Pittsburgh Public Schools public meetings in 2023
25 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Legislative Meeting
The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will hold a roll call vote on the 2024 General Fund Budget, real estate taxes, and other financial matters. The meeting also includes committee reports, a personnel report, approval of previous minutes, and an announcement of executive sessions.
- Roll call vote on 2024 General Fund Budget
- Roll call vote on 2024 Real Estate Tax
- Roll call vote on 2024 Earned Income Tax
- Roll call vote on 2024 Homestead/Farmstead
- Roll call vote on 2024 Realty Transfer Tax
The Board approved several grant awards for STEM, refugee support, and vocational programs. It also authorized multiple contracts for academic tutoring, mental health, and mentorship services at South Hills Middle School, West Liberty, and Pittsburgh Sunnyside.
- Approved $1,000 United Way/STEM grant for Pittsburgh Gifted Center
- Approved $54,000 PA Dept of Education grant for Ukrainian refugee students
- Approved $200 PNC Bank grant for SciTech BSU Black Snow Dance
- Approved grant up to $90,790.20 from PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Approved $46,100 for Intervene K-12 bilingual tutoring at South Hills Middle School
- Approved $34,730 for East End Cooperative Ministry music and violence prevention
- Approved $21,650 for Venture Outdoors mentorship at South Hills Middle School
- Approved $6,000 contract with Mark Southers for 'Fences' production
🗳️ How they voted (8 roll-call votes)
Agenda Review
The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board is reviewing multiple grant awards and contracts at this agenda review meeting. Decisions include accepting a $90,790 grant from the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for student internships, a $54,000 Ukrainian Refugee School Impact grant, and several smaller grants and after-school program contracts funded by ESSER III. The meeting also includes procedural resolutions authorizing staff to adjust contract details within approved amounts.
- $90,790 grant from PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for up to 43 student internships
- $54,000 Ukrainian Refugee School Impact grant for K-7 summer BOOST and parent engagement
- $1,000 United Way STEM School Champions grant for Pittsburgh Gifted Center app development
- $1,975 contract with Mad Science for after-school enrichment at Pittsburgh West Liberty
- $875 contract with Reading is FUNdamental for academic enrichment at Pittsburgh West Liberty
Board Reorganization
The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board held its reorganization meeting, administering oaths to four newly elected directors and electing officers for the board. Eugene Walker was elected president, Devon Taliaferro as first vice-president, and Tracey Reed as second vice-president. The board also approved the election of Wayne Walters as secretary and Rachael Heisler as school controller, along with setting bonds for those offices.
- Elected Eugene Walker as board president (5-4 vote)
- Elected Devon Taliaferro as first vice-president (5-4 vote)
- Elected Tracey Reed as second vice-president (5-4 vote)
- Elected Wayne Walters as secretary; bond set at $250,000
- Elected Rachael Heisler as school controller at $25,640 annual salary; bond set at $25,000
The Board conducted its annual reorganization, electing a President, two Vice-Presidents, and other key administrative officers. The Board also appointed the School Controller, Deputy Controller, and School Treasurer.
- Elected Eugene Walker as President
- Elected Devon Taliaferro as First Vice-President
- Elected Tracey Reed as Second Vice-President
- Elected Wayne Walters as Secretary with a $250,000 bond
- Elected Ira Weiss, Ronald J. Joseph, and Laura Cosharek as Assistant Secretaries with $250,000 bonds each
- Elected Rachael Heisler as School Controller ($25,640 salary) and Michael A. Senko as Deputy School Controller
- Elected Jennifer Gula as School Treasurer with a $250,000 bond
- Elected Solicitor Ira Weiss as Temporary President (unanimous voice vote)
🗳️ How they voted — 2 divided votes
Legislative Meeting
This is a procedural meeting with no major decisions or proposals. The board will approve minutes from the October 25 meeting and hear committee reports on education and business/finance, as well as a personnel report and financial reports. An executive session was held on personnel matters.
- Approval of minutes from October 25, 2023 legislative meeting
- Executive session held on November 2, 15, and prior to meeting for personnel matters
- Committee on Education and Business/Finance will present reports
- Personnel report from superintendent and financial reports to be received
- Recognition of distinguished achievement awards and exiting board member appreciation
The Board approved a contract for nursing services in the Early Childhood Program and several ESSER III-funded after-school programs at Pittsburgh King PreK-8. Additionally, the Board accepted multiple grants for special education recruitment, STEM, and robotics.
