Penn-Harrisburg School District public meetings in 2023
27 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
December 6, 2023 - SPECIAL Public Voting Meeting Agenda/MINUTES
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors is holding a special public voting meeting to consider several consent agenda items, including approving a daily stipend for the interim superintendent, nominating a board member to the AIU Board, ratifying a settlement agreement, and approving field trips. The meeting will also include public comments and board member comments before adjournment.
- Approval of interim superintendent stipend: $218/day for Dawn Golden, retroactive to Sept 1, 2023
- Nomination of Jackie Blakey-Tate to AIU Board of Directors vacant position
- Ratification of Settlement and General Release Agreement for student #1162795
- Approval of field trips: PHHS Theatre Club to Byham Theater (12/21/23, $365), Choir to Allegheny County Courthouse (12/18/23, $365), BSU to Heinz History Museum (1/5/24, $181.50)
- Public comments limited to 3 minutes per speaker
December 6, 2023 Reorganization Meeting Agenda/MINUTES
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold its reorganization meeting to elect officers and swear in newly elected and re-elected members. The agenda is largely procedural, with no substantive policy or financial items listed.
- Election of Temporary Chairperson from hold-over members
- Reading of election certificates for new member Heather Broman and re-elected members Jackie Blakey-Tate, Devon Goetze, Robert Marra, Erin Vecchio
- Oath of office administered to all five directors
- Election of Board President and Vice President for 2024
November 28, 2023 - Regular Public Voting Meeting Agenda/MINUTES
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold its regular public voting meeting on November 28, 2023, at Linton Middle School. The board will consider consent agenda items including approval of bills totaling over $4.87 million, a 3-year Chromebook lease, and various curriculum and technology contracts. Public comments are invited on the resolutions.
- Ratify/approve payment of bills: General Fund $4,871,994.62, Food Service Fund $126,210.42, Capital Reserve $1,055,906.06
- Approve 3-year lease for 910 Lenovo Chromebooks at $133,134.96/year from Insight Financial Services
- Approve AIU TransPerfect translation services: remote interpreting renewal at $120/year plus $0.95/minute, and AI Portal translation at $500/year
- Approve Title I instructional services agreement with AIU #3 for non-public schools at $99,053.00
- Approve field trips including band trip to Ohio ($1,390) and FBLA regional competition ($347.50)
Finance Committee Meeting
The Penn-Harrisburg School District Finance Committee will meet to accept the October 2023 treasurer's report and balance sheet, review year-to-date revenues and expenditures, and approve a bill list for payment from November 28, 2023 to January 31, 2024. Discussion items include real estate taxes, an audit update, a bond rating call, annual disclosure, a senior accountant position, and a recovery plan update.
- Acceptance of October 2023 Treasurer's Report
- Approval of bill payments from November 28, 2023 to January 31, 2024
- Review of 23-24 YTD revenues and expenditures
- Discussion of real estate taxes
- Discussion of bond rating call and annual disclosure
HR/Policy Committee Meeting Agenda/Minutes
The HR/Policy Committee is meeting to recommend approval of instructional, non-instructional, plant, and food service personnel actions, including hires, resignations, retirements, and transfers. They will also consider technology purchases, a recycling agreement, and receive a staffing update. All items are recommendations for the full board's voting meeting on 11/28/23.
- Ratify wireless IT infrastructure upgrades at Penn Hills High School and Elementary, $308,219 from Capital Improvement budget
- Approve replacement of AiPhone stations district-wide, $52,835 from Capital Improvement budget
- Ratify wireless microphone system for Penn Hills Elementary cafeteria/gym, $1,651 from Technology General Fund
- Approve hires: Jensen Stone (teacher, $53,741), Anthony Itri (teacher, $60,782), Danielle Gibson (para, $17.19/hr), Beth Gerber (health room para, $26.03/hr)
- Approve athletic supplemental assignments: Asa Braxton (Boys 9th Grade Basketball Head Coach, $2,785.36), Josette Pickens (Linton Producer, $700)
Safety, Building & Grounds Committee Meeting Agenda/Minutes
The Safety, Building & Grounds Committee is reviewing multiple technology expenditures and facility maintenance projects. Key items include a Chromebook lease agreement, various building updates for Linton Middle School and Penn Hills High School, and several service ratifications.
