Public Meeting Agenda: August 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting

1. MEETING OPENING

1.A. Call to Order

1.B. Pledge of Allegiance

1.C. Roll Call - Board Secretary

1.D. Notice of Executive Sessions

1.E. Mission Statement: "The Hempfield Area School District, in its commitment to excellence, shall engage and educate all students for personal success through a shared responsibility with the student, family, and community in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment".

2. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES (Attend Voting Meetings starting in September)

Description:
Joseph Coldren, Student Council President; Katie Wentzel, Student Council Vice President

3. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

4. HEARING OF CITIZENS (Agenda Items)

5. BOARD SECRETARY'S REPORT - Dr. S. Learn (VP)

Description: Approval of Board Meeting Minutes

Recommended Motion(s): Motion to approve the minutes of the June 29, 2026, and August 10, 2026, board meetings.

Attachments: (2)

6. BUILDINGS & GROUNDS/TRANSPORTATION - V. DeAugustine (Chair), M. Alfery, L. Stevens

7. EDUCATION - J. Bretz (Chair), M. Alfery, J. Stape, T. Miller

7.A. Approval of the Westmoreland Drug & Alcohol Commission Agreement for a SAP Coordinator.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion to approve the Agreement between Hempfield Area School District and Westmoreland County Drug & Alcohol Commission for SAP Coordinator Services to provide technical assistance and training to ensure compliance with state guidelines.

Attachments: (1)

West Cty Drug & Alcohol SAP Agreement (1)

7.B. Approval of the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit Master Services Agreement with Global Wordsmiths Consortium for Interpretation Services.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion to approve the Master Services Agreement between Hempfield Area School District and Westmoreland Intermediate Unit Global Wordsmith Consortium to provide interpretation and translation services for the 2026-27 school year.

Attachments: (1)

WIU Master Svs Agreement-Interpretation Svs

7.C. Approval of the Global Wordsmith Add-On Agreement for translation and interpretation services.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion to approve the Agreement between Hempfield Area School District and Global Wordsmith Language Services for additional translation and interpretation services, if needed.

Attachments: (1)

Global Wordsmith Add-On Agreement

7.D. Approval of the yearly renewal of the 2026-27 Saint Vincent College Prevention Projects Contract.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion to approve the annual renewal of the St. Vincent Prevention Services Support contract, through a Westmoreland Drug & Alcohol Grant, for the 2026-27 school year.

7.E. Approval of the contracts between Hempfield Area School District and River Rock Academy for AEDY Services.

Description: Approval of the contracts with River Rock Academy to provide Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth (AEDY) services, with costs incurred only if services are utilized.

Recommended Motion(s): Approval of the contracts between Hempfield Area School District and River Rock Academy to provide Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth (AEDY) services.

Attachments: (2)

7.F. Approval of the Agreement between Hempfield Area School District and Catapult Learning, LLC for the 2026-2027 School Year.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion to approve the contract between Hempfield Area School District and Catapult Learning, LLC for the purpose of providing Title I small group instructional services.

Attachments: (1)

Catapult Learning Educational Services Agreement with Hempfield Area Sd (1)

7.G. *new item* Approval of Agreement between Hempfield Area School District and Southwest Behavioral Care, Inc.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion to approve the Agreement between Southwest Behavioral Care, Inc. and Hempfield Area School District for drug and alcohol management and assessment services.

Attachments: (1)

SPHS Behavioral Care Agreement

8. PERSONNEL - J. Stape (Chair), V. DeAugustine, D. Graft

8.A. Approval of Leaves of Absence

Description:
1. Employee #4357 leave of absence effective September 11, 2026, through October 9, 2026 (paid).
2. Employee #4025 leave of absence effective August 13, 2026, through tentatively September 25, 2026 (paid).

8.B. Approval of Resignations & Retirements

Description:
1. Dottie Olear, Food Service Worker at the High School, effective August 10, 2026.
2. Kristy Batchelor, Paraprofessional at West Hempfield Middle School, effective August 10, 2026.

