Penn-Harrisburg School District public meetings in 2021
25 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
December 6, 2021 Reorganization Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors is holding its annual reorganization meeting to elect a temporary chairperson, swear in newly elected and re-elected board members, and elect a board president and vice president for 2022. The meeting is procedural and required by the Pennsylvania Public School Code.
- Election of temporary chairperson from among five hold-over members
- Oath of office administered to re-elected directors Joseph B. Capozoli, Evelyn Herbert, Marisa Jamison, and newly elected director Nicole Richardson
- Election of board president and vice president for 2022
- Next regular voting meeting scheduled for January 26, 2022 at 6:00 pm
MINUTES - December 6, 2021 Reorganization Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors held its reorganization meeting, swearing in re-elected members and electing officers for 2022. The board also received a report on residential tax appeals, noting a total tax increase of $398,202.10. The meeting was largely procedural, with no major policy decisions.
- Erin Vecchio elected Board President (7-1 vote)
- Jackie Blakey-Tate elected Board Vice President (unanimous)
- Oath of Office administered to Marisa Jamison, Evelyn Herbert, Joseph B. Capozoli
- Report on 2021 residential tax appeals: total tax increase of $398,202.10
- Next regular voting meeting scheduled for January 26, 2022
MINUTES - November 23, 2021 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors met to approve various financial and educational items. Key actions included certifying no tax increase above the 4.7% index for 2022-23 and approving several curriculum updates.
- Certified school district tax will not increase above the 4.7% Act 1 index for 2022-23
- Approved $6,299.33 for Daikin Air Handling Unit 12 repair
- Accepted a $930 grant from Pittsburgh Food Bank for breakfast program coolers
- Authorized a service order with AIU3-RWAN not to exceed $509 per month through June 2026
- Approved adding a 0.5 credit Esports course at the High School
November 23, 2021 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors is reviewing several financial resolutions, including a certification not to increase taxes above the 4.7% index. The meeting also includes discussions on curriculum changes, such as adding an Esports course, and technology maintenance contracts.
- Certification of no school district tax increase above the 4.7% Act 1 index for 2022-23
- Approval of $2,707,274.34 in General Fund payments and $125,850.51 in Food Service Fund payments
- Permission to add a new Esports course at the High School worth 0.5 credits
- Authorization of AIU3-RWAN service order through June 30, 2026, at up to $509 per month
- Approval of $598.00 purchase for 200 ID badge cards from IRIS Companies
MINUTES - October 27, 2021 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors held its regular public voting meeting on October 27, 2021, approving consent items including school finance resolutions, curriculum purchases, and technology repairs. The board ratified $4,729,321.10 in general fund payments and $133,003.03 in food service fund payments, and approved a $54,347.15 payment to XYCOM Technology for classroom technology installation. Curriculum items included a $129,008.25 renewal of TCI Social Studies for grades K-5 and a $24,922.32 purchase of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Science Fusion worktexts, both funded by Ready to Learn grants. The board also approved field trips, donations, and a two-year transportation agreement with City Charter High School.
- Approved $4,729,321.10 in general fund payments and $133,003.03 in food service fund payments
- Approved $54,347.15 payment to XYCOM Technology for Learning Link classroom technology
- Approved $129,008.25 renewal of TCI Social Studies K-5 curriculum
- Approved $24,922.32 purchase of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Science Fusion worktexts
- Approved two-year transportation agreement with City Charter High School
October 27, 2021 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors is meeting to review financial projections, approve various instructional material purchases, and ratify school fund payments. The agenda also includes updates on student representatives and several technology-related maintenance items.
- Approval of $54,347.15 payment to XYCOM Technology for Learning Link installation
- Purchase of TCI Social Studies K-5 licenses for $129,008.25 using Ready To Learn Grant funds
- Purchase of Science Fusion 2017 Worktexts for $24,922.32 using Ready to Learn Grant funds
- Ratification of General Fund payments totaling $4,729,321.10
- Approval of a two-year transportation agreement with City Charter High School
MINUTES - September 29, 2021 - Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors held its regular public voting meeting on September 29, 2021, approving routine financial items including bill payments, a natural gas contract renewal, and property liens. The board also heard reports on the start of the school year, recognized a distinguished alumnus, and discussed the district's fund balance.
