Wyoming Area examined community-sponsored lacrosse teams
First Posted:
EXETER — The Wyoming Area School Board on Tuesday addressed issues regarding the formation of community-sponsored boys and girls lacrosse teams that will participate as PIAA teams, subject to regulations of both the board and the PIAA.
Parent Ree Ree Deluca, spearheading the effort, said she is seeking 501(c)(3) status as a tax-exempt organization. Deluca said tax-exempt status would increase the likelihood the teams would received much needed funding for such necessities as uniforms and transportation in response to grant applications.
Deluca also inquired as to why community-funded organization, when choosing coaches, are subject to board approval.
Solicitor Jarrett Ferentino said that although the district did not fund such organizations, it did bear a liability for the team as part of the district, making it necessary for the district to oversee its activities.
Board members Mary Louise Degnan and Carl Yorina encouraged the board to timely approve the lacrosse team to enable its continued organization and fundraising.
In another matter, John Pegg asked why funding of the Luzerne Intermediate Unit for the 2014-2015 school year would at $744,607 be a reduction in funding compared with the current school year.
Business Manager Tom Melone said the LIU contract reflected data collected in April of each school year.
Pegg also questioned an increase in school lunch prices for a second year.
Melone said the Food Program had operated in the red for the last two years and it “was necessary to enhance the revenue piece of that program.”
Superintendent Janet Serino said the district was reimbursed for its free- and reduced-lunch program costs by the state.
Pegg also encouraged the board to move toward obtaining 501(3)(c) tax exempt status, so that donations to the district by local businesses could be claimed as donations to a tax exempt organization.
Although strikes by district teachers have certainly loomed over district schools, parents, teachers and students, no mention of that strike was made during Tuesday night’s work session.
Several attendees said they believed the start of the 2014-2015 would again mean a teachers strike, with students, especially seniors, facing several disadvantages.
The board also needs to finalize its budget by June 30.
The next regular meeting of the School Board at which members will vote on issues presented will take place on May 27 at 7 p.m.