8.C. Approval of Employment

Description:

1. Tyler Zimmer - Physical Education/Strength and Conditioning Teacher (Masters, step 1) at Hempfield Area High School effective August 17, 2026. The terms and conditions are in accordance with the HAEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. (Replacing a retirement)
2. Leigh Harper - Certified School Nurse (Bachelor's scale, step 2) at Wendover Middle and West Point Elementary Schools effective August 17, 2026. The terms and conditions are in accordance with the HAEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. (Replacing a retirement)
3. Ashley Tedmus- 1st Semester LTS Science Teacher (Masters scale, step 1) at the HIgh School effective August 17, 2026 through January 15, 2027. The terms and conditions are in accordance with the HAEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. (Replacing a teacher who on is leave)
4. Substitute to be approved, as needed:  Zemba, Jaydn; Biology Certification.
5.  Scott Armbrust, Temporary Food Service Truck Drive, District-wide, effective August 17, 2026 through December 18, 2026 at an hourly rate of $18.96. Replacing an employee on leave.
6. Thomas Evans, Interim Assistant to the Athletic Director, effective August 14, 2026 through September 25, 2026, at a daily rate of $250.(This is a temporary position.)

8.D. Approval of Transfers

Description: 1. Tyler Warden, Assistant to the Athletic Director to Interim Athletic Director, effective August 14, 2026, through September 25, 2026. He will continue to receive his salary plus a daily rate increase of $50 and benefits as per the Act 93 Plan while serving in this capacity. (This is a temporary position.)

8.E. Approval of other Personnel items

9. SUPPLEMENTALS - M. Alfery (Chair), T. Miller, D. Graft

Description:

1. That the following supplemental contracts be approved and authorized for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Position	Recommendation	2026-2027 Salary Amount
AOL - Pre-K (Pre Counts)	Melissa Thoma	$2,500
AOL - Grade K	Jackie Nestor	$2,500
AOL - Grade 2	Jaclyn Carnes	$2,500
AOL - Grade 4	Natalie Bosley	$2,500
AOL - Grade 5	Alexis Dominy	$2,500
AOL- 6-12 Math	Heather Ridenour	$2,500
AOL- 6-12 Social Studies	Mark Beck	$2,500
AOL- 6-12 Science	Becky Franklin	$2,500
AOL- 6-12 World Lang	Stephanie Onufer	$2,500
AOL - Counselor K-12	Tammi Marshall	$2,500
LLL - West Hempfield Middle - Position 1	Jamie Gacek	$5,000
LLL - Fort Allen Elementary - Position 1	Roxanne Fox	$5,000
Soccer Assistant 7TH/8TH Boys Coach	Max Mapes	$2,288
Football Assistant Varsity Coach	Charles Christman	$5,648
Cheerleading JV Coach	Marley Lucas	$2,761
Cheerleading MS Coach (7th Grade)	Reagan Shick	$2,543
Cheerleading MS Coach (7th Grade)	Reagan Shick	$2,543
Cross Country Assistant 7TH/8TH Coach	Amy Moody	$1,883
Volleyball Asst Girls Coach	Madison Martin	$2,510
Tennis Asst Girls Coach	Habs Damerow	$2,621

2. That the following supplemental contract resignations be approved and accepted:

1. Basketball Girls Varsity Head Coach : Bob Madison

2. Cross Country Varsity Assistant Coach: Bre Feldner

3. Football Varsity Assistant Coach: Dave Murray

4. Soccer Boys 7th/8th Grade Assistant Coach: Heidi Harden

10. POLICY - T. Miller (Chair), J. Bretz, J. Stape

10.A. Approval of Fundraisers

Description:
Hempfield Area High School — Student Council
Receive $2/item for every sale of a Hempfield Spirit Wear item from Dominic's Sporting Goods. Summer of 2026.
Amount expected to raise: $300 to help cover the cost of events/activities sponsored by the student council.

Hempfield Area High School — Student Council
Selling snack cart items to students/staff at the high school. Throughout the 2026-27 school year.
Amount expected to raise: $1 per item to help cover the costs of events/activities sponsored by the student council.

West Point Elementary — West Point PTS
Selling $10 raffle tickets for multiple days. January and April 2027.
Amount expected to raise: $2,000 to defray costs of programs, supplies, and activities for student body.
A small games of chance certificate was received.

West Point Elementary — West Point PTS
Students will participate in the annual "Walk for Education," raising money from donations. Aug 26 - Oct 5, 2026
Amount expected to raise: $20,000 to help decrease the costs of events and shirts for all students.

West Point Elementary — West Point PTS
Holding three Spirit Nights at various restaurants, receiving a portion of proceeds. Oct 12, 2026, Nov 13, 2026, Mar 25, 2027.
Amount expected to raise: $100 per event to help defray costs of activities, supplies, and events for the students.

West Point Elementary - West Point PTS
Dine-to-Donate Spirit days at Chick-fil-A. Various nights throughout the 2026-2027 school year.
Amount expected to raise: $50 - $200 per event to help defray costs of events and T-shirts throughout the year for students.

