October 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting
| Agenda |
|---|
|
1. CALL TO ORDER
|
|
1.1. Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance
Description:
The Chairperson will call the meeting to order with a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
|
|
1.2. Roll Call of Directors
Description:
The Chairperson will direct the Board Secretary to take roll call of directors.
|
|
2. STUDENT REPORTS/RECOGNITION
Description:
The Chairperson will open the floor for reports from the Student School Board Representative - Dane Varner.
|
|
3. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS - PUBLIC COMMENT
Description:
A member of the public present at a meeting of the Board may address the Board on Board agenda item(s) in accordance with Board's rules. If a group issue exists, a representative should be appointed by the group to speak. All presentations will be limited to five (5) minutes per speaker:
|
|
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES/EXECUTIVE SESSIONS/COMMITTEE UPDATES
|
|
4.1. Minutes
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the minutes from the September 21, 2026, meeting as presented.
|
|
4.2. Executive Sessions
Description:
The Mount Union Area Board of Education held the following Executive Sessions during the month of October, 2026:
October 12, 2026 - Personnel and Litigation |
|
4.3. Safety Committee Meeting
Description:
Minutes from the October 8, 2026, meeting were given to the board members for their information. No action is needed on this item.
|
|
4.4. Board Committee Updates
Description:
The Mount Union Area Board of Education did not hold any Board Committee meetings during the month of October, 2026.
|
|
4.5. Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center Minutes
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the minutes of the September 8, 2026, meeting of the Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center as presented.
|
|
4.6. Tuscarora Intermediate Unit #11
Description:
Highlights from the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit #11 meeting of October 8, 2026, were given to the board members for their information. No action is needed on this item.
|
|
4.7. TIU #11 - Election of Board Members for 2027 by Mail Ballot
Description:
Notification from the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit #11 that the Election of Board Members for 2027 will be by Mail Ballot. No action on this item is needed at this time.
|
|
5. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
|
|
5.1. Administrators and Superintendent Reports
Description:
The Chairperson will open the floor for Administrators and Superintendent Reports.
|
|
6. PRESENTATIONS
|
|
7. CONSENT VOTE
|
|
7.1. Consent Vote
Description:
To make more efficient use of meeting time, the Board of Education authorizes the use of a consent agenda as part of the meeting agenda. A Consent Agenda allows for one motion to approve multiple items, and such items are identified as such on the Agenda. The President of the Board will ask for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda and will ask if Board member(s) wish to have a discussion and/or clarification on specific item(s) contained within the Consent Agenda. Following the discussion, the Board will then vote on the Consent Agenda motion. In addition, a Board member may request to have an item removed from the Consent Agenda in order to vote on the motion separately.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Consent Vote - Agenda Items as presented from Consent Vote - Board Item #8 to Consent Vote - Finance and Purchase Item #13.
|
|
8. CONSENT VOTE - BOARD
|
|
8.1. Merakey Agreement for Educational Program Support Services for the 2026-2027 School Year
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the agreement between Merakey and the District for the provision of Educational Program Support Services and Extended School Year for the Altoona, East Freedom, and State College locations and approval of the rates for the respective locations for the 2026-2027 school year as presented.
|
|
8.2. Contract - Tuscarora Intermediate Unit #11 Services
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the contract between Mount Union Area School District and the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit #11 for Special Education Services at a cost of $152,127.48, as presented.
|
|
8.3. Contracted Services - Mainstream Counseling
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Christy Steidle from Mainstream Counseling to present the Too Good for Violence Program for the 2026-2027 school year (Health - Grade 5). Parental permission will be obtained for student participation prior to instruction.
|
|
8.4. Contracted Services - Reaching Destinations
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Deanne Wensel from Reaching Destinations to present the Reaching Destinations Program for the 2026-2027 school year (Health - Grade 5). Parental permission will be obtained for student participation prior to instruction.
|
|
8.5. Intergovernmental Agreement
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement between Mount Union Area School District, Huntingdon County, and Mount Union Borough as presented.
|
|
8.6. Agreement - Amergis Education Staffing, Inc.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve a two-year agreement with Amergis Education Staffing, Inc., as presented, effective upon Board approval.
