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Back to current recordSeneca Valley School District SCHOOL BOARD ACTION SESSION Seneca Valley Intermediate High School Auditorium - 7 p.m. Minutes March 10, 2025 CALL TO ORDER by Mr. Jeff Widdowson, Vice President, called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m. A. Moment of Silence — The meeting was opened with a moment of silence. B. Pledge of Allegiance - Brycen Detar, third grader, 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. Tim Hester, Mr. Mike Jacobs, Mr. Jeff Widdowson and Ms. Kari Zimmer. Mr. Eric DiTullio, Ms. Susan Harrison and Mr. Fred Peterson were absent. INFORMATION REPORTS A Student/Staff Recognition 1. Two Seneca Valley Cyber Patriot teams excelled in the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, competing among 4,023 teams nationwide. One team advanced to the Gold Division, while the other placed second in the state (All- Service Division, Silver bracket) and advanced to the National Semi-Finals, finishing eighth nationally. Both teams earned awards for their achievements. CyberPatriot, created by the Air Force Association, promotes K-12 cybersecurity and STEM education. The Cyber Patriot teams are led by Ms. Diane Koegler, Computer Programming and Mathematics teacher at Seneca Valley Senior High School.
2. The Seneca Valley Academic Decathlon Team clinched first place at the Western Pennsylvania Regional Competition that was held February 14-15 at Moniteau High School. In an outstanding display of academic excellence, the team set a new SV Academic Decathlon record with a historic team score of 44,601 points—the highest ever achieved by Seneca Valley! In addition to the team’s remarkable success, Rohin Jayaraman made history by setting a new Pennsylvania state record with a stunning individual score of 8,483 points! Seneca Valley’s Academic Decathlon Team is advancing to the Pennsylvania State Competition scheduled for March 14-15 at Pope John Paul 11 High School. The SV Academic Decathlon Team is led by Mr. David Reichard, Seneca Valley Senior High School Math Teacher. --- 2 3. Eight Seneca Valley Science Honor Society members showcased their talents at the 68th annual Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition at Slippery Rock University on Feb. 22. Seven students earned first-place awards and will advance to the state competition in May. Additionally, one student was honored with the Senior High Botany Directors Award. The students were led by Ms. Rebecca Finch and Mrs. Kelly Weston, Seneca Valley Senior High School Science Teachers. The group extends their appreciation to the Seneca Valley Foundation for generously covering entrance fees.
4. The Seneca Valley Raider Battalion Marksmanship Team recently competed at
the Army JROTC Service Championships in Camp Perry, Ohio, finishing an
impressive 43rd out of more than 1,200 teams nationwide! Senior Wesley
Marks set a new school record with 545 points, earning 39th place
individually-—his second national ranking after finishing 43rd last year in the
Civilian Marksmanship Program Open. The group is led by Command Sgt. Maj.
John T. Kortz and Col. Howard Keebler 1V.
5. Congratulations to Lanie Koliscak, an eighth grader at Ryan Gloyer Middle
School, for being named a Top 10 national winner in the 2025 Veterans of
Foreign Wars { VFW) Patriot’s Pen competition! This annual youth scholarship
contest, hosted by the VFW, recognizes outstanding student essays on patriotic
topics. Lanie earned top honors at both the regional and state levels, advancing
to the national competition, where winners were announced on March 5 during
the VFW Conference in Washington, D.C. She was recognized for her eloquent
response to this year’s theme, “My Voice in America’s Democracy.”
Dr. Tony Babusci, Co-Principal at RGMS, congratulated and welcomed Lanie Koliscak to
the meeting, inviting her to share her essay with the Board.
Mr. Widdowson thanked and congratulated Miss Koliscak on her achievements.
