During a recent school board meeting, community members voiced concerns regarding the treatment of school employees, particularly custodial staff, amidst ongoing contract negotiations. Lisonbee Sikolsky, a bus aide and cafeteria worker, shared her experience of working extra hours to support the school, highlighting the dedication of staff who often go above and beyond their regular duties.

Karen Godfrey, a lifelong resident and former student of the district, expressed her disappointment over the lack of progress in addressing employee needs, emphasizing that custodial and support staff are essential to the functioning of extracurricular activities and overall school operations. Godfrey's remarks resonated with many in attendance, as she called for the board to prioritize the well-being of these employees.

In response to the public comments, the board provided an update on the status of negotiations with the support union. A representative stated that the district has engaged in 17 negotiation sessions, asserting that they have made reasonable offers while maintaining a stance against public bargaining. The district aims to reach a satisfactory resolution privately, continuing to operate under an extension of the existing contract.

The meeting also included reports on recent events, such as a successful fundraising event organized by the South Fayette Fund Foundation, and announcements regarding upcoming training sessions for board members. The board's commitment to ongoing negotiations and community engagement remains a focal point as they navigate these challenges.