Committee meetings for the Schuylkill Valley School Board were held on Monday, March 16, at 6:30 p.m., in the Leroy K. Seip Memorial Meeting Room.
The meeting commenced with the Personnel and Public Relations committee, headed by Linda Lash. Discussion was entertained in regard to Board approval of two long-term substitute teachers, three part-time aides, aquatics staff, and regular substitute teachers.
Additionally, the committee brought to the table the topic of Matthew Ammons, Director of Special Education and Pupil Services, as residency officer for the 2014-2105 school year to replace Melissa Kelchner.
The Curriculum and Technology committee, chaired by Kevin Raudenbush, was next on the agenda. The Board was requested to consider amendments to the school calendar, designating the last student day as June 8 and the last teacher days as June 9 and 10. Approval from the Board was requested for The Art of Sound to provide music for two middle school dances in May.
A presentation was given by Mary Kate Ivins on using “Skype in the Classroom” and also the use of iPad Apps. Overall comments from the Board concurred that it is good to see that the money budgeted for technology is being used effectively. Michael Billman presented an update from the Curriculum and Technology meeting held on March 2 regarding the fiber optic backbone upgrade.
Following Curriculum and Technology was the Budget and Finance committee report, Bryan Feeney, chairperson. The committee requested the Board’s approval for bills during February and March 2015 from the general fund, cafeteria fund, capital project fund, technology reserve fund, construction fund, and education trust fund.
The Berks Career and Technology Center budget for 2015/16 was brought for Board consideration and approval in the amount of $16,469,414; Schuylkill Valley’s share being $556,676. Recommendation for Board approval was requested to extend the agreement with Carol H. Gilbert Consulting for consulting management services from July 1 until Dec. 31 in support of Food Services Management Services.
Wendy Boarder reviewed the request for a proposal for a change in auditing services for 2014/2015 audit. Bryan Feeney stated that the purpose for the change would be to have a “fresh set of eyes” because existing auditing service has been in place for approximately 29 years.
Elementary, High School, Special Ed and Pupil Services and Operations and Maintenance reviewed budget responsibilities with slight increases requested for school supplies, library software, professional development, guidance materials, professional technology fees, Cyber school costs, autistic support, and Special Ed fee for BCTC. Overall, budgets are staying stable, but Special Ed may continue to see budget increases due to increased enrollment and increased need for services and early identification of needs.
The Buildings and Grounds committee, led by Paul Bendigo, proceeded with Mr. Strunk providing updates on ongoing projects and concerns, in addition to requesting authorization to proceed with capital projects previously discussed with the Board.
The committee meeting ended with a report from the Extracurricular Activities committee, G. Dane Miller, chairperson. Miller reported on the Feb. 11 meeting of the Panther Pride Stadium committee meeting.
The next school board meeting was held on Monday, March 23.
