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PRINGLE — A member of West Side Career & Technology Center’s Joint Operating Committee lauded the school’s handling of a recent bomb scare on Monday night.
Jim Fender, representing Wyoming Valley West School District, said the flawlessness of response to the event made it apparent the committee had chosen wisely when they appointed Thomas Duffy as administrative director.
Some had questioned whether Duffy, who also serves as Superintendent of the Dallas School District, could adequately respond in an emergency.
“I want to commend both Dr. Duffy and (Principal Richard) Rava for doing a tremendous job during the bomb scare,” he said. “Both made it possible for buses to timely evacuate the building.”
In another matter, the board approved amended employment agreements with both Duffy and Rava, with Duffy to receive $4,100 per month and Rava salaried at $92,500 annually, reflecting a 2.5 percent increase over the next three years or about $5,000 more per year.
According to committee member Larry Schuler, of Dallas School District, the increase in Rava’s salary reflects an increase in duties as not only principal, but assistant director.
“Job descriptions for both positions have been clearly defined,” he said.
The committee also approved single health insurance coverage for its solicitor Charles Coslett.
In another matter, the committee approved a clinical agreement between the Center and Wesley Village, making it possible for its health-related technology students to obtain clinical experience required for Nurse Aide certification.
The committee will also look into options for funding staff and student badges, which include purchase of necessary equipment to make them on site, using the equipment and ordering them from an outside entity, Parents would be charged for student badges.
The committee provided its members with its sending districts’ budget ballot results, indicating approval from each of the five districts, with three “no” votes from members of the Lake-Lehman School District.
The committee also accepted a $2,226 bid from Third Dimension Specialists to upgrade the restroom in the girls locker room, making it handicapped accessible, noting that it was the low bid.
Renewal of the school’s Microsoft Volume Licensing Agreement for $4,721 was also approved.
The next meeting of the Joint Operating Committee is scheduled for July 25 at 6:30.