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Board of Education (Seneca Valley) · 2026-06-08

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Seneca Valley School District

SCHOOL BOARD ACTION SESSION

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

Minutes
June 8, 2026
1 CALL TO ORDER by Mr. Eric DiTullio, President, called the meeting to order at 7:08
p.m.
A. Moment of Silence — The meeting was opened with a moment of silence.

B. Pledge of Allegiance — Mr. DiTullio led the Pledge of Allegiance.

c. Roll Call — by Ms. Julia Benson, School Board Secretary, showed the following
members in attendance: Mr. Nick Brower, Mr. Eric DiTullio, Mr. Mark Gartner,
Ms. Susan Harrison, Mr. Tim Hester, Mr. Mike Jacobs, Ms. Allyson Mazzoni, Mr.
Travis Savitt-Kraft and Ms. Kari Zimmer.

2. INFORMATION REPORTS

A. Student/Staff Recognition —

1. The Seneca Valley Center for Biotechnology welcomed families,
community members and staff to its annual Open House on May 21, where
students showcased 18 independent research projects and provided tours of
the lab’s advanced scientific equipment and technology. The program gives
students hands-on experience with university-level research techniques,
often through work completed outside of class and without course credit.
Attendees also participated in interactive biotechnology activities and
learned about the role of new research tools, including Geneious software, in
student projects.

2. Four Ryan Gloyer Middle School eighth-grade students, Kimani Whetstone,
AJ Hart, Autumn Peterson and Ashawn Peterson, along with students from
nine other districts, partnered with Wonder Media and veteran animation
executive Terry Thoren to help create the animated film Finding Alice in
Wonderland over a nine-month period. The students took ownership of key
aspects of the project, including scriptwriting, background design and voice-
over recording, while collaborating with students from nine other school
districts. Through the experience, they developed valuable skills in
creativity, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and technology
integration while learning the realities of the creative production process.
The completed film premiered on May 22 to family members and
supporters, with Seneca Valley’s participation made possible through
sponsorship from The Grable Foundation. The entire film can be viewed


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using this LINK. The work by Seneca Valley students begins at the 29:31
mark.

Four Seneca Valley sophomores were recognized for their outstanding work
in the 2026 Waldman Arts & Writing Competition, which challenged
students to reflect on the importance of human connection and preserving
humanity during the Holocaust. Einin Wolf-Johnston earned first place in
the high school 3-D art category and was named the competition’s overall
grand prize winner for her quilt honoring a Pittsburgh Holocaust survivor.
Additional school winners included Noah Eckels for his essay, Yousef
Alibrahim for his poem and Noah Kimmel for his painting. The students
were honored at the May 12 awards ceremony at Chatham University, where

participants from grades 6-12 competed for scholarships, prizes and
certificates.

Seneca Valley has been named one of the nation’s Best Communities for
Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM)
Foundation, earning the prestigious designation for the fourth time. The
award recognizes districts that demonstrate exceptional commitment to
providing students with access to high-quality music education and is based
on factors such as funding, participation, instruction and community
support. This achievement can be credited to the dedication of the students,
staff, District families and the community. The recognition highlights
Seneca Valley’s strong tradition of musical excellence and the many
accomplishments of its student musicians at the regional and state levels.

B. Dates to Remember ~ Mr. Jan Hunter announced the following dates to remember:

June
June 12 Release of K-6 Student Reports of Progress and 7-12 Report Cards
June 14 Flag Day
June 15-August 6 SVAOC Cyber Sessions and Summer Camps
June 19 Juneteenth
June 19 Seneca Valley’s Kennywood Day

June 21 Summer Begins
June 21 Father’s Day
July 4 Independence Day
July 7 Summer Drug Testing, Concussion Testing and Athletic Physicals
July 8 Summer Drug Testing, Concussion Testing and Athletic Physicals
July 28 Summer Drug Testing, Concussion Testing and Athletic Physicals
July 29 Summer Drug Testing, Concussion Testing and Athletic Physicals
July 30 Due date for all Fall Sport Paperwork
August 3 School Board Work Session, 7 p.m. —SVIHS Auditorium
August 6 Seneca Valley Foundation Gift of Hope Golf Classic
August 10 PIAA Start of Fall Sports (Football, Golf)
August 10 School Board Regular Session, 7 p.m. — SVIHS Auditorium
August 11 Summer Academy for SV Professional Staff
August 17 PIAA Start of Fall Sports (All Other Sports)

August 17 All-Staff Welcome Back Event

‘August 20 First Day of School for the 2026-27 School Year

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c.

