August 10, 2026 at 5:30 PM - Planning Meeting

Description: 

Public Comment Statement - Planning Meeting

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

In accordance with Board Policy 800.1, we kindly ask that all speakers:

• State your name and address for the public record.

• Limit comments to items on tonight’s agenda or matters within the district’s jurisdiction.

• Keep remarks to three (3) minutes per speaker, with a total comment period not to exceed thirty (30) minutes.

• Refrain from personal attacks, comments about specific staff or students, or any remarks that violate individual privacy or Board policy regarding civility and respect.

• If you have written materials, please submit them to the Superintendent for distribution after your comments.

The Superintendent will follow up within 24-48 hours, if a response is requested. Please be sure your name, email, and phone number are clearly written on the sign-in sheet.

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

We value your input and remain committed to maintaining a respectful and productive public dialogue.

Please remember:

The Jefferson-Morgan School District Planning Meeting is a working session for the Board of School Directors and administration to review ongoing initiatives and discuss upcoming agenda items in advance of the Legislative Meeting.

Planning Meetings are discussion based only. No votes or formal actions are taken. Items requiring approval are brought forward at the Legislative Meeting, allowing the Board time for questions, clarification, and informed preparation.

When necessary, Planning Meetings may include an executive session to discuss matters permitted under the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act. The reason for any executive session is clearly stated at the start or end of the meeting and noted on the agenda.

 

 

Description:  State law requires school districts to grant real estate tax exemptions for qualifying disabled veterans and reimburse any taxes paid after the effective approval date. Approval ensures compliance with Pennsylvania law and proper financial recordkeeping.

Description:  Jefferson Township has requested the district's nonworking zero turn mower for use in maintaining township properties. The township currently owns and operates the same model and plans to repair the mower for continued municipal use. The mower is no longer operational for district use, and the donation will allow it to be repaired and returned to service while supporting cooperation between local governmental entities and benefiting the community.

Description:  To preserve the district's infrastructure and maximize the lifespan of our paved surfaces, the administration recommends sealcoating the Middle/High School loop during the summer of 2026. The district follows a preventative maintenance approach by completing a portion of the campus blacktop each summer rather than waiting until surfaces significantly deteriorate. This proactive strategy helps protect the pavement from weather, traffic, and normal wear, extends the useful life of the asphalt, and reduces the need for more costly repairs or full replacement in the future. The Middle/High School loop has been identified as the next priority area in our ongoing campus pavement maintenance plan.

Description: 

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development announced a one time Public School Facility Improvement Grant for the 2026 to 2027 school year with a limited 10 day application window. The grant program provides funding for major public school facility improvements and requires a local district funding match. Because the District was not permitted to reapply for last year's proposed HVAC controls and boiler replacement project, the administration identified the replacement of the exterior doors at the elementary school as the District's proposed project for this funding cycle. The project will improve building security, energy efficiency, accessibility, and the long term integrity of the elementary school facility.

Submission of the grant application allows the District to pursue available state funding for this needed capital improvement while reducing the potential financial impact on local taxpayers. Approval of the application authorizes the District to apply for grant funding and acknowledge the required local matching funds if the grant is awarded. Submission of the application does not obligate the District to proceed with the project, as any future construction will remain contingent upon grant award, final project costs, available matching funds, and formal Board approval.

Description: 

The Jefferson Morgan School District completed lead testing of drinking water sources at 12 locations across the Elementary School, Middle/High School, and Field House on July 28, 2026. All samples were below the 0.005 mg/L threshold established under Section 742.1 of the Pennsylvania School Code. The highest result was 0.0028 mg/L.

Under the new School Code requirements for the 2026-2027 school year, results above 0.005 mg/L require an exposure prevention plan, alternative drinking water, and reporting to PDE. No district samples exceeded this threshold. The complete laboratory report is attached and will be made available on the district website for public access

Description:  The District currently has vacancies for Head Varsity Baseball Coach, and Assistant Baseball Coach

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: 

Athletics Game Managers (As Needed)

Recommend approval of the following individual(s) to serve as Athletics Game Managers for the 2026-2027 school year on an as needed basis. Athletics Game Managers are responsible for assisting with the supervision and management of home athletic events, ensuring a safe and well organized environment for student athletes, officials, coaches, and spectators in accordance with district procedures and WPIAL/PIAA expectations. Compensation will be in accordance with the Board approved Athletics Game Manager pay schedule.

