Bradford Area School District directors approved a resolution
Monday night to remove the collection of per capita taxes from the
2007-08 budget.

Board President Paul Ridley said that the cost of collecting the
taxes compared to the revenue received did not justify continuing
to collect the tax.

“We thought we would help the taxpayers out some by eliminating
it,” said Ridley.

In other business, director Rita Dincher made a motion to deny a
grievance dated Nov. 3 from a member of the Bradford Area Education
Association. The motion passed in the absence of directors Richard
Roupe and Rev. Arthur Cox.

There was no further information available on the matter as it
was a personnel issue, according to Ridley.

Bradford Area High School Principal Ken Coffman reported to the
directors some of the upcoming changes in the high school
registration guide.

Some of those changes include adding new courses to different
areas of study such as robotics to the technology department,
combining and revising business and marketing courses with a
specified interest in accounting and marketing, adding new
electives to the social studies curriculum, such as state and U.S.
military history, and adding advanced biology courses with
biochemistry forensics, which will be offered at the University of
Pittsburgh at Bradford.

Superintendent Sandra Romanowski congratulated student Nick
Reinhardt on his ability to balance music, academics and sports
while attending the high school as highlighted in an article
published in Sunday’s edition of the Olean Times Herald.

Reinhardt is also a part of the vocal jazz ensemble at the high
school who performed Monday evening for the directors on a night
celebrating the work and accomplishments of the directors,
“Creating Opportunity, Inspiring Dreams.”

Student Rachel Garges introduced herself and the fact that the
jazz ensemble has been in existence for three years. She explained
that it is a group that requires auditioning to become a member.
She said there are currently 15 members.

The group sang “Let it Snow,” “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,”
and “Stand By Me,” performed by Ben. E. King. The students, who
were animated and seemed to enjoy themselves while singing,
performed under the direction of choral director Chad Young.

Senior Micah Ridley and Coffman passed out Owls sweatshirts to
the directors on hand.

Floyd C. Fretz Middle School Principal Tina Slaven and student
Elizabeth Ridley thanked the school board directors by handing out
baskets made by students, pointing out mats made for the directors
at their seats and showing a bulletin board thanking them.

“We want to thank you for the hard work, energy and desire you
have to want to provide a quality education to our students,” said
Slaven.

Marianne Carrico, assistant principal in the district, spoke for
students of School Street Elementary and pointed out a bulletin
board students made in thanks to the directors.

“All of us at School Street thank you,” said Carrico.

George G. Blaisdell Elementary School Principal David Jones and
student Amanda Dincher presented directors with a large “thank you”
card that all of the students had signed.

“Thanks for all that you do, giving up your free time,” said
Jones, adding that in front of each director was an angel drawn
just for them from the pre-kindergarten students.