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HEADLINES: Plan Debated In Harford The discussion at the Harford Township Supervisors’ meeting on the delightfully warm evening of June 23 heated up a little more when Garry Foltz questioned his colleague and Roadmaster Terry VanGorden about progress on the roads. They have two different approaches to the road maintenance schedule, and it remains to be seen how they will work it out. But first the Supervisors agreed to send another letter to the owner of a barn on Grinnell Road that threatens to collapse into the road right-of-way. To a first letter over a year ago, the owner said he was waiting for a local dealer in antique stone and lumber to dismantle it. Another letter a few months ago seems to have been ignored. Mr. Foltz is determined to have the barn taken down, saying that it is a safety issue. The new letter warns the owner that the township may remove the barn and bill him for the cost, if the barn is not removed in a timely manner. The Supervisors also began looking at models and pricing on security cameras for the township garage and office. A few months ago a visit by an irate resident frightened township Supervisor and Secretary Sue Furney. Since then, the office door has remained locked until a visitor is recognized, and the Supervisors agreed to install a security system of some kind. Since there is no money in the budget for an item like this, the Supervisors will study the matter to determine if some funds can be freed up. Mr. Foltz asked that the Supervisors review the state of the budget at the next meeting, the half-way point in the fiscal year. Ms. Furney does not yet have estimates for increased health-insurance rates. And the cost of unemployment insurance is in question. Last year the latter cost the township some $2,400. Ms. Furney said that in the budget for 2009 a typo listed the amount at $320 instead of the intended $3,200, and no one caught the mistake during budget deliberations. Asked about the status of a project to replace a sluice under Stearns Road at the outlet of Tingley Lake, the Supervisors are awaiting a response to a grant application that would help fund the project, estimated by engineers to cost about $200,000. Although the township took out an interest-free loan for $500,000 from the state in part to help pay for the project (once the bridge on Pennay Hill Road was replaced), to pay for such a project solely out of township funds would probably require an increase in taxes, which the Supervisors don’t want to do. “I can’t justify going after a tax increase in this economy,” said Mr. Foltz. Ms. Furney said that, in case of another flood at Tingley Lake, the township would probably fall back on a contingency: they would close the road and use a backhoe to cut a break in it to allow excess water to drain. Mr. Foltz advised Mr. VanGorden how to fill out an application for a grant from the county to replace another sluice on Richardson Road. It seems that conditions in one location are allowing sediment to flow from the road into a wetland area (a.k.a., a swamp). The grant would help to pay to ameliorate the problem. The Supervisors are also evaluating a new product to use on the roads to control dust. Called PennzSuppress D and described on a vendor’s website as “a unique, environmentally safe, emulsified petroleum resin,” it is thought to cost significantly less than other materials used to stabilize soil. But it’s still the drudgery of scraping, crowning and ditching the roads that occupies the township’s workers most of the time in the summer. The only question at the meeting seemed to be just how to schedule that time. Mr. VanGorden would prefer not to “bounce around,” moving his crew and equipment back and forth over the township. He would like to continue work in one area before moving to the next. Mr. Foltz, on the other hand, requested that the crew concentrate their effort on the most heavily-used thoroughfares, before going back to clean up the smaller roads. Finishing up Orphan School Road, Mr. VanGorden said that he would next work on Laurel Lane. Mr. Foltz sharply criticized that idea, referring to Laurel Lane as serving only one “private development” (although it is considered a township road). Instead, he suggested turning down Tingley Street, then coming back via Jeffers Road, and down to Kingsley to work Stephens Road from the west. Smaller feeder roads, serving fewer residents, could be done later. The question wasn’t definitively resolved. Naturally everyone wants the road past their house done first. That’s not going to happen, so the township requests patience as the work progresses as best it can. The next meeting of the Harford Township Supervisors is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Commissioners To Bid Land The Susquehanna County Commissioners met on Wednesday, June 24 at The Emergency Conference Room in The County Office Building. Following the regular meeting, before adjourning, Commissioners made a motion for an executive session for real estate discussion. Upon returning, Commissioner Michael Giangrieco announced that the county has decided to place a bid on a real estate property to be used for county purposes. When asked what the property might be used