Board appoints Tracy Kio elementary principal/By Martha Knight

The Port Allegany School Board met an hour in executive session, then held a special meeting in public to vote on some of the personnel matters it had discussed, and other issues, Thursday night.

One major decision was to hire Tracy Kio as elementary principal. He has been an elementary teacher, and was an assistant principal in the system for a time. His salary will be $82,775.

Board member Dan Kysor cast the sole No vote, with the other eight board members voting Yes. Kio succeeds Terry Kriner, who retired.

Also hired was Paul Wallace, for a secondary math position, at a salary of $39,831. An agenda item for filling a secondary English position was not taken up.

Named to supplemental positions were Brad Stewart, senior class advisor, at a salary of $350; math department chair, Kristina Francis, $1,824; cheerleader advisor, Breanna Nichols, $1,723; head coach of boys’ basketball, Jason Luther, $5,468; head coach of girls’ basketball, Francis, $5,468; JV boys’ basketball coach, Justin Bienkowski, $3640; assistant coach of girls’ soccer, Anthony Edgell, $2,125; junior high girls’ basketball coach, Michael Nasto, $3,640; assistant wrestling coach, Chad Saltsman, $3,640; and majorette-color guard advisor, Danielle O’Rourke, $1,479.

The board approved a response relating to a state audit for the fiscal years 2007 through 2007. Business manager Judy Bodamer noted that discussion items or comments had been addressed and cleared.

Also acknowledged was the report of the audit review conference, for the years 2008 through 2012. The findings of the audit were favorable.

The board reappointed Bodamer board secretary for a four-year term.

A new text book for American government and economics classes was adopted by the board. It is “Building Citizenship: Civics and Economics.” Board member Gary A. Hardes asked whether high school principal Marc Budd had read the textbook, and Scott Moses asked whether it had been reviewed and recommended by staff. Budd said he had not read the text. Superintendent Tony Flint said teachers do review texts under consideration, and make recommendations.

A number of teachers and other members of the public were on hand. Some had questions about the ongoing search for a replacement for Flint, whose retirement is effective at the end of the month.

Board president Dave Mensch said there are 10 applicants for the superintendency at present, and the search committee will meet to go over them beginning next week. He said he would not say how long the process will take.

Some parents and teachers urged that teaching staff be kept ample so that class sizes could be kept in the low range. Mensch agreed that class size is important, and that smaller classes make for better education.

Flint provided an update on the upgrades taking place on school grounds and across the Lillibridge, noting that the stadium lights have been set in place, some electrical details are being worked on. Tennis courts are being resurfaced. Big 30 teams will practice on the local field Friday, in preparation for Saturday’s game.

Bodamer that she had been pleased with the new transportation contractor’s preparations for service to the district, and the plans outlined in discussions with her.

Muccio Transportation, LLC of Tionesta will be using a temporary base on the West side of Route 155 south, near RecycAll, Bodamer said. But the company is in negotiations to purchase land across the road, near the Liberty Township government complex, where it plans to build a terminal.

Routes and bus numbers will be the same as they have been, Bodamer said, and ancillary services to local groups and teams will be provided on a similar basis as in the past.