PTHS auditorium to feature updated lighting, sound
The auditorium at the Peters Township High School will soon have an updated lighting – house and stage – and sound systems. Most of the equipment is in the district, but has yet to be installed, according to Ron Dunleavy, a member of the school board and chairman of the building and grounds committee. The new systems were discussed briefly during a meeting of the school board Jan. 22.
While the 2012-13 school year is barely half over, the board approved several course changes, as well as the 2013-14 school calendar. The newly approved calendar will have students seeing a full week during the Christmas season. Originally, students were to attend classes Dec. 23, but the day is now a vacation. Time around Easter in 2014 is also adjusted to include a graduation project day for juniors only.
Several courses that could be available in the 2013-14 school year were also announced, and Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics will be expanded to a year-long rather than a semester to better education students for testing. Also changed was Theater Arts II from a year-long course to a semester length.
In past board meetings, the board approved leaves of absence for various employees with the names and length of leave listed. As of Jan. 22, the board will approve the leaves using employee numbers only.
District solicitor Jack Cambest said the change was made to protect the employees’ privacy and to offer confidentiality. When a teacher is going on a leave, Cambest said parents of students in the class will be notified in advance.
In other action:
• Announced budget meetings will begin in March.
• Students from all district schools presented the board with small gifts in observance of School Board Appreciation Month.
• Approved the renewals of athletics personnel for the 2013-14 school year for fall sports including Rich Piccinini as head football coach, Bob Dyer as boys head soccer coach, Justin Pinto as cross country head coach, and David Kuhn as boys golf head coach.
• Approved the annual preventive maintenance service agreement between Tri-State Fitness Services Inc., and the district for 2013 at a cost of $1,000. The agreements covers four safety inspections to be conducted every three months to ensure proper weight room equipment operation and safety.