A 2024 Seneca Valley graduate brought home a national championship in career and technical education, and the school board made sure the community heard about it.

Viktoriya Semenenko placed first at the SkillsUSA National Championship in Atlanta in late June, competing in Advertising Design against more than 6,500 state champions across 115 competitions. Semenenko, also a graduate of Butler County Area Vocational Technical School, had already earned a gold medal at the Pennsylvania state competition to qualify for nationals.

The three-day competition simulated working in an advertising agency, requiring contestants to take a written test, recreate an advertisement, and demonstrate accuracy, software proficiency and the ability to meet deadlines.

The recognition came at the board's Sept. 9 work session, which opened with a moment of silence in memory of September 11, 2001. Second graders Anaad and Anhad Saini from Rowan Elementary led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Board President Eric DiTullio and Superintendent Dr. Vitale used the occasion to promote the Vo-Tech as an option for families. "The Vo-Tech is a great option for students who would like to obtain certifications in trades," Vitale told the audience, noting there is no cost for students to attend. DiTullio echoed her remarks, calling it "a tremendous program." Board member Fred Peterson reported that the Vo-Tech's student population has increased by 1 percent this year.

The board approved a substantial slate of instructional agreements for the 2024-25 school year, reflecting the district's broad network of educational partnerships. Concurrent enrollment agreements were renewed with La Roche University, Point Park University and Robert Morris University, giving high school students the opportunity to earn college credits.

Special education services were secured through multiple providers: The Watson Institute for both its Education Center and WISCA programs in Sewickley, Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit, The School at McGuire Memorial (including extended school year programming for July 2025), and the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV for hearing impaired support services.

The board also approved a new partnership with the Highmark Caring Foundation to provide school-based peer support groups for grieving children and adolescents. Peterson asked whether the district would be equipped to support students and staff in the event of a tragedy. Dr. Doggrell assured the board that parent consent is required for participation and that a district school counselor co-facilitates sessions. She said the district is "very well staffed" with community partners available for emergency support.

A University of Pittsburgh agreement will allow Seneca Valley to participate in the School Partnered Collaborative Care (SPACE) Study during the 2024-25 year.

In other action, the board awarded a $23,078 bid to Alpine Kilns & Equipment LLC for an electric front-loading kiln at the Senior High School. A secondary chorus trip to Dallas, Texas, March 28-31, 2025, was approved at no cost to the district. DiTullio noted the location was new, and Dr. McKinley confirmed the choral directors wanted to explore different venues.

A $2,600 Waterway Monitoring, Health and Education Grant was approved for teacher Tom Lavelle to purchase two data logger remote sensors for student projects. The board also approved a contract with Vector Solutions for virtual Title IX training for staff as required by federal regulations.

Policy updates included final approval of a revised organization chart (Policy 008) and a consolidated job-related expenses policy (Policy 331), while three separate employee expense policies were retired. New policies on purchases not budgeted, district audit and property insurance received first readings.

General fund bills totaled $5,185,315.43 across two fiscal years, and construction fund bills were $687,931.07. There was no public comment. Nick Brower was absent. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.