Athens Area SD board approves bills, personnel and trips; tables Frontline contract and advances policies to second read

The Athens Area School District Board of Directors on March 11 approved routine financial and personnel business, accepted several field trips and moved multiple policies to second read while tabling a proposed contract renewal for Frontline Education.

In financial business the board approved the general fund and cafeteria bills, secretary and treasurer reports, earned income tax reports, and student activity account reports. During discussion, board members asked the administration for more detail on a roughly $10,000 Amazon purchase appearing on February bills and about a roughly $1,000 Airbnb charge; Superintendent Dr. Sage and staff said they would provide itemized details. Board members identified the Airbnb charge as lodging for a middle-school Odyssey of the Mind team and said the cost was covered by a grant.

Personnel and routine approvals: the board approved a slate of personnel actions including a support staff resignation and new support contracts, student employees for custodial work, summer stipend appointments for recreation coordinators, an athletic coach contract, and athletic volunteers.

Contracts and software: the board discussed a Frontline Education renewal (a budgeting and analytics software used by prior business managers) and members asked for more information and a demonstration of benefits. The board tabled that contract for further negotiation and report-back rather than approving renewal at this meeting.

Policies: the board voted to move a set of policies (including a facilities planning policy listed as "701" and a prohibition on external crowdfunding) from first read to second read as recommended by the Personnel and Policy Committee.

Curriculum and field trips: the board approved three field trips. The board granted retroactive approval for an FFA trip held in the prior month. It also approved a planned Costa Rica Spanish immersion trip and a Harlem Row Middle School class trip to Boston; those two approvals were taken together and passed with one board member opposed (Mrs. Minnick cast the lone No vote). Board discussion on the international trip included concerns about affordability and equity for students who cannot fund participation and a request by board members to improve advance planning and communication so families and students can prepare.

Transportation and other items: the board approved an updated drivers list (one van driver added). Several items under building and grounds and other business were discussed but required no formal action. The board announced its next meeting for April 8 and said it would hold a brief executive session for personnel immediately following that meeting.

Ending: The board adjourned after completing the agenda and conducting the roll calls for the approved items.