Mahanoy mulls allowing out-of-district employees’ students to attend district schools
MAHANOY CITY – The Mahanoy Area School District could soon allow its full-time employees who live outside the district to send their students to its schools.
The school board discussed the matter at Thursday night’s meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Joie Green said it is something that’s been allowed at other districts.
“Some of them require a 10% tuition paid for the youngest student and all others are free,” Green said. “Other schools do not charge, they are just allowed to come.”
“We have to remain competitive with other districts,” Green added. “It’s difficult to get teachers right now because no one is going into the teaching profession. This is a perk to them. You can bring your children here if you want to.”
Green asked the board if it was an idea worth exploring and in what direction, including if part-time employees should be included, and if there should be a cost.
“I think we should open it to everybody at no charge,” Board Secretary Susan Scheeler said. “If they’re here and they’re dedicated to us, I think it is professional courtesy.”
Board Member John Honus asked what would be the cons of allowing it.
Solicitor Drew McLaughlin said he’d seen issues involving athletics in schools that don’t have issues attracting staff.
“If you have trouble getting teachers, one of the bonuses is you’re going to be here with your child also,” McLaughlin said.
Another concern was how many students would be added, regarding both space and athletics classification. Green said, if that became an issue, admissions could be closed to employees.
Regarding classifications, Athletic Director Eric Moucheron said sports are solidly in the 2A class and is nowhere near reaching 3A.
The board agreed to explore the option with full-time employees.
In other business, Business Administrator John Hurst provided an update on the ongoing HVAC upgrades in district buildings.
He said that the company, McClure, is on track to have the majority of the project complete by August 9.
Right now, a multitude of classroom HVAC units are on backorder and are scheduled to be delivered on August 11.
“All of the piping will be in place, it’s just a matter of lifting those units into place,” Hurst said. “They’re still confident that there won’t be any impact on school.”
In other business, the school board approved:
- The following repository sales
- 1206 Main Street in Gilberton to Juan Alvarado Pantoja and Mayra Valdivezo Gonzalez for $1,349;
- 522 East Railroad Street in Mahanoy City to the Borough of Mahanoy City for $1.
- The disposal of surplus air conditioners by sale at a cost of $25 per unit. Units will first be offered to staff members, and, if any remain after, to the public;
- The disposal of a surplus LazerZ lawnmower;
- A contract with Margaret Swanson, Kersey, for IEP review at a cost of $10 per IEP effective July 1, 2023;
- A sports medicine contract with Lehigh Valley Health Network for July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028, pending solicitor review;
- An addendum with Televine Therapy, Danville, for contracted speech therapy services beginning around Sept. 25 at a cost of $95/hr;
- A proposal from Berkshire Systems Group, Wyomissing, for an upgrade to the auditorium sound system at a cost of $129,585, completed under the COSTARS program;
- A proposal from Eduplanet21, Mechanicsburg, for curriculum planning software from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026 for $12,915;
- An agreement with New Story, Berwick, for special education instruction services for 2023-24 at costs ranging from $297 to $515 per day, depending on a student’s needs;
- An agreement with St. Luke’s University Health Network for occupational medicine school services from August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2024, pending solicitor review;
- A memorandum of understanding with Schuylkill County Children and Youth Services for homeless transportation procedures;
- A transportation plan with CYS for homeless students;
- An intent to participate in the Schuylkill IU 29 Title III consortium for 2023-24;
- A proposal from If It’s Water, Inc., Downingtown, for renovation and replacement of pool filters, media, pumps, and chemical controller at a cost of $128,927.42, through the COSTARS program;
- A proposal from Specialty Fence Construction, Taylor, for repair and replacement of fencing on the southeast side of the playground area at a cost of $2,350;
- The 2023-24 Agreement for Participation in the Child Nutrition Program between Mahanoy Area and the Schuylkill IU 29 and Schuylkill County AVTS beginning July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024;
- The 2023-24 LIEP service agreement between Mahanoy Area and the Schuylkill IU 29;
- A linkage letter/referral agreement between Child and Family Support Services and Mahanoy area for 2023-24;
- The appointment of Suzanne Mayberry, Barnesville, as a mentor at a salary of $500;
- The appointment of Evelyn Minarchick, Barnesville, as a Jr./Sr. High School Assistant Band Director/Percussion Instruction for 2023-24 at a salary of $2,573.31;
- The appointment of John Walsh, Frackville, as Jr./Sr. High Academic League Advisor for 2023-24 at a salary of $750;
- The appointment of John Walsh, Frackville, as Jr. High Intramural Coordinator – Coed – for 2023-24 at a salary of $750;
- A new vision statement for Mahanoy Area;
- A new philosophy for Mahanoy Area;
- A weightroom monitor job description;
- An education service agreement with the Schuylkill IU 29 for the provision of implementing the ParaEducator Preparation Pathways Program which shall be binding between July 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2025;
- An unpaid medical leave of absence for an employee from August 21 through August 31, pending medical results to return to work;
- Two policies for first reading;
- The appointment of the following sports coaches for 2023-24;
- Jeffrey Bowers, Mahanoy City, as an assistant varsity baseball coach at a salary of $3,089.34;
- Caitlee Kessock, Mahanoy City, as a volunteer girls basketball coach;
- Jordan Karmonick, Mahanoy City, as a volunteer girls basketball coach;
- Kelli Bobby, Sugarloaf, as an assistant varsity and head JV volleyball coach at a salary of $3,089.34;
- Cesar Rivera, Wilkes-Barre, as a junior high assistant wrestling coach at a salary of $2,537.67;
- The resignation of StevieLynn Wilner, Mahanoy City, as a part-time custodian effective July 6;
- The appointment of Stephen Bolish, Mahanoy City, as a full-time utility and maintenance employee at an hourly rate of $18, retroactive to July 17;
- The appointment of Jennie Baione, Berwick, as a part-time bus driver at an hourly rate of $23.10 pending completion of employment paperwork;
- The transfer of Michele Moyer, Barnesville, as a part-time bus driver to a substitute bust driver for 2023-24;
- The appointment of Brent Borzak, Frackville, as a secondary ELA teacher at Masters +30 Step 23, $68,567, pending completion of all clearances, paperwork, and trainings, effective when released from his current employer;
- The reclassification of Craig Stine from full-time school police administrator to part-time school police administrator at an hourly rate of $55.39, retroactive to July 1.
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