SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

Several items related to curriculum development were approved by the Williamsport Area School Board as the start of the 2024-25 school year approaches. Students will return to classes Aug. 26.

Among those agenda items the school board okayed were: a renewal agreement for “Get More Math” to purchase online software licenses for the math department at the Middle and High schools at a cost of $14,791; the revised school calendar; PowerSchool maintenance and support license with the Capital Area Intermediate Unit 15 at a cost of $62,450; purchase of 1,925 IXL licenses at a cost of $24,475; “Imagine Learning for Edgenuity Exceptional Students course suite and associated professional development at a cost of $250 per student for access to the four core courses — English Language Arts, math, science and history — and a $450 for professional development; New Story School tuition agreement to provide special education programming at the rate of $421 per day for up to five students and $536 per day for up to eight students; American Speech Language Hearing Association online professional development for nine staff in speech and language for a total cost of $1,161; Target Support and Improvement plan for Cochran and Hepburn-Lycoming primary schools; Smart Lab Learning license renewal at a cost of $15,750; Edulink, Inc. renewal agreement at a cost of $18,594; the 2024 fall sports schedule; and the commonwealth University clinical affiliation agreement to allow for the placement of student athletic trainers in the district.

Under personnel, the board approved filling the following positions at the rates of pay listed, if applicable: Emily Weed, long term substitute at Cochran Primary, $56,703; Diane Walker, Courtney Baumer, Kathleen Carey, Jennifer Engel, Jennifer Herlocher, Jenny Kerns, Isaac Ritter, Theresa Sander and Daun Williamson, non-certified substitutes, $125 per diem; Kimberly D. Matthews, certified substitute, $150 per diem; Alex Peluso, long term substitute at the Middle School, $56,703; Faith Silvagni, long term substitute in special education at Lycoming Valley, $56,703 plus $400; Brianna Strickland, long term substitute in 4th grade at Lycoming Valley, $56,703; and Nicholas Thompson, long term substitute in CTE business, computer, information technology at the High School, $56,703.

The board acknowledged the retirements of Nancie English, a part-time aide at Lycoming Valley, and Betty Nicholas, a full-time aide at the High School.

They also approved the resignations of Derrick Hicks, 6th grade teacher at Curtin; Nicholas Doresky, long term substitute at the Middle School; Angie Hall, part-time food service worker at Hepburn-Lycoming; and Brittany Pangburn, full-time food service worker at Jackson.

Professional and support staff hired were: Alyssa Day, full-time speech and language special education teacher, district-wide, $60,006 plus $400; Danielle Lanzer, 5th grade teacher at Curtin, $66,612; and Cody Dauber, part-time aide at Hepburn-Lycoming, $19.42 per hour.

The board approved the following extra-curricular assignments and their stipends, if applicable:Tyler Albert, head baseball coach at the High School, $5,355; Madilyn Burley, volleyball volunteer at the Middle School; Todd Snyder, assistant high school softball coach, $2,250; Michael A. Alston, assistant coach white at the Middle School, $3,150, Andrew Paulhamus, football volunteer at the High School; and Marc Garside, percussion coordinator with the marching band, $3,600.

The list of drivers, monitors and mechanics for STA (Student Transportation of America) Inc. for the upcoming school year were approved. It was noted that as of the meeting all routes had been covered.

The next school board meeting will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 10 at the District Center, 2780 W. Fourth St.