May 30, 2023 |
By Elizabeth Laughlin | Posted in: White Oak News
White Oak has honored one of the borough’s longest-tenured businesses on its 50th anniversary.
At the May borough council meeting, Mayor Ina Jean Marton presented Mark and Lois Novakovich, owners of Twin Oaks Lounge in Rainbow Village shopping center, with a proclamation recognizing its golden jubilee.
“Over the years, Twin Oaks Lounge has been a huge part of our community,” Marton said. “It has provided entertainment, dining, and dancing for our residents.” She also mentioned the ethnic events, political events, local organizations meetings, weddings, and funerals held by Twin Oaks Lounge.
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May 27, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Commentary-Editorial
A bee gathers pollen from a dandelion plant. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)
Vickie Babyak of Dravosburg writes:
Every third bite of food that we eat depends on pollination, and bees — including honeybees — are among the most important pollinators for crops. But bee populations are declining worldwide, due to overuse of pesticides and environmental factors such as climate change.
Last Saturday (May 20) was celebrated by environmentalists as “World Bee Day.” World Bee Day commemorates the birthday of Anton Janša, born in 1734, who was a pioneer beekeeper from Slovenia. Janša learned bee-keeping from his father and made one of the first scientific studies of bees and their behavior. In 1770, Empress Maria Theresa appointed him head beekeeper for all of Austria.
World Bee Day shines a light on bees and their habitat so we can improve conditions for the survival of bees and other pollinators. This year’s theme was “Bee engaged in pollinator-friendly agriculture production.”
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May 27, 2023 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
McKeesport Area School Board this week recognized pupils from United at Twin Rivers and Francis McClure schools who wrote winning essays for a contest sponsored by the Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or D.A.R.E., program. Superintendent Tia Wanzo congratulated each of the students before encouraging attendees to applaud the group. (Adam Reinherz photo for Tube City Almanac)
An expeditious meeting of the McKeesport Area School Board this week featured an apology and recommitment to communal partnerships.
School Board President LaToya Wright told attendees she needed to share something “that’s been on my heart.”
The board recently enacted a policy that school directors would not respond directly to comments, complaints and accusations raised by the public during a meeting.
Wright said she has heard from the community that the board is opting to remain “ignorant” of serious concerns.
“I want to apologize to any community member if they felt ignored, or any ignorance from the board, because that was never the intention,” she said.
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May 25, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, State & Region
(Tube City Almanac 2019 file photo for illustration only)
Allegheny County Economic Development is currently accepting applications for the 2023 round of the Blight Removal Program, a spokeswoman said.
Municipalities, public authorities, councils of government, land banks and private developers may apply for funding to remediate established blight conditions. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. June 16 and individual awards of up to $250,000 are available.
Approximately $1.5 million is available during this round of funding, county officials said.
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May 24, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Minimally invasive surgical techniques have the potential to reduce recovery time and pain for people suffering from hernias.
Dr. Steven Ballesteros, a general surgeon at UPMC McKeesport hospital and UPMC East, will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of hernias using robotic-assisted technology during a free talk at 12 noon May 30. The discussion will be held online, a spokeswoman said.
This live, virtual presentation is free and open to the public. To register, visit UPMC.com/VirtualEvents. You must provide a valid email address in order to receive the registration link.
For more information, email communityoutreach@upmc.edu.
May 18, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Crime and Police News, North Versailles Twp. News
Allegheny County police are investigating a head-on collision Tuesday that killed a 65-year-old driver.
Police said the accident happened just before 3:30 p.m. under the George Westinghouse Bridge in North Versailles Twp.
Investigators said an SUV driven by a 19-year-old man was traveling west on East Pittsburgh-McKeesport Boulevard, toward East Pittsburgh, when it crossed the center line and collided with an eastbound passenger van.
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May 18, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Volunteers are needed this Saturday to help place American flags on veterans’ graves in McKeesport & Versailles Cemetery, a spokeswoman said. Please meet at the cannon near the mausoleum in the veterans’ section of the cemetery at 9 a.m. and bring a hammer with you, she said.
May 18, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
The Allegheny County Regional Asset Board has approved a $750,000 grant to the Carnegie Library of McKeesport to help transform a third-floor storage space into an area usable by the public.
