SMETHPORT — The directors of Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9 on Monday reviewed the first draft of the educational agency’s 2018-19 general operating budget that includes expenditures for administration, curriculum, management, pupil personnel and instructional media services.
While IU9 Executive Director Don Wismar did not give a total for this spending plan because it is still a proposal, he did say that it represents a 1.81 increase over the current budget.
The state’s 29 intermediate units and school districts work cooperatively to provide services which the districts cannot afford or prefer not to offer individually, which avoids duplication of personnel, building space, materials and instructional equipment.
By law, intermediate units have no taxing authority. “This is why our greatest share of revenue comes from the 14 school districts in McKean, Potter, Cameron and Elk counties,” Wismar said. “Additional funding comes from grants and state initiatives.”
The IU board is slated to adopt the final budget in February.
The IU9 administration recognized the 14 directors for their voluntary service representing their respective school districts on the IU9 and Career and Technical Center boards since the Pennsylvania School Boards Association has proclaimed January as School Director Recognition Month.
They were Paul Ridley, Bradford and Thomas Kerrick, Kane two years; Bill Funk, Smethport, and Diane West, Oswayo Valley, three years: Brian Chiapelli, St. Marys, and Aimee Kemick, Ridgway, five years; Robert Lininger, Cameron County, and Ralph Young, Austin, six years; Russell Streich, Coudersport, eight years; Michael Grimes, Northern Potter, 11 years; and Bonita Stover, Galeton, 15 years.
Wismar said he plans to meet in the near future for an orientation session with first year directors: Courtney Dunworth, Johnsonburg, Matt Windsor, Otto-Eldred, and Cheryl Nasto, Port Allegany.
In other business, the directors approved the 2017-18 agreement with the Commonwealth Charter Academy. Under the terms of this contract, an IU9 licensed/certified professional will provide completed vision evaluation reports directly to the Special Education Compliance Specialist at the academy. Completed evaluations, participation in the evaluation meeting and any follow-up, including direct service to the student will be billed to the academy at the rate of $140 per hour.
With another approved agreement, IU9 will provide psychological services to the St. Marys Area School District at an hourly rate of $75.
At the CTC in Port Allegany, Zitomedia will provide internet port and transport services beginning July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2023, under an agreement approved Monday.
In his report to the directors, Wismar said the PSBA will sponsor a meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 30 at the IU9 administrative offices in Smethport when district representatives can discuss common issues and other matters.
