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S
Seneca Valley School District
p.m.
SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSION
Seneca Valley Intermediate High School Auditorium - 7 p.m.
Minutes
October 7, 2024
CALL TO ORDER by Mr. Eric DiTullio, President, called the meeting to order at 7:08
A. Moment of Silence - The meeting was called to order with a moment of silence.
B. Pledge of Allegiance - Chase Salka, second grader at Connoquenessing Valley
Elementary School, continued the board initiative, “I Led the Pledge” by reciting
the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. Roll Call - by Ms. Julia Benson, School Board Secretary, showed the following
members in attendance: Ms. Leslie Bredl, Mr. Nick Brower, Mr. Eric DiTullio, Ms.
Susan Harrison, Mr. Mike Jacobs, Mr. Jeff Widdowson and Ms. Kari Zimmer. Mr.
Tim Hester and Mr. Fred Peterson were absent.
INFORMATION REPORTS
A. Student/Staff Recognition
1.
Mr. Chris Eden, a Health and Physical Education teacher at Ryan Gloyer Middle
School (RGMS) and a Seneca Valley Football coach, was recently honored with
the 2024 Good Neighbor Award by NexTier Bank. This award recognizes
educators who go above and beyond both in their professional and personal
lives. Mr. Eden, a dedicated teacher and coach, played a key role in starting
Seneca Valley’s first Girl’s Flag Football team. With nearly 70 girls attending
the introductory meeting, Mr. Eden has shown exceptional commitment to
supporting the team and helping them succeed. Thanks to his efforts, many girls
are now participating in a sport for the first time, boosting their self-esteem and
recognizing themselves as integral members of the community. In addition to
the award itself, Mr. Eden received a Go Pro Hero10 Camera and accessories
that he intends to use for a classroom project.
Congratulations to seniors Eric Chen and Ophelia Crano for being named
semifinalists in the 70" Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. As
semifinalists, Mr. Chen and Miss Crano will have an opportunity to continue in
the competition for scholarships and the ultimate title of Merit Scholar. In
addition, seniors Sydney Brower, Gavin Helmsen, Rohin Jayaraman and Patrick
Monahan have been named Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit
Scholarship Program. Miss Brower, Mr. Helmsen, Mr. Jayaraman and Mr.
Monahan were recognized by the NMSC for their outstanding performance on
the qualifying test used for program entry. Over 1.3 million juniors in more than
---
2690
21,000 high schools entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program by
taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
(PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The
nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high
school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.
Dr. Vitale and several Board Members recognized and congratulated Mr. Chen, Miss
Crano, Miss Brower, Mr. Jayaraman and Mr. Monahan on their outstanding performance.
The students took time answering questions from the Board and sharing their experiences
and how they were able accomplish this recognition.
B. Dates to Remember - Ms. Linda Andreassi announced the following dates to
remember:
October National Principals Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 10 World Mental Health Day
October 11 Yom Kippur Begins
October 14 Columbus Day
October 14 Indigenous Peoples’ Day
October 14 Regular School Board Meeting — 7 p.m.
October 16 Sukkot Begins
October 23 Winter Sport Drug Testing and Concussion Testing — SHS Athletic
Offices - 2:45 p.m.
October 24 SVAOQC End of First Nine Weeks, Grades 7-12
October 26 ACT Testing — SHS
October 26 PSAT Testing — SHS
October 28 SV End of First Nine Weeks, Grades 7-12
October 31 Halloween
' November 1 Diwali
November 3 Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 3 Seneca Valley Foundation’s Second Annual Ryan Gloyer Memorial
Run/Walk presented by Westinghouse — Secondary Campus — 9 a.m.
‘More information at SFC Ryan Gloyer Memorial Run (svsd.net)
November 4 School Board Work Session — 7 p.m. - SHSHS Auditorium
Mr. DiTullio encouraged everyone to attend and signup for the SFC Ryan Gloyer Memorial
Run on November 3.
C. Agency Reports
l. Vo-Tech - Mr. Nick Brower reported that there are about 170 SVSD
students are attending the Vo-Tech this year.
2, I.U. IV - Mr, Eric DiTullio reported that they have renewed Dr. Killmeyer’s
contract as the Executive Director.
D. Legislative - Mr. Eric DiTullio reported that the newest members of the State
House of Representatives were recently sworn in. He also shared that mandatory
training on seizure recognition has been approved by the Senate Education
Committee and that House Bill 2536, Extension of Property Tax Relief for
Longtime Homeowners, has been amended on the House Floor and sent to the
2
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56 9 1
appropriations committee. The House of Education Committee has approved Senate
Bill 801 that requires school entities to adopt an evidenced-based reading
instruction curriculum beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Lastly, Mr. DiTullio
reported that the House Commerce Committee approved House Resolution 443 that
will require separate playoft systems for public, private and charter schools.