|
|
8.7. Agreement - MUASD and Team Tutor, LLC
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the agreement between the Mount Union Area School District and Team Tutor, LLC, as presented.
|
|
8.8. PSBA 2027 Election Vote Receipt: Enter into the Minutes
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to enter into the minutes of the meeting the District's Voting Receipt for the PSBA 2027 Election as voted electronically on September 21, 2026, by the Board Secretary, Stephanie E. Stains, as directed by the Board at the September 21, 2026, Board meeting.
|
|
8.9. Declare Technology Items Surplus/Obsolete
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to declare obsolete 12 Desktop Minis, 12 monitors, 25 iPads, and 1 Promethean Board as presented.
|
|
8.10. PDE Schoolwide Title I Plans - Kistler Elementary and Shirley Township Elementary
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the Schoolwide Title I Plans for Kistler Elementary and Shirley Township Elementary as presented.
|
|
8.11. Flood Insurance Renewal - 2026-2027 School Year
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to accept Option A from Wright National Flood Insurance Company for flood insurance for the Junior/Senior High School and Field House effective November 1, 2026, at a cost of $3,087 (Field House) and $8,944 (High School) as presented.
|
|
9. CONSENT VOTE - PERSONNEL
|
|
9.1. New Hire - E. Bafile
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Emma Bafile as full-time Secondary Science teacher, at a salary of $50,910 (B+24, Step 3), to be pro-rated for the 2026-2027 school year, with an effective start date contingent upon receiving all required paperwork.
|
|
9.2. Retirement - P. Swanger
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to accept the retirement of Pete Swanger, full-time Custodian, effective November 13, 2026. Pete has worked for the district for 32 years.
|
|
9.3. Retirement - N. Woods
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the retirement of Naomi Woods, full-time Paraprofessional, effective November 11, 2026. Naomi has worked for the district for 15 years.
|
|
9.4. Resignation - M. Baker
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to accept the resignation of Michael Baker, Secondary Social Studies Teacher, effective November 27, 2026. Michael has worked for the district for 2 years.
|
|
9.5. Volunteer/Chaperone - Outdoor Club
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Tyler Stains as a volunteer/chaperone for the Outdoor Club.
|
|
9.6. Cafeteria Substitute - 2026-2027 School Year
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Tierany McConaughey as a substitute cafeteria worker for the 2026-2027 school year, pending all required paperwork.
|
|
9.7. Substitute Paraprofessional - B. Smith
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Bralyn Smith as a substitute Paraprofessional, pending all required paperwork.
|
|
9.8. Additional Act 86 Substitute Teachers
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the following as Act 86 Prospective Substitute Teachers for the 2026-2027 school year, pending required paperwork: Ellison Zook - effective October 6, 2026, and Aaylah Ludwiczak.
|
|
9.9. FMLA Extension - Employee #662
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Employee #662 to extend their FMLA request through October 13, 2026.
|
|
9.10. Supplemental Positions - Curriculum Coordinator
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the following for the Supplemental Curriculum Coordinator Positions with a stipend of $2,400 per person, to be pro-rated for the 2026-2027 school year: Kelly Hicks, Kayleigh Herring, Nancy Corson, Trisha Grove, Sandy Snair, Mariah Hutchison, Marie Dixon, and Stacy Overcash, leaving one position open. The Board approved 9 positions on July 20, 2026.
|
|
9.11. Juniata College Observation Students
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the following Juniata College Observation Students: Bella Auman, Bella Yocum, and Brooke Conover. The students will be observing at Shirley Township Elementary 4 hours per week.
|
|
9.12. Salary Adjustment - E. (Scott) Chilcote
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to adjust the salary of Ericka (Scott) Chilcote, Elementary Special Education Teacher, at a salary of $50,310 (Bachelor, Step 3) for the 2026-2027 school year.
|
|
9.13. Conference Request - A. Yocum
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Alesha Yocum to attend the School Leaders' Guide to Strategic Observations and Conversations at TIU #11 on October 13, 2026, with a cost of $75 for registration.
