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Paladino resigns from board |
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Tuesday, 13 November 2007 |
 Pictured (L-R) Leaving Board members Doug Yetzer, Rick Vigilone and Jack Bogacki with Superintendent Tom Butler who presented each member with a token of appreciation for their focus on the area schools and students while serving on the board.
by Abbi Peters
The Ridgway Area School District held their regularly scheduled Board meeting Monday night, since neither President Brenda Paladino nor Vice President Gloria Almquist were present the meeting began by electing Lisa Connelly as the interim chairperson. Later in the meeting after the Board returned from Executive Session, Connelly announced that the Board accepted with regret the resignation of Paladino, effective October 22, 2007. Board member Jack Bogacki nominated, and the board unanimously approved Richard Amacher as the new Board President. Amacher will fill Paladino’s unexpired term as President starting in December.
November Students of the Month were announced, 10th grader Sam Skraba, 8th grader Kendall Jordan and 4th grader Charles Fuchs were recognized for their efforts in school.
Ridgway High School Principal Heather McMahon-Vargas reported on the high school’s recent activities such as the Red Cross Bloodmobile held November 6, report cards were mailed home on November 9 and that same day a very successful Veterans Day assembly was held. The assembly included area servicemen and local dignitaries, who later complemented the students on their attentive and respectful attitude. The first nine week’s Student Success Assembly, recognizing student achievements in academics, attendance, arts, athletics and random acts of kindness will be held November 21. Vargas also congratulated the recently nominated all star athletes and the fall athletic teams for their successful seasons.
Middle School Principal Bill Connelly reported the successful completion of Red Ribbon Week and Veteran’s Day was celebrated by watching the High School’s assembly via closed circuit television. On November 13 the school will participate in “Mix it up at Lunch Day” a national event to promote and develop new friendships amongst classmates by sitting next to someone new at lunch and the 7th and 8th graders will have a dance on December 7. On November 20 both the High and Middle School students will experience a multi-media presentation titled “Charting Your Course”, geared to help students focus on their goals and organize their thoughts and ideas about the future.
Elementary School Principal James Cline reported that this week the students will participate in numerous book related activities in recognition of Children’s Book Week and the all school musical “Oklahoma” will be held November 15 and 16 at 6:00 p.m.
All three schools will hold Parent Teacher Conferences November 15 and 16, with no school for students on Friday November 16.
School Psychologist Christine Kuhar reported the Special Education Compliance Monitoring was held October 23 and 24. The official report has not been released yet but the monitors were impressed with the school’s well organized paperwork and records and verbal feedback has been very positive. The official report will be released in the next two weeks.
Assistant to the Superintendent for Special Education Karen Scull reported a $250 grant was secured for transportation to the Arts Center. Skull also commented on the success of the recent geography fair, Skull was impressed by the games created by the students and thanked all seven school districts for their participation.
Board member Rick Viglione commented that 100 trees will be planted throughout the District this spring thanks to funding from a Title III grant and the Heritage Council and the Main Street program. Viglione will work with the District, teachers and students to plan tree species, locations and plantings.
Superintendent Tom Butler started his Administrative Report by thanking the departing Board members, Doug Yetzer, Rick Viglione and Jack Bogacki. Butler presented each member with a gift engraved with the quote “You have made a difference for children.” As a newcomer Butler finds the dedication and focus on the students from all levels in the District impressive, stating the Board sets the stage for that dedication. Butler said that expenditures would be higher this month, tied into the Classrooms of the Future program, it will be money in and money out, 16 conferences, 18 field trips and the Elk County Community Foundation Grant for $6,000 to be used toward digital streaming equipment were all approved.
During the General Committee I report (buildings, grounds and finance) Chairman Richard Amacher motioned and the Board approved the following:
the adoption of the “Resolution of the school Directors of Ridgway area elect not to increase its tax rate above the index”, proposed busing contract and rental agreement with Richard Muccio Transportation, the revised 2006-7 and revised 2007-8 long term maintenance fund budgets, the reappointment of George Sprague as the Ridgway School District Earned Income and Local Service Tax Collector for the calendar year 2008 at the continued commission rate of 2.5% and the service agreement with Kopy Kat Sound Productions to act as auditorium manager for a total of $4,350.
During the General Committee II report (personnel and policy) Chairperson Lisa Connelly motioned and the Board approved the following:
The proposed substitute list, Cynthia Aiello’s sabbatical request effective November 9, the retirement of paraprofessional Karen Brown, the creation of the Middle School Media Club fund account with Mike Ames as the supervisor, the inclusion of the French Club as an activity fund account, Travis Winguard and Rita Buhite as co-advisors of the Creative Writing Club and the approval of the first reading of the maintenance worker grounds and technology director job descriptions. Superintendent Butler commented that since October 26, there have been 15 new students in the district. Although growth is welcome it will need to be monitored to avoid overcrowding in classrooms.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 14 November 2007 )
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