By Amy Cherry
Daily Press Staff

    The St. Marys Area School District Board of Directors approved several personnel issues at this month’s regular meeting.

All employment recommendations are provisional for 30 days pending receipt of Act 151 and Act 34 clearance documentation and pre-employment drug testing if applicable.

    Two leaves of absences were approved by the board.

    Professional substitute teachers were hired under a contract pay rate. They all obtained their emergency certification permit.

Kali Carnovale of Kersey was hired effective Dec. 9, 2008 for all district buildings. Carnovale holds a bachelor of science degree in education from Ithaca College, NY.

Lisa Fredette of St. Marys was hired effective Dec. 15, 2008 for all district buildings. Fredette holds a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from the University of Phoenix.

Wes Harshbarger of Kersey was hired effective Dec. 15, 2008 at SSMSE, Fox Twp. Elementary, middle and high schools. He holds a bachelor of science degree in sports and recreation management from the University of Pittsburgh. He is currently a substitute within the district.

Michael Votano of Johnsonburg was hired effective Dec. 3, 2008 at all district buildings. He holds a bachelor of science degree in education from Canisius College, NY and is certified in health and physical education.

    The following support personnel were hired:

• Jessica Erich of St. Marys was hired as a health aide, effective Jan. 5, 2009, at a rate of $125 per day for three days/week. Erich has a degree in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and is certified as a registered nurse and is currently employed  at Elk Regional Health Center. She is assigned to Bennetts Valley Elementary and St. Marys Catholic Elementary.

    Supplemental contracts were awarded to:

Kristen Burden, Media Club co-advisor, renew at a rate of $1,313

Victoria Dippold, assistant swimming coach, new contract at a rate of $1,200

Matthew Frank, musical producer, new contract at a rate of $800

Christopher Gankosky, Jazz/Concert Band Director, renew at a rate of $1,612; Marching Bank Director, renew at a rate of $4,480; Musical Instrumental Director, renew at a rate of $1,241

Amy Sines, Musical Director, renew at a rate of $840

Anthony Azzato, head basketball coach, renew at a rate of $2,315

James Bailley, media advisor - half a contract, renew at a rate of $1,379

Rawley Cogan, assistant baseball coach, renew at a rate of $1,323

Robert Cunningham, assistant softball coach, renew as a volunteer

Manuel Gerarge, Jr., head softball coach, renew at a rate of $2,153

Brian Ginther, assistant JV softball coach, renew at a rate of $1,200

William Granche, heads boys track and field coach, renew at a rate of $4,149

William Makufka, assistant softball coach, new volunteer

Greg Sago, assistant track and field coach, new contract at a rate of $1,200

    Mentors were paired with temporary professional employees for the 2008-09 school year under a contract pay rate with Noel Petrosky mentoring Dolores Jordan.