With the first day of school just weeks away, the Seneca Valley School Board tackled a heavy agenda at its Aug. 5 work session, approving new policies on artificial intelligence, academic integrity and therapy dogs while locking in service agreements for the 2024-25 year.

The board gave final approval to two AI-related policies: a revised "Responsible Use of Internet and AI" policy (815) and a brand-new "Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education" policy (815.1). Both were on second and final reading, pending solicitor review. A new student discipline policy (218) and academic integrity policy (212.1) also received final approval.

The AI professional development theme continues beyond policy. The district scheduled an SV Summer Academy session on "AI Tools for Teachers" for Aug. 13 at the Secondary Campus, signaling the administration's intent to equip staff before students arrive.

In another quality-of-life addition, the board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Therapy Dogs International, allowing credentialed volunteer therapy dog and handler teams to work in district schools under Policy 713 for the 2024-25 year.

The meeting opened with recognition of rising sophomore Leila Wright, who was named a first-place awardee of "America's Field Trip," a new nationwide scholastic contest that asked students to respond to the prompt "What does America mean to you?" A panel of educators selected 150 winners from thousands of entries across 44 states and territories. Wright and her family will experience a field trip at an iconic American historical and cultural site of her choosing.

Board President Eric DiTullio announced that the Seneca Valley Foundation raised $66,000 at its annual golf outing. He thanked everyone who participated, noting the Foundation has spent $1.4 million on students through events like this one. Superintendent Dr. Vitale echoed the appreciation.

Board member Tim Hester shared that three new signs designed by tenth-grade Vo-Tech students are now visible when traveling through Evans City. He also noted that three 2024 graduates who attended Butler County Area Vocational Technical School are already working full-time jobs in their field. Hester reported that the Vo-Tech is fully staffed with new equipment for the upcoming year.

The board approved a $1,000 PPG Innovative Classroom Grant for teacher Tim Cammisa to support the Fly-Fishing Activity and Enrichment Club at Haine Middle School. A new procurement card program through BMO Harris Bank was also approved, implementing a Corporate MasterCard system for district purchasing.

Service agreements for special education programming were approved with multiple providers: Glade Run Lutheran Services (St. Stephens Academy, Special Education Transitions and Partial Hospitalization programs), The Bradley Center (alternative education placement), MHY Family Services/Longmore Academy, Pressley Ridge Autism, The School at McGuire Memorial, Butler Area School District, AMN Healthcare Inc. and Amergis Educational Staffing.

The board also approved a School Assist Consulting LLC proposal for professional development leadership coaching and one early admission to kindergarten.

General fund bills totaled $7,949,206.82 across the 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscal years. Construction fund bills totaled $1,101,264.07. Six community members wrote to the board: Dan Rojtas, Eric Goucher, Anna Atkinson, Craig Cushing, Amy Smith and Jillian Forstadt.

Additional policy actions included final approval of revised policies on working periods (332) and employee responsibility for student welfare (340), with an older version of the student welfare policy (440) retired.

Leslie Bredl, Fred Peterson and Jeff Widdowson were absent. There was no public comment. The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m. — one of the shortest sessions of the year.

The first day of school was set for Aug. 22, with teacher in-service days from Aug. 19-21 and new teacher induction on Aug. 14-15.