The approval of three, 72-passenger propane-powered school buses was one of the highlights of Monday’s meeting for the Bradford Area School District board of education.
During the meeting, the board accepted a bid from Blue Bird Bus Sales of Pittsburgh Inc., for $90,090 per bus, with a total cost of $276,270.
Judy Bodamer, director of finance, said the school district had applied for three state grants to help with the cost of the buses, and had received them.
“So, 50 percent of the cost of each bus will be paid for through the grants. I think that’s awesome — and thank you, Barry,” Bodamer said in reference to Barry Bryan, director of transportation for the district.
Bodamer noted the district also expects to receive a fuel rebate for the cost of the propane used for operating the buses.
“With both of those scenarios it is financially rewarding to the district,” Bodamer added.
She said a condition of the grant is to destroy the old buses that will be replaced, so they can’t be traded in or used again. In providing more specific information on this, Bryan said the school district will have to bore holes through the engine blocks of the old buses to ensure they aren’t driven again. He said the district will likely take them to a scrap or salvage yard.
In other related business, the board awarded a contract for repaving the bus garage parking lot to Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc., with a base bid of $379,387 plus an alternate bid of $9,600, for a total of $389,437.
In other business matters, the board gave permission for the following individuals to purchase properties from the county repository: Linda Allen, 194 South Ave., $1,000; Tantum McNamara, 808 Bolivar Drive, $1,100; Daniel J. Hartle, .50 acres on Bingham Road, Lafayette Township, $1,250; Michael Monroe, 11 Waldo Ave., $300; Mark Bisker, .68 acres on South Avenue, $250; James J. Caskey, mobile home, 2515 W. Washington St., $51; William Leffler III, .12 acres on Dar Valley Road, $250; Bryan Taylor and Jaime Sweet-Taylor, 325-55 South Ave., $250, and 321 South Ave. $250; Patrick Giordano, 17 N. Bennett St., $250; Linda Allen, 38 York St., $250; Bradford Sanitary Authority, 64 South Ave., $250; and Mary Isadore and Rick Isadore, mobile home, 9 Cindy Lane, $50.
In his presentation on the high school registration guide, which the board approved, Principal David Ray said new programs offered in the next school year will include several advanced placement courses. They include classes for chemistry, computer science and psychology. Other new courses offered include Current Issues and Controversies; Horticulture and Landscaping; Introduction to Criminology; Music Appreciation; Pop Culture in America; and STEM Engineering Technology II.
In personnel matters, the board approved tenure for teachers Stephanie Bradybaugh, Shelby Glassmire and Rebecca Mahoney. The board also approved the hiring of Natalie Marasco as a health and physical education teacher at the high school and middle school at a salary of $41,128, effective Feb. 4 or another date mutually agreed upon by both parties.
In her report, Superintendent Katharine Pude said the district is currently accepting applications for pre-kindergarten students for the 2019-20 school year. Parents may contact George G. Blaisdell Elementary School if they are interested in filling out an application. In addition, the kindergarten registration has been set for the week of April 29, and that registration packet is also available.
On another student topic, Pude praised the Career and Tech program for its students’ achievements at the Skills USA competition in January. She said 21 Career and Tech students competed in 18 separate competitions. Out of the 18 contests, Bradford High students came home with 12 medals. Gold medalists who will travel to state competition are Brandon Moore, automotive service tech; Brianna Barger, customer service; and Kaleigh Keyes, basic health care.
On a final note, Pude said “The Sound of Music” production, which will involve students and staff from across the district, will be performed in the high school auditorium March 15-17.
