NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (EYT) — Redbank Valley School Board President Dr. Chad Shaffer is determined to improve the communications between the school district and the Redbank Valley residents.
(Photo by Daniel Pesina)
Following comments that Dr. Shaffer made at previous meetings, the August school board work session ended with another short discussion about the need to hold a second board meeting every month in which parents, teachers, and members of the community could make their concerns known in a venue in which the board could discuss those concerns before the regular monthly business meetings.
This separate work session is only part of the plans being developed by the board to improve the flow of information out to the community and to better field questions and concerns from the community. Dr. Shaffer also presented to the reporters at the meeting the first of several planned press releases. This first release outlines some of the expenses planned for the upcoming school year and compares them to previous years’ expenses.
The first release outlines some of the expenses planned for the upcoming school year and compares them to previous years’ expenses. The categories displayed include Total Salaries, Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Legal Fees, Technology, General Supplies, Debt Service, Transportation, and Extracurricular Activities. Salaries, Insurance, and General Supplies are projected to increase slightly over 2016 -2017. Technology, Extracurricular Activities, and Transportation show significant increases.
In her report to the board, High School Principal Amy Rupp stated that she is working on updating the high school Facebook page, developing a (hopefully) daily web log, and developing a complete email list for contacting parents with news and updates as needed. Mrs. Rupp indicated that these tools can be an effective part of the district’s communication outreach. Following on this same theme, Superintendent Michael Drzewiecki suggested that the district publish a flow chart type of diagram that would help parents and others determine who in the district is the right person to contact, depending on the issue or concern that the resident may have.
At the end of the meeting board, member Ann Kopnitsky passed out invitations to a social gathering of district residents that she calls the Bulldog Alliance. This social get-together, which she is calling “Bring a chair and a snack to share,” is intended to bring together people in the district who are interested in getting more involved in the schools. Mrs. Kopnitsky has identified three goals that she has in mind for the Bulldog Alliance: to institute a fresh platform for promoting a healthy district environment, to develop creative problem solving, and to increase communications. The first meeting is scheduled for August 17 at Mrs. Kopnitsky’s residence.
Member Bill Reddinger said that having listened to the concerns of boosters, parents, and residents, he thinks that the board should form a working group to discuss sports and cost sharing with the community. Chad Shaffer and Brian Dougherty agreed to join Mr. Reddinger on this working group.
Board member Donald Nair questioned Mrs. Rupp regarding whether the district was in compliance with the updated meningitis vaccine required of incoming seniors. The principal replied that the district was in compliance and that she was confident that all returning seniors would be vaccinated before entering the building on the first day of classes as required by Pennsylvania law.
John Sayers, district maintenance supervisor, reported that work is continuing on replacing both the outside and inside lighting at all buildings in the district. Mr. Sayers also reported that he will be meeting later on this week with an engineer to develop a scope of work needed and rough cost estimate to repair or replace the track. He told the board that his observation is that the rubber surface has deteriorated substantially. Sayers said that it looked to him like the rubber surface had not been as thick as it should have been. He also said that whatever else might be needed, he was quite sure that additional work would be needed to eliminate the water ponding on and along side the track, which he believes has contributed to the break down of the rubber surface.
Superintendent Drzewiecki reported that the district had not been able to hire additional nursing staff. The hiring committee had interviewed two qualified candidates, neither of whom would take the positions. Mr. Drzewiecki said that one of the candidates was not interested in a job without benefits and that the other thought that the wage offered was too low at $10.28. Donald Nair asked if hiring through a service might be more cost effective. This suggestion was not considered by the other members. Mr. Drzewiecki said that he believes the district should hire two full-time LPN aides.
There was additional discussion about the safety of students crossing the highway in front of the school. Parents are using the parking lots at Subway and Moore’s Physical Therapy to drop off and pick up students. This requires kids crossing the two lanes of traffic on the state highway. From the discussion, it appears that a school employee must be trained and certified in order to serve as a school crossing guard. The board is still considering contracting with the New Bethlehem Borough Council to retain police coverage of the crossing at the start and end of the school day.
Member Tina Kennemuth voiced concerns about whether the New Bethlehem Police Officer at the crossing really controls traffic to protect the students. “Will he actually get out of his car?” she asked.
Superintend Drzewiecki said, “Police presence at the start and close of the school day just helps with the overall safety of the school.”
In Voting Matters
The Board voted 6 – 2 to approve the second reading of District Board Policies and Administrative Regulations 122 Extracurricular Activities and 123 Interscholastic Athletics. Members Brian Dougherty and Ann Kopnitsky voted against.
The Board voted unanimously to approve accident insurance coverage to the students at no cost to the district.
By a vote of 7 – 1, the board approved scheduling a free standing work session meeting. Bill Reddinger opposed.
The members voted 7 – 1 to hire two full-time and one part-time LPN. Donald Nair voted no.
On a motion to contract with New Bethlehem Borough Police for police coverage at the crosswalk before and after school at a rate of $30.00 per hour, the board split 6 – 2 with Brian Dougherty and Ann Kopnitsky voting no.
Brian Dougherty moved that the Board Policies and Administrative Regulations 122 & 123 be amended to have activities raise 5% of their costs rather than 15%. No one seconded the motion.
