At the regular June 23rd meeting of the Mountain View school board, the public attendance was fairly low.  None of these spoke during the first hearing of visitors. 

The 2013-2014 General Fund Budget was approved, in the amount of $20,192,242.68 based on 36.8290 mills for real estate tax, $5.00 per capita tax under act 511, $5.00 per capita tax under Section 679 of the Public School Code, Occupational Assessment Tax at 100 mils, 1% Earned Income Tax under Act 511, and 1% real estate transfer tax.  The motion was then made to set the millage rate for 2014-2015 at 36.829 mills. 

The motion was made and approved to appoint Keystone Associates, LLC of Binghamton as the engineering service for the reconstruction of the baseball and softball fields.  Also, a motion passed to approve the purchase of School Gate Guardian at a cost of $3,000, to be paid by the Safe Schools Grant with an annual fee of $425.00 per building. 

A number of fall coaches were appointed, as were a number of Extended School Year staff.  A motion was made to approve summer IT help, in the form of Benjamin Maitland and Adam Wnorowski. 

Mrs. Aten was invited to attend an AP Summer Institute in Oxford, England, and this was on the agenda.  Ms. Voigt explained that Mrs. Aten had been given the opportunity to attend the training oversees, receiving the same course available in Philadelphia but with extra information and experiences.  The board had agreed to pay toward the trip what it would have cost for her to attend in Philadelphia, and Mrs. Voigt thanked them for this. 

The motion was made and seconded to adopt Succeeding in Life and Career as the Family and Consumer Sciences book, with suggested grade level usage of nine through twelve. 

Mrs. Voigt, during her report, said that they were really busy winding up grants and making sure that the money was spent where it was supposed to be.  She also complimented the graduation, calling it a really beautiful ceremony.  She noted that there were two Mountain View students in the Sunday paper for receiving first team honors in volleyball, and that Mr. Breese was the coach of the year for volleyball.  It was nice, she opined, to see that sport being recognized in that manner. 

Ms. Kelly related that the elementary instructors had performed their talent show at the end of the year, which the students enjoyed immensely.  She said that the year had ended on a good note and they were preparing for the new school year.  

Mr. Presley said that graduation had gone great, also feeling that it was a really good ceremony.  He related that they had graduated 75 students, and everyone who needed to fit in the auditorium did.  He wanted to thank his secretaries for the work they did toward that achievement.  The high school, too, was already preparing for the next year. 

Mrs. Stine added her voice to those saying that graduation was a nice night.   Dr. Plonski-Sezer said that Mr. Presley’s speech was very inspiring. 

The district was planning to offer a summer program for students who were in fifth and sixth grade called Summer of Investigation.  The Math and Science Partnership Grant was going to lend them STEM materials.  This program allowed for a combination of different grants. 

Mr. Barbolish had done a visual of the new dress code, which was to go on the website and go home to the people.  Mrs. Voigt showed a copy to those present, and thanked Mr. Barbolish for doing it. 

Ms. Wnorowski said they were making plans to get PDE and an IU rep to work on the district’s performance plan.  Also, she had mentioned the meeting before that the compliance monitoring plan had been sent out, and had found out that they were not going to be monitored for gifted.  The district had received a very nice letter from the store manager of Interfaith, she reported, who commended and thanked the staff and students for their volunteer work at that establishment. 

It was stated that registration for the summer school was scheduled for July 1st, from 8 am until noon. 

In response to a question about a tax increase, it was explained that the taxes had increased to the maximum of the index, 2.7%.  Mr. Stoddard noted that while it might seem like it, this wasn’t a lot, perhaps $23 to $29 dollars for a taxpayer a year.

The Elk Lake school board meeting was held first on June 26, an evening when both of the district’s board meetings were scheduled.

