Freedom is NOT free. It comes at a terribly high cost for those who gave their all, their last full measure of devotion that freedom might endure. To the fallen of wars past and present, some 40 onlookers, organizers, and participants paid tribute on Monday, May 26th, at the I-81S Great Bend Welcome Center. It was a stirring 25 minutes.

Great Bend Welcome Center, the only interstate rest stop in the Commonwealth which has erected on its grounds a Veterans’ Memorial for those who paid the supreme price in the name of America’s freedom, specifically honors eight soldiers from the 1st Battalion 109th Mechanized Infantry Pennsylvania Army National Guard who sacrificed all in Operation Iraqi Freedom: SPC Lee Wiegand, Hallstead; SGT Eric W. Slebodnik, Greenfield Twp, Lackawanna County; SFC George A. Pugliese, Carbondale, Lackawanna County; SSG Ryan G. Ostram, Liberty Township; SPC William L. Evans, Hallstead; SPC Oliver J. Brown, Athens, Bradford County; SGT Andrew W. Brown, Pleasant Mount, Wayne County; SSG Daniel L. Arnold, Montrose.

Opening the Memorial Day ceremony, Commissioner MaryAnn Warren led the assembly in the pledge of allegiance. Following the pledge, Mrs. Bruce Paskoff and Mrs. Gary Haskell took the lead in singing the first verse of “God Bless America.” Thereupon, Pastor Gary Haskell gave both the benediction and opening remarks.

Pastor Haskell, having served in Airborne from 1976 to 1980, spoke from the heart as he commended those serving on active duty, as well as their fallen comrades of wars past to present: of the more than 116,000 in World War I; 405,000 in WW II; 36,500 in Korea; over 58,000 in Viet Nam; 258 in the 1991 Persian Gulf War; 8,404 in Iraq; and the 3,441 to date and ongoing in Afghanistan. Those present at this ceremony, as well as those in like ceremonies across the nation, Pastor Haskell noted, honor and appreciate the depth of fallen veterans’ service, even as we owe them a debt we can never repay.

Pastor Haskell recounted the freedoms embodied in our country’s founding principles—freedoms won at heartbreaking costs by fallen heroes. Excoriating the current president and administration for disrespecting past sacrifices of fallen patriots, Pastor Haskell exhorted listeners to elect leaders who both recognize God as the creator and grantor of our rights, and honor the men and women who preserved those rights for us.

Also speaking at the event was Matt Fisher, newly-hired Director of Veteran Affairs for Susquehanna County. Mr. Fisher, an Army veteran, spoke movingly of the fallen heroes being honored this day. He had the honor of serving in Iraq with several of the fallen 109th honored in ceremony.

Commissioners MaryAnn Warren and Alan Hall addressed, in turn, those gathered. Commissioner Warren thanked those on active duty, those who took time from their schedules to honor our fallen, and most of all those who had made the supreme sacrifice. Commissioner Hall delivered an oration paying homage to “ordinary people who performed extraordinary service in extreme times,” while serving with courage, pride, determination, and dedication. While recounting those who answered the call to duty since Lexington and Concord in 1775, he also recalled the day’s first observance on May 5, 1866 and its official authorization by Congress in 1887. Nevertheless, he noted, “ribbons and medals cannot comfort those left behind.”

The solemnity of the occasion was further marked by the playing of “Taps,” the laying of the Memorial Day Wreath by the parents of Staff Sergeant Daniel L. Arnold, and the rendering of honors by an honor guard from the 109th Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Credit for arranging the annual ceremony goes to Army Veteran Al Aronowitz, who has made it his mission to always remember those who have given their all.

By squeezing the expenses of the individual “buildings,” the Blue Ridge School District’s administration and Board of Directors managed to cut about half a million dollars from its current budget to offer a new one for the 2014-2015 fiscal year totaling under $17 million, while at the same time hiking property tax rates by nearly the 3% limit allowed by the state. Tax rates will increase from 46.99 mills to 48.39 mills. At a meeting on May 27th that combined a business session with a workshop, the Board approved a preliminary budget for the fiscal year that will begin on July 1. The public will have a month to review the revenue and spending plan before it is formally adopted at the very end of June. Business Manager Penny Greene said that some of the figures are subject to change as better data from the state becomes available.

