The Tyrone Area School Board met last night for its first regular session meeting in 2007.
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. All board members were present. The agenda for the meeting was approved by the board along with all minutes from the previous board meeting. There were no speakers present for the public input portion of the meeting.
Several representatives from Reliance Bank were on hand to present a check for $19,406.04 to Dr. Miller and the board to help fund the vocational house project.
It was announced that January is designated as School Director Recognition Month. Nutrition, Inc. recognized school board members by providing a dinner in the High School Eagle Inn Restaurant prior to the start of last night’s board meeting.
So members of the board and administration can attend the 2007 PASBO Conference, the board voted to change the date of the March 2007 Regular Session Meeting from Tuesday, March 13 to Monday, March 12. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the board room.
Three students from the High School Protection Services program participated in a presentation to the board with their teacher, Michael Hample. The students, Hayden Ray, Rob Smith, and Nick Wilson explained about the various aspect of the program to those in attendance. These students explained their responsibilities concerning various patrol duties on all different areas on the school district campus and different types of training they have received as part of this program. Mr. Hample explained that there are eight students certified to operate the GEM-Car, the car used for patrol duties outside the school buildings. He also said that the program had about 90 total students involved. Administrators were pleased with the success of this program. This is the first year this program was offered in the Tyrone Area School District.
The board approved all financial reports presented by Treasurer, Norman Huff. It was also announced by Business Administrator Cathy Peachey that the Tyrone Area School District received notification from Tyrone Borough that the School District will have to collect their real estate taxes themselves. Tyrone Borough previously collected these for the School District.
Several field trips were approved by the board. The board also approved establishment of student activity accounts for the Tyrone Indoor Majorette and Gifted Enrichment programs.
The board approved a transfer, a number of new hires, a resignation, and several retirements.
The board approved the election of Byron Kost of Tyrone as Grade 8 Boys’ Basketball Coach.
The board approved the election of Kim Romano of Tyrone as a Cafeteria Worker.
The transfer of Gail Nale was approved by the board from the position of High School Guidance Counselor to the new position of High School Career Guidance Counselor with no change in salary or benefits, effective January 10, 2007. This new position is funded through a College and Career Counseling Grant the District has received.
The board approved the election of Tiffany Johannides of Altoona to the position of High School Guidance Counselor, effective January 10, 2007.
The election of Holly Sechler of State College as High School Spanish Teacher was approved by the board.
The election of Dawn Kurtz as Special Education Paraprofessional, effective January 10, 2007 was approved.
The board approved the election of High School Science Teacher Michael Funicelli to serve as SADD Advisor, effective January 10, 2007.
The board approved the following two individuals to serve as extra security for home games/matches and extra curricular activities effective January 10, 2007: Becky Schrekengost and Shelly Chronister, both of Tyrone.
The board also approved additions to the Substitute and Volunteer lists for the 2006-07 school year.
The board accepted the resignation of High School French Teacher Marie-Josee Smith, effective at the conclusion of the 2006-07 school year.
The board approved the retirements of the following teachers effective June 29, 2007: Sharon Claar-4th Grade Elementary Teacher; Donald Friday-6th Grade Middle School Teacher; Susan Friday-1st Grade Elementary Teacher; Sara Gardner-High School Business Education Teacher; Carol (Sherry) Harrison-2nd Grade Elementary Teacher; Christa McIntyre-School Psychologist; Anna Myers-6th Grade Middle School Teacher; Mark Nale-High School Science Teacher; Elaine Smithmyer-3rd Grade Elementary Teacher; Patricia Vargo-5th Grade Middle School Teacher and Andrea Williams-Secondary Learning Support Teacher.
The board approved the adoption of the following policies following the 30-day required review period. They approved a new policy on the strategic plan, a revised policy on graduation requirements, and a revised policy on terroristic threats/acts.
The board approved the purchase of two lots located on Hamilton Avenue from Scott Bonsell of Tyrone. These properties will be used as future sites for career and technology students to complete vocational house projects. They also approved an agreement with Tom Williams Excavating, Tyrone for demolition, removal of the current structure, and grading of the property for lawn maintenance on these properties.
The board also discussed the option of allowing the general public to use the fitness rooms at the high school. It was explained that other districts permit this and it was presented that the Tyrone Area School District could also let the pubic have use of the facilities. The board agreed to try this on a trial basis while school is in session, not during holiday or summer vacations. They will be open from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. It will be free of charge for all School District staff. Members of the general public will be asked to pay $15 per month. This will cover the cost of the paid supervisor and maintenance to the equipment, etc.
The meeting adjourned shortly after 9 p.m. The next regular session meeting will be Tuesday, February 13 at 7 p.m. in the board room on the first floor of the Tyrone Area Elementary School.
