September 23, 2026 at 6:30 PM - Meeting
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1. Call to Order/Roll Call
Description:
The Chairperson will call the meeting to order and roll call will be taken.
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2. Pledge of Allegiance
Description:
The Chairperson will lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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3. Courtesy of the Floor and Public Comment
Description:
We have come to the portion of the meeting providing an opportunity for public comment. |
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4. Approval of the Minutes
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to approve:
4.1 - Joint Operating Committee (JOC) Minutes (Attachment) 4.2 - Business & Finance Committee (Attachment) 4.3 - Facility Committee (Attachment) 4.4 - Public Relations and School Climate Committee (Attachment) 4.5 - Education Committee (Attachment) |
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5. Chairperson's Report
Description:
The Chairperson will give their report.
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6. Student Representative Report and Staff Recognition
Description:
LCTI FBLA President & Vice President
Isaias Mora Lopez LCTI FBLA President Isaias Mora Lopez is a senior at Louis E. Dieruff High School completing LCTI’s Computer Networking Technology program. He serves as the 2026-2027 LCTI FBLA President and is in his third year as a member. He has earned multiple honors in FBLA’s Network Design competition, including first- and second-place finishes at the regional level and seventh place at the Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference. Isaias is pursuing mastery in information technology (IT), with plans to work in computer networking and server administration. He also earned an AWS Fiber Optic Workshop certification, gaining additional hands-on technical experience. Beyond FBLA, Isaias works as an Aquatics Team Leader, where he supports fellow members while helping them develop their leadership and business skills. Kevin Scott LCTI FBLA Vice President Kevin Scott is a senior at Parkland High School enrolled in LCTI’s Academic Center, where he is completing the Computer Networking Technology program. He serves as the LCTI, FBLA Vice President and has been an active member for two years. He has earned multiple honors at Pennsylvania FBLA Regional and State Leadership Conferences, including top placements in the Network Design competitive event. Kevin is also a Boy Scout with Troop 72 and has spent the past three summers serving as a merit badge counselor at Forestburg Scout Reservation in New York. |
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7. Administrative Report
Description:
Executive Director's Report
7.1 - 2024-2025 Independent Audit Report - Dr. Lisa Greenawalt and Mrs. Debra M. Miller (Attachment) 7.2 - Review of 2027 JOC Seat Calculation (Attachment) 7.3 - Administrative Updates |
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8. Grants
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to retroactively approve:
8.1 -The submission of an application for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) School Mental Health Grant on September 4, 2026. This is a non-competitive grant with a maximum award of $70,000. The funding will cover the majority of the cost of the Social Worker provided through Communities In Schools (CIS). The remaining cost of the Social Worker will be covered through Perkins Grant funding. |
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9. Adult Workforce Education
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to retroactively approve:
9.1 - The Adult Workforce Education Department to enter into an agreement with Pocono Counties Workforce Development Board to provide training services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), effective from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. (Attachment) |
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10. Personnel Items
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to approve the following personnel motions:
10.1 - The appointment of Robert Long, Plumbing Apprentice Instructor, at $45.00 per hour, effective October 1, 2026. 10.2 - The appointment of Caytee Garza, Part-Time Instructional Assistant, at $22.33 per hour, effective September 14, 2026. 10.3 - The recommended action for Rosemary Weigman be appointed as Interim Recording Secretary effective November 2, 2026, until further notice. Ms. Weigman will receive a stipend of $449.92 for attendance at the November meeting. 10.4 - Change of Status for Rosemary Weigman, Substitute Secretary to Interim Secretary to the Executive Director, effective October 19, 2026, until further notice. Ms. Weigman will be paid at a rate of $26.79 per hour. 10.5 - The transfer of Samantha King from Instructional Assistant to Secretary to the Principal of the Academic Center, effective September 14, 2026, at a rate of $24.22 per hour. 10.6 - Regular Status for Jacob Oswald, Custodian, effective September 16, 2026. Mr. Oswald completed his 90-day probationary period. 10.7 - The addition of Christopher Williamson to the 2026-2027 Substitute Teacher list, effective September 2, 2026. 10.8 - The addition of Randy Schock to the 2026-2027 Substitute Teacher list, effective September 14, 2026. 10.9 - The resignation of Dereck Rogers, Advisor for Facilities and Operations, effective October 1, 2026. 10.10 - The resignation of Wilda Figueroa Torres, Part-time Instructional Assistant, effective September 30, 2026. 10.11 - The resignation of Carolann Hall, Food Service Worker, due to retirement, effective October 1, 2026. 10.12 - A total severance amount of $36,500 to be deposited into a 403(b) account on behalf of Sean Will as per the current Act 93 agreement, Item #III.6.I (Retirement/Severance Plan), in monthly payments of $1,500 until the total severance amount is paid in full. 10.13 - The appointment of Kevin Ferenchak and Matthew Ryan as AYES Coordinator(s), effective for the 2026-2027 school year, with a stipend of $925.00 per person. 10.14 - The appointment of the following Advisors for the 2026-2027 school year:
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11. Curriculum
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to approve:
