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<p>WILKES-BARRE &#8212; The suspension of four programs at Wilkes-Barre Area School district has prompted an increase in teacher requests for transfers to different buildings, grades or programs, Superintendent Bernard Prevuznak said. That, in turn has complicated the process of figuring out which teachers face furlough.</p><p>With his own retirement 11 weeks away, Prevuznak also predicted the board will name his replacement at the June 28 meeting. Getting the teacher situation straightened out before then would be an important part of any transition, he added, because he wants the new superintendent to start taking the reins quickly.</p><p>&#8220;If they name the replacement at the June 28 meeting, that will probably be my last public meeting appearing as superintendent,&#8221; he said, explaining that, while he would remain to help with the transition, he would want the new person to start working with the board.</p><p>At the meeting the board is also expected to approve a final budget that should incorporate the program cuts. Board member Ned Evans has said he is working on alternative savings that would help restore art programs, but Prevuznak said <em>he</em> is working with the board budget and finance committee chaired by Christine Katsock. Evans is not on that committee.</p><p>The board voted to suspend art, industrial art, library science and consumer and family sciences. The move is part of a &#8220;pathway to the future&#8221; approved by the board that calls for up to $11 million in cuts in the next five years.</p><p>&#8220;There has absolutely been an increase in transfer requests,&#8221; Prevuznak said, speculating many teacher who had unsuccessfully sought changes in the past have renewed their efforts thanks to the board&#8217;s suspension of the four programs.</p><p>Prevuznak said he&#8217;s still not sure how many positions will be eliminated, but pegged it at &#8220;probably 32 or 33.&#8221; The teachers in the programs aren&#8217;t necessarily the ones getting the axe. If they have seniority and other certifications, they can bump newer teachers elsewhere.</p><p>Teachers had until June 10 to finalize any state certifications that would let them transfer. Prevuznak said the district is now confirming all certifications before completing what he calls the &#8220;checker-boarding,&#8221; moving teachers into their new posts.</p><p>Prevuznak also said he expects the board will name a new superintendent before picking a replacement for retiring Business Administrator Leonard Pryzwara, who is also leaving Aug. 31.</p><p>Prevuznak said he doesn&#8217;t know how many candidates applied for either post. &#8220;I&#8217;ve tried to remove myself from the process,&#8221; he said.</p><p>Curriculum Director Brian Costello has confirmed he applied for Prevuznak&#8217;s post.</p><style>
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<div class="neCaption">Wilkes-Barre Area School District Assistant Superintendent Bernard Prevuznak.  BILL TARUTIS/FOR THE TIMES LEADER</div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_Prevuznak-Bernard-1.jpg</photo0><caption0>Wilkes-Barre Area School District Assistant Superintendent Bernard Prevuznak.  BILL TARUTIS/FOR THE TIMES LEADER</caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><subheadMeta>Superintendent cites proposed cuts as reason for increase</subheadMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Mark Guydish</p><p>mguydish@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Mark Guydish at 570-991-6112 or on Twitter @TLMarkGuydish</p></shirttailMeta></div>

WB Area teacher furloughs still in limbo; superintendent may be named soon