The closure of Blue Mountain Elementary Cressona is perhaps another step closer to reality. At the April 27 school board meeting, board members heard a recommendation of approval of the permanent closure for the reasons stated by the administration during a January public hearing, including issues related to education, safety, and maintenance. The closure is recommended to occur as of June 30.
In other business heard at the meeting:
• Recommendation of approval of a contract with Herff Jones for high school yearbooks for a three-year period.
• Recommendation of approval of the renewal of vision insurance with Vision Benefits of America for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
• Recommendation of approval of the renewal of life insurance through CM Regent LLC for the 2023-24 fiscal year to include additional coverage for armed security with no increase to current plan rates.
• Recommendation of approval of an addendum to an independent contract with Austill’s Education Therapy Services to provide occupational therapy by a registered occupational therapist for students who receive special education and Section 504 services April 28 through June 30 for an additional estimated 240 hours.
• Recommendation of approval of an affiliation agreement between New York University and Blue Mountain School District to provide university students with internship hours with Blue Mountain speech and language pathologists for the 2023-24 school year.
• Recommendation of approval of an affiliation agreement between Central State University’s College of Education and Blue Mountain School District to provide university students classroom observation and student teaching for a period of two years beginning April 15 and continuing through April 15, 2025.
• Recommendation of approval of a lease agreement with Fisher Leasing Inc. for the lease of a vehicle for driver’s education at a rate of $26 per day for June through early August plus the installation and removal of the assisted brake system at an additional cost of $580. Total estimated cost is $2,080.
• Recommendation of approval for the purchase of a Bus Tracks software upgrade at an annual cost of $6,500.
• Recommendation to employ Cierra Zelanko as BMHS assistant cheerleading coach for the 2023-24 school year at the stipend of $1,374. Zelanko replaces Skylar Tomeo.
• Recommendation of approval of Marie Riegel and Anne Usuka to serve as delegates representing the Blue Mountain School District at the 2023 Pennsylvania School Boards Association Delegate Assembly to be held on Nov. 4 at the PSBA headquarters in Mechanicsburg.
Source: Berkshire mont