<\/p>\n
Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center\u2019s joint operating committee voted Monday to furlough seven professional employees due to a substantial budget shortfall.<\/p>\n
The furloughs will take effect on June 30. All the affected employees worked within the center\u2019s day care program, which will end at the conclusion of the school year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re unable to maintain it due to the finances that have been associated with that program,\u201d said Wilkes-Barre Area Superintendent Brian Costello.<\/p>\n
Costello said the day care program generates between $26,000 and $29,000 and costs about $400,000 to run. He estimated that ending it would save about $369,000, helping bridge last year\u2019s $1.2 million deficit.<\/p>\n
He said that it\u2019s important to fund shops, tools, and resources students need to compete in modern skilled trades careers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe day care was something that really didn\u2019t affect our students. The day care was something that was an added benefit for faculty and staff,\u201d he said, noting that running the day care program diverted resources away from student needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore, that\u2019s why we just couldn\u2019t continue with that program moving forward,\u201d Costello said.<\/p>\n
Costello said the employees will be furloughed \u201cuntil the CTC would be able to financially sustain a program like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
He estimated that about a dozen children are enrolled in the day care, but could not confirm whether any CTC students are using its child care services.<\/p>\n
He said the employees approved for furlough were notified last week that the joint operating committee would vote Monday on whether to approve their furloughs.<\/p>\n
He encouraged the affected employees who are properly certified to apply to openings at Wilkes-Barre Area School District and surrounding schools.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019d hope that we\u2019d be able to hire them moving forward,\u201d Costello said.<\/p>\n
There are no plans for additional furloughs or layoffs, officials said.<\/p>\n
New administrative director<\/p>\n
The board approved Robert Makaravage as the new administrative director.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a bit bittersweet because there were employees furloughed today,\u201d Makaravage said about his appointment. \u201cThat\u2019s not a thing that any of us wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, moving forward, I am excited to work with the JOC, with the administration at the career and technical center, and the staff, to build on the positive programs that already are in place here, and hopefully take those to the next level in a fiscally responsible manner,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Makaravage has 14 years of experience in central administration at Wilkes-Barre Area School District and is the assistant to the superintendent of instruction.<\/p>\n
He was formerly the director of special education and helped to run and develop the district\u2019s cyber program.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think Dr. Makaravage will do a great job,\u201d Costello said. \u201cHe has a great vision for what CTC should be and where it needs to go, and I think he\u2019s the right person to carry that vision forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
Makaravage will serve as acting administrative director until July 20. He will then serve as administrative director from July 21 to April 19, 2027. Costello said he will receive a $50,000 stipend for one year in the position.<\/p>\n
His appointment follows the acceptance of Administrative Director Anthony Guariglia\u2019s retirement letter last month. Guariglia will officially retire on July 22.<\/p>\n
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