Shane W Potter

Slippery Rock Area School District’s board voted Monday evening, March 25, to enter a free grant opportunity that is intended to strengthen the district’s cybersecurity.

Susan Miller, assistant superintendent, said Tuesday that the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program costs nothing to the district.

“This is a free opportunity promoted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to support school districts in addressing cybersecurity risks and threats,” Miller said. “Specifically, we are using this opportunity to strengthen intrusion detection, vulnerability management and security information.”

Superintendent Alfonso Angelucci said Missy Persol, assistant director of operations for custodial and maintenance services, was recognized with this month’s Rocket Pride Award.

According to Angelucci, Persol stepped up to fill in duties normally performed by the director of operations, who is out on leave indefinitely.

“(Persol) has done an excellent job of keeping up with staffing numbers,” Angelucci said. “Missy may have had some distinct challenges, but she never showed it … Beyond that, Missy is always pleasant, respectful, and professional in all of her interactions with the school district.”