THE PTSD SAGA CONTINUES

Coach Piccinini's Lawyer Issues Statement: Peters Patch 1-27-12

2012-01-28T07:37:00.000-05:00

Coach Piccinini's Lawyer Issues Statement

Attorney Robert G. Del Greco, Jr. spoke on behalf of Rich Piccinini Friday evening.

By Andrea Bosco
Email the author
January 27, 2012

On Thursday, Peters police began an investigation on the Peters Township High School football program after receiving a complaint Wednesday from the county's Children and Youth Services Department.

Police Chief Harry Fruecht launched the investigation after receiving a complaint from CYS that "an alleged perpetrator is permitting children to play sports with concussions or concussion-like symptoms."

Last week, the Peters Township School Board renewed high school head football coach Rich Piccinini's 2012-13 contract in a 6-3 vote.

An email between physical therapist Mark Mortland and Superintendent Nina Zetty circulated to all parents involved in the football program the week prior.

The email is being investigated although it is simply accusational, Fruecht said Thursday.

The following statement by Piccinini's lawyer, Robert G. Del Greco, Jr., was obtained by Peters Patch Friday evening:

"For 22 years, Rich Piccinini has coached football without even a whisper of impropriety. The excellent reputation that he has earned over two decades should speak volumes as to the absurdity of the 'Mortland report.' The investigated and unfounded witch hunt in August has reared its ugly head in January, this time in a meritless CYS complaint, presumably made by an anonymous source. Playing time in high school football in western Pennsylvania, a currency that has become more valuable than gold to the obsessed and disgruntled, has undoubted motivated yet another round of baseless allegations. Considerable resources have already been dedicated by a 'real' superintendent, athletic director and principal to investigate the accusations and the result was that there is no truth to Mr Mortland's conclusion. While no one welcomes a police investigation, hopefully this second inquiry will yet again expose the allegations as scurrilous attacks on Mr. Piccinini and, importantly, put them to rest again and forever."

WTAE REPORT/VIDEO: Wtae-Tv 1-26-12

2012-01-27T08:18:00.002-05:00

http://www.wtae.com/high-school-playbook/30307790/detail.html

Peters police investigate high school football program: P-G 1-27-12

2012-01-27T06:33:00.000-05:00

Peters police investigate high school football program
Did coach play kids with concussions?
1/27/2012 12:00:00 AM
By Janice Crompton, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Peters police are investigating the high school football program and its head coach regarding complaints about players participating in sports with suspected concussions.

Peters police Chief Harry Fruecht said Thursday that his department began seeking information after receiving a complaint from Washington County Children and Youth Services this week that "an alleged perpetrator is permitting children to play sports with concussions or concussion-like symptoms."

"I don't know if this will rise to our level or not," the chief said of possible criminal charges. "But we at least have to take a look at it."

Chief Fruecht said he contacted district superintendent Nina Zetty and asked for documents related to a school district investigation regarding accusations that head football coach Rich Piccinini interfered with athletic trainers treating injured players, including those with concussions.

Mr. Piccinini said Thursday that he had no comment.

But he said in an interview Wednesday that the accusations were "completely unfounded" and denied that he interfered with the training staff.

"The school district did an investigation and issued a statement, and they found zero complaints brought against me," he said in the interview.

In a story Thursday in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's South Xtra, Mark Mortland, who has provided physical therapy and athletic training services for the district since 2003, questioned Mr. Piccinini's judgment, saying the coach undermined athletic trainers who were treating players with concussions, broken bones and other injuries.

He and some parents said the coach downplayed injuries and pressured athletes to continue playing.

Mr. Mortland, who also served for 16 years as the Pittsburgh Penguins' physical therapist and head athletic trainer, said it was "the most deplorable, disrespectful and disgraceful behavior from a head coach in any sport I have ever seen."

Mr. Mortland said Thursday that he wasn't the person who notified CYS, but was glad that someone had.

"Now we will have a real investigation with real police and real detectives," he said. "The biggest thing is the safety of the kids, but the underlying issue is that anyone who overlooks the safety of kids needs to be gone."

Ms. Zetty said she investigated concerns forwarded by Mr. Mortland and some parents.

"All of the concerns have been fully investigated by the athletic director and high school principal, and shared with the superintendent and school board," she said. When the police investigation is complete, Chief Fruecht said, the department will meet with the district attorney's office to determine whether charges are merited.

Janice Crompton: jcrompton@post-gazette.com or 412-851-1867.

First published on January 27, 2012 at 12:00 am

PT football program raises flag: O-R 1-27-12

2012-01-27T06:10:00.000-05:00

PT football program raises flag

1/27/2012 3:32 AM

McMURRAY - Peters Township police were working Thursday to determine if there is sufficient information to begin an investigation of the high school football program.
Washington County Children and Youth Services notified police about a complaint filed Tuesday alleging someone was permitting athletes to play sports, most notably high school football, with concussions or concussion-like symptoms.

Township police Chief Harry Fruecht said he did not have a time frame for when a decision would be made about whether to investigate. Police were reviewing documents from a school district investigation into accusations that head football coach Rich Piccinini had pressured injured players to play and interfered with the school's training staff.

Several township residents attended a Jan. 17 school board meeting to express concerns about students being told to play with concussions. However, the school district has a policy that does not permit direct references to school personnel, so public comments were referred to in generalities.

Despite the concerns, the school board, in a 6 to 3 vote, retained Piccinini for the 2012-13 season.

According to Shelly Belcher, district spokeswoman, the district was notified by a CYS representative Tuesday by telephone.

Belcher indicated CYS said the complaint was "out of their jurisdiction" and CYS was required to forward the complaint to police.

Belcher confirmed the complaint involved athletes playing with concussions or concussion-like symptoms.

Superintendent Nina Zetty then contacted Fruecht "to offer any material and access to any staff members to gather information," Belcher said.

The school district, Belcher said, is cooperating with the police department "with whatever they need."

A telephone call to Piccinini was not returned Thursday.

Mark Mortland, a physical therapist for 25 years, a certified athletic trainer and owner of Mortland Physical Therapy in McMurray, is contracted by Peters Township School District to provide athletic training services to the high school.

He said athletes have played while injured, and his employees have been belittled by Piccinini. He sent a letter to Zetty Nov. 30 outlining his concerns.

"I spoke with the coach and said, 'Don't undermine my staff,' and he said 'These kids just have headaches,'" Mortland said.

After sending a letter to Zetty, Mortland said he contacted Brian Geyer, athletic director, and was told the issues would be addressed. Later, Mortland said, an athlete complained of wrist pain and while the trainers were taping the wrist, Mortland said Piccinini yelled that there was nothing wrong with the athlete. A few days later, Mortland said, the boy was diagnosed with a broken wrist.

"The kids are afraid to come forward," Mortland said. The only reasons Mortland said he came forward and contacted the district administration is because he's afraid a serious injury will occur.

Mortland's two sons are in college and a daughter is in eighth grade, so, he said, there is no personal reason, just a desire to protect the athletes.

He said he was upset by the board's Jan. 17 vote to retain Piccinini.

"They are so concerned about safety and character, and they condone this guy and bring him back," Mortland said.

When asked what resolution he would like, Mortland said, "I don't know. What I want right now is for the school board to recognize this is a problem, then figure out a solution." Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters police investigating high school football program: O-R 1-26-12

2012-01-26T14:00:00.000-05:00

Peters police investigating high school football program
1/26/2012 1:57 PM

Peters Township police are investigating whether the high school football coach improperly let players participate while they had concussions or concussion-like symptoms.

Peters Township police announced the investigation Thursday after receiving a complaint from Washington County Children and Youth Services.

The agency got a complaint that someone was letting children play sports with concussions or concussion-like symptoms, which prompted police to ask for records concerning such accusations against Peters Township High School football coach Rich Piccinini.

Some parents and a trainer at the school have claimed the coach has ignored concussion problems with some players.

But the coach, and some parents, say he’s being targeted by parents unhappy with their children’s playing time.

The school board last week voted to re-hire Piccinini for next season. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters Police Open Investigation of High School Football Program: P-G 1-16-12

2012-01-26T12:30:00.000-05:00

Peters cops open investigation of high school football program
Thursday, January 26, 2012
By Janice Crompton, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Police in Peters, Washington County, are investigating the Peters Township High School football program after receiving a complaint Wednesday from the county's Children and Youth Services Department, the police chief said today.

Police Chief Harry Fruecht said his department launched an investigation yesterday after receiving a complaint from CYS that "an alleged perpetrator is permitting children to play sports with concussions or concussion-like symptoms."

"I don't know if this will rise to our level or not," the chief said of possible criminal charges. "But we at least have to take a look at it."

Chief Fruecht said he contacted district Superintendent Nina Zetty yesterday and requested that she turn over documents related to a district investigation regarding accusations that high school head football coach Rich Piccinini was interfering with the job of athletic trainers as they treated injured players, including those with brain injuries.

"I've asked the school district for everything they've got so far," he said.
Mr. Piccinini said today he would offer no commment on the investigation.

In today's Post-Gazette, physical therapist Mark Mortland, who has provided physical therapy and athletic training services for the district since 2003, called into question Mr. Piccinini's judgment, saying the coach undermined athletic trainers who were treating players with concussions, broken bones, and other injuries.

He and some parents said the coach downplayed injuries and pressured student athletes to continue playing, despite neurological injuries.

Mr. Mortland, who also served for 16 years as the Pittsburgh Penguins' physical therapist and head athletic trainer, said it was "the most deplorable, disrespectful and disgraceful behavior from a head coach in any sport I have ever seen."

Mr. Piccinini, who was reappointed for a second season as the district's head coach last week, said the accusations were "completely unfounded" and denied that he interfered with the training staff.

"The school district did an investigation and issued a statement, and they found zero complaints brought against me," he said in an interview Wednesday.

Ms. Zetty said she investigated concerns forwarded by Mr. Mortland and some parents.

"All of the concerns have been fully investigated by the athletic director and high school principal, and shared with the superintendent and school board," she said.

Chief Fruecht said his department also will interview athletic trainers and the district's athletic director.

When the police investigation is complete, Chief Fruecht said the department will meet with the county District Attorney's office to determine whether criminal charges are merited.

Janice Crompton: jcrompton@post-gazette.com or 412-851-1867.

Read more: http://www.postgazette.com/pg/12026/1206211-100.stm#ixzz1kaQfCzsE

Peters Twp. retains football coach: O-R 1-18-12

2012-01-18T15:57:00.001-05:00

Peters Twp. retains football coach
1/18/2012 12:00 PM

Following a 20-minute executive session during a lengthy meeting Tuesday, members of the Peters Township School Board voted 6-3 to retain Rich Piccinini as head football coach for the 2012-13 school year.

The board members who voted to retain Piccinini – Lori Cuervo, David Hvizdos, Thomas McMurray, Ron Dunleavy, Lynn Erenberg or Cindy Golembiewski – did not offer a reason for their votes.

Voting against the renewal were Sue Smith and newly elected board members William Merrill and Sandy Gregg. Gregg said high school students are still teens and “they need to be protected” without offering a reason for the protection.

Smith, who voted by telephone, said she had spoken with several parents, and that she had decided to vote no, but offered no reason for her decision.

Attorney and township resident Lisa Anderson of Alexander Drive, cautioned the board before the vote of possible lawsuits. Anderson spoke of what she called allegations, but did not offer any specifics.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, several people expressed concern about concussions among athletes.

Before the vote, resident Michelle Biddle of Marion Drive asked the board to delay any decision on Piccinini’s future until after obtaining more information.

Several high school students also attended the meeting, but did not comment. Many left the meeting before the vote was taken.

Piccinini was hired Feb. 22 after the contract of former head football coach Nick Milchovich was opened. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Football coach reappointed in Peters: P-G 1-18-12

2012-01-18T08:16:00.000-05:00

School board hears concerns about concussions
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
By Janice Crompton, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

In a split decision Tuesday night, the Peters Township school board voted to retain high school football head coach Rich Piccinini for a second season.

The 6-3 vote came over the objections of some residents and at least one school board member, who said they had concerns about the coach's reappointment.

"I spent yesterday and today talking to parents," said board member Sue Smith, who voted against Mr. Piccinini's reappointment, along with Bill Merrell and Sandra Gregg. "After all of the concerns I have heard, I will have to vote against retaining the coach."

Ms. Smith, who was not present but participated in the meeting via telephone, didn't elaborate about her concerns and there was no discussion among other board members in public. Moments before the vote, the board abruptly adjourned to a 20-minute executive session for a personnel discussion.

During public comments before the meeting, several people expressed concern about athletes with concussions, including resident Ron Boocks, who wondered if the district had a policy to identify concussion symptoms, saying it was a "serious problem."

Resident Lisa Anderson, a lawyer, said she was concerned about legal liability to the district and school board after receiving emails that questioned the safety of the district's football program.

She and other residents asked the board to investigate claims in the emails before reappointing Mr. Piccinini. He had been hired a year ago after serving as an assistant football coach in Upper St. Clair.

District Solicitor Jack Cambest said the board had discussed the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association rules governing players with concussions and said he expected the state to require districts to adopt specific guidelines regarding brain injuries in the near future.

Mr. Piccinini's team posted a 4-6 record last year. He replaced Nick Milchovich, who served as coach the previous four seasons.
Janice Crompton: jcrompton@post-gazette.com or 412-851-1867.

Read more: http://www.postgazette.com/pg/12018/1204262-100.stm#ixzz1jocIMbqG

PV Turf installed: O-R 1-13-12

2012-01-13T07:49:00.000-05:00

Turf installed in Peters Township

1/13/2012 3:33 AM

McMURRAY - Installation of artificial turf on the athletic fields above Pleasant Valley Elementary School in Peters Township School District is now complete, thanks in part to the unusually mild weather.
According to Brian Geyer, district athletic director, installers will return in March to cut and glue lines and numbers. Temperatures must be 40 degrees and above for the gluing process to be successful.

Once the numbers and lines are installed, the turf will be ready for spring sports, Geyer said.

Work on the turf began Dec. 28 as part of a nearly $2.4 million project that also includes a new concession stand and light and sound systems.

New bleachers are on site and are ready for installation. Once the spring weather permits, paving will begin on improvements and additions to the parking areas.

The upgrades came in under budget following change orders by the school board to reduce costs through changes in the electrical service, revisions to a retaining wall and placement of a metal roof on the concession stand building that also includes restrooms, said Shelly Belcher, district spokeswoman. The district realized a savings of $111,000.

Initially, the project was budgeted at $2.5 million, to be funded through a $4.8 million bond issue. Money comes through the capital reserve fund and not from the general fund.

Lights on the fields will be turned off by 10 p.m. to be in compliance with the township's ordinances. The sound system will be used only for regulation games and not during practice or recreation events.

The project was one of several issues discussed by the building, grounds and transportation committee during a meeting Monday, Belcher said. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

PT School Bus Accident: O-R 1-3-12

2012-01-03T13:24:00.000-05:00

At 8:40 a.m. a Peters Township school bus carrying students crashed in the 2700 block of Washington Road. No injuries were reported, Peters Township police said.

Drugs in PTHS: O-R 12-10-11

2011-12-10T08:03:00.000-05:00

PETERS TOWNSHIP

Marijuana found: When a 14-year-old Peters Township High School student walked out of a school restroom at 9:54 a.m. Thursday, a principal and assistant principal detected a strong odor of marijuana, township police said.

A search of the girl's backpack revealed a bag of suspected marijuana and a smoking pipe, police said.

Juvenile allegations will be filed.

Peters Twp. official's retirement approved: O-R 12-7-11

2011-12-07T08:11:00.001-05:00

12/7/2011 3:33 AM

McMURRAY - After being on medical leave for almost two years, Peters Township School District administrator Thomas J. Hajzus' retirement was approved by the school board Monday.

Hajzus, the current assistant to the superintendent for operations, once served at high school principal. There was no discussion before the unanimous vote was taken to approve his retirement effective June 30.

He has been on medical leave since March 1, 2010. At the time of the leave, Hajzus cited the "massive stress" and "everyday conflicts that need attention," along with other issues that plague school administrators as his reasons for needing time off.

He worked in education for about 31 years. When requesting the leave, he did not specify a medical condition.

In February 2002, Hajzus was placed on administrative leave after telling then-superintendent Diane Kirk he was diagnosed with anxiety, panic attacks and depression.

After telling Kirk of his condition, he was placed in a newly created position of director of special programs and projects at the same salary. Hajzus called the new position a demotion and began legal action that ended in an settlement several years later.

Part of the agreement stipulated he was to receive annual financial payments of $20,000 to $25,000 until his expected retirement in 2013. In September 2010, the district and Hajzus amended the original agreement to permit a lump sum payment of the remaining $81,866

Hajzus' retirement accepted by Peters school board: O-R 12-6-11

2011-12-06T14:41:00.000-05:00

McMURRAY – After being on medical leave for almost two years, Peters Township School District administrator Thomas J. Hajzus’ retirement was approved by the school board Monday.

Hajzus, the current assistant to the superintendent for operations, once served at high school principal. There was no discussion before the vote was taken to approve his retirement effective June 30.

He has been on medical leave since March 1, 2010. At the time of the leave, Hajzus cited the “massive stress” and “everyday conflicts that need attention,” along with other issues that plague school administrators as his reasons for needing time off.

PT School Board Appoints President, VP : Peters Patch 12-6-11

2011-12-06T08:32:00.001-05:00

School Board Appoints President, VP

Peters Township School Board voted Cindy Golembiewski as president and Lori Cuervo as vice president at its reorganization meeting Monday night.

By Andrea Bosco
Email the author
December 5, 2011

The Peters Township School Board met Monday night for its annual reorganization meeting.

New members were welcomed, directorial positions were chosen and numerous agenda items, including a preliminary budget, were discussed and approved.

Members Lynn Erenberg, Sandy Gregg, Thomas McMurray, Ron Dunleavy and Bill Merrell were sworn in by Judge James Ellis.

The board voted 7-2 for Cindy Golembiewski to serve as president and Lori Cuervo as vice president—Gregg and Merrell with the opposing votes.

Golembiewski and Cuervo will fulfill their new positions until December 2012—a one-year term.

Personnel Matters

The board approved the retirement of Dr. Thomas Hajzus effective June 30, 2012 subject to the payment of all regular retirement benefits.