- Lease of 910 Lenovo Chromebooks at an annual cost of $133,134.96
- MOU with Plum School District to transport one student for $120.75 per day
- Purchase of an OpenGate Weapons Detector for $9,564 via PCCD grant
- Linton Middle School kitchen dishwasher bid of $155,000
- Installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system at Linton Middle School for $5,400
Curriculum Committee Meeting Agenda/Minutes
The Penn-Harrisburg School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to approve minutes, conference requests, field trips, and grants, and to recommend contracts for board approval. They will also discuss graduation cords and walkthrough numbers, and review beginning-of-year data.
- Conference requests: Renel Williams and Kristin Brown ($475 each, Title II) for 2024 Improving Schools Conf.; Brian Brown ($1,245, District) for PA Education/Tech Expo
- Field trips: Marching Band/Chorus/Orchestra to Cedar Point, Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, Kalahari (5/9-5/11/24); FBLA to St. Vincent College (1/9/24); Fund Our Schools to Harrisburg (11/14/23); AP Chemistry to Seton Hill (12/13/23)
- Fundraisers: Linton bake sale ($171) and DonorsChoose for math manipulatives ($427.64)
- Contracts: AIU TransPerfect translation MOU renewal ($120/yr + $0.95/min); AI Portal translation ($500); edmentum special ed licenses ($1,915.20)
- Title I Non-Public Contract renewal for 2023-24 at $99,053
November 8, 2023 - SPECIAL Public Voting Meeting Agenda/MINUTES
The Penn Hills School Board is holding a special public voting meeting to consider and vote on a resolution to appoint Dr. John Mozzocio as Superintendent and enter into a written agreement with him. The agenda also includes procedural items like call to order, roll call, public comments, and adjournment.
- Resolution to appoint Dr. John Mozzocio as Superintendent and enter into a written Superintendent Agreement
- Public comments limited to 3 minutes per speaker, with advance notice recommended
- Board member comments and roll call votes on resolutions
October 25, 2023 - Regular Public Voting Meeting Agenda/MINUTES
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold a regular public voting meeting on October 25, 2023, to approve routine financial items, curriculum resolutions, and building and technology contracts. The agenda includes consent items for paying bills, approving field trips and conference travel, and ratifying purchases for school improvements.
- Ratify/approve payment of bills totaling $3,361,402.08 from the General Fund, $103,881.20 from the Food Service Fund, and $281,726.21 from the Capital Reserve Account
- Approve travel/conference expenses for staff, including $1,296.96 for Sam Davidow and $1,169.91 for Jeff DerVanik to attend the 2024 PDE Summit
- Approve purchase of MyPath K-12 Reading and Math site licenses for Redeemer Lutheran School at a cost of $9,341.50 from Title IV funds
- Ratify/approve repairs to Linton boilers by Huckestein Mechanical at a total cost of $8,761.84
- Approve renewal of AIU RWAN services for internet at $510 per month
HR/Policy Committee Meeting Agenda/Minutes
The HR/Policy Committee is recommending approval of personnel actions, including new hires, resignations, and retirements, for the upcoming public voting meeting. The agenda also includes approval of substitute employee rates, consultant services, field trips, and acceptance of donations. This is a routine consent agenda with no major policy changes.
- Hire Aaron Smith as Home School Visitor/Social Worker at $79,167 (prorated)
- Hire Emily Seidel as Autistic Support teacher at $58,583 (prorated)
- Approve substitute rates: teachers $100/day, nurses $25/hr, paraprofessionals $12/hr
- Accept donations: $1,000 from Sullivan Super Service, $250 from Ashley Worthy
- Approve consultant Janet Langford at $50/hour
Finance Committee Meeting
The Penn-Harrisburg School District Finance Committee is meeting to approve the September 2023 minutes and treasurer's report, and to review monthly financial documents including the balance sheet, budget comparisons, bill lists, cash reconciliations, and budget transfers. They will also discuss real estate taxes and receive an audit update. This is a routine monthly finance meeting with no major policy decisions on the agenda.
