PSSA test results show growth / By Martha Knight

Preliminary findings from the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) test scores from 2013-14 show encouraging gains, Port Allegany Junior-Senior High School superintendent Marc Budd told the Port Allegany School Board Monday night.

Budd presented a chart showing some preliminary scores following current grades through the past three years, and indicating considerable growth over-all, both in math and in reading.

Budd said more detailed reports will come from the state in the next few weeks, but these scores are indicative. No report was given concerning the K-6 results, in the absence of principal Tracy Kio.

Asked by board member Mark Carlson how he accounts for the noticeable improvements, Budd credited hard work by staff and students, “engagement activities,” and “a lot of professional development.”

Board member Scott Moses said that he was aware that students have been drilled in test taking, but acknowledged that, in the process of learning how to score well, students also learn the subject matter that is covered by the tests.

Another presentation by Budd covered proposed changes to the student handbook, to be effective in the coming school term. some of these had to do with the use of cell phones.

Whereas use of the ubiquitous gadgets has been strictly limited, in the past, with official rules calling for phones to be in lockers and out of reach during class, the new policy will be to allow use of “cells” during the school day. Individual teachers may call for restrictions at certain times, and phones will not be present during tests, but in general, the devices will not be frowned upon anymore.

Budd said the new attitude had been given a trial in the last two weeks of school, and students were enthusiastic.

Board president Dave Mensch commented that the use of today’s highly capable, computer-like smartphones “allows for a creative teacher doing a lot of 21st century teaching.” Also, with the students bringing their own equipment, the district may save the funds that otherwise would have to be spent providing more technology.

Another policy change recommended by Budd and superintendent Gary Buchsen creates an Honors Review Committee, to consider, case-by-case, requests from students and parents for a student to take an honors course despite not qualifying for it by grades. Budd called this a “hot button issue” in the past, and said the flexibility could be beneficial . Buchsen said the new committee would be “a potential avenue for appeal.”

The committee would consist of the superintendent, principal, guidance counselor and department heads. A student not meeting the 93 percent grade average criterion could request, in writing, consideration for the desired honors course, and the committee would be convened. Parents could be present.

Board member Sean Lathrop said that while the board was agreeable to seeing that change, he would like to see flexibility or policy change unifying the eligibility rules for all extracurricular activities. Lathrop has advocated being as strict in suspending musicians, actors and singers (for example) from activities as with athletes—or as forgiving with athletes as with others.

The board approved a lease agreement with Moose Lodge No. 460 for the use of Moose Park, south of Port Allegany along Route 155, by the soccer program for practice and games. The lease will last five years, with options to extend the term. The school district will pay a dollar a year.

The school district will create some improvements to Moose Park. Moose Park will continue to be used for community baseball.

The board agreed to use a Pennsylvania School Boards Association recommended form for evaluating the superintendent. Buchsen presented the form for the board’s consideration, with the suggestion that the board use it to accomplish the evaluation this summer, and thereafter make any edits it wishes in the instrument.

Mensch acknowledged that the board has not had an evaluation template in the past, but has talked about the need, many times.

Resignations were accepted from Paul Wallace as math teacher and Linda Ayers as instructional aide. Ayers is retiring.

The board appointed Anthony Edgell substitute pool and park supervisor, to spell Michael Nasto from time to time. There will be no increase in cost to the district, but the hourly wage will be paid to Edgell instead of Nasto when he is filling in.

Justin Osano and Tyler Payne were approved as volunteer soccer coaches, contingent upon completion of paperwork pertaining to clearances.

As discussed earlier this month, a procurement card was approved for use by the business office. Business manager Judy Bodamer affirmed that it will be kept locked away except when it is used, under narrowly defined circumstances, to expedite certain services. The card is issued through the Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust (PLGIT).

The board also voted unanimously to contract with IU9 for special education services, for the 2014-15 school year, at a cost of approximately $963,544 to the district. This is slightly more than the 2013-14 cost.

Lathrop reported on the recent wrestling camp held locally. He said there had been 122 youths at the camp, compared with the 14 who had attended the camp when it began a few years ago. There had been 43 coaches and clinicians helping this time. Youngsters and adult visitors, many from out of state, had expressed admiration for the district’s facilities. Also, those from elsewhere had enjoyed the area’s outdoor recreation opportunities. “Some had never been in the woods,” Lathrop mentioned. He thanked the administration for allowing the use of school facilities for the camp.

After the public meeting the board met in executive session to discuss Act 93 matters.

Negotiations between the board and its supervisory and administrative employees have not been concluded. Act 93 staff members participated in the session.

The board does not anticipate meeting in July, so it plans to meet next at 7 p.m., Monday, August 11, in the elementary school large group instruction room.