North Allegheny reports on district readiness

A readiness for school report was presented at the North Allegheny School Board meeting on Aug. 14, providing an overall look of the district to date as the new school year begins.

The report, presented by second-year Superintendent Brendan Hyland, covered what has happened since school wrapped up May 31 and the status of the district to date.

“A lot of what gets the school ready happens in the summertime,” Hyland said. “Over the past year, we have made a lot of changes to the district.”

The presentation covered highlights from various departments throughout the district, beginning with North Allegheny Police Department Chief Eric Harpster on school safety. The board voted last year to create the department with a goal of having an officer in each school building.

Harpster said 10 officers were ready for the start of the school year, with another officer to be added in September. The district still needs two additional officers to complete its goal.

The readiness for school report, which can be found at www.northallegheny.org, provides information on officers’ school assignments. Harpster noted that Officer Greg Walton will cover both Marshall elementary and middle schools.

“He’s going to make sure his time is split where he’s spending quality time in each building. He has an office in both buildings,” Harpster said.

Officer Pat Moffatt, an officer for Peebles Elementary, also will man Hosack Elementary until Officer David Calabro begins next month. The schools are located within 1 mile of one another.

Harpster also shared that the third phase of ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate) training was recently held, with police and building administrators focusing on situational awareness and getting used to the surroundings, a key factor in emergency situations.

ALICE, adopted by North Allegheny last year, is an emergency response program to better address potential outside security threats. Components will be shared with the rest of district staff throughout the school year, and all NA officers will be certified ALICE instructors by the fall, Harpster said.

The readiness presentation also reviewed technology and innovation, curriculum updates and administrative changes.

A review of student services additions includes a new behavioral universal screening tool at elementary schools that helps promptly identify and address students who may be at risk, according to the presentation. And a second emotional support room is in place at McKnight Elementary.

The district begins the academic year with a good financial outlook, according to Kermit Houser, director of finance. A $199 million budget for 2024-25 was adopted in June with no increase to the 19.74-mill real estate tax rate.

The fund balance and projected revenues are expected to cover the anticipated operating expenses and cash flow needs for the school year, Houser said.

Marijane Treacy, director of human resources, said the district had filled more than 90% of its open professional staff positions as of Aug. 14, along with 25 paraprofessionals. She is confident the district will be able to fill any remaining vacancies shortly.

Human resources continues to seek special educational paraprofessionals and bus drivers, as well as paraprofessional substitutes. To apply for the positions, visit the district’s website.

There were 29 completed capital projects over the summer, including paved roadway, tennis courts and playground at the Marshall campus, according to Brandon Chabola, director of facilities. A new clock system was installed at Hosack Elementary, and the tennis courts were resurfaced at the senior high school.

A new all-weather javelin runway was installed at the high school. The D-Zones at the Newman Stadium, the curved inside track just beyond the football field, were renovated for improved safety.

Chabola said all schools are thoroughly cleaned, as the custodial maintenance staff has been very busy with the 1.6 million square feet of NA buildings.

Hyland thanked staff at the central administration, administrative assistants and building-level personnel as they prepared for the approximately 8,500 students and 1,700 staff members coming in for the new school year.

He also acknowledged the maintenance, grounds and custodial crew for help preparing the schools for the students.

“The best feeling is when you walk into the school and the floors are shining,” Hyland said.