During the correspondence portion of the meeting, a number of letters of resignation were read, including that of Mrs. Heed. Mrs. Heed included in her resignation her role of substitute caller. Dr. Cuomo motioned that all of the resignations be accepted with regret, stating that he wanted to publicly thank them all for their work for the district. Mrs. Teel added that she personally wanted to thank Mrs. Heed for what she had done, speaking very highly of her. Dr. Davis spoke up, saying that she had the privilege to speak of Laurie Ellis, a paraprofessional in food services. They were happy, she related, to be able to say that she was the recipient of the first outstanding Instructional Support Paraprofessional Educator of the Year award. Ms. Ellis didn’t wish to speak that night, but had agreed to come and bring her trophy. Dr. Davis indicated her in the crowd, congratulating her publicly and asking that others do the same.

Dr. Cuomo then spoke up, stating that he had the privilege to present a long overdue diploma to Mr. Allen John Wilbur. He would have been a 1957 graduate of the Rush school, Dr. Cuomo explained, but he left school and entered the military. He spent over twenty years in the service, receiving three bronze stars. Dr. Cuomo thanked him publicly for his service to the country and gave him the diploma, commenting that more than anything he deserved it. The assembled board members, administrators, and public representatives gave Mr. Wilbur a standing ovation.

Mr. Paul Murphy, Jr. was present that evening to give the audit report. His firm audited 13 of the local school districts, of which Elk Lake and the SCCTC were two. The opinion letter in both reports decreed that the districts had a clean opinion, meaning that his firm was willing to stand behind the accuracy of the numbers. Elk Lake, he related, was able to show a positive variance of $593,823 over budget. Taxes contributed to this, as did positive tuition and the gas lease. Elk Lake spent $373,000 over budget. Combinging that with the variance, overall the districts’ fund balance grew by $219,667. He reviewed various other financial data as well. It was noted that there was a surplus over what was budgeted for the career center project.

Mr. Murphy spoke briefly on the effect of the retirement pension expense. In a matter of two years, this cost had more than doubled. In the last year alone the change had cost the district $158,000. Half of that money was reimbursed by the state. He said that he commended the board for setting aside a reserve, as they couldn’t sustain similar increases and it might continue to increase. The entire state was having the same issue. Mrs. Teel said that they needed to push their legislators to address this.

The Career Center audit was reviewed next. They had anticipated 3.5 million in revenue, and were off by $92,273 to the negative. The main variance was in the tuition. Anticipated spending had been at around $3.5 million, and they had spent an extra $194,000. The majority of that, it was explained, was from when the state required them to set up the new nursing program in the spring- before the program really began bringing in money. The general fund balance for the SCCTC, then, was down. However, Mr. Murphy noted, it was really back in the ballpark of where it had been two years ago - in fact actually healthier than at that time. Even the career center, he then noted, had spent $220,194 in pension expenses the year previous. In the span of two years, then, it had gone up from $82,000 to $220,000, and it was expected to only go up.

Mr. Murphy thanked those present for their time and offered to address any questions which arose. The report was summed up as another good year.

Mrs. Teel then said that Dr. Cuomo wanted to address the issue of the stage. He had asked the board to be able to speak, Dr. Cuomo said, as he was starting something new as superintendent and was brought into the topic late in the process. He had not been involved in the discussion initially, and didn’t have the background data. He said he knew it was an emotional and historical issue. He had asked the board to hold on the subject so that he had an opportunity to investigate the options they might have, to look at some other possibilities, and to get up to speed on the particular issue. He said he would like to be able to come back to the board, possibly in the early winter. They might be back at the same time with the stage being the one and only feasible area, but before he moved forward he wanted time to really look at it and be able to answer questions in an informed way. Mr. Place and Mr. Tewksbury thought this was a great idea. Mrs. Teel thanked the public for their input, saying they did take it to heart when they made such decisions.

Mrs. Staats gave her report, saying they would be running the extended school year for the first time (the Intermediate Unit had run it in the past). This was to begin in July and run just that month.

Dr. Cuomo gave Mr. Mallery’s report in his stead, and reflected positively on graduation. He said it was great to see those students heading out and meeting their objectives moving forward.

