The July 20th meeting of the New Milford township supervisors was to begin at 7:30, though this was delayed for a somewhat unusual reason.  For the last three months, the meeting has become increasingly crowded, taking the normally sparsely attended meeting from crowded to standing room only.  On the 20th, despite the fact that it was publlicized that the doors to the meeting building would not be opened until 7 pm, people were arriving by shortly after 6:30.  By the time this reporter arrived, not only were all the seats filled, but people were standing in the doorway and along the walls and back of the room.  There were so many present, in fact, that one of the security men present stood to the front and announced, shortly after the solicitors and staff came in, that they had counted attendance at each meeting, and this night they exceeded the 70 person occupancy limit under the fire code.  With roughly 90 present, he asked for volunteers to leave, so the meeting could progress.  Someone from the audience asked if they would open windows, so those who left could stand outside to listen.  The secretary, Ms. Graham, said that she would open the back two windows on either side, though after repeated requests the front and middle windows were opened as well.  Someone asked if those signed up to speak could rotate into the room so they still could, and this was also agreed to. Some made their opinion of the situation quite clear, strongly asserting that the supervisors ought to find a larger meeting space to accommodate the crowd.  It was suggested that they would bring even bigger crowds in the future, and those visitors concerned suggested various possible meeting locations. One woman even asked if they could take the meeting outside that evening.  This last suggestion was declined.  When they got down to 86 people, it was announced that if they could reach 70 the meeting would continue, but if not it would be continued at a later date. Someone asked for the supervisors to confirm that the meeting would definitely be continued.  It was replied that it would, but also noted that it could be as much as a month later.  Before such a recess occurred, however, the last two people necessary left, and with the room at 70 occupants it began.

Shortly after the minutes from the previous months were accepted, Mr. Shibley warned those present that if the meeting got too out of hand they would cancel it, asking those present to be quiet.

It was announced that the township office was to be closed August 3rd and 4th.  In case of emergency, residents could call and leave a voicemail-  as messages were to be checked.

The township's solicitor, Mr. Briechle, then read aloud a resolution they planned to adopt.  The resolution outlined procedures for public meetings, setting out 17 regulations. The rules included the fact that public comments were restricted to township residents and tax payers, and that all tax payers and residents were to sign up to speak. Each person would be restricted to three minutes speaking time, with a total of 45 minutes set aside for public comment. Recording devices on tripods needed to be in the back of the room behind the chairs;  shoulder mounted or hand held devices were confined to the side aisles (if the person was standing) or the seats (if the person was sitting).  All recording devices needed to be visible, and were to be turned on only when the meeting began and turned off after it ended.  No power cords were to be in operation at the meeting;  recording devices needed to be battery powered.  The chairman or his designee could preside over the public session at his discretion.  A motion was made to pass the resolution, and approved.  A woman, at that point, began to yell, protesting that the supervisors were putting a new procedure in place and the public didn't have input into it.  She exited the room with a slam of the door, telling the supervisors they needn't cancel the meeting- she would leave.

The time of official public comment began, as township residents were called upon.  Those who were not township residents or tax payers were skipped;  not all of these took this well.  The first speaker asked what type of incinerator was being discussed, what role the township would have in deciding if it occurred, and what benefits they would garnish from it. She said she had read the website, and it listed a bunch of chemicals to be released.  Mr. Briechle said that the township had no additional information regarding what type of incinerator was proposed. The township had received no official documentation on it other than what was publicly available from the Tyler Group on its website. He had heard in the past that one of the items the incinerator would deal with was pharmaceuticals, but he didn't know for sure if it was true. He said nothing had been processed through the township, that the Tyler Group had put out an informational pamphlet, and it had been suggested there would be benefits of available jobs and that local residents could maybe burn their waste at the site. As for the role the township would play, it wasn't a zoned municipality so there wouldn't be any issue with zoning, and the land development went to the county. There was a proposed ordinance that the supervisors had been presented with, and there had been discussions with the lawyer who presented it, but it was still being vetted.

The woman who stormed out returned to the meeting after her turn came to speak, and apologized for losing her temper.  She said she had been at every township and commissioner's meeting, and that it would be nice if they showed respect when people spoke. She asserted that the crowd always put the few people who got out of hand in check, and opined that to start the meeting with a 17 point resolution regarding how to restrict comments didn't show support or unity for the community.

