NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. by: John Gerow (RVO) – Redbank Valley School Board members tackled several serious, non-financial issues at Thursday evening’s work session prior to their regular November meeting. This was Superintendent John Mastillo’s first “formal” meeting with the Board. In wide-ranging discussions, the Board considered developing a Naloxone program, testing school water for lead, completion of the track renovation before final payment. Directors Linda Ferringer and Ann Kopnitsky were absent from the meeting.

Board President Chad Shaffer opened the meeting asking if there were any questions or concerns with the draft of Monday night’s meeting agenda. He opened the discussion by questioning the reasoning, and need for the district to develop a Naloxone (Narcan) program and policy. Acknowledging that there is an opioid epidemic in the region, Dr. Shaffer questioned how much of a problem opioids are in area schools. Dr. Mastillo did not know of any area schools that, publically, acknowledge having a Narcan program. Dr. Shaffer reported that in his brief research, he had found that the New York City schools do not have Narcan programs. Jason Barnett asked how much of a problem opioids were in Pennsylvania high schools and if there any local schools with a Narcan program. No one was aware of any. Solicitor David Paskoff suggested that having a policy in place would protect the district in the event of some future problem or event. Director Dr. Nair asked about the cost to the district for Narcan. He pointed out that all medicines have an expiration and that even if never used, there would be a continuous expense replacing outdated dosages. (A quick Google search suggests that generic naloxone costs $20 – $40 per dose, with Narcan costing $130 – $140 per dose.) Dr, Shaffer pointed out that this would be an additional responsibility for the school nurses as well. After continued discussion about need, cost, and rationale, the discussion was tabled pending further research. Jason Barnett suggested that the district already has too many policies.

Another agenda item that came under scrutiny was a request to test district drinking water for lead content. The directors questioned if there was a need for the testing if such testing was already being done at the Municipal water plant, and what, if anything, the district could do if there were an unacceptable level of lead in the water. Chad Shaffer suggested that before moving forward on with a testing plan, the district would have to have a “back up” plan in place, in the event that the water was found to be unsafe. At this time, the Department of Education is drafting “standards” for drinking water. The Board decided to delay any action on this, allowing for more information to be gathered.

Dr. Mastillo and Business Manager Cheryl Motter discussed their work on getting the books of account up to date for a very thorough analysis of line-item spending so far in this fiscal year. Dr. Mastillo stressed that the Board needs to be able to address line-item spending, not just large category spending. He said that he hopes to have usable reports by the December board meeting.

Dovetailing from the business discussion, directors began discussing options for dealing with the student Chromebook laptop computers that graduating seniors will be giving up at the end of this school year. As the incoming Freshman class will need computers, directors questioned if the Chromebooks could be refurbished and recycled for the Freshman. Another option would be to trade them in on new models. Dr. Mastillo pointed out that there is time to consider options, as the next set of computers will not be needed until the next school year starts in August.

Director Darren Bain asked for an update on the track renovation. Dr. Mastillo reported that there are still a couple of unresolved issued that need to be addressed before final payment to the contractor. There is a drain near the scoreboard that needs work, an area of concrete that has cracked and needs to be repaired, and reseeding. Dr. Mastillo reported that the district is withholding the final 10% payment pending completion of these repairs.

Mr. Bain also brought up several other concerns that had come to his attention. He said that the carpeted walkway across the track is not wide enough. He expressed concern about football and soccer cleats damaging the new track surface. Mr. Bain also said that it appears to him that the white lines on the home side, south of the bleachers are fading. Dr. Mastillo said that the cheerleaders have stressed the white lines and have been instructed to perform between the lines. Bain questioned if this was going to be an ongoing maintenance issue, requiring continuing expense. Director Jason Barnett said that he wanted more information on the paint on the track. Mr. Bain also asked if New Bethlehem Police were still providing crossing security mornings and afternoons. There seems to be some question as to how the new chief is handling the school crossing.

Director Bill Reddinger told the Board that he had been approached by a party who is interested in buying a piece of property adjacent to the Mahoning Elementary School. Dr. Shaffer said that the Board would go into executive session to discuss specifics of such a sale.

Board President Shaffer asked Dr. Mastillo what progress was being made on the college credit program with Mount Aloysius College. The Superintendent reported that the senior level biology had been approved and that Mount Aloysius had requested more information on other courses.

Cafeteria manager David Reitz wrote a letter to the Board, further explaining his request for additional hours in the cafeteria. Following a brief discussion, Dr. Shaffer suggested that Mr. Reitz be invited to the November Board meeting to address his concerns in person.

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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