SMETHPORT — The Smethport Area School Board on Tuesday approved a memorandum of understanding with the Smethport Area Education Association (SAEA) that calls for creating a temporary position modification, namely the acting dean of students and educational affairs.
In a later vote, the directors appointed Kristin Zona to work full-time in this job at the elementary school until the conclusion of Principal Larry Rondinelli’s leave of absence, Jan. 23. At that time, Zona will return to her classroom duties without any loss of contractual benefits or seniority.
Rondinelli has been on a leave since Dec. 12, 2016.
According to the memorandum of understanding, the position’s responsibilities are to include assisting with the non-supervisory duties of the principal, but no supervisory duties in relation to other professional and non-professional employees, such as reprimanding or evaluating district employees.
Zona will be paid at her contracted salary under the current collective bargaining agreement.
In the memorandum of understanding, the district and SAEA agree the modification of the CBA is not precedent setting.
With this agreement, transportation procedures are to be established between the school district and McKean County Children and Youth Services to guarantee transportation for foster care youth enrolled in the district when a best interest determination indicates the student should remain in the school of origin, and alternative means of transportation to and from school have been fully explored and deemed unavailable.
As explained, the memorandum of understanding is not a local transportation plan. Rather, it is an agreement between the district and CYS to work cooperatively in designing such a plan.
In other matters, the directors approved adjustments to the current school calendar. Early dismissal is tentatively planned on Feb. 16, providing the student council-sponsored canned food drive for the local food bank achieves its goal of 7,000 items. Noon dismissals are slated for Act 80 days, March 8 and April 5. Teachers will work on curriculum matters both days.
High school teacher Ronda Wian was granted a leave of absence for approximately six weeks, effective Jan. 16.
In observance of January being proclaimed School Directors Recognition Month in Pennsylvania, Superintendent David London and Business Manager Sue Jordan recognized these volunteers for their service to the district. An informal reception followed the meeting.
During the public part of the agenda, one parent asked if he had any administrative recourse after his request for a meeting with the board was denied.
London replied, “Not to my knowledge, but I will research the matter and get back to you.”
