August 17, 2026 at 6:30 PM - Legislative Meeting

Description: 

Following the resignation of a member of the Jefferson-Morgan Board of Directors, the Board publicly advertised the vacant position and accepted letters of interest and resumes from qualified district residents. Applications were accepted through July 30, 2026.

The Board of Directors conducted interviews with interested applicants during a public meeting on August 10, 2026. Following the interview process and consideration of the qualifications and interest of each candidate, the Board will appoint one individual to fill the vacant seat.

The appointed board member will be sworn in immediately following the appointment and will serve the remainder of the unexpired term through December 2027, in accordance with the Pennsylvania Public School Code.

This action ensures the Board returns to its full nine member composition and maintains effective governance and representation for the Jefferson-Morgan School District.

Description: 

Following the appointment of a new member to the Jefferson-Morgan Board of Directors, the Pennsylvania Public School Code requires the individual to take the Oath of Office before assuming the duties of the position.

The Oath of Office will be administered by School Solicitor Mr. DeHaas during the public meeting. The appointed board member will serve the remainder of the unexpired term through December 2027.

This action ensures compliance with state law and officially qualifies the appointed board member to begin serving the district.

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 Board of School Directors entered into Executive Session in accordance with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act to discuss matters that are legally permitted to be held in private.

The Board met in Executive Session on Monday, August 10th, during its regularly scheduled Planning Meeting for the purpose of conducting interviews for the vacant Board of School Directors seat, as well as to discuss personnel matters and potential litigation

Executive Sessions provide the Board an opportunity to review sensitive and confidential information with the Superintendent, solicitor, or other advisors to ensure informed and lawful decision making. No official action was taken during the Executive Session and any action resulting from these discussions will be considered at a public meeting

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: 

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 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: 

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 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 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: 

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:  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:  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: 

September 2026

• September Planning Meeting- Monday, September 14th, 2026- 5:30 pm 
• September School Board Meeting- Monday, August 21st, 2026- 6:30 pm