Mountain View looks at education, athletic budgets

BY PAT FARNELLI
Correspondent

The Mountain View School Board heard budget presentations Monday night, highlighting the areas of special services, curriculum and athletics as the school district moves toward its 2016-17 budget.

Gail Wnorowkski presented a special education budget similar to the 2015-16 budget, concluding that many districts are facing the dilemma of whether to contract with private therapists to provide services to students, or to hire their own.

“We have our own contract for physical therapy through Barnes-Kasson hospital,” she said. An occupational therapist, either private or as part of the school staff, is needed.

Much of the budget for special education goes for sending students to other schools or facilities. “We don’t look to send students out, we look to bring them back here,” she said.

Dr. Christopher Lake presented the curriculum budget. He said that much of the proposed budget is for testing and assessments.

“We do know how to write curriculum here,” he said. “I so appreciate the enthusiasm and bonding of the faculty members that is evident here. The print
form of the curriculum is already done, which was scheduled for next fall, and so it can be implemented at the start of school in the fall instead of sometime next winter. We even cancelled our May curriculum meetings. My budget is down by $140.”

High school principal Robert Presley discussed the athletic budget, which will include the cost of hiring an athletic trainer and replacing some soccer and track equipment. New rule books for sports will also be needed.

The board approved raising school breakfast and lunch prices next year by 15 cents across the board. High school breakfast will cost $1.10
for students and $1.85 for adults.

Lunches will cost $2.25 for students and $3.15 for adults.

Elementary breakfast will cost $1.10 for students and $1.85 for adults; elementary lunches will cost $2 for students and $3.15 for adults.

The board granted authority to the district superintendent, business manager and solicitor to meet with representatives of the Susquehanna County Recreation Center in order to facilitate further discussion as to the potential development of a public recreational facility located on unused land of the Mountain View School District.

The board approved quarterly reports for the athletic account, high school activity account, scholarship account, and elementary activity account, which are to be filed for audit.

The summer school program was approved by the board. The following summer school teachers were approved: Stephanie Kile: English; Anthony Borgia: Social Studeies; Katie Ross: Math; and Todd Calabro: Strategies for Success.

The first reading for policy 213 “Assessment of Student Progress” and of policy 823: Naloxone were discussed. Naloxone is an antidote for
opiate overdose.

Board member David Schulte said that EMS services have been using or considering the use of Naloxone, and that it is very effective.

A soccer clinic usually held at Montrose Area School District has asked to use the facilities at Mountailn View in July.

At the start of the meeting, the Pennsylviania Association of Sschool Retirees presented a Woodson Award to kindergarten teacher Debra Earley and supprt staff member, Linda Shupp.

High school art students were recognized for their achievements in the Scholastic Arts competition and others. Their work was displayed in the board meeting room.