CASD board prepares for contract talks
CONNELLSVILLE – The Connellsville Area School District will likely hire an Altoona law firm to spearhead contract talks with its teacher union, according to tentative action taken Monday during the board’s planning meeting. The directors agreed to place the legal firm of Andrews and Beard on the agenda for confirmation at the Wednesday voting session, said board member Jeffrey Harvey so that the district will be prepared to meet with the union representatives in January.
The current six-year agreement with the teachers expires June 30.
“We need to get started,” said Harvey, speculating that health care, pension and salary will be the key issues when the two sides meet face to face.
While district representatives negotiate contracts with support personnel, Harvey said that the past practice of the district has been to hire an outside negotiator to lead the discussions with the teachers who are affiliated with the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
Turning to other business, the board is also poised to take action in the following matters on Wednesday:
– Name Donna Benzio, health assistant teacher, as the instructor for the mandatory clinical portion of the Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center (CACTC) Nurse Aide Program.
– Admit Kayla Neighbors as a non-traditional student in the CACTC cosmetology program and Jennifer Powell and Tammy Youler as non-traditional students in the nurse aide program.
– Approve the attendance of approximately 20 CACTC students and two teachers to attend the Skills USA Western Region Leadership Training Workshop at Seven Springs Resort Oct. 31 through Nov. 3 at an approximate cost of $5,000 for substitute teachers, registration, transportation, lodging and meals.
– Reschedule the Nov. 20 and 22 planning and regular meetings to Nov. 13 and 15.
– Authorize James Henigin, senior high band teacher, and 120 students to travel to Norfolk, Va., April 12 -15 at no cost to the district.
– Approve Henry Molinaro, senior high music teacher, and 50 students to travel to New York City, N.Y., March 7-10 at no cost to the district.
– Authorize Eleanorann Miller, senior high teacher, and three students to attend the PA State Thespian Conference Planning Meeting in Bucks County Oct. 21-22 at a cost of $50 for a substitute teacher.
– Approve Marsha Brady and Steve Clark, elementary music teachers, and approximately 70 students to travel to Cleveland, Ohio, May 11-13 at no cost to the district.