TOWER CITY - Three exiting Williams Valley school board directors were recognized by the board Nov. 14 for their years of service to the district.
Superintendent Donald Burkhardt presented directors John M. McCready and Richard J. Updegrove with plaques of appreciation on behalf of the district. McCready has represented Area III, Williamstown Borough, 1st precinct, and served for 12 years; while Updegrove has represented Area VI, Tower City Borough, 1st precinct, and has served for 10 years.
Both board members' terms expire this year. Updegrove had previously served as president of the board and McCready as secretary.
Director Gail Ruch, representing Area I, Wiconisco Township, 1st precinct, also received a plaque, but did not attend the Nov. 14 evening meeting. Board member Angela Miller was also absent.
In other business, the board heard from high school band director Keith Gromis. He updated the board on the success of this year's marching band during four tournaments/exhibitions. The board gave Gromis approval to begin planning for an out-of-state field trip for the band to travel to Florida in February 2015. Gromis was also permitted to sell the old band uniforms, color guard equipment and damaged or old instruments. He expressed appreciation for an anonymous donation that the Band Boosters recently received.
Volleyball coach Hannah Schwak and boys' soccer coach Seth Shuey offered end-of-season reports. Schwak reported the Lady Vikes won three games this year, and also had established a youth volleyball program.
Shuey announced the boys had a successful 15-6 season; player Ben Rautzahn was recognized as UD Sentinel Player of the Year; and there were three senior athletes being considered by Division 2 and Division 3 universities/colleges.
Business Manager Homer Knox presented the Schuylkill County School Employees Health & Welfare Trust report. According to Knox, the district is saving "a considerable amount" with the PPO health plan.
Several improvements to the district's exterior facilities were also approved by the board. Drum Excavating, Williamstown, was approved to install a security barrier outside the lower cafeteria exterior wall of the junior-senior high school at an estimated price of $7,899.70. E.I. Associates, Harrisburg, was given the nod to prepare bid specifications for the construction of a school bus concrete parking pad located in the upper parking lot of the junior-senior high school at a cost of $5,000.
In other matters, board member John Mika discussed purchasing a non-stationary banner imprinted with the alma mater, versus painting the alma mater on a stationary wall. Mika also expressed interest in a "Huddle Program" for sporting events, which would allow data file storage and sharing. He noted it would allow scouts more accessibility to see district athletes, among other benefits.
In other action, the board approved:
- The 21st Century Learning Center staff and students to conduct a Four Diamonds Mini-THON fundraising event for grades K-12 on March 8 (inclement weather date March 22) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The event will collect donations to benefit the Four Diamonds Fund at Hershey Medical Center Children's Hospital for pediatric cancer research. The donation will be given from the school district in memory of Michael Leiter Jr.
- Purchasing batting cages for $3,000 and a floor mat to protect the gym floor at $2,000, upon Athletic Director Randy Russelavage's recommendation.
- Paying for a 2013 girls' softball state championship banner; and paying $500 toward the cost of a 2012-13 boys' basketball Schuylkill League Division II championship banner.
- The resignation of Sophomore Class Advisor Andria Doud, which was effective Oct. 29; and the hiring of Kathleen Welsh, Wiconisco, for the position, which was effective Oct. 30.
- Hiring Joseph Welsh, Wiconisco, as an event staff member for the 2013-14 academic year.
- Hiring the following coaches for the 2013-14 academic year: Jason Sharockman, New Philadelphia, assistant girls' basketball coach; Chris Cooper, Elysburg, volunteer wrestling coach; Jeffrey Kohr, Williamstown, volunteer assistant archery coach; and Lauren Rees, Lykens, volunteer softball coach.
- Hiring Jill Johns, Reinerton, as co-advisor for the junior-senior high school yearbook for the 2013-14 academic year. Director Tedd Johns abstained.
- Hiring Angela Yeagley, Wiconisco, as a special education aide, effective Nov. 18.
- Hiring Hillary Nolen, Tower City, as a network support specialist, effective Nov. 21.
- Hiring Kathy Ferraro, Tower City, as indoor guard advisor for the 2013-14 academic year.
- Recognizing the following booster organizations for the 2013-14 academic year: WV Cheerleading, WV Softball and Lady Viking Basketball.
- Rental requests.