NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. by: John Gerow (RVO) – The Redbank Valley School Board opened their first meeting of the new year on a rousing note. Mr. Eli Terwilliger brought the High School Marching Band to the Board meeting Monday evening. The Band did a selection of songs from “Bringing the Blues back to the Valley”, their themed program for 2018 – 2019. Twenty-five students marched into the cafeteria and played the selections for the Board and visitors. The members of the Band are to be commended for the professionalism and level of proficiency they displayed in this presentation.

RVHS Marching Band Serenades the School Board

In other business, on a unanimous vote, the Redbank Valley School Board approved hiring Blane Gold as head football coach to replace Ed Wasiloski, who retired at the end of the 2018 season. Mr. Gold teaches Senior High School Social Studies and has served as an assistant football coach. He is well liked and well respected by students, faculty, and community. Mr. Gold brings experience, energy, and great talent as a motivator into the Head Coach position.

New Head Football Coach Blane Gold

Primary and Intermediate Principal Cheryl McCauley reported that her pick for “Teacher of the Month” at the Elementary level was Sherry Schultz. Ms. Schultz’s constant drive “for something better” is the characteristic that Mrs. McCauley says that she most admires in Ms. Schultz. High School Principal Amy Rupp brought Ms. Lila Rummel forward as the High School’s “Teacher of the Month” for her single-minded effort as 6th grade Math teacher. The Board approved a motion allowing Mrs. Lander’s GEMS group to host the VEX IQ Robotics Tournament on February 23.

Superintendent John Mastillo reported on his efforts to get price quotes on a unified phone, 9-1-1, and security camera system in all three buildings. He also reported that he and John Sayers are meeting with contractors to get designs and costs for adding security rooms to the main entrances of all of the schools.

Dr. Mastillo also announced that he will be holding his first “Coffee & Conversation” event on February 19 at the Community Center on Broad Street. His plan is to have 2 sessions, one at 6:30 in the morning and a second at 6:30 in the evening to accommodate work schedules. Dr. Mastillo also said that he is planning at least one community meeting to discuss the District’s “Strategic Plan” for the future. (Watch RVO for details as they are developed.)

Board members Bill Reddinger and Chad Shaffer presented a motion to increase the school tax millage by more than the 3.5% Index. Dee Bell was the only member to vote against the motion.

Though not on the Agenda, Board member Bill Reddinger asked the Board to reconsider the motion to authorize the District to develop a policy regarding Narcan on the campuses. Member Carrie Adams said that nurses are being trained to do CPR rather than Narcan unless the condition is known to be an overdose. Darren Bain repeated his concern that there are no guarantees that EMS can be summoned quickly enough to save a life in an opioid overdose. Chad Shaffer remarked that it seems that law enforcement and first responders are urging people without any medical background to get training to use Narcan. Member Dee Bell moved to table the motion. Bill Reddinger seconded the motion, which passed on a 5 – 4 vote.

The Board recessed into an Executive Session.

  Go Bulldogs!

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ABOUT:
Redbank Valley School District provides education services for the 165 square mile area of New Bethlehem and Hawthorn boroughs, and the townships of Mahoning, Madison, Porter, and Redbank of both Clarion and Armstrong counties.

MEETINGS:
The Redbank Valley School Board meetings the first Monday of every month at 7pm at the High School Library.

CONTACT:
For more information about the Redbank Valley School District, please call 814.275.2426 or visit RedbankValley.org/pg/biz/redbank-valley-school-district