[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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,"_75":74},"mediaId",6264607,"mediaKeyId","3096125-a20163f87dc07bbbec6001c1c0c76861","parentId",3096125,"title","Students report community service, fundraisers and spring events; district recognizes library aide and fire-safety winner","audioSeconds",162,"startMs",120000,"endMs",282000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3096125-a20163f87dc07bbbec6001c1c0c76861&start=120&end=282","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3096125-a20163f87dc07bbbec6001c1c0c76861/thumbnail_120000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6264607/Pennsylvania/Students-report-community-service-fundraisers-and-spring-events-district-recognizes-library-aide-and-fire-safety-winner","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264607-cc62b6e9a5aebc49e3cc2b922764f2f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775557360&Signature=AXrRdoauU11JPgPZchD8RJnBZzbznrQKB24fMOem4THmWI-~HcAc84s1gLsNqaIqAbeOEgWi2KcNjZQAJg1iw4w4jypwhUjmyFykuNu907U2c718Hz~m98rHnun7J2N2x6ql-5wyOPmtVOhpvKrRjgGOy987r-0UE9KBB2zyzn0~Rf2dUZswpTnlPfRdZpMCyBLR~GExIwirK11qdIsmGHiMMrLORf80ZVpgMbTOEIJ5PXOSwyzlf1dM1Lx9KCdByW7DNOVSbYWNc4hzdSwaSGjx9PWOghjoI65T57Z5gE3vWqBRgTAE7toPUiKPmJNF0GqhgtBavMbIiZ4xTqnHFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mt. Lebanon School District","date","2025-04-23T16:47:54.887Z","article","Students and staff shared school and community updates at the Mount Lebanon Board of School Directors meeting on April 21.

Howe Elementary fifth graders described a service project for the local shelter Animal Friends. Kara Shields, fifth-grade teacher at Howe Elementary, explained students made \"sniffing mats\" (enrichment mats) and ran a supply drive; the project produced 64 mats and several boxes of donated supplies, which were sent to the shelter. (Walk-on students and school staff joined the board to present and lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the meeting.)

Mellon Middle School student council members John Groff and Aradana Pradeep presented a student-council report. Groff said the council raised $270 for St. Clair Health's cardiac unit through a February fundraiser. Pradeep described the Shamrock Blitz activity and staff-appreciation plans, and said the council will sponsor a final spirit week in June.

Mount Lebanon High School senior class co-vice president Max Valderrama reported recent and upcoming high-school events: an academic induction recognizing about 70 seniors for laude honors; National Honor Society inductions April 3; the Clash of Classes competition; the spring art show (April 25, 7'9 p.m., C20 Lobby and Center Court); prom on May 29 (theme: Cirque de R\u0000eaverie); and the spring musical Anastasia (May 1'3). Valderrama said prom tickets went on sale the week of the meeting.

Board President Miss Fleischer and Superintendent Dr. Friess also recognized Nikki McBride, an elementary library aide, who received an award from the Pennsylvania School Library Association, and noted Foster Elementary earned the Mount Lebanon Fire Department's fire-safety championship belt with a 93.8 percent average on the district fifth-grade test.

Why it matters: The student reports highlight school-based community service, fundraising, student leadership activities and upcoming events that involve families and the wider community.

What's next: The district encouraged attendance at the high-school art show on April 25 and noted additional spring events including the musical and prom.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-04-21 MTLSD School Board Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Students from Howe Elementary, Mellon Middle and Mount Lebanon High presented recent service projects, fundraisers and spring events at the board's April 21 meeting.","taxTitle","Mt Lebanon SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",38302,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6264612,"Mount Lebanon presents special-education and student-services program review; families, staff cite consistency and communication as top needs",1094,1671000,2765000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3096125-a20163f87dc07bbbec6001c1c0c76861&start=1671&end=2765","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3096125-a20163f87dc07bbbec6001c1c0c76861/thumbnail_1671000.jpg","/articles/6264612/Pennsylvania/Mount-Lebanon-presents-special-education-and-student-services-program-review-families-staff-cite-consistency-and-communication-as-top-needs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264612-9497bd0ec98de706f73195456c5186c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775557360&Signature=PdwyOrKZqxrWOG1zoQdAHtpGVj3O-zbRb4hjy0zOEo~guDHSUtvysK3lbDV3Re8-gWiYlFNSVcAUmMPTz-~ebLyb8GEsgdTG2xDujyumUkbJqK2ty8AOU4IDRDuzYKx0uuSE49uzFMFK0uHDObx8zy~kUyV-3fMgjx5Gso4lzo9O9OPkj7Xfp-xnrTNuSaIrSWyxZ3XdIQfh~RtfHK5thbOWOEvs3QRdNdU-0RQVOF~cIrw2dLJrSBkPraSAWT3tk5z-AVUY6dUm1MNxTVeNDXEcCvy59DV7v9YQz3iiU8WiXbgJxu4LTLNn5XUyFBhFf4R~8a3hq~fGOD1fWRFPBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mount Lebanon School District administrators presented a program review of special education and student services at the board's April 21 meeting, reporting staff and family survey results, focus-group feedback and next steps toward the district's special-education state plan and the broader strategic plan.

