Potter & McKean County Community Source | 06/29/21

JUNE

29 2021

Numerous volunteers keep county highways clean

Photo provided First Lady Frances Wolf, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Aging Secretary Robert Torres joined a group of older Pennsylvanians at Crispus Attucks Active Living Center in York to hear their firsthand experiences with Pennsylvanias food assistance programs they shared what they enjoy, what could be improved, their ideal program offerings, and barriers to knowledge of or access to programs.

Wolf Administration Works to Improve Senior Food Access, Hosts Listening Session with Older Pennsylvanians YORK, PA – First Lady Frances Wolf, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Aging Secretary Robert Torres joined a group of older Pennsylvanians at Crispus Attucks Active Living Center in York to hear their first-hand experiences with Pennsylvania’s food assistance programs – they shared what they enjoy, what could be improved, their ideal program offerings, and barriers to knowledge of or access to programs.

“We have made great progress in ensuring

Pennsylvania’s seniors have access to nutritious foods, but there are still challenges like transportation and general awareness of food assistance that need to be addressed,” said First Lady Wolf. “One of the best things that we can do is hear from our senior community directly, so that we can make the needed adjustments to our programs, removing the barriers between them and healthy food options.”

The Wolf Administration has long focused on improving food security

for all Pennsylvanians.

That focus strengthened as Pennsylvania bore the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and now works towards recovery. However, as food banks adapted throughout the pandemic to mitigate against the risk of COVID-19, seniors in need were the beneficiary of program improvements that reduced barriers to access such as delivery and drivethrough.

The listening session hosted today served as an opportunity to hear

pandemic stories from seniors who rely on various food assistance programs – such as the Senior Food Box Program – and learn ways to continue improving the delivery of food assistance programs to seniors, remove road blocks for receiving food and improve awareness of programs available to seniors in need.

“Our older Pennsylvanians should not have to face hunger on their table – there are programs available to put

Senior Access continued on page 2

It takes numerous volunteers to keep the highways in McKean County looking good.

Here are the longtime Adopt-A-Highway groups that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recognized at an event on June 11.

MCKEAN COUNTY 30 years: Mount Jewett Rotary Club, Spencer Family, Alpha Phi Omega, Sigma Lambda Chi, The McCoy-Minard Family and Bradford High VICA 25-29 years: Bradford Manor, Robert Brinsky Family, St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Williams Family, Sweet & Simple Pleasures, The Reinard Family, Beta Beta Beta – Biological Honor Society, Johnson Family, Wes Pire Family, Kane Rotary Club, Lighthouse Community Free Methodist C hurch, Smethport United Methodist Church, Stroups Pure Maple Syrup, Norwich Township Sportsman Club, Kane Masonic Lodge, McKean Lodge #388, F. & A. Masons, McKean County Rifle Club, Heyler Family, Shinglehouse American Legion Post, Welcome Wagon of Bradford, The Village of Westline, Eldred Council – Knights of Columbus, Kane Fish and Game Club, Charles and Associates Realtors, Port Allegany Knights of Columbus, Hutchins Crime Watch Association, Georgia Pacific Panel

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Products, LLC, Temple Mount Jewett Complex and Port Allegany Lions Club 20-24 years: Sisters of Lambda XI, Wetz Camp, Port Allegany Rotary, Phi Epsilon Kappa, First United Methodist Church of Kane, Kane Hardwoods Bag A Bundle Bunch, Smethport Fire Department, Kane Area High School Science Club, The Okerlunds, Michael and Karen Walter, Carpenter’s Camp and Kane Elks #329 The 15-19 years: Goodling Family, Street Dreams Car Club, Woodhaven Acres, Rotary Club of Bradford, Al Nolan Family, The First United Methodist Church and Kinzua Outdoors/Tom Means Kappa 8-14 years: Sigma, Colton-Gotshall Family, Chuck & Nancy Benninger, The Case Family, Hannah and Kayann Operchal, Timbuck Friend, McKean County Legion Riders Sons of the American Legion, CNB Bank, The Word Ministries, Verallia Environmental Committee, Otto Eldred Education Association, Family & Friends of Rick Irwin, Kane Greenhouse, McKean County Conservation District, Sena Kean Manor, UPB Men’s Soccer Team, Dr. Edmund B. Rowland and Family, CLC Of McKean and Potter counties and McKean County 4-H Dairy Club

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JUNE 29, 2021

Coudersport native named forester for Elk State Forest

BY RUTH BOGDAN R.BOGDAN@BRADFORDERA.COM

A Coudesport native has been named the new district forester at Elk State Forest.

