District taxpayers will be paying higher taxes. Non-instructional part-time employees will be working fewer hours, albeit, at an increased rate of pay. Returning teachers will find their number still dwindling as attrition continues. In another move to stay lean, a retiring maintenance employee will be replaced - by two part-time employees . . . without benefits. Principals Gerchman and Keyes, as well as Superintendent Stone will be stretched further each day by supervisory duties. Supervised teachers will find that they are not only supervised, but evaluated, through the “Charlotte Danielson Framework for Teaching.” Teachers - and students - will continue adapting to the essentially unfunded mandates of “Common Core” and the voluminous testing and data mining that accompanies them.

Such and much more, were the outcome of Susquehanna Community School District’s (SCSD) Director’s April 17, 2013 meeting. The board’s deliberation session on the previous evening provided rich background for the decisions agreed upon at the official meeting. Present for the April 17 meeting were Board President Steven Stanford, and members Jason Chamberlain, Amanda Cook, Evelyn Cottrell, Carol Jackson, Holly Kubus, Martha Stanford, and Clay Weaver. Board member Lori Canfield was absent.

Although the board had to table a motion to approve “the service agreement between the Susquehanna Community School District and the Borough of Lanesboro for Campus Safety and Security for the 2013-2014 school year,” while the fine print is tweaked, Superintendent Stone provided clear details of what the final contract will contain: police coverage for the hours of 7:45 a.m. to 3: 30 p.m. for the 180 days school is in session with students on campus, and at a cost of $18,500 to the district.

The service contract with Lanesboro is being tweaked to specify - for purposes of liability, as well as workman’s comp and other issues - that the police officer is an employee of Lanesboro, not the school district. Accordingly, the district cannot direct the actions of the officer, but rather “reports concerns” to the officer, who will be carrying out his four duties: deter, protect, respond, and enforce. District officials expect final approval of the service agreement in May.

Concerning the district’s upcoming budget, Superintendent Stone and Business Manager Gary Kiernan had all the relevant figures. The local property tax increase of 2.5% will yield approximately $70,400 more than is now being collected. (The figure also recognizes that only 90% of school real estate taxes are actually being collected.) The “average” tax bill of $800 will see an increase of $20 per year.

Among a plethora of other budget considerations is the $61,000 increase called for by the governor. With no movement on changes in the PSERS (retirement), upon which the projected increase was dependent, district officials are now discounting the entire amount in their budget planning.

Still there ARE bright spots in the budget planning process. Health care costs for the district employees’ PPO increased by only 5.7% last year. Seems there was an outbreak of unusually good health among district staff and their families in 2012. Nevertheless, in an economy in which the Federal government proclaims there is virtually no inflation, that percentage increase likely exceeds what most folks received for a pay raise or COLA last year. And yet, those who have seen recent increases in their health care premiums would likely be overjoyed to see increases so low as 5.7%.

On another matter that touches upon health care, board members unanimously approved “the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Susquehanna Community School District Board of Education and The Susquehanna Community School Non-Instructional Employees.” How does that MOU touch on health care, the average laymen may ponder? Here’s the gist of it. Part-time non-instructional employees (Class 2A) will not qualify for health care benefits under the Patient Protection and Health Care Affordability Act of 2010 (a.k.a. Obamacare). Under the new MOU, Class 2A personnel who were previously working 26 to 34 hours per week will be restricted to working 29.5 hours/week or less. Obamacare provisions still to take effect define full-time employment as, and require employer-provided healthcare for, those working 30 hours per week.

Even part-time employees working the maximum 34 hours per week at the present do not rate health insurance coverage, so with the MOU implementation they’ve not lost a previous benefit; though of course, they’ve not benefited from what was intended to be expanded coverage. School Directors were obviously aware that some part-time employees’ hours will be necessarily reduced because of the 29.5 hour/week restriction, and their take-home pay would have been negatively impacted. To resolve this inequity the MOU includes a $.90/hour pay increase for Class 2A employees.

