Spring Cove Board Discusses Livestreaming

One of the biggest topics of discussion at the Spring Cove School District Board of Directors Regular meeting for July was the live streaming of board meetings.

Most of the board expressed that it would be an excellent means of bringing the meeting to those who could not attend the meetings in person.

The issue with setting up livestreaming is the prohibitive cost. Superintendent Dr. Betsy Baker said the district would be looking at a cost of at least $100,000 as the district has no in-house information technology department and it would have to be completely outsourced.

Kevin Smith favored livestreaming because it would bring transparency to the board.

Board President Troy Wright said, “I would not take one cent from student programs to livestream these meetings.” Wright said it was a good idea but with a tight budget and the board just raising taxes, there really is no source for the funding.

Board Solicitor Jenn Dambeck said it would have to be captioned and made appropriate for those with disabilities. It also must have quality video and audio.

Only two schools in the county, Altoona and Hollidaysburg Area School Districts currently livestream meetings, and they both have their own IT departments.

Board Member Andrea Moses said she would like to see what the cost of livestreaming would be before going any further.

A large number of personnel changes will be taking place. The resignation of Zachery Wozniak as health and physical education teacher in the district was accepted. A number of teachers were hired: Mackenzie Kent was hired as a science teacher at Spring Cove Elementary, Jennifer Cecco comes on board as an English teacher at the Spring Cove Middle School, Lindsey Kensinger was approved as an elementary teacher at Spring Cove Elementary School, and Alyssa Brozenich as an elementary teacher at Martinsburg Elementary School, all at a starting salary of $51,408.

Five new coaches were hired by the district: Paul Keller, varsity girls’ tennis assistant coach at $1,812, Caleb Stern as varsity boys’ soccer head coach at $2,870, Alyssa Bartley, varsity girls’ soccer assistant coach at $2,001, Abigail Garber-varsity cheerleading co-coach along with Avery Smith both at $2,180.

The motion to appoint Attorney Scott Etter to serve as Hearing Officer for student expulsions for the 2024/25 school year with an hourly rate of $175 was approved unanimously. The district Health and Safety Plan for the upcoming year was approved by an 8-1 vote. Board member Kevin Smith stood in opposition to it although he provided no reason for opposition during discussion of the plan at last month’s meeting .

In 2023-24, Dr. Baker announced 165 students received a total of 207 industry recognized credentials to help prepare them for the workforce. Such credentials included Microsoft Office Systems , CPR, ServSafe, and various agriculture certifications. She also announced that the tennis court resurfacing is now completed. The resurfaced scarlet red and grey courts were just re-opened for play.

The next Regular Meeting will be Monday, August 5 at the Administration Office Board Room at 7 p.m. Another Regular Meeting will be held on Monday, August 12 at 7 p.m.