The measure passed by a near unanimous vote. One of the newest Board members, Chris Lewis, said later that, while he thought expenses were trimmed appropriately, he didn’t agree with raising taxes, given the level of the projected fund balances. All seemed agreed that the mandated increasing contributions to the state retirement fund, known as PSERS, was causing major distortions in school funding.

The Board entertained two representatives of the state Department of Education for the presentation of a special award. Laurie Kepner and Mary Ringenberg attended the meeting to recognize the efforts of Blue Ridge Food Service Manager Linda Cole-Koloski in running the Summer Food Service Program at the school. Remarking that it is “a work of art to see her in action,” they presented Ms. Cole-Koloski with a plaque from the U.S. Department of Agriculture which sponsors the popular and very successful summer program that provides meals for virtually anyone on the campus for summer activities. It was called the “Summer Champion Award.” Ms. Cole-Koloski took the opportunity to thank the Board for its continued support and said that she hopes to extend the program to the New Milford Park this summer.

Pictured (l-r) are: Mary Ringenberg and Laurie Kepner of the state Department of Education, and honored Blue Ridge Food Service Manager Linda Cole-Koloski.

The Board’s Fund-Raising Committee met before the full Board gathered to review the results of last month’s golf tournament. Board President Laurie Brown-Bonner reported net income from the event at about $7,725. At the same time she said that organizing the tournament was just “too hard,” so that the 2nd annual will be the last. She then asked her committee for ideas for other opportunities to raise money to distribute as scholarships, as well as for other purposes.

The consensus seemed to be to stage an evening recognizing “interesting” Blue Ridge alumni sometime in February of next year, perhaps a dinner or dinner/dance. Since such an event might be expected to interest only adults, and alcoholic beverages might be in the mix, Christina Whitney volunteered to find a venue for the event, perhaps the Great Bend fire hall, or the American Legion in Hallstead.

The committee expects to distribute about half of its available funds – some $4,000 this year – as scholarships to graduating seniors.

During workshop discussions, Superintendent Robert McTiernan broached the idea of changes to the High School entrance foyer to provide a small area for visitors to wait out of the weather while admittance is processed. The space would be similar to the entrance to the Elementary School – outside the locked school building yet protected from the elements. Board members Harold Empett and Christina Whitney questioned the priority of spending the estimated cost of about $10,000 for the changes to the entrance considering other demands for the money.

Mr. McTiernan is also proposing modest stipends for some coaches who have volunteered their time in the absence of paid coaches in some sports. 2-3 years ago, to save money, the Board eliminated some assistant coach positions, whose duties have since been assumed by the volunteers.

The Superintendent also reported that the bus routes are constantly undergoing review and streamlining where possible. He said that more “group” stops would be planned into the routes in the Great Bend-Hallstead-New Milford corridor to try to minimize riding time. On the other hand, there have been some “neighbor complaints” by residents near some of the group stops, so adjustments have been made in some cases.

Special Education Coordinator Barbara McCain told the Board that 22 pupils have enrolled for the “extended school year” programs this summer.

Mr. McTiernan also announced that the district will begin more strictly enforcing regulations about access to student records. He said that with the recent changes in marriage law, a brighter spotlight is on schools to observe the federal FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) regulations. In general, no one but biological or adoptive parents (and the students themselves) will have access to any student records. That means that step-parents and grandparents will no longer be able to review report cards – or any other student records.

The Blue Ridge School Board will meet again for a business session on Monday, June 2. Another business/workshop meeting is scheduled for June 30, 2014.