- Approval of September 20, 2023 minutes
- Acceptance of September 2023 Treasurer's Report
- Review of 23-24 YTD revenues and expenditures
- Bill list moved to voting agenda
- Discussion of real estate taxes and audit update
Safety, Building & Grounds
The Safety, Building & Grounds committee will consider several action items, including a supplemental transportation agreement with KidzRide, ratification of instructional technology for Linton, and renewal of the AIU/PHSD RWAN service. They will also discuss project updates on Linton, boilers, flood recovery, and building maintenance across schools.
- KidzRide supplemental transportation agreement for select students
- Ratify $3,892 instructional tech purchase for Linton AS classroom
- AIU/PHSD RWAN renewal at ~$510/month for one year
- Ratify $4,600 door handle removal for security at PHE, LMS, PHHS
- Ratify $2,500 portable electric heater purchase from Grainger
Curriculum Committee Meeting Agenda/Minutes
The Penn-Harrisburg School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to approve routine items including minutes, conference requests, field trips, and grants. They will also consider several contracts and purchases for board approval or ratification, including a Wesley Family Services agreement and software licenses for Redeemer Lutheran. The meeting includes a discussion of walk-through data from all three buildings.
- Approval of conference requests and field trips
- Texas Instruments calculators donation worth $208.00 from Matt Herdman High School
- Wesley Family Services School Based Outpatient Services agreement for 2023-2024
- Imagine Learning MyPath K-2 Reading & Math site licenses for Redeemer Lutheran at $9,341.50 using Title IV carry-over funds
- Purchase of Teach with Magic books for Redeemer Lutheran professional development at $418.95 using Title II carry-over funds
September 27, 2023 - Regular Public Voting Meeting Agenda/MINUTES
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold a regular public voting meeting on September 27, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Penn Hills Elementary School cafeteria. The board will vote on consent agenda items including approval of bills totaling over $4.8 million, an early retirement incentive for AFSCME, several curriculum program approvals, and transportation contracts. Public comments are invited on the finance and curriculum resolution items.
- Approval of bills: General Fund $4,068,434.97, Food Service $27,241.42, Capital Reserve $655,043.19
- Establish Early Retirement Incentive Plan for AFSCME Local 1314 Plant Services Division
- Approve Wit & Wisdom Pilot Reading Program for grades K-8
- Approve Mind Hacks Pilot Program for 6th grade at Linton Middle School (zero cost)
- Approve 2023-24 Transportation Agreement with City Charter High School ($5 per student per school day)
September 1, 2023-Special Public Voting Meeting Agenda/MINUTES
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold a special public voting meeting on September 1, 2023, to consider two action items: appointing an interim superintendent and ratifying a fire alarm repair contract. The meeting also includes time for board member and public comments.
- Appointment of Ms. Dawn Golden as Interim Superintendent effective September 1, 2023
- Ratification of Fralic Athletic Complex fire alarm repairs by Fire Fighter Sales and Service Company at a total cost of $2,752.25
- Public comment period with 3-minute limit per speaker
August 16, 2023 - Regular Public Voting Meeting Agenda/MINUTES
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold its regular public voting meeting on August 16, 2023, to approve routine financial items, contracts, and curriculum resolutions. The board will vote on paying bills totaling over $4.6 million, approving a student athletic insurance proposal, a food services contract, and a bid for metal detectors. Several curriculum items include a drone pilot program and various service renewals.
