CSD: NO TAX INCREASE, BROWN RETIRES, NUFFER NEXT?
By Travis Moshier Endeavor News

Coudersport residents won't see a tax increase in the coming school year.

During one of the more eventful meetings in recent history, school board members Monday night approved an operating budget, decided to postpone start-up of a preschool program and learned that one of Pennsylvania's most respected vocational agriculture teachers is retiring.

Pending final approval next month, the district's $11.5 million budget will not require any increase in real estate taxes, despite rising energy costs and the loss of more students to a "cyberschool."

One reason directors were able to hold the line was their decision not to start a pre-kindergarten program that would have cost the district upwards of $130,000.

Superintendent George Nuffer III explained that preschool is not state or federally mandated, but rather "the wish of the governor."

"All of us need to be more educated on this before we spend $130,000," said board member Bob Benson.

Directors agreed to create a committee to further study the issue, comprised of board members, administrators, elementary teachers and community members.

Next year's budget is 3.6 percent higher than the current spending plan. The district's fi- nancial reserve will be tapped for up to about $130,000, as needed.

The budget is available for public review in the district office.

In other business, directors approved the retirements of three long-time faculty members, including vo-ag teacher Earl Brown, who has served for 42 years.

Jon Blass and Rhoda Lent, of the Agriculture Advisory Board, and Chad Moshier, executive director of the Potter County Conservation District, urged the board to replace Brown, rather than consider eliminating the voag program, as has been considered in prior years.

Moshier said the board should act quickly, since students will be need guidance with agricultural experience projects over the summer.

Also retiring are two other long-time faculty members, Paul Simcoe, physical education and driver education, and Jeanne Mancia, first grade. Adam Clinger, physical education teacher at the elementary school, will handle the summer driver ed program.

Tim McCratic, of TMA Security and Data in Coudersport, questioned the legality of the bidding process for the high school security system.

McCratic pointed out that Siemens, hired to install the elementary school security system, wrote the bid specifications for the high school project. Those included using only Siemens or Siemens-compatible products.

He said that put competing bidders at a disadvantage.

Steve Gerner, maintenance supervisor, justified the action, stressing that the goal is to have a uniform system. Board members tabled the action to obtain information from their solicitor and further investigate.

Directors Al Barry and Drew Robinson attempted to revisit the controversial transportation contract issue resolved at the board's April meeting. Eventually, a motion to extend the contract with Krise Busing, current provider, was once again shot down.

Voting to reaffirm the April action were Benson, Marcia Lagrua Jones, Scott Bruzzi, David Long and Joe Lagrua. Dissenting votes were cast by Barry, Robinson and board president Tim Watson. Director Micki Brown had left the meeting prior to the motion coming to the floor.

Another important issue before the board was taken behind closed doors. Directors entered into a private "executive session" to review applications for the superintendent of schools position.

Previously, Nuffer had announced his intention to resign when his current contract expires on June 30. However, his status apparently remains in limbo.

When asked directly about the matter, Nuffer responded, "I haven't turned in my resignation yet."

There was no discussion of a petition drive that has surfaced in the community calling for Nuffer not to be rehired.