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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 April 7, 2025 1 CALL TO ORDER by Mr. Eric DiTullio, President, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A. Moment of Silence — The meeting was opened with a moment of silence. B. Pledge of Allegiance - Maeve Barlett, sixth grader, Ehrman Crest Middle 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 foliowing members in attendance: Mr. Eric DiTullio, Ms. Susan Harrison, Mr. Tim Hester, Mr. Mike Jacobs, Mr. Fred Peterson, Mr. Jeff Widdowson and Ms. Kari Zimmer. Ms. Leslie Bredl and Mr. Nick Brower were absent.
2. INFORMATION REPORTS A. Student/Staff Recognition l. Seneca Valley Raiders Ice Hockey Team — Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League (PIHL) 2025 Class 3A Champions. Ms. Heather Lewis recognized and congratulated the Ice Hockey team. Ms. Lewis shared highlights from the season and that this team is the first in the District’s history to win the state title. Coach Tyler Mesisca thanked the School Board members for having the team attend and for recognizing their accomplishment. Mr. Hester, Ms. Zimmer and Mr. DiTullio congratulated the team and shared that they are proud of their accomplishment. Administrators and teachers from Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS) recently attended the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education (PAMLE) State Conference, where they received several awards recognizing their commitment to education and leading their school community in dynamic and positive directions. RGMS School Principals Dr. Babusci and Ms. Butschle received the Leornard R. Ferrence Outstanding Administrator Award, and seven RGMS teachers were recognized as winners of the PAMLE Promising Practitioners Award: New Teacher Award. PAMLE is the leading advocate for --- 5749 middle level education in the state of Pennsylvania, dedicated to maximizing student achievement in a safe, innovative and developmentally appropriate environment.
3. Three Seneca Valley students are among just 579 students nationwide to be named a 2025 Carson Scholar. Haine Middle School sixth graders Yasmeen Fahs and Ashlynn Kazmarek, along with Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS}) seventh grader Cameron Swope, have earned this prestigious honor. According to Carson Scholar officials, they were selected for exemplifying the highest standards of academic achievement, integrity and civic and social responsibility. Each student received a $1,000 college scholarship, along with a medal and certificate.
4. Congratulations to Rowan Elementary second graders Lili Dessler and Maddie Griffin on being named 2025 Litter Hawk Youth Award winners. The Litter Hawk Youth Award Program, funded by PA Department of Environmental Protection, provides a way for students in kindergarten through sixth grade to express their concerns about litter through art, writing or video. These talented young students submitted posters, and out of more than 500 entries, Lili was a first-place winner and Maddie was a second-place winner. Judges were impressed by the many thoughtful submissions that highlighted positive efforts to reduce litter in parks, school grounds and along roadways. Poster-sized displays of winning entries are on display in the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building in Harrisburg through the end of the month. B. Dates to Remember - Ms. Linda Andreassi announced the following dates to remember: April Autism Awareness Month April National Child Abuse Prevention Month April School Library Month April 10 Raider Robotics Night, 5-8 p.m., SVSHS April 12 Passover Begins April 13 Palm Sunday April 14-18 Spring Break, No School for Students and Staff April 18 Good Friday April 20 Easter and Orthodox Easter April 21 Act 80 (Professional Development) Day, No School for Students April 22 Earth Day April 22 School Bus Driver Appreciation Day April 23 Administrative Professionals’ Day April 23-May 1 PSSA Testing April 24 Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day May 2 School Lunch Hero Day = » | May 3 SAT Testing, SVSHS, 7:30 a.m. o
All-Star Award, Winner, April 2025 — Margaret (Peggy) Fennell, Senior High School Cafeteria Manager, was recognized and presented the All-Star Award by Mr. Bob Ceh, Senior High School Principal. Mr. Ceh shared that Ms. Fennell has worked in the District for 26 years. Mr. Ceh also shared that Ms. Fennell is more 2 --- 57 85n than a cafeteria manager, she is a cafeteria leader. As a leader she shows great dependability, wisdom, patience and a calm demeanor in all she does. Ms. Fennell has built the cafeteria on friendliness and kindness where the kids come first. Mr. Ceh ended by saying that Ms. Fennell is very respected by her staff, that she is going to be missed after her retirement and congratulated her on this achievement. Mr. Peterson thanked Ms. Fennell for all she has done and shared his congratulations. Dr. McKinley shared that Ms. Fennell has been a staff member since his time at the SHS, and that it has been a pleasure to watch her grow into the leader she is today. He thanked her for supporting students and staff and shared that she has earned her retirement. Mr. DiTullio echoed the comments made, thanked Ms. Fennell and congratulated her on this achievement.
