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Board director asks why intermediate unit is buying tech for non-public schools
Summary
During the Mount Oliver Intermediate Unit portion of the March 18 agenda review, Director Deodata asked why the IU is allocating federal and state funds to buy devices and fabrication equipment for named non-public schools; a district staff member said the IU distributes federal and state funds (including Title IIA/IV) to non-public schools and that the purchases are not drawn from PPS' operating budget.
Director Deodata pressed district staff on March 18 over why the Mount Oliver Intermediate Unit had purchased technology for specific non-public schools, citing $9,000 in Dell Chromebooks for Winchester Thurston and $2,000 for a laser cutter and engraver for Shady Side Academy. "I'm just confused why we're buying Winchester Thurston $9,000 worth of Dell Chromebooks and why we're buying... Shady Side Academy $2,000 for a laser cutter and engraver," she said.
A staff member explained the role of intermediate units and the source of the funds, telling the board that "intermediate units are an intermediary between state and federal governments" and that many intermediate units primarily serve non-public schools because those schools receive federal and state funds but cannot accept them directly. The staff member said those funds (including Title II-A and Title IV) are routed through the IU to provide services such as reading, math supports and technology.
Director Deodata asked whether the money came out of Pittsburgh Public Schools' budget; the staff member said it does not. "It's not like money that's coming out of PPS's budget," Deodata said, and the staff member confirmed that the funds are government funds distributed through the intermediate unit rather than a PPS operating appropriation.
The exchange ended without a formal motion; the board proceeded to the district agenda. The board did note that one Mount Oliver item (26.01) would be pulled to April's agenda for further consideration.
