Penn-Harrisburg School District public meetings in 2024
24 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
December 4, 2024 - Reorganization Meeting/MINUTES
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors is holding its annual reorganization meeting to elect a temporary chairperson, then a president and vice president for 2025. The meeting follows procedures under the Public School Code. No other business or policy items are on the agenda.
- Election of temporary chairperson from among the nine board members
- Election of board president for 2025
- Election of board vice president for 2025
- Next board meeting scheduled for January 29, 2025
November 26, 2024 - Regular Public Voting Meeting/MINUTES
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will vote on several financial and operational items at its regular public meeting, including a $1.19 million allocation from the Tax Equity Supplement Act 55 for debt service reduction and a three-year agreement with Tyler Technologies for a bus-tracking app. The board will also ratify bills totaling over $5.8 million across multiple funds, approve a snow removal contract, and authorize new cell phone and push-to-talk services from AT&T FirstNet. Routine items include approval of prior meeting minutes, conference travel, and a change order for a pool water valve repair.
- Allocation of $1,191,686.46 from Tax Equity Supplement Act 55 (Ready to Learn Block) for debt service reduction, held until 2025-2026
- Three-year SaaS agreement with Tyler Technologies for Ride K-12 parent app with GPS tracking: first-year cost $90,465, subsequent years $14,175 annually
- Ratification of bills: General Fund $4,476,629.87 (checks #500436–#500742), Food Service $255,356.02, Capital Reserve $1,123,708.21
- Approval of snow removal services from Vigliotti Landscaping for 2024-2025 school year (General Fund)
- Approval of AT&T FirstNet services: 25 cell phones at $763/month plus $90.71 hardware; 77 push-to-talk devices at $1,463/month plus $4,225.73 hardware
HR/Policy Committee Meeting Agenda and Minutes
The Penn-Harrisburg School District HR/Policy Committee meets to approve multiple personnel actions (instructional, non-instructional, plant, food service, security) and consider a large slate of policy readings, including first readings on bullying, hazing, dating violence, and emergency preparedness. Also on the agenda: approval of field trips, donations, and a crowdfunding request.
- Ratify instructional personnel items including leaves, tenure for Ashley Bodnar (salary step 3, $? not specified), and resignations of Souriya Vang and Kansas Klock
- Approve non-instructional hires: Megan Stevens (SVA, $15.96/hr), Chalin Giles (CMP, $38,316.10/yr prorated), and security substitutes Ibrahim Green ($22/hr) and Deontae Robertson ($20/hr)
- Approve field trip for HS students to Cinemark Movie Theater (not to exceed $4,200) and Science class to Seton Hill ($353)
- Accept $2,000 from Penn Hills Education Foundation for Fralic Center artwork and $500 for HS student-athlete food pantry
- Consider 1st readings of policies on Bullying/Cyberbullying, Hazing, Dating Violence, Pregnant/Parenting/Married Students, Educator Misconduct, and 20+ other policy updates
Athletic Advisory Committee Meeting
The committee will vote on accepting minutes, approving field trips, grants, and a resolution allowing a Serra Catholic swimmer to practice with PHHS. They will also approve winter sports coach assignments and new hires, including salaries for head and assistant coaches. Discussion items include fall sports wrap-up and upcoming events.
- Approval of winter sports coaches list with salaries ranging from $1,000 to $7,737
- Fall sports ticket revenue: $17,577 from football, $1,558 from volleyball
- Field trip request: WPIAL Sportsmanship Summit for 6 students, cost of one van
- New hires: Dr. Michelle Stiller as Head Softball Coach ($4,996.89), Sharon Arce as Cheerleading Assistant ($3,000 prorated), Amber Kaefer as 7th/8th Grade Cheer Coach ($1,000)
- Resignation: Noah Hanna as Varsity Wrestling Assistant Coach ($4,094.21)
Curriculum Committee Meeting Agenda & Minutes
The Penn-Harrisburg School District Curriculum Committee met on November 12, 2024, to review and recommend approval of several contracts, grants, and partnerships for future board ratification. Items include translation services, special education software, student career programs, and a university research study. No field trips or presentations were scheduled.
- Renew AIU TransPerfect Translation MOU at $120/year plus per-minute fees from General Fund
- Approve NuPaths program partnership with Harrisburg University for 15 students in 2025-2026
- Purchase IEPWriter platform for $13,693.50 (2025) and $21,058 (2026) from special education budget
- Approve WQED Film Academy Partnership at Linton Middle School for $1,880 from Title II budget
- Approve University of Pittsburgh SPACE pediatric diabetes pilot study with $1,000 district payment
Safety, Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting Agenda/Minutes
The Safety, Buildings & Grounds Committee is reviewing several technology contracts and facility maintenance proposals. Key discussions include extensive renovations at Linton Middle School and safety inspections for athletic and theatrical equipment.
