State College Area School District public meetings in 2025
52 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Policy Development Committee
The State College Area School District's Policy Development Committee will discuss revisions to the charter schools policy and several new policies on charter student activities, student progress reporting, promotion/retention, student transportation, and care of school property. These are draft policies for discussion, not final decisions.
- Policy 140 Charter Schools - Revisions
- Policy 140.1 Extracurricular Activities by Charter/Cyber Charter Students - New
- Policy 212 Reporting Student Progress - New
- Policy 215 Promotion and Retention - New
- Policy 223 Student Use of Personal Motorized/Non-Motorized Transportation - New
Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will hold its regular meeting on December 15, 2025. The board voted to add member Gretchen Brandt's resignation (effective January 5, 2026) to the agenda under a Pennsylvania Supreme Court exception to the Sunshine Act's 24-hour notice requirement. The meeting also includes consent agenda items such as approval of minutes from prior meetings, and informational updates from the superintendent, student representative, legislative liaison, and COG liaison.
- Added resignation of Ms. Gretchen Brandt, effective January 5, 2026, under Sunshine Act exception
- Consent agenda includes approval of minutes from Nov 25 Finance & Audit Committee and Dec 1 Reorganization and Regular Board meetings
- Finance & Audit minutes note 2024-2025 audit with no findings, $10M reduction in long-term debt
- Preliminary 2026-2027 budget discussed, including potential 0% tax increase comparison
- Public comment limited to 3 minutes per person, with 30 minutes at start for non-action items
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Citizens Advisory Committee Finance Meeting
The Citizens Advisory Committee Finance meeting will review the 2024-2025 audit, 2024-2025 ESSA reporting, and 2026-2027 budget development. They will also discuss timelines for the MNMS/PFMS projects and related financing. The meeting is informational, with no votes scheduled.
- 2024-2025 audit: board actions on 10/27 to transfer to Capital Reserve, create and fund Health Insurance Fund, and commit fund balance; 11/17 to accept MD&A
- 2024-2025 ESSA reporting presented to Finance and Audit Committee on 11/25
- 2026-2027 budget development: presentation and documents from 12/1 Finance Committee of the Whole
- MNMS/PFMS projects and related financing timelines, with attached financing presentations from 02-05-2024 and 12-15-2025
Committee of the Whole/Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will discuss the draft audited financial statements for fiscal year 2024-2025, with approval expected at the December 15 meeting, and receive an update on the 2026-2027 preliminary budget development. The agenda also includes updates on the Mount Nittany Elementary expansion and Park Forest Middle School project, plus a review of Future Ready Goals 2 and 6 on math and ELA proficiency targets. Public comment is scheduled, and the board will consider consent agenda items including minutes and routine approvals.
- 2024-2025 draft audited financial statements (Baker Tilly US, LLP) - discussion, approval expected Dec 15
- 2026-2027 preliminary budget development presentation
- Mount Nittany Elementary Expansion Project update
- Park Forest Middle School project schedule update (Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates)
- Future Ready Goals 2 and 6: math and ELA proficiency targets (90% goal, 70% Year 1)
Board Reorganization Meeting
The State College Area School District Board of Directors held its annual reorganization meeting, electing officers and approving the 2026 annual appointments and the 2026 meeting schedule. The board approved committee assignments and the calendar of meetings for the coming year.
- Approved 2026 Annual Appointments, including committee assignments (e.g., Calendar Committee: Bader; Finance and Audit: Anderson, Desmarais, Huff, Miller).
- Approved 2026 School Board Meeting Dates, with meetings on first and third Mondays, except noted (e.g., July 20 only, August 3/17/31, October 21 Wednesday).
- Elected temporary president, president, and vice president (names not specified in agenda).
- Noted that committee assignments will be adjusted after Gretchen Brandt's seat is filled in January.
Finance and Audit Committee Meeting
The Finance and Audit Committee will review the 2024-2025 audit by Baker Tilly, including preliminary financial statements and a fund balance resolution. They will also discuss ESSA reporting and begin developing the 2026-2027 budget, including the timeline and Act 1 Index. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person.