Vera Scroggins exudes self-confidence and a steely determination to do whatever it takes. Her grit, tenacity, and feistiness strike a discordant note with opponents, not least, Cabot Oil & Gas Company. So Cabot’s launch of a legal offensive against Vera Scroggins manifested itself with the filing of a court case and issuance of a preliminary injunction against Miss Scroggins on Thursday, October 17, 2013. Such was the opening shot of a most curious case. For aficionados Case No. 2013-1303 CP, “Cabot Oil & Gas v. Vera Scroggins” provides all the details of a case unlike any seen previously in Susquehanna County.

Miss Scroggins was served notice of the preliminary injunction obtained against her on Friday, the 18th of October. Unable to obtain legal council over the weekend, she appeared as ordered in the Court of Common Pleas at Montrose on Monday, October 21st. Defendant requested a continuance so that she might obtain legal council. President Judge Kenneth Seamans instead “Ordered that the Preliminary Injunction is Ordered Continued.”

In so continuing that Preliminary Injunction Judge Seamans ordered “that Ms. Scroggins is restrained, enjoined and prohibited upon property owned and/or leased by Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation including but not limited to well sites, well pads and access roads. . . Violation of this Order shall subject the violator to civil contempt proceedings and, if held in contempt, the violator may be responsible for Petitioner’s attorney fees incurred for enforcing this Order.”

Before continuing discussion of this curious case, an oddity in Judge Seamans’ Order should already be sounding alarms in the minds of gentle readers. “Property owned/OR LEASED by Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation. . .” seems to impose an extreme restraint on Miss Scroggins. Interestingly, the Order did not impose upon Cabot the requirement to identify all the property it owned or leased (or maps) or to provide maps or a definitive listing to Miss Scroggins so that she might be able to comply with the Order.

The effect of the order was to bar Miss Scroggins from approximately 200,000 acres of land in Susquehanna County, or the equivalent of over 37% of the county’s 830 square miles of land. Included in the area off-limits were the Endless Mountains Health Systems Hospital, many stores and businesses, and the homes of friends who happen to have signed gas leases with Cabot. Whether by over-sight or over-reach the impact on Miss Scroggins was devastating. She necessarily spent considerable time at the Courthouse Register & Recorder’s Office merely to determine what properties and roads she might legally access so as not to violate the Order against her.

Another curiosity of the case against Miss Scroggins is that although she had been carrying on her anti-fracking activities for some five years, had brought literally hundreds of people to visit fracking sites, and had posted over 500 you tube videos online (many filmed at drilling sites), she had never had charges filed against her by the county’s District Attorney, Jason Legg, or been arrested by Sheriff Lance Benedict prior to or since Cabot’s legal action of October 17, 2013.

Miss Scroggins returned to court on Monday, March 24, 2014. This time she was represented by counsel and the provisions of the Preliminary Injunction were re-litigated. Cabot, it appears, had already by this time recognized that narrowing the scope of the Order was in at least as much their interest (or more) as Miss Scroggins’.

But Vera Scroggins didn’t quite see it in the same light as Cabot. Believing that NO injunction restricting her first amendment rights was in her best interest, she held out for the lifting of all restrictions on her freedoms without limitation or qualification, except those applicable to every other American citizen.

Judge Seamans didn’t see eye-to-eye with either the plaintiff or defendant when he issued his Order and his Opinion on March 27th. In Vera Scroggins’ favor he limited the scope of the premises from which Miss Scroggins was “restrained, enjoined and prohibited from entering, or causing others to enter” to those owned by Cabot (with specific addresses provided) now and in the future (with notification to Miss Scroggins’ legal counsel of record). While Miss Scroggins is still prohibited access to all well pads, operational areas, and access roads, she is permitted to visit the homes of friends who have leased their lands to Cabot, consistent with the aforementioned restrictions.

Vera Scroggins says she’s no longer under the constant surveillance she once experienced, though Cabot employees do photograph and film her whenever she is within their line of sight, even as she dutifully keeps her distance to maintain the 100 foot buffer from Cabot properties.

The case isn’t over . . . yet. Vera Scroggins remains a divisive figure in the county and between pro and anti-fracking factions. While it’s evident that no reconciliation appears anywhere on the horizon it might be helpful to consider some facts why that is the case.

