News

July 21, 2009

Official tells L-L feds’ funds will be watched

CAMILLE FIOTI Times Leader Correspondent

LEHMAN TWP. -- Jeff Wood, an agent with the U.S. Department of Education Inspector General’s Office, told the Lake-Lehman School Board at Monday’s regular meeting that his office will investigate any reports of fraud, waste or abuse of federal funds that could be on the way.

With $100 billion in federal stimulus money expected to be sent to qualified school districts around the country soon, the need to be a watchdog over the funds is greater than ever, he said. School districts that receive funding are legally required to make a report if fraud, waste or abuse is suspected. Wood said his office also conducts criminal and civil investigations.

Other area school districts have received similar visits, which are not part of any investigation.

In other business, Junior-Senior High School Principal Tracey Hallowich presented the board with several policy change recommendations, which address the dress code, attendance, grading and assessments and controlled substances. The board said it would take the recommendations into consideration.

The board voted to appoint the following as professional employees in the district effective the start of the 2009-10 school year: Elena Pellegrini, Exeter, with an initial assignment of secondary Social Studies teacher at a salary of $39,179; Megan Kuffa, West Pittston, with an initial assignment of secondary English teacher at a salary of $42,291; and Kristin L. Barrick, Fairview, Pa., with an initial assignment of secondary Instrumental Music teacher at a salary of $39,179.

The board also voted to appoint Barrick as Marching Band and Concert Band director for the 2009-10 school year with a salary in accordance with the teachers collective bargaining agreement.

The board accepted the resignation of Jamie Hallowich, Ross Elementary teacher, effective immediately.

Also, the board voted to renew the lease agreement between Vanguard Modular Building Systems and the district for the lease of the modular building at Ross Elementary on a month-to-month basis, as needed, at a monthly rate of $699.

Board member Charles Balavage said the expansion project for Ross should have been wrapping up by next month if permits had been issued in May, as expected, eliminating the need for the unit.

Superintendent James McGovern said the permits will be issued shortly, and the $1.2 million project should begin in the next two weeks. Balavage said the project should be completed in three months.

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