Derry Area SD approves financial report, bills, personnel stipend and two policy updates

The Derry Area SD Board approved routine financial and business items, including a financial report showing an ending balance of $208,139.29 as of Oct. 31, 2025, authorized payment of listed bills and approved personnel and policy measures during the reorganization meeting.

Miss Smart presented the financial report and recited the major figures: "The beginning balance as of 09/30/2025 is $438,670.79. Total receipts, $3,036,650.02. Total disbursements, $2,878,985.89. And the ending balance as of 10/31/2025 was $208,139.29," she said. Following the presentation, the board approved the minutes of the Nov. 6 meeting and a motion to pay the bills as submitted.

Under personnel, the board approved the personnel slate as published on the agenda and specifically approved a $75-per-day stipend for Dr. Kathy Perry to serve as elementary substitute principal from Dec. 9, 2025 until the start date of Dr. Justin Cooley; the motion carried with no recorded opposition. Board members noted that the hire was contingent on Dr. Kolick's release from his current district.

In policy business the board approved the newly proposed policy 09:15 regarding booster groups and adopted revisions to policy 005 (organization) relevant to EWCTC and the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit. The policy committee report noted additional revisions may be needed and could be brought back for further review.

On business affairs, the board approved agenda items B through H as published and moved to table item A (a proposed tuition-rate change) pending further review and approval by the Intermediate Unit. The board also adjusted the school calendar so schools will be in session on Presidents Day; the change affects the end of the second nine-week period and will be posted on the district website. The meeting adjourned after visitor comment and standard closing procedures.