No talk of replacing retiring Susquehanna faculty

BY HELEN B. FOSTER
Correspondent

The Susquehanna Community School District board of directors accepted intent to retire notifications from David Williams, high school technology teacher, and Ellen Walko, elementary speech teacher, at their April 9, board meeting.

That brings the total of retiring teachers up to four, plus a retiring elementary principal, with no discussion by the board on replacements for those positions.

The board approved a five-year contract for Superintendent Bronson Stone, effective July 1, through June 30, 2019; as well as the negotiated compensation plan for Business Manager Gary Kiernan.

Julie Gallo was approved as the district’s Title 1 coordinator.

Debra Benson was hired as the head of food service with Sabrina Graves and Jodi Villasana as part time cooks.

At the March board meeting members of the girls softball team asked permission to replace the present white pants with black pants. The students brought to the board members attention the condition of the white pants that were part of their uniform. According to Superintendent Bronson Stone, the girls were granted this permission; also other sport teams may use black pants or shorts. This change in uniform may be made with no cost to district.

Superintendent Stone advised the board the half day school for Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center students has been finalized.

“With the present economic climate the students are fortunate to walk out of there with skills ready for the work force,” Stone said.

The superintendent also said he has signed an extension of the contract with Lanesboro to have police officers on campus.

He said he had reviewed the budget with Principals Mark Gerchman and Robert Keyes and the district can come through without a tax increase. Stone concluded his report by telling the board how very, very blessed the district is to have Don Norris as their head of maintenance. The board agreed.

Keyes presented his end of year activities that include the Student Awards Assembly to be held on June 10 at 8:50 a.m. in the Elementary School gym. The last day of school is June 11.