tools from Achieve 3000, Discovery Ed., BTPros, Remind, and Talking Points (9-0)
• Approved purchase of 2,000 preschool At Home Learning Kits from Lakeshore Learning not to exceed $66,020 (9-0)

Legislative Meeting

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will vote on a $15.3 million Head Start grant continuation, serve 1,163 children. They will also approve minutes, recognize CTE medal winners, and discuss a technology budget transfer. Most other items are procedural.

• Head Start/Early Head Start grant of $15,343,224 for 2020-21, serving 1,163 children
• CTE Skills USA Medal Winners from multiple schools
• Technology Budget Transfer (roll call vote)
• Personnel Report of the Superintendent
• Approval of January 29, 2020 Legislative Minutes

The Board approved several large-scale continuation grants for Head Start and Pre-K programs. It also authorized multiple contracts for student mentoring, sexual violence prevention, and arts showcase venues.

• Approved $15,343,224 Head Start/Early Head Start continuation grant
• Approved $2,042,040 Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program grant
• Approved $6,886,250 Pre-K Counts continuation grant
• Approved $323,260 contract with United Way for Summer Dreamers Academy
• Approved $18,000 contract with Brothers and Sisters Emerging (B.A.S.E.)
• Approved $23,800 for the Sylvester Pace Historical Black College Tour
• Approved $7,502 lease for August Wilson Center for All-City Arts Showcase
• Approved $3,770,931 amendment for childcare partnership contracts

Agenda Review Meeting

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board is reviewing several grant applications and contracts at this Agenda Review Meeting. The largest item is a $15.3 million Head Start/Early Head Start continuation grant to serve 1,163 children. Also under consideration are a $6.9 million Pre-K Counts grant, a $2 million Head Start supplemental grant, and a $323,260 contract for Summer Dreamers Academy with the United Way.

• Head Start/Early Head Start continuation grant: $15,343,224 to serve 1,163 children (item 5.01)
• Pre-K Counts grant: $6,886,250 for 787 children (item 5.03)
• Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program grant: $2,042,040 for 224 children (item 5.02)
• Summer Dreamers Academy contract with United Way: up to $323,260 (item 6.02)
• STEM Makerspace grant for Carrick High School: $35,000 from PAsmart program (item 5.05)

Legislative Meeting

This is a routine legislative meeting of the Pittsburgh Board of Public Education. The board will vote on approval of previous meeting minutes and accept several small grant awards from community partners to support attendance incentives, mindfulness programs, and student activities at Pittsburgh Morrow, Manchester, and Beechwood schools. No major policy changes or large contracts are on the agenda.

• Accept $5,000 grant from New Sun Rising for Pittsburgh Morrow PreK-8 activity periods and PBIS incentives.
• Accept $1,500 grant from United Way for attendance initiatives at Pittsburgh Morrow PreK-8.
• Accept $1,000 grant from United Way Be There Campaign for attendance incentives at Pittsburgh Manchester K-8.
• Accept $500 grant from University of Pittsburgh for mindfulness program at Pittsburgh Beechwood PreK-5.
• Approval of minutes from December 2, 18, and 27, 2019 meetings.

The Board of Directors approved several grants for school attendance and mindfulness, as well as various professional service contracts for early childhood evaluation and student programming. The board also approved the minutes from three previous meetings.

• Approved December 2, 2019, December 18, 2019, and December 27, 2019 minutes (9-0)
• Accepted $5,000 grant from New Sun Rising for Pittsburgh Morrow PreK-8
• Accepted $1,500 grant from United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania for Pittsburgh Morrow PreK-8
• Accepted $1,000 grant from United Way Be There Campaign for Pittsburgh Manchester K-8
• Accepted $500 grant from University of Pittsburgh's Healthy Lifestyle Institute for Pittsburgh Beechwood PreK-5
• Approved $15,000 contract with Tracy K. Larson for Early Learning Expansion Project
• Approved $69,890 for childcare partnerships with UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside and Mt. Ararat Community Child Development Center
• Approved $10,000 retroactive contract renewal with Pittsburgh Cares

Agenda Review Meeting

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will consider several resolutions, including acceptance of grant awards ranging from $500 to $5,000 for school programs and attendance incentives. It will also vote on contracts: a $15,000 agreement with Tracy K. Larson to evaluate the Early Learning Expansion Project, and a $69,890 agreement with two childcare agencies to serve children birth to three. Additional agenda items cover roll call, minutes approval, and distinguished achievement awards.

• $5,000 New Sun Rising grant for Pittsburgh Morrow PreK-8 activity periods and PBIS incentives
• $1,500 United Way grant for Pittsburgh Morrow PreK-8 attendance and Buddy Project
• $1,000 United Way Be There grant for attendance incentives at Pittsburgh Manchester K-8
• $15,000 contract with Tracy K. Larson to evaluate the Early Learning Expansion Project
• $69,890 contracts with UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside – Matilda Theiss and Mt. Ararat Community Child Development Center for childcare services