- Approved $7,238,372.24 in General Fund checks and wires, plus $62,507.47 in Food Service Fund payments
- Approved lien on 245 properties for delinquent taxes at $60 each, total $14,700
- Approved Western PA Natural Gas Consortium renewal at $0.05/Dth savings for 2022-2025
- Approved PlanCon K refinancing submission to PA Department of Education
- Approved $80 A/CAPA membership for child accounting secretary
September 29, 2021 - Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold a public voting meeting on September 29, 2021, to approve routine financial and curriculum items, including payment of bills, contracts for alternative education and Title I services, and field trips. The agenda is largely consent-based, with no major policy changes or public hearings beyond standard approvals.
- Ratify $7,238,372.24 in General Fund payments and $62,507.47 in Food Service Fund payments
- Approve lien on 245 properties for delinquent taxes at $60 each, total $14,700
- Approve Western PA Natural Gas Consortium renewal at $0.05/Dth savings for 2022-2025
- Ratify AIU#3 alternative education contract at $56/day (regular) and $72/day (special education)
- Approve multiple Title I non-public school service agreements totaling over $235,000
August 18, 2021 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors is meeting to approve various financial resolutions, including bill ratifications and grant acceptances. The agenda also includes several curriculum-related decisions regarding student programs, teacher training, and contract renewals.
- Ratification of General Fund payments totaling $4,001,829.27
- Acceptance of $88,205 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Grant for Penn Hills Elementary
- Authorization of adult breakfast prices at $2.00 and lunch at $3.90
- Approval of $1,176.51 tuition payment to Plum School District for Air Force ROTC participation
- Approval of $6,000 for Carnegie Learning Math Academy for five teachers
MINUTES - July 14, 2021-SPECIAL Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors held a special public voting meeting on July 14, 2021, primarily to ratify an addendum to a General Obligation Bond resolution from April 2020. The board voted 9-0 to approve the addendum, which changes the bond's name and reaffirms the president's authority. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned after about seven minutes.
- Ratified execution of GOB Addendum for up to $30,000,000 in General Obligation Bonds (Series A of 2020)
- Bond counsel reported bonds were marketed with over 4% savings
- No executive session held prior to the meeting
- Superintendent Dr. Nancy Hines was absent
- Next public voting meeting scheduled for August 18, 2021
July 14, 2021-SPECIAL Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors is holding a special public voting meeting to consider ratifying an addendum to a $30 million general obligation bond resolution from 2020. The agenda also includes standard procedural items like roll call, public comments, and adjournment, with no executive session held beforehand.
- Ratify execution of General Obligation Bonds (Federally Taxable) Series A of 2020 addendum, up to $30,000,000
- Call for public comments on school finance board resolutions
- Roll call vote on school finance items
- Public comment period with 3-minute limit per speaker
- Next regular voting meeting scheduled for August 18, 2021
2021-2022 Archived Curriculum Agenda/Minutes
This is an information-only archive page listing curriculum meeting agendas and minutes for the 2021-2022 school year, with no decisions or discussion items included. Each entry links to PDF files for the monthly meetings from August 2021 through June 2022.
- August 4, 2021 agenda and minutes posted
- September 15, 2021 agenda and minutes posted
- October 13, 2021 agenda and minutes posted
- November 9, 2021 agenda and minutes posted
- January 12, 2022 through June 15, 2022 agendas and minutes posted
MINUTES - June 30, 2021 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors voted unanimously to approve the amended 2nd Amendment to the Financial Recovery Plan, adopt a final tax levy of 30.0965 mills (a .4 mill increase), and adopt the 2021-2022 final budget of $94,615,539. The board also approved routine finance items, including bill payments and appointments, while denying two items related to AIU services.
- Approved amended 2nd Amendment to Financial Recovery Plan (9-0)
- Adopted final tax levy of 30.0965 mills, a .4 mill increase (9-0)
- Adopted 2021-2022 final budget of $94,615,539 (9-0)
- Approved $1,524,482.11 in General Fund payments and $92,665.62 in Food Service Fund payments
- Denied AIU hiring of an architect and AIU tuition refund
June 30, 2021 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold a regular voting meeting to decide on the 2021-2022 final budget of $94,615,539, a final tax levy of 30.0965 mills (a 0.4 mill increase), and an amended version of the 2nd Amendment to the Financial Recovery Plan. The board will also consider numerous finance-related resolutions, including payments, appointments, and insurance proposals.
