[{"_1":2,"_107":-5,"_108":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,85,97],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6689964,"mediaKeyId","2245724-68b6689457a3ec3b3094e260be2119f5","parentId",2245724,"title","Board hears proposals on tax-collector fee increases, cyber insurance renewal and a PSBA posting fee","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",7680000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2245724-68b6689457a3ec3b3094e260be2119f5&start=7680&end=7680","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2245724-68b6689457a3ec3b3094e260be2119f5/thumbnail_7680000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6689964/Pennsylvania/Board-hears-proposals-on-tax-collector-fee-increases-cyber-insurance-renewal-and-a-PSBA-posting-fee","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6689964-0bc90fa9d52952edbd4574184512a65e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770698900&Signature=d1u7eAks01e4IuXdLNAsXzEss7Ek9fDaf6~QdDDmkMi7T-DX-twqAvB8MR8aUZHJTVmuPMwEJxMWtT4rpp8xHVeZJhq0u0NpY7len2p2iKIK2vPST6zbHMaCvnkyt198MuUt6cix62YzHUPTmkwh42~Pgotquc7HLm95dDFWHe13O7o1C0DQE7oDUv3sqk6h4lNzVC-D3LNWHBfol-Vdi-xLIBomtH1DFbC3E58zzCEZXi0iNGC0w0-BilyMXSQXzxvoFMRk3ZuaenSEQMXYAhBVYbB8Lk0jtIDIbvZqs1G3x6KpYo1RfprISaxkYl7gthJ0CCGi-1~zBA-bIXvDXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Punxsutawney Area School District","date","2025-02-07T03:16:16.947Z","article","The board on Tuesday discussed a set of routine financial and administrative matters: a proposed multi-year increase for tax-collector fees, renewal of cyber insurance coverage and a membership/posting fee for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA).

On tax-collector fees, staff reviewed options for the four-year fee cycle that begins with 2026 collections. Administration recommended a modest approach: apply a 3% increase per year across fee categories rather than a single large jump or leaving fees unchanged. “I can build that chart for you to have for Tuesday,” a staff member said; board members generally supported a 3% annual adjustment for the next four years and asked staff to prepare the necessary figures for formal action.

The board also reviewed the district’s cyber insurance renewal. Staff said a renewal quote was available and the premium had decreased; because the policy would expire before the next meeting, the administration asked permission to sign the policy and seek retroactive approval from the board. No board member objected in the discussion; staff said they coordinated coverage compatibility with on-site software and the district’s IT team.

A brief exchange addressed a $575 PSBA posting fee to list the superintendent vacancy in addition to the district’s annual PSBA membership (noted in the packet as $14,381). One board member criticized the additional posting fee despite the district’s existing membership payments and said the board should evaluate the value it receives from PSBA before renewing or paying add-on services. Staff said the superintendent search consultant had already posted the vacancy with PSBA and that the membership renewal falls at the end of the school year.

Other financial items on the packet included standard audit engagement proposals and auxiliary account activity; no formal financial votes took place during the discussion, but staff indicated the cyber renewal and tax-collector fee proposal would appear on future consent or business agendas for formal action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Punxsutawney School Board Committee Meeting, Thursday, February 6, 2025, 7PM","oneSentenceSummary","Administrators proposed a 3% per-year increase over the next four years to tax-collector fees, recommended renewing the district’s cyber insurance (with staff signing the policy if needed before the next meeting), and discussed a $575 PSBA fee to post the superintendent vacancy amid broader questions about PSBA membership value.","taxTitle","Punxsutawney Area SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",70120,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":42,"_43":78,"_45":78,"_46":79,"_48":80,"_50":81,"_52":82,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6689969,"Board debates August start, snow makeup days and a redesigned high school schedule",3016000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2245724-68b6689457a3ec3b3094e260be2119f5&start=3016&end=3016","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2245724-68b6689457a3ec3b3094e260be2119f5/thumbnail_3016000.jpg","/articles/6689969/Pennsylvania/Board-debates-August-start-snow-makeup-days-and-a-redesigned-high-school-schedule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6689969-ec8fec3b3367f4f7e4b49a85d1cd31ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1770698900&Signature=gNxFohng3UPnTaneCUS-Q~6jpZPMvGREjDB2YgA3twMH~rov4gVIkdPhOjxQySEl0pUsxdpFtbQ2-tFkwuk51DEd2MdbdIRZwPQwnxN6ZROjOKaUthlPqiIQ-uRpFvqvCdJauJNvsERdnRLrpcclKU7rIPiXvcDhl34LogOZV6B2FKLoUnwDciPBoH-zVtmiZx2HZ6MUK3L0jCL~kXLdyNs8E8tTKMUL6EoYabvZcNmYXxHcocojECGicu1uZHJ2asPPCmmPJ2nbVO-O2OyB32Ld1zxn9wWVgdHuYtl9dDZnQxDqx7nZQRtsg0AommkP-TbDPtF~tJ0I8n0UGNVgXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Punxsutawney Area SD board on Tuesday examined a draft 2025-26 school calendar and a substantial redesign of the high school master schedule, prompting disagreement among members over start dates, flex days and the effect on electives and related-arts instruction.

