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Board of Education (Seneca Valley) · 2024-11-18

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Seneca Valley School District

SCHOOL BOARD ACTION SESSION
Seneca Valley Senior High School Auditorium - 7 p.m.

Minutes
November 18, 2024

CALL TO ORDER by Mr. Eric DiTullio, President, called the meeting to order at 7:03

p.m.

Moment of Silence - The meeting was called to order with a moment of silence.

Pledge of Allegiance - Greg Nguyen, sixth grader at Ehrman Crest Middle School,
continued the board initiative, “I Led the Pledge” by reciting the Pledge of
Allegiance.

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. Fred Peterson, Mr. Jeff Widdowson and Ms.
Kari Zimmer. Mr. Tim Hester was absent.

INFORMATION REPORTS

Student/Staff Recognition - Choral students, grades 9-12, from Beaver, Butler,
Lawrence and Mercer counties are annually invited to audition to be a part of the
Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 5 Honor Choir. This
year, 22 of the 96 chosen for that honor choir are Seneca Valley students. The three-
day festival was held at Westminster College and concluded with a public concert
on Saturday, Oct. 28. Congratulations to all who were selected.

Dates to Remember - Ms. Linda Andreassi announced the following dates to
remember:

November

November 21 Children’s Grief Awareness Day

November 27- Thanksgiving Break: District Holiday, No school for students and staff
December 2

November 29 Release of Reports of Student Progress, Grades K-6

December 2 School Board Reorganization Meeting, IHS Auditorium, 5 p.m.

All-Star Award, Winner, November 2024 — Audrey Goode, Administrative

Assistant at Rowan Elementary School, was recognized and presented the All-Star
Award by Dr. Tina Wentz, Rowan Elementary School Principal. Dr. Wentz shared
that Ms. Goode is the heart of Rowan Elementary, supports the staff, is welcoming

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and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the school and community. Dr.
Wentz congratulated Ms. Goode on this recognition.

Dr. Vitale congratulated Ms. Goode and shared that Ms. Goode has been the glue
holding Rowan together, thanking her for her dedication.

Mr. Brower thanked Ms. Goode for all she has done.

Mr. DiTullio recognized Ms. Goode for being the face of Rowan, a calming
presence in the building, and thanked her for her dedicated service.

Financial Reports

Operations

Senior High Activities
Intermediate High Activities
Middle School Activities
Athletics

Food Service

Tax Collections

Capital Projects Funds

N o

Social Media Litigation Update - Mr. Hoffman shared that in April 2023, the
Board authorized the District’s participation along with other school districts across
the nation, in initiating a litigation against various social media companies
frequented by students, arising by the adverse impact on them from their use of
these sites.

The defendants in this litigation, including Instagram and Snapchat, challenged the
complaints and sought to have them dismissed by the court. Recently the court ruled
on those motions granting them in part and denying them in part. There is a
provision in the federal law that provides immunity to social media companies from
legal liability for third party content, information that others post on their sites.
Based on that statute, the court found certain aspects of the claims brought against
the social media companies to be barred:

1. Failure to put protective limits on the length and frequency of sessions.

2. Failing to institute blocks on usage during certain times of the day.

3. Allowing private content that can be averse to adolescents.

The court found that the general allegations were barred by that federal statute. The
court denied the defendant’s motion to dismiss on various aspects of social media
sites. The items that the court are not barred by the statute are:

1. Failure of the social media companies to provide meaningful age verification
and processes.

2. Failure to implement affective parental controls and notifications whenever
adolescents log onto or join the sites.

3. Failure to enable protective limits on the length and frequency that
adolescents can use the sessions which can create an addictive engagement on
social media sites.

|3 ]

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The court determined that those features of social media sites are viable claims and
that they can proceed toward trial. As a result of those remaining claims, the
discovery prelitigation is about to close and they will move from there onto the
expert witness stage of the litigation.

The essential claims brought forth by the school district against the social media
companies remain viable and will be further litigated.