Description: 

The administration will discuss the possibility of entering into a PIAA Girls Wrestling Cooperative Sponsorship Agreement with a neighboring school district that currently sponsors an established girls wrestling program following interest expressed by some middle school students.

Jefferson-Morgan does not currently have enough participants to sponsor its own girls wrestling program at this time. A cooperative agreement would provide interested student athletes the opportunity to compete while remaining enrolled at Jefferson-Morgan. Parents would be responsible for transportation to and from practices and contests.

Any proposed agreement would be subject to approval by both school boards and the PIAA and would likely be for a two year period. At the conclusion of the agreement, participation numbers would be evaluated to determine whether Jefferson-Morgan could establish its own girls wrestling program.

This item is presented for discussion purposes only.

Description: 

The 2026-2027 Schoolwide Title I Plan outlines strategies to improve student achievement in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science through targeted instruction, data driven decision making, aligned curriculum, and ongoing progress monitoring. The plan includes goals of increasing ELA and Math proficiency by 5% and Science proficiency by 3% for students in grades 3 through 8.

Title I funding in the amount of $261,722 will support teacher salaries and benefits necessary to implement these instructional initiatives. Approval of the plan ensures compliance with federal Title I requirements while supporting continued academic growth for Jefferson Morgan Elementary students.

Description: 

The administration provided the Board with an update on enrollment for the 2026-2027 Jefferson Morgan Pre Kindergarten Program. The program currently has 12 students enrolled, which is below the desired enrollment level. The district will continue to monitor enrollment throughout the school year.

To better plan for the 2027-2028 school year, the district intends to distribute its annual Pre Kindergarten Interest Survey in November. Conducting the survey earlier will provide families with additional time to express interest while allowing the district to make informed staffing and budgetary decisions.

Moving forward, the administration recommends establishing a minimum enrollment of 15 students for the program to continue operating, with a maximum enrollment capacity of 20 students. If the district does not receive confirmed commitments from at least 15 students for the 2027-2028 school year, the administration will evaluate the long term sustainability of the program and make a recommendation to the Board regarding its future. At this time, this item is presented for discussion and planning purposes only.

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.

Description: 

Each year, the Jefferson-Morgan School District sets aside time for professional development so that our teachers and staff can complete required training. These days are not optional — they are legally mandated by the state and federal government.

Public school staff must complete a wide range of required trainings every year, including:

• Child abuse recognition and reporting

• Trauma-informed approaches

• School safety and emergency procedures

• Special education and 504 plan compliance

• Substance abuse and health education

• English Learner instruction

• Confidentiality and student data privacy

• State testing procedures

• Educator evaluations (Act 13)

• CPR

• First Aid

These are not local choices or extra initiatives — this is the minimum training required by law to operate a public school district in Pennsylvania.

It’s important to note that this schedule only reflects what is required, not what our district would choose to do to support and grow our teachers professionally. In addition to these mandates, we are committed to providing meaningful development focused on literacy, student engagement, instructional technology, and overall student success — because we believe our staff deserve more than the bare minimum.

We appreciate the community’s support as we balance these state requirements with our own goals to improve and innovate for our students.

Description:  The resignation has created vacancies in the High School Academic League Sponsor and High School Act 48 Sponsor positions. Approval of the resignation and authorization to post the positions will allow the district to recruit qualified sponsors and ensure continued support for these student and staff programs.

Description: 

The Jefferson-Morgan School District annually provides school sponsorships to support various student clubs, organizations, and activities. These sponsorships are budgeted as part of the district’s agreement with the Jefferson-Morgan Education Association (JMEA) and are aligned with the collective bargaining agreement.

The purpose of these funds is to ensure equitable opportunities for student involvement, encourage engagement in extracurricular programs, and recognize the valuable contributions of our staff who sponsor and lead these activities. This annual approval is a routine part of district operations and reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting student enrichment beyond the classroom.

