November 9, 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 will provide a follow-up to previous discussions regarding electrical surge protection throughout the Jefferson-Morgan School District. Recent electrical surge concerns have resulted in damage to district HVAC equipment and the Middle/High School's matrix switcher, creating unexpected repair and replacement expenses.

Although some of these costs may be covered through the district's insurance carrier, the district remains responsible for paying the applicable insurance deductible, resulting in additional unbudgeted expenses.

The Board will discuss potential options for improving electrical surge protection throughout district facilities to better safeguard HVAC systems, technology, and other critical equipment. The goal is to identify preventative measures that could reduce future equipment damage, insurance claims, deductible expenses, and disruptions to district operations.

This item is presented for discussion purposes only.

Description: 

Although the Jefferson-Morgan School District currently has no known cases of measles, we have been taking proactive steps to ensure we are prepared should a suspected or confirmed case occur.

I have been working closely with Mrs. Marti Kern, our school nurse, and our District Safety Team to develop a comprehensive Measles Response Plan based on guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CDC.

As part of these preparations, we have established procedures for identifying and responding to suspected cases, reviewing immunization records, coordinating with public health officials, communicating with families, and addressing potential student and staff exclusions, which could extend up to 21 days following exposure.

We have also developed informational resources and quick-reference guides specifically for parents, staff, school nurses, and administrators to ensure everyone understands the appropriate procedures and expectations.

Our goal is not to create unnecessary concern, but rather to be proactive, informed, and prepared to protect the health and safety of our students, staff, and school community should the need arise.

Description: 

The administration will discuss the potential purchase of Bactronix products and equipment as part of the District's proactive approach to maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment. This proposed investment is focused on preventative measures, including reducing the risk of mold growth, improving routine disinfection, and strengthening our preparedness for potential infectious disease outbreaks.

The proposed investment of $7,272 includes:

1. BactroKill Plus (4 Gallons): A hospital-grade disinfectant designed to kill bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew on treated surfaces throughout our school buildings.

2. BactroBlock (4 Gallons): A preventative antimicrobial treatment that creates an invisible protective coating on surfaces to help prevent mold, mildew, and bacterial growth for up to 90 days.

3. BactroPOD 50 Electrostatic Sprayer: A portable, battery-powered system that electrically charges cleaning solution droplets, helping them coat surfaces evenly and reach difficult areas. This allows custodial staff to treat classrooms, hallways, locker rooms, and other spaces more efficiently.

4. Professional On-Site Training: Bactronix will provide professional training and equipment demonstrations for custodial and maintenance personnel to ensure proper application, safe operation, and effective use of the products. The training is available to an unlimited number of District employees, and each attendee will receive a Certificate of Attendance upon completion.

Overall Purpose: This investment represents another proactive and preventative step by Jefferson-Morgan School District to address potential environmental concerns before they become larger issues. Rather than waiting for mold problems or infectious disease concerns to arise, the District is looking to provide its staff with additional tools, equipment, and professional training to help maintain a cleaner, healthier, and safer environment for our students and employees.

Description: 

The Class of 2028 sponsors are beginning preparations for the senior trip and are requesting approval to move forward with securing hotel accommodations. A $1,000 deposit is anticipated to be needed before December 31, 2026, with the exact deadline still being confirmed by the travel agent.

The class sponsors, Marti Kern and Jodi Fulks, are planning a parent meeting for November 23, 2026, to review trip details and discuss a proposed payment schedule. The goal is to provide families with manageable payment options rather than requiring one large payment.

Board approval would allow the sponsors to proceed with the initial hotel reservation and continue planning the trip while communicating expectations and financial obligations to families.

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 will begin accepting preliminary enrollment commitments for the 2027-2028 Pre-K program on Friday, November 13, 2026. Applications will be accepted for a period of one month to allow the district to gauge community interest and determine whether sufficient enrollment exists to continue operating the program.

During the 2026-2027 school year, the district operated its Pre-K program with only 11 students. With the cost of employing a full-time teacher and classroom aide, operating a classroom with such limited enrollment is not fiscally responsible or sustainable.

Moving forward, the district will clearly communicate to families that a minimum of 15 students must be registered and committed to attending for the district to consider operating the Pre-K program for the 2027-2028 school year. If enrollment does not meet this minimum, the district may elect not to offer the program.

Following the one-month application period, the administration will review enrollment commitments and return to the School Board in January 2027 with a recommendation regarding the future of the Pre-K program for the 2027-2028 school year. This timeline will allow the Board to make a decision early enough to provide families who have registered with adequate notice should the district determine that the program will not operate.

The district recognizes the importance of early childhood education and hopes to continue providing this opportunity. However, we must balance educational opportunities with our responsibility to be fiscally responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars while ensuring families have sufficient time to explore alternative arrangements if necessary.

Description: 

The administration will discuss the possibility of adding a three hour delay option for inclement weather, in addition to our existing two hour delay schedule. This additional option would provide greater flexibility during winter weather conditions while allowing students to attend school, receive meals, and participate in some face to face instruction rather than losing an entire instructional day.

This proposal is strictly in the discussion phase. Before any implementation, the administration would need to work collaboratively with district staff and our employee unions to review scheduling, operational considerations, and contractual obligations while gathering their feedback. No formal action is being requested at this time.

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: 

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:  At the conclusion of each athletic season, the administration and board conduct exit interviews with all varsity head coaches within two legislative board meetings of the season’s end. These interviews are held in executive session to review the season, discuss program goals, and assess overall performance in alignment with district expectations.

All coaching positions in the Jefferson-Morgan School District are one-year appointments; therefore, the exitinterview process helps inform decisions regarding renewal for the following season.

Description: 

This policy has been revised to eliminate the existing flat participation fees and establish a more equitable, cost-based fee structure. Participation fees will now be calculated individually for each athletic or extracurricular program by dividing the total operating expenses, including coaching stipends, transportation, uniforms, equipment, and other associated costs, by the total number of participating students. Fees will be determined once official rosters are established for each season or activity. The revision also clarifies financial responsibilities, billing procedures, and administrative oversight to ensure transparency and consistency.

Description: 

The administration would like to discuss the possibility of establishing a district policy addressing student athletes who are ejected from athletic contests for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Due to an increasing number of ejections involving Jefferson-Morgan student athletes, the administration believes it is important to consider additional consequences beyond those already required by the PIAA and WPIAL. The goal would be to promote sportsmanship, accountability, and appropriate representation of the district during athletic competitions.

This item is presented for initial discussion

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.