SV super talks new school year, growing enrollment
SHENANDOAH – At Wednesday’s monthly school board meeting, Shenandoah Valley Superintendent Brian Waite spoke of the new school year and the district’s growing enrollment.
He began by thanking the district’s staff for a successful school opening.
“For the 2023-24 school year, we’re excited to have our own school police force to help better ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff,” Waite said. “We’re also proud to be able to offer students another fall sport — soccer for both boys and girls is underway with each team having their first home games recently.”
Waite also commended recent athletic successes, including football’s win over Hancock and Nick Ryan’s record-breaking year.
“Volleyball, cross country, junior high girls basketball, and co-op golf are all in full swing with our cheerleaders and band supporting out teams,” Waite said.
“Finally, our enrollment numbers for the school year are at 1,250. Last year at this time, our enrollment was at 1,219,” Waite said. “We are continuing to grow.”
He emphasized the importance of families providing three proofs of residency upon registering their student in the district.
In other business, the school board approved:
- retroactively, the resignation of Jessica Fryer, elementary title 1 math teacher, held for 60 days or until a replacement is hired, and posting and advertising;
- several conference requests;
- four PSBA developed policies on second reading;
- 2023-24 mentor teachers;
- Cierra Abrachinsky through the Schuylkill County Guest Teacher Program;
- retroactively, homebound instruction for a student;
- the 2023-24 CSIU Migrant Education Program School District Partnership agreement;
- retroactively, a compensation increase for Chris Conroy for completion of the principal program;
- retroactively, a compensation increase and adjustment of days for Karessa Kunstek, social worker;
- retroactively, adjustment of days for Jennifer Dayson, social worker, and Joan Matta, behavior interventionist;
- retroactively, a compensation increase for Kimberly Mentusky, occupational therapist, for 2023-24 and 2024-25;
- a USDA loan resolution and a resolution authorizing borrowing for two vans;
- the repository sale of 207 West Arlington Street in Shenandoah to the borough for $1;
- the following 2023-24 Drama Club advisors and salaries:
- Meghan Artley, Advisor, $4,450;
- Camryn Carduff, Assistant Advisor, $2,550;
- Rocco Roguskie, Assistant Advisor, $2,550;
- Lindsey Zackaravage, Volunteer Advisor;
- retroactively, the purchase of a 2008 Ford F-450 bucket truck;
- retroactively, the resignation of Jonathan Levandusky, custodian, and posting and advertising;
- retroactively, posting and advertising for two part-time paraprofessionals;
- the following support staff appointments:
- Benedelci De Aza, permanent five hour housekeeping;
- Paola Rodriguez, permanent five hour housekeeping;
- Theresa Wierzalis, substitute lunch aide;
- the following facility usage requests;
- Downtown Shenandoah, Inc., for the high school auditorium;
- La Casita food truck for Veterans Memorial Stadium for home soccer games, retroactive to Sept. 6;
- retroactively, extracurricular and daily transportation wage increases.
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