The board voted Thursday to approve five grants totalling $3.8 million from a new Transformative Community Library Fund. Libraries in Braddock, Clairton, Homestead and Swissvale also will receive funding during this round of grants, a spokesman said.
The grant to the McKeesport library will enable the top floor of the 1902 building to be converted from a storage area into meeting space for public events.
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May 17, 2023 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News, Politics & Elections
(Additional reporting from Jason Togyer)
Incumbent McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko won Tuesday’s primary election, easily defeating two vastly different challengers for the Democratic nomination.
According to incomplete and unofficial returns from the Allegheny County Division of Elections, Cherepko is holding a 20-point lead over his nearest rival, Corry Sanders, 52. Joe Lopretto was in third place with approximately 17 percent of the vote.
However, an official tally may not be available until Friday. Two city precincts — Ward 8, District 4, and Ward 12, District 3 — have not yet reported complete results. Countywide, 29 out of 1,324 precincts have reported incomplete results, elections officials said.
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May 14, 2023 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News, Politics & Elections
The race for mayor of McKeesport has a great deal of intrigue, as voters will report to polling places in just a few days.
In many races throughout Allegheny County, including the race for mayor of McKeesport, there are no official Republican challengers. Barring a successful write-in campaign during November’s election, the winner of the primary will be sworn in as mayor.
McKeesport Mayor Mike Cherepko, 46, has been in office since 2012 and is hoping to secure the Democratic nomination on Tuesday. The Penn State University graduate was a fifth-grade teacher in the district before becoming an elected official. He touts his “Working Together for a Better McKeesport” as a successful motto.
In this year’s Democratic primary he faces two challengers who both emphasize their “outsider” status, Joe Lopretto, 58, a retired McKeesport police officer, and Corry Sanders, 52, a church deacon, barber and business owner.
All three candidates received an questionnaire with identical questions. In addition, reporter Tom Leturgey called Lopretto and Sanders on May 2 and May 12, and sent questionnaires to Sanders and Lopretto via their official Facebook pages.
Lopretto and Sanders did not respond to Leturgey’s phone messages or Facebook messages, though both have been using Facebook to share their campaign statements and positions.
McKeesport has about 17,700 residents as of the 2020 census.
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May 14, 2023 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News, Politics & Elections
Five of the candidates running for McKeesport Area School Board have offered their views on pressures facing the district, relating to student achievement, building safety and charter schools.
There are 13 candidates filed to run for five seats on the school board, which has nine members in all. In addition to the city, the school district serves Dravosburg, South Versailles Twp., Versailles and White Oak.
School board elections are officially non-partisan and candidates may file to run in more than one party. Of the 13 candidates, 11 are filed as both Republicans and Democrats, while two have filed only as Democrats.
The primary election is this Tuesday. Voters from each party will choose candidates who will run in the general election in November.
In April, Tube City Almanac mailed a questionnaire to all 13 candidates at their homes, and a reminder was mailed one week later. All candidates received the same questions. Five candidates had responded as of May 13:
Jeffery Anderson (Democratic)
Diane Elias (cross-filed Democratic/Republican)
Matthew Keller (cross-filed Democratic/Republican)
Matthew Mols (cross-filed Democratic/Republican)
Cameron L. Preston (cross-filed Democratic/Republican)
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May 14, 2023 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News, Politics & Elections
Name: Cameron L. Preston
Address: Craig Street, McKeesport
Filed as: Republican/Democratic
Almanac: Why are you running for school board, and what are your qualifications?
Preston: As a lifelong resident and district alumnus, I feel it is my duty to step up in the community in which I reside. I have over 15 years of experience working in social services, both inside and outside of school settings.
Almanac: One constant question at board meetings has been about gun violence. Prior to this election, how have you addressed gun-related violence within the community?
Preston: On Jan. 23, 2023, my then-16-year-old son was critically shot while walking home from school. Prior to that incident, I have spoken at rallies against gun violence and attended many functions and events. But, since gun violence has made it directly to my doorstep, I believe now is the perfect time to step up.
