Southmoreland School Board approves $7000 special education settlement agreement

The Southmoreland School Board meeting on May 21, 2024, focused on several key topics, including a recent settlement agreement related to special education and the recognition of student and faculty achievements as the school year comes to a close.

During the meeting, Bud Santimeyer raised questions regarding the minutes from the previous meeting, specifically about a motion made by Mr. Grabiak and seconded by Ms. Geyer to approve a settlement agreement. This agreement established a compensatory education fund of $7,000 intended for educational remediation and attorney fees. Santimeyer inquired about the details of the settlement, but the board clarified that it was a confidential matter related to a special education case. The district is legally bound not to disclose any specifics regarding the settlement.

Following this discussion, Superintendent Dr. Boone took the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of students and faculty as the school year concludes. He expressed gratitude for the community's involvement in various performances and events, emphasizing the importance of building a supportive environment for students. Dr. Boone also thanked the student representatives for their contributions throughout the year and announced that they would receive tokens of appreciation during the upcoming class day.

The meeting concluded with a brief presentation by Mr. Malavite regarding the Community Eligibility Program (CEP), which the district hopes to expand in the next school year. This program aims to provide free meals to students in need, further supporting the district's commitment to student welfare.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the district's focus on maintaining confidentiality in sensitive matters while also celebrating the achievements of its students and staff as the academic year wraps up.