Susquehanna Community accepts resignations

BY HELEN B. FOSTER

Correspondent

Susquehanna Community school board accepted three resignations, two teachers and one aide, at its Wednesday (Feb. 16) meeting.

High school math teacher, Benjamin Hibbard and elementary special education teacher Karen Loscig  resignations will be effective at the end of the present school year and personal care aide Robin Burdick’s resignation is effective immediately.

Robert Buck was added to the district’s substitute list as a bus driver.

Superintendent Bronson Stone spoke to the board concerning the 2011-12 state budget. He called this the worst budget in a long time but said the district is taking pro-active measures to compensate for the lack of state funds.

Stone told the board he had called State Rep. Sandra Major and State Sen. Lisa Baker to let them know what the budget cuts will mean to the poorer districts.

Business Manager Gary Kiernan said the local auditor had been in and reported a positive fund growth which will be used to help pay teacher salaries next year and offset future cuts from the state. Kiernan also said the district has sent the required resolution that states they will not be exceeding 2.1 percent millage increase if it is necessary to increase the millage for 2011-12.

During the reports from district personnel the teacher’s representative, Kathleen Hinkley said the teachers are aware of the budget cuts but will stay strong during this time.

Stone told Hinkley he appreciates what the teachers are doing.

Elementary principal Robert Keyes said that 265 students were recognized as “Successful Sabers” for the second quarter and received the Principal’s Award for their good work. As a reward for this achievement the students were treated to a basketball game by the high school team. Keyes said that some of the students had never attended a basketball game and this was a real treat.

Special Ed Director David Jagger noted his department is continually finding ways to involve parents. “We will use human capital to achieve our goals,” he said.

The board approved policies covering Nondiscrimination Practices for all students and Controlled Substances/ Paraphernalia as it pertains to the whole school community.

Stone said these policies are newly revised and former illegal sentences are now approved.