BY HELEN B. FOSTER
Correspondent

Before heading back to class in the fall, parents of Susquehanna Community will have an opportunity to attend a “Meet the Teacher Night” on August 21.
“Meet the Teacher” will replace the annual Open House that took place after the start of the school year.

The board approved the 2014-15 calendar at the March 19 meeting with the first day of school for students on Monday, Aug. 25 and the last day of school on June 1.

The 2015 graduation is scheduled for June 13 which allows for nine snow make-up days with additional make-up days on Jan. 19, Feb. 16, April 2 and April 6.

On July 1, High School Principal Mark Gerchman will transfer to the position of Supervisor of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment.

The district is in the first year of its state-approved strategic plan. But now with new state regulation, the district will have to undergo another strategic planning process, Superintendent Bronson Stone said. The new plan will begin in the 2016-17 school year.

Superintendent Bronson Stone explained to the board changes in the two year vo-tech program. These changes, approved by the board, allow for equity with other county schools.

The district’s contribution of $11,560.96 to the proposed NEIU 19 budget was approved. According to Stone, this is the second year without an increase in the NEIU budget as the new leadership is doing an outstanding job.

A ten cent raise in student and adult lunches for the 2014-15 school year, met with board approval.

The board approved using substitutes for the 4th grade camping trip in an effort to reduce the number of regular faculty members needed for the trip and allowing for continued instruction at the school. The rate paid for substitutes attending the trip and spending an overnight will be $170 per day.

Three members of the high school softball team asked the board to consider allowing them to change the color of the uniform pants from white to black at no cost to the district.

Team members at the meeting said the white paints have permanent stains.
The board will consider the request and plan to discuss it at the April work session.

The board accepted Stephen Nayduch’s intent to retire at the end of 2013-14 school year; also resigning: Autumn Groover, High School aide, March 7th; Dawn Steele and Jami Hyndshaw, 5th – 6th grade girls’ basketball coaches.
Elementary Principal Robert Keyes reported 47 students registered for K4 with 12 on the list that did not register on the dates set for that purpose. The After School Homework/Tutoring Program ended on March 20, he said. A Parent Night is planned for Thursday, March 27, 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the Elementary Gym.

The following were hired by the board: Tammy Heller, high school guidance clerical position; Kyle Cook, track helper; Ryan Gilleran, after school tutoring teacher; Kim Marco, high school aide; Lauren Reddon, Jr. High softball co-coach; Kristi Rossi, track helper.

Volunteers approved were: George Hubal, junior high softball; Teresa Wilson, track; Brett Deakin, varsity baseball.

Several substitute teachers and food service workers were also approved.