October 12, 2026 at 7:30 PM - Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting
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A. Call to Order: Mr. Kurimsky
Discussion:
Mr. Kurimsky called the meeting to order at 7:29 pm.
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B. Roll Call: Mrs. Mickey
Discussion:
Mrs. Mickey conducted the roll call.
Members Present: Mrs. Deb Bucciero, Mr. John Fallat, Mr. Joshua Zebrak, Mr. Vince Azzolina, Mrs. Amy Sheridan, Mrs. Shannon Venditti, Mr. Scott Weinman, Mr. Kevin Kurimsky Others Present: Dr. Piraino, Dr. Baginski, Dr. Delp, Dr. Regelski, Mr. Jon Perry, Mr. Brad Schrecengost, Mr. Brian Johnson, Ms. Deana Callipare, Officer Tim Skoog, Mr. Gary Matta, Mrs. Kylie Mickey Members Absent: Mrs. Debra Wohlin
Description:
A record of attendance for the meeting.
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C. Executive Session Announcement: Mr. Kurimsky
Discussion:
The Board met in Executive Session from 6:45 pm to 7:15 pm on October 12th to discuss contractual, legal, and personnel obligations.
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D. Superintendent's Report: Dr. Piraino
Discussion:
Dr. Piraino introduced the Advanced Healthcare Career Academy, which offers high schoolers hands-on experience, internships, and career preparation in the local healthcare industry, which has about 146,000 current jobs and 20,000 projected future openings. Dr. Piraino emphasized the community of opportunities that this program presents. Mrs. Casey Pope shared details on the hybrid information session for high schoolers on Wednesday, October 14th at 6 pm. She shared that the goal is to identify 10-15 interested students for the October 29th, 2026 quarter start. Dr Piraino shared that the hope is to eventually expand the academy into other industries, such as technology or business and entrepreneurship.
Academy partner Dr. Jason Hicks of Northern Westmoreland Career and Technical Center (NWCTC) recognized the professionalism of Franklin Regional staff and introduced Mrs. Alexzandrea Fleming, RN, an instructor with NWCTC. Mrs. Fleming reviewed the various healthcare certifications available for students involved in the academy, as shown in the attached presentation. Ms. Hope Waltenbaugh, Vice President of System Nursing Operations and Practice with Allegheny Health Network (AHN), emphasized AHN's commitment to Franklin Regional students and allowing them to spend time in the clinical setting. Mrs. Tameka King-Buchak, the Director of Dual Enrollment with Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC), shared that there are over 20 college-in-high-school courses that WCCC offers to the district. Mr. Zebrak asked about the certificates offered and the decision-making process behind them. Dr. Hicks responded that the Patient Care Technician certification is a baseline, and that total certifications earned can vary by individual student commitment. Dr. Piraino then introduced Dr. Richard Regelski, Director of Special Education, for his "Beyond the Classroom" presentation. Dr. Regelski reviewed the attached points related to Special Education and Gifted programs and requirements for the district. He shared that as a district, Franklin Regional is typically below the state average for out-of-district placements. When students are placed outside the district based on their individual needs, his office is still responsible for them. He emphasized that student evaluations comprise the bulk of his office's work. The principals then shared that during peak seasons, they typically spend 5-10 hours a week in collaborative IEP meetings, which require the special education teacher, the parent, an administrator, and other specialized individuals to be in attendance. Mr. Zebrak asked how parents are engaged if they do not agree with their student's evaluation. Dr. Regelski said that there is a formal process required for this, but that parents do have that right. Mr. Zebrak asked Dr. Regelski to clarify the difference between special education and gifted education. Dr. Regelski shared that gifted is a state law that requires enrichment and acceleration, whereas special education is a federal law that may require modifications. Mr. Weinman asked what percentage of the cost falls on local taxpayers, and Mr. Perry shared that this is about $6,000,000.
Attachments:
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E. Student Representative Reports
Discussion:
Mr. Vincent introduced the FRobotics team in their 15th season and praised their accomplishments. The President of the team explained how this program helps students to build both soft and career-oriented skills, as well as teamwork. The team recapped recent competitions, including the Greater Pittsburgh Regional competition and the Rocket City Regional in Alabama. They then outlined their subteams, including Safety, Wiring, Programming, Marketing, etc., accompanied by a presentation. Mr. Vincent thanked the district for their workshop space and thanked the Panther Foundation for past grants. The team then provided an engaging live demonstration of their robot "Rico".