Joe Kellert served as Elk State Forest’s operations and maintenance assistant district forester for nearly 14 years before being named district forester.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and State Forester Ellen Shultzabarger announced Kellert’s appointment on Monday.

Elk State Forest is almost 217,000 acres and includes parts of Cameron, Elk, McKean and Potter counties.

According to the DCNR, Kellert has worked for the Bureau of Forestry for more than 20 years — but has wanted to work in the field for even longer.

“Having aspired to be a forester since he was 8 years old, Kellert said he is proud of the career path he has chosen, noting that he is happy to be working in the area where he grew

up,” DCNR officials stated.

His career at the DCNR has included time in the central office as a program specialist in the Forest Recreation and Fire Protection programs, at Tuscarora State Forest as a forester and technician and at Susquehannock State Forest as an intern.

“I’m optimistic and looking forward to the challenges of my new role,” Kellert said. “I want to be helpful and aspire to build on the work we have done in my time as an assistant district forester. I look forward to continuing to strengthen partnerships with our communities, as well as the great district team that manages the forest.”

Thanks to Kellert, there have been several improvements at Elk State Forest during his time there, including recreational infrastructure improvements, road and bridge upgrades, gas infrastructure development and incorporated land acquisitions.

“Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position as a veteran forester,” Dunn said. “He

has demonstrated skills as an administrator and coordinator of people and resources in his prior roles at the forest and with the Bureau of Forestry, and we expect he will continue to provide steady leadership.”

Shultzabarger talked about Kellert’s appreciation for the wilderness.

“Joe has a deep love for the Elk State Forest and protecting nature,” she said. “I am confident his dedication and experience will continue to have a positive impact at the forest and its surrounding communities.”

Kellert lives in Coudersport with his wife, Robyn, and the three youngest of their five children. A graduate of Penn State, he has an associate degree in forest technology and a bachelor’s degree in forest science.

Kellert enjoys spending time outdoors even when he’s not at work. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, spending time with family, traveling and exercising.

Bradford man jailed for terroristic threats A Bradford man was arraigned Thursday before District Judge Dominic Cercone on allegations that he told a woman on the street he was going to kill the security guard at the Bushnell Street Apartments.

Christopher P. Straneva, 57, of 2 Bushnell St., Apt.

Senior Access continued from 1 healthy, nutritious food on their tables instead,” said Redding. “Hearing their first-hand experiences with these programs is critical to improving access, reaching more seniors in need, and, most importantly, destigmatizing acceptance of programs.

“Stigma is a detriment to the health and wellbeing of older Pennsylvanians who have lived long lives contributing to our commonwealth, and it’s a critical barrier that we must overcome. Good food is not only nutritious and energizing, but it’s a comfort we all deserve.”

Recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture rebranded the Commodity Supplemental Food Program to the Senior Food Box Program and removed the requirement to provide documented proof of income when applying to

401, is charged with one count of terroristic threats, a first-degree misdemeanor; as well as a summary charge of disorderly conduct.

According to the criminal complaint, on June 17, Straneva approached a citizen on the street and told her he was going to kill the

receive the box. This was an effort to address known barriers to access the program by giving it a name that resonated with those who are eligible and reducing stigma and red tape by removing income verification requirements. More than 300,000 older Pennsylvanians are eligible to receive the box, however only 35,000 are enrolled in the program.

“Supporting older adults with their nutritional needs is critically important to help maintain their health, well-being and independence. This session gave us a valuable opportunity to hear and learn directly from seniors on their experiences with Pennsylvania’s nutritional programs. It also enabled us to assess how we can better meet the needs of seniors by increasing access to and improving services of these nutritional programs,” said Aging Secretary Robert Torres.

Food insecurity and hunger can have harmful impacts on the health and well-being of older adults.

Poor food intake can cause nutrition deficiencies that increase disease risk or worsen existing conditions.

security guard at the High Rise. He then unzipped his sweatshirt and showed her a knife he had on his waist.

Straneva was remanded to McKean County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 30.

Consuming fewer calories and nutrients can also decrease independence and the ability to remain home without assistance.

However, seniors often face barriers to access for food assistance programs such as mobility, technology, and stigma.