- Proposed $4,311,111 for Linton Middle School Phase #2 repairs, including HVAC, fire alarms, and flooring
- Proposed $360,574 for permanent renovation of the Linton small pool via Arcon Contracting
- Change orders for Linton large pool: $32,573 for drains and $14,445 for a safety wall
- Annual theatrical equipment inspections for PHHS and Linton Middle School for $5,110
- Renewal of Happyfox helpdesk subscription for $6,375.60
HR/Policy Committee Meeting Agenda and Minutes
The HR/Policy Committee of the Penn-Harrisburg School District will meet to ratify personnel actions for instructional, non-instructional, plant, food service, and security staff. The board will also approve substitute employee rates and discuss multiple policy updates, including a second reading of the tobacco and vaping policy.
- Ratify 10 instructional staff hires including Mary Connell at $53,083
- Approve non-instructional hires including Emily Moser and Stacie Milos-Cerminara at $17.53/hr
- Ratify security personnel including Andre Turner at $27/hr and multiple substitutes at $20/hr
- Approve substitute employee rates ranging from $12/hr to $190/day
- Second reading of AR-222 Tobacco and Vaping Products policy
October 16, 2024 - Special Public Voting Meeting Agenda/MINUTES
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors is meeting to vote on personnel and policy resolutions. The board will consider the appointment of an Associate Principal and a non-instructional personnel resignation.
- Appointment of Associate Principal for PH Elementary School at a salary of $103,500
- Resignation of Jonathan Moisey (CMP PHE) effective 10/14/24
Curriculum Committee Meeting Agenda & Minutes
The Penn-Harrisburg School District Curriculum Committee will consider approving conference attendance for staff, bulk field trips, a $327 DonorsChoose grant, and several contracts for board approval, including a $15,545 IXL Learning site license and new curricula for video production and photography. A credit recovery option for seniors will be discussed.
- Approval of Jacqueline Dorsett to attend Innovative Schools Summit in Chicago at no district cost.
- Approval of $130.28 each for Ronay Austin and Ashley Smith to attend The 3R's of Social Work conference.
- Purchase of IXL Learning three-year site license for Redeemer Lutheran for $15,545 funded by carry-over Title funds.
- Approval of new Video Production and Photography curricula.
- Pilot of Pennsylvania's FireFly Student Progress Indicator benchmark assessment for 2024-2025.
Safety, Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting Agenda/Minutes
The Safety, Buildings & Grounds Committee will consider approval of a $3 million phase #1 HVAC upgrade at Linton Middle School, funded by a PDE Environmental Repair Grant. Other actions include renewing AdvanEdge's E-Rate bidding contract at $4,996, ratifying a $11,987 high school elevator repair, and approving purchases of security film ($6,750.95) and cafeteria tables ($9,822). The committee will also receive updates on pool repairs, kitchen renovations, snow removal quotes, and an energy savings project.
- Approve phase #1 of Linton HVAC upgrade, not to exceed $3 million from PDE Environmental Repair Grant
- Ratify high school elevator repair by Industrial Commercial Elevator at $11,987 from General Fund
- Purchase custom security perforated film for PH Elementary entrance at $6,750.95 from PCCD Meritorious Budget
- Buy five new cafeteria tables for Linton Middle School from Corbett, Inc. at $9,822 from food services fund
- Renew AdvanEdge for E-Rate bidding and processing, two-year term, fixed fee $4,996 from Technology General Fund
September 25, 2024 - Regular Public Voting Meeting Agenda/MINUTES
The Penn Hills School Board will consider approving several grants, contracts, and agreements at its September 25 regular meeting. Key items include accepting a $2,172,725 Public School Environmental Repairs Program grant for Linton Middle School, a $250,000 NFL Grassroots grant for the high school football field, and a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 1314 for food service workers. The board will also vote on a 3-year lease with the YMCA for its BASE and summer programs.
- Accept $2,172,725 Public School Environmental Repairs Program grant for HVAC and flooring at Linton Middle School
- Accept $250,000 NFL Grassroots grant for PHHS football field
- Approve AFSCME Local 1314 (Food Service) collective bargaining agreement for 2024-2027
- Approve 3-year lease agreement with YMCA for BASE and summer programs at Penn Hills Elementary School
- Approve $75,000 PHSD Athletic Grant for athletics program through 2027
September 18, 2024 - Special Public Voting Meeting Agenda/MINUTES
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold a special public voting meeting to consider and vote on HR/Policy board resolutions, including the ratification of instructional personnel resignations and new hires. The board will also hear public comments and board member comments before adjourning.
