BY TOM FONTANA
Correspondent

Mountain View School District will conduct a review and analysis of how it schedules the school day in both the elementary and high schools.

At their meeting Monday night, Feb. 23, district directors approved hiring a professional scheduling consultant, Dr. Michael Rettig of James Madison University in Virginia, to conduct a two-day review in both schools.

“It’s been at least 20 years since we’ve looked at the structure of our scheduling,” commented board president Thomas Stoddard. “We’ve just been trying to fit classes and events in as best as we could.”

Rettig will be paid $7,200 for his services.

The board also approved a three-year agreement with WVIA, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Public Broadcasting System (PBS) affiliate based in Pittston, for the district’s use of academic and artistic programs provided by the network.

Among the many locally-produced educational offerings available in the classroom through the WVIA Enhanced Scholar Program are “Kids Clubhouse” (featuring popular PBS programs for younger elementary students), “Scholastic Scrimmage” and “Artist of the Week” involving opportunities for high school students, and teacher development guides that accompany several of the presentations offered.

Most school districts in NEPA participate in this WVIA service, with the cost based on student enrollment. The Mountain View agreement covers the 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18 at a fee of $1,140 per school year.