FARRELL District to continue pupil program

A program in Sharon closed, forcing Farrell to find a new spot for its pupils.
FARRELL, Pa.-- The Farrell Area School District will open an alternative education program for disruptive pupils in rented space at the Shenango Valley Urban League offices at 601 Indiana Ave.
The school board approved the plan Monday, and Superintendent Richard Rubano said that was also the first day the program opened.
Farrell was in a joint AEP program with Sharon last year and disruptive pupils were sent to the F.H. Buhl Club in Sharon to attend classes.
However, that program ended with the end of the last school year, forcing Farrell to find a new location for its pupils, Rubano said.
The school district will lease a room from the Urban League and has assigned a teacher and an aide to run the program, he said.
Farrell has received a state grant of $34,000 to help with the funding.
Michael Wright, school board president, said eight pupils have been assigned to the program. They will be able to return to their regular classrooms after demonstrating proper behavior and their ability to do their school work in the AEP setting.
In other matters, the board:
UAccepted the resignation of grants writer Kathy Feeney, who is moving to the Philadelphia area. Her last day is Thursday, and the job vacancy is being advertised, Rubano said.
UHired the Rev. Stephen Bennefield of Washington Street as district technology assistant for $26,000. Bennefield will work 101/2 months per year.