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Board hears strong interest in JROTC, approves guidance plan and personnel moves
Summary
Student reps reported strong interest in a proposed JROTC program; the board approved a three-year K–12 Guidance Plan (2026–29) and several personnel actions including hires, homebound instructors and retirements announced.
Student leaders told the Slippery Rock Area School Board on March 23 that interest in a proposed JROTC program at the high school is strong and that building upgrades are proceeding, while the board moved forward on personnel, guidance planning and several classroom matters.
Student board representatives Jon Barkley, Stefon Austin and Seamus McCauley Rodgers reported on facilities upgrades, spring athletics and course scheduling; Stefon Austin said the proposed JROTC program has "generated a lot of interest with students," and Zenovia Jacobs asked the board to consider restoring Rocket Media to the class schedule.
Why it matters: Student interest informs program planning and staffing. The board also approved the district K-12 Guidance Plan for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2029, a three-year framework for counseling and student supports that administrators said will guide interventions and prevention work.
Personnel actions approved included homebound instructor assignments (Katie Kosick and Emma Lehman), substitute appointments under Act 86, the hiring of Lexie Graham as a production worker, and unpaid leave requests for Johanna McCoy and Victoria Gerber. Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Angelucci announced retirements of Jill Takach (grade 3) and Amy Kelly (special education), effective June 12, 2026, and the retirement of Sandy Whitmer (middle school secretary) effective Aug. 1, 2027. The board also recognized the recent passing of former teacher and librarian Jim Bailey.
Public comment: Amber Korcok, a district parent, asked the board to address transportation availability for after-school sporting events and the negative effects when events are canceled; no board directive to staff was recorded in the meeting minutes.
What’s next: Administrators will proceed with implementation steps for approved hires and the K-12 Guidance Plan; program proposals such as JROTC and restoring Rocket Media will require further planning and likely future board discussion or formal agenda items.
