At its first workshop of 2014, Pottsville Area School District on Wednesday introduced a new committee which will focus on alternative education in the district, including Gillingham Charter School.
"We've moved to start up a new committee, the 'Special Education/Alternative Education/Charter School Committee,' " school board President John F. Boran said Wednesday evening at the Howard S. Fernsler Academic Center.
The committee will be headed by board Member Linda Grube.
"We have a lot going on this year under special education with our audit coming up later on in the year, our special education audit," Boran said.
Over the years, the school board has voiced numerous concerns about alternative education, including Gillingham Charter School which opened in 2011.
In unanimous votes Feb. 14, 2010, and July 21, 2010, the Pottsville Area School Board rejected proposals submitted by the Gillingham Charter School Collaborative, citing a lack of community interest, lack of a well-developed curriculum and lack of a well-developed instructional program.
But on June 7, 2011, the State Charter School Appeals Board unanimously approved the collaborative's charter for five years.
"We have constant issues with students transferring in and out. The committee will keep us updated on what's going on in that arena," Boran said.
At Wednesday night's workshop, Boran gave Grube the opportunity to give her first report: "You have the floor, Mrs. Grube."
"I have nothing to report, but I'm sure I will in the future," Grube said.
Nicolle M. Hutchinson, Pottsville, Gillingham's director of education/chief executive officer, could not be reached for comment Wednesday night.
In other matters at the workshop, the board took the following actions:
- Agreed to change the retirement date for John Sutter, itinerant teacher for Pottsville Area School District, from Nov. 30, 2013, to Jan. 17, 2014. The board also approved Sutter's retirement benefits.
- Hired Jill Chiccini as a temporary/professional employee at a salary of $57,300 effective Jan. 13. Her position will be set by Pottsville Area Superintendent Jeffrey S. Zwiebel.
"What will she be?" asked board Member Dr. Christina DiCello.
"Stepping in for John Sutter," Zwiebel said.
- Accepted the resignation of Beverly McClintock, a full-time custodial employee, at the D.H.H. Lengle Middle School.
- Appointed Michelle Robbins as a full-time ACCESS Coordinator/Special Education Secretary at an annual salary of $20,000 effective Jan. 13.
- Approved Sandy Paulshock as a substitute para-professional contingent upon receipt of satisfactory clearances retroactive to Dec. 9.
- Approved the termination of James Cunningham, a custodian at the Pottsville Area High School, effective noon Dec. 30.
District Solicitor Richard A. Thornburg said he could not reveal why the board terminated the employee.
"That's a personnel matter," he said.
- Decided Friday, Feb. 14 will be an Act 80 Day.
"We still have several curriculum initiatives involving the student learning objectives that we're working closely with the state on and we need to get those wrapped up," Zwiebel said.