Ms. Zimmer shared that she was impressed with how she articulated her voice and poise in
her essay. She thanked her for sharing her essay with the Board.Mr. Jacobs asked Miss Koliscak what made her enter this competition. Miss Koliscak responded that this was a class assignment for her entire team at RGMS. Ms. Bredl congratulated Miss Koliscak on this achievement and shared that she is wise beyond her years. Dr. Babusci shared that last year there were over 68,000 essays submitted and that for Miss Koliscak to be recognized in the top 10, is a huge achievement for her and for the District. B. Dates to Remember — Ms. Linda Andreassi announced the following dates to remember: March March 14 The holiday of Holi March 14 Report of Student Progress, Grades K-6 March20 Spring Begins 2 --- 13 March 21 Snow Make up Day #2 — If no snow makeup day is needed, this will become a vacation day March 24 Act 80 Day — No School for Students March 24 SVAOC End of Third Nine Weeks, Grades 7-12 March 26 End of Third Nine Weeks, Grades 7-12 March 30 Eid al Fitr April 2 Paraprofessionals Appreciation Day April 4 Report Card Release, Grades 7-12 April 5 ACT Testing — Seneca Valley Senior High School
All-Star Award, Winner, March 2025 - Angelynn Kline, Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS) Security Guard, was recognized and presented the All-Star Award by Ms. Trisha Butschle, RGMS Co-Principal. Ms. Butschle shared that Ms. Kline exemplifies what it means to be a guardian of safety, a beacon of kindness, dedication and compassion within RGMS. She commented on how she continuously goes above and beyond to support both the students and staff, having eamed the trust of everyone in the building because of the positive and safe environment that she strives for. Additionally, Ms. Butschle shared that Ms. Kline has made a commitment to her professional development and has proven that she is an asset to the security team and to the District. Mr. Jacobs thanked Ms. Kline for making each of students and staff feel safe, valued and cared for and congratulated her for this achievement. Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV Proposed Budget — Dr. Wade Killmeyer,
Executive Director, shared that the MIU IV represents 27 school districts in Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties. Services offered include special education, early intervention, technology and curriculum departments. The MIU [V staff members travel throughout the three counties providing services to school districts. The MIU IV covers their costs on a fee-for-service basis and through grants. The general operating budget covers staff members who work at the central office and the costs associated with the building. Additionally, a small amount of the general operating budget is provided by school districts. The district contribution amount was set over 30 years ago, and no additional funding has been asked for from school districts. The amount that comes from each individual school district fluctuates from year-to- year based on district enrollments. Ms. Maureen Werwie, Director of Business Services, explained that the general operating budget makes up $4,442,185 of the approximately $40 million budget. The proposed revenue for this year will increase by $279,686. Financial Reports Nk WD - Operations Senior High Activities Intermediate High Activities Middle School Activities Athletics Food Service Tax Collections ---
8. Capital Projects Funds 3. PUBLIC COMMENT - There was no public comment. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Work Session — February 3, 2025 B. Action Meeting - February 10, 2025 5. TREASURER’S REPORT 6. GENERAL FUND BILLS Grand Total: $8,522,260.69 7. CONSTRUCTION FUND BILLS Grand Total: $921,394.99 Mr. Widdowson motioned, seconded by Mr. Hester, 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. Board Policy — Approved board policy 249 - Anti-Bullying — revised, second and final reading. B. Board Meeting Dates — Approved the August 2025 through June 2026 School Board Meeting Dates. Mr. Widdowson motioned, seconded by Mr. Brower, to approve the board policy and board meeting dates. The motion carried on a voice vote with those present voting in the affirmative. C. Student Adjudications — Approved the following student adjudications: 1. #2024-25-11 2. #2024-25-12 Mr. Hester motioned, seconded by Ms. Bredl, to approve student adjudications. The motion carried on a voice vote with those present voting in the affirmative. 9. INSTRUCTION A. Student Trips - 1. Approved the middle school ski trip to Telluride, Colorado, from January 14-20, 2026, under the supervision of Mr. Mickey Flood. Students will miss three days of instruction. The trip is at no cost to the District.
