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Mo Valley board approves budget
Thursday, June 28, 2012
By Annie Lynn Staff Writer
HOUTZDALE - The Moshannon Valley School Board of Directors last night approved the 2012-13 balanced general fund budget with revenue at $13,141,938, expenditures at $13,183,854 and utilization of $41,916 unassigned general fund balance.
All members present, President Rod Kitko, Larry Saupp, Cassandra Kitko, Albert Adams, Ruth Saupp, Nathan Dotts, Robert Reed and Stacey Williams voted in the affirmative. Board member Kris Bacher was absent.
Motions carried to keep the tax levy for real estate at the current 86.8 mills and the tax levy for earned income tax at one percent (one half percent for municipalities).
Elementary teachers Justin Fye and Becky Dougherty presented a School-Wide Positive Behavior award banner to the board.
Fye spoke about the award and what is involved with the SWPB program. The goal of the program, he said, is to teach students to become aware of behavior in a positive way. If caught doing something, students can receive awards for their good behavior, such as getting to eat lunch at a special table with three friends. Year-end awards are also earned.
Fye stated, "The program is working and is successful."
Rod Kitko commended everyone involved in the program.
Mike O'Neill of Matson Insurance gave a review of the 2012-13 insurance package for the district, saying his job is to fine the best program at the best price for them.
He explained the various aspects of insurance coverage and the cost for each.
Tom Levine of Levine Engineering recommended that the board accept the lowest bid for the elementary paving project at $113,599.15 from New Enterprise Stone and Lime Company. He also spoke about the dust collection system.
Pam Stone, special education director, said she has begun visiting businesses in an effort to gain vocational experience for the students.
Assistant Principal John Zesiger thanked the board for the opportunity to serve the district. Connie Godin, elementary principal, spoke concerning notable achievements of the elementary students.
Business Manager Elsie Harchak advised the board regarding a recent transportation committee meeting, saying they are considering hiring an independent consultant to look into ways to improve transportation efficiency.
Rod Kitko said, "It is in the best interest of the district to have this done."
Harchak explained aspects of the 2012-13 budget.
District Superintendent Tonya DeVecchis-Kerr presented the 2011-12 Year in Review, saying nothing could have been accomplished without the people she has working with her - the staff, administration and support staff. She covered areas she has been involved in inlcuding annual strategic goals, instructional leadership, team management, fiscal responsibility, community/public relations, school board relations and personal development.
"Thanks for your support during my first year as your superintendent of the Moshannon Valley School District. I could not have done all of this without the help and support of our amazing team, professional and non-professional, and all of you, our outstanding board of education. We have so much to be proud of," said DeVecchis-Kerr.
The board approved the following personnel motions with all voting yes:
• the resignation of Melinda Lucas as the extended school year teacher.
• an additional 10 days for Pamela Stone.
• to extend an offer of employment to Shari DeCasper as extended school year special education teacher.
• to extend an offer of employment to Alex Dugan as school nurse for extended school year special education services.
• furlough of Kimberly Clarkson as full-time personal care aide.
• addition of Diane Houtz and Kimberly Smeal to the district volunteer list.
• extended an offer of employment to Sarah Miller, Corinne Tiesi, Heather Ivory and Courtney Sherkel as elementary teachers.
The board also approved the renewal of Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth agreement for services between Pennsylvania Treatment and Healing and Moshannon Valley School District for 2012-13.
The second reading of the Revised Board Policy 815, acceptable use of internet and computer networks was approved by a 6-2 vote with Albert Adams and Stacey Williams voting no.
A motion carried for the paving project for the elementary school pavement repairs base bid of $113,599.15 from New Enterprise Stone and Lime be paid with capital reserve funds with a 6-2 vote, with Adams and Williams voting no. Also, a motion for the paving project for the elementary school pavement overlay alternate bid of $129,601.05 from New Enterprise Stone and Lime to be paid with capital reserve funds carried with a five to three vote with Adams, Dotts and Williams voting no.
Also approved with all members voting in the affirmative were the following:
• the 2012 Act 1 Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion Resolution.
• professional services from ParenteBeard, LLC for annual audit at $18,500.
• final budgetary transfers for school year 2011-12 by local auditor as part of annual audit.
• district insurance package from Matson Insurance in amount of $79,365.
• vision and physical therapy services from Central Intermediate Unit No. 10.
Two residents spoke to the board on behalf of a student regarding a problem with baseball team activities.
They asked why something had not been done. Solicitor Brian Marshall noted it was not appropriate to answer in a public meeting.
Regarding retiring district personnel, Rod Kitko spoke saying, "On behalf of the Moshannon Valley School Board, I would like to thank all the retiring teachers for your many years of devoted service and guidance. Your tireless efforts, passion, encouragement and words of wisdom over the years have inspired the students to work hard and pursue their dreams. Special thanks and many warm wishes for a very happy retirement."
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