NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. by: John Gerow (RVO) – Budget constraints and the reality of limited revenues framed the discussion at Thursday evening’s Redbank Valley School Board work session. The wide-ranging discussion touched upon security issues, special needs students, and discipline issues. Director Dee Bell was the only member not at the work session.

Superintendent Dr. John Mastillo opened the meeting with a discussion of the cost-effectiveness of contracting speech pathology services through the Intermediate Unit or doing some sort of “in – house” hire. Complicating this issue is the fact that the IU would like a definitive answer by March 1, limiting the time that RBVSD has to study options. It was unclear in the discussion Thursday evening, just how large the speech pathology need is within the district. The smaller the need, the more cost-effective contracting through the IU becomes. Dr. Mastillo said that he would try to “buy some time” with the IU to give RBV a bit more time to consider options and their respective costs. During the discussion, Director Jason Barnett asked how a contractor’s performance would be monitored. Dr. Mastillo told the Board that the speech pathologist, regardless of the type of hire, would be under the supervision of the Special Education Director.

Dr. Mastillo also told the Board that he has prepared a Resolution for the Board to adopt at Monday night’s meeting to ask the Department of Education to reexamine the formula for school funding. Later in the meeting, Board President Chad Schaffer suggested that Redbank Valley School District might be better served by directly reaching out to our state legislators, rather than just passing “resolutions”. Various suggestions were raised about reaching out to our State Representative and Senator to bring them “face to face” with the challenges facing poor, rural districts. The Board asked the legislative liaison, Carrie Adams, to contact our legislators and begin a direct lobbying effort.

Two student behavior issues came up early in the meeting. Dr. Mastillo reported that Primary and Intermediate Principal Cheryl McCauley had sent home a letter to all elementary and intermediate parents warning about the “Momo Challenge” on the internet targeting children. The “Momo Challenge may be a hoax, but supposedly, the Momo character “challenges” children to commit violent acts against others, or to do harm to themselves. Dr. Mastillo said that whether or not it is a hoax, parents need to be aware of it and he commended Mrs. McCauley for her proactive effort.

Dr. Mastillo also reported that Mrs. Rupp has had to discipline 8 or more students in the past several weeks for violating the school’s electronic cigarette policy. Dr. Mastillo told the Board that the students have been referred to the District Magistrate as well.

The majority of the meeting was dedicated to discussions regarding several security topics still being sorted through by the Board. With the 2019 – 2020 being developed, a decision regarding renewing the contract with Armstrong Security for armed guards must be addressed. There are still other security options that the Board is considering, such as “entrapment” entrances at all buildings, additional camera security, and up-armoring of glass windows and doors. Each of these additional security elements does enhance student security, but there are very real financial constraints that have to be honored in any decision making, even regarding student security. Director Bill Reddinger asked if the Board had decided to renew the Armstong Security contract. He did not get a definite answer from the Superintendent or Dr. Shaffer. Director Jason Barnett asked if the Board was trying to address an issue that in all likelihood will never happen in Redbank Valley schools. There are so many security options available that Dr. Shaffer suggested a special meeting with security consultants to develop an organized security plan strategy.

The discussion moved next to the 2019 – 2020 budget. Dr. Mastillo reported that he has given the Board what he has at this time, but that work is continuing. Director Barnett asked the Superintendent if it were possible for the Board to get a more complete breakdown of projected expenses. In the ensuing discussion, Directors Barnett and Bain asked for a more simple look at projected expenses. Dr. Mastillo was not sure that a simpler presentation would be adequate. Following further discussion, the Board scheduled a special meeting for budget discussion for March 19 at 6:30 p.m. This will give directors an opportunity to get into the inner workings of proposed expenses. The Board adjourned to an Executive Session. These and other issues will be discussed at Monday evening’s School Board meeting.

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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