- 2024-2025 audit review by Baker Tilly
- Preliminary financial statements and fund balance resolution
- ESSA reporting for 2024-25 and 2023-24
- 2026-2027 budget development timeline and Act 1 Index update
- Public comment (3-minute limit)
Policy Development Committee
The State College Area School District Policy Development Committee is meeting to discuss revisions to six policies: Curriculum, Guides for Planned Instruction, Adoption of Planned Instruction, Adoption of Textbooks, Interscholastic Athletics, and Sustainability. These are draft revisions for discussion, not final decisions. The athletics policy includes a new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) section allowing student athletes to benefit financially while maintaining amateur status.
- Policy 105 Curriculum - Revisions: major changes to clarify development, evaluation, and revision of curriculum per Chapter 4 regulations
- Policy 106 Guides for Planned Instruction - Revisions: adds administrative review to ensure guides are followed
- Policy 107 Adoption of Planned Instruction - Revisions: removes career and technical goals language
- Policy 108 Adoption of Textbooks - Revisions: clarifies textbook definition includes e-books, requires Board majority vote for adoption
- Policy 123 Interscholastic Athletics - Revisions: adds NIL section, requires student athletes to notify district within 72 hours of NIL contract
Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will hold a regular meeting with public comment, followed by a consent agenda vote covering minutes, budget amendments, and routine operations. The board will also hear updates from the superintendent, student representatives, and liaisons.
- 2025-2026 Budget Amendment for PA Restaurant and Lodging Grant ($1,482)
- 2025-2026 Budget Amendment for Title Budgets ($99,141 new funds plus $91,583.32 carryover)
- Approval of 11-03-2025 Committee of the Whole/Board Meeting Minutes
- Consent agenda includes operations items such as contracts and routine approvals
Committee of the Whole/Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will discuss and review several key items, including an update on the Districtwide Facilities Master Plan for playgrounds, the Mount Nittany Elementary addition, and the Management Discussion and Analysis for the 2024-2025 financial statements. The board will also hear reports on the Future Ready Comprehensive Plan goals and receive updates from the superintendent and student representatives. Public comment is scheduled, and the consent agenda includes approval of minutes and various routine items.
- Playground Master Plan update with $500,000 preliminary budget per playground and phased schedule from 2026 to 2033
- Mount Nittany Elementary Addition project update
- Management Discussion and Analysis for 2024-2025 financial statements, with approval expected Nov 17, 2025
- Future Ready Comprehensive Review Goals 1, 4, 5 focusing on special education disproportionality and English Language Learner proficiency
- Consent agenda includes approval of Oct 27, 2025 minutes and various policy updates
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will hold its regular meeting on October 27, 2025, with a consent agenda covering routine approvals such as minutes, a print shop management addendum, and a professional development amendment. The board will also hear updates from the superintendent, student representatives, and a legislative liaison, and take public comment.
- Colonial Press Print Shop Management Addendum: sets billing rate at $32.00/hour with 2.5% annual increase
- Devopar Agreement Amendment: up to $7,250 annually for leadership coaching for Assistant Superintendent
- Approval of minutes from October 13, 2025, and October 23, 2025, meetings
- Public comment limited to 3 minutes per person, with 30 minutes at start for non-action items
Policy Development Committee
The State College Area School District Policy Development Committee is meeting to discuss revisions to several policies, including field trips, federal fiscal compliance, travel reimbursement, and conflict of interest, as well as a new Title I parent engagement policy. These are discussion items, not final decisions. The meeting includes public comment.
- Policy 121 Field Trips: revisions to clarify definition, add medication administration protocols, and remove post-graduation trip references
- Policy 626 Federal Fiscal Compliance: updates include segregation of duties, $1M audit threshold, 3-year record retention, cybersecurity measures, and whistleblower protections
- Policy 626.1 Travel Reimbursement: revisions under discussion
- Policy 827 Conflict of Interest: revisions under discussion
- Policy 918 Title I Parent and Family Engagement: new policy to replace 908 and 908.1
Citizens Advisory Committee Facilities
The Citizens Advisory Committee Facilities will hear presentations from three firms vying to be construction manager for the new Park Forest Middle School. Each firm gets 15 minutes to present and 15 minutes for Q&A, addressing questions about collaboration, scheduling, LEED experience, and local contractor experience. The committee will grade the firms using a weighted matrix that prioritizes cost, K-12 experience, and team qualifications.