- Ratification of resignation of Lisa Somerhalder (TEA PHS) effective 9/20/2024
- Ratification of resignation of Bobbi Hammil (TEA LIN-ELA 7-8) effective 9/24/2024
- Employment of Paul Gogikar as TEA-Inclu-8th Gr at $60,939 (Masters+40, Step 8), pending paperwork
- Employment of Katelyn Lagrotteria as TEA-3rd at $48,683 (Masters, Step 1) on a temporary professional contract starting 9/23/2024
- Motion to adopt HR/Policy board resolution items as a consent agenda
Finance Committee Meeting
The Penn-Harrisburg School District Finance Committee will review and likely approve monthly financial reports, a YMCA rental agreement, a food service contract, a transportation agreement, and three grants totaling $2,472,725. The meeting follows standard procedural items and will be held at Linton Middle School at 6 p.m.
- Approve PHSD Athletic Grant ($75,000)
- Approve Public School Environmental Repairs Program Grant ($2,172,725)
- Approve NFL Grassroots Grant ($250,000)
- Vote on YMCA rental agreement
- Vote on food service contract (AFSCME 24-27) and transportation agreement
HR/Policy Committee Meeting Agenda and Minutes
The committee is reviewing instructional and non-instructional personnel appointments, resignations, and salary adjustments. The body is also discussing updates to tobacco and vaping policies and a student teacher support agreement.
- Appointment of Michael Reposky as Dir. of Plant Services at $90,000/yr
- Appointment of Michael Montelone as Supervisor of Custodial Services at $80,000/yr
- Proposed salary for Melissa Mosco set at $98,000
- Discussion of Policy 222 regarding Tobacco Free Environment and Vaping Products
- Approval of PHEAA Participation Agreement for the PA Student Teacher Support Program
Curriculum Committee Meeting Agenda
The Penn-Harrisburg School District Curriculum Committee will review and vote on multiple field trip requests, training conference approvals, donations, and several contracts for board approval later in September. The meeting also includes discussion items on upcoming visits and program updates.
- Approve field trips including HBCU College Fair at PNC Park ($300 donation from Dollar General for Penn Hills Elementary)
- Renew Sound Foundations Reading Instruction Title I contract for Redeemer Lutheran
- Approve Southwood Children's Behavioral Healthcare contract for 24-25 school year
- Approve KeySolution Staffing Agreement for Para-Educator Support
- Approve SAP Training via UPMC paid from Title II funds
Safety, Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting Agenda/Minutes
The Safety, Buildings & Grounds Committee will discuss and vote on several technology contracts, facility updates, and contract ratifications. Key actions include approving purchases for docking stations, software renewals, security equipment, and a $73,000 kitchen renovation design contract. The committee will also receive updates on ongoing pool repairs, pest control, and chiller maintenance at various schools.
- Request to approve $73,000 design contract with Food Facilities Concepts for Linton Middle School kitchen renovations
- Request to ratify $22,600 landscaping contract with Vigliotti Landscape for Linton Library courtyard
- Request to approve $15,379.10 for audiovisual equipment from Dagostino Electronic Services
- Request to approve $11,100 for 30 Kensington docking stations for new teacher devices
- Update on ongoing pool repairs at Linton Middle School including tile, drain, electrical, and HVAC work
August 21, 2024 - Regular Public Voting Meeting (Amended) Agenda/MINUTES
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will vote on a $6,000,000 loan resolution with First National Bank at its regular public voting meeting. Other action items include renewing contracts for the independent auditor, school physician, school dentist, and food services, as well as approving transportation and athletic insurance for the 2024–2025 school year.
- Approve $6,000,000 non-electoral debt loan resolution with First National Bank
- Reappoint Mark C. Turnley, CPA as independent auditor for 2024–2026 at escalating costs ($17,500–$18,500)
- Appoint Premier Medical Associates as school physician for 3 years at $25,000 annual retainer (no increase)
- Appoint Dr. Mark Antonucci as school dentist for 3 years at $25,000 annual retainer (no increase)
- Approve Nutrition Group to provide food services for 2024–2025 at PH Elementary, Linton Middle, and PH High School
Finance Committee Meeting
The Penn-Harrisburg School District Finance Committee will discuss and vote on several items including a $6 million loan from FNB Bank, contracts for school physician, dental, transportation, and food services, and approval of auditor and student accident coverage. Monthly financial reports and minutes from the June meeting will also be reviewed.
- Approve $6 million loan from FNB Bank
- Approve Nutrition Group food service contract with meal prices: breakfast $1.95, lunch $3.40 for certain schools; adult breakfast recommended at $2.85
- Approve renewal agreement with Assist Services, LLC for transportation
- Approve school physician and dental contracts
- Approve TurneyCPA as auditor
HR/Policy Committee Meeting Agenda and Minutes
The HR/Policy Committee will consider consent items including ratification of instructional, non-instructional, plant, food service, and security personnel, along with athletic volunteers and supplemental resignations/assignments. Also on the agenda are a new policy on credit for salary placement (304.1) and approval of the 2024-2025 ATSI plan for Penn Hills High School.
