Board approves personnel actions including five‑year contract for finance director

The Upper Saint Clair board on June 15 approved several personnel and staffing items, including a five‑year employment agreement for Scott Birchell, the district's director of business and finance, and multiple staffing resolutions mostly repurposing existing positions.

Superintendent Dr. Raza recommended the five‑year contract for Mr. Birchell, noting his stewardship of district finances. "Mister Birchell is an excellent director of business and finance," Dr. Raza said. Mr. Kyle moved to approve the agreement on terms acceptable to the superintendent and solicitor; the motion was seconded and approved.

Administration presented staffing resolutions that the board described as largely repurposing existing staff with no net additions except at Southwood and Boyce (special education sites). Dr. Fender explained that Southwood's programming expanded from one program on site to three programs over the past year, which increased the district's educational‑oversight responsibilities as the host school district; the staffing changes were presented as not impacting the district's budget because of the funding arrangement.

The board approved the personnel listing (subject to required preemployment clearances). Two board members publicly abstained: one noted volunteer appointment status; another disclosed a familial relationship to someone on the listing and recused. The motion passed.

Administrators characterized the staffing decisions as aligning with compliance responsibilities under IDEA and with budget projections incorporated into the district's fiscal plan.