ANDOVER-The retirement of music teacher Pamela Amy has resulted in a trickle down, or trickle up effect regarding the primary school music program. PV Primary School music teacher John Hulburt will move into the position of high school and middle school instrumental music director, while Maribeth Miltner will serve as choral music director.
During the June 18 PV Board of Education meeting Hulburt addressed the board during the staff concerns forum and said he was concerned that he had not seen a posting to hire a music teacher for the primary school, the position he vacated. He commented about the importance of the program, saying that the foundation of music education is laid at the primary school level.
The PV administration and Board of Education have taken this retirement as an opportunity to tweak services and educational direction for the primary school. Superintendent Alex Geordan said strategic planning session resulted in a goal of more technology training for the schools.
Geordan said the district must start to think globally and prepare students to be successful in a fast changing world. Geordan said his recommendation is to hire someone to teach computer skills and information technology at the primary level instead of a music teacher. He said no immediate decisions would be made as he thouhg it was not fair to make those decisions just prior to a new superintendent taking over.
Geordan said that many of the primary school teachers are already certified to teach music and can incorporate the programs into their classrooms. he also pointed out that the equipment and computer lab are in place for use. Beginning in 2014, all Ohio Achievement Assessments will be givewn will be given with a computer online. Half of a teacher's evaluation score will be based on those assessments completed by the students.
"We we think that music is important, yes we do," said Geordan. "But we have a budget and we have to stay within our means."
"I am glad he (John Hulburt) expressed his opinion and showed his passion for what he does," said Primary School Principal Traci Hostetler.
Hostetler said she believed the school could have the best of both worlds with music in the classroom and and additional computer technology teacher. She said the new state standards dubbed "College and Career Ready" are heavily involved with computer technology.
"I believe it's important that the board and the administration sit down and look at all viable options,"Hostetler said. "When people are student focused, good things happen."
The board also approved numerous staff assignments as they transition in the 2012-2013 school years. High school supplemental contracts were announced as follows: Athletic director-Mel Nowakowski; ticket manager-Kristen Webker; insturmental music director-John Hulburt; choral music director-Maribeth Miltner; Spring musical director-Maribeth Miltner; Spring musical accompanist-John Hulburt; Yearbook advisor-Scott Wludyga; Freshman Class adivor-Mary Pontoni; Sophomore Class advisor-Pam Keep; Junior Class advisor-Andrea Wonderling; Senior Class advisor-Anne Siembor; Student Council/NHS advisor-Amy Moyer; Scholastic Bowl advisor-Mary Pontoni; and VMPAC Facility manger-John Hulburt.
Middle School supplemental contracts went to the following: Athletic director-Andy Gray; Music director instrumental-John Hulburt; Music director vocal-Maribeth Miltner; Drama director-Marilbeth Miltner; Overnight trip sponsor-Aaron Davis; and 7th grade girls basketball coach-Debbie French. John Kosko was employed as school resource officer and Cheryl Cuddy is a student specific nurse. Classified substitutes for the cafeteria will be Kim Crawford, Donna Nugent, Kristen Artman, Stacey Brown, Vreronica Buckley, Angela Rau and Carrie Trembly.
