Jefferson Middle named 'School to Watch'; district reports unexpected state allocations and grants
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Summary
Superintendent Coffey announced Jefferson Middle School will be designated a 'School to Watch' and described new state allocations (district‑reported totals) plus a $100,000 baseline PCCD safety grant and $50,000 Ready to Learn funds. The district postponed final ACFR approval until January due to OMB supplement timing.
At the Dec. 8 meeting the Mount Lebanon superintendent reported Jefferson Middle School completed the designation process and will be named a 'School to Watch,' a recognition tied to academic excellence, developmental responsiveness and social equity under criteria set by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle School Reform.
Superintendent Coffey also reviewed recent state funding developments. Coffey stated the district received "an additional $304,328 between our basic education fund and our special education fund" and noted a $100,000 baseline PCCD safety and security grant, for which the state has said the $100,000 is a baseline and additional dollars may follow. Coffey said the Ready to Learn block grant provided $50,000, which the superintendent described as 'adequacy funds' that will provide relief to the general fund.
Treasurer Connolly presented the board's financial reports and, separately, cited a total increase of $354,605 in state funding and federal changes since the last report; she said the district will preserve the unexpected funds to support emergencies and maintain fund balance. Coffey explained the board will defer voting on the 2024–25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report until January because the U.S. Office of Management and Budget issued the OMB compliance supplement late this year, and auditors need the supplement to complete single‑audit testing.
Coffey also outlined preparations for 0‑based budgeting in 2026–27, with templates shared with business managers and 1:1 budget meetings scheduled for late January. He closed with calendar reminders: the last day of school is Friday, Dec. 19, and classes resume Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
The board took no separate vote on the recognition; the funding and ACFR timing were presented for information and to set expectations for January action.