McMurray Pyrite, a Rocky Issue

Lawrence R. Elliott Surveying, Inc. completed a pyrite evaluation at McMurray Elementary on Nov. 28. The original measurement showed no movement, according to Superintendent Nina Zetty; however, a second measurement revealed negative readings.

Zetty said not to worry—she believes it was “an error in measurement.” The full report and analysis will be available for review and discussion at the next Buildings and Grounds meeting, scheduled for Jan. 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Board Stresses Budget is Preliminary

The board approved a $52 million preliminary General Fund Budget for the 2012-13 school year, which includes a $200,000 contingency. Cuervo reiterated how preliminary the budget is, and that it’ll be worked on heavily in the coming months. The final budget must be adopted prior to June 30, 2012.

The board also approved a $1 million tentative Technology Budget for the 2012-13 school year. This budget will be included in the finalized General Fund Budget.

Motion carried to adopt a $912,000 Tentative Capital Reserve Fund Budget, as well as a $161,049 Curriculum Budget.

Thespian Advisor Resigns, New Position Posted

The board Monday night approved the resignation of Thespian Club Advisor Kelly Barefoot, and is now searching for a new candidate. Email info@pt-sd.org for more information about the position.

Celebration of Excellence Continues

Zetty noted numerous recent achievements including:

McMurray students earn Calcu-Solve honors
A PTHS musician selected for Honors Band
Student volunteers lend a hand to paint holiday windows
An administrator earns Outstanding Young Educator Award
and, Dave DiFilippo, honored as a model music educator by Carnegie Mellon University

'Tis the Season to Make Peace

Board member Sue Smith followed comments from the floor with her wish for the new year.

"With lower revenues and a $900,000 (budget) cut, it has been one of the most difficult years for the board so far," she said. "My wish, as we begin as a new team, is to keep in mind peace on earth and good will toward all men."

Gregg agreed.

"Disagreeing isn't a bad thing," Gregg said. "As long as you respect each other's opinions."

"You can disagree without being disagreeable," she said.

PT board: Expansion on hold: O-R 11-23-11

2011-11-23T08:58:00.001-05:00

11/23/2011 3:33 AM

McMURRAY - The response to a Peters Township School District survey asking residents if they would support an expansion and renovation to the high school was a resounding no.

And the negative response was even more overwhelming, at almost 73 percent, to the question of whether residents would approve a 9-mill tax increase to fund the project.

As a result, Superintendent Nina Zetty announced at Monday's school board meeting that after reviewing the survey results and examining the 2012-13 preliminary budget, the board decided to place high school expansion plans on hold. That decision put an end to architect's fees, thus canceling the design process.

The district currently is facing a nearly $1.7 million deficit in the 2012-13 budget and most likely will ask the state to permit a nearly 3-mill tax increase.

The district has attempted to reduce costs and, for the first time this school year, enacted a pay-to-play policy that also included band participants.

Funding to school associations also was reduced, a fact that was evident when the board was asked Monday to approve 26 separate requests for fundraising activities. Requests were made, in part, by the band boosters, cheerleaders, baseball boosters, high school literary magazine, various individual elementary schools, the high school student council, McMurray Relay for Life and various classes.

Activities range from selling candy bars to a winter carnival, a shoebox collection and sales of pizzas and cookie dough.

"Times are tough," board member Sue Smith said. She reiterated how last year the board asked the groups to scale back and now the organizations are needing to reach out to the community to raise money.

Zetty said she has not received any negative feedback about increased solicitations.

While the district is scaling back on expansion plans and funding for various organizations and activities, the board is in the midst of a $2.5 million upgrade and improvement project to athletic fields above Pleasant Valley Elementary School. Improvements include installing artificial turf, new lights and sound system and a concession and restroom buildingl.

The project is being financed through a $5 million bond issue approved by the board in late June. The money may only be used for capital improvement projects. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Tax rate increase expected in PTSD: O-R 11-23-11

2011-11-23T08:54:00.000-05:00

11/23/2011 3:33 AM

McMURRAY - Taxes for residents of Peters Township School District will most likely increase about 3 mills to address a projected $1.7 million deficit.

Although school districts operate on a July 1 to June 30 fiscal year, when a district in the state needs to increase taxes above a predetermined percentage, such as what is facing Peters, it must apply to the state for an exception, and, in some cases, ask for approval from the taxpayers through a referendum. That means that the district must take action on a preliminary budget months earlier.

The school board is expected to pass a preliminary $57.9 million budget at its Dec. 5 special meeting immediately following the 6:30 p.m. reorganization meeting.

Dan Solomon, district business manager, said one of the main causes of the deficit is the increase in contributions to employee pension plans. The district's contribution is $900,000, with the state chipping in half, Solomon said. Increases in salaries and day-to-day expenses, also contributed, as did lost revenue from lower interest rates.

Once the preliminary budget is approved, Solomon said the board will begin to cut costs where appropriate to reduce the planned increase.

If approved in its current form in June, taxpayers with a home assessed at $200,000 would see a tax increase of $60, and those whose homes are valued at $400,000 would pay an additional $120 a year in school taxes.

The board increased taxes in the 2011-12 budget from 95.18 mills to 96.51 mills, a percentage increase below the approved index, hence, no state or voter approval was needed. Because of rapid growth in the township that resulted in a higher total assessed value, the district did not increase taxes from about 1991 until 2003, Solomon said.

Each mill brings in about $315,000.

Revenues in the district should increase through higher assessed property values and a boost in earned income taxes. However, those increases will not be sufficient to offset the deficit.

Even if the millage is increased, the district still will have the second-lowest tax rate in Washington County behind only California Area School District, Solomon said. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters School Board to seek tax increase: O-R 11-22-11

2011-11-22T12:01:00.001-05:00

11/22/2011 11:13 AM

Peters Township residents could face a tax increase, as the the Peters Township School District finds itself with a deficit of about $1.7 million dollars.

The school board is expected to pass its preliminary 2012-13 budget during a special meeting Dec. 5 that will include a tax increase of slightly less than 3 mills.

The final budget is not required to be passed until June 30, however, districts that anticipate raising taxes above a pre-determined index, must pass a preliminary budget, then request permission from the state Department of Education to raise taxes above the index. In Peters Township, the index is an increase of 1.7 percent. The tentative budget calls for an increase of about 3 percent.

If the state does not grant permission to exceed the index, the district can appeal to the local courts.

Dan Solomon, district business manager, said the deficit is due, in part, to an increase in pension contributions.

Currently, school taxes in Peters are 96.51 mills. With the projected increase, the rate would be 98.15 mills, still, Solomon said, one of the lowest in Washington County. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

PT Middle School to participate in child ID program: The Almanac 11-18-11

2011-11-18T08:40:00.000-05:00

By Terri T. Johnson Almanac staff writer tjohnson@thealmanac.net

Students in the Peters Township Middle School will soon have the opportunity to give their parents a little peace of mind when, in cooperation with the Parent Teacher Association, the district and the township police department, children will take part in EZ Child ID.

The system will provide parents with a videotape of the child answering five easy questions that can be used by emergency services in the event the child is abducted or lost.

Every day, nationally, 2,000 children are reported missing and every year, 200,000 are taken by family members. Another 58,000 are victims of non-family abductions.

Peters Township police Chief Harry Fruecht said the age group that is targeted the most for abduction are those 10 to 14 years old. He said the program is not new, but there is new technology to simplify the process.

One of the main benefits of the system is everything will be stored on a compact disc that will be given to the parents. No information will be retained by the district, the police or in the actual system. Once the individual child's information is complete, before moving on to the next child, the system automatically deletes the previous information, Fruecht said.

The equipment was purchased by Centimark in Southpointe.

Each child will give a digital fingerprint and will sit in front of a small camera and microphone to answer five questions. A sample of the questions are: Who is your best friend? Where is your favorite place to play? What is your name?

There is no cost for the disc and the information contained is everything that is needed for the Amber Alert system.

Fruecht said everything is on a PDF file and can be printed on the family's computer. The advantage of a disc is that the information can easily and immediately be transmitted to other agencies when needed.

The chief suggested taking the disc along on vacation or when away from home.

According to Robert Freado, middle school principal, parents must complete a permission form and provide the information requested on the form. Once the screening is complete, parents may pick up the CD in the main office of the middle school.

Students will be screened during school hours and the district believes the process will take only a short time.

No screening dates have been announced but will occur in a few weeks.

Permission slips must be returned to the main office by Nov. 22.

E-Mail from Peters Township SD: 11-16-11

2011-11-16T17:18:00.001-05:00

Information for PTHS Parents:

In our efforts to keep open communications within our schools, we wanted to address rumors related to safety concerns that have been circulating at Peters Township High School and through social media outlets. A rumor, involving a potential violent event taking place at the school later this week, has been fully investigated with cooperation from the Peters Township Police and determined to be unfounded. There is no threat to the school or any individuals.

The District approaches all safety issues regarding our students with the utmost concern. Due to confidentiality requirements, specific details related to this event will not be shared.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our school safe.

Peters residents vote 'no' in survey: O-R 11-4-11

2011-11-04T09:05:00.001-04:00

11/4/2011 3:35 AM

McMURRAY - Results from a two-question survey conducted by Peters Township School District on expansion of the high school are in, and of the 1,483 residents who voted, the overwhelming response was "no."

The first question asked if the residents would support expansion and renovations to the high school. The second question asked whether residents would approve a referendum during a future election to increase school taxes by about 9 mills to pay for the project that could total $53 million.

The district released the results during a school board committee meeting Tuesday. The survey appeared in the district-produced "Perspectives" fall magazine and online through the district's website. Most opted to vote online.

Of those who voted on the first question, 37.49 percent said they would support the project, while 62.51 percent said they were opposed. Of those who voted on the second question about the tax increase, 27.31 percent said they would vote to increase taxes through a referendum to pay for he project, and 72.69 percent indicated they would vote against such a proposal.

Districts are not permitted by state law to raise taxes above a predetermined index. If additional millage is needed, the district must take the issue to the voters through a referendum.

In order to complete the proposed high school project, which now carries an estimated cost of $54 million, the district needs the additional revenue and can only do so through approval of the voters. Approval through a referendum is relatively new in the state but has been used in neighboring states, such as Ohio.

With a vast majority of the responders indicating displeasure with the proposals, the school board is in a quandary.

The district missed the deadline to have the referendum on the Nov. 8 ballot and will decide whether to include the referendum on the April 24 ballot. The deadline to submit a question for the spring ballot is 90 days before the election.

When the results were released, a few board members said they felt the public was not sufficiently informed before the survey.

One issue at the high school that the board wishes to address is safety, including relocating offices used by the public closer to the main entrance.

Superintendent Nina Zetty said the current configuration was designed before the incident at Columbine High School in Colorado, where several students and staff members were killed.

Lori Cuervo, chairman of the building, grounds and transportation committee, said the project could be done in stages. However, the state requires districts to request variances if renovations to a building are needed within 20 years of the last project. Without the variance, the district could still proceed with renovations but would not receive any financial reimbursement from the state. The high school was last renovated in 1999.

Town hall meetings will be planned to discuss the project with the residents, along with tours of the building in an attempt to point out deficiencies. No dates were announced. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters surveys say 'no' to high school work, tax hike: The Almanac 11-3-11

2011-11-03T08:17:00.000-04:00

If the surveys are any indication, Peters Township residents don't want to pay for a proposed $53 million high school renovation project or even see the need for it.

Of the 1,483 responders to a Peters Township School District survey asking whether residents would support an expansion at the high school, a resounding 62.51 said “no” while 37.49 percent responded “yes.”

The second question of whether responders would approve a referendum on a future ballot to increase taxes by about 9 mills to finance the project, was met with an even more overwhelming 72.69 percent “no.” Answering “yes” to the increase were 27.31 percent.

The district is currently investigating holding town hall meetings to show the public the condition of the current high school. No date has been announced.

A decision by the board is expected in late December or early January as to whether to submit a referendum question for the April ballot. Survey results were released Tuesday during a meeting of the board’s building, grounds and transportation committee.

PT mother sues district, municipality: O-R 11-2-11

2011-11-02T06:57:00.001-04:00

11/2/2011 3:32 AM

The mother of a Peters Township youth basketball player who was barred from watching her daughter's events almost two years ago filed a federal lawsuit Monday against the township and the school district.

Diane Wickstrom of 148 Bittersweet Circle, Venetia, contends in the lawsuit that her civil rights were violated. Her daughter, Marissa Wickstrom, is also listed as a plaintiff.

Diane Wickstrom attended her daughter's practices, and her suit claims the trouble started after she sent a letter in November 2009 to the township expressing concerns about her daughter's team.

The Peters Township Basketball Association then imposed a rule closing practices, which she claims was "enforced exclusively against her."

When she did appear, she was notified by the township's parks and recreation department through certified mail Dec. 23, 2009, that she was not permitted to attend youth basketball practices or games.

At a January 2010 township council meeting, the chairman of the township recreation board said the letter was mailed after Wickstrom failed to follow the rules and caused "disruptions" during pratices and games.

In the lawsuit, Wickstrom contends she was threatened with arrest if she appeared for any of her daughter's games or practices at township or school district facilities.

Because the information appeared in the local media and on the Internet, the lawsuit states, "Marissa has lost whatever opportunities basketball would have afforded her."

The lawsuit states that Wickstrom's constitutional rights were violated by limiting her freedom of speech and that the action forced her daughter to quit playing youth basketball.

Diane Wickstrom also is claiming emotional distress, embarrassment and humiliation. She also claims she was defamed and that she was accused of trespassing and intimidation on the Internet and cable television.

Both Peters Township Assistant Manager Paul Lauer and Peters Township School District Business Manager Dan Solomon said they had not seen the lawsuit and could not comment. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Mom banned from youth basketball sues township, school district: O-R 11-1-11

2011-11-01T13:20:00.000-04:00

The mother of a Peters Township youth basketball player barred from attending practices and games has sued the municipality and school district.

Diane Wickstrom filed the lawsuit Monday in federal court. She claims her constitutional rights were violated in 2009 when the Peters Township Basketball Association sent her a letter banning her from all events.

Wickstrom attended practices for her daughter Marissa’s seventh-grade recreational league basketball team and sent a letter to the township’s parks and recreation department expressing concerns about the team.

The matter came before township council in January 2010 with the chairman of the parks and recreation board saying that the practices were closed to prevent disruptions and that Wickstrom was banned after she continued to attend practices.

Meeting roundup: Peters Township School Board: O-R 10-22-11

2011-10-22T07:52:00.000-04:00

10/22/2011 3:34 AM

Peters Township School Board

• Date: Oct. 17

• Action: The board announced there will be a town hall meeting to discuss the proposed $53 million high school renovation project and a possible referendum question involving a 9-mill tax increase. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, in the high school auditorium.

The board announced a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1 to discuss the results of a two-question survey asking residents whether they support the project and would vote, by referendum, for the tax increase. Surveys must be returned by Oct. 31.

Directors approved advertisement for bids to remediate the pyrite problems at McMurray Elementary School and approved an agreement with HHSDR Architects to design the project at a cost of abut $121,800. Also approved was an agreement with Elliott Engineering to re-survey the affected areas in the elementary school at a cost of $150 per hour. This will be the third survey.

The board approved a bid from RAME Construction to install a red metal roof on the concession stand and rest rooms at the Pleasant Valley athletic fields for $22,500. A shingle roof would have cost about an additional $10,000.

Directors announced the first finance committee meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday.

District asking its taxpayers for 9-mill increase for high school expansion: O-R 10-12-11

2011-10-12T07:55:00.001-04:00

10/12/2011 3:33 AM

McMURRAY - Peters Township residents are being asked for their opinion on whether the school district should undertake a $53 million high school expansion and raise taxes to pay for it.

A two-question survey being distributed by the district asks whether plans should go forward for the high school expansion and if voters would approve a ballot referendum to increase school taxes by 9 mills over two to three years to fund the project.

The survey appears in the back-to-school edition of the district's Perspectives newsletter that was mailed to township residents. Results are due by Oct. 31 and will be announced during the Nov. 1 meeting of the board's building, grounds and transportation committee meeting, said Shelly Belcher, district communications coordinator. Residents can vote online or by mail.

School districts in the state require any tax increases above a set state index to be approved by referendum. Last year, Peters Township was only permitted by state law to increase taxes by 1.33 mills, which the board did in the 2011-12 budget. Because of a cut in federal stimulus money to the states, Peters Township saw a decrease of more than $800,000.

"The referendum is a new concept in Pennsylvania," Belcher said. Voters have a say in the school budgeting process in neighboring Ohio and New York, where annual approval is needed. Only one other district in eastern Pennsylvania has chosen to go to the voters, Belcher said.

The Peters survey states the referendum would appear on the Nov. 8 ballot. However, the deadline has passed for that to happen, said Larry Spahr, director of elections for Washington County.

The district is seeking the possible tax increase to create a more secure learning environment at the high school, with the main entrances to be designed for safe access to the main office, guidance counselor offices and other areas where nonstudents may need to go. Relocating or expanding the theater and gymnasium to permit a more secure area is planned. Belcher said the theater is now in the center of the high school and has seven access doors.

In the first week of submission, Belcher said, she received 25 mailed surveys and 450 online submissions.

"If they say no, it doesn't happen," she said of the project.

That means a property owner whose taxes are about $2,500 annually would see taxes increase by about $315 a year. For those whose taxes are $3,500 a year, the 9-mill increase would cost an additonal $441 annually.

The last construction project at the high school was done in 1999 and cost $26.5 million. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters Township School Board Meeting: O-R 9-21-11

2011-09-21T07:03:00.001-04:00

Peters Township School Board

• Date: Sept. 19

• Action: While many school districts continue to struggle with budget cuts, the board created two new positions, director of human resources and a part-time district mail courier and inventory clerk.

Hired as director of human resources at an annual salary of $95,000 was Nancy A. McCann. Her start date is Oct. 31. No one was hired as the mail courier/inventory clerk, and no salary was listed.

The board approved three motions involving the ongoing renovations to the athletic fields above Pleasant Valley Elementary School. The entire project is expected to cost about $2.5 million and will include new sound and lighting systems. The board authorized the issuance of bonds to finance the project and for other, unspecified capital improvements.