In effecting “Differentiated Supervision” Superintendent Stone explained the total alignment to the Danielson Effective Teaching Framework. Online readers may wish to read further at http://www.danielsongroup.org/. Under this framework teachers will be evaluated and supervised in at least one of three modes each year: Formal Observation Mode, Portfolio Mode, and Walk-Through Mode. The Danielson Teaching Framework is designed to provide teachers with feedback through mutually-agreed-upon goals and performance standards, thus improving teaching practices, and establishing at least a partial basis for teacher evaluations. Respective school principals and Superintendent Stone estimate they will be spending two hours per day in using the three modes to supervise teacher instruction, with Formal Observation Mode consuming the bulk of their time.

In commenting on the Board’s acceptance of the retirements of two long-time district employees at the end of this school year Superintendent Stone had nothing but praise. He recalled Elementary Teacher Carolyn Homer as his own childhood teacher, and with sentimental fondness noted she was “an exceptional educator who likes kids.” Superintendent Stone likewise recalled how Stuart Cook (of Maintenance) would always cheer him, and how much he will be “sorely missed.”

In other school board business, Directors approved:

• Craige’s Photique, Inc., as the school photography provider for the 2013-14 school year.
  
  
• May 7, 2013 as Teacher Recognition Day and the sponsoring of a breakfast on that day.
  
  
• Granting the Business Office permission to tabulate and award bids, and to order supplies for the 2013-14 school year, subject to Board approval in May.
  
  
• Superintendent Stone as the District’s e-signature authorized officer with the PA Dept of Education.
  
  
• Video Streaming Services with NEIU #19 for the 2013-14 school year.
  
  
• Nearly a dozen extracurricular activities ranging from requests for some use of the campus to field trips afar.

And just before the board closed out the meeting at half-past seven, Superintendent Stone reminded everyone that the school’s theatrical production of “Grease” will be staged at 7 p.m., May 3 and 4. That said, the meeting adjourned. Principal Keyes and Mr. Kiernan graciously served up the evening’s treat, apple crisp, while small talk and pleasantries ensued. With spring’s warmth finally beckoning, the meeting’s participants departed in short order to enjoy the gentle breezes that would carry them home.

Next school board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15.

The Hallstead Borough Council met on April 18th 2013 and jumped right in to the agenda items. After approving the meeting minutes from the March 21, 2013 meeting, the Council got right into the financial matters facing the Borough. The Treasurer's Report was submitted and approved and the bills for the month were presented for payment. With a review, the bills were approved for payment for a total of $8,479.86 for all expenses.

There were several items of Old Business that needed to be completed. Electric bids were acquired and work to the electric system at the ball field will commence as soon as it can be scheduled. Bids for the removal of several dead trees around the Borough were also presented. It was noted that several of the trees were in locations that would require temporary disruption of traffic and that permits would need to be acquired to block/redirect traffic in those locations. With that noted a contractor was selected, and further information will be available when the work is scheduled. With the weather being warmer, the Council discussed upcoming plans for some road work. There were concerns regarding several areas that ranged from the road being oiled to the surface needing to be regraded. Further information regarding specific roads is being sought, as well as information on products approved by PennDOT for the work.

The Parks were much discussed with it being noted that the shed had been delivered to the ball field. There was an approval needed to acquire approximately 25 yards of mulch material for use at the parks, and the mulch was approved as the Council wished it used prior to the start of Little League. Finally, the driveway at the park close to the Borough Building was discussed. The Council is concerned about potential damage from excessive vehicles and determined that they would move a gate barrier from another location to the Borough driveway area at the park. With all business concluded the meeting adjourned at 7:28PM.

Zachery Michael Brown, 19, of Herrick Center, PA to 6 months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim in this case for Receiving Stolen Property in Forest City Borough on June 24, 2012. Mr. Brown also received 2 years probation to run concurrent to the other sentences, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim in this case for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle in Forest City Borough on July 24, 2012. Mr. Brown was sentenced to 6 months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim in this case, not to have contact with the victim in this case for Receiving Stolen Property in Forest City Borough on July 2, 2012. Mr. Brown received 6 months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent, pay $150 fie, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim in this case, not to have contact with the victim in this case for Receiving Stolen Property in Forest City Borough PD on May 23, 2012. Mr. Brown received 6 months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna County to run concurrent, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim, not to have contact with the victim for Receiving Stolen Property in Forest City Borough on July 2, 2012. Mr. Brown received 6 months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent, pay restitution to the victim, pay $125 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with the victim for Receiving Stolen Property in Forest City Borough on July 10, 2012. Mr. Brown also received 6 months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim, not to have contact with the victim for Receiving Stolen Property in Forest City Borough on May 7, 2011. Mr. Brown received 6 months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim for Receiving Stolen Property in Forest City Borough on May 3, 2011. Finally Mr. Brown received 6 months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna county Correctional Facility, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, maintain employment, for Receiving Stolen Property in Forest City Borough on April 8, 2011.

