BY PAT FARNELLI
Times-Shamrock Correspondent

The Elk Lake School District property, including the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center, is now hooked up for natural gas. The system was functioning properly Monday morning, according to Superintendent Ken Cuomo, and school opened without a delay despite the chilly temperatures outside.

A formal click onto the new system took place at 11 a.m., Tuesday (Feb. 24).

At the February school board, a Hiltz propane lease payment was approved for $5,500, for what Cuomo said was hopefully the last time propane would need to be ordered for the school.

“This Saturday, all is go for hookup for natural gas,” Cuomo said. “Regardless of the weather.”

A new elementary science lab is being created at the Elk Lake Elementary School, thanks to the efforts of retired sixth grade math and science teacher Lori Woolcock.

Students at the SCCTC have also contributed funding for the science center, after conducting a fundraiser,
He said that art teacher Jeff Kuchak has been awarded a grant to design murals, and that Mrs. Stone’s art students will be doing the painting. Kindergarten registration will be held Mar. 18-20.

Because of impending weather, parent-teacher conferences were moved from last Friday, Feb. 19, were moved to Friday, Feb. 26, with the same schedule.

The student of the month luncheon for the junior and senior high was held on Feb. 23.

Several coaches have resigned their positions. Jeff Horvath resigned as assistant varsity baseball coach;
John Warnero resigned as assistant track and field coach; David Teetzel resigned as junior high baseball head coach; and Amanda Winans resigned as assistant softball coach.

Also, Kim Toth split her contract with Kevin Tewksbury for seventh grade girls’ basketball, after Toth resigned for medical reasons.

The proposed calendar for the 2015-16 school year was discussed.

Cuomo proposed that on Wednesdays when there is a two-hour delay, that school closes at the normal time of 3 p.m. It has been the regular practice that Elk Lake schools close at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays to allow for teachers’ inservice training.

Cuomo said that this proposal has been sent out for feedback, and will be on the agenda for board approval at the Mar. 4 meeting.

He asked the board to approve the spring drama club play, “The Baker Street Irregulars.”

LaAnna Farnelli was recognized for being selected for the PMEA Regional Band and Regional Orchestra.
Cuomo said that the Elk Lake schools raised more than $20,081 with the Coaches for Cancer fundraiser, organized by Mrs. Blaisure.

A substitute list was submitted for board approval.

A $25,000 cafeteria fund transfer was approved for the second time this school year.

Bus 10 was sold to another contractor, and a new contract was approved for $236.59 monthly for the remainder of the school year.

The minutes for the Jan. 15 and Feb. 4 meeting, as well as monthly bills, are available for public view on the Elk Lake School website under the heading “Board Docs,” Lori Evans, board secretary, said.

During visitors’ comments:
*Leslie Tewksbury asked how the proposal for Wednesday two hour delays will affect teacher inservice hours scheduled for 2 p.m. every Wednesday. Cuomo said that the inservice training can be made up during the next Wednesday’s inservice session.

*Travis Tewksbury asked about a scheduling conflict: a benefit concert featuring the band AM Radio is scheduled for the same date as the spring drama club play, with both events requiring the use of the high school auditorium. Cuomo said that he would look into this matter.

Anne Teel reported that an executive session was held from 6 p.m. until the start of the board meeting.
A Pennsylvania School Boards Association conference will be held Mar. 11 at Mountain View School District.