- Approved October 25, 2023 Legislative Minutes (9-0)
- Accepted $20,000 PaTTAN grant for special education career pathways
- Accepted $6,000 United Way/Arconic Foundation grant for DRONE Legend program
- Approved two FIRST Robotics Competition regrant awards of up to $2,000 each
- Approved contract with Maxim Healthcare Services for nursing support up to $100,000
- Approved $5,500 contract with STEM Coding Lab for Pittsburgh King PreK-8 (8-0, 1 abstain)
- Approved $5,000 contract with Saturday Light Brigade for Pittsburgh King PreK-8 (8-0, 1 abstain)
- Proposed contracts for Plant A SEED ($4,000), Freeman YOUnique ($4,000), and We Cook We Eat ($4,500)
🗳️ How they voted (13 roll-call votes)
Agenda Review
The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will consider accepting several grant awards and approving a contract for nursing services in the Early Childhood Program. Key items include a $20,000 grant from PaTTAN to recruit future special educators, a $6,000 grant from United Way for a drone curriculum at Pittsburgh Sunnyside PK-8, and a $100,000 contract with Maxim Healthcare Services for nursing support. Also up for approval are regranted funds for two FIRST Robotics teams and a stipend for conference travel.
- $100,000 contract with Maxim Healthcare Services for nursing support in the Early Childhood Program (Nov 22, 2023 – Jun 30, 2024)
- $20,000 PaTTAN grant to develop future special educators through experiential learning and mentoring
- $6,000 United Way STEM School Champions grant for DRONE Legend program at Pittsburgh Sunnyside PK-8 (grades 6-8)
- Two regrant awards of $2,000 each from FIRST Robotics Competition for Sci Tech Team 8705 and Milliones Team 9004
- $3,500 PaTTAN stipend for Pittsburgh Pioneer Education Center to attend the 2023 HELIX Conference
Legislative Meeting
The Pittsburgh Board of Public Education will hold a legislative meeting including adoption of resolutions recommended by the Education and Business/Finance committees, approval of prior meeting minutes, committee reports, a personnel report, and financial reports. The board will also recognize student achievements and announce executive sessions held on personnel matters.
- Adoption of resolutions from Committee on Education and Business/Finance (specific resolutions not listed in agenda)
- Recognition of student award winners: Eagle Scout Daniel Kelly, America's Healthiest Schools, Carnegie Library Teen Media Awards, Ralph Munn Creative Writing Contest, and art/music/photography winners
- Approval of minutes from September 27, 2023 legislative meeting
- Announcement of executive sessions on October 5, 18, and 25 for personnel matters
The Board approved several contracts for after-school programs, mental health resources, and teacher training. Key actions included accepting a grant for a wellness room and authorizing payments for arts and STEAM enrichment.
- Approved September 27, 2023 legislative minutes (9-0)
- Accepted $4,900 Highmark Foundation grant for a wellness room at Pittsburgh Sunnyside PK-8
- Approved ESSER III after-school contracts for Pittsburgh Phillips with ESTEEM Group ($7,500), Freeman YOUnique Education Consulting ($8,900), We Cook, We Eat ($4,500), and RIF ($1,125)
- Approved $7,000 ESSER III after-school contract for Pittsburgh Westwood
- Approved $6,500 payment to Reaching New Dreams & Recognizing Talents LLC for Pittsburgh Milliones 6-12
- Approved $2,000 payment to Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for arts integration at Pittsburgh Dilworth K-5
- Approved $13,900 contract with AmeriCorps KEYS Service Corp for Pittsburgh Brashear HS
- Approved contract with Quetzal Education Consulting for anti-racist math pedagogy training (8-1)
🗳️ How they voted — 2 divided votes
Agenda Review
The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will consider approving multiple contracts and grants at the Agenda Review meeting on October 18, 2023. Items include accepting a $4,900 Highmark Foundation grant for a wellness room at Pittsburgh Sunnyside PK-8, and entering into four ESSER III-funded after-school program contracts at Pittsburgh Phillips totaling $22,025 with providers ESTEEM Group, Freeman YOUnique Education Consulting, We Cook We Eat, and RIF. The board will also take action on awards, minutes, and other routine business.