Student Presentation - Seneca Valley students Elaina Donahue, Adelyn Paul, Alaina Hahn, Corey Wolfe and Nathan Taylor to present a school project proposal on creating and installing SV community signs across the nine municipalities that make up the District. Their adviser is Lisa Graham, SVIHS School Counselor. Ms. Graham, who is also a part of the District’s Learn, Explore, Act and Develop (LEAD) team, works with students to build positive school culture. She shared that the students presenting are passionate volunteers, interested in promoting positive school culture, fostering Raider Pride and a sense of belonging and connection for all students in our District. Miss Donahue introduced their proposal to install street signs throughout the Seneca Valley Community that would reflect pride in the District and commitment to student well-being and success. Miss Paul explained that, that if approved, the signs will enhance brand awareness, drive decision-making and will enhance engagement. She reported on studies that show that the signs will:
1. Improve student well-being, attendance, mental health and academic outcomes 2. Enhanced community and student engagement in school activities and initiatives 3. Stronger school-community partnerships Mr. Wolfe talked about the many districts around the country and in our area that have been strengthening their school brand through community signs. He stated that LEAD will be asking for approval to begin working with the nine municipalities to install the SV street signs. It has been determined that each municipality will decide how many signs they will install and where they will be installed. The reflective signs will be 12”x18” and the cost of each sign will be $20. Mr. Taylor, a part of the graphic design program at Butler County Area Vocational Technical School, shared that along with input from students, teachers and administration, he created the sign design. He shared that the sign represents the bold strength the student body and community share. 3 --- 5751 Ms. Hahn presented that they have received the support from the SV Foundation for fund management and long-term maintenance. Additionally, they have agreed to collaborate with the LEAD student committee to ensure the upkeep of the signs for years to come. She shared that the next steps are to: 1. Work with the municipalities to determine the number of signs needed 2. Raise funds to support the project
3. Order and distribute signs to be installed by the municipalities Mr. Jacobs thanked the students and shared that he thinks that this is a great idea. He shared his support with fundraising and offered help in this area. Mr. Hester agreed with Mr. Jacobs and shared his excitement for the project. He asked for clarification on when they hope to start installing the signs and the students hopes are fall 2025. Ms. Harrison also is in favor of this idea and shared that this will unite all municipalities in our District. Ms. Zimmer echoed all of the comments and shared that she believes this will provide a sense of cohesiveness in the District. Mr. Peterson thanked the students for their work and presenting this idea to the Board. Mr. Widdowson also thanked the students and asked if the students have fundraising goals and ideas in mind. They shared that they have some suggestions and will wait until they know how many signs they will need before solidifying the options. Mr. DiTullio shared that as an SV Alumni, this is a project that means a lot to him. He shared his approval of the clean and simple sign logo and asked for the students to continue to keep the Board updated on the project. Dr. McKinley thanked all the students for their work on this project along with Ms. Graham and Mr. Dan Guerra, SVIHS Assistant Principal. Agency Reports