He then also provided the elementary report, saying they had a great end to the year. They too were running a title 1 summer program, which would coincide with the extended school year program so they could piggyback transportation for both programs at once.

The district was looking to increase cafeteria prices by 10 cents across the board, Dr. Cuomo related, with the exception of high school and elementary breakfast which would increase by 15 cents. Reduced breakfast and lunch would stay at the same price per state regulations.

The district was also looking to the board for permission to start up a multi-disability classroom. This would have a maximum of six students. If they didn’t start it the students would have to be transported to Dunmore or Mayfair. Other districts had also expressed interest in using the program. They would need to post an instructor position for the class as well, if it was approved. Mrs. Staats said that such a classroom used to exist out at Susquehanna Community School. The IU discontinued it as there weren’t students who needed it. That year, however, Elk Lake had students entering kindergarten who would use it, and some of the sending districts did as well. Mrs. Staats didn’t know if they would need a classroom associate, as the students might come with nurses or an associate. This would be an elementary classroom.

Dr. Cuomo recommended Carly Dibble for the 10 month secretary position. He then recommended Mr. Robert Gagliardi for the high school physical education position, and Julian Vernicki for an elementary position vacant due to retirements. There was also a special education position, which was to be spent half time at Elk Lake and half time in the SCCTC- Dr. Cuomo recommended James Booth for this pending his completion of the core middle level math and reading Praxis exams. He explained differences in certification areas, where it was not unusual for instructors to have to go back and take Praxis exams. Michelle Oaks was recommended to the Ttile 1 coordinator position. Finally, he recommended Mr. Mallery’s compensation plan renewal for the next five years. This was a continuation of his current compensation plan, but the move was to move everyone to 11 months. Finally, he requested permission to post a transportation supervisor and energy manager position.

Payments three and four to JCI (Johnson Controls) for all of the energy improvements in the building that had already occurred, and were to occur in the summer, were put before the board. Dr. Cuomo said there was a lot of work going on.

The 2014-2015 final budget was presented for voting, in the amount of $18,769,108.14. This was a $548,584 increase over the previous year. The vast majority of this increase, about $378,000 plus of it, came from the retirement increase, it was noted. Dr. Cuomo recommended a tax mill increase of 1.11 for Susquehanna County, and 1.4 mills for Wyoming County. This would put Susquehanna at 39.42 mills and Wyoming at 44.74 mills.

Mrs. Teel then spoke up, relating that $404,000 was budgeted for students who left the district to go to cyber charter schools. The district paid an average of $10,000 for regular ed students and $18,000 for special ed students to go to cyber school. She said that if people were thinking of taking their children out of school to put them in cyber charter school, she wanted them to know that there was a cyber school available through the district. This would mean closer to true cost for the district per student, and the students could still walk the stage at Elk Lake for graduation and participate in school activities. Other cyber schools didn’t have to follow all of the regulations and testing of public schools either, it was noted.

She and Mr. Place agreed that outside cyber schools were often for profit. Mrs. Teel said that she believed very strongly in a free education for all kids, and if public and cyber schools were treated equally she felt that there was a place for cyber schools. She asked those present to contact their legislators and ask them to fund cyber charter and public schools equitably. Mr. Tewksbury pointed out that while the cyber charter schools advertised their services being free, they weren’t truly free because the school had to pay for it.

Under athletics the board approved extended season pay and 60% pay (the latter being for head coaches who took on the role of assistant coach as well). A number of athletic positions were also filled, and one swimming coach position wasn’t filled when the majority of the board voted against the candidate put forth.

During the second hearing of visitors, a woman spoke up saying that her son was taking a AP Calculus class and brought home a 22 year old textbook which was falling apart. It was the fourth edition, she continued, and there was a 10th edition out. She felt the kids deserved to have a better and more up to date book. She had the book there, and asked someone to review what the kids were learning from. She quipped that it would be duct tape, super glue, and a rubber band at that point. Mr. Emmerich said reviewing textbooks was a good idea. Dr. Cuomo asked if she had spoken to Mr. Mallery and the instructor; she had spoken to neither.

