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What was Luzerne County’s primary turnout? It’s complicated.

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Wilkes president given honorary bulldog degree, cake in SHINE farewell

<p>HANOVER TWP. &#8212; Hanover Area School District recouped $243,621 in a dispute about over-payment to a transportation contractor, Board Member Vic Kopko said Wednesday. The money came from district insurance carrier CM Regent, and the company will attempt to recoup its payout from the contractor, Frank J. and Dorothea Ciavarella.</p><p>The payment is close to the original estimate of over-payment the district believed it had made for one year of transportation for special education students. The problem was discovered in December by the state Auditor General&#8217;s office. The district reacted quickly, cancelling the contract and suspending Superintendent Bill Jones.</p><p>Jones has argued he should not be punished for the mistake and has sought his job back. Kopko said Wednesday that &#8220;we are working toward a possible conclusion.&#8221; The earliest a deal could be voted on regarding the fate of Jones would be at an as-yet-to-be-scheduled special meeting required at some point to pass a proposed budget before a May 31 legal deadline set by state law.</p><p>The district has been negotiating for recovery of the over-payment for months.</p><p>While the state was involved in the discovery of the problem, Kopko praised district administration. &#8220;This error was discovered by outstanding work of Business Manager Rob Kachurak, and we immediately took the necessary steps to recover our money. I am pleased to announce that we did receive reimbursement from the carrier.&#8221;</p><p>Kopko, who has been critical of district finances for years, said the news is good by the district still faces an uphill battle. &#8220;The district is academically on its back and financially on its back, and we must do better and will do better.&#8221; </p><style>
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<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>

Hanover Area recoups $243,621 in bus over-payments