Marya Baratta

The board covered several personnel actions, including the appointment of multiple special education teachers, a math teacher, and a head teacher. They also rescinded a previous appointment. A long-term substitute science teacher was appointed, as well as a new principal. The board approved a medical leave and a child-bearing leave. Additionally, they accepted the resignation of a secondary math teacher.

The WVWSD School Board work session included discussions on various topics. These included a resolution for real estate property tax exemptions, an agreement with KDP Digital Photography for the high school yearbook, and advertisements for bids on interscholastic sports supplies, paper, and general supplies. The board also discussed a new policy regarding naloxone, a refund of paid taxes for Hogan and Associates, and committee reports from the Athletic Committee, Building and Grounds Committee, Education Committee, Finance Committee, Contracts and Personnel Committee, American Rescue Plan Rent Committee, and White Library Board. Additional discussions covered refunds of paid taxes for Edwardsville Mall, an agreement, special education litigation resolutions, an extension of the agreement with Aramark, additions to substitute lists, requests for excused absences, compensation to professional staff members, and the appointment of a middle school teacher mentor. The board also discussed resignations, settlement of an unfair labor practice charge, and the school board secretary/superintendent secretary replacement.

The meeting included discussions on partnering with the municipality of Kingston, awarding bids for scholastic sports and patron general supplies, reenacting the resolution for per capita taxes, and a payment agreement with Leaf Financial for web filtering. There was also discussion regarding a letter agreement with the Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homeless program. An RFP for trash and recycling services was reviewed, and concerns were raised about the fee structure and the inclusion of a gas surcharge by one of the bidders. The board also discussed tuition rates, a physician services agreement with Geisinger Clinic, and a request from the Wyoming Valley West baseball parents to turn the current storage building into a press box. Additionally, there was a discussion about Holy Redeemer using the football field for their games.

The meeting addresses the potential closure of Schuyler Avenue Elementary School. Key discussion points include the district's history of building closures, the age and condition of Schuyler Avenue Elementary, and the need for repairs. The building's roof, brickwork, and boiler systems are deteriorating. There is a lack of ADA accessibility, inadequate ventilation, and environmental concerns due to its location in a commercial area. The building also has single-pane windows, an outdated fire alarm system, and interior carpeting that may cover asbestos tiles.

The board approved a memorandum of agreement with the Wyoming Valley West Education Support Professional Association to modify the Collective Bargaining Agreement, increasing start rates for various positions. They also included the position of monitors as a classification of employee(s) in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The board adopted a resolution authorizing the Superintendent to sign contracts, agreements, grants, and licenses electronically with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. An agreement with Dynegy Energy Services East, LLC for power prices was approved. Several appointments were made for various positions within the district.