- Presentations from CHA Solutions, Whiting Turner, and Massaro CM Services for the new Park Forest Middle School
- Weighted evaluation matrix: cost fee (20 points), K-12 experience (15), team qualifications (15), safety (10), LEED experience (10), scheduling (10), online software (10), SCASD experience (5), worker clearance (5)
- Firms asked to address collaboration, schedule support, LEED certification, Central PA contractors, CRCA experience, estimate reconciliation, and project challenges
Committee of the Whole/Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will review preliminary FY2024-2025 financial results, a solar power project update, and construction updates for Mount Nittany Elementary and Park Forest Middle School. The board will also hear reports on student assessment data and a greenhouse gas inventory. No formal votes are scheduled on these items; the consent agenda includes only approval of prior meeting minutes.
- FY25 revenue exceeded budget by $8.96 million; expenses exceeded budget by $4.64 million
- Solar Power Purchase Agreement with Prospect 14 may face renegotiation due to regulatory changes
- Mount Nittany Elementary expansion project update
- Park Forest Middle School construction project update
- Greenhouse gas inventory covering waste, transportation, and facilities
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will hold a regular meeting with procedural items, communications, public comment, and a consent agenda. The board will vote on approving meeting minutes and routine operational items. No major policy decisions or public hearings are listed on this agenda.
- Approval of September 8, 2025, and September 16, 2025, meeting minutes
- Consent agenda includes operations items such as athletic equipment purchases, agreements, and routine approvals
- Public comment limited to 3 minutes per person, with 30 minutes at start for non-action items
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Citizens Advisory Committee Finance
The State College Area School District's Citizens Advisory Committee Finance will discuss the impact of the unapproved state budget, updates on the Mount Nittany Elementary and Park Forest Middle School construction projects, and a planned $125 million borrowing in early 2026. The committee will also review facilities assessments, playground updates, and an audit update from Baker Tilly.
- Mount Nittany Elementary construction: $24.4M budget, on target for August 2026 completion
- Park Forest Middle School: $130M estimated cost, bids expected end of 2025
- Planned borrowing of $125M in early 2026 for both projects
- Capital Reserve Fund contribution: $30M budgeted for both projects
- Ferguson Township Elementary stormwater project to include playground update
Policy Development Committee
The State College Area School District Policy Development Committee will discuss revisions to six policies, including academic standards, lesson plans, diabetes management, promotion and retention, and student records, plus a new policy on educational opportunities for military children. The committee will also hear public comment. These are discussion items, not final votes.
- Policy 102 Academic Standards revisions add science, environment, ecology, technology, and engineering standards by grade level
- Policy 111 Lesson Plans revisions allow online lesson planning and submission
- Policy 209.2 Diabetes Management revisions require providing PA Type 1 Diabetes Fact Sheet to parents of incoming elementary and 6th grade students
- Policy 215 Promotion and Retention is a new draft policy from PSBA
- Policy 216 Student Records revisions align with FERPA amendments and add Missing Child Registration section
Committee of the Whole/Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will hear updates on summer school programs and several school construction projects, including Park Forest Middle School, Mount Nittany Elementary, and Ferguson Township Elementary. The board will also take action on consent agenda items such as minutes, policies, and routine contracts.
- Summer school update: CHAMPS Camp served about 100 students in grades K-8; ESY and secondary credit recovery programs also discussed
- Park Forest Middle School project update: design includes four tennis courts, traffic signal coordination with PennDOT
- Mount Nittany Elementary expansion project update
- Ferguson Township Elementary stormwater and playground project planned for summer 2026
- Consent agenda includes approval of August 18, 2025 minutes and policy revisions (e.g., Policy 606 Tax Collection, Policy 819 Suicide Awareness)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Policy Development Committee
The State College Area School District Policy Development Committee will discuss revisions to several policies, including a new comprehensive policy for students experiencing homelessness, foster care, or other educational instability. The committee will also review updates to policies on student representatives, payroll deductions, student activity funds, fund balance, records management, transportation, contracted services, and sustainability. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person.
- New Policy 251 combines existing homeless and foster care policies, adds graduation plans and superintendent waiver authority
- Revisions to Policy 004.1 on student representatives to the board
- New Policy 618 on student activity funds replaces current special purpose funds policy
- New Policy 800 on records management
- Revisions to Policy 810 on transportation and new policies for school bus drivers and school vehicle drivers
Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting on August 18, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Panorama Village Boardroom. The board will consider a consent agenda that includes approval of minutes, operations items, and instructional programs, as well as a separate athletics sponsorship renewal and training supplies purchase. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person, with 30 minutes at the start for non-action items.