Financial Reports

Operations

Senior High Activities
Intermediate High Activities
Middle School Activities
Athletics

Food Service

Tax Collections

Capital Projects Funds

PAAMPYN

3. PUBLIC COMMENT - Public comments were heard from:

A. Jack McMillin on the topic of tax increase.

B. Julie Jones on the topic of planning.

C. Pat Stirling on behalf of Charles Scott on the topic of budget.
D. Chet Jack on the topic of millage increase.

4, APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A.
B.

Work Session — May 4, 2026
Action Meeting - May 11, 2026

5. TREASURER’S REPORT

6. GENERAL FUND BILLS
Grand Total: $2,560,888.25

1b CONSTRUCTION FUND BILLS
Grand Total: $2,250,302.87

Mr. Hester motioned, seconded by Mr. Brower, to approve the minutes, treasurer’s report, general
fund bills and construction fund bills. The motion carried on a voice vote with those present voting
in the affirmative.

8. ADMINISTRATION

A.

Act 26 MOU - Approved the Act 26 Memorandum of Understanding between
Seneca Valley School District and local law enforcement agencies.

Pennsylvania School Board Assoc. (PSBA) Voting Delegate — Appointed Allyson
Mazzoni and Kari Zimmer as the voting delegate (s) for the PSBA Delegate

Assembly meeting on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Research Study — Approved Doctoral Candidate, Ms. Priya Rupik, to conduct a
qualitative exploratory case study, conducted as part of doctoral research and
approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB), examining early childhood
educators’ perspectives on professional development for inclusive practices. The
study will explore how educators perceive the alignment between inclusive practice
training and their instructional needs, identify areas for improvement, and examine
teachers’ willingness to apply inclusive strategies in their classrooms. The study

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will gather feedback from approximately ten Seneca Valley educators through
questionnaires and virtual focus groups to identify opportunities to strengthen
inclusive practices and to inform more effective and relevant professional
development.

Mr. Hester motioned, seconded by Mr. Brower, to approve the Act 26 MOU, PSBA voting
delegates and research study. The motion carried on a voice vote with those present voting in the
affirmative.

D. Labor Contract — Approved the labor contract between the Seneca Valley
Educational Support Personnel (SVESP) and Seneca Valley School District
effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031.

Mr. Hester motioned, seconded by Mr. Savitt-Kraft, to approve the labor contract. The motion
carried on a voice vote with those present voting in the affirmative.

Mr. DiTullio shared that the labor contract is a five-year labor agreement between SVSD and
SVESP. Negotiations between SVSD and SVESP began in August 2025 and SVESP voted to
accept the new contract on June 2. The newly approved contract covers 161 District administrative
assistants, paraprofessionals and technology assistants. Under the five-year agreement, they will
receive an average salary rate increase of 4%. To offset some of this, SVESP agreed to health care
concessions and has agreed to develop a healthcare committee that will meet annually to review
and address future healthcare cost concerns. He recognized and thanked SVESP for all that they do
for the District. He also thanked the negotiation team for their time and work on this labor contract.

9. INSTRUCTION
A. Clubs — Approved the establishment of the following clubs:

1. The Senior High School A.I.M. Club (Awareness, Inclusion, Mentorship) at no
cost to the District and under the supervision of volunteer sponsor Ms. Dyanna
Boosel, effective for 2026-27 school year.

2. The Senior High School Pickleball Club at no cost to the District and under the
supervision of volunteer sponsors Ms. Shay Houser, Ms. Torrie LaMantia and
Ms. Sarah Smith, effective for 2026-27 school year.