If you’re a senior experiencing hunger or know a senior in need, there is help available: • Pennsylvania Senior Food Box Program: Available for anyone age 60 or above whose household income is at or below 130 percent of the U.S. poverty level. That totals $16,744 annually for a household of one, or $22,646 for a household of two. To apply, seniors may call 800-468-2433 to be directed to the regional food bank distributing the Senior Food Box in their county. Or go online at agriculture.pa.gov/ seniorfoodbox and fill out the Senior Food Box

Photos provided The Department of Environmental Protection celebrates the installation of 1,000 electric vehicle chargers with funding from the DEP Driving PA Forward Program, in Camp Hill, PA on June 24, 2021.

DEP Celebrates 1,000 Electric Vehicle Chargers Installed Statewide with ‘Driving PA Forward’ Funding P e n n s y l v a n i a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Patrick McDonnell announced that 1,000 Level 2 electric vehicle chargers have been installed statewide with funding from the DEP Driving PA Forward program. McDonnell celebrated the milestone at Neighbors & Smith retail center in Camp Hill,

Application Form.

• Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: Available for anyone age 60 or above whose household income is at or below 185 percent of the U.S. poverty level. That totals $23,828 annually for a household of one, or $32,227 for a household of two. Eligible seniors should contact their local Senior FMNP Agencyfor information on how to receive vouchers.

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP aids low-income Pennsylvanians, allowing them to purchase produce and groceries. SNAP is issued through a monthly payment to an electronic benefit transfer card, and benefits are based off income and household size.

People can apply for SNAP online at www.compass.state. pa.us online at any time or

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Cumberland County last week, which installed four chargers with Driving PA Forward funding.

“Each one of these chargers adds another option for Pennsylvania’s electric vehicle drivers, and more electric vehicles on the road means less tailpipe pollution and healthier air quality in our communities,” said McDonnell.

“It also helps Pennsylvania

by phone at 1-866-550-4355.

Those who prefer to submit a paper application can print from the website, pick one up at a County Assistance Office (CAO), or request an application by phone at 1- 800-692-7462 and mail it to their local CAO or place it in a CAO’s secure drop box, if available. You do not need to know your own eligibility

address the pressing challenge of climate change.”

While charging his car in the parking lot, Secretary McDonnell visited One Good Woman coffee/tea shop to talk with Neighbors & Smith property manager David Hutton and shop owner Michele Koch about the benefits of supporting customers’ and employees’ electric vehicle use.

h b in order to apply. l For more information i about food assistance re- w sources for people around a Pennsylvania impacted by e COVID-19 and the accom- f panying economic insecu- a rity, visit the Department of m Agriculture’s food security o guide.

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JUNE 29, 2021

County, Local Governments To Receive ‘Impact Fee’ Checks Public Utility Commission this week announced the 2021 Pa. Act 13 shale gas-drilling “impact fee” allotments to county and local governments. They are based on 2020 gas drilling and production reports from energy companies and state regulatory agencies. Potter County’s allotment is $207,015, down considerably from last year’s $317,600. Most of the township/borough payments will also be lower. Market factors and the lack of transmission infrastructure prompted firms to scale back operations beginning in 2019. There is still a glut of natural gas and prices remain low. Recently, the U.S. Energy Information

Administration predicted another reduction in gas production this year, followed by at least a modest rebound in 2022.

Township and borough allotments this year will be as follows: Sweden Twp., $46,613; Ulysses Twp., $43,873; West Branch Twp., $32,609; Summit Twp., $25,079; Eulalia Twp., $21,891; Clara Twp., $17,446; Pleasant Valley Twp., $16,967; Coudersport, $13,517; Pike Twp., $13,107; Keating Twp., $12,197; Harrison Twp., $12,029; Wharton Twp., $11,902; Allegany Twp., $11,149; Sharon Twp., $8,737; Sylvania Twp., $8,554; Hector Twp., $8,475; Hebron Twp., $7,788; Roulette Twp., $7,772;

Bingham Twp., $7,602; Genesee Twp., $6,382; Galeton, $6,256; Abbott Twp., $5,728; Oswayo Twp., $4,752; Homer Twp., $4,444; Ulysses Borough, $3,533; Austin, $3,381; Shinglehouse, $2,885; Stewardson Twp., $1,555; Portage Twp., $1,271; and Oswayo Borough, $529.

County and local governments can use the money for preservation and reclamation of water supplies; improvements to roads and bridges; construction and repair of water and sewer systems; delivery of social services; tax reduction; housing; conservation districts; emergency preparedness, public safety and flood plain management.

