BY STACI WILSON

Not one person mentioned the presumed upcoming exit of Superintendent Robert McTiernan at the Blue Ridge School Board meeting Monday, March 2. McTiernan was hired last week to take the helm of the Northeast Intermediate Unit. He will replace Clarence Lamanna, Ed.D., who plans to retire in July.

Although McTiernan is not expected to exit the Blue Ridge district until after the end of the school year, the board did not make any moves toward opening a search for a new superintendent. McTiernan’s intent to move on from the post was not brought up for discussion at the meeting.

The board did reassign funds earmarked for projects in 2013, moving some to the general fund and then to the capital reserve account. The district had allocated $1 million for roof repairs. A portion of the project completed last year cost just over $300,000, leaving just under $700,000 moved to capital reserve. The board has discussed moving forward this year with work on the gravel portions of the roof at a cost of about $280,000.

The board tabled naming Murphy, Dougherty & Company as the district’s independent auditor for 2016-2020.

Board President Laurie Brown-Bonner said the proposed contract called for an increase fee for services every year for the five years of the contract. Bonner said the wish is for the superintendent to attempt to negotiate down from the proposal a little bit.

In other business, local tax collectors were exonerated from collecting delinquent 2014 real estate tax. Those taxes will be returned to the county tax claim office for collection.

The board adopted policies on behavior support and surrogate parents; and approved a 30-day review of the following policies:
*Review of instructional materials by parents/guardians of students;
*Employment of superintendent;
*Assignment and transfer;
*Conduct and disciplinary procedures;
*Educator misconduct;
*Professional development; and
*Contracted services.

Instructional substitutes and athletic volunteers were approved.

Christine Raughley was approved to fill the co-curricular detention position for the school year; and Tina Sieben and Lauren Konik will be co-supervisors of the fitness center for the spring.

Bonner called an executive session following the meeting to discuss retirement incentive and personnel.

Prior to the voting portion of the meeting, the board recognized seniors Marisa Rumage and Dustin Ralston.

The board will hold a workshop meeting, Monday, March 30 in the elementary cafeteria. The next business meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7.