September 14, 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:  The Administration recommends approval of the proposed use of the District’s $132,887 PCCD School Safety and Mental Health Grant allocation. The proposed plan supports school safety personnel, student health services, and physical security improvements aligned with PCCD’s 2026 Physical Security Baseline Criteria. The plan includes $50,000 for a School Police Officer, $25,000 for an additional School Nurse, $15,526 for 22 security bollards, and $42,361 toward MS/HS gymnasium and auditorium interior security door upgrades. PCCD’s baseline criteria address vehicle barriers and building security measures as well as school security personnel.

Description: 

The administration will provide the Board with an enrollment update for the 2026-2027 school year based on student enrollment as of September 10, 2026.

The review will include PreK through Grade 12 enrollment, students enrolled in the JM eLearning Cyber Academy, and students residing within the District who are participating in homeschool programs. This information will provide the Board with an overview of current enrollment trends and assist with future planning related to staffing, programming, budgeting, and student services.

Description:  Mr. Silbaugh would like to discuss the possible removal of the separate spelling grade from the report card for students in grades 4-6, including the rationale for the change and how spelling performance would continue to be assessed within the ELA curriculum.

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:  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: 

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: 

Ms. Lauren Uveges was originally hired in August for the 4.75 hour cafeteria position at the Middle/High School. Following the retirement that created the 6.75 hour cafeteria vacancy, the administration determined that Ms. Uveges’ culinary background and experience made her a strong fit for the expanded position. The administration therefore offered Ms. Uveges the 6.75 hour position to best utilize her experience while meeting the operational needs of the cafeteria program.

Description: 

The Jefferson Morgan School District participates in the PSBA Policy Maintenance Program to keep district policies current with changes in laws, regulations, and legal requirements. The policies presented for first reading reflect PSBA’s most recent recommended updates. Approval of the first reading begins the formal review process before the policies are presented for final adoption at a future meeting.

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 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.