HOME & GARDEN

County Shifting To New System For Managing Jail History was made on Thursday when Potter County Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Barry Hayman and Paul Heimel voted unanimously to adopt a new system of management for the county jail. Potter is one of just two counties in the state that still require their elected sheriff to serve in a dual role as jail warden. Under the plan was approved on Thursday, a seven-member “prison board” will be seated on or about Aug. 1 to assume responsibility for jail operations. Members include the sheriff, president judge, district attorney, treasurer and commissioners. That panel will hire and supervise a warden, who is responsible for day-to-day management — to include safety, security and orderly operation — while ensuring the county’s risk of civil litigation is minimized and the rights of the detainees/inmates are protected.

The sheriff-as-warden system harkens back to an era when operating a jail was geared toward punishment, confinement and removing menaces from society. That system was not designed to administer state-mandated services such as mental health/addiction treatment and other changes in the corrections field. At the same time, duties of a county sheriff have expanded in areas unrelated to operating a jail.

Commissioner Hayman pointed out that McKean will be soon be the only

Pennsylvania county where the elected sheriff is also required to serve as jail warden. “These are two separate jobs and this action is no reflection on the current sheriff, Glenn Drake,” Hayman said. “History is leaning toward more accountability and having more public eyes on the operation of a county jail.”

Commissioner Heimel said the prison board model provides greater opportunities to address some of the factors that have landed people behind bars. “Providing mental health and addiction treatment, GED assistance, life skills, employability, housing assistance and other services in a jail setting have been proven to reduce the likelihood of a person ending up back in jail once he gets out. It can save the county a lot of money — the jail is the single highest expense to the taxpayers.”

“Those are our neighbors sitting in there and what kind of neighbor do you want?” Commissioner Grupp added. “Do you want a neighbor who is going to go back to the criminal activity that got them there in the first place?”

Investigation of the prison board option has been in the works for more than a year. The commissioners studied best practices from more than two dozen counties where prison boards operate and conducted other research prior to casting Thursday’s vote.

7 Steps to Save Money on a Remodel

(Family Features) Every homeowner has a defined budget he or she can allocate toward a remodeling project. Even if funds were unlimited, it’s still in a homeowner’s best interest to secure the best value for each dollar invested in a remodeling project, ultimately increasing the value of the home.

Consider these tips from the experts at the National Association for the Remodeling Industry to help save money on your next project.

1. Determine how far your budget will go.

Create a wish list of everything you want to accomplish. Disregard cost and simply write down everything you can dream of.

Prioritize items from “must haves” to “nice but not necessary.” Find a contractor who will work with you to determine whether your wish list is attainable for the funds you are willing to invest in your home.

2. Decide how to handle budget overages.

If you can’t get far enough down the list with the available money, you could choose to stop the process and continue saving, investigate financing options, re-evaluate your wish list or consider material substitutions.

3. Make material selections you can afford.

Every project will have a set of required materials, but there are options when it comes to variety, style and quality.

CABINETS: Subtle changes like forgoing custom rustic cherry cabinets with plywood cabinet sides for regular cherry cabinets with furniture board sides can achieve the same look at a lower cost.

COUNTERTOPS: Natural stone and quartz countertops are popular,

but advances in the design options for lower-cost countertop materials have rejuvenated their popularity, too. With the proper usage and protection, nearly all countertop materials can support your everyday needs.

MILLWORK: Painted millwork has dominated the market for many years and solid maple is the preferred choice because the tight grain allows for a beautiful, smooth surface.

However, the cost is multiple times that of vinyl and equally appealing when finished properly.

FLOORING: Advances in synthetic materials make them difficult to distinguish from natural products.

Synthetics generally come with lower cost and more durability, making them a simple substitute for natural products like stone, wood, brick and marble.

4. Pay attention to project details.

It’s critical to ensure every detail of labor and material is specified in the agreement with the remodeler. If it’s not included in the written agreement, it’s likely not included in the work scope. Ask your remodeler what labor and materials are not included

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and determine what additional expenses you’ll likely incur to complete the project.

5. Ask how you can help reduce costs.

Talk to your contractor about tasks or materials you can provide that would reduce the project cost without affecting its schedule.

This might include jobsite clean-up or obtaining certain materials the contractor would otherwise spend considerable time securing.