Cabot, like other energy companies, is in business to make money, necessarily by providing a product for people who need it. Businesses wish to keep their costs low while selling at the highest possible price. At current domestic prices, gas produced from fracking isn’t particularly profitable. Cabot, like its competitors, is playing for time while major pipelines are being built to the East Coast, and hopefully (in their view) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) port facilities for export to Europe and China (where current prices are three to five times U.S. domestic prices).

With Russian President Putin flexing his muscles literally as well as figuratively, a “soft” Western Europe (which incidentally generally prohibits fracking) is highly dependent on the “kindness” of energy-rich Russia. Some American political leaders would like nothing better than “to free Western Europe” from its energy dependence on Russia by substituting American-produced natural gas for Russian. Not surprisingly, this convergence of economic, military, and political goals would be amenable to many, for divergent reasons.

Likewise, China is voracious for new energy supplies wherever and whenever they can be locked in for long-term contracts. Cabot cannot be unaware that the price paid for natural gas in China is typically five to six times the American market price.

So what does this have to do with the curious case of Vera Scroggins? Cabot’s best days lie ahead, but if and only if American-produced gas is priced to the world market price. Should concerns about fracking ever grow to critical mass, the end-result could well be greater regulation, reduced profits, or even in a worst-case scenario, stranded assets abandoned as unrecoverable for the foreseeable future. Obviously Miss Scroggins goals are directly contradictory to the economic goals of Cabot Oil. As such she poses a clear and present danger to be dealt with in no-nonsense terms.

What of Miss Scroggins? The petite 63-year old grandmother, self-identified as indigent in court filings, vows to continue her campaign against fracking. Cabot could have merely sent her a “cease and desist” letter. Cabot could have merely filed an official complaint with police. Cabot, Vera noted, has already been fined millions of dollars for some 540 Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) violations. Vera Scroggins, admired by some, vilified by others, soldiers on undismayed—for a cause she holds as dearer than personal gain. July 2nd’s court hearing would open the next chapter in the battle of Cabot Oil v. Vera Scroggins.

The Susquehanna County Commissioners held their second of two monthly meetings on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 in the Susquehanna County Courthouse. Beginning promptly at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners Hall and Giangrieco, along with Treasurer Benedict, as well as County Coroner Anthony Conarton were present for the meeting. Commissioner Warren was not in attendance.

Briefly, the Commissioners turned to the Salary Board Agenda. A motion was then made by Commissioner Giangrieco to create the full-time, non-union position of Human Resources Administrative Assistant, which requires forty hours per week with a six-month probationary period. The position will pay $20,000-$30,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications of the candidate.

Next, a motion was made by Coroner Conarton, to create the part-time, non-union position of Deputy Coroner, which will not exceed twenty hours per week. This position also requires a six-month probationary period and does not include benefits. When Coroner Conarton was asked why the Deputy Coroner position was needed, he stated that there are “more deaths in the county than ever before.” This, he stated, was most likely due to an increasing elderly population, along with influx of drug-related deaths. Later, in the Commissioners Meeting, Sean Hennessey, of Susquehanna, was appointed to this position of Deputy Coroner.

Also, Commissioner Giangrieco made a motion to update the job description of the full-time, non-union position of Administrative Assistant/Emergency Management Grant Coordinator to include the duties of Purchasing Manager. This position requires a minimum of forty hours per week, and this person would be on call 24/7, three hundred and sixty-five days a year and would receive benefits.

Following this motion, the Salary Board was closed and the Commissioners returned to the County Commissioners Agenda, where they then ratified and/or approved the Cash Disbursement Journal, the Gross Wages Report, and EFTPS payments.

