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East Lycoming School District has what its administration and board believe to be a policy that allows for a clear understanding of criteria for participating in the district's various boys or girls athletic programs.
The board approved Board Policy 123.1 on the agenda clarifying sex-based distinctions in athletics.
The purpose is to show the district is committed to serving all students without regard to sex. However, this policy outlines a situation where sex justifies differential treatment. Having separate athletic teams on the basis of sex preserves fairness, provides increased opportunity for girls, and are safer. As such, the district provides separate interscholastic athletic teams on the basis of sex.
Dr. Gregory Scoggins, superintendent of schools, noted his appreciation to the board for its work that went into the policy.
Incoming elementary principal
Scoggings also previously noted in a letter to district parents of the soon arrival of Wendy Arnold who will be the principal at Joseph C. Ashkar Elementary School in Hughesville.
"Arnold joins our East Lycoming School District family from the Bloomsburg Area School District, bringing a wealth of experience, dedication, and a strong commitment to student success and community engagement," Scoggins wrote.
In the interim period leading up to her arrival, the district administration team will work to provide full coverage and hands-on support for Ashkar Elementary to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and continued support for our students, teachers, and staff," he wrote.
'Destination district'
Scoggins also observed how the board continues to approve the hiring of quality staff as it is a "destination district" for faculty, administration, staff and for incoming families with children. "Our Leadership team continues to do the work to bring in valuable people to join the East Lycoming family," Scoggins wrote.
Student Activities/Field Trips
As for field trips, there are dozens of approvals all of which are listed on the school site.
Scoggins noted how he was particularly impressed with "our faculty finding ways to enhance the education experience for our students," he said, adding, "I would also like to commend the faculty and staff in finding ways to accomplish this in a cost-effective manner."
Scoggins also recognized Jennifer Folmar and Samantha Sherman, two elementary teachers who are retiring at the end of this school year.
"Their commitment to this district is the example I hope all our employees can somehow replicate," he said. "Thank you both for your passion over the years. It is my hope that your last year is your best year."
Under personnel the board made the following approvals:
- Madeline Longenberger as Speech/Language Pathologist Teacher for the 2026/2027 school year, $70,000.
- Kenneth Draper, Autistic Support Teacher for the 2026/2027 school year, $60,350.
- Brennan Ryder as a Part-time Instructional Aide at the high school, $14.99 per hour, 6 hours per day.
Athletics:
- Benjamin Kranz as an Assistant Varsity Football Coach for the 2026/2027 season, $2,947.
- Cameron Fetterman as a Junior High 7th Grade Boys Basketball Coach for the 2026/2027 season, $1,526.
- Brandi Dillon-Liddic as the Assistant Girls Volleyball Coach for the 2026/2027 with an additional stipend of $3,969.
Supplemental Staff:
- Miya Gillin, Kristin Harer and Jessica McCoy as Event Safety workers.
Bids:
- Approved Wood Chip Fuel bid awarded to Dwight Lewis Lumber Co., Inc., Hillsgrove at a cost of $46.00/ton for the 2026/2027 heating season.
- Approve the Disposal/Recycling Services with Williams Waste Haulers, South Williamsport, effective Jan. 1.
- Corry Maneval as a bus driver for the 2026/2027 school year, retro-active to Oct. 5.
- Nathan Hafer and the East Lycoming Education Foundation gave an overview to the board of the work the foundation is doing to support ELSD students and the community.