• Discussion: Ron Dunleavy was officially welcomed as a new board member following the unexpected resignation of Julie Ann Sullivan at the August board meeting.

The board accepted a donation from Peters Township Quarterback Club of a water buffalo valued at $1,493 for the football team, and a donation from the Pleasant Valley PTA of $102 to purchase a microphone transmitter and receiver for the school's library.

Kennywood Day was set for June 19.

• Next regular meeting: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 in the administration offices Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Is your family having issues with the new bus schedules?

2011-09-03T09:23:00.002-04:00

Post your comments. Sees like a fair amount of grumbling out there about the new system.

Peters Township Hires New new assistant to the superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment : P-G 8-22-11

2011-08-22T16:02:00.001-04:00

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/11230/1168010-58.stm

Peters Township cracks down on school bus riders: The Almanac 8-17-11

2011-08-22T07:01:00.000-04:00

Peters Township cracks down on school bus riders
With classes set to begin Aug. 29 in the Peters Township School District, the administration has issued an update on bus procedures that prohibits students, in any grade, from riding a bus other than the one to which he or she is assigned.

"It basically, came down to safety," said Shelly Belcher, district spokeswoman, of the reason for the change.

The school board, in an effort to reduce costs, has evaluated the bus routes to determine if there are any areas of excess.

Many of the buses, Belcher said, are running near capacity and an unexpected number of additional riders could cause overcrowding.

"In addition, should there be an incident on the way, we can quickly pull the (manifest) list and get the phone numbers for the affected kids and get a message to their parents," Belcher added.

If there are children on the bus who are not assigned to the route, notifying parents or guardians would be more difficult and time consuming.

"Luckily, we haven't had any incident like that," she said.

One point that didn't change is elementary students may ride home in a car with another student when the parents have signed a permission note that was provided to the teacher in the morning. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters School Board gets new member: O-R 8-16-11

2011-08-16T18:32:00.001-04:00

8/16/2011 11:26 AM

McMURRAY – As Monday’s meeting of the Peters Township School District was about to adjourn, member Julie Ann Sullivan said she had a statement. After reading a brief, prepared announcement outlining her feelings about the nearly four years she has served, Sullivan abruptly resigned.

“I now find myself in a situation where the life of being a school board director and my personal life are no longer compatible,” Sullivan read. “I no longer have the ability to work for this school district at that high level of commitment that I promised myself I would have.”

The board immediately appointed Ron Dunleavy to fill Sullivan’s unexpired term that ends in December. Dunleavy successfully ran for school director and will appear on the November ballot. Sullivan also ran for re-election. If she is unable to have her name removed and wins in the fall, she said following the meeting that she would resign, again.

Dunleavy was not at the meeting to learn of his appointment. A friend in the audience sent him a text message. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters fans must stay in the bleachers this fall: O-R 8-16-11

2011-08-16T18:31:00.000-04:00

8/16/2011 2:01 PM

McMURRAY – Those attending events at Peters Township High School stadium this fall will not be allowed to congregate in the walkways or near the fences.

In a safety update issued last week, the district announced several new stadium event procedures, including one where students and adults must remain in the bleachers unless going to the rest rooms or to the concession stand “to provide the most secure environment.”

Another new procedure, also for safety, according to district spokeswoman Shelly Belcher, is that all students in grades kindergarten through eight must be accompanied by an adult. High school students must show student identification or must be accompanied by adult.

“We’re starting to look at situations to see how better we can handle disciplinary issues,” Belcher said. “This will help to keep better tabs on the students and to keep the walkways open.” Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters school board member resigns: P-G 8-16-11

2011-08-16T18:29:00.001-04:00

Tuesday, August 16, 2011
By Janice Crompton, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Peters Township school director Julie Ann Sullivan resigned Monday night, saying she no longer had the time to continue serving on the board.

"I now find myself in a situation where the life of being a school board director and my personal life are no longer compatible," a tearful Ms. Sullivan told fellow board members. "I no longer have the ability to work for this school district at that high level of commitment that I promised myself I would have. So tonight I will be resigning my position as a director effective at the close of this meeting."

Ms. Sullivan was ending her first, four-year term as a board member, had intended to run for another term in November. She said she's unsure whether it's too late to remove her name from the Nov. 8 general election ballot.

The remaining seven board members accepted the resignation, thanking Ms. Sullivan for her service and voting unanimously to appoint school board candidate Ronald Dunlevy as her replacement. Board member Mark Buzzatto was absent from the meeting.

Mr. Dunlevy, who was not present at the meeting, secured both parties' nominations for school board. If he accepts the post, Mr. Dunlevy will serve until December, when Ms. Sullivan's term in office was to end.

If Mr. Dunlevy wins a seat on the nine-member board in the general election, his new term will begin in January.

Ms. Sullivan's announcement came at the end of a contentious board meeting, in which dozens of private school parents came to express concern about a district plan to alter busing schedules.

At issue is whether the district is required to provide half-day busing for private school students who live in the district.

State law requires the district to provide free transportation to the more than 400 private school students who live in Peters, but the district had planned to eliminate busing for early dismissals to save money.

Parent and lawyer Mike Farnan, who has seven children attending local parochial schools, indicated that parents may seek an emergency injunction from the Washington County Court of Common Pleas if the issue isn't addressed before school begins Aug. 29.
More details in Thursday's South Xtra edition.

Read more: http://www.postgazette.com/pg/11228/1167692-100.stm#ixzz1VEXwwxZf

Peters Twp. School Board member resigns: O-R 8-15-11

2011-08-16T00:19:00.000-04:00

8/15/2011 9:57 PM

Peters Township School Board Director Julie Ann Sullivan unexpectedly announced her resignation at Monday night’s board meeting, effective immediately.

Her voice cracking with emotion as she spoke, Sullivan said she could no longer devote sufficient time to the board.

Sullivan was elected to the board in November 2007 and took office in December 2007. She was seeking re-election in the coming November election.

Upon her resignation, the board immediately appointed Ron Dunleavy to fill Sullivan’s term. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Estimated repairs to Peters Twp. school near $5M: O-R 8-11-11

2011-08-11T08:26:00.001-04:00

8/11/2011 3:33 AM

McMURRAY - It may cost the taxpayers in Peters Township School District millions to repair damages caused when pyrite, a naturally occurring mineral under McMurray Elementary School, expanded after exposure to air and water.

Total estimates to repair heaving floors and cracking walls are almost $5 million when combined with adding two new classrooms and rearranging current space in the 18-year-old school off East McMurray Road.

Repairs are proposed in three phases beginning with $810,000 in summer 2012 to 2,700 square feet that represents the most noticeable damage, said Greer Hayden, president of HHSDR Architects/Engineers in Sharon.

While the cracks and changes in floor elevations do not present a structural problem at the school, the uneven areas may present a safety hazard, Hayden told members of the school board's building, grounds and transportation committee Monday.

Results from 11 test bore holes uncovered pyrite that naturally expands after exposure to air and water. The problem is not uncommon and also was discovered in Ringgold School District, according to Javaid M. Alvi, president of GeoMechanics Inc. in Elizabeth.

At McMurray Elementary, doors are becoming stuck, a cabinet cover in the music room collapsed and various cracks and irregular floors are becoming visible.

Hayden said a second phase of the restoration project could be anticipated in summer 2013 and would include 9,300 square feet of office areas, the main lobby and side entrance, along with the nurse's station. That phase would be the most expensive at $2,976,000. The third phase would cost $1,164,00 and would be centered around an office addition. The total cost is projected at $4,950,000.

If the project is authorized by the board, Hayden said bids for the first phase would be advertised in January and be awarded in February. Work would begin at the end of the 2011-12 school year and be completed by the start of the 2012-13 school year. The second phase would follow the same time line beginning in January 2013.

Reimbursement from the original contractor or the company that conducted the subsurface analysis is not feasible as pyrite is found naturally in the soil and the subsurface analysis company is no longer in business. Alvi said he expected the statute of limitations has expired.

Dan Solomon, district business manger, said he will investigate if any repair costs would be covered by the district's insurance carriers.

"I could ask, but I'd be shocked," he told the committee members.

Hayden said authorization to proceed with the first phase should be received by September. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Meeting Recap: O-R 7-24-11

2011-07-25T08:33:00.000-04:00

Meeting recap
7/24/2011 3:34 AM

Peters Township School Board

Date: July 18

Action: The board approved raises for Act 93 administrators. Superintendent Nina Zetty is not part of Act 93 agreement and her salary remains separate. The raises and new salaries are:

Robert Freado, middle school principal, $116,038, reflecting a 1.83 percent raise; Blair Stoehr, McMurray Elementary School principal, $89,034, 3.6 percent raise; Greg Marquis, McMurray Elementary assistant principal, $75,985, 4 percent raise; Kelly Gustafson, Bower Hill Elementary principal, $100,220, 3 percent raise; Christopher Shute, Bower Hill Elementary School assistant principal, $75,985, 4 percent raise; Michael Fisher, Pleasant Valley Elementary School principal, $88,134, 3.7 percent raise; Emily Sanders, high school assistant principal, $81,134, 4 percent raise; Mary Monsour, director of staff development and tech integraton, $105,971, 2.9 percent raise; and Michael Henaghan, middle school assistant principal, $86,239, 3 percent raise. Lori Pavlik was hired as the high school principal in May for an annual salary of $105,000 and is not eligible for an increase.

The board approved hiring Kara Biroscak, Michelle Hanna and Kristen Lanzilatti as special education teachers at McMurray Elementary School and the middle school. They replace teachers who were transferred to other positions in the district.

Next meeting: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15 in the administration offices Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

PT Board approves $5M bond; half slated for athletic fields: O-R 7-3-11

2011-07-03T10:18:00.001-04:00

7/3/2011 3:35 AM

By Terri T. Johnson

Almanac staff writer

tjohnson@thealmanac.net

McMURRAY - Moments before passing the 2011-12 budget that contained a tax increase, Peters Township School Board approved a $5 million bond issue with about half of the money to be used to upgrade athletic fields above the Pleasant Valley Elementary School.

The bond vote was 6-3 with board members Mark Buzzatto, Thomas McMurray and Sue Smith casting negative votes. Supporting the bond issue were board members Lori Cuervo, Cindy Golembiewski, Lynn Erenberg, Diane Ritter, David Hvizdos and Julie Ann Sullivan, who voted by telephone.

The 10-year bond through PNC Capital Markets has a maturity date in 2021 with an option to refinance in September 2015.

Money obtained through the sale of the bonds must be used for specific purposes, such as the athletic fields or capital improvements to the district's five buildings. The money cannot be used to hire additional teachers or to pay salaries or benefits.

Several parents of students in Pleasant Valley Elementary School pleaded with the board to consider hiring a sixth teacher to reduce class size in the third grade. Some estimates place 26 to 27 students in each of the five classrooms. An email sent Monday by the district to parents in the Pleasant Valley district asked for seven volunteers to transfer to the third grade at Bower Hill Elementary School.

Superintendent Nina Zetty said initially, the district is looking for volunteers. The district is experiencing an enrollment "bubble" in the third grade.

Hiring an additional teacher would cost the district $70,000 when adding salary and benefits, Zetty said. To keep class size at 21, Zetty said three teachers would be needed at a total cost of $210,000. Money is not in the budget to hire additional teachers.

Zetty said the district constantly is monitoring potential enrollment and no decision will be final until August.

As for the athletic fields, the total bids awarded reach $2,184,950. The highest bid went to Amity Asphalt Paving for $1,496,00. Buzzatto, McMurray and Smith voted against all of the contracts.

A contract for general construction on the fields went to DiMarco Construction Co. for $220,000; Hranec Corp. received the HVAC contract for $19,650; J.B. Mechanical was awarded the $52,600 contract for plumbing; and the electrical construction contract went to S.E.. Schultz Electric Inc. for $396,700.

Neighbors have long commented that the new lighting and sound systems will infringe on their property. The district has agreed that no lights or sound systems will be permitted Saturdays or Sundays. Both will be turned off by 10 p.m. weeknights.

No project start date was announced. Improvements call for an artificial turf field, restrooms, handicap accessibility and relocation of the existing batting cages.

Buzzatto, who is not seeking re-election, said the $150,000 annual interest payments on the bonds will impact the next seven budgets before money is used to pay the principal. He said the artificial turf to be installed on the field "will be almost worn out before it is paid for."

Golembiewski, who voted for the bond issue and the field contracts, said the timing may be difficult, but the bond money will fund other capital improvements. She also referenced the large number of students who participate in sports and that the facilities must be maintained.

"It is the worst time to spend money," she said. "But it is the best time to spend money" while interest rates are low. The average interest rate on the bond issue is 3 percent.

Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Meeting roundup: Peters Township School Board:O-R 7-2-11

2011-07-02T08:51:00.000-04:00

7/2/2011 3:34 AM

Peters Township School Board

• Date: June 27

• Action: In response to a plethora of parents' concerns, the district will begin a different mathematics series in the 2011-12 school year even though the initial start date was to be delayed one year in an effort to save the cost of purchasing new textbooks. The switch from integrated math to a geometry/algebra course will use the textbook "Algebra I" that was approved by the board at a cost of $30,888.

Superintendent Nina Zetty has asked the newly formed Peters Township Foundation to donate $10,000 to help defray some of the costs.

The board unanimously approved the renewal of the food service contract with ARAMARK Inc. for one year with the option to renew for an additional two years.

The board accepted the resignation of Stephanie Saxe, fourth-grade teacher at McMurray Elementary School.

A request by Thomas Hajzus, assistant to the superintendent for operations, for a one-year sabbatical to end June 30, 2012, was approved. Previously, Hajzus has been on extended medical leave.

The board approved fees for workers at athletic events with support personnel to receive $40 per event, and constables' fees ranging from $80 to $55 depending on the length of time.

• Discussion: A special meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. July 18 to hire needed staff, and for a building, grounds and transportation meeting to discuss potential future renovations at the high school, and for a personnel meeting.

• Next meeting: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15 in the administration offices

Peters Township board adopts $49.6M budget: O-R 6-30-11

2011-06-30T09:24:00.001-04:00

6/30/2011 3:33 AM

McMURRAY - Thomas McMurray, chairman of the Peters Township School Board finance committee, said Monday that he knew not everyone was happy with the 2011-12 budget, but "it's the best we're going to get now."

A few minutes later, the board voted to adopt the $49.6 million budget that includes a 1.33-mill tax increase but no furloughs of teachers or staff. The vote was 8-1 with board member David Hvizdos opposed. The tax increase is within the state's mandated index of a 1.4 percent increase.

With the increase, millage now stands at 96.51 mills. Each mill generates $323,000. The owner of a home with a market value of $200,000 will see a $66 increase in taxes.

A separate vote on setting the millage, which was unanimous, was met with a remark from Hvizdos indicating his displeasure with elected officials in Harrisburg.

The state requires school districts to raise taxes no more than 1.4 percent, unless a special exception is requested months in advance. Gov. Tom Corbett is pushing for deep cuts in educational funding in the state budget that lawmakers have yet to pass.

"This is a perfect example of how Harrisburg is out of touch," Hvizdos said, adding the state cuts its funding but limits local school districts in raising taxes to cover the loss.

A motion to transfer $400,000 from the capital reserve fund was passed but by a 6-3 vote. Voting against the transfer to balance the budget were Hvizdos, McMurray and board member Mark Buzzatto.

The entire budget reflects an increase of just 1.5 percent more than the 2010-11 budget of $48.85 million, or an increase of $731,430.

One way the district is attempting to raise funds is to institute a new plan where students will pay fees for student activities and sports, including participation in the marching band at the high school and for middle school athletics.

Beginning with the 2011-12 school year, students taking part in all high school activities will be assessed $10 for each activity. There is no maximum cap. For high school athletics, each student will pay $90 per sport with a $215 maximum each year.

Marching band participants, including auxiliary units, will be assessed $40 per student, and at the middle school level, students will pay $35 per sport with a maximum of $85 per year. There is no family rate, and those students needing financial help can seek it from the individual sport's booster club.

Additionally, the district is asking the booster clubs to pay the salary of the lowest paid assistant coach. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters School Board approves budget with tax increase: O-R 6-28-11

2011-06-28T12:49:00.001-04:00

6/28/2011 11:19 AM

Peters Township School Board adopted a 2011-12 budget Monday night that includes a 1.33-mill tax increase, but no staff furloughs. The $49,583,988 budget reflects an increase of 1.5 percent from the 2010-11 budget.

The board voted to institute fees for high school and middle school students who particiapte in athletics and activities, including the marching band. The district is also asking individual booster clubs to pay the salary of the lowest paid assistant coach.

In separate motions, the board approved a $5 million bond issue, about half of which will be used to upgrade athletic fields above the Pleasant Valley Elementary School. Bids for project, including a $1.49 million asphalt contract and $396,700 bid for electrical work, were approved, but not without dissention.

Read more in tomorrow’s Observer-Reporter Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters school tax hike, athletic fees approved: P-G 6-28-11

2011-06-28T12:48:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, June 28, 2011
By Janice Crompton, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Peters Township school directors on Monday night voted 8-1 to approve a $49.6 million final budget, calling for property tax increases and activity fees for students.

Representing a 1.5 percent increase over last year's budget, the new spending plan includes a real estate millage increase of 1.33 mills, putting the district's total tax rate at 96.51 mills.

School director David Hvizdos dissented.

Under the new plan, student athletes at the high school level will be charged a $90 annual sports participation fee, while middle school students will be assessed $35 per year. Athletic fees will be capped at $215 per student at the high school level, and $85 for middle school students. There is no family maximum, though booster clubs are being asked to help students who cannot afford the fees, said district spokeswoman Shelly Belcher.

Also being charged participation fees will be marching band members, who will pay $40 per year, and students who participate in other extracurricular activities, such as foreign language clubs. They will be assessed $10 per year.

Ms. Belcher said the fees will take effect in the fall.
More details in Thursday's PG Extra

First published on June 28, 2011 at 12:14 pm

Read more: http://www.postgazette.com/pg/11179/1156772-100.stm#ixzz1QaeboucG

Taxes expected to increase in Peters Township schools: O-R 6-17-11

2011-06-17T08:08:00.000-04:00

6/17/2011 3:35 AM

McMURRAY - Taxpayers in Peters Township School District can anticipate paying more in school taxes after the board adopts its 2011-12 budget at a special meeting June 27.