|
|
9.14. Conference Request - C. Dixon
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Cathy Dixon to attend the PAIU Labor and Employment Update at the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit #11 on November 19, 2026, at a cost of $75 for registration.
|
|
9.15. Conference Request - H. Walker
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Hannah Walker to attend the SAP Two Day K-12 Training at the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit #11 on November 2 - 3, 2026, at an approximate cost of $350 for registration.
|
|
9.16. Conference Request - R. Zook and M. Hutchison
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Rachel Zook and Mariah Hutchison to attend the 2026 PaPBS and MTSS Integrated Implementers' Forum at PaTTAN Central on November 4 - 6, 2026, at an approximate cost of $1,317.44 for Substitutes, mileage, lodging, and registration.
|
|
9.17. Conference Request - J. Taylor
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Jen Taylor to attend the PAIU Legal Updates for Educational Leaders on November 19, 2026 and February 18, 2027 at the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit #11 at a cost of $150 for registration.
|
|
9.18. Conference Request - J. Taylor - PASBO
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Jen Taylor to attend the PASBO Collective Bargaining Symposium on October 26 - 27, 2026, at Harrisburg, with an approximate cost of $664.20 for mileage, registration, lodging, and meals.
|
|
9.19. Conference Request - C. Dixon - PASBO
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Cathy Dixon to attend the Collective Bargaining Symposium at PASBO on October 26 - 27, 2026, at an approximate cost of $395.26 for mileage, lodging, and registration.
|
|
10. CONSENT VOTE: EDUCATION
|
|
10.1. Field Trip - Marching Band - Mapleton Parade
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Tyler Dixon, Marie Dixon, Michael Baker, Sami Sieber, and Cody Sieber to accompany 47 marching band students to the Mapleton Halloween Parade on October 17, 2026, with costs to the district for a bus and use of District van with trailer.
|
|
10.2. Field Trip - Marching Band - Mount Union Parade
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Tyler Dixon, Marie Dixon, Michael Baker, Sami Sieber, and Cody Sieber to accompany 47 marching band students to the Pet Parade and Mount Union Halloween Parade on October 29, 2026, with costs to the district for a bus and use of District van with trailer.
|
|
10.3. Field Trip - Marching Band - Huntingdon Parade
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Tyler Dixon, Marie Dixon, Michael Baker, Sami Sieber, and Cody Sieber to accompany 47 marching band students to the Huntingdon Halloween Parade on October 19, 2026, with costs to the district for a bus and use of District van with trailer.
|
|
10.4. Field Trip - Band - Senior High County Band HASD
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Tyler Dixon to accompany 20 students to the Senior High County Band on November 16 - 17, 2026, at the Huntingdon Area High School, with costs to the district for a substitute and bus.
|
|
10.5. Field Trip - Band - Senior High County Band JVSD
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Tyler Dixon to accompany 30 students to the Senior High County Band on November 23 - 24, 2026, at the Juniata Valley High School, with costs to the district for a substitute and bus.
|
|
10.6. Field Trip - Shirley Township Elementary - Juniata College
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Stacy Overcash and Dean Endres to accompany 30 students to the Keystone Competition at Ellis Hall, Juniata College on October 28, 2026, with costs to the district for substitute and bus.
|
|
10.7. Field Trip - 3rd Grade - Penns Cave
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Stephanie Hancock, Margaret Mills, Meghan Williams, Curtis King, Sybil Miller, Pam Crouse, Pam Jenkins, Tammy Smith, Robin Weaver, and Jamie Bowser to accompany 101 3rd grade students to Penns Cave on November 4, 2026, with the PTO covering all costs.
|
|
10.8. Field Trip - FBLA - Mutual Benefit Partnership Tour
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Vicki Cooper to accompany up to 9 students to the Mutual Benefit Partnership Tour in Huntingdon on November 4, 2026, with costs to the district for substitute and use of district van.
|
|
10.9. Field Trip - Outdoor Club
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Stephanie A. Stains, Autumn Byler, Yvette Satteson, Raquel Ernest, and Ben Smith to accompany approximately 25 students to participate in the Halloween Hike at Alan Seeger Park on October 31, 2026, with cost to the district for the use of district vans.