Financial Reports
Operations
Senior High Activities
Intermediate High Activities
Middle School Activities
Athletics
Food Service
Tax Collections
Capital Projects Funds
S e el e B e
Presentation of Qutdoor Learning - Dr. McCarty and the Haine Middle School
Team presented an Outdoor Education program for Haine Elementary and Middle
Schools (HES/HMS). Dr. McCarty shared that they have been able to start this
project with a $15,000 Tugboat Grant provided by the Grable Foundation and that
the team has also requested a Moonshot Grant in the amount of $50,000 from the
Grable Foundation to help with funding the project.
Mr. Ken (KC) Cahall, HMS teacher, shared that the idea to start this program came
from “Nature-Deficit Disorder” and the disconnect between individuals and nature,
and the challenges because of the disconnect.
Mr. Cahall presented short-term and long-term goals around an Outdoor Education
program that would benefit students in grades K-6. Short-term goals include
construction of outdoor learning spaces at Haine, working with teachers to increase
student engagement and to foster connections between the school and community
partnerships through on and offsite programing. Mr. Cahall pointed out that he is
currently working with a few teachers specifically in kindergarten and fifth grade to
encourage them to take their classes outside and to become more comfortable
utilizing these outdoor spaces and how to incorporate outdoor education into their
teaching not just science, but all subjects.
Mr. Cahall shared that spending time outdoors has benefits for children with
ADHD, that children are naturally inquisitive and that children tend to obtain more
when they have firsthand experiences with their learning.
A few of the long-term goals include focusing on the students in kindergarten and
fifth grades. The reason for the fifth grade is because there is a natural flow to the
state standards that incorporates itself well into nature. Mr. Cahall would like to
work to bring back an experience for fifth grade students similar to McKeever
Environmental Center that many students participated in prior to McKeever closing.
The reason behind focusing on kindergarten students, especially the students in
extended-day kindergarten, is because the first learning environments for children
are the outdoors. Incorporating the outdoors into a kindergarten’s learning
environment has proven benefits such as exploring, discovering and problem
3
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solving. Additional long-term goals are continued support for kindergarten through
sixth grade teachers across the District, securing the funding for a four season
outdoor learning structure and increased partnerships with families, community and
local experts.
Mr. Cahall believes that with a better understanding of the world around them,
children will have a better appreciation and understanding of their place in it and the
impact of their decisions. He also shared that leaming to appreciate the natural
world can help children better appreciate and accept one another.
Mr. Jacobs thanked Mr. Cahall and the Haine Team for all that they have done to
pilot this program. He also asked if there are plans to get the students involved in
creating the spaces. Mr. Cahall confirmed that there are plans to get the students
involved in all aspects of the program.
Ms. Zimmer shared that one of the many things that she loves about SVSD is that
things aren’t always done the way other districts are doing them. She thanked Mr,
Cahall for thinking outside of the box and asked what resources he has to proceed.
Mr. Cahall responded that there are a few schools in the East that he has researched,
has participated in webinars and does a lot of research online. Additionally, Mr.
Cahall has past experience with this setting, the education and has seen the firsthand
benefits of its success.
Mr. Widdowson thanked Mr. Cahall and the Haine Team and shared that this will
be a great opportunity and addition to the District.
In closing, Dr. McCarty added that all our elementary sites have unique resources
already that they can utilize. In addition, there are many opportunities in our
surrounding area that we can utilize and from which to learn. He shared that through
grant funding, the elementary administrative team was able to visit Moraine State
Park this summer to learn about their education programs and new educational
spaces. Additionally, through this program, there will be family activities planned
throughout the year to bring families to the sites to be able to learn together. Dr.
McCarty shared his excitement in this program and looks forward to seeing where it
goes from here.
3. ACTION AGENDA
A.
Public Comment — Public comment was made by Reverand James Bills regarding
a proposal for school bus driver incentives and recruitment program.
