Derry Area School District board approves hires, contracts and capital projects; discusses frozen federal Title funds and possible use of general fund

The Derry Area School District board on the evening of its July meeting approved a slate of personnel hires, routine contracts and capital-project expenditures, and heard public comment pressing the board to replace an elementary intervention position while federal Title II and Title IV funds remain frozen.

Superintendent Dr. Ferencic opened with a summer operations update, including hiring activity, building and grounds work and technology upgrades ahead of the Aug. 18 start of the school year. The board then moved through consent and action items, approving personnel resignations and retirements (including a 25-year retirement), new hires, conference attendance, athletics appointments and several business affairs measures.

The board voted to renew an agreement with Southwest Behavioral Care to provide drug- and alcohol-related case management services at no cost to the district. It also approved continuing support for Saint Vincent prevention projects for the 2025–26 school year with an annual contribution of $6,270 to be paid from district funds. Capital-project approvals included a Log Cabin Fence proposal to replace fencing along Banfield/Trojan Drive for approximately $7,080 and completion of a salt-pad canopy roofing element budgeted at…