Carbon Career and Technical Institute’s staff bid farewell to two secretaries with nearly 70 years of combined service at Thursday’s Joint Operating Committee meeting.

Donna Kost, who was employed with the school for 35 years, and Debra Mickey, who has worked there for 33 years, were honored by Principal Brent Borzak and Administrative Director David Reinbold for their service during the meeting.

“Their dedication is second to none,” Borzak said. “They have that old-school work ethic that’s so very hard to find today amongst people. I’m just glad and fortunate that I was able to work with two of the best secretaries going.”

Reinbold recalled a time years ago when he sent out a message to the staff regarding who was really in charge, citing the invaluable secretaries that are often overlooked.

“When the director before myself, Dr. Mauro, was here, I actually got in trouble with Dr. Mauro one time because I sent out an email that said, ‘We all know the secretaries run the school.’ It was true, and it is true,” he said to the laughter of the crowd.

“They’re running the school, and we’re just kind of figuring out what’s going on and keeping up.”

Kost and Mickey were both touched by the accolades, and the presentation of commemorative plaques bearing their names and years of service.

Both women said they will miss the staff and students, as they had grown so close over the years.

“The students, they’re the best,” Mickey said. “It was fun serving the students. It becomes a second family, it really does.”

And while retirement will provide plenty of time to spend with grandkids and all those projects they just never had time for before, Mickey and Kost will always fondly remember their time at CCTI.

“It’s treated me well, and I’ve always said that there is no better place,” Kost said. “I’ll miss the kids, and I’ll miss the people.”

Budget

The 2018-2019 Proposed Secondary Budget for CCTI, calling for receipts and expenditures amounting to $8,330,745, was approved to be forwarded to each participating school district for final adoption by resolution.

This is the fifth year that CCTI has presented a budget with no increases for the participating districts.

A transfer of $20,000 from the CCTI Capital Projects Account to the CCTI House Building/Renovation Account, for the purpose of the Tiny House Project, was approved.

The Joint Operating Committee approved the purchase of two 2018 Transit-150 XL Low Roof Passenger Wagons at a total cost of $54,368.90. The original purchase price was $57,638.90, though the school received $4,000 credit for trading in a 2000 GMC van and a 1999 Chevrolet van. An additional $730 was spent on lettering for the new vehicles.

Delmar Griggs, Cheryl Skasko-Shemansik, and Lisa Wargula were approved to substitute for the 2017-2018 school year, pending all mandatory clearances.

A trip to Harrisburg, including a visit to the Capitol and recognition on the floor, was approved for 15-20 Student Council students for Feb. 6, with a snow date of Feb. 7.

A probability and statistics course was approved to be added to the curriculum for the 2018-2019 school year.

The revised 2017-2018 student/teacher calendar was approved, with additional snow days of Jan. 4, 5, 16, and 17, along with makeup days of Jan. 15, Feb. 20, March 28, and June 5.