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May 14, 2023 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News, Politics & Elections
Name: Matthew Mols
Address: Ridgeview Drive, Dravosburg
Filed as: Republican/Democratic
Almanac: Why are you running for school board, and what are your qualifications?
Mols: I have multiple master’s degrees in education. I have spent the last 25 years as an educator, with over two decades as an employee of McKeesport Area School District.
While at McKeesport, I worked in multiple buildings, serving in many different capacities. I was an in-school suspension coordinator, teacher, counselor, principal, career and technical director, and union president.
I have served as member of council in the Borough of Dravosburg for over 10 years and have volunteered in community outreach programs. Over the past five years, I have had the pleasure of highlighting McKeesport scholar athletes, as the “Voice of the Tigers.” The administration has trusted me to provide the play-by-play call of sporting events over the radio and Internet.
My diverse background has afforded me the opportunity to learn quite a bit about the operations of McKeesport Area School District. I am currently employed as a Head High School principal in an urban school setting with similar demographics to that of McKeesport Area School District. My daily work as an educator and council member focuses on issues that are essential to the skillset of a school board member including: school safety, fiscal management, educational decision making, and community outreach. As a former employee, I have working relationships with personnel, have aided in development of procedures, and have familiarity with school board policies to best streamline services for McKeesport Area School District families. I have family members that are students within the school district, and like your family want what is only best for our students. As a graduate of McKeesport Area School District, I am aware of the rich tradition and pride one can have with a diploma from McKeesport.
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May 14, 2023 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News, Politics & Elections
Name: Matthew Keller
Address: Fawcett Avenue, White Oak
Filed as: Republican/Democratic
Almanac: Why are you running for school board, and what are your qualifications?
Keller: I am running for school board to bring a sense of direction back to he district with a student-first mentality, to support our administration, teachers, and support staff. I want to keep safety and security a top priority. I demand transparency for students, parents and community members.
I am a 2006 graduate of McKeesport Area School District, I went on to get my bachelor of arts from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg in 2012, and completed my paralegal certificate from Duquesne University in 2015.
Almanac: One constant question at board meetings has been about gun violence. Prior to this election, how have you addressed gun-related violence within the community?
Keller: I would look to outside agencies and elected officials on how we can help support them in helping curb gun violence in the community.
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May 13, 2023 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News, Politics & Elections
Name: Diane Elias
Address: Diehl Drive, McKeesport
Filed as: Republican/Democratic
Almanac: Why are you running for school board, and what are your qualifications?
Elias: So I can continue to support our students, staff and taxpayers.
Almanac: One constant question at board meetings has been about gun violence. Prior to this election, how have you addressed gun-related violence within the community?
Elias: I have attended several gun violence meetings and agree to work collectively with other board members, administration and any other community leaders.
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May 13, 2023 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News, Politics & Elections
Name: Jeffery Anderson
Address: Washington St., McKeesport
Filed as: Democratic
Almanac: Why are you running for school board, and what are your qualifications?
Anderson: I’m running for school board because I believe the district needs a change and new direction. I believe the current board is failing our children. I am very well known for the community work that I do such as my non-profit, the Mentoring Village. I run a weekly food pantry. I am also known for the Buddy Benches I made for the school district last school year.
Almanac: One constant question at board meetings has been about gun violence. Prior to this election, how have you addressed gun-related violence within the community?
Anderson: The recent gun violence is very sad and unfortunate. It’s mainly kids killing kids, but I feel like if these kids had something to keep their minds occupied — keep them off the streets — it would at least eliminate (not take away all of it) but eliminate a lot of the gun violence that is occurring throughout the community.
I also believe holding the parents accountable for the actions of their children would help eliminate some of the violence through the community.
I think that’s why it’s very important to know “if you see something, say something.” It’s not considered snitching when you're protecting the lives of others.
And it also leads back to the safety of our schools — so that what happened in Tennessee a few weeks back, and what’s been happening throughout the country, does not happen in our school district. Upgrading the security in our schools, coming up with new active shooter guidelines, I think is very important. Hopefully with me on the school board we can get a chance to make the changes that need to be made for the safety of our kids, and our staff and our school buildings.
