Kensinger To Serve Again On Williamsburg School Board

On an initial vote of 5-2-1, Patricia Kensinger was reappointed to the Williamsburg Community School Board on Feb. 21.

Kensinger had previously served on the school board for 17 years before losing a re-election bid.

Also competing for the open position were Billie Jo Greaser and WHS senior Jack Sheesley. Greaser said that she “cared about the children and families in the community,” during her interview with boardmembers.

Senior Jack Sheesley impressed school board members.

“Wow, just wow,” School Board Director Joseph Detwiler said following Sheesley’s interview. Boardmember Louis Brenneman echoed that sentiment and said, “you’ve got to be commended for doing that [interview]. I feel better about the next generation with kids like you.”

Kensinger acknowledged her previous experience on the board and said that she “truly believes that there’s a calling in service to the students at the district.”

“Very good candidates,” Brenneman said before the vote, which was five for Kensinger, two for Greaser and one for Sheesley.

Kensinger was then sworn in for her term to replace Jill Norris, who resigned at the January meeting.

District reports

Superintendent Lisa Murgas explained the district’s Comprehensive Plan, which outlines district “goals for the next three years.”

The plan details the main goal of student achievement, which consists of goals to increase scores in both English/Language Arts and math.

The plan will be put on the district’s website for approval before the March meeting.

Murgas also detailed some grants the district received, including $107,000 for two years for mental health services, which Murgas explained goes toward the school’s social worker and various mental health services.

Another $30,000 grant was awarded to the district for a school police officer. Steve Mixsich of Tyrone was hired as the new police officer at $25/hour during the meeting.

Murgas said that the district is accepting bids for improvements to the roof on both the elementary and secondary schools, and that there may be grants to help fund those projects.

Elementary Principal Jennifer Metzler detailed activities that the elementary school has been having, including a 100th Day, Valentine’s Day, and Kindness Week.

Metzler thanked school board members for volunteering to participate in Read Across America on March 4. Kindergarten registration will be on March 15 and the district has 20 students signed up so far.

Secondary Principal Jennifer Frederick discussed activities within the school, such as the Snowball Dance which had more than 100 students in attendance and the Junior High Quiz Bowl team, which made the playoff round.

Frederick invited board members and the public (18 and over) to the district’s “Shape the Sky” event to be held on Tuesday, March 5, at 7 p.m. at the Williamsburg High School Cafeteria. The topics include social media, cyberbullying, common mistakes made by youth and monitoring services for parents and guardians.

Jerry Lower’s resignation as head junior high baseball coach was accepted along with Mike Reffner’s resignation as assistant junior high baseball coach.

Josh Kirksey was appointed as the new junior high baseball coach, pending clearances.

Jerry Lower was appointed volunteer varsity baseball coach and Mike Reffner was appointed varsity baseball volunteer.