Fiumara re-elected prez of Garnet Valley School Board

CONCORD >> The Garnet Valley School Board packed a lot of business in a short period of time for the annual reorganization and regular business meeting the first week in December.

Leading the agenda was the re-election of Rosemary Fiumara as president. Fiumara has been at the helm since the 2012 calendar year. Scott Mayer, who chairs the facilities committee, was elected as vice president. Both votes were unanimous at 8-0 with board member Richard Jones not in attendance. Tracy Karwoski, who has served several terms as vice president, thanked her colleagues for the many years supporting her in that role.

In other reorganization matters, Christopher Wilson was as reappointed as district treasurer through 2019. Michael V. Puppio was reappointed as the school solicitor. Puppio’s fees are unchanged, with a $5,000 annual retainer to attend board meetings and $175 per hour fee for other work.

The board approved a resolution regarding a 2019 series general obligation note for $1.25 million from the Delaware Valley Regional Finance Authority. Wilson said the borrowing would be used primarily for technology, but that about $300,000 would be allocated for transportation needs.

During the education/ curriculum report, the board approved the second reading for several policies including #711, Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or Drones. This new policy for the district has been adopted in connection with a $7,500 grant from the Delaware County Intermediate Unit Foundation.

Assistant Superintendent Pat Dunn said the district has purchased 18 drones of various sizes. Dunn said the specific applications would be geared to age groups. The smaller ones, with costs of only a few hundred dollars, were likely to be used to teach students how to maneuver the airborne devices and investigate how they can be employed.

The larger and more sophisticated drones could be studied in terms of precision and engineering as well as application. Dunn said the two largest drones required registration with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). Two district teachers have been certified for operation of those devices which can reach several hundred feet.

The drones will provide opportunities for students at all grade levels. Management will be through the district’s technology coaches and are also under the direction of Kyle Brun, K-12 Math/Science Curriculum Supervisor.