Gov. Tom Corbett announced steep cuts in funding for local districts, sending business managers and finance committee members scrambling to find ways to reduce costs without a big tax hike, a move prohibited by state law.

Business manager Dan Solomon said during the final finance committee meeting Monday that the board wants to use just $1 million from the reserve fund to balance the total budget.

When the process began in March, Solomon said there was a deficit of $3.3 million that has now been reduced to $1 million. He said the reduction was because of the "tremendous effort on behalf of the administration."

Peters Township has the second-lowest school tax rate in Washington County and, Solomon said, one of the lowest in Western Pennsylvania.

However, to balance the budget with a relatively small millage increase, the board is looking at instituting a fee for participating in sports and other activities. Final figures are expected to be announced when the budget is adopted.

Resident Evan Evanovich of Froebe Road asked the board to make requirements for booster clubs and other support groups easier. He said there are fewer parent participants for students involved in "smaller sports" such as swimming.

One financial reduction was achieved by trimming the mathematics budget by $47,000, mainly due to the elimination of purchasing new textbooks for the planned switch from integrated math to the algebra/geometry program.

Superintendent Nina Zetty told the board and an audience of about 20 residents that teachers were asked to look at what was "absolutely necessary." As a result of the teacher input, the textbooks were put on hold, Zetty said.

Toward the end of the more than 31/2-hour meeting, several parents expressed concern about delaying the switch from the integrated math program and the impact it would have on students.

Other parents expressed concerns about a possible increase in class size to help keep costs down.

James Goldsmith of Tanglewood Drive said smaller classes help students learn more efficiently.

Other residents questioned why the district is cutting or delaying programs while seeking a $5 million bond issue to upgrade athletic fields above the Pleasant Valley school.

Money from the bond issue, which has not been approved even through the project was previously given the go-ahead, cannot be used to hire additional teachers.

Board Hires New AD and Assistant Football Coach: Peters Patch 6-14-11

2011-06-14T06:46:00.001-04:00

Schools
Peters Board Holds Special Meeting for Hiring

Former Steeler linebacker Jason Gildon is appointed assistant football coach.

By Earl Bugaile |

The Peters Township Board of Education hired a new athletic director and a former Pittsburgh Steeler as an assistant football coach during a special meeting Monday night.

Named to succeed Richard Relich as athletic director, was Brian Geyer, who is currently athletic director at Seton LaSalle High School.

Geyer also taught American Cultures, World Cultures, Current Events, Psychology and Sociology at Seton LaSalle. He was head golf and tennis coach, and also served as an assistant basketball coach. A 2000 graduate of Seton LaSalle, he received his bachelor of science in education degree from Clarion University.

Geyer will receive a three-year contract with Peters Township, at a salary of $80,000. When Relich retired, his salary was $92,000.

The board also hired ex-Pittsburgh Steeler linebacker Jason Gildon as second assistant football coach.

Gildon played for the Steelers between 1994-2003, and remains as the Steelers all-time sacks leader with 77 quarterback sacks. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2000, 2001 and 2001. He finished his pro football career with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2004. He is a graduate of Oklahoma State University.

In other coaching moves, the board moved Andrew DiDonato to first assistant football coach and hired Scott Fichter as another second assistant football coach.

The board also hired Kristin Caponi as head field hockey coach.

None of the new coaching hires was present for the meeting.

The board has set a meeting of the Policy Committee set for Friday at 6:30 p.m. to discuss a Graduation Honors Policy and it will hold a goal-setting meeting on Saturday, June 18, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m., for goal setting.

The next regular board meeting will be June 27, at which time board members will adopt a budget for 2011-12.

Peters Township H.S. commencement set: O-R 6-9-11

2011-06-09T06:40:00.001-04:00

Peters Township High School seniors will hold commencement at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the high school.

The 25 valedictorians are: Carley Elizabeth Adams, Laura Marie Bertoni, Aaron Thomas Blank, Marcus Hunter Bollman, James Richard Brucker, Jenna Nicole Burg, Allyson Cashman, Chelsea Chen, Katharine Daria Cushma, Connor James Dickey, Taylor Jordan Everson, Caroline Grace Fiscus, Patrick Stephen Flaherty, Michael S. Glicksman, Kyle Austin Gramling, Nevin Alexander Hagman, Brian J. Legowik, Juliet Elizabeth Leon, Robert Thomas Moodispaugh, Connor James Page, Christian Adam Ranallo, Shelley Lynn Rider, Andrew Thomas Shope, Lauren Nicole Sion and Alexander Mitchell Wright.

Dickey and Page will speak at graduation to represent the valedictorians.

Residents Appear Unswayed in Opposition to Field Improvements: Peters Patch

2011-06-07T08:04:00.000-04:00

Residents Appear Unswayed in Opposition to Field Improvements

An on-site demonstration of the proposed lighting and sound system improvements at Pleasant Valley was held Monday night.

By Earl Bugaile

Architect Matt Franz answers questions about the Pleasant Valley Elementary field improvements at an on-site sound and lighting demonstration.
Part of the crowd who attended Monday night's demonstration.
Superintendent Nina Zetty and architect Matt Franz point out areas of improvement.
Board members Cindy Golembiewski and Lori Cuervo, Zetty, president Diane Ritter and communications director Shelly Belcher were among the Peters Township School District officials attending the demonstration.
An example of the improved lighting system.

The Peters Township Board of Education held an on-site demonstration of the lighting and sound systems Monday night in regard to the proposed improvements scheduled for Pleasant Valley Elementary.

The effort appeared to have little effect on changing the minds and opinions of residents living nearby who are concerned about how the improvements will affect their homes.

School board members and designers of the lighting and sound system demonstrated the speaker system volume and the intensity of the lighting that will be part of the $2.5 million renovation project for the field.

Other improvements include new turf for the field, restroom facilities, 39 additional spaces for parking, a concession stand, bleachers and an improved access road. The board plans to float a bond issue for the Pleasant Valley improvements, among other building improvements in the district.

District Superintendent Nina Zetty and project designer Matt Franz, of HHSDR Architects & Engineers, answered numerous questions posed by the several dozen residents from nearby neighborhoods about the project.

He explained that the lighting system has been designed with glare shields to prevent spill-over light to the homes and streets around the field. He also noted that the light towers will be 70 feet tall, and directed on the field of play. Two light towers will be located on each side of the field containing seven lights each. In accordance with township regulations, lights would be turned off each evening, when the field is used, at 10 p.m.

Franz also said that the sound system will be located on the bleacher side of the field away from the neighborhoods surrounding the field.

Neighbors attending said they were still not convinced that the lighting and sound would not pose a problem, and that the field doesn’t need the planned renovations.

“It’s unnecessary spending of money," said Allison D’Addieco. “And it’s going to cause a lot of problems for the people who live right behind the field.”

John Milntholt, a resident of Robinhood Lane, was also not impressed with the demonstration, but was more concerned about spending money for the project.

“I think it’s appalling to put lights at such an elevation without any real need,” he said. “I think it’s nonsense to do this for the coaches and leagues that will be using this field much more than the school district. And, the taxpayers are going to pay for it. It’s absurd to be spending money like water. It’s really irresponsible.”

Franz said his firm designed the lighting and sound systems with consideration given to all the township ordinances and regulations.

“The township will have the ability to adjust the lights after they are installed so they could satisfy everybody in the neighborhood,” he said. “It won’t be any louder than anyone heard tonight, and it will have the ability to be locked-out so the volume can’t be increased. The speakers will be across the field from the residents and will be aimed at spectators in the bleachers.”

Lori Cuervo, chairperson of the school board’s buildings and grounds committee, said her committee has heard a lot of support for the project from other people within the community who believe the project should proceed.

“We have heard from athletic directors, recreation directors and many others that we need to put money into athletic facilities for the children,” she said. “We did our own internal analysis of what the facilities needed, and renovation to this facility and to the high school were among the top issues on the list, and they are the ones we are moving forward with.”

Cuervo added that the board wants to be a good neighbor to the residents, and her committee has taken as many steps as possible to assure that the field improvements will be positive, including modifications to the original plan after meeting with the planning commission.

Zetty told residents gathered at the meeting that the district could arrange a visit for them to the fields in neighboring districts, where similar lighting and sound systems are in use, to demonstrate the minimum impact on the surrounding neighborhoods.

Sorry!

2011-05-23T08:09:00.000-04:00

We missed a number of days of your posts due to blogger being down.

PTHS repairs estimated at $55 million: The Almanac 5-4-11

2011-05-05T16:48:00.001-04:00

By Terri T. Johnson,

Almanac staff writer

tjohnson@thealmanac.net

Preliminary cost estimates of $55 million for the proposed addition and alterations to the Peters Township High School campus were announced during a meeting of the district's building, grounds and transportation committee meeting May 2.

The estimate was projected by the district's architect, HHSDR and includes the total modifications for the high school campus including the building, stadium and parking areas, said Lori Cuervo, chair of the BGT committee.

Construction time, according to HHSDR, is estimated to be about two years. No time frame as to when construction may start was given as the district needs to meet several criteria including approvals from the state Department of Education and site plan approvals from the township.

The state has a requirement that additional waivers may be necessary as the high school was last renovated less than 20 years ago. Any exemptions to the 20-year rule are currently being discussed by the state legislature.

Also, what impact construction may have on any tax increases may require a referendum vote, which will require additional time.

Cuervo said construction may not be completed for four years depending on the number of required steps.

The estimates will be discussed at the next BGT meeting for which no date has been announced.Once the issues are discussed at the BGT level, the plan must be approved by the board at a public voting meeting.

Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

New PTHS principal eager to begin job: The Almanac 4-20-11

2011-04-22T10:56:00.001-04:00

Newly hired Peters Township High School Principal Lori Pavlik is anxious to begin her duties May 23 even though the school year is almost at the end. Graduation is June 10 and the last day of classes for students is June 9.

Pavlik, who has been in education for 16 years, has served as a unit principal at Mt. Lebanon High School since 2007, and previously, was vice principal at Baldwin High School, her alma mater.

While an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh, her mother suggested she enter education. Pavlik said, "absolutely not."

After considering law school, Pavlik realized she loved learning, but did not have the luxury of being a professional student.

"You could say education found me, I didn't find it," Pavlik told a group attending the high school Parent Teacher Student Association meeting April 14. After earning her master's in education from Duquesne University, Pavlik began her career as a social studies teacher in Baldwin.

Pavlik said she sees a lot of similarities, yet differences among the districts in Peters. Mt. Lebanon and Baldwin.

And while she said there is "not a lot to fix," at least academically at Peters, she plans on developing the whole student. The emphasis, she said, will be on relationships.

"Every interaction with an adult leaves a mark," she said, adding she wants to foster a sense of community in each student.

Arriving at Peters at the end of the school year will limit her interaction with the high school students. Even before she officially begins her duties, Pavlik said she attended the recent school play and was impressed to see so many male students.

"You will probably see me a lot," she said, adding she will spend the summer learning about the job, the district, the students and the community.

Pavlik, whose annual salary will be $105,000, replaces acting high school principal Frank Brettschneider, who remains as acting director of sports programs and activities.

Brettschneider was appointed when Thomas Hajzus, then high school principal, was appointed as assistant to the superintendent for operations. Hajzus was granted a medical leave March 1, 2010, and remains on leave.

Brettschneider was appointed as acting director of sports programs when then director Richard Relich took a medical leave Jan. 24. On Nov. 15, the school board accepted Relich's retirement effective no later than June 30. The district is currently seeking candidates for his position. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Meeting recap:Peters Township School Board: O-R 4-21-11

2011-04-21T07:12:00.000-04:00

Meeting recap:Peters Township School Board
4/20/2011 3:33 AM

Peters Township School Board

• Date: April 18

• Action: The board approved a list of seasonal laborers who will work between April and September.

The board also approved various extra-duty personnel for fall sports, including assistant coaches for boys high school football.

Installation of a portable storage shed at McMurray Elementary School athletic field for the elementary girls lacrosse club was approved.

• Discussion: Finance committee meetings will be held May 9 and June 13 to discuss the budget. Board member Sue Smith discussed possibly cutting back on the number of conferences employees attend in an effort to save money. Superintendent Nina Zetty said the district is investigating different ways information from conferences is delivered. Zetty said attendees currently return and present information to colleagues.

• Next meeting: 7:30 p.m. May 16 in the administration offices Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters School Board approves early retirement change: O-R 4-19-11

2011-04-19T17:45:00.000-04:00

Peters School Board approves early retirement change
4/19/2011 2:04 PM

McMURRAY – Facing $900,000 in funding cuts from the state, the Peters Township School Board voted unanimously Monday to amend the current collective bargaining agreement with its teachers.

The changes include moving the deadline to notify the district of retirement to June 1 from April 1.

The second change between the district and the Peters Township Federation of Teachers is to reduce the early retirement incentive program from a minimum of 33 years of employment to 30 years. The changes are in effect for the 2010-11 contract year.

The board did not discuss the changes and no board member commented.

Nina Zetty, district superintendent, said following the meeting the action was taken strictly for budget purposes.

Retiring teachers are normally at the top of the salary scale, Zetty said, resulting in a budget savings. However, she added, while the district expects to save money, the loss of experience cannot be calculated. There is no indication of how many teachers will take advantage of the changes. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Meeting Round up: O-R 3-26-11

2011-03-26T07:38:00.000-04:00

Peters Township School Board

• Date: March 21

• Action: The board voted to award a $668,296 contract to Ramp Construction Co. for the partial roof replacements at the high school and McMurray Elementary School. The project is part of $770,000 obtained through Qualified School Construction Bonds.

The board approved a feasibility study for future needs at the high school to be completed through HHSDR Architects and not to exceed $8,500. That amount will be deducted from the total architect fee for the project.

The board accepted retirements of high school teachers John Suszynski, Dennis Scott and Gerald Luxbacher, all effective at the end of the school year.

• Discussion: The board announced the formation of a committee to study possible changes to the class ranking and graduation policy.

Finance committee meetings continue in an effort to balance the 2011-12 budget. Another meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. April 11.

The district's share to the Western Area Career and Technology Center will drop by $26,262, based on 21 students. The district's estimated share in the $5,785,593 2011-12 budget is $161,533.

Joseph Jasek and Michael Maloney will split the position of drama tech director. During the audience comment portion of the meeting, parent Laura Norton spoke to the board about the lack of theater-related courses offered at the high school.

• Next meeting: 7:30 p.m. April 18 in the administration offices

Peters Township extends Zetty's contract: The Almanac 3-24-11

2011-03-24T16:48:00.001-04:00

Peters Township extends Zetty's contract
When members of the Peters Township School Board voted not to solicit candidates for the position of superintendent, that meant an automatic extension of the current contract of Superintendent Nina Zetty for three years.

The vote to accept applications failed by a 5 to 4 vote. There was no public discussion before or after the vote that followed a one-hour executive session before the start of the regular meeting on March 21.

After the meeting, Zetty had no comment on the extension. Her current contract expires Aug. 19.

Voting not to solicit candidates and, in essence, extending Zetty's contract, were board members Lori Cuervo, David Hvizdos, Cindy Golembiewski, Julie Sullivan and Lynn Erenberg. Voting to seek applications were Diane Ritter, Mark Buzzatto, Tom McMurray and Sue Smith.

Resident Mike Aburachis of Suthland Drive asked the board members to explain why they voted to open the position by accepting applications. No one responded.

Solicitor Jack Cambest replied that the vote dealt with personnel issues and the district has a policy not to discuss personnel matters.

Cambest went on to say that, according to state law, if the position is not open within 150 days of the contract expiration, the superintendent's contract will be renewed for three years. Since the vote to accept applications failed, the board took no action and the contract was renewed.

One vote that was successful was to hire Lori Pavlik as high school principal for a annual salary of $105,000. All board members voted for the hire with the exception of Buzzatto who abstained, but gave no reason.

Pavlik has been a unit principal at Mt. Lebanon High School since 2007. Previously, she served as vice principal at Baldwin High School where she also served as Co-Internal Coordinator for their Accreditation for Growth Planning Committee.

She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Duquesne University and obtained her principal certificate from Gannon University and her superintendent's letter of eligibility from California University of Pennsylvania.

Prior to entering administration, Pavlik taught social studies for 10 years.

Her start date is yet to be determined. However, following the meeting she said she hoped to begin her duties in Peters Township before the end of the school year.

Current acting principal Frank Brettschneider will continue as acting director of sports programs and activities and as assistant principal until replacements are hired. Zetty said the district is in the process of seeking applicants.

Brettschneider took over his duties when Thomas Hajzus, former high school principal, assumed a new position of assistant to the superintendent for operations. Hajzus remains on an extended medical leave.

Brettschneider was named acting director of sports programs and activities when Richard Relich began a medical leave Jan. 24. Relich had previously submitted his resignation Nov. 15, effective no later than June 30. Relich was then charged with various criminal offenses that occurred Feb. 1, including driving under the influence of alcohol by Peters Township police, and leaving the scene of an accident in Kennedy Township. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

PT votes to replace roofs: The Almanac 3-25-11

2011-03-24T16:45:00.000-04:00

PT votes to replace roofs
Members of the Peters Township School Board were divided on some issues and united on others at the March 22 meeting during which board member Cindy Golembiewski said no matter the votes, the board remains "a team" and "will move forward" with a positive attitude.

The vote was unanimous to award a contract to Ramp Construction Co. for $668,296 for the partial roof replacements at the high school and McMurray Elementary School. The project is part of $770,000 obtained through Qualified School Construction Bonds.

Another unanimous vote approved a feasibility study for future needs at the high school to be completed through HHSDR Architects and not to exceed $8,500. That amount will be deducted from the total architect fee for the project.

Policy changes involving volunteers and tobacco use were approved without dissent. However, Board members Thomas McMurray, David Hvizdos and Mark Buzzatto voted against a change in the anti-nepotism policy with Buzzatto citing ambiguity in the wording for his negative vote. The change passed.

Board chairman Diane Ritter announced the formation of a diverse committee to study possibly changes to the class ranking and graduation policy. The board will begin soliciting those interested, including community members.