- Accept $4,900 Highmark Foundation grant for a wellness room at Pittsburgh Sunnyside PK-8
- Contract with ESTEEM Group for $7,500 for after-school programs at Pittsburgh Phillips
- Contract with Freeman YOUnique Education Consulting for $8,900 for after-school programs at Pittsburgh Phillips
- Contract with We Cook We Eat for $4,500 for after-school enrichment at Pittsburgh Phillips
- Contract with RIF for $1,125 for after-school programs at Pittsburgh Phillips
Legislative Meeting
The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board holds a legislative meeting with agenda items including approval of the August 23, 2023 minutes, committee reports, personnel and financial reports, and new business. No specific grants, contracts, or policy changes are listed for action at this meeting; the agenda is largely procedural.
- Approval of minutes from the August 23, 2023 legislative meeting
- Announcement of executive sessions held on September 6, 20, and before the meeting
- Committee reports from Education and Business/Finance with general authorization to enter contracts
- Personnel report from the superintendent and financial reports from the controller
The Board approved several grant awards for student support and conflict resolution. It also authorized various contracts for psychological services, translation, and school-based mentoring.
- Approved $75,000 Richard King Mellon Foundation grant for Teen Parenting Program
- Approved $25,000 Grable Foundation grant for conflict resolution (8-1 abstain)
- Approved $75,000 APlus schools grant for Pittsburgh Perry Reimagine initiative (8-1 abstain)
- Approved contract with 1Nation/Kevin McNair for Brashear HS mentoring up to $30,000 (8-1 abstain)
- Approved contract with Global Wordsmiths for translation services up to $125,000
- Approved contract with Thomas Bonaroti for psychological services up to $25,000
- Approved payment up to $6,292 for Advanced Placement exams at Brashear High School
- Approved August 23, 2023 legislative minutes (9-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Agenda Review
The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will discuss and vote on multiple grant acceptances and contracts at the September 20, 2023 Agenda Review meeting. Items include a $1,614,788 Title I School Improvement grant for seven Comprehensive Support and Improvement schools, and several smaller grants for student support programs. The board will also consider contracts for after-school programs, psychological services, and translation services.
- Accept $1,614,788 Title I School Improvement grant for seven CSI schools: Pittsburgh Conroy, Classical 6-8, Langley K-8, Milliones 6-12, Morrow K-8, Perry HS, Westinghouse 6-12
- Accept $75,000 Richard King Mellon Foundation grant for ELECT Teen Parenting Program
- Accept $25,000 Grable Foundation grant for Narrative Transformation and Conflict Resolution
- Contract with Human Services Administration Organization (HSAO) for service coordinator at Pittsburgh Martin Luther King, total $85,439
- Contract with Global Wordsmiths for ESL translation services, total not to exceed $125,000
Legislative Meeting
This legislative meeting is largely procedural, including approval of the July 26, 2023 minutes, committee reports, and a personnel report. The board will also hear resolution statements from the Education and Business/Finance committees, but specific items are not detailed in the agenda. No major new contracts or policy changes are scheduled for a vote.
- Approval of the July 26, 2023 legislative meeting minutes
- Recognition of School Board Member Appreciation Month with board member names listed
- Executive sessions held on August 16 and prior to the meeting for personnel matters
- Committee on Education and Business/Finance resolution statements (specific resolutions not published)
- Personnel report from the Superintendent
The Board approved several grant awards for student services and STEAM education, including $894,608 for the ELECT program. The Board also authorized contracts for translation services, special education support, and a community mural project.
- Approved $894,608 grant from PA Dept of Education for ELECT Program
- Approved $22,500 grant from Matt's Maker Space, Inc. for STEAM education
- Approved $200,000 contract with Global Wordsmiths for translation and interpretation
- Approved $180,000 contract renewal with System 1-2-3 for student support programs
- Approved $168,528 contract with AIU3 for Title I non-public equitable services
- Approved $65,107.80 purchase of Pearson Digital Assessment Library
- Approved $5,000 donation from Subaru Loves Learning for school supplies
- Approved donation of 550 Pittsburgh Pirates tickets valued at $27,500
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Agenda Review
The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will review several grant awards and contracts at this agenda review meeting. Notable items include a $894,608 state grant for the ELECT program supporting pregnant and parenting students, a $168,528 contract with Allegheny Intermediate Unit for Title I services, and a $180,000 renewal for System 1-2-3 to support special education programs. The board also will consider smaller grants for mental health teletherapy, STEAM education, and wellness room supplies.