 Gerry Allen Peltz, 42, of Susquehanna, PA to 3 months to 2 years minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim in this case for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Great Bend Township on July 6, 2012.

 Brett Matthew Bennett, 41, of Kingsley, PA to 16 months to 5 years in a state correctional facility, pay $750 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Involuntary Manslaughter in New Milford Township on February 25, 2012. Mr. Bennett also received 5 years consecutive probation, pay $750 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Involuntary Manslaughter in New Milford Township on February 25, 2012.

 Jeffrey J Kelly, 43, of Carbondale, PA to 90 days to 12 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $1,500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $300 Act 198 fee, pay $100 CAT Surcharge, pay $10 EMS for Driving Under the Influence in Clifford Township on October 2, 2011.

 Kyle Justin Cobb, 28, of Uniondale, PA to 1 ½ years to 10 years in a state correctional facility, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, complete Sexual Offenders Evaluation for Statutory Sexual Assault in Uniondale between 2005 and 2007. Mr. Cobb also received 5 years consecutive probation, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with the victim or the victims family continue with sexual offenders treatment for Indecent Assault in Uniondale between 2005 and 2007.

 Robert T Gulley, 22, of Susquehanna, PA to 24 months probation, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim, not to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages, not to enter any establishment whose sole purpose is the sale of alcohol for Simple Assault in Susquehanna Borough on March 31, 2012.

At the third meeting of the month on April 16th, the Harford Township Supervisors – two of them anyway – opened bids for road materials and fuel, just in time to take advantage of the onset of good weather. It would be hard to say whether the meeting was a continuation of one of the earlier ones, or a special meeting, or … just a meeting. The newest Supervisor, Doug Phelps, only made the first one.

Before they got started opening bid envelopes, Garry Foltz and Sue Furney looked over a package of documents offered by the reconstituted and rejuvenated Harford Water Authority (or Association or Company). The Authority is trying to straighten out a tangle of property rights and leases that has accumulated over many years of what appears to have been neglect of the legalities involved. The Township is in the process of acquiring 1.38 acres of land just outside the village that will give it ownership of all of the property and facilities required to operate the water system that serves the village. The property will then be leased back to the Water Authority.

The package consists of (a) a deed transferring the water treatment plant to the Township; (b) a deed transferring a small parcel of land from the Township to the adjacent property owner which has never been used by the Water Authority; (c) a “stipulation” that describes the historical context since 1936 – the story of “how this all happened;” and (d) a lease package that subsumes all prior leases and leases the final property configuration to the Water Authority. Said a representative of the Water Authority, “at the end, everything stays as it is, except legal.”

The Supervisors accepted the draft package for detailed review, with the understanding that there are at least some typographical errors that need to be corrected. Formal adoption of the documents will require the notarized signatures of not only the current Supervisors and board members of the Water Authority, but of anyone still living who ever had anything to do with the Water Authority.

Mr. Foltz took the opportunity to ask the Water Authority to develop some information to be posted in the appropriate place on the Township’s website.

The Township will be soliciting bids for 3 pieces of equipment moldering away in the maintenance yard. The equipment includes a roller, maybe big enough for a sidewalk and made by Buffalo Springfield (no, not the rock-n-roll band), doesn’t work and probably hasn’t been used for 20 years; a 10-foot York stone rake that works, but has been repaired so often that it probably wouldn’t work very long; and an Onan generator that is thought to use propane, but has no further value to the Township.

Lisa and Ken Schmidt attended the meeting to explore possibilities for some drainage work on Tyler Lake Road. Ms. Schmidt hopes to apply for a grant through the Soil & Conservation District to control runoff from a thousand feet or so of the hill down to Purdy Lane that now is not only eroding the road, but is carrying sediment into the swamp that feeds Tyler Lake. She recently met with a representative of the Conservation District and Township Roadmaster Jim Phelps to examine the site and review the situation. She said the Conservation District seemed positive about the project as something that fits with their mandate and mission.

