Gateway School Board votes to suspend band director without pay

Gateway School Board suspended the high school’s band director, James M. Hoeltje, without pay after he was charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Referring to Hoeltje only as “Employee,” board members moved the agenda of his suspension to the beginning of their Aug. 16 meeting for immediate approval.

During the resident comment portion of the meeting, Monroeville resident Donna Burns made an emotional statement regarding the recent events.

“I am here both as a parent of a senior and as a representative for the band’s booster board,” said Burns. “I want to thank the district for taking care of our kids the last couple weeks and for taking immediate action against the staff member. More than one victim has been hurt in this case.”

Because of the charges brought against the director, the Gateway Marching Band had to take a week off from training camp, which is an integral part of preparing for a large competition. The band is a member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Band Association and competed during 2021-22 after not being able to do so the previous school year because of the covid-19 pandemic.

Related:

• Police: Gateway band director furnished alcohol to high school girl

“There are senior boys who are dedicated to their music,” said Burns. “One of them is my son. I have seen the heartbreak in his eyes from losing something that he holds so dear.”

Jack Bova, board president, addressed an apology to Burns and all band personnel after her statement.

“We are going to keep working to mend this fence,” he said.

Also during the school board meeting:

• The board announced that a cellphone ban survey is out for the public’s participation. Phones and smart watches currently are permitted in the schools. If a student is caught using a phone inappropriately, it will be confiscated for the day and a parent is required to pick it up from the office.

• Multiple resignations were approved, including that of Paul Schott, the district’s business manager. Board members and school administrators thanked him for his work and expressed sadness to see him go.

“I just can’t say enough about him and the work he has done here,” said Superintendent William Short.

Schott was presented with a parting gift and introduced his replacement, Mike Zourelias.

There are also openings for paraprofessionals at Ramsey Elementary School. The positions will be listed on Monster Jobs for interested parties.

• Substitute rates for food, custodial, secretary and paraprofessional services were increased from $10 to $12 an hour. The rate will be monitored and can be changed based on how competitive it is to other wages.

• Multiple maintenance services were approved for the 2022-23 fiscal year, including another set of change orders valued at approximately $14,400 for the middle school renovation project. Including the most recent changes, the total of all net change orders for the entire project is $2.1 million.