School Board Appreciation Month celebrated at KCSD board meeting
By Christopher Miller
MILL HALL – Keystone Central school board reconvened Thursday evening for its first voting session of 2024.
Students and staff from Woodward Elementary School were present at the meeting to speak in depth about the school, and its programs of fun and learning.
The students present, and Principal Ralonda Murty, spoke with the board about what it means to “be a student at Woodward Elementary.”
“We are all leaders, and we are all learners, with a student ambassador team made up of 30 fourth grade students in leadership within the school,” they presented. “We make suggestions to improve the school, and we can see the suggestions turned into changes in the school.”
The Woodward PTO is a group of parents who support the school and the students. “They give their time to make sure there are special opportunities for us, like building the parade floats, going on field trips, and planning special events,” students said.
“At Woodward Elementary, everyone at our school is a teacher, all adults in the building go above and beyond to support the students and families here,” Principal Murty said. “We are connected to our community and without leaders and supporters inside and out, we could not do the things we do here every day.”
Woodward Elementary students went on to thank the school board members,” for supporting us in all of the decisions you have to make on the school board everyday.”
Central Mountain High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) students put together gift bags for the board members containing a four piece coaster set etched with the district logo. “Oh that’s really nice,” was heard from board member Butch Knauff.
A video surprise was put together by the students seated in the school board members’ seats holding their own “mock school board meeting.”
“Our school board members go above and beyond in their jobs to make sure we have the resources that we need to be successful in and outside of the classrooms,” the students said. “The decisions they have to make impact all of the schools…they are asked a lot of questions when out and about in the community, and they make the hard decisions like how to keep schools open, and helping the teachers with their teaching.”
“School board members really do have a tough job,” the students said at the end of their video presentation.
While the agenda contained a full-slate of topics to be covered, it was approved in one vote following Dr. Martin’s farewell remarks.
Newly-elected school board member Tom Cannon was absent from Thursday’s voting session.
Personnel
LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Support
Leave of absence for Stephanie Allen , cafeteria worker, at CMMS, effective December 14, 2023. Absence is uncompensated.
Leave of absence for Linda Kramer , cafeteria worker, at Central Mountain Middle School, effective December 5 and 6 (½), 2023. Absence is uncompensated.
Leave of absence for Sara Karchner , cafeteria worker, at Central Mountain Middle School, effective November 30, 2023. Absence is uncompensated.
Leave of absence for Nicole Keller , certified occupational therapy assistant, at Keystone Central School District, effective beginning December 5, 2023 through approximately six weeks. Absence is compensated.
Leave of absence for Amber Leitch , custodian, Robb Elementary School, effective December 4 (½), 2023. Absence is uncompensated.
Professional
Sabbatical leave of absence (50%) for Vincent Kishbaugh, culinary arts teacher, at Career and Technology Center effective the second semester of the 23-24 school year.
Leave of absence for Morgan Fogel , librarian, at Central Mountain Middle School, effective approximately March 28, 2024 through May 16, 2024. A portion of the absence is uncompensated.
EMPLOYMENT
Support
Employment of Samantha Hardy , school secretary, level A, at Woodward Elementary School, at a salary of $34,722, prorated, effective date TBD. Hiring is contingent upon receipt of all required paperwork including, but not limited to, all necessary background checks that meet the appropriate standard(s) as required by Pennsylvania law.
Employment of Michelle LaSalle , cafeteria worker, at Robb Elementary School, for 4.5 hours per day, at a rate of $14/hr, effective date TBD. Hiring is contingent upon receipt of all required paperwork including, but not limited to, all necessary background checks that meet the appropriate standard(s) as required by Pennsylvania law.
Increase the hourly rate for obtaining highly qualified status, by .25 cents per hour, for Alicia Venteroso , building assistant, at Renovo Elementary School, effective December 20, 2023.
Increase the hourly rate for obtaining highly qualified status, by .25 cents per hour, for Olivia Pierson , building assistant, at Central Mountain Middle School, effective December 19, 2023.
Approve the following co-op volunteers for the 2023-2024 school year: Elizabeth Zener
Approve the following drivers and aides for Susquehanna Transit for the 2023-2024 school year. Hiring is contingent upon receipt of all required paperwork including, but not limited to, all necessary background checks that meet the appropriate standard(s) as required by Pennsylvania law.
Shirley Foster – Driver
TRANSFERS
Transfer Angela Phillips , cafeteria worker, 6.5 hours/day, at Mill Hall Elementary School, to cafeteria worker, 5.75 hours/day, at Renovo Elementary, effective January 12, 2024.
Professional
Extend the employment of Candice Grimes , long-term substitute, culinary arts teacher, at Career and Technology Center, effective the second semester of the 2023-2024 school year, placed at BS, step 1, with a salary of $50,400, pro-rated.
TRANSFERS
Transfer Mike Poorman , special education teacher, at Bucktail Middle School/High School, to part-time instruction and behavior facilitator, at Bucktail Campus, effective January 26, 2024 (first day of the second semester).
RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTS/TERMINATIONS
Support
Rescind the offer of employment to Zachary Haas , 210 day, 2nd shift, custodian at Central Mountain High School.
Retirement of Lois J. Gallagher , intervention associate, Mill Hall Elementary School, effective June 30, 2024. Mrs. Gallagher is retiring with 28 years of service.
Retirement of Cindy Counsil , cafeteria worker, Mill Hall Elementary School. Last day of work is January 5, 2024.
Terminate the employment of School Resource Officer James Knarr , effective January 11, 2024.
Professional
Retirement of Lisa Bolopue , School Nurse, at Robb/Liberty Curtin/Woodward, effective June 30, 2024. Mrs. Bolopue is retiring with 24.13 years of service.
Administrator
Retirement of Robert Pellacore , Lead Grounds/Maintenance, at PSO, effective January 7, 2025.
