Jeff Tech Operating Committee meets

Using its YouTube site for the second meeting in a row, the Jeff Tech Operating Committee met on May 28 in regular session.

Melissa Mulhollan, president of the teacher’s union, addressed the committee to thank school director Dr. Barry Fillman and principal Melissa Mowrey for for how they handled the COVID-19 school shutdown.

“They handled it with grace,” she said, adding, “They made sure everyone was taken care of.”

Committee Chairman Dr. Fred Park also praised the professional and support staff for their efforts over the length of the school closure.

Principal Mowrey elaborated on the work that was being done for the virtual graduation held on May 29. She told the committee that an in-person graduation will be held at some point, but not at the school, and that graduates can pick up their diplomas June 3.

Dr. Fillman commented, “Everyone at this place rallied around our kids.”

The committee was informed that the proposed budget for the 2020-2021 school year was approved by the four sending districts (DuBois, Brockway, Punxsutawney and Brookville), along with the related proposals for capital projects and special education. The package totals $9.45 million dollars.

In another report. Dr. Fillman said he and school adult education coordinator Megan Bundy visited with the Jefferson County Commissioners recently to discuss the county’s farm to table program, specifically meat processing. The hope is to train butchers and meat cutters at Jeff Tech, but the proposal is in the planning stages at this point.

The committee leadership will remain the same for the coming school year, with Dr. Thomas Lesniewski as chief administrator. He is the superintendent at the Punxsutawney Area School District. The committee also renewed its contract with the firm Ferraro, Kruk and Ferraro of Brockway as the school’s solicitor.

Another motion was approved to offer a $700 discount for adult students enrolling in both the CDL and Diesel programs.