Mountain View discusses nutrition

Mountain View School Board heard from representatives of Nutrition, Inc. Monday on changes in the school’s nutrition program and food service offerings. Melissa Hatala and Erin Kiryluk gave a presentation on how the student meals are being prepared and served, how healthy snacks and drinks are included, and how grocery and produce are being evaluated to meet the changing standards.
The fresh produce for the district is coming from Russell Farms, and the student and staff reaction has been very positive. The apples are coming “straight from the trees: they still have leaves on them,” said Hatala. “We have recommended them to other school districts.”
The district is also working on a policy about School Wellness, and Superintendent Karen Voigt noted that the district is in 100 percent compliance with new regulations.
She also noted that the state passed its budget, but that it is “short on revenue.” She called attention to Senate Bill 2, which created an educational savings account of approximately $10 million for private schools, i.e. vouchers, she said.
Business manager Tom Witiak said that the school’s tax index has been set at 2.8 percent, which is lower than last year’s 2.9 percent. He will be able to discuss what this means for taxes at the next meeting.
Peter Hammond, Jr. was approved for a supplemental salary request of $3,029 as high school girls basketball coach.
A second reading was held of policy #904 Public Attendance at School Events. A first reading was held of Policy #246 School Wellness, with some changes added.
Maintenance Director Bob Taylor said that the fuel oil tank was found to contain black sludge, and about 600 gallons had to be removed and properly disposed. The tank was cleaned, squeegeed, power washed, and towel dried before new fuel was added. He said that now the fuel pumps can be set on automatic and will run properly. The wood burning furnace has been used on a couple of cold mornings, he said.
Two vehicles have become inoperable: a PT Cruiser and a pickup truck. A pickup truck was purchased for $25,000 when it became available. Board member Sondra Stine said, “I think you could have come to the board before you bought that truck. It was a big purchase.”
*High school principal Rob Presley showed photos of a snow plow painted by the Art Club for Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s snow plow contest. The entry is competing with other District 4 schools in Wayne, Pike and Susquehanna Counties. The plow is painted with a majestic flying eagle, with slogans “Let Eagles Do the Soaring” and “Drive Slow on Winter Roads.” The students used regular car paint with a clear protective coating.
*Acting Elementary Principal Christopher Lake said that meetings with all grade levels were held last Tuesday and went very well. He announced a 1 p.m. dismissal for Thursday for a professional development day. There will be a presentation on the school wellness policy at 1 p.m. , and the public is invited to attend.
Lake said, “Parents may have some areas of concern. Please refer parents to us, on the elementary level, regarding food coming into the school.”
*On Friday, there will be a Halloween parade in the elementary school followed by parties.
*On Nov. 11, Veterans Day, there will be a craft fair.
*Ben Galvin gave a presentation on his 2016-17 schooling in Thailand as a Rotary Exchange student.
*Voigt noted that funding did not come through for the county-wide program for students to attend a TriCity Opera performance focusing on war veterans. She is looking into a way to make this opportunity possible for district students.