- $894,608 grant from PA Department of Education for ELECT program (pregnant/parenting student support)
- $168,528 contract with Allegheny Intermediate Unit #3 for Title I equitable services to non-public school students
- $180,000 renewal contract with System 1-2-3 for autistic, emotional, and lifeskills support programs
- $70,000 grant proposal to Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for school mental health teletherapy (grades 4-12)
- $22,500 grant from Matt's Maker Space for STEAM education at Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy
Legislative Meeting
The Pittsburgh School Board will consider adopting resolution statements from the Committee on Education and the Committee on Business/Finance that authorize officers to enter contracts and allow staff to adjust account numbers, performance periods, and other details as long as the total amount in each resolution is not exceeded. The resolutions also set procedures for handling grant increases: staff may expend any increase for grants of $1,000 or less, and up to 15 % of the original amount for larger grants without further board approval. The meeting will also approve the minutes from the June 28, 2023 legislative meeting and note that no Distinguished Achievement Awards are being presented this month.
- Adopt resolution statements authorizing officers to enter contracts and staff to modify details within resolution limits
- Grant increase rules: unlimited increase for grants ≤ $1,000; up to 15 % increase for grants > $1,000 without extra board authority
- Approve the minutes of the June 28, 2023 Legislative Meeting
- Report that there are no Distinguished Achievement Awards this month
- Executive session announcement covering personnel matters (no vote taken)
The Board authorized the acceptance of several large federal grants, including $15 million for Title I academic achievement. The Board also approved various contracts for non-public school equitable services and early childhood programs.
- Approved June 28, 2023 Legislative Minutes (8-0)
- Accepted $15,034,277 Title I, Part A grant from PA Department of Education
- Accepted $1,287,463 Title II, Part A grant from PA Department of Education
- Accepted $1,075,058 Title IV, Part A grant from PA Department of Education
- Accepted $211,767 Title III grant for English Learners from PA Department of Education
- Approved $9,000 payment to Hatch Partners in Play for Arsenal PreK-5 (7-0-1)
- Authorized $1,266,933 agreement with PMOIU2 for Title I non-public equitable services
- Authorized $659,416 total for Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships grant
🗳️ How they voted (11 roll-call votes)
Agenda Review
The Pittsburgh Public Schools committees on Education and Business/Finance are reviewing and recommending approval of several grant awards at this agenda review meeting. The most significant is a $15,034,277 Title I grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to support academic achievement for disadvantaged students. Other grants include Title II ($1,287,463), Title IV ($1,075,058), an Early Head Start partnership ($479,454 base), and a $4,000 UPMC health grant.
- Accept $15,034,277 Title I grant from PA Dept of Education for disadvantaged student achievement
- Accept $1,287,463 Title II grant for teacher and principal training
- Accept $1,075,058 Title IV grant for student support and enrichment programs
- Authorize submission/acceptance of $479,454 Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships grant for children birth-3
- Accept $4,000 from UPMC Children's Hospital for health/wellness at Arsenal PreK-5 and 6-8
Legislative Meeting
The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will approve the minutes from the May 24 legislative meeting and hear committee reports from Education and Business/Finance. They will also acknowledge a $4,000 Distinguished Achievement Award grant from Special Olympics North America and The Choose Kindness Project to a student at Pittsburgh Allderdice. The rest of the agenda consists of routine personnel, financial, and executive session reports.
- Approval of May 24, 2023 legislative meeting minutes
- $4,000 grant from Special Olympics North America and The Choose Kindness Project to Rudy Nesbitt at Pittsburgh Allderdice
- Resolution statements authorizing staff to adjust contract details within budget limits
- Executive sessions announced for May 30, June 6, 14, 21, 22, and prior to meeting for personnel matters
The Board approved several grant awards, including over $7.6M for students with disabilities. The Board also renewed multiple service contracts for Early Childhood and Early Intervention programs for the 2023-24 school year.
