An arrowhead with a large G is now the official Gettysburg Warrior logo.
At their meeting on Monday, the Gettysburg Area School Board unanimously adopted a resolution laying claim to the symbol the district has used for about a decade. The district created the resolution in response to Gettysbug resident Kierstan Belle’s announcement on Facebook that she trademarked the Gettysburg Area School District Warriors logo with the Pennsylvania Department of State. Belle has not returned requests seeking comment on her announcement.
The resolution states the arrowhead will be adopted to instill a sense of “belonging, pride, and school spirit,” among district residents.
“The arrowhead logo shall take its pride of place on all official communications, including uniforms, signage, letterhead, and digital platforms,” the resolution states.
Wrestling program grows
The board also approved recruiting two additional wrestling coaching positions for the winter season. The action, which passed unanimously, allows the administration to post the positions for applications. Superintendent Jason Perrin said the wrestling program has grown significantly since the board approved girls’ wrestling in 2020. This summer, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association officially sanctioned the sport.
“The numbers are the most significant they have ever been,” Perrin said.
Personnel matters
The board also approved several personnel recommendations.
Former Athletic Director Carlos Wampler is temporarily returning to the district administration office. Wampler will serve as interim athletic director at a rate of $300 per day. He is filling the spot vacated by Casey Thurston, who resigned in September.
Wampler retired in 2011 after working for the district for 38 years. When the board fired his replacement about a year later, Wampler returned to his former position. Wampler then served on the district school board from 2015 to 2019.
In October, the board hired current Robert “Kody” Godsey to replace Thurston with a start date of Dec. 18. Godsey is currently the athletic director of Upper Dauphin and Millersburg school districts. The district will pay Godsey $90,000 per year.
The board also approved a 1.1 percent pay increase for Perrin, per his contract. Gettysburg Area Middle School Principal Nancy Herb will also receive a stipend equal to 20 percent of her salary for covering the assistant principal role for 63 days.
The board approved all personnel actions en bloc, with member Michelle Smyers opposing. Smyers lauded Eva Martin’s promotion to lead custodian. She clarified that her vote was due to the administrators being included in the same motion.
“I think they are already well paid and that’s going to be my vote,” Smyers said.
The board will hold its next meeting at 7:00 p.m., Nov. 20 in the District Administration Building on Biglerville Road.
Alex J. Hayes has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is passionate about sharing stories focused on the people in our communities and following local governments in an age when few journalists report on their meetings. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania. Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.