3. The Ryan Gloyer Middle School Engineering Club at no cost to the District and
under the supervision of volunteer sponsor Ms. Caroline Combemale, effective
for 2026-27 school year.

4. The Ryan Gloyer Middle School Climate Club at no cost to the District and
under the supervision of volunteer sponsor Ms. Caroline Combemale, effective
for 2026-27 school year.

5. The 1940s Radio Hour Club at no cost to the District and under the supervision
of volunteer sponsor Ms. Jessica Kavanagh, effective for 2026-27 school year.

B. Student Trips — Acknowledged the following student trips:

1. Ms. Julie Parenti, IHS teacher, to take students to Costa Rica, November 19-26,

2026. Students will miss three days of instruction and the trip is at no cost to the
District.

2. Ms. Renae Brown, RGMS teacher, to take students to Rome, Italy, July 14-21,

2027. The trip is at no cost to the District.

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3. Mr. Jeremiah Friday and Mr. Kenneth Cahall to take interested sixth grade
students to Yellowstone National Park to conduct scientific research, April 10-
15, 2027. Students will miss four days of instruction and the trip is at no cost to
the District.

Student Trips — Approved the following student trips:

1. The Seneca Valley Girls Basketball program (Varsity & JV) trip to Orlando, FL,
December 27-31, 2026, under the supervision of coaches Dorothea Epps, Julia
Fornadel, Amanda Kalin and Krystal Epps. The trip is at no cost to the District.

2. The secondary band trip to Orlando, FL, April 7-11, 2027, under the supervision
of Mr. Varden Armstrong, Mr. Robert Babick and Ms. Sara Snyder. Students
will miss three days of instruction and the trip is at no cost to the District.

3. The middle school ski trip to Sun Valley, Idaho, January 13-19 2027 (previously
approved for February 10-16, 2027), under the supervision of Mr. Mickey
Flood. Students will miss three days of instruction and the trip is at no cost to
the District.

4. The secondary chorus trip to Norfolk, VA, April 22-25, 2027, under the
supervision of Mr. Kyle Masson and Ms. Chessa Crum. Students will miss two
days of instruction. This trip is at no cost to the district.

Grant Disbursements — Granted permission to apply for and to disburse, the
following grants:

1, The Flag Football-In-School Grant, in the amount of $440, funded by
GenYOUth and requested by Dr. Erin Wilcher and Mr. Tyler Mesisca. Funds
will be used to purchase flag football equipment.

2. The Empowering Students through Positive Reinforcement Grant, in the
amount of $1,000, funded by Kades Margolis Mini Grant (PA Principals
Association Conference) and requested by Ms. Jessica Scerbo. Funds will be
used to fund a variety of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
rewards and schoolwide incentive opportunities.

Cray Youth and Family Services - Approved the agreement with Cray Youth and
Family Services, The Cray Education Center Private Academic School for enrolled
students during the 2026-2027 school year. Pending solicitor review.

Cray Youth and Family Services - Approved the agreement with Cray Youth and
Family Services, Cray Challenges alternative education program for enrolled
students during the 2026-2027 school year. Pending solicitor review.

Glade Run Lutheran Services - Approved the day student education agreement
with Glade Run Lutheran Services, Glade Run Academy for enrolled students
during the 2026-2027 school year. Pending solicitor review.

MHY Family Services - Approved the agreement with MHY Family Services,
Longmore Academy, for enrolled students during the 2026-2027 school year.
Pending solicitor review.


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Tuition Agreement - Approved the tuition agreement with Riverside Beaver

County School District to provide special education programming for enrolled
student during the 2026-2027 school year. Pending solicitor review.

2026 Graduates — Approved the list of Seneca Valley graduates for 2026.

Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit - Approved the contract for special education
programs and services with Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit for enrolled students
during the 2026-2027 school year. Pending solicitor review.

Student Assistance Program (SAP) Agreement - Approved the agreement with

Butler County Human Services Center for Community Resources to provide
consultative, pre-assessments, and referrals through SAP Liaison services for the
2026-2027 school year. Pending solicitor review.