The SCCTC meeting began shortly after the Elk Lake meeting concluded. Dr. Davis gave her report near the beginning, and related items placed in the board’s packets. There was a letter thanking them for the honoring of Dr. Bush which was held. This raised approximately $5,000 for the Boy Scouts. A copy of the new house plans was included, as was a copy of the school’s accreditation for financial aid purposes. They were running a summer welding school and a summer health camp. The first LPN class was to graduate July third. This was to be their graduation and pinning both, and it involved 29 people. Dr. Davis said that these were students they could be proud of. They would be able to make a sustaining wage.

Dr. Davis then related that she had talked to Cody Franklin, who was at nationals at that time. He felt he did very well, and she said they were very, very proud of him.

Every graduating student got a free memory book, with pictures of their time there. It is similar to their yearbook at their sending school. The board contributed a portion of the cost of these.

The 2014-2015 budget for the SCCTC was approved in the amount of $5,489,227 with an increase of $560,385.74. Most of this was from additional programs and staffing, it was explained, along with some charges within the adult education program. With that being said, they were also looking at setting the tuition per student at $7,471.23, up $200 per student.

Mrs. Teel congratulated Dr. Davis and her staff for putting together a beautiful graduation. Dr. Cuomo thanked Dr. Bush, Mrs. Rogers, and Mrs. Evans for the long hours and work that went into putting the budgets together, saying there was a lot which went into them. He said that to watch them, and talk with them, and watch them work with the numbers and the computers he just couldn’t say enough and he wanted to publicly thank them and Dr. Bush.

There was talk of holding a joint meeting again in July, scheduled for Wednesday, July 23rd.

Mr. Place pointed out that regarding the budget they approved for the career center, there was no direct taxation. The SCCTC budget was paid for strictly by tuition and funding. At one point there were folks who had misunderstood.

Dr. Davis related that there were about 490 students at the SCCTC at that time, with about 50 going into the programs and not counting a few of the programs. The numbers, she said, were coming in very strong.

A visitor asked about the tuition, clarifying that the cost was per student sent over there. Dr. Cuomo explained that the price quoted was for students who went there for a full program, three periods a day. The cost for Elk Lake was the same as for all the other sending schools.

The Susquehanna County Commissioners held their second and final meeting of the month of Wednesday, June 25th, 2014. Called to order at nine o’clock a.m., the County Commissioners, Alan Hall, Michael Giangrieco, and MaryAnn Warren were all in attendance. They immediately recessed into the Salary Board meeting.

Within the short Salary Board meeting, a motion was made by Commissioner Warren to create the position of Community Corrections Officer. The salary for this position would range from $46,000-48,000. When asked why this new position was needed, the Commissioners stated that it is mostly to aid with probation and work release. The person filling this position would help make sure that people on probation were being productive and holding jobs, etc. The Commissioners stated that there is an increase in people going to jail, and consequently getting probation.

Before returning to the Commissioner’s Meeting Agenda, the Commissioners made a motion to increase the pay of the acting Chief Clerk, as he has taken on the roles of additional positions.

Upon returning to the Commissioner’s Meeting, the usual motion to ratify the Cash Disbursement Journal Entries and EFTPS payments were approved as well as numerous seminar requests. These requests included an “Officer Survival Mindset” seminar, a “Personality Disorders & DSM-5,” and also an “Incident Review Ross Twp. Supervisors Shooting,” all of which were at no cost to the County. Also, at a cost of $760.21 to the County, a request was approved to attend the “Pennsylvania County Election Officials Conference.” Lastly, a request was made to send three members from Domestic Relations to the 2014 Annual DRAP Conference in Harrisburg.

Next, a motion was made by Commissioner Warren to approve the appointment of R.S. Stoud as Acting Chief Clerk and Open Records Officer, which was effective June 13th, 2014. Also, a motion was made to ratify the termination of J. Jones from the County Jail, effective on June 11th, 2014.

