By:Emily Craighead
At a more casual meeting Tuesday, Board of Education members, administrators and new staff members mingled over refreshments before the board attended to its usual agenda.
The meeting began with the four Manville principals introducing new teachers.
Superintendent Donald Burkhardt noted the number of new teachers this year is about one-third the number from the past several years.
"We’re retaining a lot of teachers where we want to retain them," with some turnover, Dr. Burkhardt said.
Business Administrator Richard Reilly lost his secretary Michelle Mongillo to Alexander Batcho Intermediate School where she now teaches social studies. Deborah Gregor replaced Ms. Mongillo in the business office.
Mr. Reilly’s introduction of Ms. Gregor prompted Superintendent Donald Burkhardt to ask jokingly, "Does Debbie teach social studies too?"
The atmosphere at recent board meetings has been at once businesslike and fun, a change from two years ago.
"The biggest thing is the support that’s been there," said Dorothy Bradley, a seven-year board member and former board president. "When the budget gets passed, the things we plan can get implemented."
Ms. Bradley also said this administration, with the addition of Dr. Burkhardt, Mr. Reilly and high school Principal Rodney Logan all in the past three years, has been more responsive to board requests than the previous administration. These elements make it easier for everyone to work together, she said.
Dr. Burkhardt also said he is pleased with the direction the district is headed.
"I have what I think is a very good relationship with the board," he said. "My philosophy has always been that education is fun."
On a serious note, during Tuesday’s meeting Board President Janice Mathewson asked the audience to keep board member Jeanne Golden-Nowak in their thoughts and prayers during a moment of silence.
Ms. Golden-Nowak, who is 70, has been in intensive care since Sept. 2 when she was taken to Somerset Medical Center complaining of chest pain. She has been absent from board meetings since suffering a mild stroke July 22.
