School Board Appoints President, VP

The 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 .

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 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
• 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.