Having received no bids previously, Commissioner Warren made a motion to begin re-advertising for bids on a paving project that would include upper Monument Street, Old Jail, and by the 88 Chenango Street Office. This particular project would be paid for out of the Liquid Fuels Fund.

Two motions were made by Commissioner Warren to approve the purchase of a John Deere 5065E Tractor, at a price of $31,856.77 and also the purchase of a Boom Mower 14’ reach with 47” flail mower head at the price of $22,468.40. Both of these would be paid for out of Liquid Fuels Funds. Citing the costs of well over $50,000 to the County, many members of the public seemed concerned as to whether or not there is a need for such equipment within the County. Commissioner Hall explained that the tractor could be used for a number of things, including snow removal and that the mower was needed due to the number of bridges in the County, where the grass and weeds need to be cleared from the guard rails.

Next, a motion was made to exonerate the Tax Claim Bureau from collecting delinquent taxes on a number of properties and removing the trailors from the Repository List, per the recommendation of the Tax Claim Director. These properties included a parcel in Clifford Township in White’s Trailer Park and also two parcels in the name of Forest Lake Cottage Owners Association in Forest Lake Township.

Commissioner Warren then made a motion to approve repairs to the County Office Building, by CRW Construction Services, Inc., for material and labor to replace rotted wood molding, paint, and the replacing of caps. This at a price of $15,180.00 paid for out of General Funds.

In a new requirement from Obamacare, Commissioner Warren made a motion to approve an Amendment to the Group Health Plan Eligibility after ninety (90) days instead of the six (6) months it had been previously.

Next, a motion to approve GPI-Greenman-Pederson, Inc., to provide engineering services, including drawings, for the Courthouse Column restoration project was made by Commissioner Warren. This service would include construction documents, contractor interface, bidding assistance, and a review of shop drawings and meeting attendance, this all at a cost of $8,000, which would come from the General Funds. The Commissioners explained that parts of the Columns are rotting and need to be replaced.

Commissioner Warren then made a motion to approve the purchase of new Dell computers. The motion was to buy thirty Dell computers at the price of $39,812.00, which would be paid for out of Act 13 funds. The old computers would be moved to areas with less use and the rest would be salvaged.

Next, Brody Webster of Harford Township was then appointed to the Conservation District Board of Directors as Public Director, a term that expires December 31st, 2014.

Also, the Commissioner acknowledged, with regret, the resignation of Michael Harlost, who is the 2nd Deputy Recorder of Deeds. His resignation will take effect on the 18th of July 2014. Also, accepted with regret, was the resignation of Donna M. Betters, the Fiscal Tech for Susquehanna County Children & Youth. Her resignation will take effect on July 2nd, 2014.

Then, Transportation Service Agreement was approved with Trehab, Inc. of Montrose. The agreement stands for July 1st, 2014 until the 30th of June 2015. This will provide transportation services set forth per the contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. This will be of no cost to the county.

With this, the commissioners moved to the Public Comment portion of the Agenda. As usual, Ms. Scroggins was in attendance. She then inquired about the radioactive waste and where it was being dumped, as there are no dumpsites in Susquehanna County. She then inquired of the duties of the County Commissioners, in which they responded that she should look in the County Codes. Further, she expressed her concern over not being allowed to participate in last year’s 4th of July parade as she apparently would put drilling, fracking, etc, in a negative light. Commissioner Hall told her that this was not their area and that she should contact those in charge of the parade again.

Next, Ms. Victoria Switzer was in attendance, to update the County Commissioners on a recent air quality finding. She noted that in town in Montrose, the air pollution was highest, probably due to large trucks and heavy traffic and emissions in the area. While the Commissioners took in her information, they suggested she visit Montrose Borough and bring it to their attention. Commissioner Hall also noted that previously the Department of Transportation had made a contrary report, stating that the Montrose area had one of the least amounts of air pollution compared to other counties.