Finance committee meetings continue in an effort to balance the 2011-12 budget. Another meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. April 11. The board, by state law, must adopt the budget by the end of June. McMurray, head of the finance committee, is also the district's representative to the Intermediate Unit I and told the board he expects the IU to lose $300,000 due to the proposed cuts in state funding.

In good news, the district's share to the Western Area Career and Technology Center will drop by $26,262, based on 21 students. The district's estimated share in the $5,785,593 2011-12 budget is $161,533.

The board accepted the retirements of John Suszynski, high school English teacher; Dennis Scott, high school social studies teacher; and Gerald Luxbacher, high school social studies teacher. All are effective at the end of the school year.

In the area of extra-duty personnel, Joseph Jasek and Michael Maloney will split the position of drama tech director. During the audience comment portion of the meeting, parent Laura Norton spoke to the board about the lack of theater-related courses offered at the high school. The board did not respond to her remarks.

Richard Piccinini, newly-appointed head football coach, was hired as weight room supervisor.

Several position remain open, including numerous assistant football coaches, which the board is expected to fill in April, and an assistant coach for co-ed cross country.

The board accepted a donation of 370 CPR Anytime kits from the American Heart Association, valued at $35 each, for use by seventh graders as part of the health curriculum. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Lack of action means new contract for Peters school superintendent: O-R 3-22-11

2011-03-22T17:52:00.001-04:00

By the Observer-Reporter

McMURRAY – When a motion to begin accepting applications for superintendent in the Peters Township School District failed Monday night, the lack of action resulted in an automatic three-year extension of the current superintendent’s contract.

The motion to solicit candidates for the job now held by Nina Zetty failed 5-4. There was no discussion before or after the vote with the solicitor citing a district policy not to discuss personnel matters. Zetty’s current contract expires Aug. 19.

A motion to hire a new high school principal, Lori Pavlik, passed. Pavlik will replace acting principal Frank Brettschneider, who took over when former high principal Thomas Hajzus assumed a new position in the district as assistant to the superintendent for operations. Hajzus remains on an extended medical leave.

School Board Votes to Retain Superintendent Zetty and Hires New Principal: Peters Patch 3-22-11

2011-03-22T09:08:00.002-04:00

The Peters Township Board of Education Monday night voted to extend the contract of school superintendent Nina Zetty, and hire a new high school principal to replace Dr. Thomas Hajzus. Frank Brettschneider has been acting principal.

Lori Pavlik, who is currently an assistant principal at Mt. Lebanon High School was approved as the new principal by an 8-0-1 vote, with Dr. Mark Buzzatto casting the abstaining vote. Pavlik will receive a salary of $105,000. Her official starting date has yet to be determined.

The board meeting started an hour late, after board members finished an executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The action to retain Zetty came when a personnel committee motioned to open the superintendent’s position to outside applicants failed by a 5-4 vote. Voting to open the position were board members Buzzatto, Thomas McMurray, Sue Smith and president Diane Ritter. Voting against opening the position were Lori Cuervo, Lynn Erenberg, Cindy Golembiewski, David Hvizdos and Julie Ann Sullivan.

Zetty’s three-year contract with the board expires Aug. 1, and under Pennsylvania school code, districts must act to open a superintendent’s position 150 days prior to the end of their contract. Zetty ‘s annual salary is $130,000 under terms of the current contract. According to board solicitor John Cambest, the board will now work on a new contract for Zetty to be approved prior to the end of the existing one.

Township resident Mike Aburachis, a long-time critic of the district’s special education program was critical of the board's decision to retain Zetty, and during public comment time at the end of the meeting, attempted to question board members about their individual votes. Cambest, who spoke for the board, said that members are not permitted to comment on personnel matters regarding district staff and administrators.

Personnel committee chair Golembiewski stated, “We are all a team. We will make this work and we will all move forward together. The students of this district are our top priority.”

In other action at Monday night’s meeting, the board awarded a contract to Ramp Construction Company, for $668,000, for roofing at Peters Township High School and McMurray Elementary, and approved a feasibility study for the high school for renovation. HHSDR Architects will do the study in an amount not exceeding $8,500.

The board also approved the district’s anti-nepotism policy by a 6-3 vote, with members Buzzatto, Hvizdos and McMurray casting the "no" votes.

Board president Ritter announced that a committee of teachers, students, administrators and parents will be formed to review the district’s graduation honors policy. The committee is expected to be formed in the next several weeks, to make a recommendation to the board before the end of the current school year.

District Superintendent Talks Past, Present and Future: 3/22/11 Peters Patch

2011-03-22T09:04:00.001-04:00

PTSD superintendent reflects on her first three years, in a series premiere of sit-down interviews.

Superintendent Nina Zetty will complete her third year as district superintendent in August, following a one-year term as assistant superintendent.

Zetty earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in secondary education and computer science at California University of Pennsylvania, and holds a doctorate from West Virginia University. She completed her superintendent’s studies at Duquesne University.

Prior to arriving in Peters Township, she was a teacher in the Jefferson Morgan School District in Greene County, then became principal of Keystone Oaks High School. She later became principal of Bentworth High School, and was appointed as assistant to the superintendent for the Bentworth School District soon after.

When appointed as Peters Township School District superintendent, Zetty set goals to maintain Peters as one of the highest-performing districts in the state, and to improve the lines of communication between the district and the community.

We sat down with Zetty, in the first of a series of interviews. Our combined mission is to keep the community informed of progress and issues in the district.

Patch: One of the most surprising things I have learned from you is that you never really planned to enter the field of education.

Zetty: As a child, I never lined up the baby dolls and pretended to be teaching them. Actually, business was my goal and where I began my career. As a young mother, I was going to work, coming home to take care of my children and balancing a career. My neighbor said to me one day that I should consider going into education, where my schedule would match those of my children.

I went back to school for mathematics, became a math teacher, and discovered that’s where I should have been all along. I never thought I would be a superintendent of schools, but sometimes you start down one road and before you know it there’s a detour, and you find out that’s where you were supposed to be going in the first place.

Patch: You set out to achieve a number of goals when you became superintendent three years ago. How far along are you in getting them achieved?

Zetty: Most of the vision statements we put forth are long-range, and you can’t really do much in one year, two years or even three years. However, many things have been accomplished along the way. Our long-range vision has to do with looking at facilities within the district and determining if we are prepared for 21st century teaching, facility-wise and safety wise.

We want to be sure students are prepared for lifelong learning, and at the same time we look at the budget long-range and at growth in the district. The past three years have been a lot of data gathering and planning, while working toward our long-range vision of having our students prepared for 21st century learning and beyond.

Patch: What’s the most rewarding thing you find about education?

Zetty: It’s a little bit tougher in this position than in the classroom because in the classroom you had that immediate feedback from your kids. I know those things are still happenings of the result of decisions I make, but I don’t see them and feel them as frequently as before. I think the most rewarding thing now is to attend things like a recent education committee of the board, when those initiatives I’ve worked collaboratively on with our staff come together, and to see our staff producing and excited about the goals we’ve set.

Patch: When you look at the numbers on the high school honor roll, and the number of student achievers you are seeing through the elementary and middle schools accomplishing great things, you must certainly be proud.

Zetty: Oh I am. Down to the individual child. At the education committee meeting there were smart tables, where two small children were doing the demonstration. Just being able to sit down with them and hear their interaction, and to see them so excited about learning was amazing.

Whenever possible I try to get into the classroom, attend athletic events for students who excel in that area and artistic endeavors our students do. I know I’m not the teacher who worked with them, but I know I’ve been a part of it.

Patch: One of your original goals as superintendent was to improve lines of communication with parents and the community.

Zetty: That will be a goal forever. We’ve added different venues of communication with Global Connect, email blasts, newsletters, meetings with administrators and PTAs together, but we’re continuing to look for better ways to communicate.

Patch: What do you think people in general still need to understand about the Peters Township School District?

Zetty: We’ve been focusing on Steven Covey’s "Seven Principles of Highly Effective Educators," and one of those habits I, ‘Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood.’ Many times individuals draw conclusions based upon not enough understanding. I think that the community needs to know that our doors are open for questioning and for information. If one hears something that doesn’t sit well or doesn’t make sense, they need to give us a call and we’ll sit down and share that information.

Expanding pyrite cause of cracks at McMurray Elementary School: O-R 3-2-11

2011-03-10T16:14:00.000-05:00

While the McMurray Elementary School building in the Peters Township School District remains structurally sound, cracks are appearing in the walls, and sections of the concrete floor are heaving up, sometimes as much as three inches.

Javaid M. Alvi, president of GeoMechanics Inc. in Elizabeth, told members of the school board's building and grounds committee meeting Feb. 28 that expanding pyrite is the culprit.

Results from 11 test bore holes discovered certain minerals found in the earth, most commonly known as pyrite, are expanding after being exposed to air and water. It's a common problem that, in many cases, requires an expensive fix.

When the elementary school was built about 17 years ago, excavation included cuts and fill, primarily in the southeast and southwest portions of the multi-story building. At the time, the engineers and architects felt two feet of fill was sufficient. However, over the years, the underlying pyrite has expanded, causing portions of the floor to heave and some, non-load bearing walls to develop cracks.

Alvi said the expansion process will continue and a fix is needed to prevent further damage.

"You just can't push the floors down," Alvi told the board.

One solution is to dig down about six feet and remove the material. Then seal the area, back fill and replace the floors. Alvi said the process is tedious and the cost for that solution is high.

Another fix is to remove about 18 inches of the earth under the offending concrete slabs and install what he described as a crawl space. This would act as a cushion and prevent additional heaving and cracking when the remaining pyrite substances expanded.

Alvi said the Ringgold School District completed a similar project when concrete slabs in a portion of the high school began to heave. That project, which included extensive upgrades to the cafeteria, cost $5 million.

The remedy using the crawl space would require breaking the floor slabs and removing them, something that would need to be done during the summer months.

As for the cost and the time involved, Alvi said it would first need to be determined how many concrete slabs would be removed.

Board member Lori Cuervo, who is also chair of the building and grounds committee, said the work, depending on how extensive, would be done over two summers or the end and start of the school year would need to be adjusted.

Alvi told the board only the floors and underlying earth would need to be replaced as the walls do not appear to be moving. Board member Julie Ann Sullivan asked what would happen if the board opted to do nothing. Alvi replied the heaving would continue and eventually, doors would no longer close properly.

J. Greer Hayden, president of HHSDR Architects/Engineers in Sharon, told the board that the main structure remains sound, but the problem can not be ignored forever.

Glenn Franceschina, the district's supervisor of buildings, grounds and transportation, said some doors have already been cut to accommodate the higher level of the floor.

The original engineers and architects who determined two feet of fill would be sufficient are no longer in business, Alvi answered when questioned by board member Mark Buzzatto. The statute of limitations is 10 years for any lawsuits.

No action was taken on any solutions as the committee meeting was advertised as a non-voting meeting. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Meeting Round up: O-R 2-24-11

2011-02-24T07:26:00.000-05:00

Peters Township School Board

• Date: Feb. 22

• Action: The board approved a $2,047,662 general operating budget from Intermediate Unit 1 with the district's share at $64,669, representing no increase from the previous school year.

The board accepted the resignation of William R. King Jr., supervisor of special education, effective Feb. 28.

• Discussion: The finance committee will begin the public portion of its budgeting process during a meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 7. Attempting to formulate a 2011-12 budget may be difficult as the state has yet to supply the district with the amount of funding for the upcoming year. The state mandates districts pass a final budget no later than June 30.

Several residents questioned a proposed revision to the class rank and graduation honors policy. Board president Diane Ritter said the draft was a first reading with no final action expected until the March 21 meeting. Any changes would begin with the 2014 graduating class. Other first readings included tobacco use on school grounds and anti-nepotism.

A few parents told the board they are concerned about the number of changes in teachers for a third-grade classroom at Bower Hill Elementary School.

Resident Mike Aburachis questioned whether special education students were recognized for achievements. Superintendent Nina Zetty said children were recognized in several categories. Aburachis also addressed the amount spent per pupil when compared to neighboring districts and other special education issues.

Board member Julie Ann Sullivan read from a prepared statement in which she asked residents to avoid gossip and to research where statements were being generated.

• Next regular meeting: 7:30 p.m. March 21 in the administration offices

PT hires Piccinini as football coach: O-R 2-23-11

2011-02-23T07:21:00.000-05:00

2/23/2011 3:31 AM

The search for a varsity football coach at Peters Township took nearly three months to complete, and it finally ended Tuesday night with the hire of Rich Piccinini.

Piccinini was hired by an 8-1 vote of the Peters Township School Board.

Dr. Mark Buzzatto was the only board member to vote against the hire. No reason was given.

Piccinini's name was not on the original version of the agenda.

Following a 25-minute executive session, his name was the only one presented for approval. According to acting high school principal Frank Brettschneider, no teaching position was offered and Piccinini's salary is estimated to be $9,300.

Most recently, Piccinini served as an assistant coach for Jim Render at Upper St. Clair. He was also an assistant at Seneca Valley and, from 2003-05, was the head coach at North Catholic, where he compiled a 7-23 record.

His name recently surfaced as a finalist for the head coaching position at Trinity. Piccinini's name was on the agenda at last week's school board meeting but, following an executive session, Trinity rehired Ed Dalton as football coach pending outstanding conditions.

Piccinini replaces Nick Milchovich, who coached Peters Township for four years after coaching at California and Charleroi.

Milchovich's position was opened in December after he led the Indians to their first WPIAL playoff appearance in seven years.

Milchovich guided the Indians to a record of 15-22 in his four seasons.

Staff writer Terri Johnson contributed to this report. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters hires USC coach to lead varsity football: P-G 2-23-11

2011-02-23T07:18:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, February 23, 2011
By Janice Crompton, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Peters school board Tuesday night voted 8-1 to hire Upper St. Clair assistant football coach Richard L. Piccinini as head varsity football coach.

Though the issue wasn't scheduled for a vote, school board members added it to their regular meeting agenda after a brief executive session that abruptly took place about one hour into the meeting. Board member Cindy Golembiewski called for a closed meeting for personnel reasons.

When asked by a resident about Mr. Piccinini's qualifications, board members declined to answer and directed questions about how the vote was taken to district Solicitor Jack Cambest.

Mr. Cambest told a resident that the board is permitted to adjust the agenda without prior notice but didn't explain why such action was taken in this case. Members of the public who attended the meeting were permitted to express opinions before the vote was taken.
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Board members Diane Ritter, David Hvizdos, Sue Smith, Julie Ann Sullivan, Thomas McMurray, Lynn Erenberg, Lori Cuervo and Ms. Golembiewski voted in favor, with Mark Buzzatto dissenting.

Though the board wasn't forthcoming, acting high school principal Frank Brettschneider, also the acting athletic director, said after the meeting that Mr. Piccinini had served as an assistant at Upper St. Clair High School since 2009. Before that, he was an assistant with Seneca Valley and Keystone Oaks high school football teams.

From 2003 to 2005, Mr. Piccinni was the head coach of the North Catholic High School football team, he said. In all, Mr. Piccinini has about 20 years of high school football coaching experience, Mr. Brettschneider said.

Mr. Piccinini will earn about $9,300 per year and is not expected to work in the district as a teacher. He replaces former coach Nick Milchovich, who was 15-22 in four seasons with Peters.

In a controversial move in December, the district opened the coaching position and sought a replacement for Mr. Milchovich, who last season took the team to its first playoff appearance in seven years.

Mr. Brettschneider said there were "multiple" applicants.

Janice Crompton: jcrompton@post-gazette.com; 724-223-0156.

First published on February 23, 2011 at 12:00 am

Read more: http://www.postgazette.com/pg/11054/1127287-100.stm#ixzz1EmehJPIC

PT School Board Approves Fields Project at Pleasant Valley: 2-17-11

2011-02-17T15:02:00.003-05:00

We have just been informed that the $2M project for the field upgrades at PV were approved at the special meeting on 2/15.
More info to follow.

More charges filed against Peters athletic director: P-G 2-9-11

2011-02-09T19:44:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, February 09, 2011
By Janic Crompton, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A Washington County athletic director who was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol last week was arrested twice before on DUI charges, and he now faces new charges, according to court records.

Peters Township School District Director of Sports Programs and Activities Richard Relich, 60, of Peters, was charged by Peters police on Feb. 1 with DUI after he was involved in a hit and run accident in Kennedy.

This week, Kennedy police Chief Anthony Bruni said his department charged Mr. Relich with leaving the scene of an accident and damaging an attended vehicle, both misdemeanors.

Chief Bruni said Mr. Relich rear-ended a woman on Coraopolis Road as she attempted to make a turn. The woman sustained minor injuries, but Mr. Relich left the scene without providing information after paramedics arrived.

Emergency responders were able to provide police with information about Mr. Relich's car, including the license plate number.

Shortly afterward, Kennedy authorities alerted Peters police to be on the lookout for the vehicle.

Peters police Chief Harry Fruecht said that his officers could not find Mr. Relich's vehicle at his Gateshead Drive home, but did spot it driving southbound on Route 19.

Mr. Relich was pulled over and "staggered" out of his vehicle, according to a police report. Mr. Relich's speech was also slurred, according to the report, and a breath test showed a blood alcohol level of 0.138. The state presumes a person is legally intoxicated at 0.08.

Mr. Relich's car and license plate matched a description given by Kennedy police, and his gold car had sustained front-end damage, Chief Fruecht said.

Court records show he was arrested in January 1989 for driving under the influence in Fayette County, and again in November 1996 in Greene County.

The Greene County DUI was dismissed in March 1997, when Mr. Relich agreed to plead guilty to public drunkenness and serve eight days in jail. He was also ordered to pay a $300 fine and court costs.

Three years later, a request from his lawyer to have the record of his arrest expunged was denied by Greene County Judge H. Terry Grimes.

Mr. Relich has been on medical leave from the district since Jan. 24, and previously announced his retirement at the end of this school year.

The district had no comment and Mr. Relich did not return phone calls seeking comment.

First published on February 9, 2011 at 2:27 pm

Read more: http://www.postgazette.com/pg/11040/1124188-100.stm#ixzz1DVpJ88qY

E-Mail Blast: 2-9-11 Winter Weather

2011-02-09T19:24:00.000-05:00

Winter Weather Update

Peters Township School District and other districts across our area had 2 hour delays this week due to extreme temperatures in the early morning hours. In making these decisions, we watch the forecasts carefully and attempt to make the best decisions for the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

For Thursday morning, AccuWeather forecasts are predicting cold temperatures, but with less wind chill than we experienced this morning. The "RealFeel" (what the temperature actually feels like given wind, humidity, etc.) is expected to be the same at 7 a.m. as it is at 9 a.m., making a delay of no benefit to our students waiting at the bus stop.

