Panther Valley has renewed a partnership with Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission to help with its student assistance program.

The school board voted last week to approve a 2019-20 agreement with the commission to provide drug and alcohol prevention and intervention services.

The agreement includes training for members of the student assistance program, and a drug and alcohol specialist who will be stationed in the district two days per week for 38 weeks during the school year.

“Carbon-Monroe-Pike is a driving force that provides additional supports for our Student Assistance Program trainings. We have a large number of staff members that have been SAP trained,” said Dennis Kergick, Panther Valley superintendent.

The commission’s specialist helps the district implement its prevention and intervention plan.

The specialist will consult with the student assistance program, families and students regarding referrals to community or school-based programs, or the need for a drug and alcohol to determine the need for treatment. They will conduct drug and alcohol screenings.

When a student returns from treatment, they will help put in place a plan for school-based aftercare.

They will also work with individuals and groups of students during education programs.

The service costs the district $14,000 per year.

The state mandates that school districts provide a student assistance program to help identify issues including alcohol, tobacco, drugs and mental health issues.

Kergick said the district also sees a lot of support for its drug and alcohol programs through the St. Luke’s Adopt-A-School program.

“There are many issues across the commonwealth and in our schools that require additional supports for our students. Unfortunately, in Carbon and Schuylkill counties we face issues dealing with drugs and alcohol abuse,” Kergick said.

In other business

• The board approved construction contracts for the renovation of the high school entrance, a swipe card system, camera system and remodeling of the high school softball dugouts. Details weren’t available.

• The board accepted the resignation of Junior-Senior High School Special Education teacher Andrew Devins, intermediate school nurse Melissa Haydt, and unarmed security officer John Ruzicka. Ruzicka, who resigned for personal reasons, said he was thankful for the opportunity to serve the district for 15 years.

• The board also accepted a voluntary notice of resignation from third-grade teacher Kevin Dillon. The notice was unavailable and Kergick declined to comment.