Ten Lancaster seniors receive diplomas at school board meeting

LANCASTER- The Lancaster School District recently completed another successful summer school year and some of the beneficiaries received some recognition. The latest Lancaster High School graduates were honored at the latest school board meeting.

"Summer school 2012 was yet another example of adults coming together for the benefit of students," Special Education Teacher Thomas Murphy said.

A total of 10 seniors were officially awarded diplomas on Monday night at the meeting at the Central Avenue School Building. That included students recovering credits and passing state exams, including three seniors who passed their final exams on Aug. 16 and 17.

The effort and determination of the students was appreciated by teachers and administrators.

"Each one of these kids displayed a strength of character to overcome adversity and to complete a journey started years ago," English Teacher John Eftheimis said. "It is because of the fortitude of these students that all of us can have confidence in the betterment in not only their lives but in the community as well."

It was also a great way to start another school year of board meetings, which began the first meeting by honoring the students of the high school summer school program. The middle school summer school program will be recognized at a later date.

Several of the most recent graduates were on hand to receive their diplomas in person.

"This is what it's all about," Board President Kenneth Graber said. "If every meeting had something like this, I'd be thrilled to death. A 100 percent graduation rate is something we’d love to do. I think we’re 97-something, but that’s not 100.”

Other business discussed at the regular session included:

• The board unanimously approved the tax rate for the 2012-13 school year, which will be $16.05 per $1,000 assessed for the Town of Lancaster, $25.88 per $1,000 of assessed evaluation for the Town of Cheektowaga and $330.88 per $1,000 of assessed evaluation for the Town of Elma.

• The board also unanimously approved a 1.25 percent wage approve for the food service department. That comes following a profitable year for that department.

“They did a very good job and this is how they get rewarded,” Graber said.

• Financial reports, bid awards, and contract amendments were also approved by the board.

• A moment of reflection was held in recognition of former teachers Edwin “Mike” Ponvert and Ursula Lundgard, who passed away over the summer.

The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10 in the Central Avenue School Building, which is located at 149 Central Ave., in Lancaster. A summer school program update is among the items on the agenda.