After 15 months of Zoom meetings, the Bradford Area School District board of education was finally able to meet in-person in the large group instruction room at Floyd C. Fretz Middle School.
The in-person gathering was in accordance with the state’s easing of mask restrictions, and had been mandated to be held by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
At the end of the meeting, board member Paul Ridley looked out at audience members and remarked, “It’s good to be back and see everybody.”
The in-person meetings had ceased back in March of 2020 after a nationwide shutdown of businesses, schools and other entities due to the pandemic.
In business and financial affairs reviewed at the start of the meeting, Judy Bodamer, director of finance, told the board that the 2021-2022 general fund budget of $44,729,859, represents no tax increase for district residents. The board approved the budget as well as the capital reserve budget in the amount of $584,837.
After the board’s approval, Ridley commended Bodamer and her staff, as well as Superintendent Katharine Pude, “for putting together a budget during trying times when there are so many uncertainties — we just appreciate your work.”
During the students and curriculum report, Pude requested that the board approve the hiring of a third School Resource Officer, contingent on the availability of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) federal funding as well as the approval by Bradford City Council. Pude said the recommendation for the additional SRO was voiced by the district’s safety and security council, which met last week.
In an update on the district’s health and safety plan, Pude said that while the plan would not be reviewed at the meeting, she recommended that the district open its doors to community groups that requested use of the facilities after hours at the schools. The board approved this measure.
In personnel matters, the board approved the resignations of Kelsey Powers, science teacher at Fretz, who served six years, resignation effective June 30; Kerri Dach, special education teacher at Bradford Area High School, who served seven years, effective June 30; Matthew George, construction trades teacher at the high school, who served one year, effective June 18; Edward Prince, assistant middle school girls’ soccer coach, effective June 28; Brad Petit, assistant middle school coach, effective June 28; and Sheldon Bourdeau, teacher at George G. Blaisdell Elementary, effective June 24.
The board also approved the hiring of Joshua Bailey, PC field technician, School Street Elementary School, effective July 1; Hannah Leposa, music teacher at School Street and Fretz, salary of $43,668, effective Aug. 17; Carla Gigliotti, school counselor at GGB, salary of $49,418, effective Aug. 17; Caleb Hettinger, science teacher at Fretz, salary of $42,468, effective Aug. 17; and math implementation specialists, Nicole Lohrman at GGB and Richille Denora at School Street.
In her report, Pude said the district has 166 kindergarten students enrolled for the upcoming school year as well as 54 pre-kindergarten students. She noted there is expected to be COVID-19 tests available for the upcoming school year, but the state has not made the final determination on this.
On another note Pude said it had been difficult to find summer teachers, and it is even more difficult to find school bus drivers for next year. She said the district is actively seeking drivers and will train those interested for the positions.
Pude also took a moment out of the meeting to present flowers to outgoing student council representative Grace Dalton for her year of service at board meetings. Dalton told the board that Monday’s meeting was the first time she sat in on the session in-person. Dalton also introduced incoming student council president Ryley Cleveland, who will serve at future board meetings.
