LOYALTON — The vice president of the Upper Dauphin Area School District School Board has resigned.
At the Jan. 12 meeting, the board accepted the resignation of Gerald F. Wiest, representing Region 2.
In Wiest’s letter, dated Dec. 22, 2015, he stated, “My other commitments do not allow me to fulfill the requirements of my position on the board and it would be better if someone who is willing to devote the time and energy to the position be afforded the opportunity.”
Wiest wished the board success with empowering “students to be lifelong learners in order to reach their greatest potential.” His resignation was effective immediately. Wiest’s region includes Lykens and Jefferson townships and Elizabethville borough.
Besides Wiest, the Rev. Nathan Minnich, director, was absent. Director Mills Eure left the meeting early and did not vote on the agenda. All other motions were approved by a 6-0 vote, according to Business Manager Mary Bateman.
In other matters, the board adopted the Accelerated Budget Opt Out Resolution, certifying the tax rate will stay within the Act 1 inflation index for the 2016-17 school year. The applicable index for the next fiscal year is 3.3 percent, as calculated by the state Department of Education. By adopting the resolution, the board agrees the district will not increase the rate of its real estate tax, or any other tax for support of public education, by an amount that exceeds the index. The board was scheduled to submit the resolution to PDE within five days.
Some familiar mentors will once again be coaching UDA athletes for the 2016 spring sports season. The board approved the following coaches and salaries, upon recommendation by athletic director Brent E. Bell: Baseball, head coach Ryan Lentz, $2,377, assistant coach Tim Williard, $2,364, assistant coach Steve Klinger, $2,364, volunteer assistant coach Robert Miller, unpaid; Softball, head coach Chad Everhart, $2,263, volunteer assistant coach Chris Smith, unpaid; Track and Field, head coach Brian Hoover, $2,942, assistant coach Blake Dutweiler, $1,538, assistant coach Mary Ann Troutman, $1,500, assistant coach Clayton Bouchard, $1,500, volunteer assistant coaches Lora Kerwin, Todd Rupp and Connor Laudenslager, all unpaid.
Bell noted the salaries are based on 2014-15 levels, and that the district will pay for the required courses — at $95 per coach — beginning with the 2015-16 school year. Additional coaches will be added as clearances become available, Bell reported.
In the Upper Dauphin Area Education Association report, health teacher Amy Eisenhauer shared details and photos with the board about a middle school wellness effort. “For a culminating health project, Mr. (Kerry) Peck and my 8th-grade students wrote a children’s story about peer pressure. They wrote and illustrated their own stories. Mrs. (Lisa) Calnon invited us over to her room to read to the kindergarten students.” Eisenhauer attached pictures of her 8th graders reading to the younger pupils.
In other action, the board approved:
• Appointing Kaye Thoma as the delegate for the Dauphin County Tax Collection Committee for 2016.
• The request from Jennifer Gutierrez, high school aide, to resign effective Jan. 12.
• Krista Smink as a part time classroom aide — replacing Ruthie Kerwin who is now a full time PCA — effective Jan. 4 at a rate of $8.25 per hour; $8.75 after completion of first aid and CPR.
• Raquel Smith as a substitute aide effective Jan. 4, 2016 through Jan. 11 at a rate of $8 per hour.
• Raquel Smith as a part time PCA — replacing Jennifer Guiterrez — effective Jan. 12 at a rate of $8.25 per hour; $8.75 after completion of first aid and CPR.
• Julie Bugda as a before- and after-school tutor at a rate of $20 per hour for the 2015-16 school year.
• Approval of the following program volunteers for the 2015-16 school year: Jody Hertzler, Christina Teeter, Darcy Koppenhaver, Michelle Fulkroad, Danielle Mace, Shami Cope, Amanda Bopp, Rebecca Webster, Jeremy Strausser, Michael Wertz, Lori Campbell and Dennis Lenker.
• The recommendation of the discipline committee for the adjudication of student 15-16-13. No other details were provided.
• The field trip request from the cheerleaders to attend the Reach the Beach Competition in Ocean City, Maryland from 9 a.m. Feb. 26 to 2 p.m. Feb. 28.
• The field trip request from the FFA to attend the FFA 2016 State Legislative Leadership Conference in Harrisburg from noon March 6 to 2:30 p.m. March 8.