Book Disposal - Approved the sale, donation, or recycling of obsolete textbooks
from Connoquenessing Valley Elementary, Ehrman Crest Elementary, Ehrman
Crest Middle, Haine Elementary, Haine Middle and Rowan Elementary Schools.

Memorandum of Understanding - Approved the memorandum of understanding
with the Education Support Professionals Association to allow adjusted work
schedules during the instructional recess of the summer of 2026.

Ms. Harrison motioned, seconded by Mr. Gartner, to approve clubs, student trips, student trips,
grant disursements, Cray Youth and Family Services, Cray Youth and Family Services, Glade Run
Lutheran Services, tuition agreement, 2026 graduates, Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit, Student
Assistance Program (SAP) agreement, book disposal and Memorandum of Understanding. The

motion carried on a voice vote with those present voting in the affirmative.

10. BUSINESS/FINANCE

A.

B.

Budget Transfers — Approved budget transfers.

Consultant Agreement - Approved the Consulting Services Agreement with
Butler, Agnew & Associates for the 2026-27 fiscal year for business office and
payroll support services. Pending solicitor review.

Homestead and Farmstead Resolution - Approved the 2026-27 Homestead and
Farmstead Exclusion Resolution per Act | - Taxpayer Relief Act.

Summer Actions - Authorized the administration to approve:

1. Year-end budget transfers

2. Outreach Partnership of Technology (OPT) agreements

3. June and July bills

Act 511 Taxes - Approved re-enactment of the following Act 511 Taxes:

1. Flat Rate Occupation Tax - $10

2. Earned Income Tax - 1%

3. Real Estate Transfer Tax - 1%


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F. Single Audit Engagement Letter - Approved the engagement letter with Turnley

Robertson & Associates for the 2025-2026 fiscal year Single Audit report &
financial statements.

G. Real Estate Tax Collector Audit Engagement Letter - Approved the engagement
letter with Turnley Robertson & Associates to conduct audits of three taxing
districts covering the 2025 real estate tax duplicate.

H. Liability Insurance - Approved the sanction of the following groups to work on
behalf of the Seneca Valley School District and intention to provide that the
District’s liability insurance covers these groups for the 2026-27 school year: PTA,
PTO, SV Boys’ Lacrosse, SV Indoor Track and Field, SV Ice Hockey, SV Inline
Hockey, SV Slow Pitch Softball, SV Bowling, SV Competitive Cheer, SV Fencing,
SV Ultimate Frisbee, SV Unified Bocce, JROTC, After Prom Committee, Booster
Groups, Seneca Valley Foundation and all Board approved student clubs.

I. Booster Group Resolution — Approved the Booster Group Resolution for the
2026-27 schoo! year.

J. Ticket Prices -

1. Approved the athletic ticket prices for the 2026-27 school year with no changes
as follows: football reserved seating $8.00/entry; football pre-sale adult general
admission $6.00/entry; football pre-sale student general admission $4.00/entry;
all football tickets at the gate $6.00/entry; all other sports adult general
admission $5.00/entry; all other sports student general admission $3.00/entry.

2. Approved a student or adult annual athletic pass for the 2026-27 school year at a
cost of $50.00 for the year. The pass will allow entry into all Seneca Valley
sponsored home athletic events. Pass does not allow for entry to any away or
any WPIAL and/or PIAA playoff event.

K. Facilities Rental Fees - Approved the facilities rental fees for 2026-27.

L. Bid Awards — Awarded the Secondary Campus Overflow Parking Culvert Project
to E & G Development, Inc. Pending solicitor review and approval.

Mr. Jacobs motioned, seconded by Mr. Hester, to approve budget transfers, consultant agreement,
Homestead and Farmstead Resolution, summer actions, Act 511 taxes, single audit engagement
letter, real estate tax collector audit engagement letter, liability insurance, booster group resolution,
ticket prices, facilities rental and bid awards. The motion carried on a voice vote with those present
voting in the affirmative.

M. Final 2026-2027 General Fund Budget - Approved the final general fund budget
for 2026-2027 in the amount of $186,166,390 with a proposed millage increase of
5.03 mills (3.5%).

