Nov 10, 2016 2 min read

MONESSEN – A new advisory committee that will provide parents and community members with a platform to get more involved with Monessen School District was announced Wednesday at the school board meeting.

Dr. Leanne Spazak, district superintendent, said the goal of the Targeting Excellence Academically Monessen, or TEAM, advisory committee is to “give the parents an avenue to get involved.” She said the committee will give parents and community members a way to discuss issues and come up with solutions together in a positive environment.

Spazak said this committee will also give parents a chance to learn more about specific scores within the district and also to inform them of current or future programs that will target excellence academically in Monessen. The committee will be composed of board members, community members, teachers, parents, and members of the administration.

“Anybody that wants the school to be successful can get involved,” Spazak said. She said those who wish to attend the first meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 14 in the high school large group instruction room can contact Amy Bukowski at amy.bukowski@wiu.k12.pa.us or call the superintendent’s office at 724-684-3600 ext. 1014 for more information.

Spazak said a Westmoreland County drug and alcohol forum was held Monday at the high school. The forum served to address the drug epidemic in the area and to inform students and community members about information on where to get help.

Spazak said the “say no” solution to drugs is not effective enough. “Maybe we need to start saying yes to life,” Spazak said.

She said another forum will be held in the spring. Spazak said they plan to do more advertising in order to reach more of the community.

Elementary school principal Bethanne Natali informed the board that George Kessler of Hilltop Bus Lines told will donate bus services to the district for its extended day program.

Natali said there will be no cost to the district and the donation will save it $10,000.