May 21, 2013 2 min read

The Burgettstown school board accepted the resignation of Nancy Halling, one of two bus drivers involved in a collision between school buses earlier this year, at Monday’s meeting. The measure passed by a 7-0 vote, with members Chris Kramer and William Price absent.

McDonald police said they were not immediately notified about the crash, a violation of state law. A charge of failure to notify police filed against Halling was dismissed by District Judge Gary Havelka last month.

Superintendent Debbie Jackson said the other driver involved in the incident, Gretchen Rheinlander, has been returned to duty within the district. Rheinlander was found guilty by Havelka on citations of obedience to traffic-control devices and careless driving. A charge of failure to notify police was dismissed.

The board also accepted the resignation of another bus driver, Charles McBride. Jackson said both McBride and Halling’s resignations were due to retirements.

A motion to purchase two new buses also was approved at a cost of $166,296.

The board also approved motions to update a dozen school policies related to safety and discipline. In separate motions, policies related to discrimination toward disabled students, discipline, weapons, terroristic threats, tobacco, controlled substances, substance abuse, emergency preparedness, law enforcement, attendance and municipal government issues were addressed. Jackson said the policies were altered in keeping with new state law regarding communication between school districts and local law enforcement agencies.

Also during Monday’s meeting, William Price was approved as treasurer for another year, and the contract between the district and food service provider The Nutrition Group was extended for an additional year.

Terry Havelka was approved as the athletic director for the district. Havelka also has served as wrestling and football coach for the Burgettstown Blue Devils varsity high school programs.