Ambridge Area School District board approves cybersecurity renewal, master schedules, personnel actions and $12,900 track-hurdles purchase

AMBRIDGE, Pa. — The Ambridge Area School District Board of Directors at its June 18 regular meeting approved a set of routine and personnel items including a three-year renewal of Sophos cybersecurity software, tentative master schedules for the 2025–26 school year, personnel actions and a $12,900 purchase of 100 track hurdles.

The board voted to approve an estimate from Communication Consulting Inc. to renew Sophos cybersecurity software and protection services for three years at a total cost of $119,988.32 under state-contracted pricing. The Education and Technology committee also advanced tentative master schedules for the 2025–26 school year during the same motion; both items were adopted as part of items 1–15 on the committee slate.

The Buildings and Grounds committee authorized a quote from MFAC Limited, LLC to buy 100 track hurdles for $12,900 through state contract (CoStars). Committee chair Mrs. Peragonio said the hurdles would be purchased from current-year funds.

Personnel actions approved by the board included the resignation of Philip Gorg from his position as Ambridge Area High School guidance counselor, effective June 12, 2025; the district noted it reserves the right to retain the employee for up to the applicable 60-day statutory period. The board also approved a recommendation that administrators receive a tentative salary adjustment for 2025–26 based on initial evaluations under the Act 93 agreement; a final adjustment will be recommended after completion of the required evaluations. The board approved intermittent FMLA leave for employee number 2993 beginning May 23, 2025, not to exceed 60 days under board policy 535 (FMLA).

The board ratified instructors for the summer credit recovery program scheduled Monday, June 16 through Friday, June 27, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; teachers will be paid at contracted rates. Named instructors included Megan Recipio (health and physical education), Terry Moon (science) and Pam Green (science).

Buildings and Grounds chair Peragonio also announced that the Ambridge Area High School band will once again host a Drum Corps International ensemble — Genesis from Austin, Texas — arriving Sunday, Aug. 3 and departing Monday, Aug. 4.

Superintendent Dr. Pascarella congratulated graduates and retirees and addressed two items of broader interest: he noted the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision in a parental-rights opt-out case being watched by districts, and he urged attention to the state budget process ahead of the June 30 expected completion date. "If there are any impacts, we'll work with the district to make sure that you're all ready to go," Dr. Pascarella said.

All motions described above were adopted by roll call with the seven board members present voting in favor; no opposing votes were recorded.

The board heard multiple ceremonial recognitions and scholarship announcements earlier in the meeting, and then moved through standing committee reports and the business agenda before adjourning.