Hempfield Area High School - Football Parents Club
Holding various fundraisers throughout the 2026-2027 school year, as noted, to benefit the Hempfield Area High School Football Program.
Amounts expected to raise vary.
A small games of chance certificate was obtained.

Harrold School - Harrold Student Council
Selling $1 candy bars/pretzels. Fall of 2026
Amount expected to raise: $2,000 to help support activities at Harrold and rewards for students.

Hempfield Area High School - Mini-THON/the 2027 Senior Class
To solicit contributions for students participating in a 12-hour dance marathon to raise funds for children's cancer and research.
Fundraising will occur over the course of the 2026-27 school year.
Amount expected to raise: (hoping to exceed last year's total of $73,478.32)

*new fundraisers*
Stanwood Elementary - Stanwood CPAT
Spirit Night at Texas Roadhouse receiving a portion of proceeds from sales. June 9, 2026.
Amount expected to raise: $300 to be used for future events and activities benefiting students and staff.

West Hempfield Elementary - PTO Board
Selling temporary tattoos to be applied by teachers. Apr 05 - 28, 2027.
Amount expected to raise: $2,000 to be used for PTO funded activities for the 2026-27 school year.

West Hempfield Elementary - PTO Board
Selling pepperoni rolls. Jan 11 - 22, 2027.
Amount expected to raise: $800 to be used for PTO funded activities for the 2026-27 school year.

West Hempfield Elementary - PTO Board
Holding a book fair for book purchasing. Mar 01 - 05, 2027
Amount expected to raise: $1,000 to be used for PTO funded activities for the 2026-27 school year.

West Hempfield Elementary - PTO Board
Holding Snowball Express Shop for the purchasing various items. Dec 14 - 18, 2026.
Amount expected to raise: $1,000 to be used for PTO funded activities for the 2026-27 school year.

West Hempfield Elementary - PTO Board
New T-Shirt Sales Nov 9 - 20, 2026.
Amount expected to raise: $300 to be used for PTO funded activities for the 2026-27 school year.

West Hempfield Elementary - PTO Board
Selling pies from the Pie Shoppe. Oct 23 - Nov 6, 2026.
Amount expected to raise: $2,000 to be used for PTO funded activities for the 2026-27 school year.

West Hempfield Elementary - PTO Board
Selling items from Mrs. Fields. Oct 05 - Oct 16, 2026.
Amount expected to raise: $8,000 to be used for PTO funded activities for the 2026-27 school year.

West Hempfield Elementary - PTO Board
Holding a book fair for book purchasing. Sept 21 - 25, 2026.
Amount expected to raise: $2,000 to be used for PTO funded activities for the 2026-27 school year.

West Hempfield Elementary - PTO Board
Collecting donations for a Fun-Run. Sept 4 - 25, 2026.
Amount expected to raise: $7,000 to be used for PTO funded activities for the 2026-27 school year.

West Hempfield Elementary - PTO Board
Various Spirit Nights with local businesses. Sept 26 - May 27.
Amount expected to raise: $1,500 to be used for PTO funded activities for the 2026-27 school year.

West Hempfield Elementary - PTO Board
$5 Membership Drive. Aug 17 - Sept 21, 2026.
Amount expected to raise: $800 to be used for PTO funded activities for the 2026-27 school year.

West Hempfield Middle - PTO
Holding a Dine-to-Donate. September 19, 2026
Amount expected to raise: $200 to be used for PTO expenses for student activities and events.

West Hempfield Middle - PTO
Holding a Dine-to-Donate. October 22, 2026
Amount expected to raise: $200 to be used for PTO expenses for student activities and events.

West Hempfield Middle - PTO
Holding a Dine-to-Donate. November 14, 2026
Amount expected to raise: $200 to be used for PTO expenses for student activities and events.

West Hempfield Middle - PTA
Holding a Dine-to-Donate. November 14, 2026
Amount expected to raise: $200 to be used for PTO expenses for student activities and events.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion to approve all fundraisers as submitted.

10.B. Report: Administrative Regulation 913-AR-1 was reviewed and updated.

Attachments: (1)

913-AR-1 Revised

11. FINANCE - T. Miller (Chair), L. Stevens, D. Graft

11.A. Approval of Monthly Financial Reports

Description:
1. That the List of Bills and Payments for the month of July 2026, in the total amount of $9,386,964.81, previously approved during the June 29, 2026 Board Meeting, be accepted into the Minutes.
2. That the List of Bills and Payments for the month of August 2026, in the total amount of $6,691,821.01, be approved as submitted.
3. That the Depository Report for the month of June 2026, be approved as submitted.
4. That the Depository Report for the month of July 2026, be approved as submitted.
5. That the Tax Collector’s Report for the month of June 2026, be approved as submitted.
6. That the Tax Collector’s Report for the month of July 2026, be approved as submitted.
7. That the Activity Statements received for approval in the months of July and August 2026 be approved as submitted.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion to approve all Monthly Financial Reports as presented.

