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KINGSTON — Fifth grade student Jordan Cosenza became a stage star at the start of Wednesday’s Wyoming Valley West School Board meeting, thanks to some fast action on a school bus when a kindergartner started choking on candy. Superintendent Dave Tosh called Jordan to the stage and recounted how he acted quickly when he saw the younger child struggling, slapping him on the back between the shoulder blades until the candy dislodged.
Jordan moved so fast the crisis was averted before the driver had pulled over and reached the two.
After Tosh gave him a small envelope, Jordan smiled while the audience gave offered a standing ovation.
The presentation was followed by a brief overview of the developing STEM Lab plans for the high school. Principal Tara Carey showed renditions of how the remodeled part of the library will look, with open space and mobile furniture that can be set up in multiple ways for collaborative work and lessons. The upper level will include a computer lab.
Carey noted the two-story room will allow students to work indoors with new drones being ordered. Along with chairs, tables and white boards on wheels, the district is purchasing tables with white board tops, smart boards, several small robots and learning kits, and two 3-D printers. The goal is to have equipment and options that will make the program accessible to students at all achievement levels.
The board also:
• Appointed Joseph Jarski as high school assistant principal at a starting salary of $85,000. The board approved increases to several administrative posts last month in an effort to both attract more candidates, including those from within the district, and to combat an issue with turnover.
• Hired Don Bly tree service to remove trees behind the high school at a cost of $3,800.
• Accepted a proposal for architectural and engineering services to SitelogIQ, the company that agreed to conduct a district wide feasibility study at no cost provided it got first opportunity at work arising from the study’s proposals.
• Authorized advertising for bids on interscholastic sports supplies, and for paper and general supplies. Bids for both are to be submitted by May 7 at 11 a.m.
• Approved an agreement with KDP Digital Photography for 2024-25 High School Yearbook photography.
• Approved an agreement with Golden Care of Northeastern PA for daily nursing services for specified students.
• Appointed Amanda Demelfi as life skills aide at $13/hour, and Emily Marosky and Rita Yablonski as cleaners at $13/hour.
• Accepted the resignations of cleaner Stacey Kase, life skills support aides Morgan Collura and Jada Guthrie, and autistic support aides Deborah Kolva and Kiara Kane.
• Accepted Caitlin Thomas’ declination of appointment as social worker, and appointed Schara Wessner to the post at $51,000.
By Mark Guydish at 570-991-6112 or on Twitter @TLMarkGuydish