Susquehanna board explores options

BY HELEN B. FOSTER

Correspondent

Superintendent Bronson Stone informed the Susquehanna Community school board at its Jan. 19 meeting the school district would be facing uncertainties for the coming year.

“Our largest funding source, the state, will be reduced,” Stone said, noting that it could be around $800,000 making it necessary to look at different options.

He said the options might include a reduction in staff, programs and athletics, but assured the board the district was fiscally sound going into the 2011-2012 school year.

Business Manager Gary Kiernan reported the Homestead/Farmstead applications have been mailed out and he is urging everyone to return them.

Kieran said he is always available to answer any questions district residents might have regarding this program which makes state money derived from gambling revenues available to taxpayers for relief with their property taxes.

January is School Director Recognition Month and Stone applauded SCSD board by saying, “I appreciate the environment where I work.”

He handed out certificates of appreciation to the board members while telling them that without a strong school board there would be no progress.

Principal Mark Gerchman told the board the district is only one of three school in Northeast Pennsylvania having Project-Lead the Way program and he sent letters home to parents to encourage more students to take part. The program has 12 students presently taking part in this pre-engineering curriculum.

According to Gerchman, District Attorney Jason Legg would be speaking at  an assembly which focuses on the law and legal issues for students making the wrong decisions.

There will also be an assembly on Feb. 9, for female students aimed at dating and violence. 

The board approved the Special Education contract with Northeast Intermeidate Unit #19 and also the Regional Wide Area Network agreement with the NEIU #19 for five years at a monthly rate of $2,169. Stone said,  “this is the Internet we use and are very satisfied.”

Transportation contracts were also approved along with a contract with Freddy’s Refuse Removal at a cost of $9,235 for 2011.

The board accepted Kristin Stanford’s resignation as elementary library aide. Stone said she will be going back to college for her degree.

Substitute teachers approved were: Meghan Gilleran, Kimberly Frechen, Kimberly Marco, Erin Rosenthal, Kathryn Fuller, Jennifer James, Jaimie Himka and John Carpenter.

Substitute Aides approved were Michele Sweeney and Patricia Cottrell. Sarah Holmes was approved as a Homebound instructor.

Volunteers approved were: Karen Trynoski, junior high track; Mike Lloyd, wrestling; Larry Rumola, Dennis Gow, Chad Crawford, William Collins and Damon Sisler, elementary wrestling..

Superintendent Stone was granted permission to seek a co-sponsorship/cooperative agreement with Blue Ridge School district for junior high and varsity wrestling and wrestling cheerleading.

According to Stone Blue Ridge has the same size program as SCSD with only a portion of weight class being filled by both districts.

Weight Watchers was given approval to hold meetings in the school cafeteria after school hours.