The grant application must be submitted by May 3; funds could be available as early as June, although the work could take more than a year to schedule and complete. The Township would be the responsible authority, and would need to contribute at least 30% of the cost, whether financially or in-kind as services and labor. Aside from the normal design considerations and materials purchases, there is a sewer system cleanout manhole in the area that may need an extension, since the road would be lifted and crowned; so contractors would need to coordinate with the sewer system operator.

The Township received an unusual number of bids this year for stone for the roads. The winning bidder was Eastern Industries of Clifford. Lopke, a new player in the stone business in Susquehanna County, offered somewhat lower prices, but could not present state certifications that are required for materials purchased with the state liquid fuels subsidy. So Lopke’s bid was accepted for materials that would be purchased from Township funds or for FEMA projects that generally don’t require state certified stone.

No cinder bid was accepted. Only one of the bidding companies could offer state certified cinders, and none of the bids described whether the cinders would be fine or coarse. The Township prefers the coarser grade of black cinders for winter use. The Supervisors will seek further clarification from bidders. Two of the bidders added an escalation clause that would increase the price per cubic yard based on the price of fuel to transport the material to the Township.

The Supervisors accepted 2 bids for AEP/EDP oil and calcium chloride solution for dust control, from Vestal Asphalt and SuitKote. Midland Asphalt bid only on EDP oil, and the Township prefers AEP. Selecting 2 suppliers offers some flexibility when one supplier cannot provide timely service.

Mirabito Fuel of Binghamton was the only bidder for bio-diesel, with a fluctuating price based at $3.53 per gallon.

And DNR Lawncare was the sole bidder for mowing the grass at the Township building ($30 per cutting) and the sewer plant ($40 per cutting) this summer.

Earlier in the month the Supervisors reviewed a complaint from a resident about a stone quarry that was continuing operations late at night that may have violated the Township’s industrial noise ordinance. Mr. Foltz announced that since that evening no further violations have been noted.

And Mr. Foltz wants to add a provision in the job descriptions of Township employees that prohibits “texting” on the job, particularly while driving. He said an infraction of the rule would result in immediate termination.

With 3 meetings out of the way for April, one can look forward to the next, on Tuesday, May 14, beginning at 7:00 pm. Unless something else comes up.

The following are to report to the Susquehanna County Courthouse, Montrose, PA at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 6, 2013:

Ararat Twp.: Cheryl Zimmerman.
Auburn Twp.: Jonathan Bunnell, John W. McGarrigle, Carol Owen, Lois Pisack.
Bridgewater Twp.: Martha H. Denkenberger, Robert Grace, James Grisafi, Jared C. Horn, William J. Lawrence, Jerlyn Marshall, Nancy Nelligan, Kristina Olah, Paula Remington, Karen Spence, Barbara Steingraber, Philip Wheaton.
Brooklyn Twp.: Lana Fluck, Christopher Hadnagy.
Choconut Twp.: Jesse Gibbore, Valerie Hotchkiss.
Clifford Twp.: Jeannie Davidson, Melissa Dupay, Jane Ellen Marcho, John R. Olcese, Sheridan Ross, Russell Swetter, Karey Walker.
Dimock Twp.: Laszlo Bencze, Joseph Ofalt, Ellen Omalley, Richard Rose, Pamela Shields.
Forest City 1st Ward: John Shager.
Forest City 2nd Ward: Ralph Rutkowski.
Forest Lake Twp.: Kelly S. Davis, Steve Lupole, Robert MacGeorge, David H. Nye.
Franklin Twp.: Mildred W. Booth, Carol Scott, Linda Warner.
Gibson Twp.: Robert D. MacDowall, Constance M. Panasevich.
Great Bend Twp.: Traci Decker, Sheila Guinan, Robin Price, Donna Tewes.
Hallstead Borough: Richard Brousseau, Loretta M. Frailey, Richard T. Kowalewski, Alan Wilmarth.
Harford Twp.: Conrad J. Gemmer, Todd K. Hinkley, Kenneth Schmidt.
Herrick Twp.: Stephen Statkun.
Hop Bottom Borough: David Hoadley.
Jackson Twp.: James Barber, Roger M. Hall, Stanley Sandle, Patricia Stone.
Lathrop Twp.: Kim Doughtery, Marie Louise Himka, Alfred H. Schack Jr., Ann Marie Shevchuk.
Lenox Twp.: Karen A. Harmer, Bart Jerauld, Robert Marquez, Deborah Reichow, Brian White.
Liberty Twp.: Dawn Smith.
Little Meadows Borough: Mary Shaughnessy.
Middletown Twp.: Linda Houssock.
Montrose Borough 1st Ward: Janet Donovan, Kevin Krayeski, Diane Quattrocchi, Thomas Rose.
Montrose Borough 2nd Ward: Robert Alexander.
New Milford Borough: Debbie Casey, Francis Worden.
New Milford Twp: Roger May, Vernon Moore, Gregory L. Page Sr., Carol Seaman, John Ulco.
Oakland Borough: Michael H. Ryder.
Oakland Twp.: Michael Wescott.
Rush Twp.: Rodney Alan Douglas, Henry Very.
Silver Lake Twp.: Robert Rose.
Springville Twp.: Teri Evans, Robert Kisner, Angela Valvano.
Susquehanna Borough 1st Ward: John Troup.
Susquehanna Borough 2nd Ward: James Walsh.
Thompson Borough: Edward Stone.

