At a special meeting of the Weatherly Area School Board last week, and then after a 40-minute executive session, the board voted 7-0 to turn down the proposed collective bargaining agreement with the Weatherly Education Association.

Negotiations will resume. Asked during public comments as to the status of these negotiations, board member Brian O’Donnell explained that “we are not too far off,” with member Matt vonFrisch adding that “we look forward to getting this done.”

New Superintendent Daniel Malloy’s three-year contract was approved at the special meeting. Malloy has begun his duties as sole superintendent.

In other personnel matters, Teresa Hartz has resigned as junior high girls’ basketball coach.

Teacher Shane Moran was appointed as homebound instruction teacher, at $30 per home study session.

Substitute teacher pay will be $130 per day through the end of the year. Tara Keck was hired as a part-time paraprofessional at $10.94 per hour.

Alicia Berger was approved to be varsity cheerleading adviser for $1,800 and Krystal Singley as Junior High cheerleading adviser, for $900.

In other business during the special meeting, a parent discussed concerns about bullying and discipline.

At the regular Oct. 13 board meeting, the athletic committee was proud to announce that the Varsity Boys Cross Country Team is this year’s Division II champion, after an undefeated season.

In regular business, the board accepted the 2021-2024 district comprehensive plan, and approved the agreement with PathStone Corporation for the Carbon County Head Start program, as well as updates to 27 policies (including the oath of office as a school director, threat assessment, emergency preparedness and response, district social media and public participation in board meetings).

The music department winter band concert on Dec. 2, and choral concert on Dec. 3, were approved. The Weatherly Area PTA was approved to use the middle school cafeteria on the second Tuesday of each month for meetings.

Public comment centered on the decision to reject Biddy Basketball’s request to use the High School gym for their games for the start of their season.

According to the district’s health and safety plan, there can be no outside functions.

The decision can be revisited as the pandemic eases.

The board will call another special meeting once the agreement with the WEA is finally worked through.