By Amy Cherry
Daily Press Staff

The following personnel actions have been approved by the St. Marys Area School District Board of Directors at their recent 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.

Six unpaid leaves of absences were approved as well as the resignation of SMAHS English/Media Teacher James Bailley of Brockway, effective Feb. 6, 2009. Bailley cited personal reasons requiring his immediate attention as the reason for terminating his employment with the district.

Four professional substitute teachers were hired including; Sally Azzato of Kersey at Fox Township Elementary, effective Jan. 27, 2009. Azzato holds a bachelor of science degree from Clarion University in education with certification in elementary and early childhood. Angela Leithner of St. Marys was hired as of Dec. 18, 2008. Leithner holds a bachelor of science degree in human resource management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has her emergency certification. Tara Lindgren of Ridgway was hired effective Jan. 26, 2009 at SSMSE, SMAMS, Fox Twp. and Bennetts Valley Elementary schools. Lindgren holds a bachelor of science degree in education with elementary certification from the University of Pittsburgh. Rachel Schreiber of Kersey was hired effective Jan. 26. 2009 at SSMSE, SMAMS, Fox Twp. and Bennetts Valley Elementary schools. Schreiber holds a bachelor of science degree in education with certification in early childhood from Edinboro University.Christine Gavazzi, of Weedville is a current SMASD teacher and was hired as a homebound teacher for 2008-09. Gavazzi holds a bachelor of science degree in education with certification in business and computer information technology.

Anita Schneider was hired under support personnel as a substitute cafeteria worker at SMAHS, effective Aug. 25, 2008 along with student worker Kristina McMillen.

Supplemental contracts were awarded to the following individuals: Julie Newton, mathematics department chairperson, renewal at a rate of $315. Noel Petrosky, Bennetts Valley yearbook advisor, renewal half a contract at a rate of $68. Jamie Johnston, head girls track coach, renewal at a rate of $2,315. Manuel Barbazzeni, assistant teach coach-sprinters, renewal at a rate of $1,323. Heather Samick, assistant track coach, renewal at a rate of $1,323. Chasidy Gornati, assistant track coach, renewal half contract of $661.50. Michelle Brooks, junior varsity dance team advisor, new contract at a rate of $400. Wes Harshbarger, assistant baseball coach, volunteer renewal. Josh Krug, assistant baseball coach, renewal at a rate of $1,389. Gary Walker, assistant softball coach, renewal at a rate of $1,260. Susan Lepovetsky, head boys tennis coach, renewal at a rate of $1,544. William Meyer, intramural wrestling coach (change from second assistant), renewal at a rate of $500. Aaron Nicklas, 1st assistant football coach, new contract at a rate of $1,600. Jamie Simbeck, assistant volleyball coach, volunteer renewal. Erica Vogt, junior high volleyball coach, new contract at a rate of $300.