6. Plan ahead for project timing.

Ask for a potential timeframe for completing the project, as well as any factors that could affect the schedule so you can anticipate costs such as eating out more often while the kitchen is being renovated or renting living or storage space.

7. Know how you’ll resolve disputes.

Because of the unique stresses induced by remodeling projects, it’s a good idea to determine before you begin how disputes will be resolved, such as adding an arbitration clause to the agreement that eliminates expensive legal representation. A few deep breaths and a solution-minded approach can

Photo courtesy of Getty Images also save more than money if conflict arises.

Find more money-saving advice for your next remodeling project at remodelingdoneright.com.

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JUNE 29, 2021

HEALTH & WELLNESS Few Potter County residents being vaccinated Pa. Dept. of Health (DOH) reports a continual reduction in the number of new COVID-19 coronavirus cases in the region.

However, the virus is still with us. DOH reports that there were 12 new cases confirmed over the past week (June 17-24). The department cautions against reading too much into the numbers. They could reflect a steep decline in the number of people being tested, an increase in the number of residents who are inoculated, and/or a decreased presence of the virus. Total case count in Potter County

Reagan Austin

since the pandemic began stands at 1,218 with 25 COVID-related fatalities.

Entering Thursday, some 5,105 Potter County residents have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Some 3,869 have been fully immunized. Potter County’s vaccination rate remains far lower than the statewide figure of more than 74 percent, despite widespread availability of the vaccine. Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy in Coudersport administers the vaccine by appointment; call 814-2748660. UPMC Cole offers two options for residents to

Zazeric Bell

set up vaccination appoint- and Rite Aid Pharmacy ments. One is a telephone (visit the website here or hotline, 814-274-5460. The call 814-274-0439). other is an online resource, vaccine.upmc.com.

Rite Aid pharmacies continue to book appointments. To access the online reservation form, click here.

Requests for COVID-19 tests at three sites in Coudersport have been sporadic, at best. In addition to the testing available at UPMC Cole for physician-referred patients, tests are also being administered at Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy (visit the website here or call 1-800-635-8611)

Haedyn Brewer

Cole Sebastian

Emmalee Sheeler

Five Otto-Eldred grads receive CRCF scholarships Five recent Otto-Eldred (Pa.) High School graduates received scholarship awards from funds established at and managed by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation to support graduating OEHS students.

Cole Sebastian and Reagan Austin each received the Otto/OttoEldred Alumni Scholarship for $1,100.

The Otto-Eldred Alumni Scholarship is a scholarship given annually to Otto-Eldred High School

graduating seniors who have maintained at least a 2.75 grade point average and received acceptance to, preferably, a two-year college or a four-year program.

Sebastian will attend Canisius College, where he will study business.

Austin plans to study psychology at Slippery Rock University.

Austin and Sebastian, as well as classmates Emmalee Sheeler, Haedyn Brewer and Zazeric Bell, received the Bob and Barbara

McCord Scholarship for $1,000.

This scholarship, for graduating students and past graduates of OttoEldred High School, was established at CRCF through the Bob and Barbara McCord Private Foundation. The scholarship is for students attending a post-secondary institution (one-, two- or four-year institutions) preferably in the career/technical fields. Recipients must also be in good academic standing and be involved

in extracurricular activities.

Sheeler will attend Thiel College to study mathematics education. Brewer will study history at Robert Morris University. Bell will pursue a degree in aerospace engineering at Purdue University.

Sheeler also received the Albert A. Bennett Jr. Family Scholarship for $600.

Sue Bennett established the scholarship in memory of her husband to benefit a graduating OttoEldred senior pursuing a post-secondary degree at

a two- or four-year institution. Recipients should demonstrate academic excellence, participation in extracurricular activities and strong educational/ career goals. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett and their four children all graduated from Otto-Eldred.

Donations can be made to any of these funds at CRCF, 301 North Union St., Suite 203 or online at cattfoundation.org.

The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation connects donors to the

causes they care about most in the region. Grants from the foundation support many areas, including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service, and youth development. To learn more, call (716) 301-CRCF (2723), email foundation@ cattfoundation.org, or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org.

School districts use COVID relief funds for staffing, programs, upgrades

BY JOELLEN WANKEL School is out for the summer, but funding is a year-round topic. School district officials shared the various ways recent federal funding was put to use.