- Approved $7,603,107 US Department of Education grant for IDEA-B 611 School Age Grant
- Approved $738,508 Perkins V Grant for Career and Technical Education
- Approved $184,000 Partner4Work grant for 12th grade paid internships
- Approved $821,987 contract with Educational Based Services/The Stepping Stones Group
- Approved $342,846 contract with Maxim Healthcare Staffing Services
- Approved $58,500 contract with Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic
- Approved $40,000 contract with Pittsburgh Behavioral Services (8-1)
- Approved $2,500 ReMake Learning grant for iPads (8-0-1)
🗳️ How they voted — 2 divided votes
Agenda Review
The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board is reviewing and authorizing acceptance of several grant awards and contract renewals at this agenda review meeting. Key items include a $7.6 million IDEA-B grant for students with disabilities and a $738,508 Perkins V grant for career and technical education. The board will also vote on smaller grants and early childhood program contracts.
- $7,603,107 US Department of Education grant for 2023-24 IDEA-B special education services supporting 4,044 students
- $738,508 Pennsylvania Department of Education Perkins V grant for career and technical education programs
- $184,000 Partner4Work grant for paid internships for up to 55 twelfth-grade students
- $28,800 contract renewal with Pittsburgh Cultural Trust/Gateway to the Arts for early childhood arts presentations and residencies
- $7,650 agreement renewal with Wesley Family Services Foster Grandparent Program for early childhood intergenerational experiences
Legislative Meeting
The board will approve minutes from the April 26, 2023 meeting, hear committee reports from Education and Business/Finance, and receive personnel and financial reports. No specific resolutions, contracts, or grants are on the agenda for a vote.
The Board approved several grants for early childhood education, STEAM, and refugee support. It also authorized contracts for medical consulting, program evaluations, and specialized instructional services.
- Approved April 26, 2023 legislative minutes (9-0)
- Accepted $22,500 grant from Matt's Maker Space for STEAM education at Pgh. Carmalt
- Authorized application for Pre-K Counts grant up to $10,681,000
- Approved $111,229 grant proposal for Afghan Refugee School Impact Support to Schools
- Accepted $790,161, $502,967, and $5,900,084 grants from PA Dept of Education for Early Intervention
- Accepted $75,000 PA Dept of Education Dual Credit grant for 200 students
- Renewed medical consultant contract with Martin Gregorio, MD not to exceed $37,500 (8-1)
- Authorized $255,000 contract with Johns Hopkins University to evaluate ESSER funded after school programs
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Agenda Review
This agenda review meeting includes votes on multiple grant proposals. The largest is a $10.68 million Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts grant to serve up to 971 children. Other grants fund a maker space at Carmalt K-8, Afghan refugee student support, early intervention programs, and a dual credit program.
- Pre-K Counts continuation grant of up to $10,681,000 for 971 children in 2023-24
- Matt's Maker Space grant of $22,500 for STEAM education at Pittsburgh Carmalt K-8
- Afghan Refugee School Impact Support grant of $111,229 for Afghan students K-12
- Three early intervention grants totaling $7,193,212 for up to 1,600 children
- Dual Credit grant of $75,000 for up to 200 students at Pitt and CCAC
Legislative Meeting
The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will hold a legislative meeting to approve the March 22, 2023 minutes, hear committee reports, and recognize distinguished achievement awards. No specific new contracts or policy items are listed for action; routine procedural items and executive session announcements comprise the agenda.
- Recognition of Dr. Barbara A. Sizemore, the Advocates for African American Students, and the Equity Advisory Panel with the PghASR Lauretta Woodson Award
- Social Worker Lifetime Achievement Award to Tanya Ashby of Pittsburgh King
- Junior Science and Humanities Symposium winners from Pittsburgh Allderdice
- Approval of minutes from the March 22, 2023 legislative meeting
- Announcement of executive sessions held on March 27, April 4, April 19, and prior to the meeting for personnel matters
The Board approved several educational grants and service contracts, including a district-wide online tutoring service and a youth court initiative. Other approved actions included funding for after-school programs at Roosevelt and Sterrett schools and a summer enrichment program at Pittsburgh Lincoln.