2. Approved Head Cross Country Coach Steve Strelick, along with assistants, to take the boys and girls Cross County Teams, to Jennerstown, Pennsylvania, for a pre-season training camp from August 15-17, 2025, Students will not miss instruction and there is no cost to the district. 4 --- G. 3. Approved the Academic Decathlon Team to travel to Rayersford, Pennsylvania, from March 13-15, 2025, under the supervision of Mr. David Reichard. Students will miss two days of instruction. The trip is at no cost to the District. 4. Approved Ms. Bobi-Jean Alexander, SHS Choral Teacher, and Ms, Claire Barker, IHS Choral Teacher, to take students to Waynesburg University for Pennsylvania Music Education (PMEA) Regions, March 19-21, 2025. Students will miss up to three days of instruction. Instrument Donation — Approved the donation of outdated dulcimers from Haine Middle School to the Pittsburgh Golden Triangle Chapter of the Orff-Schulwerk Association. Cray Youth and Family Services Agreement - Approved the agreement with Cray Youth and Family Services to provide special education programming for students through the Cray Education Center Private Academic School for the 2024- 2025 school year. Pending solicitor review. Watson Institute Service Agreement — Approved the service agreement with The Watson Institute to provide training and consultation as needed for the 2024-2025 school year. Pending solicitor review.
Athletic Equipment Disposal — Approved the disposal of old, unusable, non- certified athletic equipment - softball helmets. School Counseling Plan 339 — Approved the comprehensive K-12 School Counseling Plan, Chapter 339 Plan. Conferences — Approved conference requests. Mr. Hester motioned, seconded by Mr. Jacobs, to approve student trips, instrument donation, Cray Youth and Family Services Agreement, Watson Institute Service Agreement, athletic equipment disposal, school counseling plan 339, and conferences. The motion carried on a voice vote with those present voting in the affirmative. 10. BUSINESS/FINANCE A. B. Budget Transfers — Approved budget transfers. Capital Asset Protection, Inc. Security Contract - Approved the security contract with Capital Asset Protection, Inc. Waste Management Renewal Agreement - Approved the renewal agreement with Waste Management of Pennsylvania for waste removal services. CVE Re-Roofing Project - Approved Duro-Last, Inc. through the government cooperative purchasing program, The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS} Vendor Agreement for the CVE Re-roofing Project for Areas F & G. Mr. Jacobs motioned, seconded by Mr. Brower, to approve budget transfers, Capital Asset Protection, Inc. Security Contract, Waste Management Renewal Agreement and the CVE Re- Roofing Project. The motion carried on a voice vote with those present voting in the affirmative. 5 --- o
E. Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School (BCAVTS) 2025-2026 Budget — Approve the BCAVTS proposed budget with budgetary reserve for the 2025-2026 school year in the amount of $7,351,613. Mr. Jacobs motioned, seconded by Mr. Hester to approve the Butler County Area Vocational- Technical School (BCAVTS) 2025-2026 Budget. The motion failed on a roll call vote with those present voting no. F. 2025-2026 MIU 1V General Operating Budget — Approved the 2025-2026 Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV General Operating Budget in the total amount of $4,442,185 with Seneca Valley’s contribution being $161,240. Mr. Jacobs motioned, seconded by Ms. Bredl, to approve the 2025-2026 MIU IV General Operating Budget. The motion carried on a voice 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: A. Resignations — Professional — Sarah Groth, Classified — Sunrei Kwen B. Appointments - Professional Substitutes — Julia Arlia, Troy Jelinek, Vito Pilosi, IV, Jaclyn