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Your view: Keep police, emergency radio calls public

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Penn State wrestling wraps up eighth national title in nine years

<p>UNION TWP. &#8212; The Northwest Area School Board recently approved three policy updates that cover usage of school facilities, the carrying of weapons onto district property and child abuse.</p><p>It was stated by board president Leigh Bonczewski that this week&#8217;s &#8220;third reading&#8221; made the changes official policies instead of just recommendations.</p><p>As for school facilities, the board stated it is making them available for community purposes &#8220;without discrimination and in accordance with existing policy.&#8221; In addition, the board stipulated it &#8220;shall be held harmless by the user for any liability that arises from use of school facilities by any non-school related organization, individual or activity.&#8221;</p><p>The policy establishes fees and standards of conduct for groups utilizing school property.</p><p>On the matter of weapons, the policy outlines that only security personnel who are &#8220;certified in accord with state laws may possess weapons limited to firearms and pepper spray &#8230; .&#8221;</p><p>It is stated further that weapons shall be worn and used only while an officer is performing his or her assigned duties.</p><p>The child abuse policy requires district employees, independent contractors and volunteers to adhere to reporting requirements for suspected child abuse as well as training requirements to comply with state law and the school code.</p><p><strong>$2,000 donation</strong></p><p>Also this week, the Ranger Foundation and the Northwest Career Alumni Network (NWCAN) donated $2,000 to replace educational materials not covered by insurance following the August fire that caused significant damage at the secondary/middle school.</p><p>High school principal Ryan Miner said the money was obtained through a series of community projects conducted by these two groups. Miner commended the people associated with these organizations and thanked them for their concern for Northwest.</p><p>In other business, the school board acted to:</p><p>&#8226; Accept the resignation of James Martin as gifted coordinator.</p><p>&#8226; Approve the transfer of $1,814,000 from the capital projects fund to the general fund.</p><p>&#8226; Approve a request by band director Scott Quinn to attend the PMEA District Jazz Festival on April 12-13 with five students at a cost of $450.</p><p>&#8226; Approve the hiring of five individuals to serve as assistant coaches for track and field.</p><style>
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<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Tom Huntington</p><p>For Times Leader</p></bylineMeta></div>

Northwest approves policy updates, accepts $2K from post-fire fundraisers