‘Catastrophe pod’ cause for concern in South Williamsport

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The South Williamsport Area High School may become a "catastrophe pod," South Williamsport superintendent Thomas C. Farr said at Monday night's board meeting.

Farr informed the board of his concerns over Cocciardi and Associates of Wilkes-Barre using the high school as a "catastrophe pod." Cocciardi and Associates is the company hired by the state to locate disaster centers in the region. The company is looking at the school district as such, in the event of a calamity.

According to Farr, the "pod" will be a distribution center within the high school gymnasium to aid about 5,000 to 7,000 people.

Concerns of security, traffic and volunteers were discussed, especially the company's suggestion that the district's staff operate the facility.

Board member Michael Prowant also discussed the issues involving potential problems that will need to be "ironed out," because how the site would run properly is difficult to determine.

While Farr is open and willing to provide the facility to distribute medications and help disaster victims, he wants Cocciardi and Associates to understand the school will remain strictly partners and "not responsible" for staffing the operation.

In another matter, Assistant Superintendent Mark Stamm updated the board on the district's "success programs" within the schools, programs mandated by the state to help reinforce life skill development across the different grade levels.

"They're working out very well," Stamm said.

The principals from each school gave a positive report on each of the programs in their schools.

Kathy Furman, Central Elementary principal, said the program is having a "good impact" on the students.

Dwight Woodley, Rommelt Middle School principal, added that "teachers are starting to buy into (the program)."

In other business, the board:

Heard an update on talks with the borough about fixing the Bayard Street extension alongside Central Elementary School.

Board member Brian Dunkleberger agreed to look into the matter last month after receiving several complaints and has since met with the borough. "Everyone is in agreement that (the road) needs attention," Dunkleberger said.

Heard from business manager Dennis Artley, who settled investment concerns, maintaining that the funds within Sovereign Bank are secure, despite its recent downturn in the market.

Farr assured members that Artley will "do the best to protect" those funds.

Approved swimming as a club sport for the 2008-09 school year for the purpose of qualifying for district and state competitions.

The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 in the Rommelt Building.