A man asked if it made sense to bring waste from out of state, burn it locally, and then truck it back out of state.  He asked if this made sense to the public and the supervisors.  They responded that it did not.

Another man asked why the land wasn't purchased yet.  Mr. Briechle said he didn't know whether it had been checked or not, as of that day he hadn't seen anything of record that it had. He didn't know why they weren't purchasing it.  It was a private transaction.  He reiterated that the proposal would go to the Susquehanna County Planning Commission, as they had jurisdiction.

When a woman again asked if they could go to a larger facility, Mr. Briechle pointed out that the meeting that evening was the advertised public meeting.  It had to be held as advertised, unless a change was advertised.

Mr. Briechle spoke about the clean air ordinance he had been given.  He said he had spoken with the attorney for hours on end. There was still some technical information to plug into the ordinance, and it was a significant work in progress.

One resident said that it seemed to him that getting the resolution perfect was less important than getting it done quickly.  He was disappointed that it wasn't coming up to vote that night.  He felt that if they could get it in place before the land sale, it seemed they won the battle.  Mr. Briechle responded that there were problems with the ordinance that had been sent over, and that it couldn't have passed as it was.  He disagreed that speed was more important than perfection, as if it could be challenged as unconstitutional it could be challenged and thrown out- leaving the company to do as it wanted.  He planned to recommend to the supervisors that evening that they hire a firm out of Harrisburg to assist with the matter, a firm versed in environmental law.   There were concerns about the ability to administer the ordinance as written.  The township did not have on-staff engineers versed in air quality control.  He said the ordinance was pretty dense and it required a lot of administrative work on the part of the township, at probably significant expense.  He said they were moving forward on it, and they were waiting for information from the other attorney.  These things took time.  It wasn't like an ordinance regulating dog barking.

When a visitor asked if it was more of a county issue, Mr. Briechle responded that it wasn't a county controlled issue exclusively.  Land development was dealt with at the county level.

A visitor pointed out that it wasn't just air quality, it was water quality as well. This dove tailed with another speaker, who mentioned the concerns of Page's Lake residents.

Mr. Briechle noted that one of the concerns was that the ordinance didn't have unintended consequences to current residents and industries.  This could include the gas industry, or residents with outside wood burning furnaces.  It was based upon the Clean Air Act.

Various other people spoke before the supervisors called an end to the public input section of the meeting, having given more than the 45 minutes originally intended.  When they called it, some of those present appeared displeased with the decision.  It took a few reminders to get the crowd quiet so that the rest of the meeting could proceed.  When Mr. Shibley said that they had other business to take care of, one woman yelled out that all they cared about was the incinerator.

A much smaller crowd stayed through the remainder of the meeting, which seemed to progress more calmly and less dramatically.  A number of regular business matters were covered. Plans had been received for garage renovation. The township had ordered a new 2017 Mack Dump Truck through the Co-Stars program. A paving project was planned to begin July 19th on School Road. The township planned to tar and chip other roads as well.

An update was given regarding the Pentagon Gas project.  A spokesperson had related that there was no change since the month previous.  They were still awaiting permits within the state of Connecticut prior to proceeding there.  It was noted that this topic had been on the agenda since the April 2016 meeting;  plans were available at the May 2016 meeting.

The Great Bend Hallstead Volunteer Ambulance service were seeking a donation toward the purchase of a new four-wheel drive rig, as the one they had was 19 years old.  It was noted that this service provided mutual aid to the township. The supervisors motioned to donate $500 to the cause.

It was stated that Southwest had applied to DEP for coverage under the ESCGP-2 for earth disturbance associated with oil and gas exploration production or treatment operations or transmission facilities for RU 53, Harris Pad, on Tingley Lake Road.

It was noted that Fox Engineering was to submit an application to DEP for a Small Non-Coal Mine Permit located at the intersection of SR 848 and Sr 2063 on behalf of the Conklin Quarry. When someone in the public asked them to explain this, there was some discussion.  The project was to involve the removal and sale of consolidated sandstone, black stone, etc. from a new quarry. The supervisors were thinking maybe the location could be Tyler Road, near where the old church was.  It appeared they were going to reopen and sell material out of it, but due to the map the supervisors weren't 100% certain. A visitor asked if they were going to do asphalt from it, and it was responded that there was nothing in the paperwork to that effect.

