ELDRED — Tuesday’s Otto-Eldred school board meeting started off with presentations about changes students would like to see in the district.
The presentations were part of a project done in eighth grade language arts class. The first group consisting of Katrina Cousins, Cohen Walker, Corrine Wilcox and Suzie Rounsville presented a uniform policy that they felt would help with bullying issues in school and with the costs to families when they are purchasing back-to-school clothing. The second group consisting of Nathan Schuessler, Dan Douglas and Taylor English gave a presentation on the benefits of increasing field trips throughout the district, and they also discussed the inequality of current field trips. Both presentations were applauded by the board, and students were commended for their research and preparation on their subjects.
Next, elementary teachers, Rachel Burkhouse, Regina Gabriel, and Amanda Davis together gave a Powerpoint presentation on their cross-curricular folk art unit. The unit, which was a in week duration, combined their classrooms to learn a square dancing routine, which they performed for their peers. Pictures and video of the student’s artwork and dancing that were correlated into the unit were shown to those in attendance.
Preschool teacher Amy Jordan gave a brief presentation of the take-home activity program she started with her preschool classroom. She handed out example of the take-home activity bags for the board to view. She explained that each activity is given with instructions and note cards for the parent or guardian to give comments and suggestions. The program has received extremely positive feedback and seems to be an enjoyable learning experience for students and their families.
Superintendent Matthew Splain gave an update on upgrades and repairs being made to the school districts buildings and properties. A request was made to purchase new protective window film for the buildings which had an estimated cost of $7,500. This project was approved by the board. Another upgrade request for new classroom furniture in the elementary was presented and approved up to $10,000. It was noted that the current furniture in the elementary school is well over 25 years old, and the new furniture will accommodate learning needs.
Director of Curriculum and Instruction Melissa Merry announced that PSSA testing is completed and spring Keystones at the high school are underway. Elementary parents are invited to review student reports. Parents are asked to refer to a note that was sent home regarding days and times to come for review.
A special education contract with Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit Nine was reviewed with an estimated cost of $237,806. The contract was approved.
The board also approved an operating budget for the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center.
Meanwhile, Hamlin Bank and Trust Company of Eldred was approved at the depository for the school district. Christian T. Mattie III, Esquire was approved as the district’s solicitor for the 2018-19 school year at an hourly rate of $140 and a $1,000 retainer. These rates have been the same for seven years. Buffamante Whipple Buttefaro PC was approved as local auditors for the 2018-19 fiscal year.
School breakfast and lunch prices will increase $.05 for breakfast and $.15 for lunch effective for the 2018-19 school year. Elementary breakfast will be $1.15 and lunch will be $2.15. High school breakfast will be $1.40 and lunch will be $2.40.
A letter of retirement was accepted from the district business manager Brenda Long. Her retirement will take effect on June 30. The board will contract with her for up to 30 hours at a rate of $40 per hour when needed.
Various supplemental positions were approved for the 2018-19 school year. Megan Walck and Kylie Geci were approved as musical/play directors. Kaci Daniels and Lauren Lawson were approved as National Honor Society Advisors. Lorinda Smith and Fawn Miller were approved as Peer Helper Advisors. Ed Reitler was approved as a game manager for jv/varsity volleyball.
Chad Sebastian was approved as a baseball scorekeeper. Sam Kysor was placed as a baseball assistant coach. Shawn Gray was placed as the head girls varsity basketball coach.
Other positions approved included Sherry Ward, Bill Todd and Gary Larson as van/bus drivers for the remainder of the school year. Amanda Davis and Kristen Ramsey were approved to teach summer physical education. Tammy Schenfield, Rachel Burkhouse, Kiley Wojewoda, Ursula Rosenwie, Megan Walck (sub), Stefanie Wolfe (sub), and Chelsea Wymer (sub) were all approved for summer school teaching positions. Valerie Nichols, Sharon Nichols and Brenda Dubetsky were approved for the summer food program. Peter Couls was approved for the summer technology position. Lance Baker, Kayla VanCamp and Lisa Isadore were approved for summer maintenance positions. Jeannie Gray will serve as a school board liaison representative for the Otto-Eldred Education Foundation.
A final graduation list for the Class of 2018 was presented and approved by the board. Graduation will be held on June 1 at 7 p.m. by invitation only at the high school auditorium.
Elementary Olympics will be held on May 23 for grades 1-3 and May 24 for grades 4-6.