Personnel - Approved the following personnel items that were discussed in
executive session held prior to the meeting:
1. Resignations — Classified — Janean Y eater, Supplemental — Andrew Russell,
Ronald Lasko
2. Appointments — Professional — Amanda Kalin, Professional Substitutes — Dana
Mathews, Kathryn Olson, Linda Starosta, Mackenzie Clark, Classified - Sarah
Schneider, Becky Frey, Lauren Sowa-Doku, Elliott Pater, Steven Baldinger,
Janice Darbee, Jayme Gordon, Supplementals — Scott Dibble, Justin McCauley,
4
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~
P,
Gary Brooks, Rob Naylor, Eric Semega, Tom Magill, Makinley Magill, Karen
“Julie” Fornadel, Krystal Epps, Ray Peaco, Megan Meeder, Katie Smolter,
Andrea Platt, Lisa Wilson, Nancy Laslavic, Michael Caccamo, Theodore (Jake)
Calvin, Kevin Holman, Mike Conlon, Don Howard, Aaron Shafer, Drew Smith,
Louis Newell, Eric Semega, Chris Eden, Katie Smolter, Marlesse Hames, Eric
Grove, Ray Peaco, Brett Poirier, Samantha Stewart, Jennifer Durst, Karissa
Lambert, Michael Manipole, Elizabeth Wimer, Rebecca Rockey, Victoria
Hinchee, Sarah White, James Bull, Erin Burkhart, Thomas Donati, Victor
Giannotta, Jason Groom, Lisa Kasper, Karissa Lambert, Cortney Lambert, Lara
Meyer, Gabriel Miller, Andrew Musacchio, Camden Palmer, William Parenti,
Devyn Peskorski, Halley Rooney, Eleanor Sgro, Claire Staudacher, La Varr
Stephens-Howling, Ezekial Stroupe, James Sutkowski, Christopher Titus,
Nicole Parson, Callie Bruno
3. Leaves - Professional — Holly Blizman, Leah Vogel, Hillary Mellott, Whitney
Corrigan, Kristi Seecthaler, Tammie Limmer, Classified — Janean Yeater, Ann
Raisley, Cailtin Bertucci
4. Retirement — Administration - DeeAnn Graham, Classified — Lynn Henderson
5. Affiliation Agreements — Approved Affiliation Agreements with Seneca Valley
School District and Geneva College, LaRoche University, Seton Hill University
and Slippery Rock University.
C. Student Adjudications - Approved the following student adjudications:
a. #2024-25-03
b. #2024-25-04
Ms. Harrison motioned, seconded by Mr. Widdowson to approve resignations,
appointments, leaves, retirement and affiliation agreements. The motion passed on a roll
call vote with those present voting in the affirmative.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Work Session — September 9, 2024
B. Action Meeting - September 16, 2024
TREASURER’S REPORT
GENERAL FUND BILLS
Grand Total: $4,724,341.53
CONSTRUCTION FUND BILLS
Grand Total: $2,356,514.66
ADMINISTRATION
A, Board Policies -
1. Approve board policy 612 — Purchases not Budgeted — new, second and
final reading.
2. Approve board policy 619 — District Audit - new, second and final reading.
5
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9.
10.
3. Approve board policy 812 - Property Insurance — new, second and final
reading.
4. Approve board policy 622 — GASB Statement 34 - revised, first reading.
INSTRUCTION
A. Conferences — Approve conference requests.
B. Non-Public Title I Services Agreement - Approve the Third-Party Letter of
Agreement for Nonpublic Title I Services with the Midwestern Intermediate Unit
[V for the 2024-25 school year.
C. Grant Disbursements - Grant permission to apply for and disburse, if approved,
the following grants:
1. The Holocaust Curriculum and LIGHT Center Development Grant in the
amount of $1,000 requested by Ms. Michele Russo. Funds will be used to
purchase a set of graphic novels about the Holocaust that is in the tenth-grade
curriculum, to provide transportation to and the programming with the
Holocaust Center.
2. The Living Laboratory and School Garden Grant in the amount of $7,447.07
requested by Ms. Mersing and Dr. Wilcher. Funds will be used to create
learning opportunities that serve as hands-on experiences that introduce topics
such as aquaponics, garden beds and embryology.
3. The School Security Personnel Costs Grant in the amount of $232,668.00
requested by Ms. Annie Mersing and Mr. Jason Young. Funds will be used for
personnel cost of school security officers.
4. The Heros and Helpers 2024 Grant in the amount of $2,500 requested by Ms.
Jen Shipe, Dr. Wilcher and Ms. Annie Mersing. Funds will be used to support
Haine Middle School’s “Shop with a Cop” event with Cranberry Township
Police Department.
Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) Title I Services Agreement - Approve the
AIU services agreement for Title I Non-Public services for the 2024-25 school year.
The Watson Institute (Education Center) Service Agreement - Approve the
agreement with The Watson Institute for the provision of educational services for
student enrolled at The Education Center Sewickley for the 2024-25 school year.
Mr. DiTullio thanked Mr. Young for working with Ms. Mersing on applying for the School
Security Personnel Costs Grant.
