rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
CANTON — Canton Area School District board members approved a preliminary budget for the 2021/22 school year on their Zoom meeting on Thursday, April 8.
Business Manager’s Report
The budget is set at $17,783,502 with revenues at $17,222,531, according to business manager Mark Jannone. About 1.4 million is the result of expending some of the COVID ESSR funds “It’s abnormally inflated this year,” said Jannone. “As well as the revenue actually. We are still projected at a deficit of about $500,000.”
“We are not raising taxes for the 21/22 school year. We are trying to use the COVID relief funds in the most efficient way in order to minimize the financial impact on our taxpayers,” said Jannone.
At the finance committee meeting, Jannone and the committee broke down the expenses to be paid with the ESSR money, with approval from the board per the budget. The two items they discussed were a new truck for the maintenance/cafeteria to haul lunches and ionizers at each of the air handlers and duct work throughout the buildings (145 units).
“All the air that cycles through the building go through these air units,” said Jannone. “These devices will kill any living organisms in the units: viruses, mold, for example.”
Superintendent’s Report
Gov. Wolf announced that $4.9 billion in federal aid is expected to go to K-12 schools, according to Dr. Eric Briggs. It’s provided by the American Rescue plan to help with elementary and secondary school relief. At least 20% of the money needs to go to “learning loss” and social and emotional academic needs of unrepresented students. Funds must be used by September 2024. The application process will be posted on the website. Pennsylvania Department of Education will use the remaining $500 million ESSR funds for interventions that address learning loss and summer and after school programs.
“That 20% is going to be about $500,000 for this school district,” said Briggs. He said he will be presenting to the community in the coming weeks how they plan to gather baseline data on the “unfinished learning.”
The elementary and high school has partnered with Thompson’s Apparel on affordable Warrior apparel. Profits are shared between the elementary and high school. Patrons can buy the apparel online and have it shipped directly to them or pick up at the store at 10 West Main Street. To order, go to www.canton.k12.pa.us/spirit-store.
The Title One Family Night at the school was a success he reported.
“We’d like to thank all of the families that showed up to support the students.”
He said they continue their evaluation observation process in the schools.
Teacher of the marking period is Michelle Harkness. “Thank you for going above and beyond for our students.”
Chorus concerts were held in March and were a huge success. Band concerts took place this past week.
June 14-July 1 in the Elementary school (Mondays-Thursdays) will be the extended school year service program. This will take place 8:30-11:30 a.m.
The Special Olympics have been cancelled this year due to the pandemic.
Other news
The board approved a contract with Boggs Hi-Tech Solutions for a $10,000 upgrade to the sound system. This specific upgrade is “phase 2” of the project, which will improve not only the speakers, but the sound panel as well. They hope the work can be completed before the high school’s drama production in May.
The board also approved three field trips for the end of the year: a band field trip, a science club trip and the annual senior trip.
During committee reports, school board member Neal Palmer spoke about his concern with BLAST, stating he thinks there is not enough transparency with the department. BLAST offers a wide range of services and programs for students including Early Intervention, Alternative Education, and more and serves Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, and Tioga Counties – with approximately 30,000 students. “Neal has been very transparent with me in sharing his concerns,” said Dr. Briggs. He also reminded the board that he and Jannone do look over bills from the department.
“It’s run with a ‘my way or the highway’ type attitude,” said Palmer.
Because of confidentiality reasons, Palmer did not go into much detail.
The board did briefly discuss whether they have the option to look elsewhere for services, but have not made an official decision.
A virtual finance committee took place on March 16. An executive session of the board was held prior to this meeting. The next Canton Area School District Meeting will be Thursday, May 13, at 5 p.m. in the cafeteria of the high school.