MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area School District has been recognized as a "model school district" for physical fitness by Highmark Health Insurance.
During Thursday night's school board meeting, high school principal/curriculum coordinator Lisa Varano reported the district was recently informed of the distinction by Highmark officials.
She said the high school, which expects to receive some type of award for the honor in the future, previously received a $56,000 Highmark Healthy High-Five Super Challenge Grant over two years. She said the grant was used to purchase mountain bikes and a treadmill, and develop a walking trail on district grounds.
Bomb scare
Superintendent Bernie Stellar thanked everyone for their assistance in dealing with last week's bomb scare in the district. Stellar praised the students, faculty, administrators and staff along with emergency responders and police for handling the tense situation very well.
The superintendent commended Mount Carmel Township police for making a quick arrest in the case.
Crystal Clark, 17, of Mount Carmel, was charged Oct. 10 with multiple offenses, including several felonies, for calling in three bomb threats to the district Oct. 9.
Town meetings
Stellar said he plans to conduct monthly town meetings at the high school and elementary school to receive input from community residents on various topics. He said the first meeting will be held next month.
Stellar also reported he plans to seek input from taxpayers, students and staff when he and financial consultant Charles Mannello begin developing next year's budget.
Other news
Varano was appointed high school principal/curriculum coordinator based on a revised job description at a salary of $75,000. Varano had served as curriculum coordinator and interim high school principal since Sept. 15, 2001. She received $800 per month for her extra duties as interim high school principal.
Voting to approve the appointment were Directors Charles Mannello, Michael Rovito, Raymond Kraynak, Robert Muldowney, Michael Brinkash, Donna James and Thomas Ditchey. Board members Nicholas C. Goretski III and Dr. Ray Kraynak were absent.
The board approved a resolution to increase an assigned fund balance by $300,000 for projected retirement rate increases, potential higher costs for medical insurance and unexpected costs to maintain district facilities.
Directors changed the salary classifications for high school social studies teacher Jessica Nahodil from bachelor's step 4 at $34,904 to master's step 4 at $35,904, and high school math teacher Joseph Garrison from bachelor's step 5 at $36,467 to master's step 5 at $37,467.
The board accepted the resignation of elementary school homebound coordinator Cheryl Toborowsky and appointed elementary school principal Susan Nestico to replace her at a stipend of $300.
The board approved the district's preliminary comprehensive plan, the expulsion of a district student and an agreement with WorkPlace Health to assist in coordinating the district's drug and alcohol program for drivers.