Administrators gave their reports at the June 11 meeting of the Canton Area School District Board of Education.
Superintendent of Schools Matt Gordon "commended and acknowledged all our staff, students and administrators for reaching the end of the course and successfully completing all assessments." He noted several end-of-the-year events that recognized the achievements of the students. A dinner was held for Holly Keegan, Pat Pepper and Brenda Hilfiger, all of whom retired at the end of the school year.
"They will be missed," Mr. Gordon said.
Superintendent of Schools Matt Gordon "commended and acknowledged all our staff, students and administrators for reaching the end of the course and successfully completing all assessments." He noted several end-of-the-year events that recognized the achievements of the students. A dinner was held for Holly Keegan, Pat Pepper and Brenda Hilfiger, all of whom retired at the end of the school year.
"They will be missed," Mr. Gordon said.
Mr. Gordon told the board that after students were dismissed for the year on June 5, the district had a day and a half od In-Service days.
He also said that several school board committees met on the budget, personnel, and other matters. "I thank the board for its diligence and its service," he said. He thanked the staff for assisting the students to "work harder and smarter and be better prepared than they ever have been" for assessment tests. "Teachers and staff did an outstanding job."
Mr. Gordon then commented on the state government. "The governor's proposed budget was unanimously defeated," he said, adding, "Get ready for a zoo!" The governor has proposed reducing the fees for mandatory clearances to $8 for professionals and eliminating the fee for volunteers.
A moratorium has been proposed on the Keystone Exam. "250,000 haven't passed the Keystone Assessment…that's why they have proposed a moratorium."
A bill is under consideration that will relieve school districts of some mandated reports.
In closing, Mr. Gordon said, 'We wish all a safe and enjoyable summer. Lots of good things happened this year; lots of good things."
Elementary Principal John Rimmer said sixty out of sixty eight pupils were promoted from Sixth Grade at a ceremony. The students were recognized for their accomplishments. Mr. Rimmer said that Kindergarten Camp will be held August 17 to 20. He said that students may still sign up for the Kindergarten Camp.
Final elementary enrollment was 515, which is down eight in a month and down twenty since the first day of school.
High School Principal Craig Coleman "echoed Mr. Gordon;s remarks about the end of the school year," and recognized the professional and support staff. He said that enrollment dropped over the course of the year from 435 to 395.
Physicals for high school sports will be given August 5. There is a fee of $15 and the physical is valid for the entire school year. Fall practices will start in August 17 and Seventh Grade orientation will be held on August 27.
Dan Coran, Special Education Supervisor, reported on the Extended School Year program, which will begin June 22. Troy will join Canton in this program which will be given in Canton. Seventeen students will attend. Session One will be from J¨ne 22 to July 2 and Session Two from July 13 to 23. (There are no sessions on Fridays.)
"I appreciate all the special education teachers and paraprofessionals. They do an outstanding job of serving the kids of this community; and for helping the students function in a regular classroom."
Business Manager Mark Jannone said he would "mirror comments about the support staff.," and added bus contractors and drivers. "They had an outstanding year. They are the best around." He also said that Shedden's did as good job mowing the school lawns and Cuz Excavating did a good job on snow removal.
Mr. Jannone said that the board would be asked to approve a new policy on cafeteria charging by students. "It's getting worse," he said. There are far too many negative accounts." He said that negative accounts may not be carried over from year to year. "We had so many negative accounts at the end of the year, but all paid off except for one." He said the district may send that account for collection. He said that the district will offer an alternative lunch for any account over $5 in debt. Anyone over $10 will be shut off," he said.
Mr. Jannone said that the school pans to install protective crash mats along the end walls of the gymnasium. Sponsorships for this will be offered to local businesses. For $300 businesses can purchase a 3 ft x 3 ft decal which will be displayed on the crash mat for three years. The contract is renewable after that. Eleven sponsors are sought, and two board members immediately committed to sponsorships" Ryan Allen of Carol Welch Insurance and Gary Black of Lepley, Engelman & Yaw,
Mr. Jannone said that the 2015-16 deficit will be covered by the fund balance. He recommended that the board take another $500,000 out of the fund balance and use it to purchase down the 2010A bond series which the district is preparing to refinance. In conjunction with the refinancing, this will save the district a minimum of $225,000.
There were no visitor comments . The Athletic committee conducted on some interviews for coaches and the personnel committee met twice and made some hiring recommendations.
The board approved the first reading of revised policy 808, Food Services; and of new policies 819, Suicide Awareness, Prevention and Response; and 819.1, Canton Crisis/Suicide Intervention Procedure.
The final 2015 Class List was approved and ht board approved the Fourth Quarter library reports for the Elementary and High School.
Prior to tonight's board meeting. the board held an executive session for personnel and legal issues.