Shibata, Classified — Denise Schenck, Classified Substitutes — Jaclyn Shibata, Supplementals — Eli Grove, Rob Densmore C. Leaves — Professional — Elizabeth Wimer, Emily Murphy, Kyle Leggett, David Reichard, Chelsea Risch, Lynn Rodrigues, Michael Pelloni, Lindsay Bergstrom, Emily Knauss, Elizabeth Meinert, Classified - Ann Marie Raisley, Kimberly Senka D. Retirements — Professional — Patrick O’Shea, Robin Clay, Michelle Ramage, Classified — Cindy Choura E. Memorandum of Understanding — Approved the MOU with Seneca Valley Education Association. Ms. Zimmer motioned, seconded by Mr. Brower, to approve resignations, appointments, leaves, retirements and Memorandum 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 March 3, 2025, public agenda: a. Sydney Brower b. KC Cahall 13. ADJOURNMENT - With nothing further to come before the board, Mr. Jacobs motioned, seconded by Mr. Brower, to adjourn the meeting at 8 p.m. The motion carried on a voice vote with those present voting in the affirmative. --- -
15. 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 ACTION SESSION Seneca Valley Intermediate High School Auditorium - 7 p.m. PUBLIC AGENDA March 10, 2025 ** 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” – Brycen Detar, third grade, Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School C. Roll Call INFORMATION REPORTS A. Student/Staff Recognition – 1. Two Seneca Valley Cyber Patriot teams excelled in the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, competing among 4,023 teams nationwide. One team advanced to the Gold Division, while the other placed second in the state (AllService Division, Silver bracket) and advanced to the National Semi-Finals, finishing eighth nationally. Both teams earned awards for their achievements. CyberPatriot, created by the Air Force Association, promotes K-12 cybersecurity and STEM education. The Cyber Patriot teams are led by Ms. Diane Koegler, Computer Programming and Mathematics teacher at Seneca Valley Senior High School.
2. The Seneca Valley Academic Decathlon Team clinched first place at the Western Pennsylvania Regional Competition that was held February 14-15 at Moniteau High School. In an outstanding display of academic excellence, the team set a new SV Academic Decathlon record with a historic team score of 44,601 points—the highest ever achieved by Seneca Valley! In addition to the team’s remarkable success, Rohin Jayaraman made history by setting a new Pennsylvania state record with a stunning individual score of 8,483 points! Seneca Valley’s Academic Decathlon Team is advancing to the Pennsylvania State Competition scheduled for March 14-15 at Pope John Paul II High School. The SV Academic Decathlon Team is led by Mr. David Reichard, Seneca Valley Senior High School Math Teacher. 3. Eight Seneca Valley Science Honor Society members showcased their talents at the 68th annual Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition at Slippery Rock University on Feb. 22. Seven students earned first-place awards and will advance to the state competition in May. Additionally, one student was honored with the Senior High Botany Directors Award. The students were led by Ms. Rebecca Finch and Mrs. Kelly Weston, Seneca Valley Senior High School Science Teachers. The group extends their appreciation to the Seneca Valley Foundation for generously covering entrance fees.
4. The Seneca Valley Raider Battalion Marksmanship Team recently competed at the Army JROTC Service Championships in Camp Perry, Ohio, finishing an impressive 43rd out of more than 1,200 teams nationwide! Senior Wesley Marks set a new school record with 545 points, earning 39th place individually—his second national ranking after finishing 43rd last year in the Civilian Marksmanship Program Open. The group is led by Command Sgt. Maj. John T. Kortz and Col. Howard Keebler IV.