Mr. DiTullio asked Mr. Hoffman what the remaining timeline is. Mr. Hoffman
shared that he does not have this information and that the next phase will be expert
witness litigation, which may take several months. The next time we would get
information on the case would most likely be late spring or early summer.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT - Public comment was made by Ms. Amanda Latham regarding
race relations.

4, APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A. Work Session — October 7, 2024
B. Action Meeting — October 14, 2024

5. TREASURER’S REPORT

6. GENERAL FUND BILLS
Grand Total: $4,470,712.70

7. CONSTRUCTION FUND BILLS
Grand Total: $251,187.75

Mr. Widdowson motioned, seconded by Ms. Harrison, to approve the minute’s, treasurer’s repott,
general fund bills and construction fund bills. The motion passed on a roll call vote with those
present voting in the affirmative.

8. ADMINISTRATION

A. Board Policy - Approved board policy 622 — GASB Statement 34 — second, final
reading.

B. Student Adjudication - Approved student adjudication #2024-25-05.

C. Transportation Contract - Approved the transportation contract for one family to
transport their child to and from The Watson Institute — 301 Camp Meeting Rd,
Sewickley, PA 15143 retroactive to September 30, 2024.

Mr. Widdowson motioned, seconded by Mr. Brower to approve board policy, student adjudication
and transportation contract. The motion passed on a roll call vote with those present voting in the
affirmative.

9. INSTRUCTION

A. Conferences — Approved conference requests.
3

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B. Grant Disbursements - Granted permission for and to disburse, the following
grants:

1. The PARSS Grant in the amount of $5,122 requested by Mr. Todd Pesavento.
Funds will be used to purchase a XTool S1 40W All-in-One Color Bundle
(Laser Engraver).

2. The Water Play and Outdoor Learning Grant in the amount of $3,500 requested
by Ms. Annie Mersing. Funds will be used to purchase Triple Waterway
Exploration Station to enhance outdoor and structured learning opportunities at
Haine Elementary School.

3. The Raider Robotics Grant in the amount of $2,000 requested by Ms. Annie
Mersing. Funds will be used to cover costs associated with registration fees and
transportation for the Raider Robotics Team to participate in competitions.

4. The Little STREAM Explorers Grant in the amount of $5,000 requested by Mr.
Ken Cahall and Ms. Annie Mersing. Funds will be used for supplies, equipment
and construction related to outdoor education at Haine Elementary School.

5. The Learning Without Limits Moonshot Grant in the amount of $20,000
requested by Dr. Marie Palano. Funds will be used to implement the “Learning
Without Limits” initiative for vulnerable, under-served and economically
disadvantaged students.

C. Astronomy Club — Approved the establishment of the Astronomy Club at no cost
to the District and under the supervision of volunteer sponsor Ms. Veronica Mortier,
effective for the 2024-25 school year.

D. Unified Champion Schools Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) - Approved

the MOU between the Special Olympics Pennsylvania and Haine Elementary for
Unified Champion Schools Indoor Bocce and Inclusive Young Athletes program for
the 2024-2025 school year.

E. Student Trip — Approved the Academic Games League trip to Washington, DC,
April 25-29, 2025, under the supervision of Ms. Julie Smith, Mr. Jeremiah Friday,
Mr. Mike Stebbins and Ms. Jen Exler. Students will miss two days of instruction
and the trip is at no cost to the District.

Ms. Bredl thanked Dr. Doggrell for implementing the Unified Champion Schools Indoor Bocce
program at Haine Elementary School. Ms. Bred! asked if it is possible to also have the program at
Ehrman Crest.

Dr. Doggrell shared that the goal is to start at Haine and then expand into other schools. Dr.
Doggrell also shared that they are implementing the Young Athletes portion of the program which,
in addition to bocce, will be able to provide students through age 8 to focus on gross motor skills.

