In Nanticoke, the school board meeting on Thursday quickly covered typical matters. However, when the board allowed public comments, two individuals expressed different concerns.
One person mentioned that a recent musical at the high school had problems during practices, such as a light bulb bursting, the discovery of termites, ventilation issues, and problems with curtains and rigging. Superintendent Ron Grevera admitted the facility needs improvements and explained that the district is exploring repairs and grants. However, he added that the district cannot afford all the repairs at once.
A woman shared safety worries for children because her child has experienced bullying and physical attacks without effective action by school officials. Grevera scheduled a meeting with her and requested that she document the incidents and her interactions with district officials. Board President Tony Prushinski expressed shock and emphasized the need to immediately stop such incidents. He encouraged the woman to contact him directly if another incident occurs.
During the meeting, the board approved the annual financial audit by Brian T. Kelly CPA & Associates LLC. Grevera reported that the audit found no issues and praised the district for having a strong fund balance.
The board also:
• Named football coaches Mike Hall assistant III(a), William Goodman assistant III(b), Ken Kasprzyk assistant IV(a), Ron Bruza Sr. assistant IV(b), Robert Ashton assistant I, and Kirk Jones assistant II.
• Switched Dan Nearhouse Sr. from a volunteer baseball coach to assistant IV baseball coach.
• Approved the purchase of new marching band uniforms at a cost not to exceed $15,000.
• Agreed to seek bids for 600 HP Chromebooks for the 2024-25 school year as part of the annual effort to provide a computer for each student.
• Accepted the retirements of cleaners Sylvia Brodowicz and Cheryl Kotz, and the resignation of cleaner Cero Mears.
• Appointed cleaners Ingrid Duran, Samantha Pennycoff, Courtney Voyton, and Jamie Hagenbaugh.
• Appointed Denise Keegan as the head cafeteria worker in the Education Center.
• Approved the purchase of a dishwasher and clean dish table from Rice’s Food Equipment and Consulting Inc. for the Educational Center cafeteria at a cost of $28,176. The purchase is being made through the CO-STARS system, which allows districts to take advantage of state-arranged deals to reduce costs and bypass bidding requirements.
