SCSB proposes $13.4M budget

BY HELEN B. FOSTER

Correspondent

The Susquehanna Community School Board approved a proposed budget of $13,471,586 for the district’s 2012-13 school year on May 16.

The district’s millage was also set at 44.67 for Susquehanna County (a 1.09 increase) and 12.95 in Wayne County ( a 1.34 decrease).

According to Superintendent Bronson Stone and Business Manager Gary Kiernan, the gaming revenues will give all property owners approved as a Homestead and Farmstead a $300 credit on their taxes.

Kiernan said there are approximately 72 properties in the district not paying any school property tax due to property assessment being below the exclusion amount.

Stone gave the board more information on new graduation requirements. Beginning in 2017, three Keystone exams will be required to graduate and that number will increase to five Keystone exams by 2020.

Following a public review period, the districts should have a firm graduation requirement, Stone said.

Stone also said that with the proposal to put $100 million back in the state education budget, SCSD will receive $43,000 less than it received last year.

Stone thanked Barnes Kasson Hospital, Turnpike Terrace, Susquehanna and Lanesboro Police Departments for their assistance in the campus evacuation drill that took place recently and called it, “Very organized.”.
Director Martha Stanford was elected district treasurer and Peoples Neighborhood Bank as a depository for district funds for the 2012/2012 year.

Attorney Joseph Gaughn was appointed district solicitor for the school year.

Two policy revisions were approved by the board. The policy for attendance will now increase the consequences for students who are habitually tardy or absent without an excused absence, Stone said.

The dress code revisions  include shirts and pants with tears or rips of an excessive size. According to Stone, the revision is necessary due to students showing up with articles of clothing with holes in areas that are totally unacceptable.

Principal Robert Keyes reported that 40 students signed up for summer school.

An elementary field day is scheduled, with Awards Day on May 31, starting at 8:50 a.m. The 2012 Elementary Principal Award will be presented to Bridget Iveson.
Kathleen Hinkley, president of the teacher’s association reported on the association’s recent election of officers. Hinkley will remain as president with Jami Smith as vice-president, John Seigle as secretary and Lawrence Tompkins as treasurer.

The association will award three $1,200 scholarships this year with Jeffrey Wayman, Morgan Ofsharick, and Alexandria Dominick named as recipients.

The following personnel were hired for summer school: Debra Stone, Carolyn Homer, Dori Spencer, Raymond Testa, Lisa Carpenter , Bridgette Stone, Ellen Rockwell, and Megan Clough. Summer  school aides are: Josh Carpenter, Carla Perry, and Rose DeCicco.
The board gave its approval to the administration to consider creating the position of Job Coach for 2012-13. In order for transition of special education students to skilled workers  they need someone to guide them and  obtain on-site job training for eligible students.

Elizabeth Matis was approved to attend the BrainSTEPS for Nurses workshop in August. This training will cover brain injury and information on concussions.

Stone is requesting community organizations respect the decision of the district’s maintenance department as to when the school’s baseball/softball fields will be ready for use.

When the signs are posted the public is expected to honor them, Stone said.