Virtual Board of Education Meeting

The Moon Area Board of Education held its virtual business meeting on August 10, 2020, called to order by the president at 7:00 p.m., with nine directors present and roughly 329 viewers watching. The board approved the minutes from July 20 and July 27 and a set of financial reports, then authorized the bills for the period July 18 to August 6, 2020, split across the General Fund, Capital Reserve, Activity Fund, Food Service and a further General Fund line.

The board appointed a district superintendent for a four-year term retroactive to July 1, 2020, ending June 30, 2024, subject to a signed contract. The motion passed on a roll call vote with one director dissenting after explaining that a shorter term would cost the district more in termination payouts. The board also approved a resolution granting the superintendent authority to develop a health and safety plan during the COVID-19 emergency, up to four years, and approved a memorandum of understanding with the Moon Education Association governing live synchronous virtual classes. A further motion adopted the state graduation requirements guidance under Act 158 of 2018 for students graduating in 2022 and beyond.

On personnel, the board accepted the retirements of two employees, along with resignations from two employees, approved a Spanish teacher, named a high school principal, and approved multiple leaves of absence, mentors, student teachers and fall coaches. The board also approved a large list of STA bus drivers and monitors. Notably, the board removed the Hyde Playground item from the agenda, choosing to pursue COSTARS competitive pricing rather than General Recreation as contractor. The superintendent and directors spent much of the evening answering community questions about reopening timelines, COVID metrics, sports, band, special education services and the district's cyber school. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.