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Two new high school clubs approved in Mars Area
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Two new student clubs -- a Tim Tebow Foundation Club and a Creative Writing Club -- have been approved for Mars Area High School.
Also on Tuesday, the school board approved the sale of old athletic uniforms.
Faculty sponsors for the two new clubs volunteered without supplemental pay.
"I appreciate the folks who stepped up for these new activities," said board President J. Dayle Ferguson, adding that the clubs were student generated.
Several activities were canceled this year because of a rules change that requires at least 10 students to sign up for the activity in order for the sponsor to receive a supplemental contract, teacher Mark Lewandowski said.
"There are a lot of activities that do not have monetary worth," he said, citing a film club in which students view and discuss a film once a month. The faculty sponsor volunteers his time to share his love of film with students, he added.
If an activity doesn't have a sponsor, then it cannot be held, superintendent William Pettigrew said in response to a parent's question about why a fall play hasn't been scheduled at the high school.
The board also approved the selling of old athletic uniforms. Current uniforms that are due to be replaced will be offered at half cost to the student who wears that uniform.
The district follows a cycle to replace uniforms, based on the sport. Some uniforms are replaced after two years and others after five, Mr. Pettigrew said.
In addition, many old uniforms and other athletic equipment in storage can be sold. Mr. Pettigrew said he will attempt to sell the items at an upcoming district craft show. If that doesn't happen, they will be sold at another time.
Proceeds from the sales would be put into the general fund budget.
In other business, Mr. Pettigrew announced that a survey was mailed Tuesday to residents, asking them several questions about the district, including whether they would be willing to pay more in taxes to fund programs and positions that were cut from this year's budget.
The results will be posted on the district's Website, although written comments will not be posted.
"It is not our practice to put all that out," solicitor Tom King said. "Some of it is not helpful. Some of it is mean-spirited."
Teacher Chris Petrini asked about the procedure for replacing Mr. Pettigrew, who plans to retire when his contract expires in December 2013.
Mr. Pettigrew said the school board will vote -- possibly in November -- on whether to hire a consultant or ask the intermediate unit for help in the search. He said the state is talking about changing the retirement system and, if that happens, he may retire before the changes take place -- "along with a lot of other people."
First Published October 11, 2012 5:16 am