5. Congratulations to Lanie Koliscak, an eighth grader at Ryan Gloyer Middle School, for being named a Top 10 national winner in the 2025 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Patriot’s Pen competition! This annual youth scholarship contest, hosted by the VFW, recognizes outstanding student essays on patriotic topics. Lanie earned top honors at both the regional and state levels, advancing to the national competition, where winners were announced on March 5 during the VFW Conference in Washington, D.C. She was recognized for her eloquent response to this year’s theme, “My Voice in America’s Democracy.” B. Dates to Remember March March 14 March 14 March 20 March 21 March 24 March 24 March 26 March 30 April 2 April 4 April 5 The holiday of Holi Report of Student Progress, Grades K-6 Spring Begins Snow Make up Day #2 – If no snow makeup day is needed, this will become a vacation day Act 80 Day – No School for Students SVAOC End of Third Nine Weeks, Grades 7-12 End of Third Nine Weeks, Grades 7-12 Eid al Fitr Paraprofessionals Appreciation Day Report Card Release, Grades 7-12 ACT Testing – Seneca Valley Senior High School C. All-Star Award, Winner, March 2025 – Angelynn Kline, Ryan Gloyer Middle School Security Guard. D. Midwestern Intermediate Unit 4 Proposed Budget – Dr. Killmeyer and Ms. Werwie from MIU IV. E. Financial Reports 1. 2. Operations Senior High Activities 2 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
8. Intermediate High Activities Middle School Activities Athletics Food Service Tax Collections Capital Projects Funds 3. PUBLIC COMMENT 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. B. Work Session – February 3, 2025 Action Meeting – February 10, 2025 5. TREASURER’S REPORT 6. GENERAL FUND BILLS Grand Total: $8,522,260.69 7. CONSTRUCTION FUND BILLS Grand Total: $921,394.99 8. ADMINISTRATION A. Board Policy – Approve board policy 249 – Anti-Bullying – revised, second and final reading. B. Board Meeting Dates – Approve the August 2025 through June 2026 School Board Meeting Dates. C. Student Adjudications – Approve the following student adjudications: 1. #2024-25-11 2. #2024-25-12 9. INSTRUCTION A. Student Trips – 1. Approve the middle school ski trip to Telluride, Colorado from January 14-20, 2026, under the supervision of Mr. Mickey Flood. Students will miss three days of instruction. The trip is at no cost to the District. 2. Approve Head Cross Country Coach Steve Strelick, along with assistants, to take the boys and girls Cross County Teams, to Jennerstown, PA for a preseason training camp from August 15-17, 2025. Students will not miss instruction and there is no cost to the district. 3. Approve the Academic Decathlon Team to travel to Rayersford, PA from March 13-15, 2025, under the supervision of Mr. David Reichard. Students will miss two days of instruction. The trip is at no cost to the District.
4. Approve Ms. Bobi-Jean Alexander, SHS Choral Teacher, and Ms. Claire Barker, IHS Choral Teacher, to take students to Waynesburg University for 3 Pennsylvania Music Education (PMEA) Regions, March 19-21, 2025. Students will miss up to three days of instruction. 10. 11. B. Instrument Donation – Approve the donation of outdated dulcimers from Haine Middle School to the Pittsburgh Golden Triangle Chapter of the Orff-Schulwerk Association. C. Cray Youth and Family Services Agreement - Approve the agreement with Cray Youth and Family Services to provide special education programming for students through the Cray Education Center Private Academic School for the 2024-2025 school year. Pending solicitor review. D. Watson Institute Service Agreement – Approve the service agreement with The Watson Institute to provide training and consultation as needed for the 2024-2025 school year. Pending solicitor review. E. Athletic Equipment Disposal – Approve the disposal of old, unusable, noncertified athletic equipment – softball helmets. F. School Counseling Plan 339 – Approve the comprehensive K-12 School Counseling Plan, Chapter 339 Plan. G. Conferences – Approve conference requests. BUSINESS/FINANCE A. Budget Transfers – Approve budget transfers. B. Capital Asset Protection, Inc. Security Contract – Approve the security contract with Capital Asset Protection, Inc. C.
Waste Management Renewal Agreement - Approve the renewal agreement with Waste Management of Pennsylvania for waste removal services. D. CVE Re-Roofing Project - Approve Duro-Last, Inc. through the government cooperative purchasing program, The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) Vendor Agreement for the CVE Re-roofing Project for Areas F & G. E. Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School (BCAVTS) 2025-2026 Budget – Approve the BCAVTS proposed budget with budgetary reserve for the 2025-2026 school year in the amount of $7,351,613. F. 2025-2026 MIU IV General Operating Budget – Approve the 2025-2026 Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV General Operating Budget in the total amount of $4,442,185 with Seneca Valley’s contribution being $161,240. PERSONNEL – Approve resignations, appointments, leaves, retirements and memorandum of understanding. 4 12. LETTERS SENT TO THE SCHOOL BOARD a. b.
13. Sydney Brower KC Cahall ADJOURNMENT 5