Commissioner Giangrieco then made a motion to approve seminar requests and payments for the seminar requests. These included a seminar on Assessments, that was located in Tunkhannock and CCAP Prison Risk Management training that was held in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

A motion was made, again by Commissioner Giangrieco to sign the Bridge Rehabilitation Design Review Fee Proposal from Greenman-Pederson, for County Bridge No. 15, which is located in Great Bend Township and runs over Trowbridge Creek. This project will cost $4,500.00 and will be paid for out of funds from the Liquid Fuels Fund. Also, the same was approved for County Bridge No. 36, which is located in Rush Township, over the Middle Branch of Wyalusing Creek on Township Road 502. This will cost the same $4,500.00 and will also be funded by the Liquid Fuels Fund. Commissioner Hall stated that there are thirty-five bridges that are under their scope of work, which all undergo periodic maintenance and upkeep.

The Project Development Agreement between Johnson Controls Inc., Plymouth Meeting, and Susquehanna County was approved, following a motion made by Commissioner Giangrieco. This Agreement will provide improvements to the County’s facilities, including the Courthouse, Warren Buildings, and the old Jail Building. It will cost a total of $76,000.00, which, is said will fund itself in part by the energy and operation savings that will occur over the next twenty years. The project will occur over a period of approximately twelve months, in phases. It will address the “failing infrastructure” in the Courthouse, as well as put in place new coal boilers and lines for natural gas. Commissioner Hall was then asked why more environmentally friendly alternatives weren’t involved instead of natural gas. He responded that alternative routes were in fact explored in the planning process, however were not within a reasonable scope.

Following this discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Giangrieco to advertise for sealed bids for a paving project on upper Monument Street, Old Jail, and the 88 Chenango Street office. This project will also be paid for out of Liquid Fuels Funds.

A motion was made to approve the purchase of the County Suite Sherriff program for the Sheriff’s office that will replace their current program in use, at an approximate cost of $29,982.00, which will be facilitated by funding from the ACT 13 program.

Also, Time Clock Plus, was approved for purchase, upon a motion by Commissioner Giangrieco. The time-keeping software and hardware will cost about $26,088.00, and will be paid for out of General Funds.

Commissioner Giangrieco then made a motion, to accept with regret, the resignation of Constance Hitchcock, Chief Clerk, which went into effect on the 28th of May 2014.

Robin Bebla of Hallstead was hired as the Recylcling Center Assistant Processing Manger, upon a motion by Commissioner Giangrieco. The position entails forty hours per week with a six-month probationary period.

Alan Aronowitz of New Milford was then appointed to the Susquehanna County Tourism Committee for the term May 8, 2014 through May 7, 2015.

Commissioner Giangrieco then made a motion to appoint persons to the Susquehanna County Emergency Preparedness Task Force, for the years 2014-2015. The persons appointed are Robert Stoud, Rachel Carrico, Robert Thatcher, Jr., Bruce Butler, Michael Giangrieco, Sgt. Brian Cawley, Debra Strong, Cpt. Michael Koscelnak, Blaine Dibble, Kevin Howard, Michael Hinds, Robert McTiernan, John Kopicki, Francine Shea, David Griffin, Debra Tomeo, TJ Jimmie, Paul Johnson, Art Donato, Alan Hall, MaryAnn Warren, Lance Benedict, Anthony Conarton, Chad Wallace, Jim Krupinski, Jerry Fives, Elwood Litvin, William Bush, Carol Boyce, Bronson Stone, Tom McGroaty, Beverly Griffiths, and Dawn Kupst. Commissioner Hall stated that this is about the same amount of people who served on the Task Force previously.

Then, Commissioner Giangrieco made a motion to appoint Paul Johnson, Rachel R. Carrico, Kevin Howard, Alan M. Hall, Mary Ann Warren, Mark Sullivan, Sgt. Brian Cawley, Aaron Griggs, David Griffis, Robert Thatcher Jr., Arthur Donato, Blaine Dibble, Michael Giangrieco, Lou Richardson, Donald Kessler, Michael Stalnecker, and Beverly Griffiths to the Emergency Planning Committee, for the years 2014-2015.

