Board of Education Meeting

The Moon Area Board of Education met March 11, 2019, under the president, with nine directors present and the solicitor. The board approved the February 11 and 25 minutes, with an amendment noting the February 25 executive session did not occur on February 17 as originally recorded, and approved the accompanying financial reports. It approved the bills for late February to early March.

The board engaged Boenning and Scattergood as underwriter for the refunding of the district's 2009 Build America Bonds, a move the superintendent said could save a significant amount, with funds earmarked for capital reserve rather than the general fund. The vote followed a pointed exchange: two directors questioned why the firm was chosen without competitive bids, citing the fees and eroded trust in board leadership. The superintendent agreed to provide EMMA data showing fees other districts have paid. He stressed the action only authorized preparing the credit packet, not issuing bonds, and that closing would not occur after May 16.

The board approved the 2019-2020 Allegheny Intermediate Unit budget, the IDEA-Part B agreements, an IT equipment leasing authorization, and a Head Start/Pre-K MOU. It appointed two school safety coordinators, approved a student settlement, and authorized field trips for speech and debate, varsity swimming, and an eighth-grade social studies competition. It passed first, second, and third readings of numerous revised policies covering everything from immunizations to graduation requirements.

In personnel, the board granted an employee a sabbatical and another employee a childbearing leave, appointed an interim principal at Bon Meade, and approved student teachers. It rescinded and then approved a revised separation agreement for the former superintendent. The revised school calendar was tabled. In board comments, a director publicly accused board leadership of "poisonous pride," mischaracterizing the February 17 executive session and demanding accountability, while other directors wished the swim and basketball teams luck as they advanced to state competitions. The meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.