DEEDS

Robert E. Lee Jr. & Beverly B. Lee (by atty), to Great Bend Limited Partnership, for $1.00.

Andrew Anderson & Lynn A. Racht (by atty), to Tracy Carey in Thompson Borough, for $55,000.00.

Joemack Farm LLC to Stephen M. Rebar, in Lenox Twp., for $200,000.00.

Tucker Family Irrevocable Trust to Catherine J. Hammons, in Bridgewater Twp., for $1.00.

Donald Carrington to Kristopher Kellogg, in Bridgewater Twp., for $75,000.00.

Tiffany Dawn Butler (nbm) Tiffany Dawn Debish & Paul S. Debish to Kay Butler, in Harford Twp., for $1.00.

Alexander Tomko to John Widrick, in Choconut Twp., for $153,600.00.

Frank A. Summa & Adelphina Summa (aka) Adelfina Summa to Frank A. Summa, Adelfina Summa & Frank A. Summa III, in Brooklyn Twp., for $1.00.

Joseph P. & Carolyn Conboy to Joseph P. & Carolyn Conboy, in Middletown Twp., for $1.00.

Henry Sobolak (estate aka) Henry Andrew Sobolak Jr. (estate aka) Henry A. Sobolak (estate) to Henry Sobolak III, Stacy Swartz & Andrew Sobolak, in Lenox Twp., for $1.00.

Marc Z. & Tammy S. Lippman to Walter & Eileen Drab, in Middletown Twp., for $200,000.00.

Vanxay Kitnikone & Sunnie Wong to Bremerhof Owners Inc., in Herrick Twp., for $100.00.

Elise Eva Cecchini-Bynon (estate aka) Elise Eva Cecchini Bynon, Elsie Cecchini (estate aka) Elsie Stack Bynon (estate) to Curtis S. Bynon, in Auburn Twp., for $1.00.

Stephen J. Baker (by sheriff) to JP Morgan Chase Bank, in Montrose, for $3,183.35.

Donald S. & Frances E. Johnson to Donald S. & Frances E. Johnson (trust), in New Milford Twp., for $1.00.

Donald S. & Frances E. Johnson to Donald S. & Frances E. Johnson (trust), in New Milford Twp., for $1.00.

Deborah Eileen Daughtery & William D. Daughtery (by atty) to Jack & Beverly Akers, in Forest City, for $40,000.00.

Andrew & Diana Junior to Glenn Junior, in Forest City, for $1.00.

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation to PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, in Bridgewater Twp., Brooklyn Twp. & Lathrop Twp., for $1.00.

Eugen K. Hoenig (aka) Eugene K. Hoenig & Julia M. Hoenig (aka) Julie M. Hoenig to Eugen K. Hoenig (aka) Eugene K. Hoenig, Julia M. Hoenig (aka) Julie M. Hoenig, Richard E. Hoenig & Harold K. Hoenig, in Ararat Twp., Jackson Twp. & Thompson Twp., for $1.00.

James M. Coan (by tax claim bureau) & Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Deborah Stone & Stephen Pitonyak, in Ararat Twp., for $5,781.17.