- 2025-2026 Athletics Sponsorship Renewal with Glenn O. Hawbaker (GOH) for Memorial Field red zone announcements during home football games
- 2025-2026 Athletics Training Supplies purchase from Medco Sports Medicine for $13,553.70
- Approval of minutes from the August 4, 2025 regular board meeting
- Consent agenda includes operations items such as the Aveanna Nursing Services Agreement renewal and budget amendments
- Instructional programs consent items include a Devopar Consulting Agreement and a foreign exchange student
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Committee of the Whole/Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will hold a Committee of the Whole/Regular Meeting on August 4, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Panorama Village Boardroom. The board will discuss and receive information on the Culture, Climate and Learning Committee's annual data reports, the Facilities Committee's updates on playgrounds and athletics, a proposed high school sign, and the Mount Nittany Elementary expansion project. Public comment is scheduled, and the board will also consider a consent agenda for routine approvals.
- High school sign project: construction budget reduced from $162,000 to $70,000, with PTSO donation over $10,000
- Mount Nittany Elementary expansion project update
- Playground and athletics assessments presented for discussion
- Annual data reports and 2025-2026 district assessment calendar
- Consent agenda includes approval of minutes, contracts, and policy updates
Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting on July 21, 2025, to approve consent agenda items including meeting minutes, contract extensions, and new policies. The board will also receive updates from the superintendent, student representative, and legislative liaison, and hear public comment. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major standalone action items listed.
- Approve June 16 and July 1, 2025 meeting minutes
- Approve 2025-2026 contract extensions with Galliker's, Pacifico, US Foods, PA Paper Supply, Kegel's Produce, and School Specialty
- Approve new policies 702 (Gifts, Grants, Donations), 702.1 (Crowdfunding), 719 (Memorials), and revisions to 913.1 (Fundraising)
- Approve 2025-2026 Title I Interdistrict Agreement with Mifflin County School District
- Approve 2025-2026 Workers Compensation and Liability Insurance Renewals
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Citizens Advisory Committee Facilities
The Citizens Advisory Committee for Facilities will review progress on the Mount Nittany Elementary expansion and Park Forest Middle School design, and discuss the District Facility Master Plan. They will also review a list of anticipated summer 2025 projects, including systems upgrades, bridge repair, parking expansion, and lighting upgrades. The meeting is virtual and open to the public.
- Mount Nittany Elementary expansion progress
- Park Forest Middle School design phase and bidding timeline
- Summer 2025 projects: 25-02-PFE-DX, 25-03-GWE-DX, 25-04-STH-Bridge Repair, 25-05-NTH-Parking Expansion, 24-06-MNM-AHU Replacement, 24-16-PAV-Renovation Phase II, 24-11-DIS-Envelope Refurbishment, 24-12-GWE-Lighting Upgrades, 25-14-MNM-Auditorium Lighting Upgrades
- District Facility Master Plan progress and reporting
Policy Development Committee
The State College Area School District Policy Development Committee is meeting to discuss revisions to several financial policies, including tax collection, cooperative purchasing, payroll, and student activity funds. They will also review a new policy on student activity funds and discuss updates on a student representative to the board and field trip policies. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person.
- Policy 606 Tax Collection - Revisions
- Policy 613 Cooperative Purchasing - Revisions
- Policy 614 Payroll Authorization - Revisions
- Policy 618 Student Activity Funds - New
- Policy 619 District Audit - Revisions
Regular and Special Board Meeting
The State College Area School District Board held a regular and special meeting on July 1, 2025. The board approved a consent agenda covering a non-resident tuition student, a high school reporting update, and human resource recommendations. The main action was appointing Dr. Jesse Barlow to fill a vacant board seat after two rounds of voting.
- Approved non-resident tuition-paying student for 2025-2026 at $17,062.79
- Approved high school reporting structure update for PDE website (grades 9-12)
- Approved human resource recommendations (retirements, resignations, appointments)
- Appointed Dr. Jesse Barlow to vacant board seat (7-1 vote)
- Public comment limited to 3 minutes per person
Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will hold its regular meeting on June 16, 2025, to consider a consent agenda that includes the final 2025-2026 budget adoption, a dairy contract extension with Galliker's, and other routine items. The board will also hear updates from the superintendent, student representative, and legislative liaison, and take public comment.
