Board approves grant opportunities for teachers

The WCSD board approved a number of opportunities for district teachers to fund projects at its meeting this month.

The board approved a measure to instruct administration to assist district employees in preparing submissions for grants from the Warren/Forest Chapter of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees. The group is offering six grants of $150 each for purchase of materials, supplies and student learning opportunities. The grants are open to employees within the Warren and Forest county school districts.

Administration was instructed to assist with applications for S. Know Harper grants through the Northern Allegheny Conservation Association. Grant awards can range up to $1,500 for funding of environmental education related projects.

Administration was also instructed to aid staff in completing a PA Association of Rural and Small Schools classroom grant. Funding is available for projects in technology and the arts, or for afterschool and competition programs. Total funding available statewide is $25,000.

At the district level, the board approved submission of an application for a Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant. The grant would help fund afterschool and summer programs for kindergarten through grade five students at Eisenhower, Youngsville and Sheffield elementary schools, Warren Area Elementary Center, and Tidioute Community Charter School from 2024 through 2029. Awards can range from $50,000 to $600,000.The programs are currently funded by a previous 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant.

In other business:

The board approved renewal of an agreement with Learning A-Z for provision of the Raz-Plus elementary reading comprehension program in three classrooms.

Purchase of the Practical Assessment Exploration System for Eisenhower Middle High School was approved. The system provides work-related and job skills training.

An updated contract with Dane Renwick to serve as a district athletic trainer was approved. A previous agreement with Renwick approved in October was rescinded.

The 2022-23 superintendent evaluation was approved and will be posted to the district website. While the review will appear online as satisfactory, board President Paul Mangione noted, “Mrs. (Amy) Stewart did a very, very good job.”

Two contracts for purchase of materials for upgrades to the stage at Warren Area High School were approved. Total materials will cost just over $42,000.

Purchase of a new therapy dog from New Hope Assistance Dogs, Inc. at $5,000 was approved.

A dual enrollment agreement with Jamestown Community College was approved.

A memorandum of agreement with the Warren County Education Support Professionals Association regarding a program allowing students with disabilities to gain vocational skills by doing work within the district was approved.