Susquehanna Community takes look at potential cuts

BY HELEN B. FOSTER

Uppermost on everyone’s mind attending the February 15, school board meeting was Governor Tom Corbett’s budget and how it will impactSusquehannaCommunitySchool District.

According to Superintendent Bronson Stone, the district will stand to lose $86,000 from the Accountability Block Grant that funds the K-4 program if it passes the legislature.

Stone also spoke of the reimbursement for district transportation and social security costs.  These reimbursements are usually based on actual costs and a formula that helps poorer school districts. If passed, the fixed reimbursement proposed would have an extremely negative impact on rural and poorer districts.

The district’s transportation providers are businesses that can’t be expected to take a loss, Stone said. “No one said we could stop paying social security.”

The superintendent said he will be recommending to the board at the March meeting policies related to a Sport Parent Code of Conduct and a Spectator Code of Conduct. These policies address concerns over the behavior of fans and parents of student-athletes that have been received by the administration.
Other action by the school board included the appointment of a football coach.

John Salinkas, a chemistry and physics teacher atSusquehannaCommunityHigh Schoolhas been named the district’s  varsity football coach for the 2012 season. Salinkas has served as the Saber’s assistant coach for the past 11 seasons.

The board also accepted the resignation of Jime Grabowski, art teacher, at the end of the present school year; Raymond Testa, junior high boys basketball also at the end of the school year; and Jason Fissel, elementary wrestling co-coach.

Bridgette Stone was hired as a short-term elementary special education substitute (51 days): Sarah Holmes as boys volleyball assistant coach; Roxann Lloyd as track announcer; Tiffanie Wolf, track scorer; Casey Williams, baseball scorer and Chelsea Ayres, softball scorer.

Volunteers approved included: Lori Zick, Roy Williams, Tiffanie Wolf, and Susan Day.

During district personnel reports: Stone spoke about the 2012-13 calendar. Without any snow days that school year could end on May 31.

Principal Mark Gerchman informed the board that Carly Batzel has been selected WVIA’s Teacher of the Month for June. Gerchman also showed the board the Denise Reddon memorial plaque that will hang in the gym lobby along with the one for the late Tony Aliano.

Elementary Principal Robert Keyes reported there are 50 students so far signed up for the “Mobile Dentist” coming to the school on March 1 and 2.

Business Manager Gary Kiernan reported there are five municipalities with delinquent tax increases for 2011.

Special Education Coordinator David Jagger reported he and a teacher took four students toElkLakefor a transition agency day where students and parents met with service agencies for career availability. Jagger said it was a very valuable trip for the four seniors involved.

Maintenance supervisor Don Norris reported everything was going good, very little snow plowing.

Education Association President Kathleen Hinkley informed the board inverviews are being conducted for the $3,600 scholarship money to be awarded to seniors. She said the Bowl With Your Favorite Teacher scheduled for March 2, at Riverside Lanes has interested 90 elementary students so far. She invited board members to come out for a fun filled afternoon.