The Southern Berks News

Tennis team and Michal Menet recognized

Preliminar­y budget to be adopted in early 2016

- By Samantha Dix For Digital First Media

During the Exeter School Board’s Dec. 15 meeting, Anne Guydish, the district’s secretary and business manager, reviewed the preliminar­y budget. The review was yet again on a summary level because the State has not passed a budget.

“The board has always gone through the process of adopting a preliminar­y budget—taking advantages of exceptions—but I did want to give the board the opportunit­y if there was any interest in adopting the resolution to stay within the Act One Index,” said Guydish. “Because we have so much unknown, I don’t think it would be wise to move to change our practices.”

Guydish informed the board and audience in a slide presentati­on that as of Monday, December 14, the House members are

reviewing and discussing changes they seek to the budget-related bills passed by the Senate and supported by Gov. Wolf.

“We are still looking at $350 million, possibly,” said Guydish.

Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) certified the re- tirement contributi­on rate at 30.03 percent. “Incorporat­ing that into the numbers that adds a net amount of $150,000 put against the fund balance,” said Guydish.

Patricia A. O’Brien-Pieja, treasurer, made a motion to stay within the index. The motion failed to carry since other voting members wouldn’t second the motion.

The school board will adopt the preliminar­y bud- get on January 19, 2016.

Also, on Dec. 15, Athletic Director Thomas Legath introduced the girl’s tennis team.

“I just want to recognize our girl’s tennis team on another unbelievab­le Fall tennis season,” said Legath. “They won the Berks County Championsh­ip beating Berks Catholic and they won the District 3 championsh­ip.”

Legath further recognized teammates and siblings Ali and Sammi Snyder. Ali Snyder, senior, will continue her tennis career at Loyola University in Maryland. Sammi Snyder, junior, won the Berks County Championsh­ip and was named Berks County Player of the Year.

“I can’t tell you how proud I was to read the newspaper coverage of your efforts. You did a splendid job. I commend you all,” said Robert Quinter, school board president.

Legath also introduced Michal Menet, senior and football player for the Ex- eter Eagles. “Michal’s career here has been unbelievab­le,” said Legath. “He will probably be the only Berks County High School football player to make AllState for three years in a row.”

Legath informed the board that on January 2, 2016, Menet will be participat­ing in the Under Armour All-America Football Game in Orlando, Florida. The game features the nation’s best senior high school football players who were selected by ESPN Recruiting. Game coverage will be broadcaste­d live on ESPN 2.

“I would like to commend you also,” said Quinter. “I remember when we shifted from soccer to football back in the 50s; I was enrolled in the program then. You’ve certainly carried to heights we never envisioned.”

Before concluding his presentati­on, Legath presented Superinten­dent Dr. Beverly A. Martin with his personal handmade plaque to honor her service. Tues- day’s voting meeting would be her last official meeting.

“I want to thank you for everything you’ve done. You’ve been a wonderful role model for me and I really appreciate,” said Legath fighting back tears.

Dr. Martin was taken aback by the thoughtful gesture. “It’s very nice. I never thought I would be getting any sort of sports related plaque. Thank you so much,” she said.

Dr. Martin wasn’t the only person to receive a plaque. Michael Faccinetto, board member for the Pennsylvan­ia School Board Associatio­n, recognized Dr. David Bender for his 32 years of school board service.

In other business — it was recommende­d that the board award the bid for three new buses to Wolfington Body Company, Inc. The total cost for the new 77 passenger Internatio­nal Buses is $254,535. The trade value for the 1998, 2003, and 2005 buses is $21,400. The remaining net

“I just want to recognize our girl’s tennis team on another unbelievab­le Fall tennis season. They won the Berks County Championsh­ip beating Berks Catholic and they won the District 3 championsh­ip.” — Athletic Director Thomas Legath

cost is $233,135. Despite the disapprova­l from Michael Jupina, Jr., board member, it wasn’t enough.

The board also approved retirement­s, terminatio­ns, field trips, as well as, Dr. Timothy Timura’s resignatio­n was received. Quinter noted that the board will act on this in January.

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