Nov 22, 2017 3 min read

CHARLEROI – Charleroi School Board Tuesday voted to extend Superintendent Edward Zelich’s contract for another five years. His current contract ends June 30, 2018, and the new contract will commence July 1, 2018.

Board President Kenneth Wiltz said the board is happy to have stability in the district by renewing the contract. “We are happy that he has been part of our district for the past four years and are looking forward to the next five years.”

Zelich said he wants to give back to the community and keep stability in the district. His contract includes a voluntary pay freeze at $129,000 for the first year and health benefits will not be provided by the district.

“I felt that it was very important to have stability and loyalty in the district. I wanted to be selfless and give back to this district and community. We are moving in a great direction and I want to be part of it,” said Zelich.

In other news, the district accepted a state Department of Education Safe Schools Grant of $75,753 for a school resource officer. The grant will be split over two years; $45,753 for the first year and $30,000 for the second year. Zelich said the district applied for the grant for two years but didn’t receive it until this year. The district also received a Safe Schools Targeted Grant designated for video surveillance equipment. The grant will be used to upgrade cameras on the 16 district school buses and five vans. Cameras will also be installed inside and outside at various locations on the school campus.

The district will also be installing large reflective numbers on building doors. The district worked with students at Mon Valley Career and Technology Center to design and make the numbers. Zelich said the numbers will be placed on doors of the buildings and will correspond with a map. During any emergency, school personnel or emergency personnel will be able to locate areas easily.

“These are just more proactive ways our district is working to keep our students and staff safe,” Zelich said.

In other news, an afternoon tutor and study program for students in kindergarten through grade 5 will begin January. The program will run from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The program is designed for working parents but anyone can apply. There is limited space and rates will be determined by income. Depending on income level, rates may be up to $5 daily. Zelich said fliers will be sent home with students and information will be available on the district website in a few weeks.