While a final decision will be made in the early morning hours tomorrow, at this time we do not anticipate the need for a delay on Thursday. We encourage everyone to take extra care in dressing for these cold temperatures. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults and children should wear a hat, scarf or knit mask to cover the face and mouth, sleeves that are snug at the wrist, mittens (they really are warmer than gloves!), water-resistant coat and boots, and several layers of loose-fitting clothing.

With these cold temperatures, our primary concern is the children waiting at the bus stop. If we have any indication that District buses are running behind schedule, we will communicate that to parents via the parent notification system.

Thank you.

Peters athletic director faces more charges: O-R 2-9-11

2011-02-09T17:00:00.000-05:00

2/9/2011 3:53 PM

Peters Township School District’s athletic director, who was charged last week with driving under the influence of alcohol, has also been charged in connection with a hit-and-run crash earlier that evening.

Richard Relich, 60, was charged Feb. 1 with DUI by Peters police, after they received a report of a hit-and-run crash in Kennedy Township, Allegheny County, and stopped Relich’s vehicle in a parking lot off Route 19. His blood-alcohol content was 0.13 percent, police said. The state presumes intoxication at 0.08 percent.

Kennedy Township police Chief Anthony Bruni said Tuesday that officers filed charges of leaving the scene of an accident and damage to an attended vehicle the day after the crash. The misdemeanor charges were filed by summons and there was no arraignment.

Bruni said Relich’s vehicle hit another vehicle on Coraopolis Road. The driver of the other vehicle suffered minor injuries. Relich left the scene without providing information after emergency workers arrived, but they were able to provide police with the license plate number.

Peters Township police were then notified by Kennedy Township police.

It’s not the first DUI charge for Relich.

State court records show that Relich was charged Jan. 1, 1989 in Fayette County. The disposition of that case is not listed.

In Julys 1996, Relich, who was then athletic director at Mt. Lebanon School District, was charged in Greene County. However a district judge dismissed the DUI charge and allowed him to plead guilty a day later to a traffic violation. The district attorney then attempted to refile the DUI charge but an agreement was reached for Relich to guilty to public drunkenness and serve eight days in jail.

Relich has served as director of sports programs and activities for about the last four years but has been on medical leave since Jan. 24, said district spokeswoman Shelly Belcher.

On Nov. 15, the school board voted to accept his resignation, effective at the end of the current school year. His annual salary is $96,100. The district had no comment on Relich’s arrest. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters Township athletic director charged with DUI: The Almanac 2/8/11

2011-02-09T08:51:00.001-05:00

Richard J. Relich, director of sports programs and activities for Peters Township School District, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol by township police late Feb. 1 after officers were alerted that he was involved in an earlier hit-and-run accident in Kennedy Township.

Relich, 60, of Gateshead Drive, McMurray, was stopped in the parking lot of a shopping center in the 4000 block of Washington Road at 11:23 p.m. His blood-alcohol content was 0.13 percent, police said. The state presumes intoxication at 0.08 percent.

The DUI charge was filed Feb. 2 in the office of District Judge James Ellis.

Peters Township police were notified by Kennedy Township police that a vehicle registered to Relich was involved in an accident in which a person was injured.

Kennedy Township police Chief Anthony Bruni said Feb. 8 that officers filed charges of failure to give information and to render aid, and damage to an attended vehicle on Feb. 2. The charges were filed by summons and there was no arraignment.

Relich has served as director of sports programs and activities for about the last four years but has been on medical leave since Jan. 24, said district spokeswoman Shelly Belcher.

On Nov. 15, the school board voted to accept his resignation, effective at the end of the current school year. His annual salary is $96,100.

The district had no comment on Relich's arrest. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters AD charged with DUI: O-R 2-3-11

2011-02-03T07:37:00.001-05:00

2/3/2011 3:33 AM

McMURRAY - Richard J. Relich, director of sports programs and activities for Peters Township School District, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol by township police late Tuesday after officers were alerted that he was involved in an earlier hit-and-run accident in Kennedy Township, Allegheny County.

Relich, 60, of Gateshead Drive, McMurray, was stopped in the parking lot of a shopping center in the 4000 block of Washington Road at 11:23 p.m. His blood-alcohol content was 0.13 percent, police said. The state presumes intoxication at 0.08 percent.

The DUI charge was filed Wednesday in the office of District Judge James Ellis.

Peters Township police were notified by Kennedy Township police that a vehicle registered to Relich was involved in an accident in which a person was injured.

Kennedy Township police Chief Anthony Bruni said Wednesday that the investigation involving the accident in his township was not complete and he could not comment.

Relich has served as director of sports programs and activities for about the last four years but has been on medical leave since Jan. 24, said district spokeswoman Shelly Belcher.

On Nov. 15, the school board voted to accept his resignation, effective at the end of the current school year. His annual salary is $96,100.

The district had no comment on Relich's arrest. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters athletic director to be charged with DUI: P-G 2-2-11

2011-02-03T07:33:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, February 02, 2011
By Janice Crompton, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Peters Township School District Athletic Director Richard Relich, 60, of Peters, will be charged with driving under the influence after he was involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Peters Police Chief Harry Fruecht said his department received a bulletin from Kennedy Township police at 11:23 p.m. Tuesday to be on the lookout for Mr. Relich's vehicle.

According to the bulletin, Mr. Relich's vehicle was involved in an accident earlier in Kennedy, resulting in the injury of a girl who was taken to the hospital.

Chief Fruecht said that his officers could not find Mr. Relich's vehicle at his Gateshead Drive home but did spot it driving southbound on Route 19.

Mr. Relich was pulled over at Applebee's Restaurant on Route 19, and "staggered" out of his vehicle, according to a police report. Mr. Relich's speech was also slurred, according to the report, and a breath test showed a blood-alcohol level of 0.138. The state presumes intoxication at 0.08.

Mr. Relich's car and license plate matched a description given by Kennedy police, and his gold car had front-end damage, Chief Fruecht said.

Chief Fruecht said Mr. Relich will be charged with DUI by summons.

Charges have yet to be filed by Kennedy police, who were unavailable for comment today.

Mr. Relich said in November he plans to retire at the end of this school year. He came to the district in June 2006 after serving as the acting assistant principal and activities coordinator at West Mifflin Area High School.

Neither the district nor Mr. Relich returned phone calls seeking comment.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11033/1122437-100.stm?cmpid=MOSTEMAILEDBOX#ixzz1CtlyedkO

Peters Twp. athletic director charged with DUI: O-R 2-2-11

2011-02-02T15:15:00.000-05:00

2/2/2011

Richard J. Relich, the director of sports programs and activities in the Peters Township School District, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol late Tuesday after Peters Township police received information that he was involved in a hit-and-run accident in Kennedy Township in which a person was injured, township police said.

Relich was stopped by Peters Township police in the parking lot of a shopping center along Washington Road at 11:23 p.m. after police were notified by Kennedy Township officers that his vehicle was involved in the accident.

Relich, 60, of Gateshead Drive, McMurray, has been on leave from the district and the school board accepted his resignation Nov. 15, effective at the end of the current school year.

Kennedy Township police Chief Anthony Bruni said the accident investigation is not complete. As of Wednesday afternoon, Kennedy Township had not filed charges against Relich.

At the time of the arrest in Peters Township, police said Relich’s blood-alcohol content was .13 percent. The state presumes intoxication at .08 percent.

Relich has served as the district’s director of sports programs and activities for the past four years. His salary is $96,100. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters Twp. Council, School Board hold joint meeting: O-R 2-2-11

2011-02-02T07:37:00.001-05:00

Peters Twp. Council, School Board hold joint meeting
2/2/2011 3:33 AM

Once a year, members of Peters Township Council and Peters Township School Board gather for a joint meeting to discuss their plans and to air any concerns.

At Monday's meeting, all seven council members and five of the nine school board members learned that while the 2010 census figures will not be released for a few weeks, estimates indicate the township population has grown from 17,566 in 2000 to almost 22,000 residents.

New housing starts increased from 288 in 2009 to 323 in 2010, according to Paul Lauer, assistant township manager. The average house price also rose from $317,438 in 2009 to $322,940 in 2010, Lauer said. Commercial developments also are increasing, including planned medical complexes by West Penn Allegheny Health System at the site of the former Radicchio market, and the St. Clair Hospital project at the former Al Lorenzi Lumber on Washington Road.

The school district monitors new housing starts to estimate future enrollment needs.

Currently, Nina Zetty, district superintendent, told the gathering that there is an anticipated increase in enrollment at the high school in the next few years, but the elementary levels have remained constant.

That is important to determine what expansion is needed and at what buildings.

As the township population grows, so do the needs for athletic fields, both for the district and for the township's recreation programs.

Elm Grove Park, once the site of an elementary school that was demolished because of mine subsidence, remains district-owned and is a possible site for future development.

Zetty said unless there is a major population explosion in the next few years, the district has no plans to build another elementary school on the property along Thompsonville Road. However, temporary expansion at McMurray Elementary School just off East McMurray Road could accommodate one or two modular units.

With the anticipated "bubble" of additional students at the high school, Zetty said the district is conducting studies to determine the need for an additional gymnasium and auditorium, and more classrooms. She told meeting members that any additions would cost in the millions.

Lauer said transitioning from one earned income tax collection agency to a countywide system will not go as smoothly as first believed. He expects the township will experience delays in receiving money beginning in 2012. Educating the residents as to the code needed to ensure the money is directed to the township is essential, Lauer said. The township currently has numerous zip codes and shares the 15317 zip code with Canonsburg.

While council and the school district operate on separate budgets and face different challenges, often the two combine, and that includes road projects. If the township has plans to improve roads, the school district must be kept informed to modify bus routes.

Drivers who travel East McMurray Road during the school year know traffic is an issue at least two times a day when classes start and end. A traffic study is estimated to cost about $9,000, and the township would like the district to share the cost.

Lori Cuervo, board member and head of the buildings, grounds and transportation committee, said with planned improvements at the Pleasant Valley Elementary School athletic fields, an additional access road could be included. She said routes are being investigated through Robinhood Lane or Sheriff's Court. No decision has been made, Cuervo added.

No school security officer has been hired, Zetty said. Only one application was received and that candidate's credentials are being studied, she said.

Anthony Merante, assistant superintendent, said he hopes to have the uniformed, armed officer in the school this year. The officer would defer to township police if the need arises, Zetty said. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters Council, school board discuss joint issues: O-R 2-1-11

2011-02-01T13:45:00.000-05:00

Peters Council, school board discuss joint issues
By the Observer-Reporter

Topics discussed during the annual joint meeting of the Peters Township Council and Peters Township School Board Monday night included upcoming road projects, expansion to Peterswood Park, a new earned income tax collection system and planned improvements to township- and district-owned athletic fields.

The joint meeting is held annually. Presently, no major controversies exist between the two groups of elected officials.

Council and the school district operate under separate budgets and face different challenges, but find issues overlap, such as altering bus routes during major road projects, scheduling athletic fields and the need for additional playing surfaces, and ensuring collected taxes are funneled to the proper accounts.

Peters Twp. School Board prepares for budget year: The Almanac: 1-27-11

2011-01-27T08:09:00.000-05:00

Peters Twp. School Board prepares for budget year

With the deadline to have a 2011-12 budget in place more then five months away, members of the Peters Township School Board learned during a Jan. 18 meeting that the finance committee will meet to discuss the budget on March 14.

The state mandates school districts must adopt a spending plan by June 30 each year.

Money was on the board's mind when a request by board member David Hvizdos to attend the 2011 National School Boards Association annual conference in San Francisco in April was denied by a vote of 5 to 3. The expected cost was $2,062.

Board member Mark Buzzatto said he voted against any board member attending because of the cost and that his vote was not directed toward Hvizdos, who did not attend the meeting.

The board approved exonerating Jordan Tax Service Inc. for liened real estate taxes for 2010 in the amount of $422,469.86. Dan Solomon, district business manager, said the amount is an increase of about $10,000 from 2009, but is a somewhat significant increase from several years ago.

Also approved was the renewal of the district's auto insurance policy for about 50 vehicles. The cost is $40,969. As of July, all of the district's insurance policies will expire at the same time, permitting the district to bid the entire package for a more competitive rate.

The school board and township council will hold the annual joint meeting open to the public at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 in council chambers in the municipal building.

Because of President's Day, the next regular board meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Meeting Round up / PT: O-R 1-21-11

2011-01-21T08:17:00.000-05:00

Peters Township School Board

• Date: Jan. 18

• Action: Although board member David Hvizdos did not attend the meeting, his request to attend the 2011 National School Boards Association annual conference in San Francisco in April was denied by a 5-3 vote. The expected cost was $2,062. Board member Mark Buzzatto said he was voting against any board member attending because of the cost.

The board approved exonerating Jordan Tax Service Inc. for liened real estate taxes for 2010 in the amount of $422,469. Dan Solomon, district business manager, said the amount is an increase of about $10,000 from 2009.

The auto insurance policy for the district's vehicles was renewed for $40,969. The policy covers about 50 district-owned vehicles. As of July, all of the district's insurance policies will expire at the same time, permitting the district to bid the entire package for a more competitive rate.

• Discussion: Board members learned the 2011-12 budget process will begin with a finance committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 14. Schools must adopt a budget by June 30.

The board heard comments from two parents regarding the district's programs for special needs students.

• Next meeting: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31, annual joint meeting with township council in council chambers; regular meeting 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22

Process at Peters Township questioned: O-R 1-20-11

2011-01-20T07:22:00.000-05:00

Process at Peters Township questioned
1/20/2011 3:33 AM

McMURRAY - Peters Township School District remains without a head football coach as the controversy surrounding the hiring process continues.

The district has a policy that requires all extra-duty positions be opened at the end of the season. The coaches or other activities sponsors are interviewed and reviewed by administrators. Those administrators then suggest a candidate to Superintendent Nina Zetty, who then makes a recommendation to the school board. The policy is, according to the district, to ensure equity for filling those positions.

During Tuesday's school board meeting, fall sports coaches listed on the agenda as Zetty's recommendations were rehired by the board, without comment.

The head football coach position was not on the agenda.

Following the meeting, which drew a large audience, Zetty said she did not receive a recommendation for the varsity football position from Richard Relich, the Peters Township athletic director, or Frank Brettschneider, acting high school principal. She did not speculate if a recommendation would be received before the next board meeting on Feb. 22.

The only audience member to speak was Allison McClure, a former school board member. She expressed displeasure at the current process, accusing the district of catering to "powerful parents in the district who don't like" Nick Milchovich, the most recent head football coach. Milchovich was the head football coach the last four years.

McClure was cautioned by solicitor Jack Cambest to keep her comments to district procedures and to refrain from personal references.

McClure said confidential sources told her that there are people involved in the selection process who should not be. Zetty asked to speak privately with McClure Wednesday about where she had obtained some of the information. McClure declined.

"People in this district are not blind to what's going on," McClure said.

Zetty countered that much of what McClure was saying was false, one time speaking directly into the camera recording the meeting, telling the audience "the statements here tonight are not true."

School board member Mark Buzzatto questioned Zetty about whether the process involving the head football coach differed from any other review. Zetty said the procedure was identical.

Although a football coach was not appointed, the board renewed Dave Barr as the cross country coach; Kristin Caponi as field hockey coach; David Kuhn as the boys' golf coach; Jim Augustine as the girls' golf coach; Robert Dyer as the boys' soccer coach; Pat Vereb as the girls' soccer coach; Brandt Bowman as the girls' tennis coach, and Ashley Green as the girls' volleyball coach.

Dale Murdock was approved as a volunteer for wrestling at the middle school. Abby Montgomery was approved as the middle school softball assistant coach, and Kevin Gryboski was approved as a volunteer high school baseball coach. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters football coach job still vacant; other coaches rehired: O-R 1-19-11

2011-01-19T10:52:00.000-05:00

Peters football coach job still vacant; other coaches rehired
1/19/2011 10:46 AM

Peters Township School District remains without a boys’ head football coach as members of the school board did not approve anyone for the position during its Tuesday meeting.

This year, as in past years, all extra-duty positions are declared open and anyone, including coaches, wishing to apply, may do so following a review.

While a number of coaching positions for the fall sports were filled by the board without any comments, Superintendent Nina Zetty said following the meeting that she has not yet received any recommendation for the football position from Richard Relich, director of sports programs and activities, or Frank Brettschneider, acting high school principal.

Rehired were: Dave Barr, cross country; Kristin Caponi, field hockey; David Kuhn, boys golf; Jim Augustine, girls golf; Robert Dyer, boys soccer; Pat Vereb, girls soccer; Brandt Bowman, girls tennis, and Ashley Green, girls volleyball. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

PT coaching situation is 'craziest thing': O-R 1-18-11

2011-01-18T13:00:00.000-05:00

PT coaching situation is 'craziest thing'
1/18/2011 3:31 AM

Should the positions of head varsity girls soccer coach and French Club sponsor be considered equals?

That question, and ones similar to it, have been topics of conversation in recent weeks throughout Peters Township, ever since the school district opened all varsity fall sports coaching positions.

The move, made in early December, was controversial at the time and has only become more confusing. Not only did it coincide with the opening of the head varsity football coach position, held the past four years by Nick Milchovich, the openings gave Peters Township, arguably the most successful athletic program in the WPIAL this fall, a public black eye.

According to Superintendent Dr. Nina Zetty, the move came with the caveat that the school district intended to make things consistent across the board for its extra-duty employees.

That means the boys soccer coach basically serves the same purpose as the SADD sponsor, or the football coach be equal to the student council sponsor.

Not to belittle any position, but I, for one, don't believe it for a second.

Nor do I buy into the notion that the fall sports coaches at Peters Township are coddled, pampered and spoiled.

Don't believe this is a big deal? Here's some things to consider:

Extra-duty sponsors don't have all the variables to deal with that coaches do, such as media attention and persistent parental pressure. There's lengthy bus trips, extended seasons, watching film, putting together game tape for college coaches and exorbitant amounts of time devoted to a position that offers little in terms of pay.

