Community developer asks SE Greene board for project support
MAPLETOWN — A community developer asked Southeastern Greene School Board members for support of a $2 million renovation project on a school building in Greensboro.
Greensboro Elm Street progam manager Darlene Urban Garrett said that the Greensboro Public School, which was built in 1903 but has not been used in the last 15 years, has potential for the community.
Feasibility studies show that the renovation of the historical building into a learning center would be enriching, said Garrett.
Garrett proposes that the center would offer extracurricular classes that are not easily obtained to community members such as art classes, digital photography or learning to play musical instruments.
“If a child wants to dance, they can easily find lessons within the community, but if a child wants to pursue learning how to play the cello they have to drive to Brownsville,” said Garrett.
The learning center would be for children and adults, and it could be used as an after school learning center, she said.
“I think that as people age it is important to continue learning,” said school Director Joseph Spiker. “I would obviously support lifelong learning.”
Garrett said that she wants to be able to work with school administrators and teachers to continue the educational project. Eventually, she hopes to form a partnership with the district.
The board said they will discuss the project at the August meeting.
Also at the meeting, the board agreed to hire three employees.
Gabrielle Gruber will be the autistic/special needs instructor at Bobtown Elementary school, Breanne Paletta will be the autistic/life skills instructor at Mapletown Junior/Senior High School and Samantha Bonamo will be the licensed practical nurse.
The quote from Windstream Communications also was approved by the board to update the telecommunication system at the junior/senior high school. The cost is not to exceed $32,000.
The board said that the upgrade will permit telephones in the classrooms and direct dialing between the high school and the elementary school. The upgrade will also permit a significant reduction in monthly service fees.
The board also agreed to solicit bids for new surveillance cameras and wireless clocks at the junior/senior high school.
“The cameras we have now just don’t reach enough areas in the building,” said Patrick Sweeney, business manager.
Sweeney said that the cameras were last updated six years ago.
By providing wireless clocks, the times will be displayed consistently throughout the building.
In other matters, the board agreed to approve the change order from Three Rivers Wholesale to purchase an additional 25 lockers. The additional lockers would increase the count to a total of 303 lockers, which will ensure an adequate amount of lockers for the future.
Sweeney said that anyone interested in the old lockers can call him at 724-943-3630.
A wrestling program will come to Southeastern Greene. This will be the first time that the district will have a wrestling program in the last 15-20 years, said Sweeney. The agreement is contingent upon a minimum of 12 students engaging in the sport.
The board agreed to approve Christopher Shilk as the head varsity boys wrestling coach for the 2011-12 school year.
The agreement with NovaCare rehabilitation was also approved by the board to provide athletic training services for the 2011-12 school year at a cost of $26,000. The cost is about $1,000 more than last year, said Sweeney.
In other business, the board:
n Hired in extracurricular positions Jay Donley, head varsity softball coach; Kevin Pincavitch, assistant softball coach; and John Kendrella, volunteer assistant softball coach.
n Granted tenure to Claudine Ferek, Jennifer George, Kristen Haywood, Kristin Jakiel and Michelle Milvet.