JACKSON TOWNSHIP — The Seneca Valley School Board held its first work session of 2025 on Monday, January 6, addressing financial planning for the upcoming year, updating administrative policies, and recognizing student and staff achievements.

The meeting began on a somber note as Board President Eric DiTullio called for a moment of silence to honor Dr. Ralph Cianflone, a former district administrator who passed away on December 27. Dr. Cianflone, who retired in 2001, served the district for over two decades as the Director of Elementary Education and State and Federal Programs.

Following the tribute, the board moved through a light agenda that set the stage for the spring budget season.

Financial Planning and Technology Updates

In one of the most significant financial actions of the evening, the board approved a budget resolution required by state law. The resolution certifies that the district will not raise the rate of any tax for the support of its public schools for the 2025-2026 fiscal year by more than 4%.

This percentage, known as the Act 1 index, is the maximum allowable tax increase a school district can implement without seeking voter approval or seeking exceptions from the state. The approval does not mean taxes will rise by 4%, but rather sets the ceiling for future budget discussions.

On the operations side, the board approved a proposal from Frontline Education to implement a new "Absence & Time Solution" software system. This technology upgrade is intended to streamline timekeeping and attendance tracking for the district.

Board Business and Partnerships

The board approved its committee assignments for 2025 and moved forward with the first reading of two revised board policies. Policy 616 deals with the Payment of Bills, while Policy 2271 focuses on Drug and Alcohol Awareness for athletic programs, extracurricular activities, and student drivers.

The district also renewed its community ties by approving the "Corporate 25 Community Partnership" agreement with the Butler County YMCA. This renewal continues a benefits package that provides membership discounts and wellness opportunities for Seneca Valley employees.

Student and Staff Recognition

While the agenda was heavy on procedure, the administration took time to highlight excellence within the school community.

The board recognized 28 Seneca Valley students in grades 7 through 9 who were selected to participate in the third annual Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 5 String Fest. The event, held at Beaver Area High School, featured student musicians from eight districts across the region.

Additionally, the district congratulated James Lucot, a teacher at Seneca Valley Senior High School. The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh named Lucot among this year’s "Righteous Among the Neighbors" honorees. He is being recognized for his years of teaching on the Holocaust and his dedication to combating antisemitism. He will be celebrated at a public event next month at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh.

Trips and Services

The board approved several items related to student services and travel. Music teachers Sarah Miller and Mille Shay received approval to take orchestra students to Erie, PA, for the PMEA District competition January 9-11. The board acknowledged that students will miss two days of instruction for this event.

Looking further ahead, the board acknowledged a request from Mrs. Carol-Lynn Dubovi to take students to Tokyo, Japan, in June 2026. The trip is scheduled to occur at no cost to the district.

To support special education services, the board approved a consultant agreement with Hannah Brimkov to provide psychological and gifted evaluations for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year. The district also moved to approve an agreement with Cray Youth and Family Services to provide alternative education and special education delivery, pending solicitor review.

The Seneca Valley School Board is next scheduled to meet for a regular meeting on Monday, January 13, at 7 p.m. in the Senior High School Auditorium.