Mar 10, 2011 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Proposed changes to the 2011-12 calendar for Connellsville Area School District students and teachers will be considered by directors over the next month, according to board action taken Wednesday.

The school calendar is typically routine and approved with only little discussion.

However, the likelihood of a major high school renovation project in progress and an administrative proposal to conduct half-day professional development activities instead of full-day sessions prompted the directors to delay action in order to garner public input.

“We want to get it out in the public and see their reaction,” said Dr. David R. Goodin, district superintendent. “The proposed half-day school sessions are going to impact parents, especially working parents, and we want to know what they think.”

With the board poised to undertake the renovation of the high school, the administration has proposed the start of the school year begin after the Labor Day holiday rather than the week before to give contractors an additional week to work, according to the proposed school calendar.

“A week may not seem like a long time, but it can be very beneficial to the contractors,” said Goodin.

The district is currently soliciting bids for the project and, if approved, work is expected to start in May.

Goodin said that the proposal to divide the now three Act 80 days into six half-day sessions will provide a better opportunity for staff development with a more suitable schedule.

The change would also require students to attend half-day sessions. Currently, students do not attend school during Act 80 days, but are credited with attendance.

“Students now attend 177 days and are given credit for the three Act 80 days to meet the 180 day state requirement,” said Goodin.

James Lembo, district transportation director, said the daily cost for bus transportation would be about $33,000, with the district reimbursed 74 percent through the state Department of Education. The net cost to the district would be about $27,000.

Another issue to be considered is the schedule for private schools. The district currently provides transportation for students attending Geibel Catholic Middle/High School, Conn-Area Catholic School, Champion Christian School and Mount Zion Christian Academy.

Michael Parlak, district security director, said that those developing the schedule should also consider winter school delays and cancellations. “If we would have a two-hour delay, the students would only be in school for one hour (during the half-day sessions),” he said.

Turning to other matters, the board also conducted the following business:

n Appointed Dr. Gina Canada as athletic physician at a cost of $4,800 for the 2011/12 school year.

n Hired Andy Robertson as senior high school football defensive coordinator at a salary of $5,924; John Schroyer, senior high football offensive coordinator, at a salary of $5,924; Derek Petrone, senior high football assistant coach, at a salary of $4,707 and Mark Riggin, grade 9 assistant baseball coach, at a salary of $1,546.

n Added Leah Dellinger, Mary Materkowski and Robin Gaspar to the professional substitute list and Bridgett Riley and Angie Butela to the support professional substitute list.

n Appointed Pam Basinger as elementary school library clerk at an hourly salary of $11.85.