AG directors cancel vote on sending students to vo-tech all year
The Albert Gallatin Area School Board Wednesday canceled a motion that would have paved the way for Fayette County Area Vocational-Technical School students to attend the school for the entire academic year. Dr. Denise Martin, federal programs coordinator, who assumed the role of Superintendent Walter Vicinelly in his absence, said the Uniontown Area School District called a meeting for today to further discuss the issue.
The approval would have required students enrolled at the vo-tech to attend the school for a half of a school day each day for the entire school year and would have done away with the district’s current attendance schedule of students attending the school for full school days for one semester.
The board canceled the motion after meeting in executive session for 35 minutes.
The Laurel Highlands School District currently sends its vo-tech students to the school for a half a day, as does the Brownsville Area School District, which was the first district to carry out the switch.
Over half the vo-tech’s student enrollment this semester was expected to come from the Albert Gallatin and Uniontown area school districts, according to enrollment figures provided by the vo-tech school.
Meanwhile, board members were recognized for their leadership as part of January’s School Director Recognition Month.
D. Ferd Swaney Elementary School presented a video featuring school directors from across the state speaking on their reasons for performing the no-pay work that they nonetheless love.
As part of a lighthearted presentation after the video, fourth-grade student Donald Dillow gave each board member a “survival kit” to guide them through their “complex challenges.”
Among the items Dillon listed as being contained in the kit were tissues “for parents with issues,” a notepad “to help you remember all the details,” a fan “to keep you from overheating” and aspirin “caused by the stress of the position.”
Dillon said, “We hope you use all these items to make it through the stress of the year.”
Carol Ryan, principal of the elementary school, said the board “works hard to keep abreast of trends in education and are deeply involved in the community,” adding that “hopefully you walk away from here knowing you are appreciated for all you have done for our district.”
She also acknowledged several teachers she said helped to organize the recognition event. When she calls on her faculty and staff, she said she’s “tapping into a wealth of talent and creativity.”
From the audience, Terry Ryan of Adah, a candidate for school board in the last May primary, congratulated board members for doing a good job running the district.
“We have a great school board that agree with one another and a great superintendent – just look at our test scores,” said Ryan. “I ask that you always remember the taxpayers, roll up your sleeves and work together to get the job done.”
Ryan said he plans to run for school board in 2009.
The school board in further business:
– Approved a $2,186 change order to relocate a heat pump on the mezzanine as part of the $9 million project to construct a new A.L. Wilson Elementary School in Fairchance.
Martin said the project is moving along smoothly and the new school should be turned over to the district in June.
– Entered into an articulation agreement with West Virginia Career Institute to offer students the opportunity to earn credits at the institute while in high school.
– Accepted the retirement of cafeteria worker Patti Arnold effective Feb. 14.
– Approved an artist-in-residence program for the high school at a cost of $1,675. The two-week program will begin in February, according to high school principal Joetta Britvich.
– Added 13 people to the teacher substitute list. Martin said those added possess either emergency substitute or regular teaching certification.
– Granted final approval for an honors English trip to New York in February; for the Future Business Leaders of America student organization to attend the State Leadership Conference at a cost of $4,606 in March; and for the district to pay for bus transportation for Smithfield elementary students to attend the Shakespeare Festival in February.
– Scheduled the next regular meeting for 7 p.m. Feb. 20 and the next work session for 6 p.m. Feb. 19.
Both meetings will be held in the D. Ferd Swaney Elementary School cafeteria.