- New security hires: Andre Turner, Charles Green at $22/hr; Richard Faulkner at $27/hr; four unarmed substitutes at $20/hr
- New instructional hires: Farrah Hankey (HS Business Tech, $47,641) and Abigail Hinkson (PHE 3rd grade, $47,641)
- Policy 304.1 Credit for Salary Placement (new policy, 3rd read) and associated AR
- Ratification of ATSI (Additional Targeted Support and Improvement) plan for Penn Hills High School
- Resignations of four instructional staff: London Parris, Jensen Stone, Marisa Smith, Lisa Burrell
August 7, 2024 - Special Public Voting Meeting Agenda/MINUTES
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold a special public voting meeting to ratify personnel changes and conduct routine procedural items. No substantive decisions on contracts or policy are listed on this agenda.
- Ratify resignation of Stephanie Biancaniello from Special Education K-5 role
- Approve employment of Stephanie Biancaniello as Director of Special Education ($106,000/yr)
- Approve employment of Dr. Matt Dado as Director of Technology & Innovation ($108,000/yr)
- Public comment period with 3-minute limit per speaker
- Motion to adjourn meeting
Athletic Advisory Committee Meeting
The Penn-Harrisburg School District Athletic Advisory Committee is meeting to take action on routine items including approving minutes from June and August, field trip requests, acceptance of a donation from GPSA for printed schedule cards, facility use/rentals and event worker pay for 2024-2025, an EMS contract, and athletic/activity supplemental resignations and assignments for various coaching positions.
- Accept donation from GPSA for printed schedule cards for all fall 2024 sports
- Approve facility use/rentals including overnight camps for JV Cheerleading (Aug 9-10) and Middle School Football (Aug 17-19) and a shed for Pittsburgh NFL Flag Football
- Approve exceptions to Policy 707 allowing Penn Hills Soccer, Pittsburgh NFL Flag Football, Penn Hills Metro Basketball, and Penn Hills Eagles Track to pay a $300 season fee instead of hourly rental fees
- Approve new banner sponsorship guidelines for PHSD booster groups
- Approve supplemental coach appointments with salaries ranging from $2,986.31 to $9,241.56 for fall sports
Curriculum Committee Meeting Agenda and Minutes
The Penn-Harrisburg Curriculum Committee will take action on a presentation, conference and field trip requests, and recommend several contracts for board approval on August 21, 2024. Key items include a three-year $37,906 renewal of Edulink for teacher evaluations, science curriculum purchases totaling over $10,400, and multiple special education service agreements for the 2024-2025 school year.
- Renewal of Edulink, Inc for PAETEP electronic teacher evaluation portal at $37,906 for three years
- Activate Learning Open SciEd for Linton ($6,512.87) and High School Biology ($3,960.49)
- Minority Pre-Nursing Institute Program presentation by Tamara Moon
- Conference request for MTSS & PBIS Advanced Implementation Forum in Hershey, PA with $1,800 reimbursement
- Approval of special education service agreements with New Story Schools, Pressley Ridge, Holy Family, Wesley Family Services, River Academy, and Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children
Safety, Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting Agenda/Minutes
The Safety, Buildings & Grounds Committee is reviewing several maintenance contracts and technology renewals. The body is discussing facility updates across Penn Hills Elementary, Linton Middle School, and the Fralic Center to prepare for the upcoming school year.
- Proposed $3,000 annual sign lease/easement agreement at 101 Aster Street
- Ratification of landscaping contracts for Penn Hills Elementary ($11,765) and Linton Middle School ($13,060)
- Proposed $6,248 contract with F.J. Busse Company, Inc. to remove kitchen divider walls at Linton Middle School
- Ratification of $8,992.68 for McVay Plumbing to repair a 6-inch water line at Fralic Athletic Center
- Proposed renewal of Status Gator for the 2024-2025 school year
July 17, 2024 - Special Public Voting Meeting Agenda/MINUTES
The Penn Hills Board of School Directors will hold a special public voting meeting to act on multiple personnel items, including the employment of instructional, non-instructional, plant, food service, and security personnel. The board will also consider a contract with Urban Adventures LLC for transitional services at $430 per day and appoint an interim director of plant services. An executive session is scheduled before the public meeting to discuss personnel, contracts, and real estate.
- Hiring of 32 security personnel (armed, lead, liaison, unarmed, YET) with hourly rates from $20 to $35
- Employment of four new teachers at salaries from $49,269 to $60,782
- Employment of non-instructional personnel including an administrator at $48,000 and paraprofessionals at $17.53/hr
- Approval of a 1-year contract with Urban Adventures LLC for transitional services at $430/day
- Appointment of Michael Reposky as Interim Director of Plant Services at $50/day stipend