In response to board inquiries, Mr. Vincent noted that the district funds both competitions and highlighted their donation link for community support. A team member shared that the club averages about 35 students each year, but is excited to see that a lot of freshmen have recently joined. Most participating students shared that their post-grad plans are to enter the field of engineering. Dr. Piraino then thanked Mr. Vincent and the students for their commitment to this program.
Attachments:
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F. Public Comment
Discussion:
Stephanie Makosey, Murrsyville, PA
Ms. Makosey thanked the board and the administration for their support of the arts. She stated that at the recent football game at Latrobe, many individuals shared with her how much they loved the Franklin Regional band's halftime show. She also shared that there will be a community band show this Saturday at Franklin Regional High School, starting at 6:30 pm. |
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G. Solicitor's Comment
Discussion:
Mr. Matta had no comment for the public session.
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H. Consent Agenda Items: Mr. Kurimsky
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve consent agenda items 1 through 9 as written or amended.
Discussion:
The approval of consent agenda items as written or amended.
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H.1. PSBA Slate of Candidates for Review: Mr. Kurimsky
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the PSBA slate of candidates.
Discussion:
Mr. Kurimsky reviewed the 2027 PSBA Officer Election slate of candidates, including Matt Vannoy for president-elect, Kristy Bolte for vice-president, David Hein for treasurer, and Marianne L. Neel and Dr. Michael Faccinetto as trustees.
Attachments:
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H.2. Replacement of Curriculum Technology Equipment: Mr. Schrecengost
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the replacement of curriculum technology equipment.
Discussion:
Mr. Schrecengost shared that these robotic and electric kits are missing parts and need to be replaced. He confirmed that this is part of the budget plan.
In previous fiscal years, Franklin Regional School District teachers secured specialized curriculum technology and classroom equipment. The equipment being replaced is used extensively at the elementary and middle school levels and plays an important role in supporting classroom instruction and student learning. Intermediate School: Finch Robots: $2,707.50 HummingBird Kits: $547.05 Ozobos: $832.14 Blue-Bots: $645.26 Total: $4,731.95 Middle School: 2 Mobile Double-Sided Floor Racks: $299.98 VEX Robotic Items: $7,624.43 total: $7,924.41 Grand Total: $12,656.36
Description:
In previous fiscal years, Franklin Regional School District teachers secured specialized curriculum technology and classroom equipment. The equipment being replaced is used extensively at the elementary and middle school levels and plays an important role in supporting classroom instruction and student learning.
Intermediate School: Finch Robots: $2,707.50 HummingBird Kits: $547.05 Ozobos: $832.14 Blue-Bots: $645.26 Total: $4,731.95 Middle School 2 Mobile Double-Sided Floor Racks: $299.98 VEX Robotic Items: $7,624.43 total: $7,924.41 Grand Total: $12,656.36 |
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H.3. Gifts, Grants, and Donations: Mr. Perry
Recommended Motion(s):
The Administration recommends that the Board approve the following contribution(s) per policy 702 Gifts, Grants, and Donations.
* Grable Foundation through The Mentoring Partnership contribution of $1,500.00 for Family Engagement activities.
Discussion:
Mr. Perry presented a request for approval for the grant for Family Engagement activities.
Description:
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H.4. Property Assessment Settlements: Mr. Perry
Recommended Motion(s):
That the Board ratify the property assessment settlement stipulations for properties with map numbers 49-14-08-0-066 and 49-03-00-0-252 and that the Board approve the property assessment settlement stipulation for property with map number 49-16-16-0-048.
Discussion:
Mr. Perry shared three settlement assessment appeals.
Attachments:
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H.5. 2027-2028 Academic Calendar: Dr. Baginski
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the proposed academic calendar for the 2027-2028 school year.
Discussion:
Dr. Baginski shared the proposed 2027-2028 academic calendar, with the first day of school being August 25th, and the last day being June 2nd.