Administrators presented a calendar in which the student start date would be about Aug. 20, the end of year would fall later in May, and the district would increase built-in snow-makeup options from two to three days. “I think August 20 is way too early,” one board member said; other board members and administrators said the proposed timeline aligns with neighboring districts and accommodates holiday placements and extra built-in snow days.

On scheduling, Dr. Smilko (the district administrator leading the schedule redesign) described a proposed high school schedule intended to preserve instructional time in tested subjects while providing more flexibility for labs and applied courses. Under the plan presented, teachers would report at 7:20 a.m. and end their day around 2:50 p.m.; students’ doors would open at 7:30 a.m. with instruction beginning roughly at 7:40 a.m., and student dismissal was proposed around 2:30 p.m. The high school would move to a daily set of eight 40-minute instructional periods plus a 30-minute “star” period; twice weekly the school would run a “modified schedule” that doubles selected periods so students receive an 80-minute block with a teacher for lab, shop or extended activities.

The junior-high schedule would shift related-arts offerings, condensing some courses so students have more time in ELA and math. That raised concerns from board members who said half-year music, band and arts offerings could leave students with insufficient continuity; a board member said several students and parents told the board they dislike in-and-out flex days and prefer a calendar that ends earlier in May.

Administrators said they had consulted teachers, department heads, union representatives and IT (Synergy) while drafting the schedule and that they would continue refining the plan with music and related-arts staff to preserve band, chorus and applied classes. “We want to make sure that we're still giving those junior-high kids that opportunity as well,” the high school administrator said of band and chorus scheduling.

Board members asked for alternative calendar drafts and requested at least one additional draft showing an earlier end-of-year option. Administrators said they would prepare multiple calendar drafts and bring back revised proposals for discussion and possible vote at a subsequent meeting. The board did not take a final vote on the calendar or master schedule on Tuesday.","Administrators proposed a school calendar starting around Aug. 20 with additional flexible instruction/snow makeup days and a redesigned high school master schedule that shortens some teacher hours, adds daily 40-minute periods and introduces a weekly double-period (‘modified schedule’) for selected high school classes.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":88,"_43":89,"_45":90,"_46":91,"_48":92,"_50":93,"_52":94,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":95,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":96,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6689974,"Board discusses playground drainage liability, pool scoreboard options and routine maintenance purchases",94,496000,590000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2245724-68b6689457a3ec3b3094e260be2119f5&start=496&end=590","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2245724-68b6689457a3ec3b3094e260be2119f5/thumbnail_496000.jpg","/articles/6689974/Pennsylvania/Board-discusses-playground-drainage-liability-pool-scoreboard-options-and-routine-maintenance-purchases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6689974-7f0e88919065b647297f562384dbebb2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770698900&Signature=oRuX3eTrcaur1kTGLDKv7gBgfdqMJVXnAr7tZ1hDKZnRjUyTfQsbKVRV3UXNPAfEh8knT7yR7Xar0h1CHULumSJ~-y2~Qy2OaLtOO-8cto88aAgirqCcmdM3wA3iTJ41N9tIZXEUhGHP7v0ngZxGVlgzvMaoCiYsjFF3pYJD8E9Qb-aE3U1pti75f66ejZcBeXju2gTomKTmsFlh2qg-CektbvToZZuKkJ3cX77bVSO-97NXG9ZrP83pQ4ZwwvvYEOTgFyrIHjrLcb606TUCyH95JPvu2x7d7ctNee44t6ASJ0EeEKoDNBgm-GC5acxM-~OQiKu3KJZmajAubrkqXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members and staff on Tuesday reviewed several building and maintenance items, including a contested playground drainage design, potential alternatives to expensive pool work, and routine maintenance purchases.

Staff described a playground project where recent engineering estimates included higher costs to bury cables and address drainage. A board member asked whether the district should obtain a second engineering opinion before work begins. “I feel we need something to put in there. Yeah. I do too,” one administrator said during the discussion; another staff member summarized legal advice, saying, “the way the contract has been drawn up that if it can't be completed within the parameters that have been, agreed to, then that liability is gonna go back on the contractor and or the architect.” That comment reflected the district’s solicitor and contracting-team review, which the administration said has been in communication with the architect and contractor.

Some members said they worried the contractor and architect could dispute liability later, and recommended obtaining written contractor recommendations now rather than waiting for a later dispute. Staff said that hiring a second engineer would reduce the risk of post-construction expense but would add upfront cost.

On the pool, staff said engineers previously provided an estimate “in the 200 and some thousand dollar” range to bury cables; staff are pursuing less expensive options that avoid burying cables and expect to show alternatives next month. Related routine maintenance items included a proposed purchase order of $5,000 for an annual inspection by Pittsburgh Stage. “We do that every year,” a board member said; staff confirmed it is a required inspection.

