NEW CASTLE —
Additional security will become available through a cooperative effort of New Castle and the city school district.
The school board this week agreed to pay the city $20,000 per officer for an additional six “resource officers” provided through the partnership.
City council approved the agreement last night.
The board hired Darrell Holmes as an additional security guard at the junior-senior high school building. He will work from Feb. 14 through the end of the year and be paid $13 per hour.
Interim superintendent Stanley Magusiak also noted a time capsule was recovered at the Lockley Early Learning Center construction site.
He said he believes the box was buried in the 1950s or 1960s and asks that anyone who recalls anything about the capsule contact him.
Magusiak said the box will remain in his office and be opened at the board’s March meeting.
Those attending viewed a video of the four-day trip to Washington, D.C., last month by high school principal Robert Razzano, three teachers and nine students.
The highlight was witnessing the second inauguration of President Barack Obama. They also toured national monuments, Arlington Cemetery, visited museums, the Capitol and the office of U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly.
The congressman was not available, so the students interviewed his chief-of-staff, Matt Stroia, a New Castle native.
Another staffer, Sam Breene of Grove City, was so impressed by the students, he attended Wednesday night’s board meeting to say so.
“This is an outstanding group,” he said, adding, “A lot of students visit the office. This was the first group who asked to interview the congressman.”
Breene said he also attended the New Castle basketball game and promised to wear the New Castle T-shirt presented by the students “when the team is crowned state champions.”
Razzano also praised the students.
“This was $1,400 well spent,” he told board.
After the meeting, Razzano said the group shared an educational experience, “that would have taken years to learn in the classroom.
“This is what education is all about,” he said. “By visiting Washington, D.C., the students learned how government works.”
Another visitor wasn’t as positive. Ed Olasz of Cascade Street told board members they are being unfair to taxpayers by spending $15,000 to hire the Pennsylvania School Boards Association to search for a new superintendent to replace George Gabriel, when the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV would do the job at no cost.
Olasz also read a list of nine current and former district employees who he said would make ideal superintendents.
The board also approved:
•The retirement of second grade teacher Marilyn Cook.
•Refinancing bonds for the junior/senior high school and the next phase of the Lockley project.
•Establishing an archery program this school year.
•Upgraded school policies relative to employing and evaluating a superintendent.
(Email: nlowry@ncnewsonline.com)
New Castle
Related Photos
Related Links
Discussion
New Castle Schools: District approves police partnership
- New Castle
-
-
Our Opinion: New Castle school tuition travesty? Enough is enough
New Castle’s taxpayers deserve an explanation. And some money. With the release of the latest Pennsylvania auditor general’s report on the city’s schools, it’s been revealed that some district employees abused taxpayers to the tune of more than $110,000.
-
Audit: Children of New Castle school employees didn’t pay tuiton
The Pennsylvania auditor general’s office has determined that seven non-resident students went to district schools but did not pay tuition over the course of four years. Now, the district will have to repay more than $100,000 to state.
-
New Castle classes schedule reunions
Two New Castle High School classes are planning gatherings over the next few months. First up is the class of 1971, which is planning a 60th birthday party for its members.
-
Need a last-minute gift idea for Father's Day? Pick up a ’Canes’ DVD!
One team. One vision. One heartbeat. TWO incredible keepsakes! Relive all the magic of New Castle High’s WPIAL championship basketball season by purchasing a collectible DVD or special section that was given out at the team’s banquet.
-
Tim Kolodziej: For the Class of 2013, there’s no looking back — promise?
Congratulations, Class of 2013! You made it. Your last history lesson is history. Your last final — final. The unsure children who once needed help to climb the school bus steps will now stride confidently across the stage to receive their diplomas.
-
New Castle schools plan Kennywood day
June 21 is New Castle Area School District Day at Kennywood Park. Tickets can be purchased at a reduced rate of $24 until June 20.
-
No tax hike expected for New Castle schools
The New Castle school district does not plan to raise taxes next year. The $41 million budget, introduced Tuesday night, is about $1 million higher than this year’s. But the tax millage remains at 17.27 in the proposed spending plan. At that level, the average property owner pays about $863 a year in taxes, based on a home with an assessed value of $50,000.
-
High School Football: Stars to speak at New Castle camp
Past, present and future gridiron stars will be on the field at Taggart Stadium on Saturday. The New Castle Pop Warner football program will host the Rising Star Football Clinic for youths entering grades 3-8.
-
Photo Gallery: Check out our images from the New Castle High prom!
The pomp. The pageantry. The pairs. The pictures. Yes, it’s prom season once again in Lawrence County and the New Castle News is on hand to document all the fun and excitement. We hope you enjoy our photo galleries! Today, New Castle High.
-
Own a piece of history: Watch the trailer for ’Canes’ DVD!
Relive all the magic of New Castle High’s WPIAL championship basketball season by purchasing a collectible DVD or special section that was given out at the team’s banquet. Both were produced by the New Castle News!
- More New Castle Headlines
-