11.1 - Lehigh Carbon Community College to offer the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification course to a cohort of students enrolled in the Health & Medical Sciences program during the 2026-2027 school year. Two (2) students will be attending the first semester, September 14 through November 10, 2026. Four (4) students will be attending the second semester, January 11 through March 11, 2027. The total cost per person will not exceed $1,935.00. Costs, including the course instruction, textbooks, certification vouchers, and supplies, will be paid by the Perkins Grant. |
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12. Committees
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will hear updates from the following Committees:
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12.A. Committee Report: Business & Finance
Description:
Committee Members: Ms. Carol Facchiano, Mr. Gary Fedorcha, Dr. Cereta Johnson, Ms. Audrey Mathison, Ms. Sarah Nemitz (Chairperson), and Mr. Fady Salloum
Ms. Nemitz will provide the Business & Finance Committee Report. (Attachment) |
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12.B. Committee Report: Facility
Description:
Committee Members: Mr. Jeffrey Jankowski, Dr. Joshua Levinson (Chairperson), Mr. Luis Melecio, Mr. Denzel Morris, and Mr. Matthew Weimann
Dr. Levinson will provide the Facilities Committee Report. (Attachment) |
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12.C. Committee Report: Public Relations & School Climate
Description:
Committee Members: Ms. Alyssa Beckwith, Ms. Evette D'Amore, Ms. Jillian Emert, Mr. Timothy Kearney (Chairperson), Ms. Gabrielle Klotz, and Mr. Jon Macklin
Mr. Kearney will provide the Public Relations & School Climate Committee Report. (Attachment) |
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12.D. Committee Report: Education
Description:
Committee Members: Dr. Rita Perez, Mr. Jay Rohatgi, Ms. Rachael Scheffler, and Ms. Marisa Ziegler (Chairperson)
Ms. Ziegler will provide the Education Committee Report. (Attachment) |
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13. Conferences - Professional Development
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to approve:
13.1 - Kathie Murray, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, to attend the 2026 Education First (EF) Education CTE Admin Professional Learning & Exploration Program in London, United Kingdom, from January 13-18, 2027. Note: This event includes a five-day Professional Learning Tour where Mrs. Murray will explore global career readiness topics related to business, marketing, and information technology, as well as strategies for building global competency among students and staff. The scholarship awarded to Mrs. Murray includes round-trip airfare on major carriers, a full-time Tour Director, a project-based learning program, EF's personalized learning experience, hotel accommodations, breakfast, most dinners, all transportation, and entrance fees. Estimated costs for non-covered meals, gratuities, parking, and tolls are $436.00. 13.2 - Amy Rex, Workforce Education Coordinator to attend the PACTA Workshop for Adult CTE Coordinators in State College, PA on October 1-2, 2026. Ms. Rex will be attending the workshop to stay current on best practices and strategies to support Adult Education. The total estimated cost will be $482.49, which includes registration, hotel, and travel expenses. Costs to be paid by Adult Education. 13.3 - Cory Schnaufer, School Counselor, to attend the PACTA Workshop for CTE School Counselors in State College, PA on October 1-2, 2026. Mr. Schnaufer will be attending the workshop to stay current on best practices for supporting career and technical education students. The total cost of the conference to LCTI will be $482.49, which includes registration, hotel, and travel expenses. Costs to be paid by the General Fund. 13.4 - Bradley Brandmeir, Welding Teacher, to attend the American Welding Society (AWS) Fall Board Meeting 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 17-23, 2026. Mr. Brandmeir will be attending the meeting as an AWS Board Member. There is no cost to LCTI. All costs, registration, hotel, and travel expenses to be paid by the American Welding Society. 13.5 - Steve Ferguson, School to Work Coordinator, to attend the PCEA Conference in State College, PA, on October 14-16, 2026. Mr. Ferguson will attend the conference to stay current on best practices for supporting career and technical education students. The total cost to LCTI will be $699.98 for registration, hotel, and travel expenses. Costs to be paid by the General Fund. 13.6 - Joseph Peregrin, Web Design/Web Programming Teacher; Diane Rarick, Computer Information Technology Teacher; and Kristen Goldberg, School Health Officer, to attend the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference at the Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center, Pocono Mountain, PA on November 1-2, 2026. Mr. Peregrin and Ms. Rarick will attend as conference advisors, and Ms. Goldberg will attend as a medical health provider. The total cost for lodging, meals, and registration will be $1,278.00. Cost will be paid from the LCTI General Fund. 13.7 - Jonell Kiechel, Health & Medical Sciences Teacher, to attend the PENN HOSA Competitive Events Leadership Committee (CELC) Fall Leadership Workshop at Millersville University on October 12-13, 2026. Ms. Kiechel will be attending as an advisor. The total cost to LCTI will be $33.00 for meals. Cost to be paid by the LCTI General Fund. There are no other costs to LCTI associated with this conference. 13.8 - Audrey Mathison, Joint Operating Committee Chairperson, to attend the PASA-PSBA School Leadership conference on October 18-19, 2026 at Kalahari Resorts, Pocono Mountains, PA. Ms. Mathison will be attending on behalf of LCTI. The total cost of the conference for registration, hotel, and meals is $814.65. Costs to be paid by the General Fund. |
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14. CTSO Events and Overnight Field Trips
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to approve:
14.1 - A maximum of 17 students participating in FBLA, to attend the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference at Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center in Pocono Mountain, PA, on November 1-2, 2026. The estimated cost is $131.25 per student, which includes hotel accommodations and registration. All costs are the responsibility of the individual student. Students may participate in various CTSO fundraising activities to help cover the costs or may choose to self-pay the amount due. |