|
|
10.10. Fundraiser - Mount Union Elementary PTO - Vacation Raffle
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the Mount Union Elementary PTO to have a Vacation Raffle in April, 2027, to raise funds for field trips, Santa Shop, and Teacher Appreciation.
|
|
10.11. Fundraiser - Mount Union Elementary PTO - Little Caesars Pizza
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the Mount Union Elementary PTO to sell Little Caesars Pizza from
January 25 - February 5, 2027, to raise funds for field trips, Santa Shop, and Teacher Appreciation.
|
|
10.12. Fundraiser - Junior Class - Butter Braids
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the Junior Class to sell Butter Braids and Cake Rolls on November 1 - November 20, 2026, to raise funds for Prom and Class account.
|
|
10.13. Fundraiser - FFA - Country Meats Beef Sticks
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve FFA to sell Country Meats Beef Sticks on October 26 - November 16, 2026, to raise funds for various Chapter activities.
|
|
10.14. Fundraiser - FFA - Pee Jay's Fresh Fruit
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve FFA to sell Pee Jay's Fresh Fruit on October 26 - November 16, 2026, to raise funds for various Chapter activities.
|
|
10.15. Fundraiser - FFA - Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve FFA to sell Sandy Ridge Ham and Cheese Sandwiches on January 4 - January 29, 2027, to raise funds for the ACES FFA trip.
|
|
10.16. Fundraiser - FFA - Discount Cards
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve FFA to sell Discount Cards on March 1 - April 1, 2027, to raise funds for various Chapter activities.
|
|
10.17. Fundraiser - FFA - Whoopie Pies
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve FFA to sell The Farm Whoopie Pies on January 4 - January 29, 2027, to help fund the ACES FFA trip.
|
|
10.18. Fundraiser - FFA - Pie Shoppe Pies
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve FFA to sell Pie Shoppe Pies on February 15 - March 12, 2027, to raise funds for various Chapter activities.
|
|
10.19. Fundraiser - FFA - Valentine's Flowers
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve FFA to sell Valentine's Day flowers on February 1 - February 14, 2027, to raise funds for various Chapter activities.
|
|
10.20. Fundraiser - MU Band Boosters - Various Food Items
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the Mount Union Band Boosters to sell Pickled Pimp October - November, 2026 and Marianne Hoagies and Delgrosso Salsa March, 2027, to raise funds for new trailer and student accounts.
|
|
10.21. Fundraiser - Jr. High PIC - Gift Cards
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Jr. High PIC to sell gift cards from November 18 - December 3, 2026, to raise funds for field trips and other activities.
|
|
11. CONSENT VOTE: BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
|
|
12. CONSENT VOTE: TRANSPORTATION AND ATHLETICS
|
|
12.1. Wrestling Coaches/Volunteers - 2026-2027 School Year
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the following Wrestling Coaches/Volunteers for the 2026-2027 season:
Frederick Schleicher - Head Varsity Coach - $4,400; Dylan Knable - Assistant Varsity Coach - $2,350; Derek Tress - Head Jr. High Coach - $2,575; Brian Wertz - Assistant Jr. High Coach - $2,200; Andrew Todaro - Volunteer Coach; Tyler Foor - Volunteer Coach; William Dubler - Volunteer Coach; Caleb Gilliland - Volunteer Coach; Austin Low - Volunteer Coach; and Dawson Low - Volunteer Coach, pending all required paperwork.
|
|
12.2. Elementary Wrestling Volunteers - 2026-2027 School Year
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the following as Volunteers for the Elementary Wrestling Program for the 2026-2027 season: Ronnie Grove, Jamie Nagel, Mark Price, Dylan Knable, Justin Snyder, Devon Snyder, Kyle Grissinger, and Johnny Bankes, pending all required paperwork.
|
|
12.3. Girls Basketball Coaches/Volunteers - 2026-2027 School Year
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the following Girls Basketball Coaches/Volunteers for the 2026-2027 season: Haley Krause - Head Varsity Coach - $4,900; Daniel Myers - Assistant Varsity Coach - $2,450; Patyn Crisswell - Head Jr. High Coach - $2,575; Trisha Grove - Assistant Jr. High/Varsity Coach - $2,500; Keith Krause - Volunteer Assistant; and Maddie Dimoff - Volunteer Assistant, pending all required paperwork.
