School News
- Last Updated on Wednesday, 07 August 2013 20:34
Ringgold School Board Meeting – July 31, 2013
By Paul Chasko
First on the agenda for the July 31 Ringgold School Board meeting was a report on the Ringgold Middle School Inspections from Mr. Brian Chandler of WBCM Architecture Engineering Construction.
By Paul Chasko
First on the agenda for the July 31 Ringgold School Board meeting was a report on the Ringgold Middle School Inspections from Mr. Brian Chandler of WBCM Architecture Engineering Construction.
The building has been exposed to expansion of the pyrite-bearing soil beneath the floor of the building for many years causing some movement and cracking in the foundation. Chandler summarized recent inspections performed on the Middle School foundation and walls. He reported that, “There continues to be some minute movement but there were no alarming findings requiring attention.” Subsequently, he declared, “the building is ‘Safe for Occupation’ for the coming 2013/2014 school year.” His plans for the coming year include stepped-up monitoring and a visual inspection of the supporting structural beams beneath the cafeteria area floor. He also plans a “winter inspection” to determine if cold temperatures affect the movements of the building.
It was obvious from the ensuing discussion that the School Board intends to be very pro-active in monitoring the condition of the existing middle school building. In addition to approving the contract for continuing engineering inspections, the board asked the district’s maintenance supervisors to set up their own inspection program to cover the periods between Chandler’s inspections. The building will be occupied by about 800 students during the 2013/2014 school year.
Looking ahead, the board will continue to maintain the building until the state renews accepting applications for partial financial support (PlanCon Program) for the construction of new school buildings. The last discussions on facilities planning indicated that the existing board would apply for PlanCon support for the construction of a new middle school on Ringgold property adjacent to the existing High School in Carroll Township. However, the November election will see a shake-up of the school board as seven of the nine board member’s terms expire this year. Last May’s primary election results indicate that the current thinking on new middle school construction may not change with a newly elected board.
In Regular Business:
All nine board members were present at this meeting as were the Solicitor, Secretary/Treasurer/the Superintendent of Schools and members of the Administration.
It was obvious from the ensuing discussion that the School Board intends to be very pro-active in monitoring the condition of the existing middle school building. In addition to approving the contract for continuing engineering inspections, the board asked the district’s maintenance supervisors to set up their own inspection program to cover the periods between Chandler’s inspections. The building will be occupied by about 800 students during the 2013/2014 school year.
Looking ahead, the board will continue to maintain the building until the state renews accepting applications for partial financial support (PlanCon Program) for the construction of new school buildings. The last discussions on facilities planning indicated that the existing board would apply for PlanCon support for the construction of a new middle school on Ringgold property adjacent to the existing High School in Carroll Township. However, the November election will see a shake-up of the school board as seven of the nine board member’s terms expire this year. Last May’s primary election results indicate that the current thinking on new middle school construction may not change with a newly elected board.
In Regular Business:
All nine board members were present at this meeting as were the Solicitor, Secretary/Treasurer/the Superintendent of Schools and members of the Administration.
The board passed motions to:
· Approve the Treasurer’s Report
· Pay bills due from the following accounts:
o General fund $2,878,752.75
o Cafeteria Fund $1,306.19
o Capital Reserve $35,685.31
· Pay R&B Mechanical $28,748.34 for services related to the High School Pool Area Dehumidification Project.
· Pay Keystone Waterproofing Inc. $48,973.54 for services related to the High School Masonry Repair Project.
· Pay WBC&M $4,752 for engineering monitoring at the Ringgold Middle School.
· Accepted a proposal for continued engineering monitoring of the Ringgold Middle School.
· Pass a resolution of merchant authorizing participation in a merchant service program.
· Approve a resolution for free and reduced cost lunches that are reimbursed by the state.
· Accepted the immediate resignation of a Mechanic II worker.
· Hired six teachers.
· Hired Lori Farnsworth as an Elementary Assistant Principal.
· Hired Gregory Locy as Assistant Principal at the Ringgold High School.
· Changed the substitute rates as follows:
o Substitute Aides $ 8.50
o Substitute Cafeteria $ 8.50
o Substitute Clerical $ 8.50
o Substitute Custodian $ 10.34
o Substitute Maintenance I $ 14.00
o Substitute Maintenance II $ 11.60
· Employ the following as school dentists
o Dr. Randall Rodriguez
o Dr. William Franz
· Employ the following as school doctors
o Dr. Dimitri Petro
o Dr. Joseph Michaels
· Suggested letters of thanks to the Doctors and Dentists serving the district at reduced fees.
· Accepted a letter of resignation from a Special Education Aide
· Accepted a request for an unpaid leave of absence – custodian
· Made the following additions to the Substitute Roster
o Three Teachers
o 1 Nurse
o 1 Teacher’s Aide
o 1 Custodian
o 2 Security
o 2 Bus Driver Trainees
· Accept a letter of resignation from a Special Education Teacher
· Approved a return to Ringgold High School for a student in an Educational Placement Program.
· Granted permission for Madonna Catholic to use the Ringgold Middle School Gym for Volleyball Games.
· Approved the appointment of the following coaches for Fall Sports:
Cross Country
o Jennifer McMichael – Head Coach
o Vacant – Assistant Coach
o Sarah Scharding – Middle School Head Coach
o Steve Spang – Middle School Assistant Coach
Football
o Scott Knee – Assistant Coach
o Brett Berrish - Assistant Coach
o Chet Welc - Assistant Coach
o Brandon Livsey - Assistant Coach
o Matt Wujcik - Assistant Coach
o Jim Trenk - Assistant Coach
o Jim McGinley - Assistant Coach
o Darryl Yonkers – Middle School Head Coach
o Bob Bove – Middle School Assistant Coach
o Don Burns – Volunteer
Golf
o Bob Osleger – Head Coach
o Eric Manko – Assistant Coach
Boy’s Soccer
o Frank Perez – Head Coach
o Steve Persuad – Assistant Coach
o Brett Colagiovanni – Assistant Coach
o James Persons – Middle School Head Coach
o Kurt Olinger – Middle School Assistant Coach
Girl’s Soccer
o Tom Cameron – Head Coach
o Dana Gallifa – Assistant Coach
o Angela Gorman – Assistant Coach
o Kamari Garland – Middle School Head Coach
o Mary Lou Mathies – Middle School Assistant Coach
Girl’s Tennis
o Sarah Phillips – Head Coach
Volleyball
o Christina DeMarco-Beeden – Assistant Coach
· Approved the appointment of the following coaches for Winter Sports:
Boy’s Basketball
o Phil Pergola – Head Coach
o Jim Williams – Assistant Coach
o Chris DeBerardinis – Assistant Coach
Girl’s Basketball
o Laura Grimm – Head Coach
Girl’s Softball
o Brandy Piccolino – Head Coach
Cheerleading
o Maria Matinko – Varsity Head Cheerleading Coach
o Lianne Danko – JV Cheerleading Coach
o Carly Ziegler – Head Spirit Coach
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