Hardes vacancy to be filled Feb. 10 / By Martha Knight

The Port Allegany School Board decided Monday night to “meet the candidates” for the board vacancy.

In order to let the board hear from the five people who have submitted letters indicating their interest in being appointed, action on the vacancy has been postponed until the February 10 meeting.

Superintendent Gary Buchsen said the candidates will be invited to attend the meeting and address the board.

The appointment had been on the agenda for Monday night’s meeting, but board member Sean Lathrop expressed a desire to talk to the candidates before deciding whom to support.

Board president Dave Mensch asked that the suggestion be put forth as a tabling motion, which was made and carried.

Board member Scott Moses said that inviting the hopeful appointees to address the board at a public meeting would provide the proper transparency.

Mensch advocated following a format like that used by the local Republican Women at their Meet the Candidates events, with each office seeker giver five minutes to address the audience.

Buchsen noted that February 10 falls within the “window” of time (30 days) when the board has the right to fill its own vacancy. After that the McKean County Court of Common Pleas could fill the vacancy, if petitioned to do so.

The vacancy occurred when longtime board member Gary A. Hardes’ resigned. The board acted on his resignation two weeks ago, and then announced that board hopefuls should send letters to the board . Five persons have done so.

The board held another protracted executive session prior to the public meeting. With solicitor Christian T. Mattie III and other counsel attending for about half an hour, the board continued their discussions in private for another half hour and then some, delaying the beginning of the public meeting until after 7 p.m.

The reason for some of the frequent and lengthy executive sessions was revealed in a cryptic form when the board adopted a resolution, on an addendum read aloud by Mensch, stating “that Grievance #3-3013-14 filed by the Port Allegany Education Support Professional Association is denied.” The roll call vote was carried, ayes all.

Buchsen commented after the meeting that the matter now goes to the labor group for its decision. If it chooses not to accept the board’s decision, arbitration could follow.

Technology coordinator Adam Moate presented a report in which he recommended joining the Microsoft Enrollment for Education Services (EES) program through Intermediate Unite 13.

As Moate described the program, it would provide the district with Microsoft Office software and the Windows operating system and server software, as well as malware protection, all in latest versions, for about $6,000—about $400 more than is now paid for antivirus software alone.

Chad Saltsman was hired as an extended term substitute assigned as Technology Education teacher, effective January 10 through June 5, at a pro-rated salary of $21,314.70.

Shea McKnight’s status was changed from extended-term substitute to temporary professional employee. Natalie Whitman went from extended-term substitute to permanent professional employee. Both changes are effective Tuesday.

Kathi Gimbrone will be accepted as an administrative intern, to serve 180 hours. She is a St. Bonaventure University student Mensch said internships are valuable to the district in providing “slave labor,” or valuable service at no cost to the district.

Aaron Vollmer’s resignation as assistant wrestling coach was accepted, and Douglas Triplett was approved for a similar role in the program for the remained of the season. He will receive a supplemental salary of $3,640 pro-rated according to his start date.

Lance Baker was hired as assistant baseball coach at a salary of $1,867.

Barbara Delacour was appointed to provide homebound instruction for an elementary student.

Daniel Campbell was approved as a school bus driver, as recommended by transportation contractor Joseph Muccio Transportation LLC.