The annual report regarding the Lyncott facility, a groundwater and surface water testing report, had been received.  Ms. Graham had called and asked if someone could break down the results for them, as she didn't understand it.  Her call was returned, with the offer of another call when someone could break it down and put it into layman's terms for her.

A visitor asked if they could ask a question, and was given permission.  He wondered if the township ever did tree trimming of dead limbs overhanging the road.  Mr. Conroy replied that they did try, and explained that the only way they could cut anything bigger than four inches was to get permission from the landowner.  He said that if someone saw a problem, they could mention it and he would look into it. If they weren't in wires they would look at it, but if they were he asked them to please call the electric company.

Those who left the meeting because they only cared about the incinerator missed further discussion of the incinerator.  Mr. Briechle said he needed a motion to engage Eckert Seamans law firm to assist them with the potential enactment of a clean air ordinance. The firm was giving the township a reduction in price, and no retainer was required because of the municipal township status. The rates were $250 an hour, but travel time, aside from mileage, wouldn't be billed.  This was motioned and approved.

He wanted the township supervisors to consider a second motion as well, to authorize him and one of the supervisors to attend a meeting with DEP to discuss a clean air ordinance.  He said they needed to deal with the technical legal issues, the IT issues, etc.  This was also approved.

A member of the press asked for clarification, as to whether press could speak at meetings even if they didn't live in the township.  Mr. Briechle said that he would recommend to the supervisors that they amend the ordinance to allow for this to happen.

Someone commended the state of a road.  Mr. Conroy replied that his heart was in the township.

A visitor asked if the genie was already out of the bottle concerning the compression stations and what they emitted.  Mr. Briechle said that was one of the areas that they would definitely have to look at. There was an industry already in place in the township. The ordinance might effect them. He said the supreme court had come down to say some of the things in Act 13 were unconstitutional. The visitor also said a lot of people in the township burned their garbage, asking if they as citizens and residents understood the whole impact of what was going to change.  The question was raised as to whether or not it would effect people from burning their garbage.  It was said that the truck stop had trucks idling, the school used a wood burner. They had to look at the consequences.

Mr. Briechle said that making a law took months and years.  So instantaneous action was problematic in a situation like that.

Thompson Township Supervisors determined at their meeting on August 3, 2016, the proposal of executing an Earned Income Tax (EIT) was not going to be implemented at this time.  This subject was brought up for the first time at the June meeting; one of the residents suggested the Township execute this tax.  She stated she has the money taken out of her pay at her workplace because they have this tax and she would like to see the money come to the Township. At the July meeting residents attended to express their opinion on not adding a tax to people that were currently not paying this, especially since the Township didn’t need the additional funds at this time.

Secretary Kim Wallace spoke to Mr. Stone, the Superintendent of the Susquehanna School District and he shared his findings with her.  Ms. Wallace read to the attendees the results of the study Mr. Stone conducted.  Supervisor Alex Komar stated they may have to look at it again in the future, but at this time he doesn’t think that the Township needs to put into effect an EIT. 

In the Road Department Report, Supervisor Komar said they are continuing to work on Erk Road, and hope to have the millings completed by next Tuesday.  They received the signed contract from Thompson Township to repair Willow and Water Streets.  After the repair is completed they will mow the sides of the road and put down calcium.

A grant was received from the Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Road Maintenance Program for twelve thousand, four hundred, and thirty-five dollars.  Supervisor Komar said they are adding six thousand dollars of Township money to fix Barton Road, which will cost eighteen thousand dollars to repair.  He said the road is very low and there is a swamp on each side.  The project is to build up the road, and put down DSA, a modified material.

Secretary Kim Wallace informed the Supervisors she placed the Brush Hog information on the Township’s website.   Supervisors are hoping interest is expressed in purchasing the equipment; otherwise, decisions will have to be made on how to dispose of the Brush Hog.

Supervisor Komar reported on the meeting he attended at the Trenton Fire House in Tunkhannock on July 14th with the Change Advisory Board (CAB) and the Commissioner’s of Wyoming and Susquehanna Counties. He said PennDOT reported on the monies spent in 2013 and the projects that were slated for that year.  Supervisor Komar said it was a very interesting meeting.

The proposed incinerator in New Milford Township is a hot topic and Supervisor Komar said he would like to speak about it.  He said it would be beneficial to obtain more information on the incinerator since the proposed location is only ten miles away.  Supervisor Komar said he would be attending the meeting at the Blue Ridge School District on August 15th to hear more about the incinerator and what hazards if any it presents.  He said as a Supervisor, he feels it’s his duty to gather up as much information on the incinerator, and to see if they need to do anything to protect the well being of the Township residents.

