April 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM - April 2026 Legislative Meeting (EXAMPLE)

Description: 

We welcome members of the public to speak during the designated public comment portion of tonight’s meeting.

In accordance with Board Policy 800.1, speakers are asked to:

• State their name and address for the public record.
• Limit comments to items on tonight's agenda or issues within the district’s jurisdiction.
• Observe a time limit of three (3) minutes per speaker, with a total public comment period not to exceed thirty (30) minutes.
• Refrain from personal attacks, remarks about staff or students, or comments that violate privacy or Board policy regarding civility and respect.
• Submit any written materials for distribution to the Board in advance, if possible, or leave them with the Superintendent after speaking, and they may distribute them to the board.

If you would like to engage in dialogue with Board members, we encourage you to attend a Planning Committee Meeting, which is generally held on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 PM in the District Office Conference Room. Public comment is also available at the start of each Planning Meeting. Dates and agendas are posted on our district website at www.jmsd.org.

The Superintendent will follow up with any individual who speaks during public comment within 24-48 hours, if requested. Please ensure your name, email address, and phone number are clearly listed on the public comment sign-in sheet to facilitate timely communication.

Thank you for your interest in the Jefferson-Morgan School District.

We value your input and are committed to conducting public dialogue in an orderly and respectful manner

Description: 

Board Justification - Executive Session

The Board of School Directors is entering into Executive Session in accordance with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act to discuss matters that are legally required to be held in private. Discussion topics may include personnel matters, legal issues, collective bargaining, safety, or potential litigation.

Executive Sessions provide the Board an opportunity to review sensitive information with the Superintendent, solicitor, or other advisors to ensure informed and lawful decision-making. No official action will be taken during the Executive Session.

Description: 

The current transportation contract between Jefferson-Morgan School District and First Student is set to expire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The district reviewed available transportation options for the upcoming school year, including participation in a joint transportation proposal with neighboring school districts as well as continuing transportation services independently.

After reviewing the proposals and considering the operational needs of the district, extending the contract with First Student for Jefferson-Morgan School District was determined to be the most practical option for maintaining consistent transportation services for students and families. A detailed cost comparison between the available options has been prepared and is included as an attachment for board review.

The proposed agreement also includes several provisions designed to support both operational planning and transportation staffing. The proposal establishes minimum transportation day language aligned with the district calendar. If the district operates fewer than the minimum number of transportation days, drivers would be compensated in a manner consistent with other district employee groups such as personal care aides and other nine-month employees.

Additionally, the proposal includes a transportation route study to evaluate existing routes and determine whether efficiencies could be achieved through route adjustments or consolidation. This review may provide opportunities for future cost savings while maintaining safe and reliable transportation services.

Extending the contract allows the district to maintain continuity of service, support transportation staffing stability, and continue evaluating transportation efficiencies while providing reliable service for Jefferson-Morgan students.

Description: 

Board Agenda Justification - Wearable Panic Button System

The Jefferson-Morgan School District issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a wearable panic button system to enhance school safety and improve emergency response capabilities across district facilities. The system is intended to provide discreet activation, real-time location tracking, and immediate notification to designated responders, while aligning with the District’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP).

 

A total of eight bids were received and publicly opened. After review, The Wilson Group’s proposal for the CORAM AI system was identified as the lowest responsible bid and best overall value to the District. The base bid of $28,312.87 includes installation, equipment, training, and five years of licensing bundled into the total cost, resulting in the most cost-effective long-term solution among all proposals.

 

The purchase will be made through COSTARS contract number COSTARS: 001-E22-093, ensuring compliance with state cooperative purchasing requirements and streamlining the procurement process.

 

The proposed system provides staff with a reliable and discreet method to request assistance during emergencies without reliance on personal devices. It enhances building-level and district-wide safety by enabling immediate alerts, precise location tracking, and rapid response coordination.

 

Implementation of the system is planned to begin prior to the start of the 2026-2027 school year. This will include full installation, system configuration, and comprehensive training for all staff to ensure effective use and integration into daily safety protocols.

 

Funding for this project is fully supported through the PCCD Safety Grant, ensuring there is no additional financial impact on the District’s general fund.

 

Approval of this bid will allow the District to strengthen its safety infrastructure, improve emergency response times, and continue to prioritize the safety and security of students, staff, and visitors.

Description: 

Board Agenda Justification

The administration is recommending a change in the district’s website provider beginning with the 2026-2027 school year in order to improve cost efficiency while maintaining website services for the district. Based on the proposal received, SmartSites would cost $4,346 in the first year, which includes a one time onboarding fee of $2,000 and an annual fee of $2,346. The annual cost would then be $2,463 in year 2 and $2,580 in year 3. For comparison, the district’s annual fee with Edlio has been $5,400.

This change would provide the district with immediate savings in the first year and continued savings in future years when compared to the current provider. Even with the onboarding fee included, the first-year cost with SmartSites remains lower than the annual Edlio fee. Moving to a new provider for next school year also allows the district time to plan for implementation, transition website content, and prepare staff for the updated platform.

In addition, SmartSites is a partner with ParentSquare, which is the district’s current communication platform. This partnership provides the opportunity for improved integration between the district website and parent communication tools, allowing for more streamlined messaging, easier content sharing, and a more consistent experience for families. This alignment supports the district’s goal of improving communication efficiency and accessibility for all stakeholders.

The proposed change reflects an effort to be fiscally responsible while continuing to support clear communication with students, families, staff, and the community through the district website.