Attachments: (6)

11.B. Approval of exemption from real property taxes for Harry E H Damerow III.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion that approval be given to exempt Harry E H Demerow III from the payment of real property taxes for a period of five (5) years that become due on or after June 22, 2026, per the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs ruling for Disabled Veterans through the State Veterans' Commission.

11.C. Approval of the Annual Applications from Booster Clubs and Support Organizations.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion that the Annual Applications received from the following Booster Clubs and Support Organizations for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, be approved: Choral Parents of Hempfield Area Association; Hempfield Theatre Parent Company; Hempfield Area Boys' Volleyball Parents Association.

11.D. Approval to purchase and pay for new Hot Food Wells.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion that approval be given to purchase and to pay for the purchase of new Hot Food Wells for the Kitchen at West Hempfield Elementary School from Douglas Equipment in the amount of $13,888.00 to be paid through the Food Service Fund.

11.E. Approval to extend the current Agreement with CSM Consulting, Inc.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion that approval be given to extend the current Agreement with CSM Consulting, Inc. for E-Rate Compliance Services for the base amount of $5,500.00 for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

11.F. Approval to extend the current Agreement with DQE Communications.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion that approval be given to extend the current Agreement with DQE Communications for Cloud Storage Services in the Grand Total Amount of $45,120.00 ($960.00 X 47 months) for the period of August 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030.

11.G. Approval to extend the lease Agreement with Merakey Pennsylvania.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion that approval be given to extend the current lease Agreement with Merakey Pennsylvania for the Crossroads Program located in the former East Hempfield Elementary School in the monthly lease amount of $15,000.00 for the term of September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2029.

11.H. Approval to advertise the sale of an old District Dump Truck.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion that approval be given to advertise for the sale of one (1) old District Dump Truck (2011 Dodge).

11.I. Approval to accept and expend the Grant Award for EdLeader Promise/Future-Driven Schools.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion that approval be given to accept and to expend the Grant Award for EdLeader Promise/Future-Driven Schools in the amount of $10,500.00 received from The Grable Foundation during the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

11.J. *new* Approval of exemption from payment of real property taxes for Donald Paul Breig.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion that approval be given to exempt Donald Paul Breig from the payment of real property taxes for a period of five (5) years that become due on or after July 15, 2026 per the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs ruling for Disabled Veterans through the State Veterans' Commission.

11.K. *new* Approval of the donation from Luxor Methodist Church of Greensburg to help pay for the outstanding lunch debt at Maxwell.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion that the donation of funds, received from the Luxor Methodist Church of Greensburg in the amount of $1,254.00 to help pay for the outstanding student lunch debt at the Maxwell Elementary School, be accepted by the District and applied to the outstanding student lunch debt in the District's Cafeteria Fund from the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

12. ATHLETICS - M. Alfery (Chair), V. DeAugustine, D. Graft

Description: Approval of the Athletic Trainer Services Agreement.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion to approve the Athletic Trainer Services Agreement between Excela Health Physician Practices, Inc and the Hempfield Area School District for a six year period starting July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2032.

Attachments: (1)

HAHS Athletic Contract Amendment 2026

13. BOARD SAFETY & SECURITY - M. Alfery (Chair), T. Miller, L. Stevens

14. TECHNOLOGY - J. Bretz (Chair), M. Alfery, T. Miller, J. Stape

15. SCHOOL BOARD - Jerry Radebaugh (Pres.), Dr. Scott Learn (VP)

15.A. Approval of the Agreement and Release between Hempfield Area School District and the parents of student #910596.

Recommended Motion(s): Motion to approve the Agreement and Release between Hempfield Area School District and the parents of Student #910596.

16. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Description:
1. District Safety & Security - Lindsay Stevens
2. Drug Awareness & Prevention - Mr. Mike Alfery
3. Foundation Funds - Dr. Scott Learn
4. Greensburg-Hempfield Library - Mrs. Jennifer Bretz
5. Central Westmoreland Career & Technology Center - Dr. Scott Learn
6. Westmoreland Intermediate Unit - Mrs. Jennifer Bretz

17. HEARING OF CITIZENS (Non-Agenda Items)

18. MEETING CLOSING

18.A. Adjournment

August 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting

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