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Board approves technology and operating items; tables personal finance textbook
Summary
The board voted to adopt education and technology agenda items 1–12 with the exception that item 8 (personal finance textbook adoption, $35,538) was tabled for further review. Purchases approved included 77 Chromebooks and carts (CSI grant) and 600 Chromebooks ($275,526) under PEPPM pricing.
At its meeting the Ambridge Area School District board took a series of routine procedural votes that included approval of technology purchases and personnel actions and the tabling of one curriculum item.
A motion to adopt education and technology items 1–12 passed on roll call; several board members stated they would vote "no" on item 8 (the personal finance textbook adoption) while supporting the remainder of the slate. The textbook adoption (item 8) — a five‑year purchase of a personal finance series for grade 12 at a five‑year cost of $35,538 — was moved to be tabled so members could review the platform and teacher materials.
Significant procurement approvals included a quote from Communications Consulting Incorporated to purchase 77 Chromebooks at a cost of $35,359.17 and two Chromebook carts at $6,544.61 (item 9), funded through the Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) grant. The board also approved a larger order (item 12) for 600 Chromebooks at a cost of $275,526 through PEPPM pricing; staff cited an expected price increase in April that would raise the cost by roughly $70,000–$75,000 if the order waited.
On finance and facilities items the board approved adding PFS Investments (Primica) as a vendor to the district 403(b) plan and approved an agreement with GSL Government Consulting LLC to pursue Department of Community and Economic Development grant funds for bleacher renovations; GSL would receive 15% of any awarded grant funds. The board also approved a $6,125 door replacement quote from Builder's Hardware for a high‑school hallway door.
Personnel actions approved included coaching appointments, extended‑year assignments for July 2026, an FMLA leave for employee #2381 beginning March 10 (up to 60 days) and the recommended hire of Susan Manion as assistant middle‑school principal, pending required clearances.
Where members raised timing concerns — for example, teachers wanting materials in hand to prepare for next school year — the board noted supply chain delays and emphasized staff recommendations and pilot feedback when available.
The board instructed staff to provide follow‑up information on procurement timelines, costs and any outstanding clarifications related to the tabled textbook item.