- 2025-2026 Final Budget Adoption
- 2025-2025 Dairy Contract Extension with Galliker's
- 2025-2026 Stop Loss Insurance for Employees with Voya
- 2025-2026 Actuarial Services with Conrad Siegel
- 2025-2026 Central Intermediate Unit 10 Special Education and Transportation Agreements
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
CTC Local Advisory Committee
The CTC Local Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss and receive information on career and technical education programs, including testing results, grant funding, improvement plans, enrollment, safety, and articulation agreements. The agenda is largely informational and discussion-oriented, with no formal votes or decisions listed.
- Review and approve January 16, 2025 meeting minutes
- CTC summary presentation including NOCTI testing results
- Grant and funding update
- 2025-26 Perkins improvement letter and improvement plan
- Enrollment update and safety and security discussion
Committee of the Whole/Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will hold a Committee of the Whole/Regular Meeting on June 2, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Panorama Village Boardroom. The agenda includes discussion items on administrative restructuring, an equity report from Penn State's Center for Education and Civil Rights, a suicide prevention action plan, a proposed UPMC intensive outpatient counseling program, and an update on the Mount Nittany Elementary expansion project. The board will also consider consent agenda items, including approval of meeting minutes.
- Administrative restructuring: Dr. Michele Hammersla-Quick to move from Level III to Level II, oversee K-12 Gifted and Learning Enrichment; new Level IV position, Assistant Director of Curriculum and Academic Interventions, to be posted
- Penn State's Center for Education and Civil Rights annual equity report presentation
- Suicide Prevention and Intervention Action Plan based on external review recommendations
- Proposed UPMC Intensive Outpatient Program for middle and high school students, estimated cost $139,000, with private insurance billed first
- Mount Nittany Elementary Expansion Project update
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Policy Development Committee
The State College Area School District Policy Development Committee will discuss two new draft policies: one on student searches (Policy 226) and one on the use of metal detectors (Policy 709.1). The committee will also review revisions to Policy 819 on suicide awareness, prevention, and response. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person.
- New Policy 226 on student searches, including electronic devices, lockers, and vehicles, based on reasonable suspicion or random/general searches for weapons or drugs
- New Policy 709.1 authorizing hand-held and walk-through metal detectors at school buildings, buses, and events under specified conditions
- Revisions to Policy 819 on suicide awareness, prevention, and response
- Public comment period of up to three minutes per individual
Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will hold a regular meeting following a budget hearing, where they are expected to act on the 2025-2026 budget, a charter school renewal, and several safety-related items. The agenda includes consent items, public comment, and updates from the superintendent and student representative.
- 2025-2026 budget: $207.5M revenue, $211.5M expenses, $3.0M fund balance use, average tax increase $206 per property
- Young Scholars of Central PA Charter School five-year renewal request (recommended approval with reservations)
- Purchase of five handheld metal detector wands
- SRO agreements with Patton Township and State College Borough
- Reject bids for Panorama Village HVAC System Replacement
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Budget Hearing
The State College Area School District Board of Directors is holding a public hearing to present the final 2025-2026 budget for community input. The proposed final budget was approved on April 21, 2025, and has been updated to reflect an increase in Pennsylvania's Property Tax Reduction Allocation, which lowers local real estate taxes. The board is scheduled to approve the final budget at its regular meeting on June 2, 2025.
- Final 2025-2026 budget presentation for public input
- Increase in Pennsylvania Property Tax Reduction Allocation reduces local real estate taxes
- Budget documents available in Business Office and on District website
- Public comment limited to 2 minutes per person
- Final budget approval scheduled for June 2, 2025
Facilities and Grounds Committee
The State College Area School District Facilities and Grounds Committee will discuss the District-wide Facilities Master Plan, including facility assessments and future decisions for Fairmount and PFMS, a PFMS project cost estimate, and sustainability topics like greenhouse gas inventory, solar, and electric vehicles. The committee will also plan a June 2 steering committee and community outreach session. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person.
- Facility assessments and future decision making for Fairmount and PFMS
- PFMS Project Cost Estimate
- Sustainability update: Greenhouse Gas Inventory, solar, electric vehicles
- Steering Committee and Community Outreach scheduled for June 2, 2025
- Ferguson Township ES playground assessment packet (draft)
Board Work Session with Students Regarding Safety and Security
The State College Area School District Board is holding a work session with students focused on safety and security at the high school. The agenda covers strengths, areas for growth, ideas for future implementation, and training recommendations. This is a discussion session, not a voting meeting.
