KC School Board hears data from CTE program, Community Connections

BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP – Keystone Central School Board met Thursday for their monthly voting meeting.

At the beginning of the meeting, board members heard from Kurt Lynch, Director of Keystone Central Career & Technology Education and Nick Verrelli, Principal of Central Mountain High School.

The two shared data pertinent to the CMHS Community Connections program with local university dual enrollment and diversified occupations/co-op programs.

According to data shared, dual enrollment through Penn College in Williamsport for the school year 2023-2024 showed 196 students enrolled, 909 total credits earned, and approximately $552,672 in tuition money saved with the program.

Through the Diversified Occupation/Co-Op program, 22 students are currently taking advantage of the program this school year, 20 are enrolled in the co-op program, and there are 10 student interns.

Over the last three years, more than 110 community partnerships have been made for students to take advantage of.

“Benefits of the community partnerships include the enhancement ir provides on college applications, the boost of student confidence, a smooth transition to college, the chance to explore career paths, increased engagement, the opportunity to build networks, the preparation for the rigors of college, and the chance to earn college credits early,” Kurt Lynch described.

Dual enrollment through Commonwealth University Lock Haven saw 249 students enrolled in the program for a savings of about $250,000.

In total, through the last four years students dually enrolled through Penn College netted a tuition savings of $2.2 million.

Under the personnel portion of the meeting, the school board voted on the following measures:

EMPLOYMENT

Support

Employment of Ashley Kelley, General Cafeteria Worker at Bucktail/Renovo Campus, effective January 6, 2025 at a rate of $14.25/hour, paid from the General Fund per the ESP Contract. 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. Filled due to vacancy.

Employment of Michelle Fye, Building Assistant at Central Mountain High School, effective January 6, 2025 at a rate of $14.25/hour, paid from the General Fund per the ESP Contract. 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. Filled due to vacancy.

Employment of Jessica Pryde, Special Education Secretary 7 hrs/day, 260 days/year, at Administration, effective January 21, 2025 with a salary of $38,749, prorated, paid from the General Fund per the CCESPA Contract. 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. Filled due to vacancy.

Employment of Linzy Carson, Maintenance – Warehouse Distribution Clerk at Property Services Office, effective TBD at a rate of $14.25/hour, paid from the General Fund per the ESP Contract. 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. Filled due to vacancy.

Employment of Olivia Perryman, Personal Care Assistant at Central Mountain Middle School, effective TBD at a rate of $17.25/hour, paid from the General Fund per the ESP Contract. 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. Filled due to vacancy.

Employment of Lori Jones, Temporary Fiscal/Tax Office Secretary, at Administration, effective TBD with a salary of $38,749, prorated, paid from the General Fund per the CCESPA Contract. 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. Filled due to vacancy.

Employment of Tanya Hackenberg, Temporary Fiscal/Tax Office Secretary, at Administration, effective TBD with a salary of $38,749, prorated, paid from the General Fund per the CCESPA Contract. 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. Filled due to vacancy.

Professional

Employment of Abbey Dunaway, as long-term substitute, 4th Grade Teacher, at Mill Hall Elementary School, for the second semester of the 24-25 school year, placed at BS, step 1, with a salary of $53,000, prorated, effective January 20, 2024. 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. Filled due approved leave.

Employment of Saige Whipple, as long-term substitute, Stem Teacher, at Central Mountain Middle School, for the second semester of the 24-25 school year, placed at BS, step 1, with a salary of $53,000, prorated, effective January 20, 2024. 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. Filled due to approved leave.

TRANSFERS

Professional

Transfer Seth Cooper, Chemistry Teacher at CMHS to Biotechnology Instructor at Career and Technical Center effective the first day of the 2025-2026 school year.

RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTS/TERMINATIONS

Support

Resignation of Sandra Ransdorf, 210 Day Custodian, at Renovo Elementary School, effective January 17, 2025.