Board approves personnel report and discusses curriculum changes, $3 million grant and easement with Vertical Bridge Towers 5, LLC

The Steelton-Highspire School District board approved a personnel report that the administration said included all new teachers, authorized an easement and assignment of lease with Vertical Bridge Towers 5, LLC pending board approval, and discussed curriculum updates and a large municipal grant.

During the personnel report segment the administration stated, "They're all new," referring to the teachers included in the attached report; a motion to approve the personnel report passed by roll-call votes with multiple board members responding 'Aye.'

Earlier, the administration recommended board approval of an easement and assignment of lease with Vertical Bridge Towers 5, LLC. The administration introduced the motion saying, "The administration respectfully recommends that the board approve the easement and assignment of lease with Vertical Bridge Towers 5, LLC." The motion was moved and seconded and the chair called for a vote.

During a round-table discussion, administrators and board members exchanged specifics about high-school scheduling, elective credits and graduation requirements. One board member said, "Our minimum is 21 to graduate," and the group discussed possibly raising that minimum to encourage students to take core courses and opportunities like co-ops or college credit. Board members also discussed reinstating an honors program and ensuring classes are staffed by certified teachers.

Speakers referenced a $3,000,000 municipal grant (referred to as the RACB) that would be a pass-through to the district; administration said some grants require the school to apply while others pass through the district. On the budget outlook, administration said if the district remains disciplined it could end the year with a surplus, and several board members thanked state-level actors for recent additional funding.