for Commissioner Giangrieco stated that at this early point, they didn’t want "to say too much" until they have more information themselves. According to Commissioners the property is to be purposed at “fair market value." Jim Jennings questioned if the property would be used for a proposed new 911 Center. Commissioner Warren declined, stating that it was too early to say any designation purpose, but added “We are working on that, and we do have to have that.” In other business, Resolution 2009-25 designated Barnes Kasson Hospital/Susquehanna County Transit Authority as coordinator and provider of services under Section 1312 (b) (1) of the Public Transportation Law, Act 74 of August 5, 1991 for Shared Ride Transit Services in Susquehanna County and authorizing Barnes Kasson Hospital to submit the grant application for the 2009-2010 Shared Ride Transit Services Program through PennDot e-grants. Resolution 2009-26 extends the term of real property, earned income tax, net profits mercantile, and business privilege taxes within a specific geographic area designated as a Keystone Opportunity Zone, Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone or Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zone, in order to foster economic opportunities, stimulate industrial, commercial and residential improvements and reverent physical and infrastructure deterioration within areas of Susquehanna County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, upon certain terms and conditions: the area set forth in “Attachment A,” known locally as The Forest City Industrial Park Vision 2000. Commissioners signed a motion authorizing an agreement between Child Account and Profile System (CAPS) Application Service Provider and Susquehanna County Services for Children and Youth and Avanco International, Inc., McLean, VA, which will provide access to the Child Accounting and Profile System, Help Desk Support, Data Security, and Backup and Recovery if necessary for the period of July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 for the total amount to $20,900. The county portion is $3,762. Commissioners authorized the signing of Susquehanna County Human Services/Avanco Business Agreement which provides for necessary training, project assignments, design and development and other items not covered, by the help desk, on an as needed basis, hourly basis for the period July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010, at the following rates, with the county portion to be approximately 16% of the listed amount: Research Analyst, $51.50 per hour (ph); Junior programmer, $61.80 ph; Junior Programmer Analyst, $69.00 ph; Programmer, $72.00 ph; Senior Programmer Analyst, $74.20 ph; Developer, $87.50 ph; Senior Developer, $87.50 ph; and a Project Developer, $105.00 ph. A motion was made to authorize the signature of an agreement between Lackawanna County and Susquehanna County to assign the Lackawanna County Single County Authority as the single organizational unit responsible for administering and managing drug and alcohol services for residents of Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties for the period of July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. The following were appointed to their respective appointments in The Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commissioner for the term of July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010: The Susquehanna County Commissioners; Dennis Phelps, David Darrow, Katherine Shelly, Robert Neira, Bill Dovin, Jack Taylor, Tom Bush, Rick Soden, Jim Pietrowski, Joseph Plonski, Rudy Mattes, Leonard Wheatly, Sam Anderson, Tom Kurosky, and Loren Stone. Donald Lee was appointed to the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau for the term 07/01/2009 through 06/030/2011. The following were re-appointed to the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council for July 1 ,2009 through June 30, 2010: Irma Bender, Clara May Benning, Josephine O’Peka, Donald Rittner and Rita Tiffany. The Commissioners signed agreements between Lackawanna-Susquehanna Counties Mental Health and Mental Retardation Program with approximately 40 entities, term agreements are all dated for July 1, 2009 through June 0, 2010, with dollars allocated to Early Intervention in the amount of $2,512,900, Mental Health Services $7,971,500, Mental Retardation Services $3,926,900, total $14,411,300, Federal State, and Local monies with the Local Match for 2009-2010 being $109,000. The Housing and Redevelopment Authority was authorized to utilize $30,000 of Act137 monies as a required match for a DCED Elm Street Grant Application the Authority is preparing on behalf of New Milford Borough. The Authority will be applying for approximately $300,000 in grant funds to assist with the acquisition and demolition of the vacant and blighted former Southern Tier Plastics Plant Property to make way for elderly Housing on this site. The $30,000 are monies that were generated by the County prior to 2009 and transferred into the Susquehanna County Housing/Redevelopment Authority’s account before 2009. Dispatcher Daniel Totten, 911, was let go effective June 12, 2009. Brittany Ely’s resignation from Register and Recorder’s Office was accepted with