McGuffey board accepts several resignations, approves retirements and hires including two armed school officers

The McGuffey School District board approved a series of personnel actions, accepting resignations, approving retirements, and hiring multiple substitutes and activity sponsors for the 2024–25 school year.

The board accepted with regret the resignation of Anna Goss, a middle/high school music teacher, and Juliana Wheatley, an elementary teacher, both effective at the conclusion of the 2023–24 school year. The board also accepted the retirement of Joyce Ingram, a cafeteria worker identified in the record as employed by McGuffey School District.

On safety staffing, the board voted to hire JD Allen as an armed school police officer beginning with the 2024–25 school year under the school police officer contract. A board member introduced Jay Allen to the board as “soon a retired state trooper from the Pennsylvania State Police.” Allen addressed the board: “Thank you for having me here. I’m excited for this opportunity to join the team...I’m here for the safety of the students.” The record shows the motion to hire carried.

The board also approved the hire of Henry Couric as a part‑time armed school police officer under the substitute police agreement, and ratified a slate of substitute teachers (listed retroactively with start dates in the record) and support staff, including Morgan Kaffana, Eleanor Brookman, Elizabeth Krauss, Gianna Bloom and Chelsea Kelly. The board approved rehires for coaching and activity positions, with prorated salary language for partial seasons as set by the MEA/NEA agreements. A motion to rehire Jessica Gump as varsity cheer sponsor drew several 'no' voice votes, but was recorded as carried.

Board members thanked departing staff for their service and authorized administration to post and advertise vacancies as needed.