SMETHPORT — The directors of the Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit Nine voted Monday to curtail two programs — one at the Career and Technical Center in Port Allegany and one in the Otto-Eldred School District.
The cosmetology program at the Career and Technical Center will be curtailed, beginning in the 2017-18 school year, which reflects the decision of the superintendents of the Career and Technical Centers in ten participating districts. One full-time instructor will be affected.
The IU9’s special education program at Otto-Eldred will be curtailed starting the next school year after that district’s directors voted to operate its own emotional support classes. That decision will affect one full-time teacher with transfer rights and a part-time instructor without transfer rights.
Kim DeGolier, director of business and management, reviewed the first draft of the educational agency’s 2017-18 general operating budget that outlines the spending plans and projected revenues for administration, management, curriculum services, pupil services and instructional media services.
During the discussion of the budget, Joe Bennett of the Otto-Eldred School District mentioned the need for a graphic artist in the IMS print shop.
Anita Danielson, assistant to the executive director, and Executive Director Don Wismar, both explained the important role of this position, with Wismar noting that last year a half-timer position was eliminated from this shop. ‘I truly believe we need this position,” he said.
Danielson said that having a graphic designer allows the IU to gain some revenue.
Additionally, it was reported that the Superintendents Advisory Council voted in favor of retaining the job.
Due mainly to increased salaries and benefits, healthcare and contributions to the Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS), this budget, which was presented to the 14 school district superintendents in McKean, Cameron Elk and Potter counties, is up 3.3 percent over the current one.
The school districts’ contributions in the tentative budget will increase by 1.87 percent. Since the state’s intermediate units, which replaced the former county offices of education, have no taxing authority, they rely on school districts for much of their financial support.
By a 7 to 3 vote, the directors approved the Act 93 Administrator Compensation Plan. A later vote showed unanimous support for salary increases of 1.5 percent for the support staff, part-time employees and those not in the administrative category.
In other business, the directors accepted the State Equivalent Grant, for which the Career and Technical Center has qualified. Career and Technical Center Director James Young said this is a matching grant for $68,438. Equipment to be purchased will an automotive lift, weld tester, Precision 375 TIG welder and aluminum MIG welder and Dynasty 700 TIG welder.
Requesting more information, directors voted to table consideration of a motion with Zito Business of Coudersport to provide a Hosted PEX solution for telephones for the early intervention offices in Port Allegany and the IU administration building in Smethport.
Terms of five IU9 directors are due to expire June 3. They are Ralph Young of Austin; Robert Lininger of Cameron County; Shane Launer of Johnsonburg; Aimee Kemick of Ridgway; and William Funk of Smethport.
The IU9 administration has been informed that Young, Lininger, Launer, Kemick and Funk have accepted nominations, and their names will be on the ballot for election to three-year terms through June 30, 2020.
Thomas Kerek, the Kane Area School District representative, urged his fellow directors to inform their respective directors about the Pennsylvania School Boards Association session at the Clearfield Career and Technical Center at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Registrations can be accepted online at the PSBA website.
