Gateway School Board examines expenses, approves new clubs as 3 directors end their terms

At the Gateway School Board meeting Nov. 24, directors voted on a recommendation to update the business manager’s contract with the district, which would cost an additional $10,000 from Dec. 1 through July 31, 2026.

Director Robin Mungo expressed concern over the pay increase, while Director Jack Bova noted Mike Zourelias is “the fourth lowest paid” business manager in the area. Bova said hiring Zourelias was “a bargain” since Zourelias began as the fiscal assistant and did not receive a significant pay increase when he was promoted.

Director Cheryl Boise said Zourelias will be retiring in July 2026; from now until then, Zourelias will be training his replacement while preparing the 2026-27 school budget.

The vote passed with an 8-1 vote, with Mungo voting no.

Transportation agreement

While discussing the motion to approve the extension agreement between Gateway and Student Transportation of America, Boise asked whether the cost is similar to other schools.

“Our rates are in line with other local schools,” Zourelias said. “Allegheny County has to pay for sick days for employees — whereas other counties don’t — which is why it’s higher.”

Zourelias said Gateway paid $3.8 million for the 2024-25 school year; the total initially was $5.2 million but the district received a partial reimbursement.

Bova attempted to table approving the agreement, since he, Mungo and Director Mandal Singh no longer would be on the school board after the Nov. 24 meeting. “Should we table this, since this is a third of the board’s last meeting?” Bova asked.

The decision to table the agreement did not pass, and the board voted 8-1 to approve the extension agreement, with Bova voting no.

New clubs approved

The board voted unanimously to approve the following high school clubs. There will be no cost to the district for the following groups: Culture Cooking Club, Badminton Club and girls wrestling.

“Girls wrestling is the fasting growing sport in the country, especially in Pennsylvania,” athletic director Don Holl said, adding in the past there was “lukewarm interest” in starting a girls wrestling club.

Holl said 18 female students came to the initial meeting, and 10 expressed interested in joining.

Weight classes exist for girls wrestling, but the numbers are lower than boys wrestling; a team does not need an athlete in every weight class to compete against other teams.

College scholarship opportunities exist for clubs, just like any other sports, Holl said. There also is a booster club, which will raise money through fundraisers.

Director Donna Burns asked how the club will fit into the gymnasium schedule, especially during the winter months.

“We will do our best to fond time and space,” Holl said, adding he doesn’t foresee an issue.

Unified bocce, competitive cheer and flag football have been added recently for girls.

“We are creating more opportunities for our young Gateway ladies,” Holl said.

In other news

Superintendent Guy Rossi thanked Bova, Mungo and Singh for their years of serving on the board.

“Thank you for your effort that you’ve brought to each meeting,” Rossi said.

Newly elected board members Janette Beighel, Anthony Mock and Rick McIntyre will be sworn in at the board meeting on Dec. 2, joining incumbent Leslie McBride.