Supervisors Wadman and Komar said people are not adhering to the Ordinances of the Township regarding Zoning. Permits are required throughout the Township, but people are building and adding structures to their property without obtaining permits.  Supervisor Wadman said they would be riding around Wrighter Lake to see what the residents are doing; since it was reported to them a structure went up without a permit.  Permits are required for sheds, garages, pools, gazebos, additions and other items.  If you are not sure whether or not you need a permit, you are advised to call the Township office and make an inquiry at 570-727-1075.

The Supervisors wanted everyone to know there have been several properties that have been burglarized, and this is due to a drug problem in the area.  Several houses have been broken into on Calendar Road, Lamb Road and homes on Wrighter Lake.  Supervisor Wadman said they are going to try and contact the Gibson State Police barracks to see if a State Trooper can come and speak at a meeting., as there is a lack of police patrolling this area and what people can do when they see something since there is no visible presence in this area.

The next meeting is scheduled for September 7th at 7:00 pm.  All residents are encouraged to attend each meeting, held on the first Wednesday of the month.

The level of education provided in many instructional institutions is often denigrated, and deservedly so. Susquehanna Community School District Directors, parents, and taxpayers can be justifiably appreciative that the children of SCSD are individually and collectively achieving at a level far superior to that generally found throughout the state of Pennsylvania.

The afore-stated claim almost seems too good to believe, but SCSD Superintendent Bronson Stone has the hard cold facts to back it up. In the PSSA & Keystone data released by the State Department of Education--and provided to School Directors at their Work Session Meeting of Tuesday, August 2--the facts were presented with not a little measure of satisfaction.

The head-to-head comparison of Keystone scores showed Susquehanna students out-pacing the statewide averages by a stunning degree. Susquehanna School District students collectively achieved a score of 76.4 in English Language Arts (ELA); 61.8 in Biology; and 64.8 in Algebra. Those scores topped state averages by 18, 13, and 23 percentage points, respectively.

Year-over-year comparison of the District’s Keystone Data showed impressive improvement at every grade level and in every cohort. Most worthy of mention were the students who took the Algebra I Keystone Exam in Grade 9. Every 9th grader but two passed the exam the first time, and the overall passing percentage of the 9th Grade cohort came to 93%. Similarly, in Reading, 50% of grades grew, and all cohorts maintained or grew their level of performance.

The internals of the 2016 PSSA results indicated that SCSD students in Grades 3 through 8 are making massive improvement in Mathematics. For that improvement Superintendent Stone gave attribution to the new elementary math curriculum.  The “Every Day Math Program” implemented last year paid big dividends education-wise at every grade level, according to Mr. Stone. No less important was the highly trained district teaching staff.

Never content to rest on its laurels, the District also unveiled its plan to further improve results by increasing understanding of Text Dependent Analysis (TDA) in state testing. Mr. Stone explained that one question on the ELA/Reading PSSA is the basis for 19% of the overall score result. This section of the test has been determined to be a one of the areas where district students could make significant improvement. To that end, the District has contracted with “OnHand Schools Performance Insight Institute” to provide training to teachers in grades 4 through 8 on August 22, as well as another date to be determined in October. SCEA President Lawrence Tompkins, in referencing the PSSA/Keystone results, added that teachers were proud of the score results obtained by their students. 

President Tompkins additionally added recognition of the District’s facilities maintenance and cleaning staff, and also singled out Kevin Price. Facilities Manager Kevin Price and his crew of dedicated staff likewise came in for profuse praise from various School Directors, as well as Superintendent Stone. Notably, the elementary roofing project is on-schedule and proceeding well. So too, the boiler replacement project. The comprehensive new clock system in both the elementary and high school has been completed. And finally, vinyl bleacher covers (in Saber blue) have been installed. Mr. Price’s meticulous oversight of that project keyed early detection of flawed materials and rapid replacement, as necessary.

President Steven Stanford presided over the 7 to 7:33 p.m. August 3 meeting. Other Directors present included Evelyn Cottrell, Amanda Canfield, Ashley Depew, Jamie Koziol, and Martha Stanford. Directors Lori Canfield, Carol Jackson, and Clay Weaver were absent.