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May 13, 2023 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Janet and Barry Wagner of White Oak examine the monument to the McKeesport 23 following Saturday’s rededication ceremony on the lawn of McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center. Wagner’s first husband, U.S. Army Capt. Terry Martell, is one of the local soldiers killed in action in Vietnam whose name appears on the tablet. (Tube City Almanac photo)
U.S. Army Pfc. Denny Pliska was engaged to be married to his girlfriend just a few days before he was deployed to Vietnam. He was saving his combat pay to buy a Corvette when he got back to McKeesport.
Pliska didn’t make it home. He was killed in action only six days after fellow Army Pfc. Mike Nemchick — who, like Pliska, was an alumnus of McKeesport Vocational High School — also became a casualty of the Vietnam War.
Nemchick, said Joe Hoffman, former White Oak police chief, had planned to go to college on the GI Bill when he returned to McKeesport. He wanted to become a physical education teacher, Hoffman said, and work with Sam LaRosa at the McKeesport Boys Club. Nemchick, who was killed by a sniper on Feb. 22, 1966, never got the chance.
Those were just two of the stories of the McKeesport 23 — former city residents who were killed in the Vietnam War between 1965 and 1971 — that Hoffman shared on Saturday during a ceremony rededicating a monument in their memory.
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May 12, 2023 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Politics & Elections
Voters will go to the polls on Tuesday across Pennsylvania to select candidates who will appear on the November election ballot.
The polls will open at 7 a.m. across Allegheny County for the primary election. Under state law, only voters registered with one of the two major parties — Democratic or Republican — may vote in a primary election, because they are selecting nominees to represent their respective party at the Nov. 7 general election.
All 1,324 polling places across Allegheny County will be open, a county spokeswoman said. Polls will stay open until 8 p.m. and anyone still in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
Voters are choosing candidates to run for Allegheny County executive, and many municipalities are selecting mayors, members of borough or city councils, township commissioners or supervisors, and school board members.
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May 11, 2023 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
McKeesport will look to add more police officers to fill vacancies, and the city’s mayor said the candidates that have applied so far seem “excited, energetic and eager to learn.”
The additions — plus three full-time officers welcomed last month — will help boost a department that is still healing from a shooting on Feb. 6 that claimed the life of police Officer Sean Sluganski and wounded Officer Chuck Thomas Jr.
A city man faces homicide charges in connection with that incident.
At this month’s city council meeting, Mayor Michael Cherepko said McKeesport police have done “an incredible job” since coming back to work after Sluganski’s death. County and state police and other agencies patrolled in McKeesport following the incident.
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May 11, 2023 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Parts of nine McKeesport streets will be resurfaced under a contract awarded this month by city council, with more to come as weather and personnel permit, officials said.
City council awarded a $629,647 contract to El Grande Industries of Donora, Washington County, for paving along Cornell, Coursin, Forest, Reed, Porter, Soles and Steele streets and Evans and North Grandview avenues.
El Grande was the lowest of three bidders, city officials said.
McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko said public works crews also will pave several streets using city equipment, but employ outside contractors such as El Grande to mill — or remove — the old paving. He praised Steve Kondrosky, city public-works director, for work done last year.
“Steve and the guys did an incredible job last year, so the bar is set pretty high,” Cherepko said. “The amount of roads we did in-house is amazing.”
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May 11, 2023 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: Duquesne News
Duquesne will use $51,000 to demolish several vacant homes, and officials are also looking at two additional properties that may need attention.
At this month’s meeting, city Solicitor Myron Sainovich said the properties in question are 11 S. Fifth St., 117 N. Fourth St., 1006 Sherman Ave. and 32 Meadow St. Residents also asked the city to evaluate 114 N. Fifth St. and 721 Mifflin St., to see if they need to be boarded up.
There was also discussion with council regarding street repair, namely on two sections of Center Street. Council decided to look into the cost of repairs and follow up at a later meeting.
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May 10, 2023 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: White Oak News
(Submitted photo courtesy of Angora Gardens)
Angora Gardens, a facility in White Oak that provides health and wellness programs — including occupational therapy for people with disabilities and mental health challenges — will close July 31.