Mr. DiTullio asked Dr. Palano to share more information regarding the Learning Without Limits
grant. Dr. Palano shared that there is a lot of research that corelates opportunities to extend learning
beyond the school day in student achievement. This grant will give them the opportunity to work
with some regional partners to create opportunities for learning to occur beyond the school day for
both students and their families.

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Ms. Harrison motioned, seconded by Ms. Zimmer to approve conferences, grant disbursements,
astronomy club, Unified Champion Schools Memorandum of Understanding and student trip. The

motion passed on a roll call vote with those present voting in the affirmative.

10. BUSINESS/FINANCE

Budget Transfers - Approved budget transfers.

December Bills - Authorized administration to pay December bills.

Supplies and Equipment Bids - Authorized administration to seek bids for
supplies and equipment for the 2025-2026 school year.

Joint Purchasing Agreement AIU - Approved the Joint Purchasing Agreement

Resolution for the Allegheny Intermediate Unit for the 2025-2026 school year.

Joint Purchasing Agreement MIU IV — Approved the Joint Purchasing
Agreement with the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV for 2025-2026 school year.

Bid Awards - Awarded the Evans City building asbestos abatement contract to
Canfield Development. Pending solicitor review and approval.

Mr. Jacobs motioned, seconded by Ms. Bredl to approve budget transfers, December bills, supplies
and equipment bids, Joint Purchasing Agreement AIU, Joint Purchasing Agreement MIU IV and
bid awards. The motion passed on a roll call vote with those present voting in the affirmative.

11. PERSONNEL - Approved the following personnel items that were discussed in executive
session held prior to the meeting:

Resignations - Supplemental - Elizabeth Porco, Bethany Witt, Ron Butschle

Appointments - Administration — Sarah Parish, Professional Substitutes — Diana
Dorland, Jaclyn Matascik, Vandana Rana, Souad Richani, Rita Verona, Classified -
Kara Butler, CSM John Kortz, Ryan Cleaver, Jennifer Moulton, Lisa Goddard-
Smith, Classified Substitutes — Michele Aymar, Security — Karen Christy,
Supplementals — Caden Leighty, Rob Homick, Veronica Mortier, Wendy
McQuiston, Bethany Witt, Jennifer Lamoreauex, Marianne Aboutanos, Suzanne
Aboutanos-Fellerman, Infernship — Joshua Sektnan

Leaves — Professional — Sandra Bilbao, Chelsea Risch, Mackenzie Gaydosh,
Jennifer Ramey, Classified - Tracy Semega, Carol Jamison, Amy Gloeckner, Amy
Gloeckner, Jennifer Bartley, Nicole Parson

Retirements — Professional — James Mileski, Stacey Richard, Classified — Susan
Greco

Affiliation Agreement - Approved an Affiliation Agreement with Seneca Valley
School District and the University of New England.

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F. Memorandums of Understanding - Approved the MOUs with Seneca Valley
Education Association regarding the AP/College Board Supervisor Supplemental
Position and the MOU regarding the Athletic Coaching Positions.

Mr. Widdowson motioned, seconded by Mr. Brower to approve resignations, appointments, leaves,
retirements, affiliation agreement and Memorandums of Understanding. The motion passed on a
roll call vote with those present voting in the affirmative.

12. LETTERS SENT TO THE SCHOOL BOARD - No communication has been received
since the School Board Meeting on November 4, 2024,

13, ADJOURNMENT With nothing to come before the board, Mr. Widdowson motioned,
seconded by Ms. Harrison to adjourn the meeting at 7:54 p.m. The motion carried on a
voice vote with those present voting in the affirmative.

14, EXECUTIVE SESSION - An executive session was held prior to this meeting to discuss
personnel items.

Mr. Eric DiTullio, President
%ﬂé& @ 121N

Ms. Julia Benson, School Board Secretary

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=== MEETING AGENDA ===

Seneca Valley School District
SCHOOL BOARD ACTION SESSION

Seneca Valley Senior High School Auditorium - 7 p.m.

Public Agenda
November 18, 2024
* Subject to Change*

CALL TO ORDER by Mr. Eric DiTullio, President
A.

