Sto-Rox School Board met Thursday night for an Agenda Review Meeting at Sto-Rox Jr./Sr. High School. Several items were discussed, including a pitch for making school buildings more energy efficient, student mental health assistance, and several donations.
Energy Efficiency
Representatives of The Efficiency Network gave an overview of their plan to make Sto-Rox school buildings more energy efficient. The North Shore firm is owned by Duquesne Light Holdings, and has worked with more than 70 school districts across Pennsylvania. A team from The Efficiency Network recently toured the district, and made suggestions including HVAC equipment upgrades and direct digital controls. Representatives also said they believe the support of the community is key to their efforts. To that end, they spoke about giving students opportunities to learn about careers in the trades and job fairs to support students and parents.
Mental Health
Representatives of The Student Initiative spoke about their proposal to provide students with commercial insurance (not Medicaid) mental health services. The local group recently met with high school staff and affirmed their passion and dedication for working with children in need. With offices on Silver Lane not far from the high school, representatives said they would use their location to their advantage.
Donations
There were several donations for board members to consider, including:
An eye-popping anonymous $30,000 donation of athletic supplies. (RELATED: Dick’s Awards Sto-Rox $3,000 Grant)
An anonymous donation of a saxophone for the music program.
Two refrigerators from the Little Vikings for use during Sto-Rox High School Football games (and Little Vikings games)
A purchase of pom-poms and hair bows for the cheerleading squad by Charles Landa of Doughboys Pizza
School supplies for the Sto-Rox Primary Center by 1977 Sto-Rox graduate Phil Clements, owner of Acceptance Insurance. (RELATED: Facebook Post on Clements Donation)
Business Leadership
The board also considered an agreement with BUILD (Businesses United in Investing, Lending & Development) and Steel City Impact to rollout a blended learning program. It will give 9th-12th grade students the skills and knowledge to build careers as entrepreneurs.
Other Business Considered
The Rich Cercone Golf Outing is being planned for October 8 at Stonecrest Golf Course in Wampum. Cercone was a district teacher and baseball coach who, in 1985, coached Sto-Rox to its only WPIAL Baseball Championship. All proceeds benefit Sto-Rox Athletic Department. Each entry is $85.
Contract renewal with PA-Educator.net to help Sto-Rox fill staffing needs.
A $1 Million interest-free Recovery Transitional Loan from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Related to the district’s state-sanctioned recovery plan, the loan will help the district buy security equipment and make other upgrades, including parking lot paving, improved lighting for early mornings and late evenings, and maintaining staff radios from building to building.
Collaboration with RubyRide, a rideshare service that will help district residents with transportation for education-related activities.
Read the complete meeting agenda by clicking here.