- Ratify payment of bills: General Fund $3,101,894.87 and $699,540.49; Food Service Fund $120,299.27 and $175,829.85; Capital Reserve $24,584.14 and $515,609.46
- Approve Adamson Agency student athletic insurance for 2023-24 at $10,975
- Approve Nutrition Group food services for 2023-24; no cost to students for breakfast/lunch under CEP
- Approve bid for metal detectors at $119,850, funded by PCCD Safe Schools grant
- Approve Hosanna House Drone Pilot Program at Penn Hills High School for 2023-24 and 2024-25
Safety, Buildings & Grounds
The Penn-Harris School District Safety, Buildings & Grounds committee is meeting to consider its August 2023 agenda and approve the minutes from this meeting. The agenda contains only these procedural items, with no substantive decisions or discussions listed.
- August 2023 agenda review
- Meeting minutes approval
2023-2024 Archived Curriculum Agenda/Minutes
This is an archived agenda page for the Penn-Harrisburg School District's 2023-2024 curriculum meetings. It lists two meetings (August 2 and September 13, 2023) with attached agenda and minutes PDFs, but provides no details on the content of those meetings.
- Curriculum Meeting Agenda August 2, 2023.pdf (122 KB)
- Curriculum Meeting Minutes August 2, 2023.pdf (204 KB)
- Curriculum Meeting Agenda September 13, 2023.pdf (218 KB)
- Curriculum Meeting Minutes September 13, 2023.pdf (277 KB)
June 28, 2023 - Regular Public Voting Meeting Agenda/MINUTES
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold a regular public voting meeting on June 28, 2023, at Penn Hills Elementary School. The board will vote on the 2023-2024 final budget of $97,312,600 and a final tax levy of 30.5965 mills (no increase), along with other financial and curriculum items. Public comments are invited on the budget and tax levy.
- Adopt final tax levy of 30.5965 mills for 2023-2024 (no increase)
- Adopt 2023-2024 final budget of $97,312,600
- Ratify payment of bills totaling $3,471,180.98 (General Fund), $120,183.90 (Food Service), $475,861.17 (Capital Improvement)
- Approve insurance proposals: Adamson Agency ($235,728) and HRIE Workers' Comp ($283,452)
- Approve $7 million transfer to Capital Reserve Fund ($4M assigned, $3M unassigned)
May 17, 2023 - SPECIAL Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors is holding a special public voting meeting to consider adopting the proposed final budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year in the amount of $96,305,971. The board will also take roll call, hear public comments, and allow board member comments before adjourning. An executive session was held beforehand to discuss personnel and contract matters.
- Adoption of proposed 2023-24 final budget of $96,305,971
- Motion to adopt proposed final budget
- Public comments limited to 3 minutes per speaker
- Executive session held for personnel and contract matters
- Next voting meeting scheduled for May 31, 2023
April 26, 2023 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold its regular public voting meeting on April 26, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Penn Hills Elementary School cafeteria. The board will vote on consent agenda items including the ratification of bills totaling over $3.45 million, the sale of delinquent tax claims for $3.6 million, and various curriculum and finance resolutions. Public participation is encouraged.
- Ratify payment of bills: General Fund $3,453,889.62, Food Service Fund $126,646.70, Capital Reserve Fund $1,480,838.50
- Ratify sale of 2018 delinquent real estate tax claims to Northwest Pennsylvania Incubator Association for $3,608,070.35
- Approve AIU Summer 2023 Credit Recovery Program at $275 per course, with one course free for failing students
- Approve eSpark Learning renewal for K-3 at $52,223 and Xello software renewal at $8,691.50
- Approve Pre-K Counts MOU with Private Industry Council, paying district $18,000 in nine monthly installments
MINUTES March 29, 2023 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors held a regular public voting meeting on March 29, 2023. The board approved a consent agenda that included ratifying over $3.2 million in general fund bills, accepting the June 30, 2022 audit report, and approving the cafeteria fund budget. They also approved revisions to a safe schools grant to fund door alarms and metal detectors, and renewed a tax collection agreement with Keystone Collections. The board recognized the boys' basketball team for their WPIAL championship and heard a presentation on supporting homeless students.
