Ringgold SD board approves preliminary budget, ratifies personnel hires and honors Eagle Scouts

The Ringgold SD board approved a preliminary budget for the 02/2627 school year after a brief discussion and a 7–2 roll-call vote. The board also ratified multiple personnel actions, approved service and vendor agreements, and recognized students who earned the Eagle Scout rank.

Presenter (speaker 4) opened a recognition ceremony for students who "have earned the rank of Eagle Scout," saying the honor "represents years of commitment, leadership, service, and personal growth" and naming Corbin Andrews, Mason Korcher, Eli Criswell and Ethan Breyer; she noted that Andrew Brooks was unable to join the meeting.

Staff member (speaker 3) reported the Mon Valley CTC inducted 62 students into its National Technical Honor Society this year, the highest number yet, and reminded the board that the Pennsylvania Education Innovation award nominations are due July 31.

On the budget, Speaker 6 presented the need for board approval of a preliminary budget for 02/2627. Staff member (speaker 5) acknowledged the recommended increase and the district’s cost pressures, but urged caution for residents: "I understand that we're recommending an increase in the budget ... I don't deny that at all. But I also know that our constituents are suffering." The board approved the preliminary budget by a 7–2 vote.

The board handled a series of routine but formal actions recommended by the administration. These included acceptance of letters of retirement and resignations, ratification of hires made by the superintendent after the Dec. 17, 2025 meeting (subject to proper documentation), hiring for 2026 summer programming, retroactive approval for a conference trip for Don Mason (April 29–May 3) at a cost of $400, selection of voting delegates for the delegate assembly meeting on Nov. 7, renewal of employee contracts pending solicitor review, approval of agreements with out-of-district educational providers (including Merakey, Arc Human Services, The Bradley School, New Directions, Transformational Learning, CCR, SAP Services and Merakey Collaborative), and approval of IU service agreements for educational and access services.

The board also approved items listed as agenda items 3–7, which the administration described as purchases and renewals including new smart boards, Chromebook replacements, a Head Start lease agreement, the Ringgold Cyber Academy service agreement, and renewal of the Moodle learning management system. Athletics hires for coaches across multiple sports were approved as presented; all of those routine motions were approved by roll call with most votes recorded as 9–0.

The meeting concluded with reports wrapping up and a security report stating there was no report.

Votes at a glance - Preliminary budget for 02/2627: approved, 7–2. - Acceptance of retirements and resignations: approved (roll call, recorded approvals). - Ratification of superintendent hires (post-12/17/2025): approved, 9–0. - Hiring for 2026 summer programming: approved, 9–0. - Retroactive conference approval (Don Mason, Apr. 29–May 3): approved, $400; vote approved. - Selection of voting delegates for Nov. 7 assembly: approved. - Renewal of employee contracts (subject to solicitor review): approved, 9–0. - Agreements with out-of-district providers: approved, 9–0. - IU service agreements (educational/access/curriculum services): approved, 9–0. - Approval of items 3–7 (smart boards, Chromebooks, Head Start lease, Cyber Academy, Moodle renewal): approved, 9–0. - Athletics hires (coaches): approved, 9–0.

The board did not take votes on any ordinances or resolutions beyond routine approvals and adjourned after concluding reports.