Trending
The Montoursville Area School Board tossed around the idea of a girls' volleyball program at the varsity and junior high levels at its recent work session.
School directors and a few parents of players interested in introducing the sport as a PIAA athletic offering seemed to agree that the sport would be a fine addition to the lineup of extracurricular activities already available to students.
The $70,000 startup cost, as well as annual follow-up costs to keep the program going, emerged as a sticking point.
After much discussion, the board agreed to table the matter but perhaps take up the topic at another time.
School director Brenda Oberheim said while she could support volleyball, she felt the price tag is too high.
"I want to see volleyball happen," she said.
Board member Sharon Meyer suggested costs for the program be whittled down.
She made it clear she likes the idea of a volleyball program.
"It offers another opportunity for our girls," she said.
Board member Tina McCloy suggested that perhaps potential team members, their supporters and local businesses engage in fundraising.
"How much effort would you be willing to put into it?" she asked.
District Superintendent Dan Taormina said, "I would love to see it for our girls. The benefits are tremendous."
However, he noted the costs and the travel involved for the team, including to Northern Tier schools for games.
"I can't make a recommendation either way," he said.
A parent told the board she felt that it was important to offer the sport to girls.
Ron Snell, a district resident and former school director, advised the board to vote against a volleyball program.
"That $70,000 could be better spent on things to better educate students in our district," he said. "I think that our district has multiple extra-curricular activities for boys and girls."
In other matters, Lycoming Career and Technology Center officials gave a presentation regarding the school's possible expansion.
Dr. Craig Skaluba, Lyco CTC superintendent of Record, Professional Advisory Committee, noted that plans call for constructing a building at the school's East Lycoming School District campus to accommodate growing interest toward technical education.
Lyco CTC Executive Director Nathan Minium told the board the diesel mechanics and welding programs offered to students are drawing more students.
"We need to update our programs," he said.
The CTC board is expected to decide on the expansion plan next month. The decision will also come before each of the school districts with students enrolled in the CTC.
In personnel matters, the board approved the following personnel to the substitute teacher list:
• Candida Williams, special education (homebound students).
• Kali Kilpatrick and Lisa Bower, guest teachers.
• Natalie Hoffman, speech and language.
The board approved Dominic Caputo as an assistant track and field coach at a $2,600 stipend.
School directors approved the resignation of Michael Mathis, special education teacher.