- Approved $3,229,782.66 in General Fund bills and $12,501.26 in Food Service Fund bills
- Accepted Mark Turnley's June 30, 2022 audit report
- Approved $15,778 for door alarms and $146,000 for metal detectors under a safe schools grant
- Renewed one-year tax collection agreement with Keystone Collections Group
- Recognized boys' basketball team for winning the WPIAL 5A Championship
February 22, 2023 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold a regular public voting meeting on February 22, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Penn Hills Elementary School Cafeteria. The board will consider consent agenda items including approval of bills totaling $3,488,710.41 from the General Fund, $99,973.26 from the Food Service Fund, and $140,708.50 from the Capital Reserve Fund, as well as exonerating Keystone Collections for $3,726,550.91 in uncollected real estate taxes. Other items include approving the 2023-24 academic calendar, field trips, donations, and technology contracts.
- Approval of bills: General Fund $3,488,710.41, Food Service $99,973.26, Capital Reserve $140,708.50
- Exonerate Keystone Collections $3,726,550.91 for 2022 uncollected real estate taxes
- Approve IDEA-Part B Use of Funds Agreement for 2023-24 and accept $892,328.89 in federal IDEIA funds
- Ratify MOU for Penn Hills Library Card initiative for all K-12 students at no cost to district
- Approve 2023-24 academic school calendar and acknowledge Flexible Instruction Day on Jan 25, 2023
MINUTES February 22, 2023 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors held its regular public voting meeting, approving routine financial and curriculum items. The board ratified payments totaling over $3.7 million, exonerated Keystone Collections for uncollected taxes, and approved several curriculum-related resolutions including field trips, donations, and the 2023-24 academic calendar. The meeting also included reports from the superintendent and student representatives.
- Approved payment of bills totaling $3,488,710.41 from the General Fund, $99,973.26 from the Food Service Fund, and $140,708.50 from the Capital Reserve Fund
- Exonerated Keystone Collections in the amount of $3,726,550.91 for 2022 uncollected real estate taxes
- Approved receipt of $892,328.89 in federal IDEIA Part B pass-through funds
- Ratified MOU for Penn Hills Library Card initiative allowing all K-12 students to get library cards at no cost to the district
- Approved 2023-24 academic school calendar and field trips including FBLA State Competition ($1,042.50)
MINUTES Jan 25, 2023 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors held a regular public voting meeting on January 25, 2023, approving a series of financial resolutions, including a $2 million transfer from the General Fund to the Capital Improvement-Plant Fund, assigning $4 million of unassigned fund balance for future obligations, and adopting an opt-out resolution to not raise taxes above the 5.7% index. The board also approved curriculum items, including software license renewals and conference travel, and heard reports on the new Safe Spaces program and the district's financial recovery exit process.
- Approved $2,000,000 transfer from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Plant Fund
- Assigned $4,000,000 of unassigned fund balance for technology, wages, and benefits
- Adopted opt-out resolution to not raise taxes above 5.7% index
- Approved $38,435.30 two-year renewal of RAZ-Plus Learning A-Z from ESSER funds
- Approved $6,000 annual renewal of Social Entertainment Technology License from Ready to Learn grant
Jan 25, 2023 - Regular Public Voting Meeting
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold a regular public voting meeting on January 25, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Penn Hills Elementary School Cafeteria. The board will consider consent agenda items including approval of bills totaling over $3.7 million, authorization of $6 million in fund transfers, and a resolution to not raise taxes above the 5.7% index. They will also hear a mid-year recovery summary from the Chief Recovery Officer and recognize teachers.
- Ratify bills: General Fund $3,333,445.12, Food Service $124,354.85, Capital Improvement $260,274.80
- Authorize transfer of $2,000,000 from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Plant Fund
- Assign $4,000,000 of unassigned fund balance for future obligations (technology, wages, benefits)
- Adopt resolution to not raise taxes more than 5.7% index (opt out)
- Approve travel/conference requests totaling $2,876.67 for three staff members
Safety, Buildings & Grounds
The Safety, Buildings & Grounds committee of the Penn-Harrisburg School District is meeting on January 11, 2023. The only listed action is to approve the January 2023 agenda and the meeting minutes. No other business items are specified on the agenda.
- Approval of January 2023 agenda
- Approval of meeting minutes