Chartiers Valley board approves PlanCon, construction change orders and consent agenda; one member dissents on salary vote

The Chartiers Valley Board of School Directors voted Aug. 14 to advance PlanCon Part I for review, approve June pay applications and accept construction change orders tied to the district’s addition and renovation work.

Superintendent Dr. Johannah Vanatta and Mr. Day, who delivered the monthly construction report, told the board the project remains on schedule. The construction update noted roof access stairs being installed, concrete polishing work and commissioning for the middle school that will require winter testing. Mr. Day said the wood floor humidity condition in one gym has stabilized and that the performing arts dance floor material is acclimating with installation targeted by Sept. 7.

The board approved Rycon Construction Change Order #25, described in the minutes as an add of $17,404 that included an error/omission related to the sizes and quantities of science sinks and replacement of an old unsafe fence behind the tech‑ed area. The board also approved Mucci Construction Change Order #19, a final reconciliation reduced to $19,402 after review by district staff.

Board members moved and voted on multiple grouped and individual consent items. A single motion to approve consent items 3.1–3.11 and 3.13–3.30 was moved by Jeff Choura and seconded by Darren Mariano and passed by voice vote (unanimous). Item 3.12, concerning salaries effective July 1, 2018, drew a publicized objection from board member Julie Murphy, who said she believed increases should be goal‑ and performance‑based; a separate motion to approve item 3.12 was moved by Mark Kuczinski, seconded by Jeff Choura and passed by voice vote 7–1 (Murphy dissenting).

Action items 4.1, 4.2 and 4.5 (PlanCon Part I, the June pay applications and the monthly construction report) were moved by Eric Kraemer, seconded by Mark Kuczinski and approved unanimously. The Rycon change order (4.3) passed unanimously; the Mucci reconciliation (4.4) passed on a voice vote recorded 6–2 (the minutes do not attribute individual yes/no votes for that tally).

The consent agenda included multiple nonconstruction items the board approved for the 2018–19 school year: AIU IDEIA funding and schedules and related budgets; an agreement with the Nutrition Group to manage athletic concession stands (contingent on acceptable documentation and solicitor approval); substitute teacher and paraprofessional services through Precision HR Solutions, Inc. at a substitute rate of $95.00 per day ($47.50 per half day); approval of Bid Supplies totaling $22,816.92; a behavioral contract with The Watson Institute; an agreement with the Townships of Scott and Collier for School Resource Officer services (Collier’s agreement included a $500 monthly increase); and multiple first readings of district policies (#352, #835, #610, #625, #626, #626.1, #611, #707).

Dr. Vanatta also introduced personnel to the board: Kim Borza (to serve as Board Secretary, effective Aug. 29, 2018), Emily Eckman (Board Treasurer, effective immediately), Tim Murray (Assistant Principal, high school), Brandon (new basketball coach), Brenna Barrett (elementary teacher) and Sarah Mallon (middle school guidance). Board President Tony Mazzarini and other members welcomed the new staff. The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.

Votes at a glance • Consent motion for items 3.1–3.11 and 3.13–3.30: moved Jeff Choura; second Darren Mariano; result: unanimous voice vote. • Item 3.12 (salaries effective July 1, 2018): moved Mark Kuczinski; second Jeff Choura; result: 7–1 (Julie Murphy recorded as opposing). • Rycon Construction Change Order #25 (Item 4.3): moved Eric Kraemer; second Mark Kuczinski; result: unanimous voice vote; add $17,404. • Mucci Construction Change Order #19 (Item 4.4): moved Mark Kuczinski; second Eric Kraemer; result: voice vote recorded 6–2; add $19,402.

The minutes record motions and tallies but do not attribute every individual yes/no vote other than the recorded dissent on the salary item.