The North Schuylkill School Board approved a new baseball scoreboard, an armed school security services agreement and several student services measures at its Wednesday, September 16, 2026, meeting.
Baseball Scoreboard, Security and Financial Actions
The board approved the purchase and installation of a baseball scoreboard from Bartush Signs of Orwigsburg for $46,358.90. Business Manager Robert Amos told the board that donations will reduce the district’s cost to around $10,000.
Directors also approved an agreement with Coal Region Consulting LLC for armed school security services beginning on or about October 1, 2027.
Other financial actions included two real estate tax exemptions for disabled veterans, a stipulation resolving a tax assessment appeal involving Bart Bros, a right-of-way agreement with PPL Electric Utilities and a 21-month agreement with Vector Solutions effective October 1, 2026.
Student Services and Transportation
The board approved agreements with River Rock Academy for alternative education and other elementary and secondary services during the 2026–27 school year. Directors also approved a physical therapy services contract, an agreement for special education evaluations in Spanish and English, participation in a Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit data project and a blended nursing services agreement with Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29.
Board member Randy Lattis abstained from the vote on the IU 29 nursing agreement because of his employment. He also abstained, for the same reason, from a separate vote approving a student transportation contract with the Schuylkill Technology Center. Both measures passed.
The board approved a transportation agreement and plan with Schuylkill County Children and Youth Services intended to support the educational stability of students in foster care. It also added six people to the district’s roster of school bus drivers, van drivers and aides.
During a discussion separate from the agenda items, Superintendent Dr. Robert Ackell said the district is facing a bus driver shortage and has not yet identified a solution.
Personnel, Volunteers and Policy Review
Personnel actions included hiring Sarah Stepanchick and Joseph Piekarsky as full-time second-shift and weekend custodians at $14.50 per hour, Paul Olson as a part-time Spartan Academy classroom monitor at $14.50 per hour, and Theresa Powell as a part-time cafeteria worker at $14.95 per hour. Directors accepted the resignations of elementary special education teacher Mary Weist and custodian Colby Huben.
In extracurricular matters, the board approved Megan Osilka as a volunteer junior high volleyball coach, Jaden Leiby as a volunteer football coach and Itasia Walton as a volunteer cheerleading coach for the fall season. Directors also approved volunteers for the theater arts production, created an elementary yearbook advisor position and approved Katrina Cara for the role at a $1,000 salary.
The board approved the first reading of 10 policies covering subjects including academic standards, virtual attendance, bullying, school security personnel, wellness and CPR. A first reading is a step in the policy review process; it is not final adoption.