NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. by: John Gerow (RVO) – The Redbank Valley High School chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) addressed Monday night’s School Board meeting with a presentation of their activities this year. The 6 students, and FFA Advisor Mrs. Katherine “Kate” Kronen gave a PowerPoint presentation and the students took turns narrating the presentation. The students discussed, with images, their Veterans’ Day Program, the Rabies Clinic that they sponsor, the Career Development Event, and their Blood Drive. The students also reported on their trips to Penn State University and the Pennsylvania Farm Show. During the presentation the FFA students also mentioned their fund-raising activities which include the sale of citrus fruit in the winter, the sale of “snack stick” sausages, and the Greenhouse, which is a huge fundraiser for the club. The students handed out complimentary snack sticks to the Board members.

FFA Students (from left to right) Sierra Yarger, Brooklynn Veronesi, Josie Neiswonger, Aiden Lenhart, Ethan Hetrick, Sam Hetrick

Maintenance Supervisor Mr. Jim Jones reported on the salvage sale of the uni-vents removed from the primary school. He told the directors that he sold the units to Grecko’s in Kittanning. There was a problem with the loader at the salvage yard, so two men from the maintenance staff had to make the trip to unload the units by hand. He reported that the salvage value of the old heating units was $410.00.

Immediately following Mr. Jones’ update, the Board recessed into Executive Session for personnel matters.

On resuming the public portion of the meeting, the Board approved spending $873.69 to send Special Education Director Jason Karam to the PDE Special Education Conference in Hershey in March. The Board also voted to approve sending Kody Wolff to the PA Educational Technology Exposition and Conference in Pittsburgh later this month. The $1,188.48 expense will be covered by one of the technology grants awarded to Redbank Valley School District. There will be no cost to the district for this junket.

In staffing considerations, the Board approved hiring Doug Songer as Head Junior High Wrestling Coach at a cost of $3,517.14. They also approved hiring Mike Kundick, Jr. and Erik Rupp as Junior High Assistant Wrestling Coaches at a total cost of $2,928.00 for the year. Mike Fricko was hired as Junior High Assistant Basketball. The cost to the district for this position will also be $2,982.00 for the year. The Directors also approved hiring Ryan Radaker as Assistant Baseball Coach for $3,082.00. Barbara Sayers will be paid $3,218.94 as greenhouse aide this upcoming season.

The Board voted to accept the unexpected resignation of Shelby Groff, Secretary to the Superintendent. Mrs. Groff gave 60-day notice and will be leaving on April 4th. The Board also approved advertising to fill the position.
In a final bit of business before recessing into another Executive Session the School Directors approved hiring Kevin Crissman as Crossing Guard at the High School. Mr. Crissman will be paid $1,800 for an hour per day during the school year. The Board will pay the Borough Police $75.00 per hour to train Mr.Crissman and several substitutes.

The meeting adjourned for a second 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