The Sto-Rox School Board on Thursday night held its first meeting of 2023, and with it introduced a few new faces in new positions. This Agenda Review Meeting also featured updates on a slate of programs and issues for board members to consider. You can read the complete agenda here. Among the highlights:
Taking Her Seat
DaLisha Hoszowski (Region 3 - At-Large) attended her first meeting as a member of the board. She was sworn in on December 28, 2022 by Magisterial District Judge Bruce Boni.
Dr. Patrick O’Toole speaks during the January 19, 2023 meeting of the Sto-Rox School Board.
New Recovery Officer
Dr. Patrick O’Toole introduced himself as the district’s new recovery officer. He takes over for John Zahorchak, who lead the district in the first year of its five-year state recovery plan. O’Toole comes to Sto-Rox after a nearly 40-year career in public education. He most recently served as acting superintendent of the North Allegheny School District and superintendent of the Upper St. Clair School District. During his Upper St. Clair tenure, he was named 2012 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year. A Clarion University graduate, he earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Pittsburgh.
Communications Presentation
Dan Rinkus, Communications Specialist, presented a mid-year update on the district’s communications situation. Rinkus, who works for the district through an agreement with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU), provided details on his work since coming to Sto-Rox upon his hiring by the AIU in May of 2022. What follows is a short summary:
Communicating The Basics: Rinkus has handled media inquires on both positive and negative inquiries, built the district’s social media presence, updated the website and has spread the word about students, staff, alumni and programs.
Social Media Success: Engagement has increased on Sto-Rox social media platforms, especially on Facebook. Top posts reach into the tens of thousands. Instagram is new for 2022-23, with more than 150 followers. The district has also regained control of its Twitter feed and has delivered monthly newsletters. (Subscribe today!)
Crisis Communication: The specialist and administrators have developed a crisis communications plan to make sure the district community is informed in any situation.
Looking Ahead: The specialist will continue working on the district website, reducing the number of domains while keeping the same content. Efforts will also be undertaken to increase student media engagement through traditional and new media methods.
RELATED: Media Students Present Final ProjectsYou can find the complete presentation here. If you have a story idea, concern, or suggestion, please contact: drinkus@srsd.k12.pa.us or daniel.rinkus@aiu3.net. You can also refer to the district’s Media Relations page.
Taxes
Board members were presented with a resolution regarding the Taxpayer Relief Act, limiting any tax increase for 2023-24 to the state Department of Education-adjusted index of 6.4%. Business manager Paul Sroka advised the board on the nature of raising taxes, including the potential impact on local businesses.
Heating
The board also considered a proposal to replace the High School Administration Office’s rooftop heating unit. Superintendent Megan Van Fossan cited concerns about the use of other heaters and the potential for fire. If approved, district officials said the work could begin relatively soon.
Seeing Their Futures?
Two January field trips for 8th and 9th graders to Parkway West Career and Technology Center were considered, with Superintendent Van Fossan remarking: “Those kids are walking out employed, and are making more than people with bachelor’s (degrees).” She supported getting younger Sto-Rox students to experience careers in the trades with visits like this, not mention the district’s promotion of Parkway West CTC programs on a monthly basis.
RELATED: Entering The World Of Medicine At Parkway West CTC
Interrupters Wanted
Lee Davis & Associates has proposed a program where three full-time interrupters will work to “interrupt” violence in Sto-Rox Schools. Under the proposal, two would work at the Jr./Sr. High School, while another would be based at the Upper Elementary with trips to the Primary Center as needed. “I believe it’s been an extension of what we’ve been working on in Sto-Rox for the past few years,” said Davis, who has partnered with the district on several other violence-related initiatives.
Flag Football
Lauren Ferragonio, who helps provide security for the district through The Commission, LLC would coach a Sto-Rox Girls Flag Football Team this Spring. Ferragonio promoted this sport that is on the rise and has the potential to become a PIAA-sanctioned sport. Ferragonio also is involved in the Eddie Eagle Tree House Program related to gun safety for children in grades two through six.
Open Board Seat
The board also hopes to seat a ninth and final board member. Efforts will be made to promote this vacancy on the district website and social media. You can learn more about the opening here.