Attachments:
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H.6. Magic School AI for High School Students Pilot: Dr. Delp
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Magic School AI for High School Students Pilot
Discussion:
Dr. Delp introduced representatives from the middle and high school to explain the rationale for the Magic School AI Pilot request.
Ms. Kelli Higgins and Ms. Christy Belgiovane from the middle school presented the attached PowerPoint, and shared that they hope to save teachers time with repetitive tasks. Mrs. Bucciero asked about safety, and Ms. Belgiovane clarified that the program does not use student data. Mr. Weinman asked if the program does the work for the students, and Ms. Higgins stated that it makes suggestions. Mrs. Venditti asked if this tool could apply to other subjects, and Dr. St. Amant provided examples as to how it can apply to math or science. Mr. Weinman asked about the accuracy of the tool, potential bias, and the level of student access. Ms. Belgiovane and Ms. Higgins shared that it can be inaccurate and requires human oversight. Ms. Higgins stated she has not seen bias in her English Language Arts work. Ms. Belgiovane said that students can only access the chatbot through a link that the teacher must provide to them. Mr. Zebrak said he appreciated direct feedback from teachers when he was in school and is concerned this tool would take away that personal element. Ms. Higgins said that the tool is only used about 25-30% of the time, and the focus should still be on the personal interactions. Mr. Curran from the high school presented the attached PowerPoint, and reviewed a professional development exercise that staff completed at the beginning of the school year. He reviewed the plan-do-study-act method that they plan to implement with this tool, as well as planned questions related to feedback loops and observations. Mr. Weinman shared a concern related to student safety when using the tool. Dr. Delp shared that the tool is set up to prompt the teacher to review a transcript if potentially harmful content is detected. Dr. Piraino shared that AI is a tool with both positives and negatives, and that the district's responsibility is to ensure it is being used appropriately and that our students know how to use it responsibly, since he expects it will be prominent in their futures. Mr. Kurimsky agreed that we need to incorporate AI responsibly. Mr. Zebrak voiced a concern that AI will be used across all classes rather than being taught in a single, dedicated course.
Description:
A mid-year update will be brought to the curriculum committee on January 25, 2026.
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H.7. Quill AI Resource for the High School: Dr. Delp
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Quill AI Resource for the High School
Discussion:
Dr. Delp shared the Quill AI Resource as a 1-year implementation of a literacy device. Mr. Curran shared that about 20 students are using this free pilot.
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H.8. Policy Review - Second Read: Dr. Delp
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the second reading and adopt the following policies *Policy 102 Academic Standards *Policy 105 Curriculum *Policy 204.1 Virtual Attendance and Wellness Checks *Policy 209 Health Examinations/Screenings *Policy 246 School Wellness *Policy 249 Bullying/Cyberbullying
Discussion:
Dr. Delp presented the approval of a second reading and the request to move to implementation for the following policies:
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H.9. Personnel Agenda: Dr. Delp
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to provisionally approve the attached personnel items upon submission of the appropriate documentation, as prescribed by state and federal regulations.
Discussion:
Dr. Delp presented the personnel agenda for provisional approval upon submission of the appropriate documentation prescribed by state and federal regulations. He shared that the second Support Personnel item under "Appointments/Transfers" will be removed.
Attachments:
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I. Roll-Call Agenda Item
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I.1. Teamsters Collective Bargaining Agreement Memorandum of Understanding: Dr. Delp
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for the Teamsters Union Local No. 205 Collective Bargaining Agreement
Discussion:
Due to a staffing issue, custodians are taking on additional work. Dr. Delp presented the attached MOU as per their contract.
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J. Adjournment
Recommended Motion(s):
A motion to adjourn the meeting.
Discussion:
A motion to adjourn was made at 10:09 p.m.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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Web Viewer
Franklin Regional School District
Murrysville Municipal Building
4100 Sardis Rd., Murrysville, PA 15668
7:30 p.m.
Meetings will be in person, broadcast on Channel 21, and the recording will be uploaded to YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/FranklinRegionalSD.
Murrysville Municipal Building
4100 Sardis Rd., Murrysville, PA 15668
7:30 p.m.
Meetings will be in person, broadcast on Channel 21, and the recording will be uploaded to YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/FranklinRegionalSD.