Meeting roundup
• Date: Oct. 20
• Action: The board formally approved a $1,250,000 purchase agreement for 27 acres of property on Route 519 across from Sedeca Road to construct a new middle school. The property was purchased from LSREF2 Baron LLC. Additional costs for construction and services – including tap-in sewage fees, tree clearing, demolition and grading – bring the total site acquisition cost to about $9,175,000.
Eight members of the high school boys volleyball team urged the board to vote against hiring Stephanie Woodruff as head coach. Player Austin Marsh said players had been ridiculed and called names. Board member Manuel Pihakis made a motion to hire Woodruff, stating that he did not want to ignore the new athletic director’s recommendation for the position. The motion died with an 8-1 vote, with Pihakis voting in favor. The board then voted to readvertise the position.
Business manager Joni Mansmann was recognized for being granted the status of a Pennsylvania Registered School Business Administrator for four years. She also was appointed as board secretary to finish an unexpired term effective Dec. 1, 2014, through June 30, 2017, with an annual stipend of $655.
The board appointed Brenda Rupert as recording secretary effective Dec. 1, 2014, with an annual stipend of $5,895.
A public meeting will be held 6 p.m. Nov. 3 at the administration building to discuss plans for a new elementary school in Muse.
• Next meeting: 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at the administration building
• Date: Oct. 20
• Action: After 12 years as principal at Bower Hill Elementary School, Kelly L. Gustafson submitted her resignation. No effective date was announced.
Gustafson was hired as coordinator of elementary education, federal programs and instruction in Greensburg Salem School District at an annual salary of $110,175.
The board approved moving Michael W. Fisher, currently principal of Pleasant Valley Elementary School, to assistant to the superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment. His salary will be $105,000. No effective date was announced.
The board unanimously approved the administration and HHSDR Architects and Engineers to submit a PlanCon Part A and Part B to the state Department of Education for the McMurray Elementary School renovation project.
A committee was established to review how students are assessed through final exams and final grades. The district will use email to notify those who are interested in serving on how to apply. The committee, which will be chaired by board member Sue Smith, will report progress to the board by the February board meeting.
• Discussion: The board announced the 2015-16 budget review will begin at the start of November.
• Next meeting: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at the administrative offices