C-K Board Tables Discussion on Teacher Furlough, Anticipates Tax Increase

The Claysburg-Kimmel School Board meeting on Wednesday, April 12, attracted 34 people, including faculty, parents, and teachers, to make a public comment in support of music teacher Matthew Stombaugh, who the board is considering for furlough as it explores eliminating one music instructor position. The district has publicly stated that it does not intend to eliminate any music programs. The board voted to table the furlough for further discussion.

In other action, the board voted to approve Dena Burket and Paula Ickes to the Blair County Tax Collection Commission and to offer graduating seniors the option to purchase school-issued iPads for $150.

Th board accepted the following resignations: teacher Kendra Walker, effective at the end of the school year; technology assistant Connor Nicewonger, effective March 31; custodian Tracy Lightner, effective March 15; and aide Shyanna Hurst, effective April 17.

The board voted to advertise all vacant positions as well as create a technology position.

The board met for a budget work session on April 26 and made a preliminary decision to raise taxes by 3 percent, which is half the Act 1 limit of 6 percent. The increase would cost each household about $23 more and add about $93,000 to district coffers.

The district still has a little over $1 million in ESSER COVID relief funds to spend over the next two school years. Some of the plans for the money for the 2023-24 school year include replacing all the district’s iPads and splitting the rest between a “rainy day fund” and the budget.

The board discussed enhancing the performing arts by creating a performing arts extracurricular position with whoever is hired for the role possibly taking over marching band duties as well as band concerts and school musicals.

In other news from across the district, students Joyce Cottle and Cameron Claycomb graduated from the Blair County Chamber of Commerce’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy. The 25-week program teaches students how to launch their own IRS-registered business through mentoring, field trips, and an investor panel for students to pitch their business plans to local investors for financial backing.

The 2023 junior/senior prom is set for Saturday, May 13. Graduation is scheduled for noon on June 3, at the Claysburg Community Park. In case of rain, graduation will be on June 4, at 2 p.m.

The Claysburg Education Foundation is sponsoring a Summer Stem & the Arts at the high school for students entering grades five through 10. The program runs from June 26-29, and July 10-13. The $25 registration fee provides eight days of activities, weekly prizes, and a trip to Saint Francis College in Loretto’s marine lab. Registration is open until May 10.