SASB president OK with random drug testing for directors

Sept. 19--COAL TOWNSHIP -- The president of the Shamokin Area School Board says he would vote in favor of implementing random drug testing for board members and all district staff.

"I think we should lead by example. Some of us have made mistakes in the past but are moving forward in a positive direction," director Ron McElwee said during Tuesday's monthly board meeting.

Implementing a rule with the district's union employees may prove difficult since it would need to be included in union contracts, McElwee said when asked Wednesday for further comment.

Beginning this school year, all students in seventh through 12th grades are subject to random drug testing in order to join an extracurricular activity or to receive a parking permit. Parental consent is also necessary. The school board approved the policy Sept. 3.

A one-year contract was approved Tuesday with WorkPlace Health, Shamokin, to conduct the testing. Seven different tests fall under the contract. Tests will screen for five drugs, 10 drugs and 11 drugs. There are options for rapid results and lab testing. There is also a hair follicle test, breath alcohol test and a blood test.

Six tests range between $25 and $60 each. The blood test costs $250. The school district will pay the cost for all tests, except in the event a positive test is challenged.

Tests will be performed on campus. Up to 20 students a month, or during an athletic season, will be tested. Prior notice will not be given.

One failed test results in a 30-day suspension from all extracurriculars and parking privileges. A second failed test brings about permanent suspension. Both punishments call for drug and alcohol counseling.

A positive drug test, however, will not result in suspension or expulsion from school. Such a penalty would apply in the event of student tampering. Test results will not become part of students' permanent records, according to district policy.

Parents are permitted to register a student for random drug testing even if they don't play sports or belong to a club or drive to school.

The policy applies "but is not limited" to all junior high, junior varsity and varsity sports teams including cheerleaders, all music organizations including orchestra and vocal ensembles, as well as the following clubs: art, audio/visual, Bible, chemistry, chess, environmental, Indian Pride, Indian Times, Interact, Key, math, National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Students Against Bullying, computer, student council, tech ed, The Works and varsity club.

Other business

Robert Jones was promoted to a full-time employee. He had been working under contract with the district following his 2012 furlough as webmaster. He will earn an hourly wage of $15.

Jones will no longer provide technical support at Northwestern Academy. He will be replaced by part-timer Ryan Shevitski, who will work five hours daily at an hourly rate of $8.25.

Marc Romanelli was hired as a teacher at an annual salary of $31,000 plus benefits. Also hired were Christa Wynn, Jessica Condron, and Caitlin Schlachter at $30,000 each annually plus benefits. Christine Gotshall was hired as school psychologist. She will received a $45,000 salary plus benefits.

Teacher Megan Rollenhagen's salary was raised $2,000 to $34,700 to reflect her master's degree plus 15 credits. She received her tenure in August.

The long-term disability insurance contract covering all administrators subject to the Act 93 contract was adjusted to last three years, effective Oct. 1. An administrator was previously eligible for coverage until retirement.

Kitchen equipment will be purchased from Singer Equipment Co. at a cost of $50,566.42. A stage curtain was purchased for the elementary building from The Janson Industries at a cost of $6,672.

A month-to-month lease agreement continues with Northwestern Academy, where Shamokin Area operates the regular and special education programs. The rental fee is $109,202.91 monthly, an expense the district had been looking to renegotiate. The monthly agreement has been in place since last school year.

Tuition reimbursement for regular education students of Northwestern Academy for 2013-14 was lowered 44 cents to $61.33 daily. Students' home districts will be credited.

The high school band and orchestra will visit Disney World in Orlando, Fla. They'll perform at the Magic Music Days Showcase Festival from March 28 through April 4. There is no cost to the district. Students can participate in fundraising to defray costs.

David Kopitsky Jr. resigned as senior project adviser. He's replaced by Jordan Rickert, who will receive a $300 stipend.

Susan Belles was hired as a part-time special education aide. She will work 180 days a year, 6 3/4 hours a day at an hourly rate of $8.25. Autumn Breslin was appointed as a part-time teacher's aide -- 180 days, 6 1/2 hours daily, $7.25 hourly.

Wendi Lynch was appointed to serve as the dismissal supervisor at the elementary annex building. She will receive a $2,500 stipend.

Susan Fletcher was named tutor/coordinator of Project Success Math for grades nine to 12. Compensation is $5,000 plus $18.50 hourly for tutoring.

Amber Slodysko was named after-school detention monitor. Her wage is $18.50 hourly. Ashley Guzinski was assigned as a daily substitute teacher at a $90 per day compensation.

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