Board approves China exchange program application / By Martha Knight

The Port Allegany school board Monday night gave a five to two vote of approval for superintendent Gary Buchsen to apply for participation in an exchange program that would see the district link with a “sister” school system in China, with Chinese school administrators and Pennsylvania ones visiting and observing in each other’s schools.

Buchsen said he would personally want to meet the expenses of his trip, $1,800, over and above the $2,500 provided through the Freeman Foundation.

In time the program could grow to include exchange visits of teachers, and possibly students, Buchsen said. He had observed such exchanges elsewhere before joining the Port Allegany school system this winter.

Even with the board’s approval, Buchsen’s participation is predicated on his being among the administrators whose applications are accepted by the sponsoring program.

The motion by board member Sean Lathrop was to approve Buchsen’s applying for the program, and to pay the $1,800 local share of the cost. Buchsen repeated that he would prefer to cover the cost, but was asking the district to contribute the two weeks he would be absent from his duties here.

Board president Dave Mensch recalled trips he had experienced, during his years as a science teacher, and the value received by the district. He said he had learned a great deal in those trips, including one to Russia.

Voting for the motion were Mensch, Lathrop, Scott Moses, Jason Stake and Ingrid Lapp. Voting No were Dan Kysor and Mark Carlson.