Wyoming Area Hiring Draws Flak 
The School Board Is Criticized For Appointing A Construction Manager Without
Discussion By The Full Board.

Airport Reforms Hiring Practices 
Unadvertised Safety Chief Job Filled Just Before New Policy Adopted

By BONNIE ADAMS badams@leader.net
 Saturday, January 24, 2004 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 3A 





PLAINS TWP. - Wilkes-Barre's former top cop has applied for a job at
Wilkes-Barre Area Vocational Technical School. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Retired Police Chief Anthony George said Friday he applied for the job
several weeks ago. He would not say what position he is seeking and referred
questions about the job to the school. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vo-tech Administrative Director Thomas O'Donnell Jr. did not return
messages seeking comment. It could not be determined whether George, 53,
applied for a teaching or non-teaching position. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 A school security officer's job opening has reportedly been posted within
the school building. The posting is required by union contracts, which do not
require advertising outside of the school. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 When asked how he heard about the position, George said, "I've heard about
it for awhile." He said he did know whether it had been advertised. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 He said he has heard about many jobs, not just the one at the vo-tech. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Deputy chief counsel Emily Leader of the Pennsylvania School Boards
Association said there is no legal requirement that public school jobs be
advertised. Leader said whatever posting must be done is usually specified in
the collective bargaining agreement. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The 11-member vo-tech Joint Operating Committee could act on the hiring
when it meets Monday night. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 A Joint Operating Committee member's spouse has reportedly applied for the
school's executive secretary position. The committee last month approved the
retirement of Mary Ann Andrejko in that position as of April &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 George, who served as city police chief since September 2000, officially
retired Jan. 16. He had worked for the city for 25 years and was paid $65,891
last year. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The city uses a formula to calculate police pensions. Eligible retirees
receive 50 percent of their final year's pay for the first 20 years of
service, plus 1.25 percent of that pay for each year of service beyond the
first 20. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 George is drawing a pension of about $37,000. He also will receive health
benefits for himself. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Before joining the police force in 1979, George taught at Meyers High
School in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. It could not be determined
Friday whether his teaching certification is still current. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Bonnie Adams, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7241. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 cutline: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 TIMES LEADER STAFF PHOTO/DON CAREY &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Retired Wilkes-Barre police Chief Anthony George, 53, said Friday he has
applied for a job at Wilkes-Barre Area Vocational Technical School. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

W-b's Ex-police Chief Seeks School Job Tony George, A Former Teacher, Says He Has Applied At A Local Vo-tech.