regret, effective June 13, 2009. Heather Seamans was hired to Register and Recorder’s office to the open, part time clerk typist position 28 hours per week Range 5, Rate $7.41 per hour with no benefits effective June 23, 2009. Paul Bartholomew was hired to the open part-time position of dispatcher, rate $8.50 per hour, varied hours with a six month probationary period and benefits per the Residual Bargaining Unit Contract as per the recommendation of Art Donato, 911 Coordinator. Catherine Benedict, Tax Claim Director, was exonerated from collecting delinquent taxes from three Silver Lake parcels. The Susquehanna County Commissioners meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the County Office Building at 9 a.m. sharp. Crawford Appointed To SBC Susquehanna Boro Council's first action at their June 23 meeting was to carry a motion to appoint Sue Crawford to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Bill Kuiper. Mrs. Crawford was then sworn in. The bulk of the meeting was spent continuing discussion of parking on West Main St., brought up by a number of residents who were in attendance. Council stressed that they had not taken any action to institute a parking ban, and that they had agreed at a prior meeting not to do so until a meeting with residents could be held to discuss any proposed action. Council President Mike Matis pointed out that two meetings had been scheduled to discuss the situation, and no one had attended. Council was presented with a petition with 135 signatures, opposing any parking ban. Council reiterated that they had not taken any action, and are still working at trying to find an alternative solution. A meting will be scheduled if any solution is under discussion. In other business, Jim Davis of DGK Insurance reviewed the boro's insurance policy, which is due to renew. Coverage will be at nearly the same cost as this year's policy. Mayor Reddon issued a reminder to parents that the boro does have a curfew; one warning will be issued when there is a violation, if there are any subsequent violations a citation will be issued. The mayor also said that the boro police will be checking that residences have the new 911 addresses posted, in accordance with the boro ordinance which became effective as of this date, as a motion carried later to approve it. Items brought up during public comment included a concern that “bamboo” is overgrown on a part of Washington St., limiting sight distance. The codes department is in the process of sending notices to property owners. There was a discussion of some properties that have become run down; council said that one of the main problems is that so many properties have been purchased by people who live out of state. The codes department is also addressing this issue. Due process must be followed, as there are legal constraints and steps that must be taken before a property is condemned. In response to complaints about truckers using “jake brakes” within the boro limits, a sample ordinance was obtained from the PA State Boroughs Association, and copies were given to council members for review. There had been a problem with a clogged toilet in the library's part of the boro building. There was some discussion as to whether or not a new toilet was needed. It was determined that the problem had been caused by an unsupervised child, and no action was taken. A motion carried to approve repair of some damaged street lights. The Chemung Valley Historical Society notified council that they will be removing the two rail cars that they claimed ownership to, and they offered to also take the boxcar that the boro has. A motion carried to approve them taking the boxcar, as long as all three cars are removed by August 1, 2009. Council discussed two ongoing codes violations; one owner was said to have made minimal improvement and was not in compliance with an agreement that had been put in place in October. In the second case, the owner had agreed to sign the property over to the boro, which would then be demolished through grant funding. But, the owner has since notified the boro of the price he would like for the building. A motion carried to pay the transfer costs if the owner is willing to transfer the property to the boro; the grant funding has been secured to demolish it. The owner of a dilapidated garage on Fifth Ave. has been notified that the structure is unsafe and must be demolished. And, John Ackley informed council that he is proceeding with a claim of adverse possession to gain ownership of the upper half of Second Ave. The meeting adjourned to an executive session. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 7:00 p.m. in the boro building.
