BY HELEN B. FOSTER

Correspondent

Addressing the subject of security and school safety, Susquehanna Community Superintendent Bronson Stone said this has been an overwhelming topic since school reconvened.

A security company has been at the school district adjusting cameras, Stone said.

Principal Robert Keyes also explained to the board how a new procedure will be in place for dropping off and picking up students at the back of the elementary building.

“Parents will appreciate this as they do not need to leave their car,” Keyes said.

In other business, the board accepted a letter of thanks from John Salinkas for its support of the past year while he was head football coach.

Salinkas had been hired a year ago for one year following the resignation of long-time coach Dick Bagnall, under whom he had served as an assistant for 11 years.

The football coaching position for the fall 2013 and fall 2014 seasons had been advertised as open last August with a deadline of Dec. 14, 2012, for applications.

No one had come forward by the Dec. 14 date, but Stone said applicants had come forward in the intervening weeks, and he was expecting an appointment would likely take place at the February meeting.

Business Manager Gary Kiernan said Homestead and Farmstead applications had been mailed.

He asked that everyone encourage those eligible to return the forms as it is a great saving for those eligible for this tax break.

Kiernan said that only approved homestead/farmsteads will qualify for gaming dollars.

Special education supervisor Joni Miller reported on a training session she attended at the Northeast Intermediate Unit to develop a Concussion Management Team for the district.

“This is one of the best training sessions I have ever attended and will help students and their families if there is a need,” she said.

Maintenance supervisor Don Norris also spoke of the work being done to address heating in both buildings.

Union representative Kathleen Hinkley spoke of the faculty, board and administration working hand in hand for the good of the students.

She related how the students in the lower grades are reacting to the recent school shootings.

There are questions, she said, but the students are assured they would be kept safe. Classes sent cards and snowflakes to Sandy Hook to let the teachers and students in that school know other schools are concerned for them following their tragedy.

The board approved a bid of $9,235.49 with Freddy’s Refuse Removal for the remainder of the school year.

A leave of absence was approved for Lisa Carpenter beginning April 8, for the remainder of the school year.

The resignation of Sheila Dubanowitz as a Pre-K bus aide was accepted.

The board hired Roxann Lloyd as football cheerleading coach; Jeff Hall as cross country head coach; Susan Day as assistant coach for cross country; Jeff Baldwin, girls volleyball head coach with Sarah Holmes as assistant coach, and Susan Crawford as girls volleyball game manager.

Substitutes approved were: Heather Orner, Kristin Potter and Lyndsey Pompey as teachers and Megan Schmitt as a substitute aide. Earl Cottrell was approved as a van driver for the remainder of the school year.

Volunteers approved by the board include: Susan Day, track; Mose Perry, football; David Beaudette, football; David Glidden, ski club; Karyn Armitage, ski club.

With board approval, Michael Matis and two teams of students will be attending a Project Lead the Way Design Challenge on Feb. 1 at Forest City Regional High School.

Among the other requests: Cub Scout Pack 81 has asked permission to use the facilities for a Sledding Event in February; Pack meeting in April; and the Blue and Gold Banquet in May.

Susquehanna Community School Board members were recognized at the meeting for their commitment to the betterment of public education.

Stone said, “There is no finer school board than here at Susquehanna,” as he handed out the certificates of recognition.