- Adopt final tax levy of 30.0965 mills (increase of 0.4 mills)
- Adopt 2021-22 final budget of $94,615,539
- Approve amended 2nd Amendment to Financial Recovery Plan (revised pages 14-15)
- Approve insurance proposals totaling $506,348 (Yorke Agency $201,387, athletic $13,279, workers' comp $291,682)
- Approve receipt of ESSER II ($5,615,669) and ESSER III ($11,350,795) funds
MINUTES - May 26, 2021 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors held a regular public voting meeting on May 26, 2021, where they adopted the proposed final budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year with a .4000 millage increase, totaling $93,352,169. The board also voted to table the Second Amendment to the Financial Recovery Plan for 30 days. The meeting included reports from the superintendent, solicitor, and student board members, and recognized U.S. Congressman Conor Lamb for securing federal funding.
- Adopted proposed final budget of $93,352,169 with .4000 millage increase (30.0965 mills)
- Tabled Second Amendment to Financial Recovery Plan for 30 days
- Approved payment of bills totaling $1,978,010.48 (General Fund) and $90,787.17 (Food Service Fund)
- Appointed Eileen Navish as Treasurer for 2021-22 without compensation
- Approved Forbes Road Career & Technology Center Revenue Anticipation Note of $4,400,000 at 1.40% interest
May 26, 2021 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold a regular public voting meeting on May 26, 2021, at Linton Middle School Cafeteria. The board will vote on the proposed final budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year, with options ranging from no tax increase to a 0.75 millage increase, and will also consider adopting the Second Amendment to the Financial Recovery Plan. Other actions include approving bills, appointing a treasurer, and various curriculum and finance items.
- Adoption of proposed 2021-2022 final budget with options: zero millage increase (29.6965 mills, $92,772,775), 0.4000 increase (30.0965 mills, $93,352,169), 0.5000 increase (30.1965 mills, $93,497,017), 0.7500 increase (30.4465 mills, $93,859,138)
- Adoption of Second Amendment to the Financial Recovery Plan
- Ratification of bills: General Fund $1,978,010.48, Food Service Fund $90,787.17
- Approve Forbes Road Career & Technology Center Revenue Anticipation Note of $4,400,000 at 1.40% interest
- Approve MOU with Private Industry Council for Pre-K Counts Program at $18,000
MINUTES -April 28,2021 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors held its regular public voting meeting on April 28, 2021. The board voted unanimously to acknowledge the 30-day posting of the Second Amendment to the Financial Recovery Plan, approved a series of school finance resolutions, and adopted curriculum resolutions. The meeting included reports from the superintendent and athletic director, and an executive session was held prior to the meeting.
- Acknowledged 30-day posting of Financial Recovery Plan Second Amendment (9-0 vote)
- Approved payment of bills totaling $1,718,927.98 (General Fund) and $110,958.78 (Food Service Fund)
- Approved The Nutrition Group food services contract for 2021-22 with a guaranteed profit of $(222,202.11)
- Approved purchase of 30,000 gallons diesel and 20,000 gallons gasoline rollover; participation in AIU3 Fuel Consortium for 60,000 gallons diesel and 32,500 gallons gasoline
- Approved Xello software renewal ($8,725), AIU Waterfront Summer Credit Recovery ($260/course), and Adelphoi Education Services contract for 2021-22
April 28,2021 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold a regular public voting meeting, including votes on the 2nd Amendment to the Financial Recovery Plan, approval of bills totaling $1,718,927.98 from the General Fund and $110,958.78 from the Food Service Fund, and a food services contract with The Nutrition Group. The board will also consider curriculum items such as software renewals, summer programs, and dual credit agreements. Public comment will be accepted in person and online.
- Vote on 2nd Amendment to Financial Recovery Plan after 30-day posting
- Ratify bills: $1,718,927.98 (General Fund) and $110,958.78 (Food Service Fund)
- Approve The Nutrition Group food services contract for 2021-22 with guaranteed profit of $(222,202.11)
- Approve purchase of 30,000 gallons diesel and 20,000 gallons gasoline rollover
- Approve AIU Waterfront Summer Credit Recovery at $260 per course, funded by ESSER
March 30,2021 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold a regular public voting meeting on March 30, 2021, at Linton Middle School, with public comment available in person and online. The board will vote on a consent agenda covering school finance, curriculum, and safety/technology items, including approval of bills totaling over $2.28 million, a resolution on charter school funding reform, and various contracts and agreements.
- Ratify payment of bills: General Fund $2,259,937.18 and Food Service Fund $28,090.50
- Ratify closing of delinquent real estate tax sale for $3,395,723.85
- Adopt resolution calling for Charter School Funding Reform
- Authorize repair of two underground fuel tanks by Bolger Brothers Inc. at $11,585 (half paid by district, half by Krise Transportation)
- Approve renewal of PA-ETEP (EDULINK) teacher evaluation portal for $34,776 over three years
MINUTES - March 30,2021 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors held its regular public voting meeting on March 30, 2021, approving routine financial items, including payment of bills totaling $2,259,937.18 from the General Fund and $28,090.50 from the Food Service Fund, and accepting the 2019-20 audit report. The board also ratified a delinquent real estate tax sale of $3,395,723.85, adopted a resolution calling for charter school funding reform, and approved several curriculum-related agreements and programs. Public comment was offered, but none was given on the finance items.
