Keystone hopes to continue its industrial arts classes | cover page

McCormick’s comments came as the school board on September 19 accepted the resignation of Tom Crumlish, a high school technology education and industrial arts teacher, effective November 4.

“We don’t want to give up on this program, but finding a certified teacher for this program is extremely difficult,” McCormick said.

McCormick said at least two other area school districts are looking to fill similar vacancies.

Crumlish took a teaching job in the Punxsutawney area, which is closer to his home, McCormick explained.

The school board has agreed to advertise to fill the position and is looking for a “dynamic instructor interested in the development and advancement of STEM-related courses and traditional industrial art courses.”

In other cases, the board ignored a request from high school principal Kelli McNaughton to change the district’s dress code regarding the length of shorts, skirts and holey jeans.

McNaughton said the dress requires the length of shorts and skirts to be at least mid-thigh of the wearer, but the designated length can be increased if the person has long legs.

McNaughton suggested clothing length should be at least three inches from the top of the legs, but board member Stacy Thompson said she thought the length was still inappropriate.

“But I know you can’t buy skirts that go mid-thigh and some of the shorts they sell are awfully short,” Thompson said, lamenting the lack of choice at most clothing stores.

McNaughton pointed out that no one would be in the halls to measure the length of clothes.

“I’m just praying for the cold weather to set in,” McNaughton said.

McCormick said the matter will be revisited by the schools administration committee.

In other cases counsel:

4Approved state-mandated district participation in Bill 57, which amends the Local Tax Collection Act, providing that new property owners are granted a waiver of property tax penalty fees if they fail to received billing notices during their first year of owning a property.

4Filed plan to purchase 45 Mobil Com walkie-talkies at a cost of $19,980 and required FCC license at a cost of $275 with funds from the Capital Reserve Account. Board member Ken Swartfager suggested McCormick try a less expensive set of radios before the board acted on the purchase.

McCormick said the radios were part of an enhanced security plan.

4Approved the purchase of Ethernet access switches from Connectivity at a cost of $49,468 from the capital reserve account. Board member Dustin Swartfager explained that the switches that are part of the district’s IT and technology infrastructure are needed to handle an increasing load. The new switches should last about 10 years.

4Approved the refurbishment of the Lower Sports Field at a cost of $21,706 with funds from the Capital Reserve Account.

4Approved a dual enrollment agreement with Penn West Clarion University. The district has maintained the old dual enrollment programs for gifted students. A new state law requires the program to now be open to all students

All costs related to dual enrollment of students are the responsibility of the student’s family.