School directors’ service recognized

BY HELEN B. FOSTER
Correspondent

Pennsylvania School Boards Association has named January as School Director Recognition Month and honored school directors with a citation recognizing their time and talents for the betterment of public education.
Directors of the Susquehanna Community School District not only received a citation but also a gift from the school administration at the January 15 meeting.

Each director received a Saber blue lanyard holding a pass for all sporting events and a Saber coffee mug. The directors were also thanked for their support by district personnel as they gave their reports.

Superintendent Bronson Stone reported to the board on various funds approved/received by the district. Stone also remarked on the gas companies being good neighbors as he reported on a $2,500 check from Williams, a gas company working in the area.

Principal Robert Keyes informed the board he had visited Blue Ridge School to observe some reading classes and for an exchange of ideas. He said Blue Ridge has been using the same reading program for a year longer as Susquehanna with a difference in the test scores.

Business Manager Gary Kiernan urged everyone to file a Homestead/Farmstead application as they could be losing out on property tax relief made possible by gaming dollars. The applications must be mailed to the county by the deadline.

Kathleen Hinkley, representing the Teachers Association, told the board they served 110 families at their Community Dinner and any leftover meals were distributed to residents Turnpike Terrace and other throughout the community. She told the board the association will be awarding a $3,000 scholarship to a graduating senior, not necessarily one planning to enter the field of education, as in previous years.

The board approved the Freddy’s Refuse Removal quote for trash removal at a cost of $9,235.49 for the year.

A leave of absence was granted for Andrea Sanders, beginning March 24, 2014 for the remainder of the school year; also a leave for Lisa Carpenter to begin approximately May 19, 2014 for the remainder of the school year.

The board approved hiring Meghan Gilleran, Ryan Gilleran and Kyle Cook as substitute basketball timers. Rose Stewart; Earl Cottrell, Sr.; Betty Jean Carey; Jessica Ferg were approved as substitute bus drivers.

Added to the list of substitutes were: Amanda Cino; Alyssa Dooley; Lisa Carpenetti; Shane Decker; Todd Calabro.

William Albert III, Chiropractic Physician, a volunteer physician for sports events was approved by the board.

Numerous requests for use of the facilities and from school personnel to attend workshops, conferences, clinics and fundraisers were approved.