Board approves several personnel and contract items, OKs $90,805 wrestling‑mat purchase and advances therapy‑dog pilot policy

At its May 14 meeting the Montoursville Area School District board approved a series of consent and business items, confirmed personnel actions, and considered policy updates and purchases.

Personnel: After amending the agenda earlier to remove the director of curriculum and instruction posting, the board combined and approved personnel items 8.1–8.8 (as amended). The meeting record includes congratulations to staff members taking new roles and appreciation for long‑serving student representatives.

Contracts and purchases: The board approved an agreement to hire a contract certified cyber‑school instructor effective July 1, 2024, and renewed a student accident insurance agreement with Zurich Insurance (a 5% premium increase). The board also approved purchase and installation of wrestling mats from Resolite at a total cost of $90,805.40. Board members discussed mat life expectancy, waterproofing concerns for the gym floor, and testing/impact statements before voting.

Special education: The board approved an agreement with BLaST IU 17 to share special‑education services for 2024–25.

Policy first reading: On first reading the board reviewed policy updates (telework, vacation and a therapy‑dog policy). The therapy policy discussion emphasized limiting the program to certified therapy dogs, administrative approval, and piloting up to one or two therapy dogs per building (counselor/guidance and business‑office pilots were noted). Board members said the dogs would not be in classrooms continuously and that scheduling and testing days would be considered to avoid distractions.

The board adjourned after committee reports and a final public‑comment period; an executive session on personnel followed the meeting.

Next steps: Routine contract administration and onboarding for approved hires; the therapy‑dog policy will return after administrative language is finalized and following the required reading process.