Mt. View Layoffs Not Looming Several people discovered that a layoff was not in their immediate future at the June 22 meeting of the Mountain View School board. The meeting was unusually well attended, with so many visitors that jokes were made regarding occupancy limits and people sat beside and behind the board table. Many in the crowd attended at the behest of the Mt. View Band and Chorus Association, which sent out a letter urging community members to oppose a proposed cut in the music department. Others attended to learn about the status of other staff positions; rumors estimated that the discontinuation of as many as 9 positions in the high school alone was under consideration. Dr. Chichura, school superintendent, addressed this matter early in the meeting. He explained that the board had given permission, two meetings ago, for a study to be conducted on the declining student enrollment and possible school reactions to the phenomenon. In the 1996-1997 school year, he stated, 1,595 student had been enrolled. In 2008-2009 this number had decreased to 1,261; it was projected that 1,199 would be enrolled at the beginning of the coming year. Based on live births in the district, projections from an outside source suggested that by the 2017-2018 school year enrollment would be down to 938 students. Property sales and subdivision rates were also down, he said, such that a population increase due to relocation should not be counted upon. The number of active professional staff, he continued, has not been significantly changed in years. If anything, more positions have been added. He clarified that the potential staff reductions mentioned at the previous meeting were not necessarily what the administration would recommend, only an option. There were two options, he explained, after considering school schedules, staff assignments, and student numbers: either address the concerns with realignment only, or with realignment and the “furlough” of positions. Were the latter pursued a reduction of staff in second grade, the business ed department, and the English department might be seen, along with an evaluation of the Health and PE, Language, and Reading departments, and the elimination of the secondary PAR position. One nurse could be replaced with an LPN. His recommendation, however, was for the district to pursue the former idea in the coming year. There would be no elimination of positions, but staff might be asked to change their schedules. Attempts would be made to fill staff vacancies internally with existing staff rather than utilizing outside advertisement. The board was in support of this plan, though the matter is slated to be reassessed next year. Board action is not actually required for much of this realignment, unless alteration of a program is involved. Though the personnel are to basically stay the same, changes still might occur. Dr. Chichura outlined various ideas under consideration. One second grade class would be eliminated, and the instructor reassigned. The classroom, however, would be kept vacant, as a large first grade population might require it to be re-instituted during the 2010-2011 school year. The secondary PAR position would not be eliminated, but merely stretched, with three days spent at the high school and two at the elementary. The district is scheduled to renew the business department's vocational program certification for one more year at this point. Dr. Chichura was not advocating a reduction in the number of languages offered, though enrollment is low in French and Latin, feeling the more languages offered the better. The potential for even additional languages to be offered via V-link has been considered. The English department, the Reading department, and the Art department are to undergo scrutiny. One of the departments discussed most thoroughly at the meeting was music. The secondary music staff spends a decent amount of their day covering study halls and performing cafeteria duty. The specialized band classes, such as intermediate guitar, steel drum, and hand-bell instruction, currently have very few students scheduled. Dr. Chichura stated that he wasn't sure the district wanted to maintain this luxury, and proposed that the electives be eliminated and the students placed instead into an individual or group lesson schedule. The staff would then spend the time currently spent on study hall or other duties in lessons. The lessons would be given in a course rotation, such that students would not consistently be taken from the same classes. Credit would not be given for these lessons, however. Band and chorus staff would be required to submit a schedule of lessons on day 6 of each cycle, and on day 1 to submit to the principal a list of students who did and did not attend the lessons. This would be used to try and enforce student attendance; other staff would be provided with the schedule in advance as well. Music department staff would be asked to reemphasize the attendance of students to county, regional, and state festivals, and to maintain a visibility at local events (such as the Harford fair). Large group instruction would still occur periods 8 and 9, but the lessons would serve as a feeder program during the day to grow these larger groups. This might take away the necessity for staff reduction in the future. Various visitors, parents, students, and alumni, spoke up in protest to this plan. It was asked why a physics class which only had four students scheduled would be maintained while music electives with low enrollment are to be eliminated. Dr. Chichura answered that the music classes would be provided in an alternate manner, through the lesson schedule. At least one visitor felt, however, that the loss of credit this move brings about is a serious problem. A lack of credit, it was asserted, would not encourage participation, and