SCHOOL BOARDS

SCHOOL BOARDS
SOUTHINGTON
The board took the following action Monday:
URenewed a contract with Safe Schools Hotline for the third year at a cost of $1.87 per student in grades seven to 12. Total cost is $589. A grant will help offset the cost. Because Safe Schools has never reported any problems at Southington, the board questioned whether it is really needed. Superintendent Bill Pfahler likened it to an insurance policy, saying, "If it's needed, it's there." Pfahler said anyone hearing of impending trouble involving weapons or drugs, for example, can call the hot line anonymously; the hot line will alert school officials, who will notify police.
UNamed Alma Griffith as yearbook adviser for the 13th year. Although Mrs. Griffith has won many awards with the yearbook, board member Penny Hudak complained that the quality of the most recent one was below standard. She noted, for instance, that some pictures are blurry and some of them are of people not related to the actual function photographed.
UHeard Pfahler report that medical insurance is going up 61 percent.
UHeard from Pfahler that the Coffee Club met Oct. 11, with three parents attending. The club provides a forum for parents and others to discuss problems with administrators. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 13 in the study hall; there also will be a meeting at 8:35 a.m. Dec. 7 in the superintendent's office.
UApproved use of the gym by the athletic department for a donkey basketball game March 22.
SHARPSVILLE, PA.
UThe school board adopted a new smoking policy Monday to comply with a Pennsylvania law that says a school district can ban smoking entirely or can set up designated smoking zones at least 50 feet from buildings and facilities.
USet the salary of Business Manager Jaime Roberts for the next four years. Roberts will be paid $40,997 this year, an increase of $2,500 from last year. Her salary will go to $43,497 next year, $45,497 in 2003-2004 and $46,997 in 2004-2005.
UApproved an administration request to hire two additional crossing guards because of anticipated increased foot and vehicular traffic around the new Sharpsville Area Elementary School off Hittle Drive. The school will open after the Thanksgiving holiday. The guards will be stationed at Fourth Street and Hittle Drive and Fourth Street and Milliken Avenue. The school district will share the cost with the borough, each paying approximately $1,780 a year.