Abington Heights board unanimously approves student programs, service contracts and job-title change; meal prices unchanged

The Abington Heights School District Board on Aug. 6 unanimously approved a slate of personnel and service items for the 2025–26 school year, including contracts to provide therapeutic and personal care assistant services, an agreement to operate a student assistance program, and a title change in the special education office. The board also approved meal pricing with no increase.

The actions were carried by roll call votes of 6–0. The board members recorded as voting yes were Mr. Abdallah; Mrs. Hillebrand; Mrs. Karam; Mr. Robeson; Mrs. Tierney; and Mr. Azar. Dr. Schaefer, the district superintendent, had no superintendent's report at the meeting.

Why it matters: the approved contracts and programs support students with behavioral health and intensive support needs and authorize services the district will use in the coming school year. The title change clarifies an administrative role within special education; the board said responsibilities and qualifications are unchanged.

Details of board action

- Personnel report: The board approved the personnel report as presented. Motion and second were recorded; the roll call vote was 6–0 in favor.

- Children's Service Center: The board approved participation in the Children's Service Center partial hospitalization program and therapeutic educational program for the 2025–26 school year. The motion passed 6–0.

- Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf contract (PCA services): The board approved an agreement with the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf to provide personal care assistant (PCA) services for the 2025–26 school year. The motion passed 6–0. (Contract details not specified in the meeting record.)

- Scranton Counseling Center agreement: The board approved an agreement with the Scranton Counseling Center to cooperate in implementing the district’s student assistance program for 2025–26. The motion passed 6–0.

- Meal pricing: The board approved the district’s meal pricing; the administration said there are no increases in meal prices for the coming school year. The motion passed 6–0. Specific price lines presented to the board were not specified in the audio record.

- Title change in special education: The board approved revising the job title “assistant director of special education” to “assistant principal for special education,” with the board noting that roles, responsibilities, and qualifications remain unchanged. The motion passed 6–0.

Roll-call and procedure

Each of the motions above was taken by roll call and recorded as unanimous (6–0). Several motions were moved and seconded on the floor; the transcript records generic “so moved” and “second” responses but does not include mover or seconder names for those motions.

Parent acknowledgement process

When a board member asked how the district confirms parents and students have acknowledged handbook or policy materials, the administration said the district uses its student information system. "We used to have them sign a piece of paper, but now we're using the parent portal," said Justin Kreke, director of technology. He said the system allows staff to run a roster showing who has signed off.

What's next

Board members noted an upcoming IT committee meeting and other routine items before adjourning. No other formal actions were taken beyond the approvals listed above.