Mr. Jacobs shared his appreciation from the community on the feedback that has been received on
the budget. Thirty-seven million dollars in the general fund is 2 % months of our expenses — every
district in Butler County has more than two months of funds in their general fund. Mr. Jacobs
believes that there is room to tighten this number up but he does not believe that is a problem. In
his opinion, the challenge the District faces is spending. In the last four years, spending has

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increased on average 5.5% each year and he believes that is unsustainable. He shared that there is a
difference between unsustainable and wasteful and he does not believe that it is wasteful. Much of
this increase has been spent on teachers, special education, transportation and security. He believes
that the District needs to do a better job of getting the increase to between 3-3.5% to make it more
sustainable and this would cause less of a burden on the taxpayers.

This year, while there is a proposed tax increase, the spending increase is 3.5% - he appreciates the
administrations effort to continue to cut this number while going through the budget process. He
shared that 3.5% does include $2.1 million of an increase in medical and $1.4 million includes the
debt service from the IHS project. He believes that they have looked for many places to cut or
reduce the budget. The remaining budget is up only 1.5%. He feels more confident in how they are
flattening the curve on the spending. Unfortunately, there is a decrease in state funding and the tax
increase is needed to balance the budget and he will be voting for the budget. In the past when Mr.
Jacobs has voted against the budget, it was his opinion that it was unnecessary at the time or
unsustainable going forward ~ he believes that this is necessary and he believes that we are on a
path for the spending to be more sustainable.

Mr. DiTullio shared comments regarding the fund balance and the use of the fund balance. He
explained that the budget is built within the PA law and school code. Money has been put into the
building fund, there are multiple bond issuances, and it is always being evaluated. The District has
bond counsel and outside counsel who also looks and advises. There are 13 years of independent
audits on the District website. The Board is always looking to build to the future to ensure that the
District is in the right place — reminder that the 2025-26 graduating class was 606 students and this
years kindergarten class is the covid babies with a larger kindergarten class.

Mr. Brower shared that he understands that the tax increase is not desired but he believes that this
increase reflects a school district that assures that students at all levels are receiving the best
education and educational opportunities. The District does all that it can to develop thoughtful and
aware citizens. As discussed over the months, they are not quick to develop or execute and
everything is diligently thought through. The framework of courses and extracurricular activities
help students grow into life-long learners for all opportunities post-graduation — all due to the help
of teachers, paraprofessionals, transportation and maintenance staff. He believes that this budget
does support all students and is in support of it.

Mr. Jacobs motioned, seconded by Mr. Hester, to approve the Final 2026-2027 General Fund
Budget. The motion carried on a roll call vote with those present voting in the affirmative and Ms.
Mazzoni and Mr. Gartner voting no.

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

A. Resignations ~ Professional — Dr. Joshua Sektnan, Classified — Amber Christy, Loretta
McCafferty

B. Appointments — Administration — Quincy Gildea, Classified - Deborah Foster,
Professional Substitutes — Jessica Adam, Thomas Adams, Christine Alexander, William
Allen, Mary Barb, Lisa Bruggeman, Ronald Butschle, Elise Caldwell, Ann Cheman,
Amy Crawford, Michael Cristallino, William Crummy, Jean Forti, Jeffrey Fraser,
Marissa Garraux, Kristine Hattman, Gregory Hayward, Carmen Householder, Denise
Howell-Longello, Heather Husband, Deborah Kennedy, Caro! Korn, Elizabeth Lindey,
Jamie Madder, Kimberly Maravich, Dana Mathews, Lori McCann, Tabatha Mill,