Description: 

Board Justification - PSBA Recommended Policy Updates

The Jefferson-Morgan School District participates in the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) Policy Maintenance Program to ensure our policy manual remains up to date with current laws, regulations, and court decisions. PSBA routinely reviews state and federal requirements and provides updated policy language that supports legal compliance, reduces liability, and reflects best practices for school governance.

The policies presented for first reading are part of PSBA’s most recent recommended updates and reflect changes in areas such as parental rights, student groups, extracurricular activities, and district and personal social media use. These updates incorporate recent legal rulings, clarify expectations for staff and school directors, and ensure district procedures remain aligned with state and federal standards.

Approval of the first reading allows the district to begin the formal review process before final adoption at a future meeting. This ongoing maintenance helps ensure the district’s policies are accurate, consistent, and legally defensible.

Description: 

The administration recommends acceptance of the resignation, due to retirement, of Mrs. Kathy Cochran, First Grade Teacher, effective June 1, 2026.

Mrs. Cochran has dedicated twenty-nine years of service to the Jefferson Morgan School District. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to a variety of learners, helping to build strong academic and social foundations that have supported students throughout their educational journeys. 

Her kindness and patience have left a lasting impression on countless students and families. 

On behalf of the Board of School Directors and the entire Jefferson Morgan community, we thank Mrs. Cochran for her twenty-nine years of dedicated service and extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes to her in her retirement.

Description:  All support staff substitutes, including aides, custodians, secretaries, and cafeteria workers, must be formally approved by the Board of Education or ratified through the actions of the Superintendent. This process ensures that all individuals serving in substitute roles have met the necessary qualifications and clearances, and that their employment aligns with district policies and operational needs. Board approval provides transparency and helps maintain the integrity, safety, and effectiveness of daily school operation

Description: 

To ensure the safety, organization, and effectiveness of our athletic programs, the Jefferson-Morgan School District requires that all coaching staff—whether paid or volunteer—be formally requested by the head coach of the respective sport and approved by the School Board.

Volunteer coaches are valuable contributors to our programs; however, each must have a clearly defined role established by the head coach prior to board consideration. In addition, all volunteers must submit the required volunteer clearances before participating in any coaching activities. Volunteers must also complete all trainings and courses required for athletic coaches as outlined by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA).

All coaching staff, both paid and volunteer, must be recommended by the varsity head coach of the program prior to board approval.

This process helps maintain the integrity of our programs and supports a safe, well-supervised environment for all student-athletes.

Description: 

To ensure the safety, organization, and effectiveness of our athletic programs, the Jefferson-Morgan School District requires that all coaching staff—whether paid or volunteer—be formally requested by the head coach of the respective sport and approved by the School Board.

Volunteer coaches are valuable contributors to our programs; however, each must have a clearly defined role established by the head coach prior to board consideration. In addition, all volunteers must submit the required volunteer clearances before participating in any coaching activities. Volunteers must also complete all trainings and courses required for athletic coaches as outlined by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA).

All coaching staff, both paid and volunteer, must be recommended by the varsity head coach of the program prior to board approval.

This process helps maintain the integrity of our programs and supports a safe, well-supervised environment for all student-athletes.

Description: 

A coaching resignation has been received, creating a vacancy within the athletic program. Board approval is required to formally accept the resignation and to post and advertise the position in accordance with district policy and contractual requirements.

Posting the vacancy ensures a fair and transparent hiring process and allows the district to identify a qualified candidate to maintain continuity and support for our student-athletes.

Description: 

All athletic coaching positions in the Jefferson Morgan School District are one year appointments. Each new season requires board approval to reappoint coaching staff as part of standard district procedure and contract obligations.

This annual reappointment process ensures compliance with district requirements and allows the board to formally authorize coaches for the upcoming athletic year.

Description: 

All trips involving students that require staff supervision and the use of substitute teachers must receive formal board approval to ensure alignment with district policy, budgeting, and liability protocols. Approval ensures transparency, supports instructional planning, and confirms that appropriate resources (such as transportation and substitute coverage) are allocated in advance.

 

Request approval for the following trips as budgeted: 

 

• Request approval for the Elementary Drama Group to attend a production at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, May 20th.  Students will be under the supervision of Maddie Loring, Diana Johnson, Lori Gustovich, and a school nurse.  The cost of the bus is $472.42, as budgeted  Jefferson-Morgan School District will be reimbursed by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.  
• Request approval for Mrs. Yanak’s Life Skills and Autistic Support classes to attend the following field trips: the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, Pittsburgh, PA on May 5, 2026, and the Washington Wild Things game, Washington, PA on May 19, 2026, with nursing support provided for both trips.

 

Description: 

All trips involving students that require staff supervision and the use of substitute teachers must receive formal board approval to ensure alignment with district policy, budgeting, and liability protocols. Approval ensures transparency, supports instructional planning, and confirms that appropriate resources (such as transportation and substitute coverage) are allocated in advance.

Request approval for the following trips as budgeted: 

• Request approval for Jodi Fulks to take RLL students to Laurel Hill State Park on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in preparation for the RLL Fishing Derby to stock trout. One substitute teacher will be needed, as well as one van, as budgeted. 

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May 2026

• May Planning Meeting- Monday, May 11, 2026- 6:00 pm (time change due to Senior Awards Ceremony) 
• May School Board Meeting- Monday, May 18th, 2026- 6:30 pm