Superintendent Stone made brief mention of the state’s current fiscal year budget. Noting that only the spending plan had been passed, but no plan to gain to the revenue for backing up that spending, Mr. Stone said that the District would receive a $144,000 increase (theoretically) in Basic Education Subsidy (BES) in the event the state completes a revenue plan to match its spending. To put that BES increase in context, the District’s increased contribution to PSERS (teacher pension program) for this year is more than $300,000. The state continues to demonstrate it will likely delay structural reforms until catastrophic circumstances impinge upon legislators’ reality (or political viability). Unfunded liabilities of state employee and teacher pension programs now top $60 billion.

Principal Carmella Bullick has oversight of instituting a Facebook page for the District. Her proposal was presented in-depth at the Board’s Work Session on August 2.  The District’s Facebook page will be used to generate positive public relations for the school district and to highlight the good things happening with the schools and students. The SCSD “Fb” page is projected to go live at the end of August.

The Board’s August meeting also proved to be the focal point for renewing agreements with outside entities for the coming school year.  Among the agreements approved by the Board were these:

• the Contracted Service Agreement with B-K County Hospital;
  
  
• the letter of agreement with The Meadows Psychiatric Center;
  
  
• the Contracted Service Agreement with NHS Pennsylvania;
  
  
• the Contracted Service Agreement with PA Treatment & Healing;
  
  
• the Student Assistance Program Agreement with TREHAB; and
  
  
• the letter of agreement with WVIA (extending also thru the 2018-2019 school year).

Finally, the District’s “Meet the Teacher Night” is scheduled for Thursday, August 18 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The next regular meeting of Susquehanna Community School District Directors is scheduled for September 21, 2016, at the District’s Administrative Office in the Elementary School.

Starrucca Borough Council proceeded on an entirely foreseeable course at its Monday, August 1, 2016 meeting. Opponents of that foreseeable course were ready with a contrary-wise strategy to fight that course. The issues at stake remained the same as those that have confronted the borough for months, even years--namely borough boundaries and consequent responsibility for road maintenance.

To recap, at April’s meeting council staked a firm position in favor of bidding out the upper 2500 feet of Kellogg Road, and to perform regular road maintenance on same. May’s meeting saw council reverse course through passage of the (four) Gurske motions, so-called after their principal proponent, Councilman Lou Gurske. The Gurske Motions effectively imposed a “permanent” moratorium on the bidding process, on maintenance, and on the repair of the final 2500-foot segment of Kellogg Road approaching Scott Township, thereby repudiating council’s decisions of the previous month. 

June’s meeting brought word that out of the May 25th mediation session, Starrucca Borough had reached tentative agreement with Darl Haynes to resolve all outstanding issues and litigation separating the parties.  Such a comprehensive solution would, by necessity, dictate an agreement over Kellogg Road’s status.

July’s meeting brought more controversy. Former borough council president Jack Downton presented the borough with a petition signed by a mixture of 65 residents and taxpayers asking council NOT to settle lawsuits with Darl Haynes et al. Borough boundaries were debated, as well as the basis for varying opinions on where jurisdictional lines existed or were believed to exist. Before closing July’s meeting President Rhone announced that a future Executive Session would be held to fine-tune the tentative settlement of the Haynes Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit, as well as all Haynes-related litigation in the Court of Common Pleas. 

President Kirk Rhone presided over the 50-minute August meeting. In attendance were Councilmen Charles Levchak, Louis Gurske, Darl Haynes, Arthur Kopp, Jason Heeman, and Donald Haynes, Jr. Also present was Secretary/Treasurer Keith Payne. Mayor Mary Ann DeBalko was not in attendance.

The evening’s meeting began on a pacific note. Councilmen reached unanimous agreement on the previous month’s meeting minutes, on the special meeting minutes, and on the Treasurer’s Report. Mr. Payne’s delineation of the accounts payable report and bills to be paid for August finally brought to light the fractures dividing council. President Rhone made a motion to pay the borough’s bills, less the moneys owed Lavery Law (now totaling $9,891.08). Voting for bill payment in that ken were Councilmen Rhone, Kopp, and Levchak; opposing were Gurske and Heeman; and abstaining were both Councilmen with the last name of Haynes. Councilman Gurske inquired from President Rhone why Lavery Law’s bill was not included for payment to date. Mr. Rhone indicated that Lavery Law had informed council at the time they accepted the job of representing the borough in litigation that typically clients paid legal fees at the conclusion of the case when settlement occurred. President Rhone noted that he was just taking them at their word.

