The Seneca Valley School Board approved a maximum project cost of $165,896,311 for the proposed Intermediate High School and Performing Arts Center Addition during its August 4, 2025, work session, clearing a major milestone for the district's largest capital project in years.

The addition, to be constructed at 126 Seneca School Road in Harmony, carries a maximum building construction cost of $114,651,741, covering structure costs, fees, and movable fixtures and equipment. Board President Eric DiTullio motioned and Susan Harrison seconded the approval, which passed on a voice vote.

The board also approved nearly $15 million in combined expenditures across both fiscal years. General fund bills totaled $5,531,288.45 for 2024-25 and $7,346,292.28 for 2025-26. Construction fund bills came to $1,912,374.35 for 2024-25 and $32,828.00 for 2025-26.

Two new district directors were introduced at the meeting. Dr. Joel Roth was appointed Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation, and Ian Hunter was named Director of Communications. Superintendent Dr. Vitale congratulated and welcomed both to the district.

The personnel agenda was extensive as the district staffed up for the new school year. Twelve resignations were accepted, including that of Antoinette Mersing from administration. Fifteen professional staff members were appointed along with dozens of professional and classified substitutes and more than 100 supplemental and coaching positions. A statement of charges was approved for one professional employee. Several leaves were granted, including for directors Susan Baker and Christine Thayer-Miller.

In leadership appointments, Nick Brower was named the Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School Joint Operating Committee representative, with Susan Harrison designated as alternate.

The board approved an Act 26 Memorandum of Understanding with local law enforcement agencies, formalizing safety coordination. A revised jury duty policy (Policy 342) passed on second and final reading, while the separate professional employee jury duty policy (Policy 442) was retired.

Instructional approvals included a new Peer Empowerment Club for the 2025-26 school year under volunteer sponsor Jennifer Exler at no cost to the district. The board authorized multiple special education agreements for 2025-26 with McGuire Memorial, The Watson Institute, University School, Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit's New Horizon School, Hope Learning Center, and Sign Language Interpreting Professionals. Consultant agreements were approved with Latitia Lattanzio-Paros and Hannah Brimkov for psychological evaluation services. One student was granted early admission to first grade.

Additional approvals covered nursing services for North Catholic students, a professional development coaching proposal from School Assist Consulting, and a First Student transportation agreement addendum. The board authorized the sale of delinquent real estate taxes for fiscal year 2026 and approved budget transfers.

Retiring Connoquenessing Valley Elementary Principal DeeAnn Graham was honored for receiving the Tullio A. "Doc" Viola Service Above Self Award from the Zelienople Rotary. Graham served the district for more than 30 years, including 17 years leading CVE. She was featured in the Rotary's Annual July 4th Parade.

DiTullio reported that state budget conversations continue. The first day of school for the 2025-26 year was set for August 21.

Six of nine board members were present; Leslie Bredl, Fred Peterson, and Jeff Widdowson were absent. No public comment was received. The meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m.