NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (EYT) — What are hoped to be positive and progressive changes dominated the regular monthly meeting of the Redbank Valley School Board Monday evening February 6.
Board President Chad Shaffer called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. in the high school library. All members of the board were in attendance except for Heath Copenhaver.
Representatives from IU6, IU21, and IU28 were on hand to discuss implementing the proposal to contract district business office management through IU6. The IU representatives fielded several questions on a wide range of topics from board members. The goal is for the transition to be as seamless as possible.
Changes in proposed elective classes also generated conversation and ideas. High school faculty are working to develop elective programs that are practical, career-oriented, but also have a high-interest value for students. In addition to courses like accounting and Microsoft currently offered, the high school faculty would like to also offer training on Google Docs, Personal Finance, Introduction to Photography, and an Introduction to Teaching class.
Lively discussion ensued, with several differing points of view. In the end, the board approved offering Google Docs and Personal Finance as new electives in a cycle with current electives.
The board also approved some personal changes in this meeting. Jack Loughner’s business service contract was retro approved to February 1 at a per diem of $265.78 through transition to shared services with the district business office. By acclamation, the board approved a supplemental contract for the board secretary; approved changing Craig Hibell from part time to full-time status; to approve a one-year leave of absence for Vocal Music Director Carrie McIntire; and to hire Lee Miller as assistant varsity softball coach. Brittany Hildebrand was approved as volunteer varsity softball coach on a 7 to 1 vote.
In financial matters, the board approved the 2017 budget by a vote of 5 to 3, with Ann Kopnitsky, Donald Nair, and Bill Reddinger opposing. The board voted unanimously to accept the January 2017 Treasurer’s Report and January 2017 General Fund and Cafeteria Expenditures. The board also voted to accept the 4th Quarter Redbank Valley High School Activities Fund Report as presented and to approve applying for a $132,000.00 grant for computer and network upgrades through the Schools and Library Grants division. The district will also offer for sale a 2004 GMC Sierra with a snow plow.
Mr. Dewayne Harbaugh from Riverview IU 6 presented some preliminary results of the State Assessment that has recently concluded at the Intermediate Unit. The preliminary indications are that Redbank Valley is well within compliance with most of the state mandates. The few areas of contention do not seem difficult — in Mr. Harbaugh’s view.
In other business, the board approved the 2017 – 2018 District calendar with 3 Act 80 days, including these Section 1502 days; November 24 and 27, 2017, December 26 and 27, 2017, and March 30, 2018.