Jumping ahead to New Business, rescission of the Gurske Motions made on May 2, 2016, was on the agenda. Voting for the rescission were Councilmen Rhone, Levchak, and Kopp; voting against were Councilmen Heeman and Gurske; abstaining were both Haynes councilmen.

Additional motions, all opposed by Councilmen Heeman and Gurske, were passed. They included one for the borough to work the entire length of Kellogg Road as recognized by Wayne County (5215 feet), for summer road maintenance. Also approved was a motion to apply for Liquid Fuels Moneys on all borough roads to boundary lines, including to Scott Township, as recognized by Wayne County. By implication, those roads include Penn Hill, Kellogg (5,215’), Fairmount, Cemetery, Buck, Leech Creek, Coxton, Jacobs Ladder, and Stefano.

Also approved by council were a building permit, sewage permit, and foundation plans for 201 Kellogg Road. Councilmen Rhone, Levchak, and Kopp voted for approval; Councilmen Heeman and Gurske opposed; and both Haynes councilmen abstained. In discussion of the permit, Councilman Gurske asserted that the address was located outside the borough, thereby leaving the borough with no jurisdiction to approve the permitting process for the address.

Prior to passage of the aforementioned motions Secretary Payne read a letter to council advising that a lawsuit would be filed against the borough by Shrive Law, Jack Downton et al. vs. Borough of Starrucca, prior to the August 1 meeting. Such suit was not, in fact, filed by August 1.  However, plaintiff expects the suit to go forward in coming weeks. The purpose of Mr. Downton’s suit is to obtain injunctive relief preventing the borough from settling lawsuits with Darl Haynes et al; preventing any road maintenance on that portion of Kellogg Road asserted by plaintiff to be located outside the boundaries of Starrucca Borough; compelling the borough to post a $25,000 bond necessary as a prerequisite to legally establish the borough’s boundaries; and to compel the ouster of Darl Haynes from the borough council per allegation that he is not, in fact, a resident of the borough.

During the public participation portion of the meeting Jack Downton inquired as to what the borough council had done with the petition signed by 65 persons who wish the borough to not settle lawsuits with Darl Haynes et al.  President Rhone responded that he had delivered the petition to the borough’s Solicitor for appropriate action.

Starrucca resident Ron Brownell commended the borough for the excellent road work going on in the borough. More specifically, he had words of high praise for the Harmony Township road crew. He noted their industriousness, diligence, and perseverance in carrying out their duties.

A late-in-the-meeting motion by Darl Haynes, seconded by Art Kopp, to pay for the borough’s street lighting bills out of the General Fund--as opposed to the Liquid Fuels Fund--as of September 2016 meeting, raised further opposition from Councilmen Gurske and Heeman, as well as a few meeting attendees in the audience. Councilman Gurske demanded that Darl Haynes explain the rationale for the change; Councilman Haynes declined to provide a reason or debate the issue. Councilmen Rhone, Levchak, Kopp, and Darl Haynes voted to approve; Donald Haynes, Jr., abstained.

Starrucca’s next regular monthly meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 6. Residents may look forward to further legal developments at that time, especially if Mr. Downton’s suit has been filed and decided in due course. 

Susquehanna Community School District Board Directors took the following personnel actions during their regular meeting on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.

Approved, pending all appropriate clearances, hiring of the following: Jack Beamer - Boys JV Basketball Coach for the 2016-2017 season; Brandon Soden - Boys JH Basketball Coach for the 2016-2017 season; Joseph Burke - Boys Grades 5 and 6 Basketball Coach for the 2016-2017 season; Jan Dewitt and Melissa Dubas - Co-Advisors for Football Cheerleading for the 2016 season; and Andrew Bennett - JV/Varsity Girls Basketball Scorekeeper for the 2016-2017 school year.

Approved the following Volunteers: Dave Beaudette - JV/Varsity Football volunteer for the 2016 season, and Joanna Soden - Cross Country volunteer for the 2016 season.

Approved the following resignations: Kathleen Hinkley - JH Girls Basketball Assistant Coach, and Krista Paterno - Basketball Cheerleading Advisor.

NOTE TO READERS: The phrase “pending all appropriate clearances” is directly linked to state law, effective January 1, 2015, requiring a heightened level of investigative background checks for all volunteers, district employees, and contractors.