Uniontown Area School Board appoints assistant to superintendent
Uniontown Area School Board on Monday approved a measure that will give additional authority to the district’s current transportation director and federal funds coordinator.
Directors unanimously approved the appointment of Thomas Colebank as assistant to the superintendent with no change in salary and no additional duties, according to Superintendent Dr. Charles Machesky.
“Someone needs to be available in the case I am not able or available to make decisions,” Machesky said.
Machesky, who served as the district’s superintendent for 11 years, is completing a one-year stint in acting capacity for no pay. He informed directors last month that his last day will be March 28. He said he felt it is important to have someone in place in the interim to lead the district while a replacement is sought.
Director Susan Clay expressed concern that Colebank may stretched too thin. But when asked by Machesky, Colebank confirmed that he is comfortable and would not feel overwhelmed with additional responsibilities.
In a split-decision, the board approved the hiring of a special education teacher assigned to Uniontown Area High School.
The move is needed to comply with state regulations according to department chairperson Dr. Annette Conte.
“Currently, our most severe special needs classrooms are over the allowable state caseload,” said Conte.
Courtney Swenglish has been working in the district as a para-professional teacher’s aide, is now hired to serve in the life skills position.
Directors Clay, Lloyd Williams, Dorothy Grahek, Thomas R. George, Bill Rittenhouse and Ken Meadows voted in favor of the hire. Bill Gerke and Vincent Winfrey were opposed.
The directors also split a decision to maintain the employment of a resolution officer for an approximate salary of $25,000 per year.
The position, which has been held by K-9 Officer Michael Garrow since December 2011, was funded by a non-renewable state grant.
“The city will now graciously underwrite half the cost,” said Machesky.
The school district and the city of Uniontown will now split the cost for the security position, which Machesky said is important.
“In this day and age you can’t have enough security,” Machesky said.
He also lauded Garrow for his work over the last year, calling him a vital part of the school culture.
Board members Phillip Holt, Gerke, Grahek and George all voted against the measure, saying they wanted to have more time to review the costs and affordability.