With this, the Commissioners adjourned their second monthly meeting. The next Susquehanna County Commissioners meeting will be held on July 9th, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in the Susquehanna County Courthouse meeting room.

The Hallstead Borough Council held their monthly meeting a little off schedule, holding it a week later than usual, on the 26th of June 2014.  Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the Council dove into complaints.

Numerous Council members noted properties on both Main Street and Chase Avenue, which are accumulating garbage outside, sometimes even emitting a bad odor. The Council agreed that these property owners would be notified so that the issue may be addressed.

Council Member Jim Canfield then noted that branches seem to be hanging particularly low this year, often dangling down in the path of pedestrians walking the sidewalks, particularly on Main Street, Church Street, and Susquehanna Street. Mr. Canfield stated that he could fix the issue himself, but would need proper permission from the landowners. Further, Mr. Canfield said he would be seeking their permission and then will remove the branches.

Regarding the trees along the riverbank, which have been a topic of discussion for numerous months now at the Hallstead Borough meetings, Mr. Glasgow stated that he had received prices for new trees. However, he also stated that he was informed that the reason these blue spruce trees are dying is the lack of sun, being blocked out by bigger trees in the same area. The Council proposed possibly getting a different type of tree to place there. Not wanting to offend or displease, the Council decided to hold off on making any decisions until a conversation could be held with the American Legion, as those trees were originally placed there in remembrance.

Mr. Canfield also had an update on the recently purchased mower, which had some technical difficulties recently, but was fixed promptly. Further, the Council made a motion to sell the older riding mower as-is and with that money, purchase a new push mower.

The Council then briefly discussed a vandalism issue at Franklin Street Park, where one to two people were arrested in connection with the vandalism.

At the park near Simmons-Rockwell, several Council members noted that some of the poles that have been there for many, many years are rotting and are in need of replacement. They decided to call Penelec to see what could be done about the issue.

The Council also approved a motion to advertise for bids for two different projects, including the paving of the parking lot of the Borough Building.

The meeting adjourned slightly after 7:30 p.m. The next meeting will take place on it’s regularly scheduled date, the 17th of July 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, June 25th, 2014, the Susquehanna Community School District held their final School Board Meeting of the year. President Steven Stanford called the meeting to order promptly at seven o’clock p.m. This sadly also marked what would be the last School Board Meeting for Mr. Robert Keyes.

Following the approval of the Minutes, Treasurer’s Report, the General Fund Bills, Food Service Report, and Activity and Athletic Fund Reports, the Board moved to reading letters of correspondence.

Having been appointed as District Solicitor, Attorney Joseph Gaughan sent a letter of appreciation, in which he stated he was “looking forward to” working with the School District.

The School Board also received a letter thanking Superintendant Bronson Stone and the School Board for a clock that was given to her, joking that it would be a reminder that she did not have to arise early.

Mr. Stone then took a moment to acknowledge Mr. Gerchman’s birthday, before addressing the state budget issue. The issue being that it appears no state budget will be approved before the 30th of June. He then stated that there were numerous repairs and updates coming to Susquehanna Community School District in July. These included a new phone system, paving, the filling of cracks, and also a new computer lab in the high school. There was also a brief discussion regarding taking a measure to add a type of reflective service or light to the pole, per the Community Based Safety Committee, specifically because of helicopters who sometimes may have to land when dark.

Mr. Mark Gerchman then wanted to acknowledge Student Council and Mrs. Batzel for raising over $1,000 dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project. Mr. Robert Keyes then wanted to note the importance of preventing summer regression and spoke briefly of the Summer Reading Challenge that he said has been successful. He also noted that all end-of-year activities went off well. Mr. Gary Kiernan wanted to note that after this year, the school district will be out of debt. Also, the summer routes have been completed. He stated that between summer school and head start, there are roughly fifty-five kids attending school this summer. Next, Ms. Joni Miller stated that there would be several out-of-district programs anticipated for this coming school year.