- Ratified payment of bills: General Fund $2,259,937.18, Food Service Fund $28,090.50
- Accepted 2019-20 audit report with unmodified opinion
- Ratified closing of delinquent real estate tax sale for $3,395,723.85
- Adopted resolution calling for Charter School Funding Reform
- Authorized repair of two underground fuel tanks by Bolger Brothers Inc. at $11,585
February 24, 2021 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold a regular public voting meeting on February 24, 2021, at Linton Middle School, with COVID-19 safety measures in place. The board will consider consent agenda items including school finance resolutions, curriculum changes, and technology contracts, along with reports from the superintendent and student representatives. Public comment will be accepted in writing during the meeting.
- Ratify payment of bills totaling $1,939,231.41 from General Fund and $6,998.45 from Food Service Fund
- Approve 2021-22 AIU Program of Services Budget with Penn Hills contribution estimated at $43,985
- Increase graduation requirements from 23 to 24 credits starting with class of 2025
- Approve 2021-22 academic school calendar (Option 1)
- Approve technology renewals: Versatrans software ($7,095.13) and All Lines Technology ($8,964.54)
MINUTES Feb 17, 2021 - Special Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors held a special public voting meeting on February 17, 2021, where it unanimously approved a preliminary general fund budget of $89,457,985 for the 2021-22 fiscal year and authorized seeking an Act 1 referendum exception for a real estate tax increase. The board also approved four contracts for plumbing and hot water repairs at Linton Middle School, totaling $10,389, and appointed four members to the Act 141 advisory committee. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned after about five minutes.
- Adopted preliminary 2021-22 general fund budget of $89,457,985
- Approved Act 1 referendum exception notice for real estate tax increase
- Appointed 4 members to Act 141 advisory committee
- Approved $905 gate valve replacement and $1,767 water line valves at Linton
- Approved $4,320 hot water recirculation pump parts and $3,397 split case repair at Linton
February 17, 2021 - Special Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors is holding a special public voting meeting to consider several action items, most notably adopting the preliminary 2021-22 general fund budget of $89,457,985 and seeking a state exception to raise property taxes. The board will also vote on several maintenance contracts for Linton Middle School and appoint members to a financial advisory committee. Public comment will be accepted in writing due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Adopt preliminary 2021-22 general fund budget of $89,457,985
- Seek Act 1 referendum exception to increase real estate tax
- Appoint 4 members to Act 141 advisory committee
- Accept Junction proposal for gate valve replacement at Linton ($905)
- Approve V-Systems purchase for hot water recirculation pumps at Linton ($4,320)
MINUTES Jan 27, 2021 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills School Board is holding a regular public voting meeting. The most consequential item is a resolution to advertise the 2021-22 Proposed Preliminary General Fund Budget, which includes a proposed 2.2175 millage increase and three tax options. The board will also vote on routine items including bill payments, financial reports, and the designation of official depositories.
- Authorize Act 1 resolution and display of proposed preliminary budget for 2021-22, with a 2.2175 millage increase and three tax options (no increase, index, index plus 1 mill)
- Ratify payment of bills totaling $5,890,765.76 from the General Fund and $121,065.97 from the Food Service Fund
- Designate PNC Financial Services, The Bank of New York Mellon, and the Pennsylvania School District Liquid Asset Fund as official depositories
- Approve participation in the Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce at a cost of $80 for 2021 membership dues
- Recognize school nurses with Celebrate Success awards and acknowledge donations from Black Women for Positive Change and Cigna
Jan 27, 2021 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold a regular public voting meeting, with key actions including approval of the Act 1 resolution and display of the proposed preliminary 2021-22 budget, plus ratification of bills and financial reports. The board will also vote on several curriculum and facilities items, such as software purchases and a boiler repair. Public comment will be accepted via written text during the meeting.
- Approve Act 1 resolution and display proposed preliminary 2021-22 budget
- Ratify bills totaling $5,890,765.76 (General Fund) and $121,065.97 (Food Service Fund)
- Renew Raptor Visitor Management software license for $1,785
- Repair domestic hot water boiler at Senior High for $1,746
- Ratify Nearpod software purchase for $10,107.87