- Discussion of school safety strengths at the high school
- Identification of areas for growth in safety and security
- Brainstorming ideas and solutions for future implementation
- Review of training recommendations
Committee of the Whole/Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will discuss renewing the Young Scholars of Central PA charter for five years, with a recommendation to approve despite documented concerns about low teacher pay, certification issues, and student achievement gaps. The board will also review new textbook requests for secondary courses. Action on the charter is planned for the May 19 board meeting.
- Young Scholars of Central PA charter renewal request for 2025-2030, with recommendation to approve with reservations
- New textbook requests for AP US History and Health Professions Nurse Aide Training courses
- Charter review report cites teacher pay ranking 772 out of 782 LEAs and PSSA scores below district average
- Public comment period of 30 minutes at start of meeting
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will hold a regular meeting to approve consent agenda items, including meeting minutes, and address routine administrative actions. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.
- Approval of April 7, 2025, and April 15, 2025, meeting minutes
- Consent agenda items including finance, personnel, and policy approvals
- Public comment period limited to 2 minutes per speaker
- Superintendent, student representative, and legislative updates
Citizens Advisory Committee Facilities
The State College Area School District Citizens Advisory Committee for Facilities will meet virtually to discuss the Mount Nittany Elementary expansion, Park Forest Middle School updates, and the district facility master plan. They will also review anticipated summer 2025 projects and other physical plant initiatives.
- MNE Expansion progress and timeline
- Park Forest Middle School update
- Summer 2025 projects: 25-02-PFE-DX Systems Upgrades, 25-03-GWE-DX Systems Upgrades, 25-04-STH-Bridge Repair, 25-05-NTH-Parking Expansion, 24-06-MNM-AHU Replacement, 24-16-PAV-Renovation Phase II, 24-11-DIS-Envelope Refurbishment, 24-12-GWE-Lighting Upgrades, 25-14-MNM-Auditorium Lighting Upgrades
- Other initiatives: retrocommissioning, specifications, generator loads
Policy Development Committee
The Policy Development Committee will discuss and consider new policies on gifts, grants, donations, crowdfunding, and memorials, plus revisions to fundraising policy. It will also recommend retiring three older gift policies. The meeting is a discussion and information session, not a final vote.
- New Policy 702 Gifts, Grants, Donations: sets $25,000 threshold for 'major' gifts, requires board approval, allows anonymous gifts with limited disclosure
- New Policy 702.1 Crowdfunding: prohibits employees or organizations from crowdfunding on behalf of the district
- New Policy 719 Memorials: establishes guidelines for memorials after deaths of students or employees, including spontaneous remembrance handling
- Revised Policy 913.1 Fundraising: updates formatting and specifies the State College Area School District Education Foundation as the fundraising entity
- Recommendation to retire Policies 913.2, 913.2.1, and 913.3 on gifts to the district
Citizens Advisory Committee Finance
The Citizens Advisory Committee Finance will hear a presentation on the 2025-2026 proposed final budget and discuss financing for the Mount Nittany Elementary School (under $25M) and Park Forest Middle School (over $100M) projects. The committee will also consider volunteers to review responses to a request for proposals for a local auditor. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person.
- 2025-2026 Proposed Final Budget presentation
- Financing for Mount Nittany Elementary School (<$25M) and Park Forest Middle School (>$100M)
- RFP for local auditor - volunteers to review responses
- Facility updates on MNE, PFMS, and DWFMP projects
- Public comment limited to 3 minutes per person
Committee of the Whole/Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will discuss the proposed 2025-2026 final budget, which recommends a 4% tax increase due to rising personnel and utility costs. They will also receive updates on the Mount Nittany Elementary and Park Forest Middle School construction projects, including a stormwater management decision. The meeting includes routine procedural items like roll call, public comment, and approval of prior minutes.
- Proposed 4% tax increase for 2025-2026 budget
- Park Forest Middle School stormwater: Option 2 recommended, adds $1 million, removes ~2.5 acres of trees
- Mount Nittany Elementary: 12 geothermal wells drilled, building pad under construction
- New positions: 1 special ed teacher, 1 business ed teacher, 1 school psychologist, activities/athletic manager, clerical, custodial
- Security costs up 50% over two years; utility rates to increase significantly
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Board Work Session (Dr. Erbacher's findings to external review and evaluation of district mental health services)
The State College Area School District board is holding a work session to receive Dr. Erbacher's findings from an external review of district mental health services, prompted by a Park Forest Middle School student's death by suicide last school year. The review included interviews with parents, students, staff, and administrators. The board will also take public comment.