1. Vo-Tech - Mr. Hester shared that Iron Workers Local Union 3 recently contacted the Vo-Tech due to the quality of students after graduation and asked for approval to go to the school and administer the qualifying test they needed to join the union. Approximately 16-20 students passed the test and have been hired into the union with a career for the rest of their life, if they choose. Additionally, if the students choose, and they are over the age of 18, they may begin working before graduation. For the students that are currently under the age of 18, the union will have places for them once they turn 18. 2. [.U. IV - Mr. DiTullio shared that the MIU IV Convention is on April 23 and that all Board members are invited to attend. 4 --- 5752 F. Legislative - Mr. DiTullio shared that the House is not in session and the Senate is not in session until May 5. The Senate recently passed bill 315, Career and Technical Education equipment funding. G. Financial Reports Operations Senior High Activities Intermediate High Activities Middle School Activities Athletics Food Service Tax Collections Capital Projects Funds e R
PUBLIC COMMENT - Public comment was heard from Ms. Diane Rafferty regarding adding America Sign Language to the curriculum, and Mr. Omar Ross regarding general encouragement, APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Work Session — March 3, 2025 B. Action Meeting — March 10, 2025 TREASURER’S REPORT GENERAL FUND BILLS Grand Total: $11,086,418.04 CONSTRUCTION FUND BILLS Grand Total: $390,694.85 Ms. Harrison motioned, seconded by Mr. Widdowson, 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. Kennywood Picnic — Approved Friday, June 20, 2025, as the Kennywood picnic date for 2025. B. School Bus Drivers — Approved the list of new bus drivers for ABC Transit, Valley Lines and Seneca Valley School District. Mr. Widdowson motioned, seconded by Mr. Hester, to approve the Kennywood Picnic and school bus drivers. The motion carried on a voice vote with those present voting in the affirmative.
9. INSTRUCTION A. Grant Disbursement — Granted permission for and to disburse, the DNA Sequencing Local Waterways Grant in the amount of $2,000 requested by Mr. Tom 5 --- 5753 Lavelle. Funds will be used to cover the costs associated with student genetic sequencing. Conferences - Approved conference requests. MHY Family Services Agreement -Approved the agreement with MHY Family Services to provide extended school year programming for students during the summer of 2025. Watson Institute Service Agreement - Approved the service agreement with The Watson Institute to provide special education programming at The Education Center-Sewickley for a student during the 2024-2025 school year. Intergovernmental Agreement with MIU IV - Approved the Intergovernmental Agreement with the MIU IV to arrange and plan appropriate allocation of services and resources for school year 2025-2026. Mr. Hester motioned, seconded by Mr. Jacobs, to approve grant disbursement, conferences, MHY Family Services Agreement, Watson Institute Service Agreement and the Intergovernmental Agreement with MIU IV. The motion carried on a voice vote with those present voting in the affirmative.
10. BUSINESS/FINANCE A. Photography Services Agreement - Approved the Yearbook/Athletic Activities agreement with Glory Days Photography through the 2027-28 school year. . Budget Transfers — Approved budget transfers. Settlement Agreement & Mutual Release of Claims -Approved the Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release of Claims with Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School for the resolution of the charter school tuition reconciliation for the 2016-17 school year. Mr. Jacobs motioned, seconded by Ms. Harrison, to approve the photography services agreement, budget transfers and the settlement agreement & mutual release of claims. 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 — Natalie Green, Classified — Melissa Gawne, Jennifer Moulton, Carol Youkers