Other facilities notes addressed installation scheduling and small repairs: a new unit (referred to in discussion as a “loo”) has arrived for the elementary school and staff said they will coordinate power and mounting once installers confirm the precise location; auditorium ceiling speakers that were not working were reported and staff agreed to investigate. Staff also described transportation-related items on the agenda — three transfers, a new driver and a van replacement — which drew no substantive questions at the meeting.

No formal contract award or change order was approved during the meeting; staff said legal counsel (Knox Law) and the district attorney had reviewed permitting and contract language and that staff would bring any needed contract adjustments or insurance clarifications back to the board.","Board members reviewed playground drainage concerns that could shift liability to contractors or architects under the contract, debated getting a second engineering opinion, and staff described lower-cost options for pool scoreboard cabling and routine purchases including an annual Pittsburgh Stage inspection.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":42,"_43":100,"_45":100,"_46":101,"_48":102,"_50":103,"_52":104,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":105,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":106,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6689978,"District staff demonstrate classroom uses of AI and outline timeline for on-site fingerprinting service",1513000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2245724-68b6689457a3ec3b3094e260be2119f5&start=1513&end=1513","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2245724-68b6689457a3ec3b3094e260be2119f5/thumbnail_1513000.jpg","/articles/6689978/Pennsylvania/District-staff-demonstrate-classroom-uses-of-AI-and-outline-timeline-for-on-site-fingerprinting-service","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6689978-4200c977b20c792228f3bb0f998bbdec/orig.mp4?Expires=1770698900&Signature=P-rDoRkD~d5D7vU~7xwFzms2FMRU0-yCE9Rh8cKn0PMSWmY0rWjv4VwdnVSIaAhj6B2JRRkzt1qntuH4xBU9F-umBeZkUkgZzAUde4DuYGfPrfD757ifIncsUKYUcx~apTyvJuOg9v~SskYnmkBuoQU4IvHaC4vWu8NIxgLWjFR84buPAtChLdt~zv-UvgBe715mzOHv~uXzRKZlb0jitaMW8fjfUgRqP-OZSZB01YAvnzXH~3OKI4oiVxaZAyUlZPbKU-syFBAYZmif8qzGUukQsUJmK8GTQ4HTbtVORStWlxGcswdsoy1rSYRAjca~7r9RMQrq6EKrIpB9I~XxBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Punxsutawney Area SD technology staff on Tuesday demonstrated how the district is piloting artificial-intelligence tools in classrooms and described next steps for an on-site fingerprinting service the district plans to host.

At a presentation, staff showed Curapod — an interactive lesson platform — and said it is already being used in lessons to create activities, anonymize student responses with randomized names and produce AI-assisted feedback for student writing. “What we're using here, as part of our our presentation is an application called Curapod,” a district technology presenter said, demonstrating a live poll and an AI writing tutor built into the platform.

The presentation framed AI as a tool to “work smarter, not harder,” with examples including generative image tools in Photoshop, Canva graphics for school materials and Magic School for educator resources. Beth, identified in materials as a co-tech coach, said generative AI creates new content — text, images or audio — and that the district is teaching staff to use it responsibly in lessons.

The session included practical safeguards and policy notes. Presenters said teachers remain the content experts and that the district blocks most external AI sites unless staff request them; the district has an approval process for classroom AI tools. Presenters reiterated a privacy caution: teachers and students should not input personally identifiable information into AI tools.

Separately, Doctor Vasquez, who presented federal programs and curriculum items earlier, explained the timeline for an IDEMIA fingerprinting station the district has contracted: the board will be asked to approve related paperwork at the next business meeting; once signed the district will submit the application the following day and schedule trainer visits. Vasquez said trainers sometimes travel from other states; the onsite training runs three days, with the second day focused on bringing the system up and day three transitioning daily operations to district staff. Once operational, members of the public can make appointments online similar to other fingerprint sites.

Board members asked about academic integrity, teacher roles and detection of AI-generated student work. Presenters said some detection tools exist and that changing pedagogy — for example, asking personal, classroom-specific questions — is one strategy the district endorses to confirm student understanding. The presenters said the district has discussed AI at recent technology camps and will continue teacher training; they will also follow the district approval process for classroom tools.

The presentation concluded with examples of AI use for student engagement and career pathways: staff noted the emergence of jobs such as prompt engineers and discussed opportunities to teach AI literacy in summer programs and professional development.

The board did not take action during the presentation; staff said they will return with any needed approvals on the consent or business agenda at a subsequent meeting.","Technology staff demonstrated Curapod and other AI tools for teachers, highlighted classroom safeguards and guidance, and federal programs staff said the district expects on-site fingerprinting to be scheduled after board approval, with a three-day trainer visit and online appointment scheduling for the public.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board hears proposals on tax-collector fee increases, cyber insurance renewal and a PSBA posting fee

Board debates August start, snow makeup days and a redesigned high school schedule

Board discusses playground drainage liability, pool scoreboard options and routine maintenance purchases

District staff demonstrate classroom uses of AI and outline timeline for on-site fingerprinting service