The Tyrone Area School Board conducted routine business and heard two presentations at Tuesday’s regular meeting.
The board was also recognized as part of School Director Recognition Month.
The members were presented with a certificate from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association in recognition of volunteering their time and talents for the betterment of public education in the community. Prior to the meeting, the board attended a dinner in their honor at the Eagle Inn. The meal was provided by Nutrition Inc.
The Academic spotlight fell on three senior high students involved in digital video editing. Participating students included Teresa Fernandez, Jordan Rhoat and Sara Mease. Art teacher Eric Feather and Juniata College representative Nathan Wagoner were also present.
High School Principal Rebecca Erb gave the introduction for the presentation. Feather then introduced a several minute presentation which featured the three students. They were presented with certificates from the Eagle Inn for their efforts.
Greg McLanahan, a senior management consultant with Public Financial Management of Harrisburg, presented the board with options regarding financial options for the middle school building project. The district had planned to use a cash outlay for the project but is considering possible financing depending on market conditions during the next several months. No action was taken by the board on the issue.
In other business the board took the following actions:
•approved financial reports;
•approved Occupational Assessment Exoneration for November/December 2003 in the total amount of $12,498.20;
•approved district and Earned Income Tax Fund audit reports for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2003. The audit was prepared and presented by Boyer & Ritter, Certified Public Accountants and Consultants;
•approved field trips;
•approved the election of Ryan Walk to the position of volunteer wrestling coach;
•accepted the resignations of five school employees;
•granted a leave of absence to one employee and a sabbatical leave to another;
•approved more than a dozen school employees; and
•approved a school district contribution of $6,000 for the spring musical production of “The Wiz” by the fine arts department. The event is scheduled for April 2-3, 2004
The board also submitted for a 30-day review prior to board approval, the elementary library book order for the 2003-2004 school year in the amount of $8,182.06.
Prior to adjournment for an executive session, the board approved entering into an agreement with the carpenters’ union to employ Robert Gazda of RD 3, Tyrone as the clerk-of-the-works for the middle and high school additions and alterations building project. The move is effective on June, 1, 2004 pending the completion of construction documents. The position carries with it a 40-hour work week at the $29.57 per hour for the 2003-04 school year and $30.26 per hour for the 2004-05 school year. The salary will includes pension, taxes and insurance.
