Jan 26, 2016 3 min read

By Morgan Cushey

For the Observer-Reporter

newsroom@observer-reporter.com

Belle Vernon Area School Board on Monday approved hiring Toni-Jo Kunka for the superintendent/board secretary position by a 5-3 vote, at a rate of $55,000.

Ted Metrosky, of Rostraver Township, voiced his concerns regarding the pay rate and ethics of the decision to hire Kunka.

“Don’t you think you could’ve pinched a few pennies?” said Metrosky. He said with the starting teacher salary at roughly $47,800 and the median household income of Belle Vernon being between only $27,200 to $27,300, the board should have taken cost-saving into consideration when deciding on salary for the position.

“I thought it was unethical,” Metrosky said. He said it was unethical due to Kunka’s former position as a school board member and her connection to the board. Kunka left the board in December, after serving four years. She also served on the board from 2004 to 2008, and again in 2010-11.

Gloria Yuschak, board member, voted against the decision and said although Kunka is very qualified, she is also a very good friend of board members. Yuschak said she is against hiring relatives or friends for positions. Board Vice President Lou Rood also voted against hiring Kunka, saying it is not personal but rather his concern regarding the perception of the decision by the public. “I’m sure she will do an excellent job,” Rood said.

Dr. John Wilkinson, school district superintendent, defended the decision, saying that the salary for the position is $4,000 less than it was previously. Wilkinson said the board considered Kunka’s extensive experience as well as the overtime, longer hours, and holidays worked by the person when determining on the salary. He said Kunka has 38 years of experience as a secretary.

“It is a budgeted number we can count on,” Wilkinson said.

Board President Joe Grata also stood by the decision. “She brings significant experience in the public sector because of her combined 10 years as a member of the BVA School Board. I view this as an asset rather than a liability,” Grata said.

The board secretary position became vacant after the unexpected death of former secretary Patricia Marsden.

The board unanimously approved TransPerfect Translation Services to provide translated written and oral communication for parents whose first language is not English. This program will provide parents with school communications in their preferred language and mode of communication. Wilkinson said administrators have noticed a need for a service like this in the district so it was important to serve that need. “This is the best way to communicate with our administration,” Wilkinson said.