Coatesville board approves new positions, HR items and $76,788 for student multimedia computers

COATESVILLE, Pa. — The Coatesville Area School District Board of School Directors on Jan. 27 voted to approve multiple personnel and operational items, including new staff authorizations to meet a state curriculum requirement and a $76,788 purchase of desktop computers for multimedia and yearbook production.

The board approved the creation of one extra‑duty school news program advisor for the 2025–26 school year, to be paid at 5.20 units with unit pay determined by experience. It also approved authority to create up to two personal‑finance teacher positions after board members noted that Pennsylvania will require personal‑finance coursework for students in grades 9–12 beginning in the 2026–27 school year.

Board members said the personal‑finance positions could be filled by current staff if certified, but the authorization allows the district to hire externally if necessary.

The human resources report was approved, which included multiple resignations, appointments and changes of status. The board called out the recommended appointment of Jennifer Becker as assistant principal at Rainbow (pending approval) and acknowledged the pending retirement of longtime music teacher Rita Tingle Lewis. The HR package was approved by voice vote.

After public comment from a student pointing to slow computers and limited storage in the district’s electronic journalism and yearbook programs, the board approved the purchase of replacement desktop computers from Connections for multimedia and yearbook workstations for $76,788. Student Charlotte Dawson, a senior at Cache High School, told the board that current machines “take a long time to upload our files and sometimes we can't upload things due to the lack of storage,” and that new equipment would allow collaboration and timely project completion.

Votes on consent and individual items were called by the secretary and recorded as approved during the meeting. The board also confirmed it had met in executive session on Jan. 12 and just before the Jan. 27 meeting to discuss personnel, collective bargaining, court matters and attorney‑client privileged matters.

Votes at a glance • Approval of minutes (12/09/2025 reorganizational meeting and regular meeting): approved • Adoption of consent agenda (items as amended): approved • Approval of financial statements and bills payable; treasurer’s reports for Oct. and Nov.: approved • Creation of one school news program advisor (extra duty): approved (5.20 units) • Authorization to create up to two personal‑finance teacher positions (to meet PA requirement beginning 2026–27): approved • Human resources report (appointments, resignations, status changes), including recommended appointment of Jennifer Becker and notice of retirement for Rita Tingle Lewis: approved • Memorandum of Understanding with Union Community Care for on‑site primary health (Coatesville Area Senior High School): approved • Purchase of desktop computers for multimedia and yearbook workstations, $76,788: approved

What’s next The superintendent said the full monthly reports will be distributed with the reader review. The board scheduled committee meetings for Feb. 10 and a regular meeting for Feb. 24 at the Administration Building Learning Center. The meeting adjourned without further action.