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Chrissy Neri, on behalf of the Baseball Boosters, addressed the Williamsburg Community School Board during its meeting on July 19. Neri wanted to know if the Board was willing to do any improvements to the baseball and softball fields in Catharine Township.
Neri said the boosters from both were willing to raise funds and she was attending to see what the school district was willing to do. The estimate for the baseball field with improvements could cost up to $15,000.
Superintendent Lisa Murgas said that there was a meeting held between coaches and Athletic Director Robert Hearn and the main concern “seemed to be the field.” School board members urged Neri to attend the Catharine Township meeting to get more information on the field before returning to them.
New funds
Murgas said that the school district would be receiving an increase of their basic subsidy up to $350,000. Some of that funding included an increase in special education funding, and Level Up funding.
Level Up funding, according to Murgas, is funding that Williamsburg received because it was designated as a Top 100 underfunded school district in Pennsylvania.
“This brings us a lot closer to a balanced budget,” Murgas said.
She also addressed receiving a $107,000 grant for mental health and a safety grant of $100,000, but she did not specify how the funds would be used.
School prep
Elementary Principal Jennifer Metzler said that she was busy preparing class lists for the upcoming school year. Metzler also praised the weekly STEM program put on by Mrs. Horton for students to come in two days a week to do STEM activities.
“It’s been a great experience,” Metzler said.
Metzler announced that kindergarten orientation would be on Aug. 11, which would include a special bus ride for the students. As of publication, 29 students were enrolled for kindergarten for the upcoming school year.
New Secondary Principal Jennifer Frederick mentioned special dates coming up at the high school: band camp will be Aug. 1-5, and 8-12, with two special dates to collaborate with Juniata Valley; Aug. 15 will be the first days fall sports practice; and Aug. 18 will be Meet the Teacher Night.
The school district approved the new Health and Safety Plan, which needs updated every six months, with no changes with COVID-19.
Elementary and Secondary handbooks were approved with changes made to both. Elementary made changes to birthday celebrations and hair color policies, and secondary updated curriculum offerings and tardy policies.
Staff updates
The board also approved the resignation of Athletic Director Robert Hearn, after 8 years with the district, with regret. Hearn said, “It was time to step down.”
The board hired Jeff Detwiler, a 2002 graduate of the district, to fill Hearn’s spot, at a stipend of $15,000.
Following the resignation of football co-op coach Ryan Hileman, the board hired Matthew Neri. Neri has also been instrumental in the co-op with Juniata Valley.
“I am just really excited for this,” Neri said. “We have a really good group of kids. The varsity last year showed these boys what they can do. Both schools combined now have the attitude and the depth to compete with just about anyone.”
Neri added that he’s excited for the home game on Williamsburg’s field on Sept. 16.
“I want those stands filled – not a single spot left for our boys, the community and school,” Neri said. “I also want to thank Juniata Valley for what they’ve done with us.”
The district also accepted the resignation of Bob McCall as varsity boys baseball coach and Natalie Gorsuch as the varsity girls volleyball assistant coach.
Olivia Aurandt was appointed as the new volleyball assistant coach.
Maggie Merritts was appointed as the new band front advisor.
Nicole Everhart was appointed as the new high school secretary.
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