NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. by: John Gerow (RVO) – Frustration with measuring and reporting on student improvements boiled over at Monday night’s regular Redbank Valley School Board Meeting. Primary and Intermediate Principal Cheryl McCauley was reporting on how the teachers were working on establishing performance files for each student to track their performance and how the teachers are sharing test results with the students to help the students track their own improvement. Board Member Jason Barnett asked Mrs. McCauley to explain the specific changes. Mrs. McCauley responded that students are being tested monthly, rather than quarterly. Mr. Barnett expressed his concern that it is not enough to talk about changes and growth. He wants the administration to develop a system of reporting back to the Board. It is his contention that without a system of reporting and evaluation, the Board cannot measure success. High School Principal Amy Rupp joined the conversation, attempting to explain how teachers are trying to improve scores. Mr. Barnett did not seem able to explain his expectations, while Mrs. McCauley and Mrs. Rupp seemed unable to explain how the efforts of the teachers can reported.

At meeting’s end, 8th grade reading teacher Kristin Young addressed the Board with her concerns about not being able to reach all students and not being able to bring all students up to grade level. Ms. Young pointed out that not all parents are involved, not all students care how well they do, and sometimes doing all you can do isn’t enough. Ms. Young pointed out that the staffing needs for remedial teachers is in direct conflict with the district’s financial realities. Dr. Mastillo said that he hoped the District’s Strategic Plan will help address these issues.

Monday night’s meeting got off to a good start as Computer Teacher Kristin Landers introduced 4 students from the RVIS Robotics Club. Working as the “Robonators Gen 2”, the boys, Jordan Smith 6th grade, Nolan Barnett 6th grade, Ryan Hepler, 6th, and Grant Shoemaker 5th grade represented Redbank Valley at a recent conference on Smart Grants hosted by Governor Wolf. The boys had photos of their time in Harrisburg and demonstrated their most recent robot for the Board.

Robonators Gen 2 Robotics team (from left) Jordan Smith, Nolan Barnett, Ryan Hepler, and Grant Shoemaker

In other matters before the Board, Mrs. Rupp reported that there was the possibility of another $100,000 is security equipment grants that Redbank Valley District may be eligible to receive. This money, if awarded, would purchase cameras for the football field and the primary and intermediate school buildings. Following a short discussion, the Board voted to approve transferring $25,000 from the General Budget, Security Equipment to the General Budget, Security Personal. The District is buying the first round of security cameras from the Safe School Grant. The Administration asked for the transfer to hire 2 more security guards since the grant covered this year’s planned equipment purchases. Board member Darren Bain argued that the Board should not reallocate money in the budget, but rather spend it as budgeted. Mr. Bain was the only vote against reallocating the money for additional security personnel.

District Maintenance Supervisor Jim Jones reported that the Johnson Controls has installed 17 of the 22 new units in the primary building. He said that the units are popping right in place with no problems and generating a lot of heat. Mr. Jones told the Board that he expects the last 5 to be installed this upcoming weekend.

Board members Jason Barnett and Chad Shaffer reported that the Referendum Committee had met and was working on developing the language for the referendum question. They said that a second sub group might start working on alternatives to the referendum as well.

The Board accepted the resignation of high school math teacher Kathleen Wright, Child Specific Aide Tyler Scott, and several assistant coaches. They also hired Ms. Kara Smith as a long-term substitute for Mrs. Wright and Patti Musser as a 2.5-hour Cafeteria Aide. The Board was also able to add one name to the substitute custodial staff list and two names to the Valley Lines Bus Company driver’s list.

The meeting recessed for a labor executive session.

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