Feb 18, 2014 3 min read

Central Greene School Board will continue its participation in the Western Pennsylvania Natural Gas Consortium for the purchase of natural gas for up to a three year term, commencing with service after the final meter reading in August 2015. The final basis, or transportation price, will be below the current rate and determined from competitive quotes.

Central Greene is one of 116 school districts in Southwestern Pennsylvania that are participating in the consortium from seven Intermediate Units that saved $2.3 million for the 2012-13 fiscal year. The consortium gives the participants leverage when securing proposals from gas suppliers.

In other financial matters, the board approved a proposal from Controlled Climate Systems in the amount of $18,300 to replace the rooftop heating and air-conditioning unit above the Waynesburg Central High School auditorium. The replacement is part of the ongoing renovations planned for the auditorium. The board previously agreed to engage McLean Architects LLC of Pittsburgh to develop the designs for the renovation of the auditorium. The board approved a proposal from McLean at its November board meeting to conduct a district-wide feasibility study at the cost of $40,000. The study includes an evaluation of district-owned buildings, including recommendations for renovations to further secure building entrances in the district.

The board approved the 2014-15 operating budget for the Intermediate Unit 1 in the amount of $2,065,765 which includes an estimated contribution from Central Greene of $20,661.17. This reflects an increase in its contribution of $790.54 over the 2013-14 school year.

Maternity leave was granted for middle school teacher Lauren Carpenter beginning on or about April 10 and for elementary teacher Amy Caldwell beginning on or about May 22.

Several other personnel matters were voted on.

Kelli Dean was hired for the 9 ½ month guidance and library secretary at the middle school.

Blair Thistlethwaite was hired as a general maintenance worker.

Cynthia Curtis was approved as a non-instructional substitute employee for the remainder of the school year.

David Warr was transferred from his after school security position at the middle school to the after school security position at the high school.

Ian Vogt was approved as an Intermediate Unit 1 emergency professional substitute for the remainder of the school year.

The board accepted the personnel committee recommendation to reduce the 12 months after school security position at the middle school to a 10 ½ month position, effective Feb. 24.

Under athletics and activities, the board hired Kameron Shaeffer as its head 7th and 8th grade track coach and Lauren Minor as the assistant track coach. Brett Shimek was approved as the head 7th and 8th grade softball coach and Amy Sibert as a volunteer assistant softball coach for the team.

The board agreed to hold its April 8 committee meeting at the Greene County Career and Technology Center at 6:30 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled school board meeting will take place March 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the administrative building. The March committee meeting will take place in the same location March 11.