BUSINESS/FINANCE
A.
B.
Budget Transfers — Approve budget transfers.
Natural Gas Agreement Extensions - Approve three-year contract extensions with
NRG/Direct Energy for Natural Gas on the Columbia Gas System with a Basis
Price of (-$0.267) per dekatherm and with UGI for Natural Gas on the Peoples Gas
System with a Basis Price of (-$0.50) per dekatherm for the term September 1, 2025
through August 31, 2028 as recommended by the Western Pennsylvania Natural
Gas Consortium (AIU3 joint purchasing).
6
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11.
12.
13.
14.
5695
C. Certificate of Deposit Placement Program - Approve a program application and
investment advisory agreement with the Pennsylvania Local Government
Investment Trust.
D. Postage Meter Lease Renewal - Approve a renewal lease agreement with Quadient
for a replacement postage meter machine for a 60-month term with a beginning
effective date of August 14, 2025,
I3 Food Service Equipment - Approve the sale of any food service equipment that is
deemed to have resale value and the disposal of any items that are not suitable for
resale in a responsible manner.
PERSONNEL
LETTERS SENT TO THE SCHOOL BOARD - The following constituents
communicated through the SVSD school board email account after posting the September
16, 2024, public agenda:
Katie Tomo
Fred and Jen Hunter
Candace Kantz & Amanda Brewster
Chad Marlow
James Bills
oo op
ADJOURNMENT - With nothing to come before the board, Mr. Widdowson motioned,
seconded by Ms. Harrison to adjourn the meeting at 8:23 p.m. The motion carried on a
voice vote with those present voting in the affirmative.
EXECUTIVE SESSION — An executive session was held prior to this meeting to discuss
personnel items.
Mr. Eric DiTullio, President
(" .
Ms. Julia Benson, School Board Secretary
---
=== MEETING AGENDA ===
Seneca Valley School District
SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSION
Seneca Valley Intermediate High School Auditorium - 7 p.m.
Public Agenda
October 7, 2024
** Subject to Change**
1.
2.
CALL TO ORDER by Mr. Eric DiTullio, President
A.
Moment of Silence
B.
Pledge of Allegiance - “I Led the Pledge” – Chase Salka, Connoquenessing Valley
Elementary School.
C.
Roll Call
INFORMATION REPORTS
A.
Student/Staff Recognition
1. Mr. Chris Eden, a Health and Physical Education teacher at Ryan Gloyer Middle
School (RGMS) and a Seneca Valley Football coach, was recently honored with
the 2024 Good Neighbor Award by NexTier Bank. This award recognizes
educators who go above and beyond both in their professional and personal
lives. Mr. Eden, a dedicated teacher and coach, played a key role in starting
Seneca Valley’s first Girl’s Flag Football team. With nearly 70 girls attending
the introductory meeting, Mr. Eden has shown exceptional commitment to
supporting the team and helping them succeed. Thanks to his efforts, many girls
are now participating in a sport for the first time, boosting their self-esteem and
recognizing themselves as integral members of the community. In addition to
the award itself, Mr. Eden received a Go Pro Hero10 Camera and accessories
that he intends to use for a classroom project.
2. Congratulations to seniors Eric Chen and Ophelia Crano for being named
semifinalists in the 70th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. As
semifinalists, Mr. Chen and Miss Crano will have an opportunity to continue in
the competition for scholarships and the ultimate title of Merit Scholar. In
addition, seniors Sydney Brower, Gavin Helmsen, Rohin Jayaraman and Patrick
Monahan have been named Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit
Scholarship Program. Miss Brower, Mr. Helmsen, Mr. Jayaraman and Mr.
Monahan were recognized by the NMSC for their outstanding performance on
the qualifying test used for program entry. Over 1.3 million juniors in more than
21,000 high schools entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program by
taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
(PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The
nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high
school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.
3.
Dates to Remember
October
October 10
October 11
October 14
October 14
October 14
October 16
October 23
National Principals Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month
World Mental Health Day
Yom Kippur Begins
Columbus Day
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Regular School Board Meeting – 7 p.m.
Sukkot Begins
Winter Sport Drug Testing and Concussion Testing – SHS Athletic
Offices - 2:45 p.m.
SVAOC End of First Nine Weeks, Grades 7-12
ACT Testing – SHS
PSAT Testing – SHS
SV End of First Nine Weeks, Grades 7-12
Halloween
Diwali Begins
Daylight Savings Time Ends
Seneca Valley Foundation’s Second Annual Ryan Gloyer Memorial
Run/Walk presented by Westinghouse – Secondary Campus – 9 a.m.
