Gateway looks to hire additional nurses, changes volunteer requirements

Gateway School Board may raise the salary for school nurses in an attempt to hire more staff for the Monroeville district.

During the board meeting Monday, directors learned there are five nursing vacancies in the district.

“Part of our hope is that after we looked at the data regarding compensation and trying to figure the sweet spot for us to get more competitive,” Director of Personnel Andrea Jessell said.

There are 31 new hires in the district this year. Although Gateway has 79 paraprofessionals, two more are needed. One custodial position is open, which is being filled by a substitute custodian, leaving the district with no substitutes.

Safe schools grant

Assistant Superintendent Dennis Chakey indicated there is a $100,000 grant being offered for physical safety/security and behavioral health.

Chakey said teams are meeting to see what the needs are district wide. The application for the grant is due Sept. 26.

There are six weapon detection units in the district. The tentative plan is to utilize four units at the middle school and use the other two for sporting events and other extracurricular activities.

Volunteering

Jessell said a new policy, in alignment with Pennsylvania Department of Education and Department of Health Standards, eliminates the need for tuberculosis testing for volunteers who provide less than 10 hours of service per week.

Jessell and Superintendent Guy Rossi said they hope that the new policy will help alleviate some stress for parents when asked to volunteer.