Board approves consent items, personnel hires and facilities work; fraud policy cleared for first reading

The Blackhawk School Board on July 18 approved multiple routine and substantive items across its consent and committee reports.

Consent and committee approvals: The board approved minutes and the consent agenda (items 7.1–7.8). A contracts and grants package from the education committee — including an agreement tied to McGuire Memorial, an ESL service agreement, and several grants — was approved by voice vote.

Communications project (item 7.7): During discussion of consent items, a board member asked for detail on item 7.7. Administrator / Staff (S4) said the district plans to combine available federal-program funds and a consultant to improve communications with families, producing periodic publications and consistent templates for website and social media posts. Chair (S5) and staff confirmed the budgetary source as Title IV / ESSER funds. "We were able to join those two items together and work with a consultant... to get us off the ground with it," the administrator said.

Personnel (item 8): The board approved the human-resources report dated 07/18/2024, which included hiring a recommended long-term English-language-arts substitute. Administration explained the candidate holds a K–6 Pennsylvania certification, has emergency certification in the state, and must complete secondary-certification steps (Praxis/practice requirements) before being eligible for a full contract. One board member abstained from that vote citing a relationship with a candidate; the motion otherwise passed.

Buildings and grounds (item 10): The board approved replacement and monitoring services for the fire alarm system at Blackhawk Intermediate School. Chair noted the items were presented as consent for approval and members voted in favor.

Policy (item 14, first reading): Administration presented a new fraud/waste/abuse policy required by ESSER accountability standards ahead of an anticipated audit. Administrator/Staff (S4) said the district received ‘‘a little over $4,000,000’’ in COVID-relief funding and is taking a proactive approach before an audit; the board approved the policy on first reading.

Representative quotes: Chair (S5) opened the meeting with “Good evening Blackhawk community.” Administrator/Staff (S4) on communications: “...help with this communication to get us off the ground with it.” On the certification timeline for the long-term substitute, Administrator/Staff (S4) said the candidate had received emergency certification and expected to complete certification steps “by the start of the school year.”

Follow-up: Staff indicated a missing solicitor bill would appear on the August bill list and that a copy of the bill would be sent to board members for review. The board also discussed room acoustics and plans to try different seating to reduce echo for future meetings.