SMETHPORT — The Smethport Area School Board on Monday approved the 2019-20 agreement with the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College for the district to be a satellite delivery site for hosting NRCP credit and non-credit courses.
Classes are to be held Mondays through Thursdays.
According to the agreement, the district is to provide internet connectivity with available bandwidth sufficient to handle delivery of course materials for a minimum of three simultaneous classes, in addition to offering classroom space sufficient for a minimum of two classes concurrently in accordance with the college’s course schedule during the four days.
Elizabeth Dippold of Wilcox was hired as the secondary art teacher. A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, she has taught for five years in West Virginia and began her duties here on Sept. 3. Superintendent David London introduced her at the meeting.
In other business, the directors approved two agreements with the Otto-Eldred School District. One permits an Otto-Eldred student to enroll in the Smethport district’s CAD II class. The other is for the Otto-Eldred to provide Emotional Support services for Smethport high school students.
“There are currently no Smethport students in this class, but it is an option for our district,” said London.
The directors also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Smethport Area Education Association regarding high school preparation periods for teachers following this school year’s change to block scheduling.
Six updated policies on various topics were approved. Director Ray Learn questioned London about any changes in the transportation policy and how the public could be informed about them.
London said these policies will be available on the district’s website.
In his report to the board, London said the ten-day district enrollment stands at about 800 students. Of the 40 pre-kindergarten students, some live out of the district.
The district’s Comprehensive Plan is now available for public inspection. Copies are located at all the school district administrative offices, Hamlin Memorial Library and Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9 in Smethport.
Prior to the business meeting, Elementary Principal Kristin Zona led the directors and those residents at the meeting on a tour of the school’s new STEM Laboratory.
