5M News

December 8, 2009

New NW Area board sworn in, priorities set

At reorganization meeting, new president said “facilities upgrades” to be a 2010 focus.

RALPH NARDONE Times Leader Correspondent

SHICKSHINNY -- The Northwest Area School Board swore in two new members and selected new officers for 2010 at its annual reorganization meeting Monday night.

Newly appointed President Charles Brace, who served as president two years ago and has sat on the board for 14 years, anticipates dedicating a lot of effort for “facilities upgrades” next year.

There are a lot of “necessary items” with the district’s buildings and grounds, Brace said. Earlier this year the board reviewed recommendations on what should be done to improve building efficiencies, safety and capacity.

There are significant cost-savings opportunities for the district, Brace said. He gave the example of the heating system at the high school that burns 5,500 gallons of oil in a little more than a week, wasting a lot of money.

He said he is thankful no teacher contract negotiations are due in 2010, which will give the board an opportunity to concentrate on other objectives.

Brace welcomed the new board members, Alton Farver, Lisa Schoenhofen and Gina Schwartz, promising to promote “good communications” and asking for their involvement in district committees. Farver and Schwartz were sworn in before the meeting; Schoenhofen was absent because of an unexpected family emergency.

Former President Peter Lanza will serve as the board vice president and Albert Gordon will remain as secretary for 2010.

In other business, Brace questioned school officials’ request for the board’s approval to submit a school improvement plan to the state Department of Education. Brace and Gordon said the board received the 45-page plan late, not giving it enough time to properly review the plan before approving it.

“I get so frustrated,” Brace said, adding the plan represents more “bureaucracy.”

Superintendent Nancy Tkatch and other school officials defended the plan, saying it is based on performance data that will offer practical and meaningful information to help the district lay out curriculum in the future.

Tkatch said the plan utilizes statistical analysis of student performance that will be useful in determining what areas are in need of improvement.

Brace said after the meeting he does not want to usurp the expertise of the educators in the district but does feel an obligation to be aware of what’s going on.

Tkatch also commended the effort of the district nursing and other staff for their work on Saturday immunizing students for the H1N1 virus. About 200 students were treated, she said.

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