In addition to the comments above, there were many, many heartfelt words spoken by members of school boards in regards to their longtime friend and co-worker, Mr. Keyes. Mr. Keyes was thanked for having attended more than four hundred school board meetings, having done an “outstanding job,” stated Mr. Stone. Ms. Miller stated that she wanted to thank Mr. Keyes for teaching her “values, friendship, and advice.” Mr. Keyes said that he wanted to thank the staff and Board for their support throughout the years. He said that he was “blessed” and “so proud” of what’s been accomplished throughout his thirty-eight years of service to the Susquehanna Community School District and that he “loved working here so much.” He will surely be sorely missed by students, faculty, and the School Board.

Following these kind words for Mr. Keyes, the School Board moved on towards New Business, approving the final district budget of $15,543,589 for the 2014/2015 fiscal year. Also the District millage was set at 45.78 in Susquehanna County and 13.39 in Wayne County.

A number of policies were then approved by the School Board, which include Academic Standards, Curriculum, Review of Instructional Materials by Parents/Guardians, and Students, Guides for Planned Instruction, Adoption of Planned Instruction, Adoption of Textbooks, Resource Materials, Current Events, Field Trips, Alternative Instruction Courses, Charter Schools, HIV Infection, Student Rights and Responsibilities, Surveys, as well as Student Wellness. This motion was made by Mr. Jason Chamberlain, and seconded by Ms. Amanda Cook.

Also, several agreements were approved. The first being the PA Treatment and Healing agreement for the 2014-2015 fiscal year, and secondly, the Lackawanna College Dual Enrollment Agreement for the 2014-2015 fiscal year. The Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion Resolution was also approved as well as a Letter of Agreement between Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency and Susquehanna Community School District, which is the Head Start program.

Two donations were also made by the School Board. One to the Susquehanna Fire Department-Ambulance and another to Barnes-Kasson Hospital’s annual golf tournament, which is a fundraising event.

Next, the Board approved several resignations, including Kelli Kane, the Junior High Boys Basketball Scorer, Thomas Kubus, the Junior High Girls Basketball Coach and Junior Varsity Girls Volleyball Coach, as well as Will Szili, the Girls Volleyball Scorer.

Considering the approved resignations, the School Board moved to the hiring of several people. Carla Perry will now be serving as the Summer School Personal Care Aid, Karyn Armitage as a Summer School Teacher, Dawn Steele as the Junior High Girls Basketball Head Coach, Jami Hyndshaw as the Junior High Girls Basketball Assistant Coach, and Shirley Kozoil as a High School Aide. They also approved Timothy Teribury as a substitute bus driver.

Next, a list of requests was present for approval. First “Phase 2 of Model Curriculum Training for Librarians” in June 2014 for Ms. Jeannye Glidden, next an Envirothon trip to Rickett’s Glen State Park, then the use of the track area for the “Out of the Darkness” walk in September, and the Susquehanna Junior Sabers for use of the school grounds during the season, and finally the use of the elementary LGI/gym for Boy Scouts meetings.

In the last section of the Agenda, the School Board approved a quote from Pro Seal Paving Company for campus paving, at a cost of $7,500. Also, an American Red Cross Blood Drive at the high school was approved for November of 2014.

Ms. Robin Glidden was also approved as the district’s representative for the Roberson Museum and Science Center for the 2014-2015 school year, where it was noted that this is the third year they would be participating.

The positions of 93 Day Spanish Substitute was approved, being filled by Ms. Colleen Salak, and the Girls Volleyball Scorer was filled by Ms. Kim Legg. Use of the school’s softball field was approved for use Nitro Softball.

In a final approval, Mr. Gerchman will attend “Meeting the Challenge of Common Core with the Collins Writing Program” in October, to learn of new, useful ideas and strategies.