Moment of Silence

Pledge of Allegiance - “I Led the Pledge” – Greg Nguyen, sixth grade, Ehrman
Crest Middle School.

Roll Call

INFORMATION REPORTS
A.

Student/Staff Recognition – Choral students, grades 9-12, from Beaver, Butler,
Lawrence and Mercer counties are annually invited to audition to be a part of the
Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 5 Honor Choir. This
year, 22 of the 96 chosen for that honor choir are Seneca Valley students. The threeday festival was held at Westminster College and concluded with a public concert
on Saturday, Oct. 28. Congratulations to all who were selected.

Dates to Remember

November
November 21
November 27December 2
November 29
December 2

Children’s Grief Awareness Day
Thanksgiving Break: District Holiday, No school for students and staff
Release of Reports of Student Progress, Grades K-6
School Board Reorganization Meeting, IHS Auditorium, 5 p.m.

All-Star Award, Winner, November 2024 – Audrey Goode, Administrative
Assistant at Rowan Elementary School.

Financial Reports

Operations
Senior High Activities
Intermediate High Activities
Middle School Activities

8.
E.

Athletics
Food Service
Tax Collections
Capital Projects Funds

Social Media Litigation Update

PUBLIC COMMENT

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A.
B.

Work Session – October 7, 2024
Action Meeting – October 14, 2024

TREASURER’S REPORT

GENERAL FUND BILLS
Grand Total: $4,470,712.70

CONSTRUCTION FUND BILLS
Grand Total: $251,187.75

ADMINISTRATION

Board Policy - Approve board policy 622 – GASB Statement 34 – second, final
reading.

Student Adjudication – Approve student adjudication #2024-25-05.

Transportation Contract - Approve the transportation contract for one family to
transport their child to and from The Watson Institute – 301 Camp Meeting Rd,
Sewickley, PA 15143 retroactive to September 30, 2024.

INSTRUCTION
A.

Conferences – Approve conference requests.

Grant Disbursements - Grant permission to apply for and disburse, if approved,
the following grants:

1. The PARSS Grant in the amount of $5,122 requested by Mr. Todd Pesavento.
Funds will be used to purchase a XTool S1 40W All-in-One Color Bundle
(Laser Engraver).

10.

Astronomy Club – Approve the establishment of the Astronomy Club at no cost to
the District and under the supervision of volunteer sponsor Ms. Veronica Mortier
effective for the 2024-25 school year.

Unified Champion Schools Memorandum of Understanding - Approve the
MOU between the Special Olympics Pennsylvania and Haine Elementary for
Unified Champion Schools Indoor Bocce and Inclusive Young Athletes program for
the 2024-2025 school year.

Student Trip – Approve the Academic Games League trip to Washington, DC,
April 25-29, 2025, under the supervision of Ms. Julie Smith, Mr. Jeremiah Friday,
Mr. Mike Stebbins and Ms. Jen Exler. Students will miss two days of instruction
and the trip is at no cost to the District.

BUSINESS/FINANCE
A.

Budget Transfers - Approve budget transfers.

December Bills - Authorize administration to pay December bills.

Supplies and Equipment Bids - Authorize administration to seek bids for supplies
and equipment for the 2025-2026 school year.

Joint Purchasing Agreement AIU - Approve the Joint Purchasing Agreement

Resolution for the Allegheny Intermediate Unit for the 2025-2026 school year.

Joint Purchasing Agreement MIU IV – Approve the Joint Purchasing Agreement
with the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV for 2025-2026 school year.

Bid Awards – Award the Evans City building asbestos abatement contract to
Canfield Development. Pending solicitor review and approval.

11.

PERSONNEL – Approve resignations, appointments, leaves, retirements, Affiliation
Agreement and Memorandums of Understandings.

12.

LETTERS SENT TO THE SCHOOL BOARD – No communication has been received
since the School Board Meeting on November 4, 2024.

13.

ADJOURNMENT