Board of Education Meeting

The Moon Area Board of Education, meeting May 14, 2018, under the president, approved its agenda largely unanimously, with one notable exception. The board adopted the minutes from April 9 and 23, paid the monthly bills across the General, Activity, and Food Service funds, and approved the proposed final 2018-2019 General Fund budget, which shows revenues of 77,980,182 against expenditures of 83,034,777 and an ending fund balance of 172,939. It also approved revised and new Capital Projects Plans, a bid authorization for Hyde Elementary pending architect and solicitor review, the closing of the Jen Young Scholarship Fund, and a district procurement card roster.

The board accepted Amcom Office Systems' proposal for print management and leased photocopiers, choosing Option #2, but two board members voted against it. Other approvals included a 2018-20 Strategic Plan, an Emergency Operations Plan developed with the Moon Township Police Department, an affiliation agreement with Clarion University for student teachers, and a one-time agreement with VNN, Inc. to enhance athletic websites. The board adopted revised policies 105, 150, 226, and 626, and approved textbook purchases for Applied Biology, Civics/Economics, and AP History.

Personnel actions covered numerous leaves, retirements, summer and Extended School Year hires, student lifeguards, student teacher placements, substitutes, and coaches, including accepting the resignation of a coach. The board approved an Odyssey of the Mind trip to Iowa State University at no cost to the district.

Following the votes, board members expressed frustration over the budget and a teachers' lawsuit carrying earmarked funds. Several members warned of possible cuts and a tax referendum, urging public turnout, while others praised student achievements. The meeting adjourned at 8:13 pm.