Gateway board discusses bus safety, renovation projects

Gateway School Board’s building and grounds committee members are working to prioritize renovation projects across the district.

Director of Facilities and Grounds John Walsh was asked at the Sept. 23 school board meeting how the projects are being prioritized.

“Anything that effects the kids on a daily basis or is unsafe” takes precedence, Walsh said. “We want to make sure they are learning but that they are safe.”

Replacing a hot water tank is a project that can be done during school hours, he said, but installing an elevator or new roof would take place in the summer when students and staff are not present.

The board discussed several renovation projects; Walsh said the wish list is limited to what is financially feasible.

Director Cheryl Boise asked Superintendent Guy Rossi about obtaining a state grant for a new roof. Rossi said another committee meeting will be held in October to discuss the issue.

“I think that is something the public needs to understand,” Boise said. “Sometimes we try to find money from other sources like the state … We’re trying to find other sources of monies but sometimes that doesn’t work as well as we hoped.”

President Robin Mungo asked the board members to bring building concerns to Rossi’s attention right away.

“I think it’s only fair that we give him the opportunity to know what’s coming and to be able to address it,” Mungo said. “Now if he doesn’t address it, then we move from there.”

Cell phone usage

Rossi said he’s begun internal discussions with administrators concerning student cell phone use during school hours. An email will be sent to families to develop ad hoc committees and focus groups to address the issue.

Bus safety concerns

The district will be holding a bus safety campaign in October.

“One of the problems is - people don’t understand - when that school bus stops, so do they,” Boise said, asking who parents should talk to about people who do not stop for the buses.

Rossi said that is a police issue, and that the district can involve the Pitcairn and Monroeville police, and clarified who can address bus concerns:

• Gateway Transportation’s direct line at 412-373-5728 or 412-373-5729 can address bus stop questions and schedules.
• STA / Gateway Bus Garage at 412-646-4711 is open from approximately 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The should be contacted first if calling after hours.

• Any other type of bus issues or behavioral concerns should be addressed at the building level.

The district transportation email is transportation@gatewayk12.org.

Convention center

With news of the Monroeville Convention Center being purchased by the municipality , board Vice President John Ritter suggested Gateway could possibly use the building for invitational programs, job fairs or school-related training and seminars.

“Our professionals could benefit by having the Monroeville Convention Center be used on their behalf, which would also benefit the school district and the surrounding school districts,” Ritter said, suggesting a possible meeting with council.

Homecoming

The homecoming football game will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 at home against Penn Trafford. Tom LaBuff, retired English teacher and track and cross country coach, will be honored for his 50 years of coaching. Ritter encouraged any past track and field or cross country athletes to come and support LaBuff.