SMETHPORT — The Smethport Area School Board voted unanimously Monday to approve the district’s Comprehensive Plan that outlines the goals, strategies and action plans for 2019-23.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires all school districts to submit these data-driven and research-based planning guides, which deal with such topics as student achievement, resources, staff development and continuous growth, and also show the districts are complying with state and federal regulations.
To allow for public input, the district’s plan that was developed by a committee of school and community representatives, was on display for about five weeks at five different locations in the community.
Now that the school board has OKd the plan, it will be sent to the PDE for review and approval.
After hearing a report from Superintendent David London, the directors approved items to be included in a Pennsylvania Commission and Crime Delinquency grant application. London said that among these items are bus cameras, classroom security blinds, radio communications and portable emergency kits.
During the discussion, London and directors spoke about the various classifications of school resource officers and their respective roles.
The board agreed to purchase of natural gas from Nov. 1, 2019, through Oct. 31, 2020, from Open Flow, a division of United Gas Improvement, at a cost based on NYNEX stock price plus 8.2 cents per decatherm.
With the approved 2019-20 contract with Seneca Highlands IU9 the district will receive additional psychological services at an hourly rate of $75.
In another agenda item, the board, acting on London’s recommendation, tabled a motion to establish a trap team as a school activity. London said, “Further research is needed as we try to nail down some things.”
A request from enrichment teacher Kelly Tarbox for some students in grades 9-12 to visit and tour the Manufacturing Technology Institute at Jamestown Community College in Olean, N.Y., was approved.
In personnel matters, Michelle Acker was appointed a mentor for the new high school art teacher.
The directors filled the following supplemental positions for 2019-20: Colby Austin, head baseball coach; Nicole Nolte, volunteer assistant softball coach; and Megan Woods, volunteer assistant elementary basketball coach.
Donations of $300 each were approved for the Hamlin Memorial Library and Mount Jewett Memorial Library.
High school Principal Brice Benson recognized seventh grader Kenyon Angell and junior Abbye McKeirnan as Students of the Month. London presented certificates to them.
Board President Larry Dennis announced that the directors may meet in an executive session before the next regularly scheduled meeting.
