Mar 17, 2011 By Carla Destefano 3 min read

In a forward movement to renovate an elementary school in the Albert Gallatin Area School District, directors approved the first two steps in the state’s reimbursement program.

The board voted Wednesday to take action of the initial steps in the PlanCon process, which enables qualifying school districts undergoing major construction projects to seek reimbursement from the state Department of Education.

At the meeting, directors approved action for PlanCon part A, project justification, which provides to the state the description of a proposed budget and the justification of its need.

Part B, schematic design, was also approved and will provide a technical review of the conceptual drawings, site plan and educational specifications.

The district is planning a $5 million to $6 million renovation project to the school, with work encompassing virtually the entire building, including an addition to replace portable rooms and new flooring, hardware, technology and telecommunications.

The renovations will also include a major energy upgrade that will affect lighting, heating, air-conditioning and plumbing. The architect company for the project is Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates Architects of Canonsburg.

In other business, school officials are planning informational sessions for parents and guardians of students in the district to help them better understand Adequate Yearly Progress, an academic measurement defined by the federal No Child Left Behind Act, and interpret data through the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System.

PVAAS reports are now available online for public viewing at pvaas.sas.com. PVAAS reports show a district or school’s effectiveness in making academic progress with students.

“Achievement results (PSSA) and growth results (PVAAS) must be used together to get a complete picture of student learning,” said Carl Bezjak, district superintendent. “The Albert Gallatin School District is pleased to help our parents /guardians understand this new way of looking at data.”

Sessions are planned for 4-5 p.m. April 11 in every building in the district. Principals will be available to supply information for both AYP and navigating the new PVAAS reporting site.

In personnel moves, the board hired Jamie Miller as the assistant girls softball coach at the high school and Jeremy Keefer as the assistant middle school track coach.

The board also voted to add Tamara Guerrieri to the professional substitute list pending receipt of all proper documents.

The board also:

n Approved the addition of the physical education curriculum for credit advancement and recovery.

n Approved the revised 2010-11 school calendar with June 3 as graduation and the last day of school for all other students as June 6.

n Granted permission for the purchase of 75 Earobics student licenses and components for Earobics Speech program at a cost of $12,135 paid by Access.

n Approved a lease between the district and Atlas America, LLC for certain, noncontiguous tracts of land, comprised of 200.226 acres for a royalty of 14 percent and a lease bonus of approximately $140,182, or $700 per acre.