one mother stated that she would not want her child missing other classes for non-credit lessons. It was eventually said that there might be room for partial credit. Charles Wilson, the band instructor, pointed out that although there is low enrollment in these programs currently, in the past numbers have jumped significantly after scheduling closed. This led to a discussion of scheduling practices, why students might switch classes after the fact, and whether or not they should be allowed to do so. Various staff members spoke up to thank the board for the realignment plan. The attempt to save their jobs, it was stated, was appreciated. While this discussion occupied a significant amount of time at the meeting, it was not the only action taken. The general fund budget was approved at $17,389,259, with the millage rate for real estate set at 32.5 mills. This represents a 0 tax increase. The homestead Farmstead exclusion will equal $219.38 roughly, a decrease from last year, due to more people qualifying. The Classrooms for the Future funding was cut this year by the government. The second reading of the new dress and grooming policy was approved. Changes include allowing students to wear hoodies and sweat pants, so long as hoods are not up during class. There were also alterations in penalties and minimum skirt and short length. The length of skirts was established at the length of extended fingers. In addition to this Monday meeting, a special meeting was held on Wednesday. At this meeting the resignation of Principal Eliza Vagni was accepted, and vice principal Andrew Doster appointed to take her place. The assistant principal position was approved for advertisement. The resignation of special education instructor Katheryn Pierce was also accepted. Two clerical positions were extended, one from 206 hours to 223 hours, and the other from 196 hours to 223 hours. One involves the secretary to the director of special services, and the other the secretary to the director of curriculum.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Joseph Spece, Jr. (Estate) to Joseph Clark Spece, in Uniondale Borough and Herrick Township for one dollar. Paul and Barbara Sly to Jeffrey M. and Lisa M. Greco, in Ararat Township for $181,000.00. Lillian J. McQuillan to Lillian J. and Scott C. McQuillan, in Ararat Township for one dollar. Lois Buddenhagen (Estate) to John P. and Lori L. Mocniak, in Apolacon Township for $75,000.00. HSBC Bank USA to United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in Ararat Township for one dollar. Allen J. Brozonis to Gasoholics LLC, in Rush Township for $120,187,50. Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. (Trustee) and American Home Mortgage Servicing, Inc. to Tammy Lynn Scott, in Hallstead Borough for $52,000.00. George R. and Kimberly A. Cottell to William and Marianne Damico Candiloros, in Herrick Township for $207,500.00. Joseph L., Jr., Joseph Leonard, Sr., (Estate), Holly, Kevin, James H. and Richard D. Cobb to Joseph L., Jr., Holly, Kevin, James H. and Richard D. Cobb, in Ararat Township for one dollar. Roymane T. (AKA) Romayne T. Dooley to Joseph and Maura Francis, in Susquehanna for $17,000.00. Salvatore N. (By POA) and Beverly Diane (By POA) Chiriaco to Thomas Michael Dennison, in Franklin Township for one dollar. Thomas Drages and Virginia Margerum to Thomas and Thomas, Jr. Drages, in Franklin Township for $14,600.00. George Humber, Jr. to William James Humber, in Bridgewater Township for $30,500.00. Angela Carbone to Joseph Nadzak, in Herrick Township for one dollar. Frank and Joseph Bissol to Frank and Elaine Bissol, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Ronald and Irene Bercume to Dawn Davis, is Middletown Township for $100,000.00. David A. Cicon to David A. and Cynthia H. Cicon, in New Milford Township for one dollar. Arthur E. Stephens to Arthur E. Stephens and Theresa A. Delucia, in Apolacon Township for one dollar. Joseph (AKA) Joseph P. Smith (By Sheriff) to Household Finance Consumer Discount Co., in Springville Township for $4,093.61. Peggi S. (AKA) Peggi Sue (By Sheriff) and Kyle (By Sheriff) Printz to US Bank, in Montrose for $6,033.81. Robert H. and Connie L. Vohrer to Eric J. Vohrer, in Auburn Township for one dollar. Donald M., Jr. and Cindy Sue Gula to Valeria A. and Carl M., Jr. Burdick, in Great Bend Borough for one dollar. US Bank to Jason A. Zembek, in Great Bend Borough for $51,000.00. Howard, Jr. and Merna Colwell to Chad and Elena Susan Cavarocchi Jones, in Great Bend Township for $66,000.00. Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. (By Atty) and Saxon Mortgage Service, Inc. to Alice M. Davis, in Springville Township for $15,000.00. Chad E. and Elena Susan Cavarocchi Jones to Chad E. and Elena Susan Cavarocchi Jones, in Great Bend Township for one dollar. Ord Family Limited Partnership to Peoples National Bank, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar. Peoples National Bank to Diaz Family Limited Partnership, in Brooklyn Township for $310,000.00. DIVORCES April M. Sharer of Montrose vs. Kristopher D. Sharer of Laceyville, married 2003. Denise Carol Malandri of Springville vs. Robert Ernest Malandri of Dimock, married 1998. Mark E. Warner vs. Marie Ann Warner, both of Springville, married 1992. BENCH WARRANTS The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has bench warrants for the following individuals as of June 26, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. Michael A. Argust, David P. Atherholt, Jr., Erika L. Back, David Shawn Blaisure, Joseph Bonavita, Michael P. Bradley, Jr., David M. Brant, Howard Burns, Robert B. Carrier, Tony R. Clark, Mark T. Conklin, Mary Dallasta, Edward J. Dickson, Jr., Paul H. Donovan, Deborah L. Drish, Christina Elmy, Jonathan Fathi, David J. Fischer, Thomas Fisher, Nesbitt W. Fitch, Jr., Ryan M. Forder, Kelly Fox, Dominick M. Franklin, Tiffany M. Groover, Richard F. Hadlick, David Haines, Jr., Suzanne R. Hansen, William N. Hendrickson, Ann Hightower, Steven L. Jones, Kenneth M. Kintner, Kevin D. Klein, Eric C. Kohlhepp, Erik E. Krisovitch, Charlie J. Legere, Carlos L. Leiser, Christopher Locke, Joseph Malloy, Jr., Tanika Marazzani, Patricia J. Marrero, Jason Marshall, Zada A. McDonald, Rollin E. Miller, Jr., Joseph C. Moore, Anthony Neri, Benjamin Newell, Tanya M. Novak, Todd M. O'Hara, Donald Palmer, Gary Perico, Amy S. Pompey, James E. Purse, Jeffrey A. Ransom, Timothy W. Rogers, Troy Rohmann, David J. Shiner, Garrett M. Thomas, Brian Visakay, Keith W. Vroman, Steven G. Warner, Joseph Watkins, Jamie L. Williams, Kenneth L. Wilmot. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.
Matter Of Millage At ELSD At the second Elk Lake/SCCTC meeting for the month of June, held on the 23, various matters were addressed. One of the items receiving significant discussion was the matter of the budget, and whether or not taxes should be raised. The discussion surrounded a matter of millage. With the looming retirement crisis, in which it is estimated that the district's contribution could increase four times by 2013, an increase which is not thought to decline until 2018, the board is weighing its options carefully. Two possible courses of action were mentioned, either raising the tax rate or setting fund excesses aside to be used for this purpose when the time comes. Various board members spoke up in favor of the latter idea, especially after Dr. Bush stated that a surplus was anticipated. Mr. Emmerich called diverting surplus a more palatable option, and Mr. Tewkesbury stated that he hated to add on to people's burdens during these tough economic times. He recommended reassessing the matter next year, knowing that the district is only putting off the inevitable, but not wishing to consider it when taxpayers are facing layoffs. Mr. Bender agreed, suggesting that the district instead look carefully at its purchases, etc. In the end all voted to keep the millage at what it was in the preliminary budget, though this is still an increase from the previous year's. The millage was set at 35.8800 in Susquehanna County and 48.1500 in Wyoming County. The total budget was set at $18,365,242 at Elk Lake, and $3,060,667 for the SCCTC. (The latter is a non-taxing body, so the millage discussion was irrelevant.) Those receiving the Homestead Farmstead exclusion should receive approximately $162.95, a decrease from the previous year due to the number of people who applied and qualified. Various people were highlighted at the meeting. The resignations of Kathy Rezykowski and Michael Cutri were accepted with regret, and their service to the district commended. The impact both made on student lives was mentioned, and they were wished the best of success. The Key Club assisted the Susquehanna County Animal Response Team, and received a note of appreciation and acknowledgement. Steven Rezykowski made the all-star baseball team, and four girls made the all-star softball team: Brooke Darling, Katie Mitchell, Brianne Hollenbeck, and Karin Mowry. At Elk Lake, 91 students graduated. Dr. Cuomo thanked all those involved, including those behind the scenes. It was stated that the community has spoken highly of it, calling it one of the nicest people have been to. Dr. Cuomo's graduation address in and of itself was called by one reporter the best talk she had heard at any graduation. The elementary school held its fist graduation in 30 years, trying to imitate the high school ceremony (sans caps and gowns). A year in review show was created (and board members given a dvd copy). Students also received index cards with positive comments about them. It was also spoken highly of. Two of the district's three dual enrollment agreements were re-approved at the meeting, those for Keystone and Lackawanna College. The program is almost doubling its size for next year, with around 24 courses being approved through Keystone, 13-14 through LCC, and roughly 5 through Lackawanna. State funding for this program is still unknown. If cuts occur and grants don't cover the entire cost of classes, students will have to cover some of the cost for themselves. However, it was stated that this is still a great savings to participants. The results of the school safety report were discussed. At the elementary level referrals were reduced through the Response to Intervention initiative, and at the secondary school numbers of incidents were lower than the two years previous. At the career center incidents were down from last year as well.
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