William J. Schall (by tax claim bureau) & Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Catherine Holleran, in Hallstead Borough, for $7386.90.

Robert Vassallo (by tax claim bureau), James Vassallo Jr. (by tax claim bureau) & Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Michael F. Grossman, in Harmony Twp., for $9,000.00.

James J. McCarthy (by tax claim bureau) & Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Catherine Holleran, in Jackson Twp., for $5,244.35.

Shawn J. Bedford & James E. Bedford (by tax claim bureau) & Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Megan Teetsel, in Lanesboro Borough, for $5,087.23.

Theodore Cook (by tax claim bureau) & Susquehanna County Tax Claim Bureau to Catherine Holleran, in Lenox Twp., for $2,041.12.

Catherine M. Hough (by tax claim bureau) to Catherine Holleran, in Oakland Twp., for $3,180.36.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:25 a.m. on April 19, 2013: Elbert G. Allen, Christopher Arnold, Sharon Baker, Beau Baker, Jason J. Carroll, William J. Casey, Thomas D. Earley, David J. Fischer, MaryJo Gana, Keith R. Hurd, James Karhnak, Kay L. Knolles, Whade A. Koch, Ann M. Lawrence, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Richard A. Murphy III, Heather L. Nystrand, Robert J. Parks, Frank T. Perera II, Sunshine X. Quick, Bruce A. Schurr, Neil D. Shaffer, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Stephen Sorensen, Justin S. Thompson, Earl H. Thompson, Jr, Steven G. Warner, Dina C. Wilson. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.

Susquehanna Community School District Board Directors approved the following personnel actions during their regular meeting on Wednesday, April 17, 2013.

Approved John Earley as a Substitute Bus Driver.

Approved Substitutes for the 2012-13 school year: Lucky Wolfe - bus driver, Daisy Nabinger - bus driver.

Hired for the 2013 Spring Season: Jessica Welch - Track Scorer, Richard Emmons, Varsity/JV Baseball Scorer, Craig Hubal - JV Boy’s Volleyball Coach, Raymond Testa - Track Helper, Kim Garrison - Track Helper, Joanna Soden - Track Helper, Meghan Gilleran - Track Helper, Bob Goodrick - Track Helper, Kristi Rossi - Track Helper.

Hired for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years: Kathryn Matis - Yearbook Advisor, Bridget O’Neill - National Honor Society Advisor, Craig Hubal - Junior High Football Coach.

Accepted Resignations: Diane Dunn - Track Manager Position, effective March 2013, Sarah Holmes - Boy’s JV and Girl’s JV Volleyball Assistant Position, effective 3/22.

Approved unpaid leaves of absence: Tiffanie Wolf - eight weeks, starting September 23, 2013, Bridgette McKennas - First marking period of 2013-14 school year, Stuart Cook - April 16-30, 2013, Karen Downton - December 16-20, 2013.

Accepted Retirements at the end of the 2012-13 school year: Carolyn Homer - Elementary Teacher, Stuart Cook – Maintenance.

Recognition of superior students took center-stage early on at Susquehanna Community School District’s April 17 board meeting. High School Principal Mark Gerchman proudly announced those students awarded the 2013 Claire O’Neill Scholarship Awards, as well as a third student who had recently won a statewide competition in Hershey.

The Claire O’Neill Scholarship Award provides each winner a $10,000 annual scholarship, for four years, at the college of his or her choice. The 2013 winners, announced by Principal Gerchman, are Raymond Polak and Melissa Kukowski.

Mr. Polak, already accepted at Penn State, University Park, plans to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Miss Kukowski has been accepted at University of Pittsburgh where she plans to pursue a degree in Neuroscience, with a post-graduate goal of further study at a medical school. Both students, exuding poise and confidence, were given an enthusiastic round of applause by all present.

Also recognized, but not present, was Dominique Cina. Miss Cina, a Susky senior at the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center (SCCTC), competed in the SkillsUSA State Competition held at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center April 3-5, 2013. Miss Cina, who has majored in cosmetology at the SCCTC, took first place in the competitive category of “Esthetics - Model.”

The school board, the broader community, and not least the students themselves can be justifiably proud of the hard work and dedication that culminated in the awardees’ aforementioned recognition and honor.