Spring Cove School District Keeps Solicitor Participation In Place

An informational session was held prior to the Spring Cove School District Board of Directors Committee of the Whole meeting with the solicitor regarding the state’s Sunshine Act.

The public’s right to attend governmental agency meetings in Pennsylvania is based upon a state law called the “Sunshine Act.” The Sunshine Act applies to public agencies, which include Pennsylvania executive branch agencies, the General Assembly, and municipal authorities, such as township boards of supervisors and local school boards.

The Act also covers any organization created by statute that declares in substance that it performs an essential governmental function, exercises governmental authority and takes official action.

The Sunshine Act mandates that agencies are required to conduct their deliberations in public. As with many laws, there are exceptions to the public meeting requirements of the Sunshine Act, but the law begins with a statement of intent, stressing the right of the public to witness the decision-making process to ensure that the democratic process functions property.

A closed-door executive session was held at the adjournment of the meeting and will be held at the next voting meeting for the annual purpose of evaluating the superintendent.

Another closed-door executive session was called during the middle of the Committee of the Whole meeting by board President Troy Wright after lengthy discussion of Policy No. 903 in first reading.

Boardmember Kevin Smith wanted the solicitor to have no authority or public participation in board meetings. President Wright said the solicitor prevented liability from occurring for the school district during these sessions. In a straw vote, it was decided to keep the solicitor in the policy by a 5-4 vote.

During creation of a policy committee, Wright said that there was no need or reason to create a separate committee to create policy because this can be covered by another committee which already exists. He said there was no need to create another unnecessary committee and hold a separate meeting which was not necessary.

During Superintendent Dr. Betsy Baker’s report, she announced Gregory Sutton as the newest school police officer, appointed by the court on Jan. 24. Baker stated, “We welcome Officer Sutton, and thank him and our three other officers for their efforts to keep our schools safe and secure.”

She also announced ticket sales for this year’s musical “Bye Bye Birdie” are live and can be purchased at centralhigh.booktix.com. Show dates are Feb. 29, March 1, and March 2 at 7 p.m. in the Central High School auditorium.

Online registration for kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year began on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Thirty-three students have already been enrolled.

Central High School Principal Stephanie Thompson presented a complete presentation of every social-emotional program for every school in the district.

The 2024-27 Comprehensive Plan was up for discussion and will be voted on at the Tuesday, Feb. 20, regular board meeting.