California school board praises professional development program
CALIFORNIA — California Area School Board members praised the Professional Development School Collaborative program Wednesday, stating that the initiative has had a positive influence on the relationship between students and teachers.
Superintendent Brian Jackson said the program involves the collaboration between California University of Pennsylvania and five surrounding public school districts, including California Area, Connellsville Area, Elizabeth Forward, Uniontown Area and Washington. The districts work with the university to advance in teaching and learning initiatives, he said.
The program, which began two years ago, started out with Cal U student-teachers coming to the elementary schools, but has now advanced to the middle and high school levels.
Jackson said that the student-teachers and regular classroom teachers develop a co-teaching model. Benefits of the program include, research projects and addressing challenges that frequent the field.
In other matters, the board approved a $1 increase, from $3 and $4, for adult admission to volleyball, soccer and basketball events. Student admission will remain at $2.
Board Secretary Mary Bastin said the increase will help offset the cost to pay officials.
The board also approved a $16,000 renewal Athletic Trainer Article of Agreement with Cal U for the 2014-15 school year.
The cost is per athletic training intern, and board president Amy Todd said the district typically gets one intern each year. Bastin added that the district has had this contract with Cal U for at least the past nine years.
Additionally, the board approved the 2014-15 Intermediate Unit 1 General Budget in the amount of $549,552, with the district’s share being $8,490. This represents a $304 decrease from last year.
Meanwhile, the board voted on several changes in personnel, including the following: Chad Pappasergi, varsity boys’ assistant basketball coach; Ron Baron, assistant baseball coach; Mary Jo Blitski, assistant middle school volleyball coach; and Cabe Powell, middle school boys’ assistant coach.
The board also accepted the resignation of Dave Watkins as assistant varsity soccer coach. The position will be advertised.
In other business, the board:
n Authorized administration to purchase Harris School Solutions software for Payroll in the amount of $8,000, and Harris School Solutions software for Time Management Base System in the amount of $2,000.
n Approved a quote of $5,200 from Burns and Scalo Roofing Co. Inc., of Pittsburgh, for the repair of the damaged flashing board on the front side of the high school building. Bastin said the damage was caused by strong winds.
n Approved the 2013-14 school calendar, which was revised to include snow make-up days. Students will now attend school until June 2.