Then, there's the system Peters Township has used to evaluate its coaches for the past 20 years, a ratings system other extra-duty employees never faced.

Dr. Thomas Hajzus, a long-time principal at Peters Township High School who now serves as the Assistant to the Superintendent for Operations, was often part of the process that is apparently in need of overhauling. He's observed the current situation from a distance and, while he has no answers to solve the current mess, Hajzus sports a vivid memory of the process and is as fervent supporter and historian of Peters Township.

"I keep hearing the phrase, 'Making things consistent,'" Hajzus said. "I don't know if you can if it's not built to be consistent. I don't know if you can make things consistent."

Here's why:

Peters Township, like many schools, opens coaching positions at the end of each season. The coach then meets with the athletic director.

So let's say Peters Township girls tennis coach Brandt Bowman, who has won two PIAA team championships, meets with athletic director Rich Relich at the end of his season. Relich rates Bowman on his performance and, if Bowman received a satisfactory review, is asked if he wants to return. If Bowman agrees, he might sign a paper and that's the end of the process.

The informal process is standard practice throughout the region.

Under the new guidelines, Peters Township will open its coaching positions in a much different manner. Each coaching position will be open to applicants, which complicates and lengthens the process.

It also brings a level of embarrassment to the Indians' long list of successful coaches and could provide instability to the student-athlete.

"There's nothing better than to have consistency in interscholastic sports and clubs," Hajzus said. "Consistency is a thing we all embrace."

Consider the clubs.

What if students interested in theater or speech had a different sponsor every year? Imagine the time needed to review applications and conduct interviews for all these positions.

The desire to maintain consistency, to continue to help students at Peters Township and to show support for one another are reasons why several PT coaches will attend tonight's school board meeting, which might decide the fate of all its fall coaches. The board might even hire a football coach, which is believed to be current Moon coach Jon Miller.

Boys and girls track coach Dennis Scott, along with baseball coach and former athletic director Joe Maize, boys and girls cross country coach Dave Barr and boys golf coach David Kuhn anticipate attending.

"I have no clue what they're going to do," Scott said. "Like I said before, this is the craziest thing I've seen in 33 years."

Mike Kovak can be reached at mkovak@observer-reporter.com Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters Township School Board: O-R 12-23-10

2010-12-23T08:07:00.001-05:00

Peters Township School Board

• Date: Dec. 20

• Action: During a special meeting, the school board approved the transfer of Beth Walsh from fifth-grade teacher to enrichment/gifted teacher at McMurray Elementary School, beginning the second semester of this school year.

Elizabeth Wardzinsky, a third-grade teacher at Bower Hill Elementary School, was placed on unpaid leave from Jan. 21 through Feb. 18.

The board accepted the Pennsylvania CARES Cohort V grant of $6,000 for the Pleasant Valley Elementary Olweus Bulling Prevention Program. Only third-graders will be interviewed.

The board approved a preventive maintenance service agreement with Tri-State Fitness Inc. for $1,000 for the inspection of weight room equipment in the Peters Township High School weight room. The agreement includes four on-site visits to ensure proper equipment operation and safety.

The board approved a contract with McIlvried, DiDiano and Mox to conduct a land and underground utility location survey for Pleasant Valley athletic field for $14,250. The report is expected in January and was requested by the district's architect, HHSDR, as a prerequisite for preparing bid specifications.

A contract with GeoMechanics Inc. for $14,700 was approved to conduct 12 test bore drillings at McMurray Elementary School to determine the depth and thickness of expansive soil materials. The building is sound, said Dan Solomon, district business manager. However, some slight elevation rises have been noted. Results will determine if and when any corrective action is needed.

• Next meeting: The next regular board meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18. The board will hold its annual joint meeting with Peters Township Council at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 in council chambers. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Safety Update E-mail from Peters Township School District

2010-12-16T08:46:00.001-05:00

Safety Update from PTSD

As we continue to work with the Peters Township Police to improve the safety of our schools and community, we want to make parents aware of a possible child luring attempt in our community near Hedgerow Drive. The attempt involved a man with a dog approaching a young girl in our community.

See comments from Chief Fruecht in the Observer Reporter.

Once again, we stress the importance of having an ongoing conversation with your child about safety and strangers. Please be proactive and review your general safety rules and the importance of making safe choices - review your expectations when it comes to strangers, walking to and from the bus stop, responding to a person knocking at the front door, answering the phone, and playing in the neighborhood.

When addressing the topic it is important to be specific about how children can be safe and make good choices. Examples include practicing:

1. How to answer the phone and being careful with what you say.

2. What to do if someone besides a family member knocks on the door.

3. What to do if a person tells you they need help to look for a missing dog or carrying something from their car.

While you as parents may want to address the specific instance of the man with a dog, you should also keep the conversation general so children can transfer their knowledge regarding the need to be safe to many different environments. We will all work together to keep our children safe.

Respectfully,

Dr. Nina Zetty

As we have shared in the past, below are some useful resources for talking with children about safety:

http://www.kidsgrowth.com/resources/articledetail.cfm?id=1755

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=7305

Luring attempt reported: O-R 12-13-10

2010-12-13T07:55:00.000-05:00

Luring attempt reported
12/11/2010 3:33 AM

Peters Township police are commending a 13-year-old student following an incident at a school bus stop Wednesday afternoon.

Peters Township police Chief Harry Fruecht said the girl got off the bus and saw a man with a dog standing near the intersection of Hedgerow and Longleaf drives.

According to the girl, the man, whom she did not know, asked her to come to him and pet his dog, as his "dog liked her."

Fruecht said the girl walked in the other direction and immediately told her parent about the incident upon reaching her home.

The man did not follow the girl, Fruecht said, and left with the boxer-type dog in a white work van that was parked on Hedgerow Drive.

Fruecht said the girl did exactly as she should have by not responding to the man and reporting the incident to an adult.

"I think parents constantly need to address safety issues with their kids and how they need to respond to situations like this one, how to respond to strangers," Fruecht said.

The man was white and about 40 years of age. No additional description was available.

"She did a great job, and so did the parents," Fruecht said of the situation. "I think the girl responded very appropriately, refusing this man's comment and reporting it to her parents, who reported it to police." Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters Township School Board Notes: O-R 12-9-10

2010-12-09T07:47:00.001-05:00

Peters Township School Board

• Date: Dec. 6

• Action: The board re-elected Diane Ritter as president with Cindy Golembiewski as vice president.

The board recognized the boys' soccer team, whose members won the WPIAL championship, and the girls' soccer team, winners of the WPIAL who went on to win the state title.

The board approved the resignation of Beverly Hall as director of curriculum, effective within the next two months.

Also approved was an extension of a paid medical leave for Thomas Hajzus, from Jan. 1 to June 30. Hajzus' assignment was changed from high school principal to assistant to the superintendent for operations on July 1. He has been on paid medical leave since March 1, and his salary is more than $121,000. Board members Tom McMurray and Mark Buzzatto voted no to extend the leave.

The board announced that meetings will be held at 7:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month with the exception of January and February, when the meetings will be held at 7:30 p.m. the Tuesday following the third Monday.

• Next meeting: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18

PT board: Policy for opening coach positions routine: O-R 12-7-10

2010-12-07T10:33:00.001-05:00

PT board: Policy for opening coach positions routine
12/7/2010 3:30 AM

McMURRAY - Whether coaches' positions were routinely opened and posted was a topic of discussion among members of Peters Township School Board during a meeting Monday.

Superintendent Nina Zetty responded to the question by board member Mark Buzzatto that all extracurricular or extra-duty positions are listed as open annually after the conclusion of the event or sporting season.

In the past, Zetty said, all positions, with the exception of coaches, were opened and then posted for anyone who wished to be considered for the job. The extracurricular positions, including coaches, are customarily hired on a yearly basis.

During a sponsor's season-end evaluation, that person was notified his or her position was open and, in the case of all but the coaches, the job was posted.

To be consistent, Zetty told the board, the procedure was altered this year to include all of the coaches in the process of officially posting the job.

"Nothing has changed but the official posting," Zetty told the board. She described the change as a "formality" that would provide more consistency.

Anyone, including the most recent coaches of fall sports, may apply for the open positions. That, Zetty said, has been the policy when opening each position. The process of posting the jobs for the coaching positions is the only change.

Julie Ann Sullivan, board member, said posting or advertising the job is "all in the perception" of the person involved.

None of those most recently evaluated, including those who coached fall sports, was told they need not apply, Zetty said.

Evaluations, reports to the administration and recommendations should be completed by the next regular school board meeting Jan. 18, during which the board is expected to take action. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

PT board accepts director's retirement: O-R 11-18-10

2010-11-18T07:44:00.001-05:00

PT board accepts director's retirement
11/18/2010 3:33 AM

McMURRAY - Without comment, Peters Township School Board on Monday unanimously approved the retirement of Richard Relich, director of sports programs and activities.

Relich requested a retirement date no later than June 30. He has been athletic director at Peters for four years, after spending time at several other districts, and is paid $96,100.

According to Dan Solomon, district business manager, a hunt for Relich's replacement will begin in the next few months. Solomon said Relich, who did not attend the meeting, is eligible for retirement.

At a building and grounds committee meeting Dec. 6, the board will discuss the athletic fields at Pleasant Valley Elementary School and other construction needs in the district.

When questioned by a concerned parent about enrollment projections at Pleasant Valley, Dr. Nina Zetty, school district superintendent, said the district's enrollment committee tracks future needs. Currently, Zetty said, there is no significant increase in enrollment at the elementary level.

However, if the need arises, Zetty said the district could open a few unused classrooms at the school and architectural drawings are available to provide even more classrooms.

Zetty called the situation at the high school "tight" with a "bubble of enrollment moving up."

"That is our focus right now," Zetty said. Currently, the district is working on a plan incorporating the projected enrollment needs over the next three to five years. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters Township School Board Notes: O-R 11-18-10

2010-11-18T07:40:00.000-05:00

Peters Township School Board
11/18/2010 3:33 AM

• Date: Nov. 15

• Action: The board unanimously approved course changes in the secondary mathematics curriculum beginning next school year. The current Integrated 1 Essentials will become Algebra I Foundations, and Integrated 1 Academic will be renamed Algebra 1 Academic. The curriculum change will return the mathematics courses to a more basic form of instruction and will be instituted in a rolling manner to better acclimate the students, said Dr. Nina Zetty, district superintendent.

The board approved a renewal agreement with Siemens Industry Inc., for technical support program at the district's three elementary schools and the transportation and maintenance building for three years retroactive to Sept. 1, 2010. The first year cost is $12,612 with a 3.5 percent annual increase.

A contract for gutter replacement at McMurray Elementary School was awarded to Steel Valley Roofing and Sheet Metal Inc. for $6,406.

The board accepted a donation of winter coats for needy students. Coats are donated by employees of Gleason Insurance Agency.

All votes were unanimous.

• Next meeting: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters Township athletic director will retire: P-G 11-16-10

2010-11-16T15:18:00.000-05:00

Peters Township athletic director will retire
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
By Janice Crompton, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Peters Township School board on Monday night approved the retirement of district director of sports programs and activities Richard Relich, effective no later than June 30, 2011.

Mr. Relich, 60, of Peters, came to the district in June 2006 after serving as the acting assistant principal and activities coordinator at West Mifflin Area High School.

He had more than 20 years of experience in athletics and education, and had previously been named athletic director of the year by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association.

Mr. Relich took on the traditional duties of athletic director but also oversaw athletic activities districtwide.

District business manager Dan Solomon said Mr. Relich is eligible for retirement near the end of this school year, and said the district will likely begin seeking his replacement in the coming months.

Mr. Relich said his exact retirement date should be determined soon, though he believes it will be close to the end of the school year.
Janice Crompton: jcrompton@post-gazette.com or 724-223-0156.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10320/1103655-58.stm#ixzz15TjlKIaH

Meeting roundup: Peters Township School Board: O-R 10-22-10

2010-10-22T08:22:00.000-04:00

10/22/2010 3:34 AM

Peters Township School Board

• Date: Oct. 18

• Action: The board voted to recall 2001 bonds and reissue the bonds at a lower interest rate. The result is a net savings of more than $900,000. The money will be used for capital improvements, such as paving projects, roof replacements and upgrades on athletic fields.

The board renewed a lease with Oce Imagistics for all photocopy machines in the district for $12,399 a month for five years. The current lease is $13,088 a month for a savings of $41,340 during the length of the lease.

A maintenance agreement was approved with Combustion Service and Equipment for control systems at the high school for $7,500 a year, and control systems for other buildings for $6,800 a year.

An agreement was approved between the district and Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf for an aide for one student for the school year. The cost is nine payments of $4,414. An agreement with the School for the Deaf for interpreting services for two students for $60 an hour for a total of 24 hours weekly was also approved.

The board approved an agreement with Wesley Spectrum Academy for academic programs for children with education, behavior and mental health needs for $3,135 a month.

The board accepted a donation from the Pleasant Valley PTA for $2,214 for the purchase of two smart boards.

• Discussion: The board discussed upgrades on athletic fields above Pleasant Valley Elementary School. No decision was made with the board requesting cost estimates.

• Next meeting: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 in the administration offices

Safety Tips From Bower Hill: An e-mail

2010-10-21T01:06:00.001-04:00

Safety Tips from
Bower Hill Elementary

Dear Parents:
Many students are talking about a recent story in the Post Gazette regarding a balding man attempting to lure children into his white van in Dormont, Mt. Lebanon, and North Fayette. Though it is important to have an ongoing conversation with our children about safety and strangers, it is news stories like these that often remind us of how careful and vigilant we need to be.

The fall season is an important time to be proactive and review general safety and making safe choices, since there are numerous activities that have children participating in new kinds of activities (i.e. Trick-or-treating, sports activities and back to school.) This is a great time to review your expectations with your children when it comes to strangers, walking to and from the bus stop, a person knocking at the front door, answering the phone, or playing in the neighborhood. While we address these safety concerns in the classroom, it is important that these same ideas are being discussed at home as well.

When addressing the topic it is important to be specific about how children can be safe and make good choices. Examples include:

1. Practice answering the phone and let kids know what to say.

2. What if someone besides a family member knocks on the door?

3. What if a person tells you they need help to look for a missing dog?

While parents may want to address the specific instance of the white van found in the news article, you should also keep the conversation general so children realize the need to be safe in many environments, not just when they see a white van.

Kindest regards,

Kelly L. Gustafson
Bower Hill Principal

Here are some important resources for talking with children about safety.

http://www.kidsgrowth.com/resources/articledetail.cfm?id=1755

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=7305

Pittsburgh Post Gazette article
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10285/1094556-100.stm

Confirmed: Viral Meningitis and Whooping Cough at PT Schools.

2010-10-11T09:02:00.001-04:00

Dear Parent/Guardian,

In consideration of the well being of all students and staff, we closely monitor any health risks that may exist within the District and will keep parents/ guardians informed of such concerns. Additionally, we will proactively seek expert guidance and enact the District policies appropriate for the management of a healthy learning environment.

As you know, we are at the onset of the flu season. We would like to reassure you that we will continue to implement the safety and cleaning procedures laid out in our previous discussions (i.e., those regarding H1N1). We will continue to teach and reinforce a behavioral model reflective of safety and prevention. Additionally, we ask for your assistance in educating your children on proper hand-washing techniques, sneezing/coughing procedures, and general health and hygiene for their own protection and that of our entire student body.

We recently have been made aware of one case of viral meningitis and one case of whooping cough, otherwise known as pertussis. The names of students or staff members involved will remain confidential, but we offer this information for the sake of clarity and preparedness. Both individuals are not in school and will not return until deemed no longer contagious by their respective physicians.

I have attached a "Fact Sheet" offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding both Pertussis (whooping cough) and Meningitis, so that you may be aware of the signs, symptoms, and preventative measures associated with these conditions. Moreover, I have listed some valuable resources that offer information on these and other health concerns for school children and the community alike. We ask that you reference this information and your family healthcare provider if you have any other questions or concerns.

PA Department of Health website: www.health.state.pa.us

Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov

We thank you for your cooperation and participation in the safety and education of our students and community. We will continue to strive to keep our schools safe and to provide the highest quality learning environment possible.

Respectfully,

Nina Zetty

Dr. Nina Zetty, Superintendent of Schools

Teachers allege Peters Township officials were discriminatory: O-R 10/2/10

2010-10-02T08:12:00.001-04:00

10/2/2010 3:32 AM

Twelve female Peters Township teachers have sued the school district in federal court alleging discrimination due to age or sex.

Prior to the federal lawsuit, filed Sept. 17, each of the teachers filed administrative complaints against the district with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the state Human Relations Commission. On Sept. 9, the U.S. Department of Justice notified the teachers of their right to sue.

Teachers filing the lawsuit are Denise Hitchens, Anne Bernosky, Elizabeth Bladel, Gloria Bombara-Laux, Leslie Green, Victoria Mannion, Carla McCue, Delores Petricca, Sonya Ring, Kathleen Sekely, Suzette Sprowls and Renee Wentzel.

The teachers contend that the school district did not recognize their prior years of teaching experience in other districts when placing them on the Peters salary scale, while it did award younger teachers and male teachers credit for prior experience.

The district's spokeswoman, Shelly Belcher, referred all comments to the district's solicitor, Jack Cambest.

"We are reviewing the lawsuit at this time and will be filing an answer," Cambest said Friday. "We've requested a 30-day extension to file an answer."

Cambest said the teachers are alleging age and sex discrimination as well as violations of the Equal Pay Act.

"The teachers contend they were not paid similar to the male teachers," Cambest said.

He added that initial review does not indicate that as fact.

In the lawsuit, all 12 plaintiffs allege sex discrimination and eight accuse the district of discriminating against them because of their age.

The teachers range from a first-grade teacher to language teachers, to a school counselor and facilitator, to a business and computer science instructor as well as a practical arts teacher.

In the lawsuit, the teachers "demand judgment" for the difference in wages paid to them and to the male employees, damages equal to back wages, interest and attorneys' fees and costs. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Meeting Round up: O-R 9-23-10

2010-09-23T07:55:00.000-04:00

Peters Township School District

• Date: Sept. 20

• Action: The board approved a job description and established the position of a school security officer. No salary was announced. The district is soliciting applications. Superintendent Nina Zetty said the position is not in response to any incident but is to help to continue to improve security at the high school. Recently, staff began to wear photo identification, and all visitors must wear identification.

