JACKSON TWP — Seneca Valley School Board members met Monday night to discuss upcoming projects and the beginning of the 2018-19 school year.

Board members approved the appointment of Bridget Miller, a special-education teacher of third and fourth grade students since 1997, as the assistant principal of Evans City Middle School, and David Fuhrman of the Bradford School District as an assistant director to athletics and activities.

The board also recognized Seneca Valley orchestra teacher Sarah Miller at the meeting. Miller was recently named Outstanding New String Teacher from the Pennsylvania and Delaware American String Teachers Association (PADESTA).

“The award is designed to recognize string/orchestra teachers with one to five years of full-time teaching experience who have exhibited the highest levels of leadership, dedication and achievement in public or private schools,” said Linda Andreassi, district communications director.

Andreassi pointed out upcoming important dates, including Seneca Valley Foundation’s event Gift of Hope Golf Classic on Thursday at Cranberry Highlands Golf Course; staff in-service days Aug. 27-28; and the first day of school, which is Aug. 29.

Board member Fred Peterson Jr. spoke about Butler County Vocational-Technical School’s slight decrease in registration from 950 to 925 students for the upcoming school year.

A new, five-year contract was put in place for teachers as of June 30, according to Board Vice President Eric DiTullio. The new contract included changes to teachers’ health care benefits.

Jim Nickel, board president, asked the board to keep in mind ideas for the Evans City Elementary School project. The district is developing a plan to build a new kindergarten through sixth grade building to replace the school.

“I can respect and appreciate the school in Evans City,” Nickel said. He added that he wanted to do everything he can “to respect and preserve that legacy.”

The board will vote to approve board policies addressing memorials, extracurricular activities, education/mission statement, transportation contracts, a student trip and anti-bullying at its next meeting on Monday.