Representatives from the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit appeared at Thursday night's Panther Valley School Board meeting to address concerns that board members had about the transportation costs to the District. Dr. Elaine Eib, the executive director of CLIU, and Randy Williams, the director of transportation prepared a short power point presentation to show the District how transportation costs are calculated. Eib and Williams are both new to the CLIU and hoped that their presentation is the start of better communications between the CLIU and the school districts that make up the CLIU.

Some of the directors' concerns related to the fact that although Panther Valley is among the bottom 10 districts in total district enrollment, out of the 33 districts belonging to the CLIU, they are currently the fifth highest spender for transportation costs. "That's based on how many of your students need the service," explained Eib. "It's based on your special education population."Williams explained that the billing is not done by mileage, it's based on a formula provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, that considers different rates for home to school transportation, field trip transportation, and work based learning transportation. Director David Hiles questioned why the local bus contractor rates were so much cheaper than those of the IU. Williams explained that all of the drivers are extensively trained to provide the appropriate care for their passengers. "They don't provide the types of transportation that the IU provides," he said. "It's about who's transporting our students and doing it safely."Eib did commit to examining costs and bringing them down where possible. "We are aware of what's going on economically," she said, "but we will never minimize quality."In other business, Director Anthony DeMarco was reelected as the treasurer of the board for a one-year term. There were no other nominations for the position. The board accepted the resignation of Doug Blazejewski, the high school disciplinarian, effective August 20th, 2010. They also added Glenn Kuntz and Edward Kocha to the substitute teacher list for the remainder of the 2009-2010 school year. Peter Bochicchio was approved as a substitute custodian, pending clearances. Christina Micholik was approved as a lifeguard for the 2009-2010 school year, retroactive to May 3rd.The following winter coaches were hired for the remainder of the 2009-2010 and the 2010-2011 school year: Boys Basketball: Patrick Crampsie, Keith Gogal, Mark Lazar, Shawn Midas, Terry Bonner, Charley DePuy, and Ken Miller; Girls Basketball: Josh Wank, Roman Barron, Adrienne Bonner, William Lynn; Wrestling: Tim Robb, Michael O'Donnell, Kevin O'Brien; Swimming: Geri Vavra, Candice Gimbor, Brenda Follweiler; and Cheerleading: Hallie Seiwell, Heidi Seiwell, Jamie Fedor, and Jillian Miller. Director Irene Genther opposed the hiring of the cheerleading coaches. "It's a big item that other sports could benefit from," she said.The board also approved the purchase of Panther Valley Blankets, at a cost of $23.50 each, to be given to eligible seniors in recognition of their participation in co-curricular activities.The board approved the appointment of Theresa Zuber as mentor for Adrienne Bonner for the remainder of the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years.The board approved the expulsion of an 8th grade student for the violation of the school district policy on drugs and alcohol. The expulsion is for 45 days, beginning May 4th and continuing until September 22, 2010.The board approved payment of unused sick days to Leroy McCole, retired full time custodian in the amount of $1,590. The board approved the transfer of Richard Evanko, Jr, from elementary grade 3 to middle school grade 6, effective at the start of the next school year. The Board also converted the dismissal of Mary Robyn Hill to a resignation, effective March 30, 2010. The Board appointed Wayne Fritzinger, Jr. as a member of the Carbon Career and Technical Institute, to fill the unexpired term of Bill Richards. The term will run until January, 2013.