SMETHPORT — The Smethport Area School Board on Monday approved the meal delivery for At Home Distance Learning students and the extension of the Summer Seamless Option until Dec. 31, 2020.
In a recent letter to district families, Food Service Director Erica Zeigler reported that the United States Department of Agriculture has advised that all students will be eligible for free meals whether learning is virtually or in the classroom.
Lunches will include an assortment of main entrees or sandwiches, fresh vegetables, fruit and milk. Cereal and other assorted breakfast items, along with a fruit, juice and milk will be provided for breakfast. A reimbursable meal must be taken. Any extras or snacks will be charged accordingly. Students must have money in their accounts for snacks and extras.
In other news, the directors approved the substitute teacher daily pay rate at $100, beginning with the first day.
Much of the evening’s agenda was devoted to personnel items. Shilah Hassek was appointed a special education teacher, effective Wednesday. Susan Israel was named her mentor.
Judy Kessler was hired as a substitute English teacher at the high school, filling in for Sarah Cheatle, who is on medical sabbatical leave from Sept, 8 to Oct. 16.
Angela Alexis and Kassie Rothermel were approved as temporary year-long substitute teachers for the current school year.
Appointed temporary year-long substitute aides for the 2021 school year were Brian Henry and Bethany Frame.
Sandra Schermerhorn was OKd as a temporary year-long custodian for this school year.
Kayla Larson resigned as a temporary year-long substitute aide and accepted the full-time position as a high school clerical instructional aide.
Tish Howard will serve as Haley Geis’ mentor for the school year. During the fall semester, Jacey Duzick-Forness will serve as mentor for Brittany Ginkle who completed her first half in the spring semester of last school year.
Directors approved the following supplemental contracts: Colby Austin, head baseball coach; Jon Peterson, head softball coach; Rick Woodring, head track/field coach; Tom Alfieri, volunteer assistant boys’ and girls’ basketball coach; Michele Jack, volunteer assistant cheerleading coach for fall sports; and Kim Cavallaro and Sara Durphy, volunteer assistant volleyball coaches.
The board also went on record in support of the following 2021 candidates for positions with the Pennsylvania School Boards Association: David Hein, president-elect; Daniel O’Keefe, vice-president; Michael Gossert, treasurer; Michael Faccinetto and Marianne Neel, PSBA Insurance Trust trustees; and Aimee Kemick, 2021 advisor for Section 2.
Also gaining approval were adjustments to the Athletic Health and Safety Plan to permit limited spectator attendance at the district’s athletic events via complimentary sports passes to student participants, at levels deemed appropriate by the administration and in compliance with guidelines and laws regarding spectators at events.
In his report to the directors, Superintendent David London noted the fall sports schedules have started. “Now, we’re only issuing tickets to 250 people for outside events. I anticipate some changes in this guidance that could let us increase the numbers, but as superintendent I feel we should limit those numbers for health and safety for our students and families,” London said.
London also reported that a company should be at the football field this week to make adjustments and repairs to the lights.
Reporting on the school openings, London said, “At day 14 of the school year, things are going well. The students and faculty are doing a great job with face masks and mitigation efforts.
“The final inspection of the high school roof project is completed, and we’re pleased with the results,” London added.