Director of Special Education Dr. Schuman (presenting) said the reviews were intended for quality assurance and to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. The staff special-education survey (distributed Dec. 6, 2024'Jan. 10, 2025) received 130 responses; the student-services staff survey received 93 responses; and a family survey produced 128 responses. Focus groups for special education drew 62 participants.

Administrators summarized strengths and growth areas that appeared across respondent groups. Reported strengths included a dedicated staff, inclusive practices and strong related services (blind/visually impaired, hearing impaired, speech, occupational and physical therapy and counseling). Top growth needs were consistent IEP implementation and communication across buildings, hiring and retention of support staff, elementary-level emotional-support programming and clearer 504-plan implementation.

Dr. Schuman said staff identified priority training needs such as crisis management and de-escalation strategies, executive-functioning supports, IEP goal writing and classroom implementation. Families asked for parent-focused training on neurodiversity and disability awareness, clearer communication about services, and support for student mental health and anxiety.

Administrators noted the district will submit a special-education state plan covering 2025'2028 and will provide district-specific recommendations next month. The presentation also included a planned website overhaul for Special Education and Student Services to improve transparency and access to materials, and staff said many items raised in focus groups were already in practice but need clearer communication.

Why it matters: The program review identifies operational gaps (communication, consistency and training) that affect students with IEPs and other specialized supports and sets a timeline for a state-required plan and district implementation steps.

What's next: Staff will present written recommendations next month; the special-education state report will cover school years 2025'28. The district's strategic plan draft is scheduled for public presentation in May.","District staff presented program-review findings for special education and student services, reporting survey and focus-group results and proposing next steps including a special-education state plan, website overhaul and recommendations next month.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6264617,"Board adopts proposed 2025–26 final budget for public review; approves personnel, curriculum and facilities items",245,2892000,3137000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3096125-a20163f87dc07bbbec6001c1c0c76861&start=2892&end=3137","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3096125-a20163f87dc07bbbec6001c1c0c76861/thumbnail_2892000.jpg","/articles/6264617/Pennsylvania/Board-adopts-proposed-202526-final-budget-for-public-review-approves-personnel-curriculum-and-facilities-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264617-a191b288ca3181a549fd86190bdb0d1b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775557360&Signature=Yzm6pg5tAkLV7fWgdXbuBtUhdO0MhrQELh~z8YYAed9Y6WWKSZQ-sxc6yiDYONPblD-cXnVtwkKEj1pPlxXz-3Pydpd5~y9ErPCi1BLfIVcPD5ZntNhbVGGmB7QU41Hn6jyvM4Pe863DIrjHxZN7nWpwZeuPU0hi~agcNDuheFCgLzA3N0EkCrBo6pXY3RqZMHtVgPgSEF8A~1vgJfHWhdx0C~rWqT3-1WpmPwwyiW0osMRro~4CN4XgaBRbmv81-nJs2ViUY3iPJtJEUl1X9YVDq2GFic2hJBnp0oflDIv8D94nRFPhiX0FGzwO9ha92xqAsJaBI1Ie4qilzd-K~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mount Lebanon Board of School Directors on April 21 approved the district's proposed final 2025'26 budget, submitted the document for the required 30-day public review period and approved routine human-resources, curriculum and facilities items by roll-call votes.

The board voted to make the proposed final budget available for public review and comment; the board will consider final adoption at its May 21 meeting. Board members emphasized that the proposed budget is balanced, does not rely on district fund balance and does not include staff furloughs.