- Approved $599,000 contract with Tutor.com for K-12 online tutoring (8-1)
- Approved $525,000 contract with The Pittsburgh Contingency for Youth Court Initiative (8-1)
- Approved $30,000 Next Gen Personal Finance grant for Career and Technical Education
- Approved $1,000 American Heart Association NFL Play 360 grant for Phillips Elementary
- Approved $21,180 for after-school programs at Pittsburgh Roosevelt via Art Expressions, Inc. and Mad Science
- Approved $6,000 for after-school programs at Pittsburgh Sterrett via Venture Outdoors
- Approved $65,000 total for STEAM and Reading Summer Enrichment at Pittsburgh Lincoln via uNiqu' Arts
- Approved $115,000 (Year 1) contract with UPMC Sports Medicine for athletic training
🗳️ How they voted — 2 divided votes
Agenda Review
The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board of Directors is meeting to discuss and vote on several grant acceptances and service contracts. Items include a $30,000 grant from Next Gen Personal Finance to support a new personal finance graduation requirement, and a three-year, $363,610 contract with UPMC for athletic training services. Also under consideration are after-school programs at Pittsburgh Roosevelt and racial equity training.
- Accept $30,000 from Next Gen Personal Finance to expand personal finance course, making it a graduation requirement for 2023-24
- Enter three-year contract with UPMC Center for Sports Medicine for athletic training services, total $363,610
- Approve up to $21,180 for after-school programs at Pittsburgh Roosevelt using ESSER III funds
- Authorize $42,000 contract with Pacific Educational Group for racial equity facilitator training
- Accept $1,000 from American Heart Association for NFL Play 360 physical activity equipment at Phillips Elementary
Legislative Meeting
This meeting is largely procedural: the board will approve the minutes from the February 22, 2023 legislative meeting, hear committee reports, and consider generic resolutions authorizing contracts and grants within specified limits. No new policy items or public hearings are listed.
- Approval of February 22, 2023 legislative meeting minutes
The Board approved several early childhood and student support grants, including a $18.03 million Head Start application. It also authorized contracts for a district-wide racial equity audit and various school-specific enrichment programs.
- Approved Head Start/Early Head Start grant application for $18,031,715
- Approved Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program grant up to $2,559,711
- Approved $153,126 contract with MGT of America Consulting, LLC for a racial equity audit
- Approved $386,195.50 for 14 organizations to provide 2023 Summer BOOST enrichment
- Approved $474,137 grant proposal to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for school mental health
- Approved $216,894.84 Schools-to-Work Grant for Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Program
- Approved $70,250 grant from City of Pittsburgh and Partner4Work for summer employment
- Approved February 22, 2023 Legislative Minutes (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Agenda Review
The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board will review and vote on several grant proposals for the 2023-24 school year, including a $18 million Head Start/Early Head Start grant serving 1,048 children, a $2.6 million Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program, and a $70,250 summer employment program. The board also will consider acceptances of grants for career and technical education, computer science, and school mental health.
- $18,031,715 Head Start/Early Head Start grant to serve 1,048 children (955 Head Start, 93 Early Head Start), with a slot reduction of 115 unfilled slots
- $2,559,711 Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program grant for up to 231 preschool children
- $70,250 Partner4Work Learn and Earn Summer Employment Program for up to 25 students with disabilities
- $216,894 Schools-to-Work Grant for Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Program (P.I.T.T.)
- $474,137 School Mental Health Grant proposal to Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
Legislative Meeting
The Pittsburgh Public Schools Board of Directors will hold a legislative meeting on February 22, 2023, to approve the minutes from the January 25 meeting and recognize student and staff achievements. Awards include SkillsUSA medalists from multiple schools, Angela Mike as Penn State Readiness Institute Community Leader of the Year, and an 8th grader as Tree Pittsburgh Volunteer of the Year. Committee reports and a personnel report are on the agenda, but no major financial decisions or policy changes are listed.
- Recognition of Angela Mike as 2022 Tracey DeBlase Houston Community Leader of the Year by Penn State Readiness Institute
- Recognition of SkillsUSA first-place medalists from Allderdice, Brashear, Carrick, Milliones, and Westinghouse
- Recognition of Greenfield 8th grader Sam Livshin as Tree Pittsburgh Volunteer of the Year
- Approval of minutes from the January 25, 2023 Legislative Meeting
- Announcement of executive sessions on February 7, 15, and prior to the meeting for personnel matters
The Board approved several contracts for early childhood services, including childcare partnerships and vision screenings. It also authorized payments for curriculum review committees and various school-based grants and programs.