|
|
12.4. Boys Elementary Basketball Volunteers - 2026-2027 School Year
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the following Boys Basketball Elementary Volunteer Coaches for the 2026-2027 season: Shawn King, Skylar Barcelona, Bobby Wasson, Jeremy Raddle, Johnny Martinez, and Maurice Rodgers, pending all required paperwork.
|
|
12.5. Bocce Ball Coach - 2026-2027 School Year
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Sandra Kay Rickabaugh as the Bocce Ball Head Coach - $1,210, for the 2026-2027 season.
|
|
12.6. Jr. High Softball Coaches/Volunteers - 2026-2027 School Year
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the following Coaches/Volunteers for Jr. High Softball: Jake Coffman - Head Jr. High Coach - $2,500; Shanee Clemens - Assistant Jr. High Coach - $2,200; Jessica Scott - Volunteer Assistant/Scorekeeper; Sophie Smith - Volunteer Assistant; and Sarah Waite - Volunteer Assistant, pending all required paperwork.
|
|
12.7. Additional Contracted Drivers - 2026-2027 School Year
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Chelsea Stubler and Brooklynn Stetts as a substitute contracted van drivers for the 2026-2027 school year.
|
|
13. CONSENT VOTE: FINANCE AND PURCHASE
|
|
14. GENERAL: BOARD
|
|
14.1. Resolution To Not Increase Tax Rate Above Index for the 2027-2028 General Fund Budget
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to adopt the Resolution for the Mount Union Area School District to not increase its tax rate by more than the index established by the Department of Education for the District of 5.2% for the 2027-2028 school year general fund budget.
|
|
15. GENERAL: PERSONNEL
|
|
15.1. Revised ACT 93 Staff Contract
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to revise the ACT 93 Staff Contract to reflect a 260-day work year for the position of Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, increased from 248-days, as presented.
|
|
15.2. Additional Act 86 Substitute Teacher
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Marcella Whitesel as Act 86 Prospective Substitute Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year, pending required paperwork.
|
|
16. GENERAL: EDUCATION
|
|
16.1. Esports Club
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the formation of the Mount Union Area High School Esports Club as presented.
|
|
17. GENERAL: POLICY
|
|
18. GENERAL: BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
|
|
19. GENERAL: TRANSPORTATION AND ATHLETICS
|
|
20. GENERAL: FINANCE AND PURCHASE
|
|
20.1. Treasurer's Report
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to accept the Treasurer's Report for the month of September 2026 as presented.
|
|
20.2. Bills
Description:
Motion to approve the bill for October 2026 for the Activity Fund, Cafeteria Fund, General Fund and Payroll Fund as presented:
Activity Fund (paid): $16,236.49 General Fund (paid): $1,837,807.11 Payroll Fund (paid): $167,448.28 Cafeteria Fund (to be paid): $111,776.05 General Fund (to be paid): $844,501.96
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the bill for October 2026 for the Activity Fund, Cafeteria Fund, General Fund and Payroll Fund as presented.
|
|
21. PUBLIC COMMENTS - END OF MEETING
|
|
21.1. Public Comments - 3 minutes - No Personnel Items
Description:
A member of the public present at a meeting of the Board may address the Board on items except for personnel items in accordance with the Board's rules. If a group issue exists, a representative should be appointed by the group to speak. All presentations will be limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.
|
|
22. CORRESPONDENCE
|
|
22.1. Conference Report - C. McClure
Description:
Conference Report - Christian McClure
|
|
22.2. Conference Report - C. Dixon
Description:
Conference Report - Cathy Dixon
|
|
23. OTHER ITEMS TO DISCUSS
|
|
23.1. Board Meetings for November, 2026
Description:
The Mount Union Area Board of Education will hold the following meetings during November, 2026:
Items for the regular board meeting agenda should be in the District Office by November 2, 2026. |
|
24. ADJOURNMENT
|
|
24.1. Adjournment
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to adjourn the meeting at _________ p.m.
|
