Jeff Tech celebrates growing enrollment. An article by Andrew Bundy.

Jeff Tech Administrative Director Dr. Barry Fillman shared his excitement for the new school year by highlighting how much the school has grown in the last few years.
    “I stood in front of the staff and recollected that four years ago, our enrollment was 343,” Fillman said at Monday’s meeting of the Jeff Tech Operating Committee.  “Now, we have 543 students enrolled.  A huge congratulations to everyone who has been a part of that – teachers, custodians, this board, and the administration.”
    The committee noted that enrollments are continuing, and Jeff Tech may soon pass 550 students.
    Chairperson Dr. Fred Park agreed with Fillman’s comments, adding, “The reputation of the students we put out speaks for itself.  Students want to come here.  The challenge is to keep them here.”
Staff Decisions and Highlights
The committee approved the hiring of Bernadette Adamson as an adjunct instructor in the nursing program, Josh Bundy as an engineering instructor, Karen Forsythe as a special education paraprofessional, Jonathan Smeal as a mathematic instructor, Matt Snyder as a custodian, and David Toney as a science instructor.  Jeff Tech will share Special Education Instructor Brianna Dusch with the Brockway Area School District.  Dusch will spend the morning at Jeff Tech and the afternoon in Brockway.
   The committee also accepted the resignations of Automotive Instructor Pamela Kerr, Math Teacher Amber Siar, and Paraprofessional Denise Strattan. Committee Member Jeff Ginther made sure to recognize the outgoing teachers.
    “I would be remiss if I didn’t thank them for all the years of service they have given us,” Ginther said.  “And, I’d like to welcome the new staff.”
    The hourly wage for custodial and food services substitutes was set at $12, and two co-op students will be hired for food services.
    Fillman highlighted the work of new Assistant Principal Jenna Gaston, saying that she has been instrumental in getting the school ready for the first day.  He also thanked the custodians and IT department for their work behind the scenes.
Purchases and Grants
The committee approved the purchase of an UltraSpec Reach-in Heated Cabinet from Tri-Mark for $6,140.  They will purchase cyber insurance through Charles P. Leach Agency, and they will retain the services of Kristin Van Strien for E-Rate Application Services.
    Jeff Tech accepted the Perkins Secondary Local Grant for $192,332, and the LPN program will participate with that grant.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Jeff Tech Operating Committee will be September 26 at 6 p.m.  School starts Thursday, August 24.