TOWER CITY — Williams Valley’s state championship girls’ softball team continues to garner accolades.
Acting Superintendent Jolene D. Smith told the school board Thursday the team received proclamations from Gov. Tom Wolf, Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, and the Dauphin County commissioners when they visited Harrisburg on Aug. 17.
On a related note, the board approved hiring Ryan Underkoffler as the new head softball coach, with prior head coach Lee Reiser stepping down to serve as a volunteer assistant coach.
Michael D. Miller, Muir, attended the meeting, providing the board with an update on the process of qualifying school archery teams for state competition. He said teams would need to either attend or host a state qualifying tournament between Oct. 1, 2016, and Feb. 5, 2017, to be eligible. Miller also said an NRA grant is available for archery teams, but the application must be completed by Oct. 15. Miller, a certified instructor, has applied for Williams Valley’s head archery coach position, which recently became vacant after coach Adam Kravatz resigned. The board took no action on hiring a new archery coach Thursday.
The district administrators provided an update on the start of the upcoming school year.
Elementary Principal Stephanie Carl said two open houses held for first- through fourth-grade and for kindergarten pupils and their families went well. Normally, the open houses are held after the school year begins, she said. Carl said she heard positive comments from parents about allowing their students to see their classrooms and meet their teachers prior to the start of classes. An open house for fifth- and sixth-graders will be held in September.
High School Principal Tracey Weller and Assistant High School Principal Christine Sisko reported the seventh-grade orientation this week also went smoothly. Incoming students learned how to open their lockers, toured the building, and received a pizza lunch in the cafeteria. Sisko thanked staff for coordinating transportation for the event. Weller said district staff are ready to begin the academic year, and the cyber program has received great support.
Jessica Savitsky, special eduction supervisor, said she’s been working with the district administrators and is looking forward to forming a cohesive team between the regular education and special education personnel.
In other action, the board approved:
• Hiring Diane Whitcomb, Williamstown, as a nurse’s assistant for the 2016-17 school year, starting Aug. 23, at a salary of $31,000.
• Hiring Courtney Campbell, Gratz, as a health and physical education teacher, starting Aug. 17, at a salary of $32,000.
• Hiring Ashley Guzinski as a long-term substitute business teacher for the 2016-17 school year, starting Aug. 23, at a salary of $35,000.
• Benjamin Pratt, York, at $180 per hour, independent counsel as needed.
• The resignation of Jill Johns, Tower City, as a part-time high school office secretary, effective Aug. 23.
• Tyler Bettinger and Amy Lake, both of Tower City, and Joe Yurkonis, Frackville, as guest teachers for the 2016-17 school year.
• Adding Patti Ulsh, Wiconisco, and Melissa Stroup, Williamstown, to the 2016-17 event staff.
• The amendment of the contract with Network Support Specialist Shay Paul for the 2016-17 school year.
• Hiring Steven Hill and Geno Sanchez, both of Tower City, as elementary part-time paraprofessionals for the 2016-17 school year.
• Advertising for two full-time custodians and a part-time weekend custodian.
• Michael Malick, Tower City, as volunteer assistant boys’ soccer coach.
• Adding Adam Kramer and Jennifer Kramer, Wiconisco, as volunteer event staff for the 2016-17 school year.
• Deborah Scott, Pine Grove, as a bus driver for the 2016-17 school year.
• A salary increase of $400 for elementary teacher Kori Nye for earning 12 approved graduate credits after obtaining a master’s degree.
• Rescinding the motions from August 11 to appoint the following as paraprofessionals for the 2016-17 school year: Smantha Rhody and Jennifer Blain, both of Tower City.
• Adding Ann Shutt, Tower City, to the substitute teacher list for the 2016-17 school year, with certification in special education.
• The 21st Century Community Center Schuylkill Achieve after-school program. It will begin Sept. 14 and run from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday until May 17, 2017, with bus transportation offered at 5:30 p.m. The program is provided via Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, Cohort 7, Year 3. The costs to the district are snacks and drinks. Staff includes Susan Diegert, site coordinator, and Wendy Hueston, Kristina Miller, Morgan Williard, Anne Pirie, Matthew Fickinger, Joel Guldin, LeAnn Unger, Mandi Jobe, Chelsea Artz and Edie Tanner.
• The following free programs to be presented by Melanie Yeager, from the Northern Dauphin County YMCA: Interrupted Alcohol, Marijuana (high school health); Botvin Life Skills (senior high and elementary); Too Much To Lose; Gateway Drugs; Too Good for Violence; and Too Much To Lose Gambling Prevention.
The next meeting will be held 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8 in the board room of the high school.