- Presentation of Dr. Erbacher's external review findings on student death and mental health services
- Review associated with a Park Forest Middle School eighth-grade student's death by suicide
- Board approved consultation agreement with Dr. Erbacher on Sept. 30, 2024
- Public comment period
Policy Development Committee
The State College Area School District Policy Development Committee will discuss several policy changes, including retiring Policy 132 on alternative education, revising policies on foreign exchange students, field trips, and medications, and updating the mission statement. The committee will also take public comment on these items.
- Policy 132 Alternative Education - recommendation to retire
- Policy 239 Foreign Exchange Students - revisions (tuition waivers for up to 5 students per year)
- Policy 121 Field Trips - revisions (new medication administration protocols, international trip restrictions after graduation)
- Policy 210 Medications - revisions (align with PA Dept. of Health guidelines)
- Policy 101 Mission Statement/Vision Statement/Shared Values - revisions
Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting with a consent agenda covering budget amendments, personnel, and routine contracts. The board will also receive updates on the high school sign project, Mount Nittany Elementary construction, and Park Forest Middle School stormwater options.
- $4,700 Ag and Youth Direct Grant for Delta greenhouse supplies
- High school sign construction budget set at $70,000, with bidding request expected
- Park Forest Middle School stormwater options: $1.2M vs $2.4M
- Mount Nittany Elementary project update: building permit secured, earth moving begun
- Consent agenda includes budget amendment, bus camera contract, and field trip requests
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Committee of the Whole/Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will hold a Committee of the Whole/Regular Meeting with updates and discussions on several topics, including a special education audit action plan, a new high school sign, the Mount Nittany Elementary project, stormwater options for Park Forest Middle School, and the 2025-2026 budget. The board will also consider appointing representatives to the Centre County Solar Group and may approve the previous meeting's minutes.
- High school sign project: construction budget of $70,000, with PTSO donation over $10,000; bidding to be requested on March 17, 2025
- Park Forest Middle School stormwater options: Option 1 at $1.2 million (50% tree removal), Option 2 at $2.4 million (10% tree removal)
- Centre County Solar Group: board to discuss appointing two representatives
- 2025-2026 budget update, including Governor's proposed state budget and reports on athletics, community ed, and food service
- Special Education Update: presentation on services and action steps from the GSEA audit
Board Work Session on Future-Ready Plan Goals
The State College Area School District Board is holding a work session to review and discuss the goals of its 2024-2027 Future-Ready Plan. District and school administrators will present an overview of district data and then hold breakout sessions to explain how school-level goals align with district priorities. This is a discussion and information item, not a final decision-making meeting.
- Discussion of 2024-2027 Future-Ready Plan goals and school comprehensive plans
- Presentation by Superintendent Curtis Johnson and other administrators
- Breakout sessions with elementary, middle, and high school administrators
- Public comment period
Policy Development Committee
The State College Area School District's Policy Development Committee is meeting to discuss draft revisions to six board policies: field trips, community education, student admission, purchases subject to bid/quotation, and relations with educational institutions and intermediate units. These are discussion items, not final decisions; the committee will review the drafts and may recommend changes to the full board.
- Policy 121 Field Trips: revised definition, added medication administration, and rules for trips after graduation
- Policy 125 Community Education: added authority and guidelines sections, opening programs to qualifying adults and minors
- Policy 201 Admission of Students: clarifies first-grade entry age (6 by Aug 31) and readiness exceptions for 5-year-olds
- Policy 610 Purchases Subject to Bid/Quotation: adds electronic bidding and auction options, prohibits splitting purchases
- Policy 912 Relations with Educational Institutions: revised for clarity and added citations
Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will hold a regular meeting with procedural items, public comment, and a consent agenda. The board will vote on approving meeting minutes, a tuition-paying student for 2025-2026, and January 2025 budget transfers. The agenda is largely routine, with no major policy decisions listed.
