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.