At this point in time, the meeting moved to Public Comment. Questions were asked regarding roads and repairs. Commissioner Hall stated that in addition to the work being done on 706 in Montrose, near Tiffany Corners, there was also work being conducted on 567, 267, 157, 29, Rt. 11, 92, and also 492. There was also a request that potholes should be filled on Quaker Lake Road.

Next meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in the Susquehanna County Courthouse.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 11:00 a.m. on May 30, 2014: Duane M. Aldrich, Shawn J. Bedford, Anthony M. Choplosky, Tina M. Clark, David J. Fischer, James Gerard, Francis M. Hagemeyer, Jr, Jeremy W. Hall, Bradley M. Huzzard, Dustin L. Johnson, Todd J. Layton, Joshua S. Lee, Charlie J. Legere, Casey M. Lehman, Derrick Lezinsky, Robert J. McCrone, Ethan A. Meagley, David N. Miller, Ronald N. Mitchell, Jordan L. Payne, Matthew J. Peters, Veronica D. Phelps, Eric A. Pike, Sherri M. Rosa, Scott A. Russell, Bruce A. Schurr, Todd J. Slater, Anthony L. Smith, Nathan C. Strohl, Frederick Swingle, III, Tessa E. Thomas, Justin S. Thompson, Donna N. Tunstall, Robert J. Twilley, Steven G. Warner, Kevin H. Welch, Eric W. Zick. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.

The Elk Lake meeting was first when the Elk Lake and SCCTC School Boards met on Wednesday, May 21st. Several letters of retirement were received, it was reported. The subsequently emptied positions would be a topic of discussion later in the meeting.

Ms. Teel spoke early in the meeting about the previous night's honors banquet. She called it a great program, thanking everyone for thirty years of commitment to doing that for the students.

During the principal's reports section, Mr. Mallery congratulated the music department, with special notation of Mr. Cooper. The soon to retire band director had recently put on his 40th concert. Mr. Mallery also acknowledged the achievement of a student, Paige Parker, who was named the NEIU Scholar of the Year.

He spoke of many events of note in the junior and senior high school. There had been three instances in which the school was mentioned on television in the recent past, which included recognition for the Coaches for Cancer initiative and for student council members who worked for safety around prom season. He wished the 4 x 100 relay team and the throwers luck at the state competition this season. Relating that the weather was great, he spoke highly of the senior trip. At the time that the Elk Lake students were there, a special needs ball team had also been at the hotel. Their coach had commended the Elk Lake students to Mr. Mallery, relating how students had helped out his kids when they needed it.

Ms. Staats said she had the pleasure of attending the life skills prom, which was held at Montrose that year. She called the event a great thing, saying Montrose did a nice job. A couple of the schools had sent their students in limos.

Mrs. Staats related that they had just also received news that the gifted regulations were going to change starting on July 1st.

During Dr. Cuomo's report he related that there were approximately 87 kindergarten students registered as of that time. The elementary honors program was scheduled for the 28th, and sixth grade graduation was scheduled for the 11th of June.

The revised school calendar was discussed, the last day for Elk Lake was to be July 12th.

Child Evangelism had requested permission to use facilities again for their Release Time program. This was approved.

Various positions were filled. John Warnero was appointed to the Dean of Students position. Patsy Gesford was recommended for the bus radio monitor position. Dr. Bush related that the latter position worked from the end of school until 4:30 in the afternoon, which he said was typically the time the last child was let off the bus.

The second JCI payment was approved, in the amount of $34,031.58. A Berkheimer Resolution also passed, which named Berkheimer as the company that was supposed to collect the earned income tax.

The 2014-2015 preliminary budget was reviewed, and ultimately approved. Dr. Bush touched on the highlights of the budget, which was to be approved that evening before sitting for a 30 day public review. Final approval was scheduled for late June. There was a huge decrease in the 1100 area, he related, due primarily to retirements that they would not be replacing. There was an increase of over $200,000 in special education, which included increases in medical and retirement benefits along with a $50,000 placement of a student. There was also an increase in vocational education, driver ed hours, and general medical and retirement costs. There was a decrease in support service administration, mainly due to replacing retired staff at lower salaries. A decrease was also anticipated to result from the switch to propane from fuel oil. Transportation, however, increased due to the increase in the cost index.

