BY PAT FARNELLI

Mountain View school board hired one administrator, four teachers and a custodian Monday, after having called back most of its faculty and staff members furloughed last year.

Michael Slesinski of Scott Township was appointed as Director of Special Services with a salary of $70,000. He replaces Susan Pipitone, who resigned in June.

Whitney Twining of Thompson was hired as a chemistry teacher at a salary of $37,901 effective Aug. 22. She is a niece of board member Roy Twining, who abstained from voting on her appointment.

Gretchen Wydeen was hired as a family and consumer science teacher, at a salary of $51,486, (step 5), effective Aug. 22.

Jerry Hoch of Callicoon,N.Y., was hired as a music teacher at a salary of $54,972.

Jamie Boerio was hired as a music teacher at a salary of $37,901.

Timothy Phillips of Nicholson was hired as fulltime custodian/maintenance with a salary of $8.90 per hour.

A full time, 260 day high school secretarial position was reduced to a 223 day position after review by the school board.

At the start of the meeting, a brief ceremony was held, dedicating the board room in memory of James. W. Zick. Two plaques were hung, one inside and one outside the board room.

Dr. Todd C. Adams, board president, spoke about long-time board member and president Zick, who passed away in May after serving for years.

New superintendent Francine Shea commented on school code updates and policies as well as several plans and reports that have just been completed and submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Shea said that employees achieving milestones such as five or 10 years of service or more will be rewarded with recognition pins.  A letter has been sent to recent retirees inviting them to the next public meeting, where they will be honored.

She reported on the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s list of low achieving schools, and said that districts in Harrisburg and other areas are in severe distress. She said that a financial management review and audit may be necessary for districts with serious financial issues, and that the district will be watching the status of these policies.

There is a new Special Education Plan for the state, and that Mountain View’s plan has been completed and submitted to the state.

Three issues were mentioned that may be somewhat out of compliance: time spent on IEPs, payment methodology, and and daily notes of sessions for services delivered.

A Safe Schools report was also discussed.

An elementary handbook was approved, as was conference attendance for Title II Reading Apprenticeship conference inAllentown. The 2012-13 bus and car/van contracts were approved. The subject of shuttle bus service for after school activities was discussed. A motion was made to advertise for shuttle bus drivers, and it was suggested that bids be made for shuttle bus service on a per day basis. It was said thatBrooklyndoes not have many after school bus riders, but that Clifford has many. Six of the board members voted to advertise for shuttle drivers, while three voted no.

Robert Taylor reported that the playground was resurfaced with crushed stone underneath the wood chip surface.

He said that the improved drainage made a phenomenal difference.

Tayloralso noted that the masonry for the roof project came in, but the removal of the old roof required the use of several jackhammers, which was a little jarring to staff working.

He said that the new flashing has been installed, the roof finished, and the area bricked up.

The district supply roof was not completed due to the recent thunderstorms, but is rescheduled to start Thursday, weather permitting.

A long term Licensed Practical Nurse substitute position was approved to be advertised by the board, with applications due by4 p.m.Aug. 24.

Part time and substitute custodial/maintenance positions were approved to be advertised, with applications due by4 p.m.Aug. 31.

A full-time clerical position and a substitute clerical position were approved to be advertised, with a date due to be determined. Full time para-professional and substitute para-professional positions will also be advertised, with a due date to be determined.

A policy was approved concerning school visitors.

Executive sessions were held before and after the public meeting. A number of executive sessions will be held over the next month for negotiations.