Observer-Reporter, Greene County, PA
By Bob Niedbala, Staff writer
MAPLETOWN - Southeastern Greene School Board asked a resident who is preparing a transportation study for the district to halt his work after parents unaware of the project called the school to report a driver following school buses.
The board earlier granted permission for Joe Zalar to conduct a study of bus routes in an attempt to save the district money. Zalar volunteered to do the study at no cost to the district.
Board members said Thursday that Zalar was asked to halt his work after parents and bus drivers, who saw Zalar following buses in his car, called the school to report what they believed was suspicious activity.
"Parents called and said their kids were afraid," said board member Jeff Duranko. The board last Thursday asked Zalar to halt his project, he said.
Zalar had been asked to contact the bus contractors in advance to tell them he intended to follow buses on their routes, board President Gary Moser said. Board member Sandy Theis said Zalar assured her he had done that.
Parents' concerns apparently were heightened by a report last week of a man standing outside Bobtown Elementary School acting suspiciously. That incident, Moser said, is being investigated by the authorities.
One district resident, Tom Fox, complained to the board about Zalar's treatment, saying Zalar had volunteered to help the district but had received no cooperation and was even threatened by a board member.
Duranko called Fox's allegation that Zalar was threatened an "exaggeration" and said Zalar had been asked to "back off" because of the parents' concerns.
In other business, Craig Miller, an engineer who resides in the district, gave a report on repairs needed to the junior-senior high school's heating system. He reviewed three options that include replacing parts of the system, changing it from a steam to a hot water system and installing a forced air system.
Miller also said savings could be made by installing better controls that would, for instance, lower temperatures in the building during the weekends. Some of the costs of making the changes could be paid for by the savings in utility costs, he said
Miller, who is helping the district on a volunteer basis, also said an architect he works with has agreed to look at the building regarding Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.
The board tabled action on a request to spend not more than $1,000 on repairs to the football field. Board member Gary Yoskovich said he would look at the field to see what work is needed. Moser asked the administration to make sure the problem at the field does not constitute a potential liability.
The board approved a motion permitting 15 students to attend a Coro Center for Civic Leadership program the first week of May in Pittsburgh. It also presented a plaque to former board member George Billetz, recognizing his 30 years of service on the board.