The total budget came to $18, 547,149.82, and increase of over $300,000 or 1.7%. Two of the largest reasons for this increase, Dr. Bush explained, were retirement and medical costs (which increased by $355,000 and $203,000 respectively). The retirement costs continued to rise, he explained, and the district was probably looking at another 4 or 5% increase in the future, unless something was done. Districts would likely see this increase for another 4 or 5 years until it leveled off, he continued.

Dr. Bush went on to give the millage for Susquehanna County, 39.29 mills, and Wyoming County, 44.41 mills. The former was a slight increase, and the latter a slight decrease from the previous year.

Mr. Tewksbury asked a question to confirm that the district was saving money by either not filling positions or hiring for less money. Dr. Bush responded that this was correct.

He went on to say that at some point, the way the current system was running, all districts would be bankrupt. It was going to be a question of how long school districts could hold out until they reached that position. The district couldn't raise enough money through Act 1 to meet the increase in retirement costs, and that wasn't factoring in the costs of increased medical, utilities, or anything else that continued to rise. The district, he opined, wasn't going to be able to keep pace with it at some point.

Dr. Bush reminded those present that it was a preliminary budget, as they did expect some figures- one being the state budget. Governor Corbett had pledged to get the money to education that he put in his budget, 500 million to 1 billion dollars that had not come in as revenues. He opined that it would be a hard pressed budget to satisfy everyone, let alone education. Districts weren't sure what would occur. Elk Lake had some enrollment numbers that could change the figures. Kindergarten might get to the point where they only needed four instructors rather than five.

The board passed the Access Resolution. In trying to get the money back from the state, it was explained, this was a resolution which the Intermediate Unit was asking the board to adopt. It was a state wide resolution, and the IU was planning to send them together to the state.

The June meeting was changed from the 19th to the 26th to accommodate the need to have 30 days between meetings for the purposes of the final budget. The board assigned a board treasurer, which was done every year in May. Mr. Tewksbury suggested keeping the same one, Harold Bender. This was approved.

A visitor asked how many retirees would be replaced. Dr. Bush explained that all of them would be replaced, it just depended on whether they were replaced by existing staff or a new hire. Mr. Tewksbury asked how many new staff would be hired, and Dr. Bush responded that this answer would be difficult to give since they didn't have the final numbers yet. He thought the number might be one or one and a half. They would need to hire for Mr. Cooper's position.

He further explained that at the elementary they planned to take five Title 1 positions and reduce them to three. One formerly Title 1 staff member would go to Kindergarten, and the other to sixth grade. He said that Title 1 was an interesting scenario, as it was federal money and the district had lost $30,000 in federal money that year. The district's poverty rate was projected to go down, and they would probably lose more funds. In the past, the district had always put more Elk Lake money in to Title 1 than federal dollars. They were trying to reduce that staff and put the staff members into other positions in an attempt to make it so that Title 1 classes were all federal funded.

Mr. Tewksbury asked how the poverty status was determined, and it was responded that the government used numbers from the census bureau. The poverty level had decreased from 20% to 16%; Dr. Bush thought that the gas industry had a positive impact on it.

A visitor asked about Mr. Faillace's position, wondering if it was going to be taken to the career center. It was responded that a portion of his program would stay at the district, and a portion would not be replaced. The metal shop and welding parts of his job were to be picked up by Mr. Good, the graphics program would stay at Elk Lake, and other parts would not be replaced.

