Redmon begins role at KCSD
Board to consider committing surplus to LC, other projects
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MILL HALL -- The Keystone Central School District Board of Directors officially welcomed Dr. Francis Redmon to his first work session as superintendent.
Redmon was sworn into his position earlier Thursday afternoon, and took the reins at the work session that evening.
During the superintendent report, Redmon admitted he didn't have too much to share but thanked the board, staff and community for their support.
"It's a very welcoming and wholesome place and I'm very happy to be here," he said.
Redmon said time spent with former-Superintendent Dr. Jacquelyn Martin and the administrative team prior to his appointment "has been a critical support for my transition and the continuity of service to our kids and our community."
Redmon said, so far, he's met with principals, directors, central office staff and community groups but noted he's only begun developing relationships.
He added he and Business Manager Joni MacIntyre have already begun meeting to discuss the 2024-2025 budget.
"Joni and I have spent time together looking at the budget and reducing expenditures where and when you can," he said.
Redmon thanked the board for giving him the opportunity to serve the district.
"I'm looking forward to our relationship and our partnership -- our team of ten -- as we continue on the strong path that you have helped shape," he said. "What we continue to do together to prepare citizens for the challenges and opportunities of the future will help our team develop lifelong learners who are adaptable, resilient, productive and of high moral character."
The board heard an End-of-Year report from MacIntyre regarding where the district stood financially.
According to figures presented at Thursday's meeting, and to the Finance Committee earlier in January, the district's 2022-2023 actuals saw $83,857,033 in expenses and $86,197,781 in revenues, leaving $2,340,748 in a surplus.
MacIntyre said it was recommended the board commit $1,700,000 of that surplus to Fund 10 Capital Projects to help offset costs for the Liberty-Curtin Elementary School construction project.
The remaining $640,748 was recommended to be put towards the Fund 32 Capital Projects, particularly to help with the renovations of the girls' locker room at Bucktail High School and the installation of rooftop HVAC units on Central Mountain High School.
Board Member Jeff Johnston, who chairs the Finance Committee, said MacIntyre presented this report to the committee, who approved placing resolutions to commit the funds on the agenda.
The board will consider these resolutions at its voting session on Thursday, Feb. 8.
MacIntyre noted that once the funds are transferred, they can't be transferred back. However, when it comes to the Fund 10 amount, she said that money could be committed to different projects with a resolution if the board were to adjust its plans.
In other Liberty-Curtin related news: Johnston said the Facilities Committee met and heard briefly about the project, which he said is running smoothly -- following the groundbreaking in early January.
Also up for consideration on the agenda is a Builders Risk Insurance Policy. According to Property Services Director Robert Pacella, the policy will cover aspects of the Liberty-Curtin project that aren't included in the district's general policy.
The cost for the policy is $16,768, according to numbers presented by the proposed insurance company, Selective Insurance.
The board will also consider an agreement with Quality Assurance Plus for $274,084 to conduct inspections on the Liberty-Curtin project.
Pacella said the Department of Labor and Industry requires the district to have a third party handle inspection throughout the process.
"The construction company can't do it themselves," he said.
Pacella said the agreement would last through the expected two year construct period and include all the required inspections such as soil, air quality, cement and more.
"It's based on Labor and Industry requirements," he said.
Pacella noted he worked with Quality Assurance to ensure the agreement only includes inspections that are required by the Department of Labor and Industry.