New Policy on Attending Meetings Approved

The highlight of the Spring Cove School District Board of Directors’ regular monthly meeting was the board’s decision to pass the new policy of attendance at meetings by electronic communications as opposed to in-person meeting attendance.

The policy in the first reading, stated that a board member cannot miss more than three voting meetings and remain on the board. Also, notice of meeting absence must be given three days before a meeting so it can be determined whether there will be a quorum to be able to hold the meeting.

Medical documentation will be requested and accepted for just cause to miss more than three meetings.

“We want board members to attend meetings. It is crucial,” Board President  Troy Wright stated.

“We had meetings during COVID  and critical budget meetings where large numbers of the public showed up at meetings and wanted to address and question board members directly,” Wright added.

Wright expressed earlier that people do not want to address empty seats with microphones or speakers. Vice President Amy Acker-Knisely said in her 17 years on the board, people had verbally attacked her and her family but said that is part of what may happen when you accept a board position.

The motion for the new attendance rules for meetings passed 8-1, with board member, Kevin Smith being the only dissenting vote. Smith said making a board member attend a meeting is a violation of the Sunshine Act. Smith was asked by a fellow board member why you would run for a position on the board if you were not going to attend meetings. 

Solicitor Jennifer Dambeck stated that the board cannot remove a member who does not attend because the board members are elected by the voters. She did say the board can request the member’s resignation for missing more than three voting meetings or censure them. 

An agreement with the Reschini Agency was passed which allows the district to join together with all other school districts in the county to get the best rate for healthcare insurance. 

The resignation of Allisa McCloskey as Spring Cove Middle School library science teacher was accepted as was the resignation of Kirsten Murgo Spring Cove Elementary life skills teacher. 

Bryanna Pacheaco was approved as a health room nurse at $20.25 /hour and Marin Carder was hired as a library science teacher at Spring Cove Middle School at a starting salary of $51,408. 

Josh Bridenbaugh was approved as varsity boys’ assistant soccer coach at a salary of $1,820 and A.J. Labriola was hired as junior high boys’ basketball head coach at a salary of $3,925. 

The next Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 14 and the Regular Meeting is slated for Monday, October 21. Both meetings are at 7 p.m. in the Administration Office Board Room.