More information at SFC Ryan Gloyer Memorial Run (svsd.net)
School Board Work Session – 7 p.m. – SHSHS Auditorium
October 24
October 26
October 26
October 28
October 31
November 1
November 3
November 3
November 4
4.
Agency Reports
1.
2.
D.
Legislative - Mr. Eric DiTullio
E.
Financial Reports
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
F.
3.
Vo-Tech - Mr. Fred Peterson, Jr./Mr. Hester
I.U. IV - Mr. Eric DiTullio
Operations
Senior High Activities
Intermediate High Activities
Middle School Activities
Athletics
Food Service
Tax Collections
Capital Projects Funds
Presentation of Outdoor Learning – Dr. McCarty and Haine Middle School Team
ACTION AGENDA
A.
Public Comment
2
4.
B.
Personnel – Approve resignations, appointments, leaves, retirement and affiliation
agreements.
C.
Student Adjudications – Approve the following student adjudications:
a. #2024-25-03
b. #2024-25-04
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A.
B.
Work Session – September 9, 2024
Action Meeting – September 16, 2024
5.
TREASURER’S REPORT
6.
GENERAL FUND BILLS
Grand Total: $4,724,341.53
7.
CONSTRUCTION FUND BILLS
Grand Total: $2,356,514.66
8.
ADMINISTRATION
A.
9.
Board Policies 1.
Approve board policy 612 – Purchases not Budgeted – new, second and
final reading.
2.
Approve board policy 619 – District Audit – new, second and final reading.
3.
Approve board policy 812 – Property Insurance – new, second and final
reading.
4.
Approve board policy 622 – GASB Statement 34 – revised, first reading.
INSTRUCTION
A.
Conferences – Approve conference requests.
B.
Non-Public Title I Services Agreement - Approve the Third-Party Letter of
Agreement for Nonpublic Title I Services with the Midwestern Intermediate Unit
IV for the 2024-25 school year.
C.
Grant Disbursements - Grant permission to apply for and disburse, if approved,
the following grants:
1. The Holocaust Curriculum and LIGHT Center Development Grant in the
amount of $1,000 requested by Ms. Michele Russo. Funds will be used to
purchase a set of graphic novels about the Holocaust that is in the tenth-grade
curriculum, to provide transportation to and the programming with the
Holocaust Center.
2. The Living Laboratory and School Garden Grant in the amount of $7,447.07
requested by Ms. Mersing and Dr. Wilcher. Funds will be used to create
learning opportunities that serve as hands-on experiences that introduce topics
such as aquaponics, garden beds and embryology.
3
3. The School Security Personnel Costs Grant in the amount of $232,668.00
requested by Ms. Annie Mersing and Mr. Jason Young. Funds will be used for
personnel cost of school security officers.
4. The Heros and Helpers 2024 Grant in the amount of $2,500 requested by Ms.
Jen Shipe, Dr. Wilcher and Ms. Annie Mersing. Funds will be used to support
Haine Middle School’s “Shop with a Cop” event with Cranberry Township
Police Department.
10.
D.
Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) Title I Services Agreement - Approve the
AIU services agreement for Title I Non-Public services for the 2024-25 school year.
E.
The Watson Institute (Education Center) Service Agreement - Approve the
agreement with The Watson Institute for the provision of educational services for
student enrolled at The Education Center Sewickley for the 2024-25 school year.
BUSINESS/FINANCE
A.
Budget Transfers – Approve budget transfers.
B.
Natural Gas Agreement Extensions - Approve three-year contract extensions with
NRG/Direct Energy for Natural Gas on the Columbia Gas System with a Basis
Price of (-$0.267) per dekatherm and with UGI for Natural Gas on the Peoples Gas
System with a Basis Price of (-$0.50) per dekatherm for the term September 1, 2025
through August 31, 2028 as recommended by the Western Pennsylvania Natural
Gas Consortium (AIU3 joint purchasing).
C.
Certificate of Deposit Placement Program - Approve a program application and
investment advisory agreement with the Pennsylvania Local Government
Investment Trust.
D.
Postage Meter Lease Renewal - Approve a renewal lease agreement with Quadient
for a replacement postage meter machine for a 60-month term with a beginning
effective date of August 14, 2025.
E.
Food Service Equipment - Approve the sale of any food service equipment that is
deemed to have resale value and the disposal of any items that are not suitable for
resale in a responsible manner.
11.
PERSONNEL
12.
LETTERS SENT TO THE SCHOOL BOARD
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
13.
Katie Tomo
Fred and Jen Hunter
Candace Kantz & Amanda Brewster
Chad Marlow
James Bills
ADJOURNMENT
4