Description: 

The Jefferson-Morgan School District annually provides school sponsorships to support various student clubs, organizations, and activities. These sponsorships are budgeted as part of the district’s agreement with the Jefferson-Morgan Education Association (JMEA) and are aligned with the collective bargaining agreement.

The purpose of these funds is to ensure equitable opportunities for student involvement, encourage engagement in extracurricular programs, and recognize the valuable contributions of our staff who sponsor and lead these activities. This annual approval is a routine part of district operations and reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting student enrichment beyond the classroom.

Description:  The interview process for Special Education positions has concluded, and the administration is prepared to move forward with a recommendation for hire. Filling this vacancy will ensure continuity of services and provide the necessary support for elementary students receiving special education services during the 2026-2027 school year.

Description:  Teacher mentors are assigned annually to support newly hired educators as part of the district's induction program and Pennsylvania educator requirements. These assignments provide guidance, professional support, and mentorship to help ensure a successful transition into Jefferson-Morgan School District.

Description: 

In accordance with the Pennsylvania School Code, the school board is asked to approve the change in employment status for eligible teachers from Temporary Professional Employee to Professional Employee (Tenure).

To qualify for tenure in Pennsylvania, a teacher must:

• Complete three consecutive years of satisfactory full-time service within the district;

• Hold a valid Instructional Level I or II teaching certificate;

• Receive at least six satisfactory formal observations over that time;

• Earn a satisfactory final evaluation in their third year;

• Be recommended by the superintendent and approved by the school board.

The individuals being recommended for tenure have met all of these requirements and have demonstrated continued professional growth and commitment to our students and school community. Their recommendation reflects the confidence of the administration in their instructional effectiveness and contributions to the district.

Description:  In accordance with the Pennsylvania School Code, professional employees transferring from another Pennsylvania public school entity are eligible to receive credit for accumulated unused sick leave. State law requires districts to recognize up to 25 verified days, and districts may approve additional transferred sick leave when authorized.

Description:  In accordance with the Pennsylvania School Code, professional employees transferring from another Pennsylvania public school entity are eligible to receive credit for accumulated unused sick leave. State law requires districts to recognize up to 25 verified days, and districts may approve additional transferred sick leave when authorized.

Description: 

The District reviews A La Carte pricing annually to remain compliant with USDA requirements and account for changes in food and vendor costs. The proposed adjustments are minimal and will help maintain quality cafeteria options while supporting responsible operations.

Description: 

According to the Paid Lunch Equity Calculation (PDE) the adult meal lunch price must be increased from $4.85 to $5.25 for the 26/27 SY.  Again for this year, the adult lunch meal consists of the following: Entree, Side, Fruit, Fresh Veggie, Milk, Juice, & Bottle of Water.

Also, according to the Paid Breakfast Equity Calculation (PDE) the adult meal breakfast price must be increased from $3.00 to $3.25 for the 26/27 SY.  Again for this year, the adult breakfast meal consists of the following: Entree, Fruit, Juice & Milk.

This adjustment ensures compliance with PDE regulations. 

Description:  Each August, the school board is asked to approve the official list of bus drivers and bus routes for the upcoming school year as provided by our transportation partner, First Student. This annual approval ensures we remain in compliance with state transportation regulations and confirms that all drivers and routes are in place for a safe and organized start to the 2026-2027 school year.

Description: 

Review and consideration of revisions to Board Policy 237 - Personal Electronic Devices. The proposed revisions modernize the policy to address emerging technologies, including AI enabled wearable devices and smart glasses, strengthen student privacy and safety protections related to unauthorized recording and distribution of images and videos, establish age appropriate expectations for student use of personal electronic devices, and provide administrative flexibility to respond to future changes in technology, educational practices, and applicable laws and regulations. The revisions also authorize the development of administrative procedures to support consistent implementation and enforcement of the District's personal electronic device expectations.

Description:  The Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) periodically reviews and recommends policy updates to ensure school districts remain aligned with current laws, regulations, and best practices. The policies presented for consideration reflect these recommended updates and are intended to maintain compliance, improve operational clarity, and support the effective governance of the district.

Description: 

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.