The American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund provided a total of $122 billion in relief for K-12 schools. Funds were made available to school districts starting in March of 2021. Prior ESSER funding was issued to schools from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March 2020 and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA), in December of 2020.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the funds are intended to assist districts “so that they may act to fund health and safety measures consistent with CDC guidance, address the disruptions to teaching and learning resulting from the pandemic—especially for students hardest hit by the pandemic—and get students back in the classroom quickly and safely.”

Various intended uses for the funds were listed,

and those include improvement of ventilation in the district’s buildings, hiring additional educators to help address learning loss, funding summer programs and other additional programs and the purchase of hotspots and devices for students to more easily facilitate remote learning.

Bradford Area School District received $9,858,499; Otto-Eldred School District received $1,388,457 and Port Allegany School District was allocated $3,261,626 in ESSERS III, as the funding in March was classified.

For local districts, the funds were an opportunity to address some upgrades and implement programs to address learning loss for students who struggled during periods of remote learning caused by the coronavirus pandemic, among other budget items.

Personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies also were on the list of uses.

Otto-Eldred Area School District “There have been numerous ‘pots of money’ provided to schools since March 2020. I won’t specify the purchases with source, but overall, they have similar or same purposes — to provide us funds to keep educating students,” said Matthew Splain,

Otto-Eldred School District Superintendent. “The ARP is the latest round, which is also the largest funding pot available.”

In terms of technology, O-E was able to purchase online courses and technology, such as cameras and microphones, to support online learning efforts. The funds also allowed the district to initiate and maintain a one-to-one computer program.

“Providing technology, device insurance as well as additional online course options was a huge benefit,” Splain said. “Additionally, we purchased a number of “hot spots” to support connectivity for students at home.”

O-E also put the funding to good use, facilitating a more “normal” graduation for the Class of 2021.

COVID-19 was still a concern as schools wrapped up this year, and graduation was a sticking point for many schools.

“Once the occupancy limits in PA were lifted, we were able to install filtering technology in our HVAC system in our auditorium to allow for a safer environment for our graduation ceremony,” Splain said.

Otto-Eldred also has a number of summer camps providing educational opportunities this summer

for K-8 students, including rocket camps and a program for eighth grade students that includes the construction of a clay kiln and the ability to bake pizzas.

While the rounds of funding have been helpful in addressing the unforeseen challenges brought to light by a global pandemic and a sudden requirement for remote learning, day-today costs remain the same when students return to in-person learning.

“Schools must be very diligent in planning. This funding will end after three years. We cannot apply this funding to ongoing expenses. Additionally, this funding cannot be viewed as additional funding to support operational expenses,” Splain said. “We have the opportunity to make some one-time purchases or investments in our programs. Our typical sources of funding (Basic Ed, Special Ed, Property Tax, etc.) must keep up with the ongoing increases that occur, most of which are outside our local control.”

Bradford Area School District “The funding allowed us to ensure that all of our students had access to the necessary technology and internet services that they needed when they had to

quarantine or during times that the schools needed to close due to Covid-19,” said Katherine Pude, Bradford Area School District Superintendent. “It also provided us with the ability to train our teachers and purchase an online platform so that we could deliver the instruction remotely when needed.”

The opportunities provided by the funds did not stop there. With a look to the future, Pude explained there are services and programs that benefit from the receipt of this funding.

“Moving forward, we will be able to provide remedial academic services to our students who may not have adequately progressed throughout the school year, as well as accelerated services for those who may need them,” Pude said. “The funding also will provide us the opportunity to better address mental health needs and provide additional counseling services to our students.”

She explained Bradford has hired an additional school counselor for GGB and will also have two social work interns working within the district’s schools.

“We also now have the ability to move to a one-toone computer initiative, to create outdoor classroom

learning spaces, to expand our Leader in Me program, and to address some capital projects that may fit within the guidelines of acceptable usage,” Pude concluded.

Port Allegany School District “The Port Allegany School District used its ESSERS I funding to purchase pandemic related cleaning and disinfecting supplies and equipment used during the 2020-2021 school year,” said Gary Buchsen, Port Allegany School District Superintendent. “The district was also able to purchase distance learning equipment, Chromebooks, and related software for both buildings.”

Buchsen went on to note that ESSERs II funding “has been dedicated to be used to offset costs of the high school HVAC project. This project includes upgraded air filtering and will improve the overall air quality and learning environment of the building. That work is expected to be completed by the start of the 2021-2022 school year in late August.”

Buchsen said that the ESSERS III funding, which was approved as part of the ARP in March, has not been designated for a specific purpose as of yet.