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Sherree Pawlowski, Heather Perricone, Amy Perschke, Joanne Ranayhossaini, Carly
Renwick, Eric Rogalsky, Sherri Schubert, Jill Schultz, Lisa Seibel, Michele Semrau,
Eliza Simmons, Thomas Snyder, Marcia Sopher, Cindy Speck, Madison Speicher,
Linda Starosta, Mackensie Waag, Kathy Williamson, Carol Wilson, Classified
Substitutes — Callie Bruno, Frederick Buchanan, Julia Castio, Deena Costantini,
Gretchen Haburjak, Travis Hall, Patricia Hayden, Deanna Kolarosky, Elizabeth
Marthens, Irma Martinez, Kara Patrick, Mary Rasmussen, Tanya Rubright, Tracy
Semega, Christina Utter, Carrie Young, Richard Zimmer, Michele Aymar, Natalie
Boyer, Cindy Choura, Krya Fazio, Kristie Long, Karen Morrison, Teresa O’ Malley,
Nicole Ratliff, Calynn Rosenbaum, Kathy Sims, Nicole Sloka, Patricia Stuebgen-Way,
Naomi Yarzebinski, Carol Youkers, Supplementals — Steve Lodovico, Jason Levis,
Marianne Aboutanos, Suzanne Aboutanos-Fellerman, Eric Armstrong, Maria Brooks,
James Bull, Cory Cavanaugh, Caroline Combemale, James Comunale, Jennifer Curry,
Crystal Cypher, Anthony DeRosa, Lara DiFrischia, Jennifer Durst, Matthew Durst,
Jason Farone, Katie Flanigan, Lance Frederick, Mackenzie Gaydosh, Kathleen Greppi,
Marlese Hames, Michael Henry, Shay Houser, Jeffrey Johns, Alex Krajniak, Bria Koch,
Jennifer Lamoreaux, Katherine Langley, Christopher Lantzy, Dean Leventopoulos,
Megan Loewy, Laura Lugarich, Ezekial Lux, Kenneth Macek, Rachelle Magnani, John
McFeeley, Sarah McKissick, Megan Meeder, Sylar Meier, Brenna Miller, Rebecca
Mutschler, Brienna Nassan, Robert Naylor, Megan Oldenski, Jessica Ott, Andrew
Parker, Julie Parenti, Michael Pelloni, Linda Plesniak, Matthew Pournaras, James Pyle,
Jeffry Richards, Tracy Richards, Chad Robertson, Linda Runatz, Erin Schollaert, Alicia
Scopellite, Brenda Serbicki, Amy Seelbaugh, Heather Sibeto, Kelly Skwortz, Catherine
Smolter, Allison Springer, Michael Stebbins, Kristin Vogan, Gioia Warecki, Kevin
Wildrick, Joy Winters, Bethany Witt, Stephen Wolfe, David Zelner, Xiaojing Zhang,
James Ziegler, Elaine Duggan, Karen Christopher, Brandi Ruiz, Kara Patrick, Bria
Koch, Madeline Dulac, Internships — Ari Zahavi, Ann McKetta

C. Leaves ~ Professionals — Shauna Stupak, Zora Mosley, Amanda Kalin

D. Contracted Services — Consultant — Linda Andreassi, Consultant — Dr. Matthew
McKinley

E. Renewal ~ Dr. Tracy Vitale

F. Classified and Administrative Adjustments

G. Memorandunss of Understanding —

Approved MOU with Seneca Valley Education Association.
Approved MOU with Seneca Valley Education Association.
Approved MOU with Seneca Valley Education Association.

Approved MOU with Seneca Valley Education Association.
Approved MOU with the Seneca Valley Custodial ESPA-PSEA-NEA Association.

Saab tae

Ms. Zimmer motioned, seconded by Mr. Brower, to approve resignations, appointments, leaves,
contracted services, renewal, classified and administrative adjustments and Memorandums of
Understanding. The motion carried on a voice vote with those present voting in the affirmative.

12. LETTERS SENT TO THE SCHOOL BOARD - The following constituents
communicated through the SVSD school board email account after posting the
June 1, 2026, public agenda:

Paul and Nicole Christman
Julia Folk

Joel Folk

Julie Jones

Brian Cathcart

Rob Reeb

David Toole

Frank Thomas

PR meaoge

Mr. Brower shared that the SV Marching Band Pie Fest is on August 13.

13. ADJOURNMENT - With nothing further to come before the board, Ms. Harrison

motioned, seconded by Ms. Mazzoni, to adjourn the meeting at 7:52 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

Ms. Julia Benson, School Board Secretary

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