Appointments — Supervisor - Margaret Beggy, Professional Substitutes - Lindsey Dugan, Hunter Karenbauer, Katelyn Mustovich, Grace Rubican, Classified - Kelly Pyle, Classified Substitutes — Lisa Seibel, Alicia Shao, Supplementals - Katie Gemperlein, Jessica Kavanaugh, Allison Schuster, Ben Cary, Nate Sannes, Angela Reaves, Tracey Lowe, Susie Irwin, Amy Brush, Melissa Womer, Lauren Calderone, Angela Reaves, David Gerrich, Tammie Wylie, Alyssa Ceraulo, Steven Fortunato, Tracey Lowe, Matthew Pournaras, Amanda Lesney, Sarah McKissick, Emily Thorton, 6 --- 5754 Sarah Miller, Kevin Wildrick, James Pyle, Megan Meeder, Kelly Levere, Marlina Hasara, Aaron Shafer, Tracy Glass, Jacqueline Eriksen, Kenneth Macek, Megan Bonistalli, Grace Rupik, Katherine Langley, Mackenzie Gaydosh, James Ziegler, Linda Plesniak, David Gerrich, Tammie Wylie, Alicia Scopellite, Alyssa Ceraulo, Steven Fortunato, Tracey Lowe, Matthew Pournaras, Kenneth Macek, Marlesse Hames, John Roman, Catherine Smolter, Kevin Wildrick, James Pyle, Megan Meeder, Tracy Glass, Sarah Miller, Emily Thorton, Varden Armstrong, Traci Kuntz, Crystal Cypher, Michael Henry, Kayla Robinson, Bria Koch, Elaine Duggan, Karen Christopher Hill, Susan Berlin, Bria Koch, Brandi Ruiz, James Lucot, Kristin Vogan, Laura Lugarich, Jeffry Richards, Jeffrey Roberts, Courtney Streiby, Jennifer Curry, Kalene Ireland
Leaves — Administration — Erin Wilcher, Professionals - Julie Kaufman, Jenny Caputo, John Schmidt, Chelsea Risch, Chelsea Bennardo, Rachael Gales, Desirae Foster, Lisa McCombs, Stephanie Mattarock, Kristin Schlemmer, Dana Fisher, Brenna Miller, Kate Oliver, Classified — Ashley Cleaver, Heather Byrom, Travis Hall, Janet Antoszyk Contract Renewal - Dr. Sean McCarty Retirements — Classified — Susan White, David Bopp Memorandum of Understanding - Approved the MOU with Seneca Valley Education Association. Ms. Zimmer motioned, seconded by Mr. Widdowson, to approve resignations, appointments, leaves, contract renewal, 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 10, 2025, public agenda: oo ow Paula Strong Sydney Brower Brianna Phillips Jillian Stephenson, CPA Vito Pilosi Mr. DiTullio requested that the SV community sign project be added to the May 5, 2025 agenda for the Board to take action on. 13. ADJOURNMENT - With nothing further to come before the board, Mr. Widdowson motioned, seconded by Ms. Harrison, to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. The motion carried on a voice vote with those present voting in the affirmative. --- 5755 14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - An executive session was held prior to this meeting to discuss personnel items. Mr. Eric DiTullio, President %wafidm\ 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 April 7, 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” – Maeve Barlett, Ehrman Crest Middle School, Grade 6. C. Roll Call INFORMATION REPORTS A. Student/Staff Recognition 1. Seneca Valley Raiders Ice Hockey Team – Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League (PIHL) 2025 Class 3A Champions.
2. Administrators and teachers from Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS) recently attended the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education (PAMLE) State Conference, where they received several awards recognizing their commitment to education and leading their school community in dynamic and positive directions. RGMS School Principals Dr. Babusci and Ms. Butschle received the Leornard R. Ferrence Outstanding Administrator Award, and seven RGMS teachers were recognized as winners of the PAMLE Promising Practitioners Award: New Teacher Award. PAMLE is the leading advocate for middle level education in the state of Pennsylvania, dedicated to maximizing student achievement in a safe, innovative and developmentally appropriate environment. 3. Three Seneca Valley students are among just 579 students nationwide to be named a 2025 Carson Scholar. Haine Middle School sixth graders Yasmeen Fahs and Ashlynn Kazmarek, along with Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS) seventh grader Cameron Swope, have earned this prestigious honor. According to Carson Scholar officials, they were selected for exemplifying the highest standards of academic achievement, integrity, and civic and social responsibility. Each student received a $1,000 college scholarship, along with a medal and certificate.