A visitor said that she had been hearing a lot of talk about removing the stage in the high school gym and making it into a weight room. She said she had sent all of the board members an email expressing her concerns about this idea, and her opposition to it. She asked the board and administration that evening if it was really a proposal which was being considered, and if so she wanted to know their thoughts. She also asked if it needed board approval. Dr. Bush said that he thought it would be beneficial if she shared her concerns, which, in her response, she said were two fold. She wasn't opposed to a weight room within reason if it was truly necessary, she asserted. She was opposed to the location. She understood that being near the gym that was an ideal location, but it was being used. If the district removed the stage, it was gone forever. The stage was currently used for graduation. She expressed concern about what she called the invisible student, the kid who didn't excel at sports or academics, but who made it through to graduation. She wanted that kid's parents to be there. She acknowledged that there was always change, but asked the board not to take away options and to carefully consider the matter before making a permanent alteration. She asked them not to forget the person for whom graduation might be their only recognition, feeling that his or her parents and entire family should be able to see it.

An emotional support instructor added her voice to the cause, saying that she had been able to be at an honors banquet recently to present a certificate to a student. While she would never take a seat away from a parent, she felt that the students wanted to see staff in the audience at their events.

Mrs. Teel told those present that if this went forward there would be proposals for how to still allow graduation to take place and allow the public to be involved. She thought that the people proposing the fitness center understood the emotions against it, but said that they were looking to do something good for the kids 365 days a year. The stage, by comparison, was used maybe 20 days a year. The fitness center would also be open to staff and the public. The board was looking at the best options, she related, but was not to vote on it that evening.

Another visitor pointed out that the stage was also used for homecoming and prom court, and likely for dairy days. She suggested that it was used more than people realized. She said she had walked it to graduate, and she wanted her kids to walk it. She had talked to students who were upset as well. She also said that she was not opposed to the idea of a weight room, only to the location.

A visitor asked where the money would come from to buy the equipment and take out the stage. Mrs. Teel responded that the team putting the proposal together had volunteers to do the labor, had calculated the cost, and had received promises of donations. It was to be of minimal cost to the district, with these considerations in place.

It was asked if other locations were being considered. Dr. Bush explained that they had looked at various other spots, including the pool deck. An architect had looked at that, and said that the cost to put it there would be about $370,000. The problem they got into when considering alternate locations was the hvac requirements established by the state, which pushed up the cost for the project. If it were put in the stage area, these requirements were already accommodated in that facility. The volunteers had looked at it the cost to put it there, which was about $6,000 and could be covered by donations. There was already some equipment.

As to whether or not the plan required a board vote, this would be up to the board. Mr. Tewksbury said that some had made it quite clear that day that they felt the idea deserved a board vote. He felt it should be voted upon. As it wasn't on that night's agenda, however, no action was to be taken.

Mr. Place asked for an update on Johnson Control, asking if they were on track to where they thought they would be. Ms. Guiton provided an update on the process in response. The educators' last day was scheduled for the 16th and after that was when the messy work would be done. In the meantime, they had started taking out univents; the contractors came in at 3:30 am to get work done before the school day. They were looking to start demolition of the primary boiler room on May 27th, and that meant removal of equipment not needed right at that time. The lighting project was just about done. They had installed BERTS (best energy reduction tools) in the building. These were scheduling devices. Anything that could be plugged into a wall could be plugged into one, and it cut the power at a certain time of day. The standard setting was 6 pm to 6 am, but they could be individually programmed (and eventually remotely controlled). There were almost 400 of these in the district. They represented a huge savings, but it was a little complicated getting them set up.

A board member asked if it was possible that the BERTS might walk away, and ms. Guiton acknowledged the possibility but stated that she would be able to see if this happened. It was also clarified that they were useless outside of the school.

The district was also consolidating boiler rooms so they would only have one, in the primary building. They had started work on kitchen improvements, including hood controls and walk in controls for the refrigerators and the freezers. They wouldn't even know the latter were there, she said, and the units should help the food as far as freezer burn went.

After the SCCTC meeting began, a visitor asked how many students were projected to participate in the protective services program. Dr. Bush didn't have the figures, but he said it had increased.

This meeting passed rather quickly, though certain items of business were processed. James Baker was appointed to the position of Protective Services Instructor, and Steve Green to the role of Financial Aid/Medical Program/Data Consultant. Mr. Bender was again assigned to the position of board treasurer.