- Approved minutes from January 25, 2023 (8-0)
- Accepted $1,500 grant from Phipps Conservatory for Pittsburgh Carmalt
- Accepted $350 grant from Big Plan Investments LLC for Pittsburgh Arlington PreK-8
- Approved childcare contracts with The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Mt. Ararat Community Child Development Center not to exceed $73,803
- Renewed University of Pittsburgh HealthyCHILD contract not to exceed $24,387
- Approved contract with Educational Based Services/The Stepping Stones Group, LLC for early intervention services not to exceed $135,675
- Approved $28,000 for All-City Saturday Music program transportation
- Authorized no-cost agreement with Vision To Learn for student vision exams and eyeglasses
🗳️ How they voted (6 roll-call votes)
Agenda Review
At this Agenda Review meeting, the Committee on Education and Committee on Business/Finance are recommending that the full Board approve several contracts and grant acceptances. Items include a $135,675 contract for speech and occupational therapy, a $73,803 childcare partnership, and smaller grants for gardening and Pre-K support. The committee also discusses renewals and authorizations for various services.
- $135,675 contract with Educational Based Services/The Stepping Stones Group for speech and occupational therapy in early intervention (Feb 23–Sep 30, 2023)
- $73,803 childcare partnership with The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh/Child’s Way ($31,630) and Mt. Ararat Community Child Development Center ($42,173) for birth-to-three services (Mar 1, 2023–Feb 28, 2024)
- $24,387 renewal of contract with University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development for HealthyCHILD program (Mar 1, 2023–Feb 28, 2024)
- $20,000 contract with Wesley Family Services for social skills program in early intervention classrooms (Feb 23–Sep 30, 2023)
- $1,500 Champion Community Grant from Phipps Conservatory for gardening at Pittsburgh Carmalt
Legislative Meeting
This is a routine legislative meeting. The board will vote to approve minutes from the December 5 board organization meeting (which set board leadership) and the December 21 legislative meeting, along with committee reports and a personnel report. The meeting also includes recognition of the Pittsburgh Westinghouse Bulldogs football team and a proclamation for School Director Recognition Month. No new policy decisions or dollar-amount contracts are listed in the agenda.
- Approval of minutes of December 5 Board Organization Meeting (elected president, vice-presidents, treasurer)
- Recognition of Westinghouse Bulldogs as PIAA 2A runner-up and City League champions
- Honoring board members for School Director Recognition Month
- Executive sessions held Dec 22, Jan 18, and Jan 25 for personnel matters
- Committee resolutions on Education and Business/Finance – details not provided
The Board approved several STEM and science grants for King PreK-8, Dilworth K-5, and the Science and Technology Academy. It also authorized contracts for after-school programs and mental health services, as well as funding for AP exams at Brashear High School.
- Approved $5,000 PPG grant for STEM education at Pittsburgh King PreK-8
- Approved $10,000 PennSEL grant for high school science teacher workshops
- Approved $996.93 PPG Innovative Classrooms Grant for 3D printers at Pittsburgh Dilworth K-5
- Approved $5,000 Society for Science STEM Research Grant for scientific equipment
- Approved contract up to $10,000 with Young Black Motivated Kings and Queens for after-school programs at Pittsburgh Allegheny 6-8
- Approved contracts up to $30,440 for after-school programs at Pittsburgh Lincoln
- Approved contract up to $48,750 with System 1-2-3 for Early Childhood Program mental health services
- Approved up to $11,254 to subsidize approximately 300 AP exams at Pittsburgh Brashear High School
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Agenda Review
The Board is authorizing acceptance of four grants totaling about $21,000 for STEM and science education, and entering into a $10,000 after-school contract at Pittsburgh Allegheny 6-8. A placeholder for a Lincoln after-school program with total cost to be determined is also discussed. All items are up for action and discussion.
- $5,000 PPG Community Engagement grant for STEM at Pittsburgh King PreK-8
- $10,000 PennSEL grant for science teacher training on new STEELS standards
- $996.93 PPG Innovative Classrooms grant for 3D printers at Pittsburgh Dilworth K-5
- $5,000 Society for Science STEM Research Grant for equipment at Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy
- $10,000 ESSER III after-school contract with Young Black Motivated Kings and Queens at Pittsburgh Allegheny 6-8