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Montoursville Area School Directors at their recent meeting discussed the possibility of using multiple teachers to serve as curriculum coordinators in the district.
Board member Sharon Meyer said the concept would provide a collaborative effort among teachers for establishing curricula and likely save the district money.
"It would just be more grade level specific," she said.
The district has been without a curriculum coordinator in recent years but has considered hiring someone for the position.
Meyer suggested several teachers, each focusing on a certain grade, be paid stipends for their efforts.
"I think it would just make our teachers better too," she said.
Superintendent Dan Taormina, who has carried out the duties of curriculum coordinator, said he was open to the idea.
"I would want to see a job description," he said.
Hiring a single person to serve as a curriculum coordinator would likely cost the district more than $100,000 in salary plus benefits, he noted.
Taormina said one area school district has had in place instructional coaches who work with teachers to develop a curriculum.
Board President Todd Badger said multiple curriculum coordinators is a concept worth considering. However, he would not want to see teachers over-burdened with additional work.
In other matters, two district residents urged the board to take another look at the 2024-2025 budget approved in June, which includes a 0.56 mill tax hike.
With that increase, those with properties having an assessed value of $100,000 will pay an additional $56 in real estate taxes. Those with higher assessed properties will pay more.
"It seems obvious to me that the alternative to raising taxes is spending less money," Paul Rinker, 1102 Chestnut St., told the board.
"You weren't elected to sit here and say yes to everything," he added. "You passed a budget with a tax increase, but that doesn't mean you have to spend all that money."
Ron Snell, a former board member, urged school directors to again look at the budget and consider cutting expenses. He noted that the state budget, yet to be approved, may provide additional educational funding for the district.
The board discussed the possibility of banning students from having their cellphones in possession during school hours.
Meyer said cellphones discourage engagement from learning while teachers spend too much time policing their use.
No action was taken on the issue.
School directors voted to renew an annual agreement with Sims Insurance Agency for coverage at a cost of $263,772, a $33,545 increase from the previous year.
The board accepted a proposal from Larson, Kellett & Associates for auditing services for three years at a total cost of $129,800.
Nicole Casale was approved as an assistant girls' soccer coach at a stipend of $1,900.