- Approve 2025-2026 tuition-paying student at $17,062.79 for secondary non-resident rate
- Approve January 2025 budget transfers in Fund 10
- Approve minutes from Feb 3, 2025 meeting
- Public comment limited to 3 minutes per person
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Committee of the Whole/Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District board will hear updates on the solar power purchase agreement, gifted education, school climate survey results, the Mount Nittany Elementary project, and the 2025-2026 budget. The board will also consider approving the January 27, 2025 meeting minutes. The agenda is largely informational and procedural, with no major action items other than the consent agenda.
- COG voted to enter solar power purchase agreement; COG costs $28,439, estimated savings $144,000 over 15 years
- Gifted Education and Learning Enrichment update addressing 2014 audit corrective actions
- PA School Climate Survey results overview from November 2024 administration
- Mount Nittany Elementary project update: pre-construction meeting held, groundbreaking expected early to mid March
- 2025-2026 Budget update: process timeline and financial update for 2024-2025
Board Work Session with Student Government
The State College Area School District Board is holding a work session with student government to gather feedback on student-related initiatives. Topics include student transportation for specific classes, e-cigarette usage in school, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) phase-out. Public comment is also scheduled.
- Discussion on student transportation pertaining to specific classes
- Discussion on e-cigarette usage in school
- Discussion on International Baccalaureate (IB) phase-out and next steps
- Public comment period (30 minutes at start, 2 minutes per speaker)
Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting with procedural items, communications, public comment, and a consent agenda. The board will vote on approving minutes from prior meetings and other routine items. No major policy changes or public hearings are listed.
- Approval of January 13, 2025, Committee of the Whole/Regular Meeting Minutes
- Approval of January 21, 2025, Policy Development Committee Meeting Minutes
- Consent agenda includes approval of minutes and other routine items
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Citizens Advisory Committee Finance
The Citizens Advisory Committee Finance will discuss Mount Nittany Elementary project bid results, which came in over budget, and consider options for bid alternates. They will also review the Districtwide Facilities Master Plan, a proposed Power Purchase Agreement, 2023-2024 financial results and audit, and the 2025-2026 budget development calendar.
- Mount Nittany Elementary base bid $21,052,700 vs estimate $19,992,153 (5.3% over budget)
- Power Purchase Agreement with Prospect14/Direct Energy for 80% of electricity (15.187981 million kWh)
- 2023-2024 financial statements and audit review by Baker Tilly
- 2025-2026 budget development calendar and Act 1 notification
- Districtwide Facilities Master Plan phase 1 results and phase 2 scope
Policy Development Committee
The Policy Development Committee will discuss three new draft policies (137.1, 137.2, 137.3) that would allow home-educated students to participate in extracurricular activities, athletics, club sports, cocurricular activities, academic courses, and career and technical education programs. The committee will also review revisions to policies on professional development, food service, and opioid antagonists. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person.
- New Policy 137.1: Home-educated students may join extracurriculars, athletics, and club sports at their assigned school, subject to eligibility and verification.
- New Policy 137.2: Home-educated students may enroll in academic courses up to one-quarter of the school day; parents responsible for transportation unless bus space available.
- New Policy 137.3: Home-educated students may apply to Career and Technical Center programs with equal opportunity and possible enrollment prioritization.
- Revisions to Policy 333 (Professional Development), Policy 808 (Food Service), and Policy 823 (Opioid Antagonist).
- Public comment limited to 3 minutes per person.
Committee of the Whole/Regular Meeting
The State College Area School District Board will hold a Committee of the Whole/Regular Meeting on January 13, 2025. The board will vote on appointing 2025 committee chairs and receive informational updates on the Empowering the Bystander bullying prevention workshop, the Future Ready plan final report, the Physical Plant Project, and the transition to a new School Resource Officer at the high school.
- Appointment of 2025 Committee Chairs for Finance and Audit, Culture Climate and Learning, Facilities and Grounds, and Policy Development committees
- Update on Empowering the Bystander Training Workshop for elementary students
- Final report on 2022-2024 Future Ready Comprehensive Plan Goals 2 and 3
- Physical Plant Project update
- School Resource Officer transition: Officer Matt Hertlein selected to replace retiring Officer John Aston at State High
2025 Meeting Dates
This agenda lists the regular meeting dates for the State College Area School District board in 2025. No decisions or discussions are scheduled; it is purely administrative.
- January 13 and 27
- July 21 (only one meeting)
- September 8 and 29 (2nd and 5th Monday)