The closure was announced Tuesday by Julie Pecora, program manager, in an email to supporters. The facility is located on Muse Lane, inside White Oak Park.
“As Angora Gardens operates solely on grant funding and donations that have been steadily declining, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain the center,” Pecora said. “As such, Angora Gardens will be closing effective July 31.”
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May 09, 2023 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements
Two weeks ago, Tube City Almanac mailed questionnaires to all 13 candidates running for McKeesport Area School Board. The questionnaires include 10 questions that were created by Almanac editor Jason Togyer and freelance writer Adam Reinherz with help from several non-profit associations for school board members.
Over the weekend, we sent a reminder to anyone who had not yet responded. Both the questionnaire and the reminders were sent to the addresses candidates listed on their nominating papers.
One candidate just called to ask if the questionnaire was a “scam.” It’s not a scam, it’s an honest attempt to get every candidate’s opinions to questions such as, “Why did you decide to run for school board?”
If you are a registered candidate and did not receive your questionnaire, please email tubecitytiger@gmail.com or call (412) 357-2670. We will be publishing everyone's answers this weekend. Thanks!
May 08, 2023 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Trillium Flow Technologies, formerly Ralph A. Hiller Co., is moving into the former roll shop at RIDC’s Industrial Center of McKeesport. The move will more than double the company’s current space. The company supplies valves, pumps and other equipment for a variety of industrial uses. (Submitted photo courtesy RIDC)
A tenant at McKeesport’s industrial park has signed a five-year lease that will more than double the amount of space it currently occupies.
The non-profit Regional Industrial Development Corp., which operates the RIDC Industrial Center of McKeesport on the former U.S. Steel National Plant property, said that Trillium Flow Technologies has signed an agreement to use more than 27,000 square feet in the former Roll Shop at 1000 Industry Drive.
A spokeswoman said Trillium will be moving from its current 12,500 square foot space at 241 Center St. in the same park.
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May 05, 2023 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
Allegheny County police are asking for the public’s help in locating Lindsey Jackson, 37. (Photo courtesy Allegheny County police)
Allegheny County police are asking for the public’s help in locating a woman who went missing following the death of an East McKeesport man.
Donte Lee “Chiefy” Glover, 36, was found dead just after 9 p.m. Monday night inside an apartment on Evans Avenue in McKeesport. Police said he had been shot.
Relatives told police that Glover had been missing since the night of April 28, when he was seen leaving for work at Carnegie Mellon University in Oakland.
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May 05, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: West Newton News
The grand opening for the West Newton Farm & Vendor Market Expo is from 2 to 7 p.m. May 13, a spokesman said.
Aaron Nelson of Downtown West Newton Inc. said food trucks and vendors are being sought. Spaces will cost $15 each. For more information, call (724) 872-0100.
May 04, 2023 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: Duquesne News
The City of Duquesne will file paperwork to exit state oversight on May 19.
At this month’s council meeting, Act 47 Coordinator George Dougherty reported that after the paperwork is filed, the public will be invited to attend a meeting at City Hall on June 8 to comment and make suggestions about the proposed plan for the city to leave “financially distressed” status.
State Act 47 of 1987, also known as the Financially Distressed Communities Act, was created in the wake of the collapse of the steel industry. It gives fiscally strapped municipalities the chance to access state government assistance, restructure their debt and take other steps to restore financial health, in exchange for being subject to increased scrutiny by state officials.
Duquesne has been classified as “financially distressed” since 1991. Only five other communities — Aliquippa, Braddock, Rankin, Franklin in Cambria County, and Farrell in Mercer County — have been on the list longer.
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May 04, 2023 |
By Jason A. Mignanelli | Posted in: Entertainment
Cast of McKeesport Little Theater’s “Gabriel.” (Tabitha Bowman photo courtesy MLT)
If you go...
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“Gabriel” by Moira Buffini
Where: McKeesport Little Theater, 1614 Coursin St.
When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through May 14
Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for students, $5 for members. Sold at the door, online at www.mckeesportlittletheater.com, or by calling (412) 673-1100
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At the height of the second World War on the Nazi-occupied British island of Guernsey in the English Channel, one family struggles to survive. In a twist of fate, an incoherent young man washes up on the beach. Unable to locate identification, the family names him “Gabriel” and decides to harbor him despite facing possible consequences of the commanding officer of the German forces, Major Von Pfunz.
