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West Branch passes budget
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
By Tyler Kolesar Staff Writer
ALLPORT - The West Branch School Board passed the district's 2012-13 budget at last night's meeting, and reinstated a few items that were previously on the chopping block. The board unanimously approved by an 8-0 vote, as board member Larry Allen was absent, the budget in the amount of $15,917,033, while maintaining a projected fund balance of $3,456,415.
Millage for Clearfield County was set at 93.0 mills, while Clinton County residents will have 9.0 mills. They also passed two $5 per capita taxes (from the Section 679 School Code and from Act 511), a $10 occupation tax, a $10 local service/occupational privilege tax, a 0.50 percent earned income tax and a 0.50 percent real estate transfer tax. Later in the meeting, the board also unanimously approved to reinstate the Driver's Education program and the part time nursing position, which were both previously cut out of the preliminary budget. The Driver's Education program will only be for a one-year trial period, with driving after school and during the summer at a cost of $250 per student.
In other news:
• high school music teacher Dan Stilson told the board he feels the auditorium needs a full-time person to run it. Currently Stilson has the job, which is a nine-month position. Stilson said last summer, he spent more than 200 hours of his time working with the Moshannon Valley YMCA's Student Youth Theater, figuring he would be compensated for the hours. The board agreed Stilson could not go unpaid like last year. Stilson also said anyone can't just come in and run the lighting/audio system, as it is very complex and training is needed. Superintendent Michael Panek said he would meet with SYT organizers to discuss details on a lighting person.
• kindergarten teacher Allison Koleno said they were awarded a $2,000 grant from Walmart for the fourth consecutive year.
• athletic director Dave Williamson announced attendance this year was at 93.25 percent for the high school and 95.15 percent for the elementary.
• board member Gerald Coble said the next Revenue Enhancement Committee meeting will be on July 18 at 7 p.m.
• board member Mel Smeal said 2012 seniors Terran Pase and Roy Evans built a large sign at Big Run Park in Graham Township, and thanked the two for their contribution. Smeal also talked of another township project involving 2012 grads Walker Rinehart, Tommy Leigey and Brent Godissart.
• board member Gary Miller announced student Jordan Andrews was selected to perform in the Macy's All-American Band, which will perform during the Macy's Day Parade.
The board passed the following motions:
• the purchase of the Go Math Program for the Elementary School and grades sixth through eight at a cost of $69,229.36.
• implementation of the Link VMware system at a cost of $24,094.94 each year over the course of three years. This would be used for storage data backup, as well as keeping all of the school's servers under warranty.
• tenure to Kevin Hubler, Kelley Penvose and Tara Yingling.
• recommendations provided by Williamson for the spring 2011-12 coaching personnel by a vote of 5-3. Voting yes were Tim Kephart, Chad Diviney, Gary Miller, Don Yontosh and Coble. Voting no were Smeal, Robert Seprish and president Joe Kovalcin.
• various transportation contracts, supply bids, athletic admission prices and insurance renewals.
The next regular meeting will be held July 23 at 7 p.m. in the high school library.
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