The board also approved the human-resources agenda, the curriculum-and-instruction package (including adoption of Amplify science materials), and the facilities agenda (leases, rental fee schedules and related agreements). Two limited abstentions were recorded on specific subitems during roll calls: one abstention by Board member Mrs. Burdick on a finance subitem (item C) and one abstention by Board member Mrs. Gencel on the Mount Lebanon Aqua Club agreement (facilities item g). All other items and the overall resolutions passed.

Board President Miss Fleischer called for roll call on each resolution. Mrs. Gelman read the finance resolution aloud as a motion, saying, \"I move that it be resolved that the board approves the finance agenda items.\" That motion was seconded (second not named in the transcript) and adopted by roll call with seven ayes and one abstention on a subitem. During discussion Superintendent Dr. Friess and board members noted the district used conservative state-revenue projections and that, compared with earlier projections, administrative adjustments reduced the prior shortfall from about $1.2 million to roughly $200,000.

Votes at a glance
- Finance (proposed final 2025'26 budget and related finance agenda items): motion: \"I move that it be resolved that the board approves the finance agenda items.\" Mover: Mrs. Gelman. Second: not specified. Vote record: Mrs. Burdick ' abstain on finance item C (abstain); Mrs. Crabill ' yes; Miss Fleischer ' yes; Mrs. Gelman ' yes; Mrs. Gencel ' yes; Miss Guth ' yes; Miss Johnson ' yes; Mr. Weiland ' yes. Tally: yes 7, abstain 1. Outcome: approved (subitem C abstained by one member). Notes: Proposed final budget posted for 30-day public review; final vote scheduled for May 21.
- Human resources (personnel agenda items): motion: \"I move that it be resolved that the board approves the human resources agenda items.\" Mover: Mr. Wylen (read as mover). Second: not specified. Vote record: Mrs. Burdick ' yes; Mrs. Crabill ' yes; Miss Fleischer ' yes; Mrs. Gelman ' yes; Mrs. Gencel ' yes; Miss Guth ' yes; Miss Johnson ' yes; Mr. Weiland ' yes. Tally: yes 8. Outcome: approved.
- Curriculum and instruction (includes Amplify Science materials and stipulated adjudications): motion: \"I move that it be resolved that the board approves the curriculum and instruction agenda items.\" Mover: Mrs. Crabill (read the resolution). Second: not specified. Vote record: Mrs. Burdick ' yes; Mrs. Crabill ' yes; Miss Fleischer ' yes; Mrs. Gelman ' yes; Mrs. Gencel ' yes; Miss Guth ' yes; Miss Johnson ' yes; Mr. Weiland ' yes. Tally: yes 8. Outcome: approved.
- Facilities (leases, rental fee schedules, stadium occupancy license, and Mount Lebanon Aqua Club agreement): motion: \"And will it be resolved if the board approves the facilities agenda items?\" Mover: Mrs. Goose (read the resolution). Second: not specified. Vote record: Mrs. Burdick ' yes; Mrs. Crabill ' yes; Miss Fleischer ' yes; Mrs. Gelman ' yes; Mrs. Gencel ' voted for all parts except abstained on part g (Mount Lebanon Aqua Club agreement); Miss Guth ' yes; Miss Johnson ' yes; Mr. Weiland ' yes. Tally: yes 7, abstain 1 (on part g). Outcome: approved (with one abstention on item g). Notes: The board said staff will revisit facility-use rules and ensure a disclaimer about endorsement appears on event advertising during a planned policy review in May.

Why it matters: The proposed final budget opens the statutorily required 30-day public review window and sets the financial framework the board will act on May 21. Several routine operational items (personnel, instructional materials and facilities agreements) were approved, allowing the district to move forward with curriculum adoption, contract schedules and summer/extended-day fee arrangements.

What's next: The proposed final budget is posted for 30 days and the board will consider final adoption at its May 21 regular meeting. Facilities policy updates and clarifications about advertising/endorsement language will be addressed in May as part of the facility-use rules review.","At its April 21 regular meeting the Mount Lebanon Board of School Directors approved the district's proposed final 2025'26 budget for 30-day public review and passed routine human-resources, curriculum and facilities items. The board also directed that the budget be posted for public comment before final action on May 21.","actionData","errors"]

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Students report community service, fundraisers and spring events; district recognizes library aide and fire-safety winner

Mount Lebanon presents special-education and student-services program review; families, staff cite consistency and communication as top needs

Board adopts proposed 2025–26 final budget for public review; approves personnel, curriculum and facilities items