NEW CASTLE —
Neshannock Township schools are closed on Sundays, effective immediately.
The board this week announced all school facilities are closed from midnight Saturdays until 5 a.m. Mondays.
Board members said no one is authorized to be in the buildings during that time without prior approval of district superintendent Dr. Mary Todora.
The superintendent noted no one should be in the closed building, activating electricity and heat, and that no security or janitors are in the building on weekends.
“It has come to our attention that the school has been used a number of times without anyone knowing,” said Karen Houk, who is the board’s policy committee chairwoman.
Board members said they believe the visitors are staff members, but said people who are in the building during these “closed” hours are setting off motion detectors and other security devices and requiring police and school security guards to come out.
Board president Mark Hasson noted exceptions can be made to this new procedure in the event of play practice or sports activities.
Board members also:
•Hired Michael Zuzow as director of transportation, effective Jan. 1, at a salary of $47,500.
•Hired Jill Smolnik as a substitute secretary.
•Hired Mark Hartzell and Ronald Leonhardt as bus drivers, but noted the two will not be scheduled to work until clearances are received.
•Accepted the resignation of bus driver Kathleen Smulick, who is retiring after 26 years, and the resignation of driver Dave Wagner, who was approved as a substitute driver.
•Added to the substitute teacher list Bryanna Nittinger, Bobbi Medure and Melissa Mars, elementary; and Anthony Gomez, Spanish.
•Heard presentations regarding updating the district’s math program and a transition first grade.
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Neshannock schools ‘closed’ on Sundays
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