NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. by: John Gerow (RVO) – Security issues and district reorganization dominated the July meeting of the Redbank Valley School Board on Monday evening, July 9. The work session before the meeting was devoted to a discussion about the new security staffing, contracting with “Source for Teachers” to find substitute teachers, and the Superintendent Search committee progress.

High School Principal and acting Superintendent Amy Rupp reported that she and the committee (Bill Reddinger, Donald Nair, Carrie Adams, and Mary Snyder) are in discussions with Armstrong Lock and Security to develop the working plan for security screenings and personnel. Mrs. Rupp reported that she is working on a grant to help defray the start up costs. The discussion branched out to include suggestions about having faculty and staff wear name tags, in class room maps of the school, and evacuation plans in rooms. The Board hopes to have the Security plan developed by the next Board meeting.

Mrs. Rupp also reported on the progress that is being made by the Superintendent Search Committee. She told the Board that the committee has met and has been going over a list of candidates who could serve as “acting” Superintendent until a final choice is made. She reported that the committee has met with several of these candidates already. Director Dee Bell suggested that the Board consider “sharing” a superintendent with another district as a means of cutting expenses. New Director Jason Barrett offered his opinion that the workload on a Superintendent is too much for a shared position.  Bill Reddinger agreed with Mr. Barrett. Darren Bain said that he thinks this might be the time to consider major restructuring of the system. Board President Chad Shaffer agreed that it was necessary to look at new ideas.

Elementary Computer Science teacher Kristen Landers led off the regular meeting with a presentation report on her presentation at a recent “Computer Science for All Summit” in Harrisburg. Mrs. Landers told the Board that she was pleased to outline the program that Redbank Valley has developed for the Elementary and Intermediate Schools. She used her time to remind the Board how many different computer and business classes have been eliminated from the Redbank Valley curriculum over the past 10 years, in a time period when the demand for computer-savvy employees is growing.

Elementary and Intermediate Principal Cheryl McCauley reported that summer school is up and running and that more students are enrolling. She also told the Directors that Title I, IIA, and IV revenues have been announced for this school year and it appears that there will be a windfall of about $32,000 in additional revenue for the District.

High School Principal Amy Rupp reported that scheduling is progressing well and that she hopes schedules will be mailed to students next week. There will be two days in August for students to change their schedules. She also reported that there will be designated entrances for students arriving by bus, dropped off, and those who drive. This will be part of the enhanced security.

The public was excused for a lengthy Executive Session called for personnel issues.

In the voting portion of the meeting, Directors voted 7 – 2 to approve changes in the Elementary Parent/Student Handbook. Don Nair and Bill Reddinger voted no. Bill Reddinger was the only “no” vote on a motion to approve changes to the High School Parent/Student Handbook.

On a motion to purchase excess flood insurance for the High School building Dee Bell was the only “no” vote. The need for this insurance came about because Lloyd’s of London dropped Redbank Valley’s excess flood insurance because an updated map has one corner of the High School Building within the Redbank Creek Flood Plain. The new insurance will cost an additional $27,000 per year for about 6 million dollars worth of coverage on the building and contents.

In the discussion on the motion to contract with “Source for Teachers”, there were questions about the actual per Diem cost to the district for substitutes. One question concerned long-term substitutes and whether or not the District would pay a higher rate after 20 days of substituting. Mrs. Rupp was unable to provide answers but the Board unanimously voted to contract with “Source for Teachers.”

On other votes, the Board voted unanimously to authorize Amy Rupp to electronically sign contracts, agreements, grants, and licenses with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The Directors also
voted to approve the position description prior to hiring a Director of Special Education. The Board voted to approve hiring Kevin Crissman as a crossing guard at the elementary school for $1,800 compensation. The 9th grade trip to Washington, DC was approved. A motion to approve a revised agreement to provide cafeteria management services to North Clarion School District.

For more information, please see this week’s Leader – Vindicator newspaper.