Littlestown Area School District Board’s leadership was challenged by one of its own at Monday’s meeting.
“The board and the community would be better served with different leadership, and I think it’s apparent to anybody who’s been at the meetings,” board member Brian Lawyer said. He is one of only two board members who returned after last November’s local election. Seven new board members were added, including Duane Sullivan, president, and Nick Lovell, vice president.
Lawyer opened the discussion in the last few minutes of the board meeting by requesting information regarding board reorganization, which usually occurs in December.
“What I’m asking is a realignment of board leadership before the December meeting. It’s a long way until December, and after the last meeting we had, I think this situation is no longer tenable,” Lawyer said.
Interim Superintendent Don Bell said, “I have reached out to the solicitor, as directed by the board last night. I have requested information from the solicitor concerning the possibility of board leadership realignment before the regular December reorganization. In addition, if the possibility exists legally, what process would need to be followed to make such a change in leadership.”
Bell added that in his 19 years as a superintendent, there have been board members looking to change leadership during the year. However, the president at that time chose to resign, he said.
Board Policy 005 states that “Officers of the Board may be removed from office for incompetency, intemperance, neglect of duty, violation of the school laws of the Commonwealth, or other improper conduct, provided that the officer charged shall have been given due notice of the reasons therefore and an opportunity for a hearing and provided that said removal has been approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the full number of school directors.”
Since the inception of the new board, many of the meetings have been contentious, and public comment has accused board members of not living up to their campaign promises.
New Superintendent Search
In other board business, Bell reminded parents, community, and staff members that as part of the search for a new superintendent for the 2024-25 school year, feedback is being sought through a survey asking stakeholders to help identify the district’s strengths and needs and the characteristics they may be seeking in a new district head. The survey opened on Feb. 28 and closed Wednesday.
The board has contracted with Keystone Superintendent Search Service led by Mark DiRocco, Ph.D., and Connie Kindler, M.Ed., who have worked in the PA education scene for over 40 years and served on the State Association of School Administrators. Their sample timeline indicates that the process would begin by meeting with the board and other stakeholders to pinpoint what the community wants in a new superintendent.
School Resource Officer
Board member Janell Ressler, after reviewing a report on behavior issues presented to the board, said “I think we really need to look at a second School Resource Officer. This shows that it’s much needed.”
Currently, the school is staffed by an armed guard under contract with G-Force Security Solutions, LLC, through the end of the 2024/2025 school year for about $67,000. The district has also applied for a competitive grant of $270,000. If awarded those funds, the district will consider adding a School Resource Officer for the next school year as part of a contract with the Littlestown Police Department. The cost for the officer would be about $130,000.
Community Donations
Board members expressed thanks to several community partners who donated to the district: Bethel Assembly for the volunteer breakfast at LHS, ACE Hardware, which provided drinks for Junior Achievement Volunteers, PUB 217, which donated $200 to cover lunch Junior Achievement Volunteers and an anonymous donation of $200 to the Middles School lunch accounts.
Photo Caption: LASD Board members include back row, Brian Lawyer, Steven Yerger, Duane Sullivan, president, Carl Thompson, Treasurer, Nick Lovell, vice president. Front row, Fred Miller, Mary Brenneman, Danielle Brenneman and Janell Ressler.
Judith Cameron Seniura is a freelance reporter. She began her journalism career in the early ‘70s and has written for newspapers, magazines, and other media in Ontario, Canada, Alaska, Michigan, Nebraska, San Antonio, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.