The McKeesport Little Theater is presenting “Gabriel” by Moira Buffini, beginning this week. The play was first published in 1997 and was described by The New York Times as a “deftly woven plot” that “begins generating suspense early on.” Buffini is an English playwright born in Cheshire, United Kingdom.
Another reviewer wrote that “Buffini, a daring and almost shockingly inventive playwright, derives suspenseful plot turns from these characters thrust into a dangerously close situation.”
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May 04, 2023 |
By Vickie Babyak | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Students are hard at work organizing and sorting clothes for The McKeesport Agape Center on Prescott Street in White Oak. (Submitted photo courtesy Rachelle Cilli)
Life Skills students from McKeesport Area School District students have been learning to be the best they can be by volunteering and gaining valuable job skills every Tuesday afternoon at the McKeesport Agape Center in White Oak.
MASD special education teacher, Rachelle Cilli, instructs the Community Based Experiences class. She takes students into the community to learn about job skills that will help them after they graduate high school and become employed.
Cilli said her class began volunteering at Agape in September 2022. “The class has worked at different places throughout the community but this was our first year at Agape. I didn’t realize the variety of experience the students would gain here,” she said.
Life Skills classes are a program for students who have learning challenges and need additional support to learn tasks that enable them to live with a degree of independence. Additional instruction is provided with academics, personal wellness, home economics, communications and social skills, and job skills.
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May 03, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: White Oak News
(Submitted photo courtesy Angora Gardens)
The Spring Plant Sale at Angora Gardens will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (May 6), a spokeswoman announced. Plants will be available while supplies last.
The fundraiser is made possible through the diligent work of Robert Stone, Angora Gardens program and property manager, and volunteer Steve Lesko. Additional assistance is provided by volunteer Natalie Wynn and the ACLD Tillotson School SHYFT Program.
All proceeds benefit the programs of Angora Gardens, located at 3 Muse Lane, inside White Oak Park.
Annuals will be sold in a six-pack or a 4-inch pot for $4 each. Varieties include ageratum, bachelor button, balsam, boneset, calendula, cleome, coleus, cosmos, helen’s flower, impatiens, lobelia, marigold, money plant, nasturtium, petunia, salvia, snap dragon, statice, strawflower, toothache plant and zinnia.
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May 03, 2023 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: Announcements
Both photos: Adam Reinherz for Tube City Almanac
Students from the Founders’ Hall Drama Club will present “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr.” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday (May 4 to 6) in the auditorium at Francis McClure Elementary School, 500 Longvue Drive, White Oak.
Last week, cast members previewed songs for members of the McKeesport Area School Board.
The box office opens at 6 p.m. each night of the show. The producer/director is Edward Moore, choreographer is Cassie Fedor, musical director is Drew DeCarlo and technical designer is Nathan Cross.
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May 02, 2023 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Editorial Cartoons
May 01, 2023 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
A budget presentation by McKeesport Area School District business manager Scott Domowicz added heft to an already weighty meeting last week.
Domowicz said next year’s total proposed budget is for $86 million with an approximate fund balance of $10.6 million. The 2022-23 budget approved by the board was approximately $79.8 million.
“We’ve added to our general fund balance, however, we have to be responsible with the spending,” School Board President Latoya Wright said.
Despite the fund balance, increased costs stand to hamper the district, Domowicz explained. “Contractual labor agreements and additional staffing represents an increase in payroll expenses of 8 percent,” he said.
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May 01, 2023 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
A discussion of possible institutional bias dominated April’s meeting of the McKeesport Area School Board.
The wide-ranging conversation was triggered by a social media post, and subsequent comments, that alleged an unidentified student received preferential treatment.
“Everyone needs to be consistent,” School Board President Latoya Wright said.
The district’s policy manual authorizes the board to establish “fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory rules and regulations” regarding student conduct, and delegates the superintendent to ensure policies are followed. In the event of an infraction, students “shall have a right to notice,” and suspensions and expulsions shall be carried out according to board policy.
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