The board hired two part-time paraprofessionals to assist students with special needs at Bower Hill Elementary School.

An Interact Club sponsor was approved with the $1,000 stipend to be paid by the McMurray Rotary Club. The Interact Club is a service organization tied to the Rotary clubs.

The board accepted a $14,610 donation from the Bower Hill PTA to purchase technology equipment.

An agreement with the Washington Hospital for the Teen Outreach Program was approved, effective Aug. 1 through July 31, 2011, at $40 per hour for educational services. The district will reimburse the hospital 50 percent of costs computed at $40 per hour for in-school educational services not covered by a grant.

• Next regular meeting: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 in the administration offices

12 Peters Township teachers sue district: Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Sept 19, 2010

2010-09-20T07:53:00.000-04:00

By Bobby Kerlik
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, September 19, 2010

A dozen teachers from the Peters Township School District sued the district Friday in federal court, alleging age and sex discrimination.

The teachers, all women, claim the district did not properly recognize work experience when deciding their pay. The lawsuit also charges that Peters hired "significantly younger and/or male teachers" at higher salary levels and awarded them credit for teaching experience.

All of the women, who had teaching or academic experience before being hired by Peters, claim sex discrimination. Seven also claim age discrimination.

"I can tell you the district has made some compensation decisions that have favored males or younger teachers, and we're trying to remedy that," said plaintiffs' attorney Colleen Ramage Johnston.

A spokeswoman for Peters could not be reached for comment.

The plaintiffs are: Denise Hitchens, English teacher; Anne Bernosky, fifth-grade teacher; Elizabeth Bladel, German teacher; Gloria Bombara-Laux, school counselor; Leslie Green, first-grade teacher; Victoria Mannion, social studies teacher; Carla McCue, language arts teacher; Delores Petricca, math teacher; Sonya Ring, English teacher; Kathleen Sekely, business/computer science teacher; Suzette Sprowles, practical arts teacher; and Renee Wentzel, math teacher.

2010-2011 Bus Schedules are on-line

2010-08-24T20:13:00.001-04:00

Check out

http://www.ptsd.k12.pa.us/PT_transportation.htm

Former Peters Township SD substitute teacher files lawsuit

2010-08-12T11:43:00.001-04:00

8/12/2010 3:32 AM

A former Peters Township School District long-term substitute teacher has sued the district for age discrimination.

Susan Rzepecki of Bridgeville filed the lawsuit Tuesday in federal court in Pittsburgh.

She says she worked as a long-term substitute teacher for the district in the 2007-08 school year. She received two letters of praise from parents, had satisfactory classroom observations and no concerns were raised with her performance, according to the lawsuit.

She applied for a similar long-term substitute position for the 2008-09 school year, but was not offered a position, the lawsuit states. None of the long-term substitutes hired was over 30, according to the lawsuit.

Rzepecki also alleges the district didn't hire or schedule her as a day-to-day substitute teacher because she complained about and opposed the district's decision to deny her employment because of her age.

She is seeking compensatory damages and other relief the court deems proper, such as reinstatement to the positions.

The school district had no comment. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

PT mulls $4.5 million athletic fields upgrade

2010-08-07T19:01:00.000-04:00

After raising school taxes 2.9 percent at the end of June and awarding several administrators raises in July, members of the Peters Township School Board discussed a possible $4.5 million project to upgrade several athletic fields during a buildings, grounds and transportation committee meeting Aug. 2.

No official action was taken with the board agreeing to investigate a number of alternatives.

The wish list includes installing artificial turf on one or more of the fields behind Pleasant Valley Elementary School near the high school. Additional parking is planned with construction of concession stands, rest rooms and lights. Dugouts are proposed for the baseball field and bleachers are to be installed.

The athletic complex would allow the district, and the township, to have more usable fields in inclement weather, and to have games under the lights.

Greer Hayden of HHSDR Architects in Sharon outlined the field possibilities to the board with accompanying projected costs. Hayden also spoke of the partial roofing project at the high school, for which the district received $770,00 in low or no interest funding through the state.

A new roof to cover a portion of the high school including the gym, classrooms and pool, is expected to be advertised in December, with installation to begin June 13, after graduation and completion by Aug. 19, 2011, before classes begin.

All of the projects, with the exception of the high school roof, hinge on the issuance of bonds and additions to the district's debt service. The board has a few months before a final decision is necessary on the amount of money to be borrowed. Hayden was asked to provide additional information on artificial turf versus grass fields, and installing infrastructure now with completion of the project at a later date, such as underground electrical lines, but no above ground lighting.

Dan Solomon, district business manager, said alternative bids are the best option so the board could pick and choose what it wanted.

Board member Thomas McMurray, who is chairman of the finance committee said the board recently raised taxes and "poor mouths" its financial situation. He suggested the board should "start on a lower level and go up as the economy improves." McMurray also recommended a second access road to the proposed athletic field complex. Currently, the only vehicle access is the road leading to Pleasant Valley Elementary.

Another board member, Cindy Golembiewski, said the project should be "a tiny little bit at a time."

No timeframe was given for any decisions on the scope of the project. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Briefs: O-R 7-28-10

2010-07-28T09:44:00.000-04:00

Meeting recap
7/28/2010 3:31 AM

Peters Township School Board

• Date: July 26

• Action: The board approved raises for 12 of its administrators and other nonteaching, nonunion employees. The increases ranged from $2,985 to a low of $1,055, with the highest paid being the newly appointed assistant superintendent and the business manager, both earning $122,155. The superintendent's salary is not included.

The board accepted numerous resignations, including that of Paul Galloway, assistant high school principal, and hired several new teachers to fill vacancies and two newly created half positions at the high school. While enrollment is currently stagnant, an enrollment bubble of several years ago has reached the high school level.

The board approved a $112,300 contract for two roof replacements, one at the 22-year-old administration building and the other for a portion at McMurray Elementary School.

• Next regular meeting: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16

The board will hold a building and grounds committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 2 to discuss various issues, including the possibility of seeking new bids for a gas extraction lease. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Mr. Brian King

2010-07-08T21:19:00.001-04:00

With heavy hearts we share the news that long-time Peters Township High School teacher and friend Mr. Brian King passed away last evening.

Mr. King's courage and interminable good spirits have been an inspiration to us all, and his dedication and commitment to the students and community of Peters Township will be missed.

We know that this will be a difficult time for many of our staff members and students, and the High School counseling team will be available throughout the week to provide support. Please contact the High School counseling office at 724-941-6250 x5238. The office will be open from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. today and Monday through Wednesday next week.

Please keep the King family in your thoughts.

Peters Twp. H.S. principal to be transferred: O-R 6-30-10 (Here we go again...)

2010-06-30T07:41:00.000-04:00

6/30/2010 3:33 AM

McMURRAY - The Peters Township High School principal, who is presently on medical leave, will be transferred to a newly created position effective Thursday.

The action to hire Dr. Thomas Hajzus as assistant to the superintendent for operations was taken Monday by Peters Township School Board. Hajzus was then granted a paid medical leave from July 1 until Dec. 31.

The vote was not unanimous with board member Mark Buzzatto voting against each motion involving Hajzus. Voting for the changes were members Diane Ritter, Lori Cuervo, Lynn Erenberg, Thomas McMurray, David Hvizdos, Julie Ann Sullivan and Cindy Golembiewski. Sue Smith did not attend the meeting.

Hajzus' salary of $117,347 will not change with his new position. He did not attend the meeting.

Dr. Nina Zetty, superintendent, said that when Hajzus is able to return from medical leave, he will assist in future construction projects, a field, Zetty said, in which Hajzus says he has expertise. She cited Hajzus' involvement in the most recent renovations to the high school.

Hajzus took the school district to court over a previous leave in 2002. He was placed on administrative leave after telling then-superintendent Diane Kirk he was diagnosed with anxiety, panic attacks and depression.

He was then placed in a newly created position of director of special programs and projects at the same salary, which he believed was a demotion, and began legal action that ended in an agreement several years later with him being returned to the high school principal job.

Part of the agreement stipulated he was to receive annual financial payments of $20,000 to $25,000 until his expected retirement in 2013. Last year, the original agreement was amended to pay him the remaining $81,866 in a lump sum.

Since Hajzus first began his medical leave March 1, acting assistant principal Frank Brettschneider will remain acting principal, Zetty said. Paul Galloway will remain as assistant principal.

With the change in Hajzus' job, the district will now search for a new principal, Zetty said.

The district also will be searching for a new director of technology. The recently hired Julio Velasquez, hired to replace the retiring Toni Sulkowski, opted to remain with his current school district. The board voted unanimously to accept his resignation effective June 15.

"We are working with the staff we have and may opt to advertise for that position later," Zetty said.

In other action, the board accepted the resignation of Audrey Rogers, high school Spanish teacher, and hired Jeremy Kuharcik as an English teacher for the high school, replacing retiring Barry Wood. Kuharcik also was hired to direct the high school plays.

Peters Township senior Hardy Kern commented that as president of the Peters Township Masqued Indians Troupe 185, he appreciated the hiring. He said students were anxious to know which plays would be presented during the upcoming school year.

Zetty said she expected Kuharcik to contact the students almost immediately.

Blair Stoehr, current assistant principal at McMurray Elementary School, was transferred to principal at a salary of $85,900. He replaces Robert Freado, who moved to the position of Peters Township Middle School principal.

Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters School Board approves budget with tax hike: O-R 6-29-10

2010-06-29T14:33:00.001-04:00

McMURRAY – Peters Township School Board reduced the 2010-11 tentative budget by more than $900,000, but still raised taxes by 2.68 mills, equal to 2.9 percent, the highest amount permitted by state law.

The vote to adopt the final budget of $48,828,593 was unanimous Monday with only board member Sue Smith absent. Members Cindy Golembiewski and Mark Buzzatto participated by conference call. Also voting for the increase were members Diane Ritter, Thomas McMurray, Lori Cuervo, Julie Ann Sullivan, David Hvzidos, and Lynn Erenberg.

The new budget puts the millage rate at 95.18, still one of the lowest in Washington County. The increase means a property owner whose house is assessed at $200,000 will pay an additional $130 in school taxes annually.

PTSD makes administrative adjustments: Almanac 6-23-10

2010-06-24T07:58:00.001-04:00

6/23/2010 4:47 AM

There will be a multitude of changes at the administrative level in the Peters Township School District during the usually quiet summer months.

At a June 14 special meeting, the board voted to hire, reassign, transfer and change various assignments.

Effective June 30, Mary Yavelak will officially retire as principal at Pleasant Valley Elementary School. Former Assistant Superintendent Lyn Logelin, who was filling in as principal for Yavelak, will also retire.

Michael Fisher, who was hired from outside the district, was named principal at Pleasant Valley, with an effective date to be announced and at a salary of $85,000.

Christopher S. Shute was named, effective Aug. 1 and at a salary of $73,000, as assistant principal at Bower Hill Elementary School, replacing Michael Henaghan, who was named assistant principal at the middle school.

Mary Monsour, the former assistant principal at the middle school, is being moved to new duties in the central office.

With the recent retirement of Toni Sulkowski, long-time teacher, principal and director of technology, the board hired Julio Valesquez as director of technology at an annual salary of $89,000. The effective date of Valesquez's hire is to be determined.

As Sulkowski's duties evolved over the years along with the needs of technology, her position will be shared by two hires, including Valesquez, said district spokeswoman Shelly Belcher.

Beverly Hall, current director of curriculum, assessment and instructional technology, will be changed to director of curriculum, effective July 1. No salary change was indicated.

Robert Freado, current principal at McMurray Elementary School, will be principal at the middle school, at a date to be announced. Former Middle School Principal Anthony Merante was previously named as assistant superintendent to replace Lyn Logelin.

With the recent changes, Belcher said the only administrative position that remains open is that of principal at McMurray Elementary School. That position will be posted.

"This is the time (in the school year) all of this takes place," Belcher said of the changes and reassignments.

"This is the time the district reviews all of the positions and looks at next year and what the needs are and what the final budget and outline are and what the district needs for the following year."

The board held a final financial committee meeting June 21. Final adoption for the 2010-11 budget is expected at 7:30 p.m. June 28. There is the possibility of a tax increase although board members indicated they are working to reduce or to eliminate the need for a higher millage rate.

In addition to changes on the administrative level, the board accepted the resignations of Annette Burke, McMurray Elementary art teacher, effective July 1, and Toni Schlieper, second grade teacher at Pleasant Valley Elementary. Elizabeth Lee was granted a child-rearing leave for the 2010-11 school year. She is a fifth grade teacher at McMurray Elementary.

Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Peters Township property owners to see 3 percent jump in school taxes: O-R 6-23-10

2010-06-23T08:17:00.001-04:00

6/23/2010 3:32 AM

McMURRAY - Property owners in Peters Township will see their school taxes jump almost 3 percent this year with the same increase a distinct possibility for the next several years.

The projected jump of about 2.6-plus mills is in addition to a 3-mill increase last year. Peters Township is a school district that went for years without any need for additional millage. For the owner of a home with a market value of $200,000, the increase would be about $130.

The feeling among the nine-member board during a finance committee workshop Monday was to increase taxes gradually or face the possibility of layoffs and drastic cuts in the not too distant future.

The official vote on establishing a new millage rate will be taken during a school board meeting at 7:30 p.m. June 28.

For more than three hours the board, Superintendent Nina Zetty and Dan Solomon, business manager, discussed how the economy is impacting the district.

While not struggling, the district that serves the affluent Peters Township community is feeling the pinch of cuts in wage tax revenues and the dwindling number of new home starts. Just a few years ago, the township recorded about 200 new housing starts annually. In the first six months of 2010, Solomon said there are just 27. Currently, there are no commercial building applications pending.

"The economy sneezed and we caught pneumonia," Solomon said.

From the tentative budget presented in May, district officials have been able to cut some expenditures without any negative effects on education, which Zetty and the board stressed is their top priority.

However, there are expenses that cannot be altered, such as contracted salaries and benefits. Through reassignments, the district will lose one-half of a teaching position, something Solomon said he hasn't seen in his 17 years with the district. No cuts or layoffs are anticipated.

Enrollment remains steady, following numerous years of growth when the economy was at its peak. Solomon described enrollment figures as being "flatlined."

One area being impacted is curriculum and books. Zetty said some textbooks were once replaced when revised. Now, the district is closely monitoring how much information in the textbooks has changed and whether those changes justify replacement.

Some current textbooks, Zetty said, remain adequate and will be rebound rather than replaced. She joked that in some science books, Pluto will be listed as a planet. She quickly said teachers are well aware of the recent demotion of the distant planet and will inform the students.

Solomon said with the current budget crunch, some capital improvement projects, such as a new gymnasium floor at the high school, will be delayed.

Board member Sue Smith said, "This is not a year just for aesthetics." Solomon said he would check to ensure replacement is not a safety issue.

Rising mandated contributions to the employee retirement fund will cost taxpayers millions of dollars in the next several years. That alone, Solomon said, is a reason to steadily increase taxes over the next several budgets because, with a cap of 2.9 percent annually, jumping taxes high enough to cover the costs in 2012-13, would be impossible. The increase in contributions that year is a 300 percent jump from the current amount for a total of $3.9 million, Solomon said. Without a tax increase, the district would exhaust its reserve balance paying the required contribution.

Only a change by the state Legislature can reverse the increases. Solomon said the state is also facing a crisis because every dollar contributed to the retirement accounts by the 500 districts statewide is matched by the state.

Solomon suggested numerous ways the district could attempt to reduce costs, including naming rights, establishing its own cyberschool, moving some services in-house, adjusting start times and bus routes to reduce transportation expenses, increasing class sizes, placing a moratorium on new sports and coaches, switching to wind or solar power and eliminating some buildings for public use.

"You are going to have to do business differently," Solomon said.

In addition to the hike in millage, the board is expected to transfer $300,000 - about the amount generated by each mill - from the reserve fund every year.

Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

Congratulations Class of 2010!

2010-06-11T15:16:00.001-04:00

Meeting Round up: Possible Tax increase in the works????

2010-05-23T09:23:00.001-04:00

Peters Township School Board

• Date: May 17

• Action: The board passed a tentative 2010-11 budget of $49,744,639, reflecting an increase of more than $2.9 million. The board expects to work on reducing the amount that, if passed in its current state, would result in a 2.6-mill increase. Property owners saw their taxes increase 3 mills in the last budget.

The board announced the district was named one of 12 schools or districts in the nation to be named a National School of Character. Previously, the district was named one of only five schools with a similar distinction in the state. The district combined with the township and community to institute the Character Counts program more than a decade ago.

The board questioned why the long-standing policy of not permitting students to drive the last two weeks of the school year was changed this year to permit parking. Superintendent Nina Zetty said the change had to do with safety, as students park at other locations off school property and walked along East McMurray Road to reach the high school. There are no sidewalks in that area of East McMurray Road. Previously, one reason parking was prohibited was to prevent end-of-year pranks.

The board approved several new educational positions dependent upon enrollment increases.

Also approved was a one-year contract with ARAMARK with an option to renew for three additional years. ARAMARK is the district's food service provider.

• Next meeting: A finance committee meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. June 14 to discuss budget changes. The regular monthly meeting was changed to 7:30 p.m. June 28. Both are open to the public.

PT School Board Meeting: O-R 4-23-10

2010-04-23T07:44:00.000-04:00

Peters Township School Board

• Date: April 19

• Action: The board accepted the retirements of Bernadette Kissell, high school English teacher, and Pamela Graff, high school art teacher.

Various student trips, including Odyssey of the Mind to Michigan State University May 26 to 30 for the 2010 World Finals, were approved.

An agreement between Lifesteps, Adult Training Program and the district to provide services through May 28 at a rate of $116 a day was approved Steel City Therapy was approved for physical therapy services effective Sept. 1 through Aug. 31, 2013 at an hourly rate of $54.

The board authorized the administration to advertise for bids for replacement of roofs and refinishing the high school gymnasium floor at a fixed rate of $10,000.

• Next meeting: 7:30 p.m. May 17 at the administration offices