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15. List of Bills
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to approve:
15.1 - The List of Bills_September 2026 (Attachment) |
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16. Financial Reports
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to approve the:
16.1 - Treasurer's Report_August 2026 (Attachment FR#1) 16.2 - Board Summary Report_September 2026 (Attachment FR#2) 16.3 - Student Activity Report_September 2026 (Attachment FR#3) 16.4 - Acceptance of the Lehigh Career & Technical Institute's draft Financial and Compliance Report as of and for the Year Ending June 30, 2025. (Attachment) |
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17. Miscellaneous: Agreements, Contracts, MOU's
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to:
17.1 - Ratify the agreement between the Pennsylvania State Police, as the administrator of the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN), and Lehigh Career & Technical Institute (LCTI) to provide authorized LCTI police officers with Terminal Agency Access to CLEAN. Access to CLEAN will allow LCTI police officers to obtain authorized law enforcement information necessary to support investigations, verify individuals and records, assist with emergency and safety-related responses, and carry out their official law enforcement responsibilities in accordance with applicable Pennsylvania laws, regulations, policies, and CLEAN access requirements. (Attachment) 17.2 - Approve a request for the Executive Director and/or Business Administrator to execute the electric supply contract based on Provident Energy’s recommendation, with ratification by the Joint Operating Committee (JOC) at a later date. Note: Provident Energy will seek competitive pricing in the coming months for electric supply beginning with the July 2027 meter read. The procurement process through Provident requires a prompt turnaround between the receipt of final pricing and the execution of the contract. 17.3 - Approve the Diversified Energy Service Group proposal to replace and upgrade LCTI's building exit signage, in the amount of $56,724. Diversified is a CoStars Vendor. (Attachment) |
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18. Miscellaneous: Donations
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to accept:
18.1 - A donation of a box of sheet metal from East Penn Manufacturing to the Welding Technology Program. This donation will be used for educational purposes. Note: The box will weigh between 300-400 pounds and will include stainless steel, diamond plate, and carbon steel. These metals are used for mig & tig welding in the Welding Technology Program.
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19. Miscellaneous: Educational Technology, Textbooks, Resources
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to approve:
19.1 - The purchase of a software subscription from Rolling Hills Publishing for Auto UpKeep Academy, as a supplemental resource for the SOC Indoor/Outdoor program. The interactive online platform will support student learning in automotive safety and maintenance. The total cost of the subscription is $1,000 per year, as outlined in the attached quote. (Attachment) |
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20. Miscellaneous: Occupational Advisory Council Members
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to approve:
20.1 - The 2026-2027 Occupational Advisory Council (OAC) Member listing. (Attachment) |
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21. Miscellaneous: Policy 706.1-Disposal/Sale of Surplus School Property
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to approve:
21.1 - Discarding the following items from the Welding Technology program at the current market values for scrap metals in accordance with Policy 706.1:
21.2 - The disposal (salvaged/scrapped) of the following vehicles that were previously utilized for training in the Auto Technology program and are no longer required.
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22. Miscellaneous: Policies
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to:
22.1 - Approve the following policy for a Second Reading and approval:
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23. Miscellaneous: PSBA Officer Elections
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to vote on the slate of candidates.
23.1 - The Board vote for the 2027 PSBA Slate of Candidates for the positions of: (Attachment) 2027 President-Elect
2027 Vice President
2027-2029 Treasurer
2027 Eastern Zone Representative
2027-2028 Section E-2 Advisor - may select one (1)
PSBA Insurance Trust Trustees (term ends December 31, 2029)
Trustee Seat 1
Seat 2
Forum Steering Committee (term ends December 21, 2028) - may select up to two (2)
Note: PSBA Nomination Committee-endorsed candidates are noted with an asterisk (*). |
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24. Miscellaneous: Superintendent of Record
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to approve:
24.1 - The continuation of Dr. Matthew Link in the role as Superintendent of Record, effective July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2029, with an annual stipend of $5,000. Dr. Link's current term of service continues through June 30, 2027 as previously approved at the May 28, 2025 JOC meeting. Note: Dr. Link was unanimously approved to continue in this role by the superintendents present at the September 17, 2026 Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting. |
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25. Miscellaneous: Wellness Committee Members
Description:
The Joint Operating Committee (JOC) will be asked to approve:
25.1 - The members of the Wellness Committee as listed in the table below:
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26. New Business
Description:
The Chairperson will ask if there is any new business.
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27. Meeting Adjournment
Description:
The Chairperson will ask for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
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28. Next Meeting Date
Description:
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
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