4. Congratulations to Rowan Elementary second graders Lili Dessler and Maddie Griffin on being named 2025 Litter Hawk Youth Award winners. The Litter Hawk Youth Award Program, funded by PA Department of Environmental Protection, provides a way for students in kindergarten through sixth grade to express their concerns about litter through art, writing or video. These talented young students submitted posters, and out of more than 500 entries, Lili was a first-place winner and Maddie was a second-place winner. Judges were impressed by the many thoughtful submissions that highlighted positive efforts to reduce litter in parks, school grounds and along roadways. Poster-sized displays of winning entries are on display in the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building in Harrisburg through the end of the month. B. Dates to Remember April April April April 10 April 12 April 13 April 14-18 April 18 April 20 April 21 April 22 April 22 April 23 April 23-May 1 April 24 May 2 May 3 Autism Awareness Month National Child Abuse Prevention Month School Library Month Raider Robotics Night, 5-8 p.m., SVSHS Passover Begins Palm Sunday Spring Break, No School for Students and Staff Good Friday Easter and Orthodox Easter Act 80 (Professional Development) Day, No School for Students Earth Day School Bus Driver Appreciation Day Administrative Professionals’ Day PSSA Testing Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day School Lunch Hero Day SAT Testing, SVSHS, 7:30 a.m. C.
All-Star Award, Winner, April 2025 – Margaret (Peggy) Fennell, Senior High School Cafeteria Manager. D. Student Presentation - Seneca Valley students Elaina Donahue, Kaia Satory, Adelyn Paul, Alaina Hahn, Corey Wolfe and Nathan Taylor to present a school project proposal on creating and installing SV community signs across the nine municipalities that make up the District. Their adviser is Lisa Graham, SVIHS School Counselor. E. Agency Reports
1. 2. F. Vo-Tech - Mr. Fred Peterson, Jr./Mr. Hester I.U. IV - Mr. Eric DiTullio Legislative - Mr. Eric DiTullio 2 G. Financial Reports 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Operations Senior High Activities 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 – March 3, 2025 Action Meeting – March 10, 2025 5. TREASURER’S REPORT 6. GENERAL FUND BILLS Grand Total: $11,086,418.04 7. CONSTRUCTION FUND BILLS Grand Total: $390,694.85 8. ADMINISTRATION
9. A. Kennywood Picnic – Approve Friday, June 20, 2025, as the Kennywood picnic date for 2025. B. School Bus Drivers – Approve the list of new bus drivers for ABC Transit, Valley Lines and Seneca Valley School District. INSTRUCTION A. Grant Disbursement – Grant permission for and to disburse, the DNA Sequencing Local Waterways Grant in the amount of $2,000 requested by Mr. Tom Lavelle. Funds will be used to cover the costs associated with student genetic sequencing. B. Conferences – Approve conference requests. C. MHY Family Services Agreement -Approve the agreement with MHY Family Services to provide extended school year programming for students during the summer of 2025. D. Watson Institute Service Agreement - Approve the service agreement with The Watson Institute to provide special education programming at The Education Center-Sewickley for a student during the 2024-2025 school year. 3 E.
10. Intergovernmental Agreement with MIU IV - Approve the Intergovernmental Agreement with the MIU IV to arrange and plan appropriate allocation of services and resources for school year 2025-2026. BUSINESS/FINANCE A. Photography Services Agreement - Approve the Yearbook/Athletic Activities agreement with Glory Days Photography through the 2027-28 school year. B. Budget Transfers – Approve budget transfers. C. Settlement Agreement & Mutual Release of Claims -Approve the Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release of Claims with Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School for the resolution of the charter school tuition reconciliation for the 2016-17 school year. 11. PERSONNEL – Approve resignations, appointments, leaves, contract renewal, retirements and Memorandum of Understanding. 12. LETTERS SENT TO THE SCHOOL BOARD a. b. c. d. e. 13. Paula Strong Sydney Brower Brianna Phillips Jillian Stephenson, CPA Vito Pilosi ADJOURNMENT 4