Following the approval of all of the Agenda items, members of School Board again thanked Mr. Keyes for his long running service with the Susquehanna Community School District, as well as several other members of the Susquehanna Community School District Faculty who are retiring this year, including Mr. Williams, Mr. Nayduch, Mrs. Bushong, and Mrs. Weiss. The School Board then presented Mr. Keyes with a lovely cake, commemorating him for his dedication to the School District for so many years.

The case of Cabot Oil & Gas Company vs. Vera Scroggins, originating from an October 2013 filing, Case No. 2013-1303 CP, has been continued until Wednesday, October 29, 2014.  A modification of the original injunction obtained against Miss Scroggins in October 2013 was handed down on March 27, 2014. 

The ongoing case was to next be heard at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2nd until “upon request of and consultation with counsel” the hearing was continued to October 29th. The newly scheduled hearing is to take place at 9 a.m. in the Susquehanna County Court of Common Pleas before President Judge Kenneth Seamans.  Miss Scroggins is seeking to have lifted the injunction narrowed in March, while Cabot is seeking to maintain the injunction and have it made permanent. 

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of  9:15AM on June 27, 2014: Shannon Andrews, Beverly A. Carvin, William J. Casey,, Anthony M. Choplosky, Thomas D. Earley, David J. Fischer, John S. Frisbie, Jr, Jon W. Hanson, Douglas R. Heath, Joe R. Kimmell, Kay L. Knolles, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Lawrence M. McGuire, Ronald N. Mitchell, George M. Moran, III, Jeffrey A. Ransom, Anthony Reed, Jose A. Rodriguez, Scott A. Russell, Bruce A. Schurr, David J. Shiner, Eric J. Snell, Nathan C. Strohl, Frederick Swingle III, Timothy T. Towers, II, Robert J. Twilley, Steven G. Warner, Todd M. West. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 170 with any information on the location of these individuals.

Jessica L Traver, 35, of Montrose, PA to 24 months probation, pay a $350 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, not to possess firearms, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with the victim, obtain and maintain employment for Theft by Deception in Forest Lake Township on July 15, 2012.

Mark A Cardew, 33, of Windsor, NY to 6 months probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $75 Pennsylvania Transportation Trust fee, pay $10 EMS, receive a CRN evaluation, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, complete safe driving school program, not to possess transport or consume Alcoholic Beverages for Driving Under the Influence in Great Bend Township on January 11, 2014.  Mr. Cardew also received 15 months probation to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $350 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages for Recklessly Endangering Another Person in Great Bend Township on January 11, 2014.

Robert Mireider III, 24, of Hallstead, PA to 15 months probation, pay restitution to the victim, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, Pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to possess firearms, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, 10 PM curfew for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Great Bend Township on June 1, 2013.

John Joseph Jenisky, Jr, 24, of New Milford, PA to 12 months probation, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, write a letter of apology to the victims for Resisting Arrest on July 20, 2013 in Forest City Borough.  Mr. Jenisky also received 12 months probation to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $150 fine for Disorderly Conduct on July 20, 2013 in Forest City Borough.

Darlene Marie Hartwick, 53, of Clifford, PA to 90 days to 15 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, served 45 days incarceration and upon good behavior 45 days home confinement, pay $1,500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $300 Act 198 fee, pay $100 CAT Surcharge, pay $10 EMS, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, complete safe driving school, receive a CRN evaluation, 25 hours community service, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages for Driving Under the Influence in Forest City Borough on November 3, 2013.

James Patrick Murphy, 42, of Ambler, PA to 18 months probation, complete a sexual offender program, pay $400 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with anyone under the age of 18 without adult supervision, not to have contact with the victim for Indecent Exposure in Little Meadows on March 16, 2013.

Jason Robert Eromenok, 37, of Susquehanna, PA to 24 months probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim, not to have contact with the victim, not to have contact with codefendants for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Great Bend Borough on September 24, 2013.  Mr. Eromenok also received 6 months probation to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $50 CAT Surcharge, pay $10 EMS, receive a CRN evaluation, complete safe driving school program, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Driving Under the Influence in Oakland Township on September 22, 2013.