Penn‑Trafford honors students and staff, marks retirement of longtime business manager and approves new hires
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Summary
The Penn‑Trafford School Board recognized a state tennis champion and several students of the month, observed a moment of silence for a JV coach who died, heard remarks from its retiring business manager about $10 million in transportation savings and approved a personnel motion listing new hires contingent on required waivers.
The Penn‑Trafford School Board used its December meeting to recognize student achievements, mourn a recently deceased coach, and finalize a list of new hires while marking the retirement of the district’s longtime business manager.
The board observed a moment of silence for Jay Julian, a JV baseball coach who died unexpectedly; administrators said about 60 baseball players and coaches attended the funeral to pay respects. The district also recognized Mia Williams as the 2025 PIAA state girls’ singles tennis champion and described her undefeated match play across her high‑school career; administrators noted she will attend Skidmore College in the fall.
The business manager, identified in the meeting as Brad, addressed the board as he prepares to retire after 22 years of district service. He cited a number of district finance and facilities accomplishments, including instituting a cafeteria pretax benefit plan and renegotiating transportation contracts that he said “have saved probably over $10,000,000 over the last 20 years.” He also credited board member support for completing a new administration building he said will likely pay for itself in about six to seven years.
Under personnel and curriculum business, the board moved to employ a slate of new staff members contingent on the district receiving required background clearances and waivers (Act 34, Act 151 and Act 114) within 30 days. Names read into the personnel motion included Sarah Eisenboom (special education teacher at Harrison Park), Deanna Rocca (first‑grade teacher at Trapper Elementary as listed in the personnel motion), Megan Gent (super sub at Penn Middle School), Allison Brady (super sub at Harrison Park Elementary), Madison Forsyth (super sub at Penn‑Trafford High School) and Kalina Jubeck (Special Ed Learning Assistant at McCullough Elementary). The motion carried on a roll‑call vote as announced at the meeting.
Administrators also recognized a number of students of the month across district schools: Zachary Tusick (Sunrise Elementary) was cited for responsibility, work ethic and compassion; Trapper Middle School recognized Lily Toma (3.8 GPA; involved in music, drama and softball); and Penn‑Trafford High School highlighted a senior identified in the transcript as “D 3,” described as a National Merit Scholar and high‑achieving student leader.
The board welcomed newly elected board member John Otto, a former police chief who said he intends to be an engaged and candid participant in board discussions. The meeting closed at 7:48 p.m.
(Names and job titles are reported as presented during the meeting.)