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HANOVER TWP. — Hanover Area School District students in need of extra help in math or reading may now get it, thanks to a $25,000 state grant, Superintendent Nathan Barrett said during Tuesday’s monthly School Board meeting. After the meeting, Barrett said the money would be used to acquire the Age of Learning system, design to improve learning outcomes in reading and math. He said it is primarily tutoring software that provides personalized lessons for each student. The district will determine which students can benefit most from the system.
The board also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the teacher union to resolve an issue regarding one teacher’s continuing education work. Teacher contracts provide raises based, in part, on additional college credits beyond a bachelor’s degree, and the teacher had several credits from an institution that has not been approved by the district. The MOU will allow those specific credits to count for that teacher.
And the board approved a long list of policy changes, as most local boards are doing to update policy manuals so they meet newer state requirements and suggestions. One of the policies covers Suicide Awareness, Prevention and Response, and it prompted criticisms from two audience members who questioned part of the policy that calls for “age and developmentally-appropriate” lessons related to suicide awareness and prevention. The two were concerned giving such lessons at too early an age will get students thinking about something that wouldn’t have crossed their minds.
The board also:
• Approved the purchase of a step van from Ken Wallace Dealership through the COSTARS program, which allows school districts to piggy back onto purchase arrangements made by the state.
• Approved the purchase of school police officer equipment at a total cost of $2,226.
• Accepted the resignation of Beth McNulty as part-time cleaner.
• Appointed Caitlyn Bly as assistant junior high track coach at a salary of $1,951.
Reach Mark Guydish at 570-991-6112