Tyree Harris, vice president of the Weatherly Area School Board, addressed recent posts on Facebook regarding the use of school facilities.

“Don’t give just part of the story, and this is reflective on use of facilities. Ty Harris has never stopped anybody from using the facility, but whatever deal that summer league and the alumni had in the past, they had to stop,” he said.

He said after discussion with superintendent Dr. Robert Croop and legal counsel, it was decided, “If you’re going to rent the facility, you need insurance.”

He added, “So instead of mentioning my name on social media, how about you talk to the people that are in charge of the league and in charge of the alumni; instead of it being one set price at $10, buy blanket insurance. Because I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that we’re not liable. If someone got hurt, it would have been on us, and that’s not smart business. So I just wanted to address that.”

Other business

The board approved the following measures during the Aug. 5 caucus meeting:

• Apply for a Facilities Improvement Grant to replace the ES/MS school boiler system.

• The resignation of Jennifer Rockovich, kindergarten teacher, effective July 2.

• The resignation of Heather Katchur, high school math teacher, effective the 2026-27 school year.

• The resignation of Natasha Cruz, part-time paraprofessional, effective the 2026-27 school year.

Abstention

Erica Gravell was approved as the full-time elementary/middle school guidance counselor at a salary of $53,163. (step 1, master’s) and benefits per the WAEA Contract. School board member Gerard Grega abstained from the vote.

“Mr. Grega, according to school policy, you have to provide a reason for your abstention,” solicitor Jeff Rockman advised.

“Because I don’t know enough about the candidate,” Grega replied.

“That’s not a valid reason to abstain,” Rockman responded.

“Yes, it is,” Grega replied.

“We have a disagreement; but, that’s fine,” Rockman stated.

As Grega’s abstaining was considered invalid per Rockman, it was not counted in this and other votes in which he abstained. The motion was passed 7-0.

The board also approved Tamara Huey as a full-time secondary math teacher at a salary of $59,063 (step 1, master’s +45) and benefits per the WAEA contract effective the 2026-27 school year (pending completion of clearances and paperwork). The measure passed 7-0 (Grega again abstained, not counted in the vote).

Other appointments

The board also approved:

• Abigail Roman as a full-time elementary teacher at a salary of $50,251. (Step 1, bachelor’s) and benefits per the WAEA contract effective the 2026-27 school year (pending completion of clearances and paperwork). Measure passed 7-0 (Grega again abstained, not counted in the vote).

The board approved the following part-time paraprofessionals for 5.75 hours a day, 186 days a year at a rate per the WAESPA contract: Alice Belifiore, Jennifer Caso, Kelly Halechko, April Hauser and Amanda Mehlig.

• Mentors: Sarah Minnick as a mentor for Erica Gravell; Maria Whitley as a mentor for Kelly Titus; Rachael Marckovchick as a mentor for Abigail Roman; Amy Sweeney as a mentor for Melanie Sepulveda; Janet Gettig as a mentor for Tamara Huey; and Sarah Peterlin as a mentor for Jordany Krawinckle. The stipend for each mentor is $750.

• The following teachers for homebound instruction: Melissa Cabe, John McGee and Shane Moran.

• Sheral Anderson-Bamford, Paula Gregory, Katie Hall, Lindsey Rolland and Donna Thomas as nurses at $130 a day.