The fallout from the South Butler School District's failure to follow established policy when hiring a choreographer for the high school musical should serve as a lesson to other school districts.

That lesson is that policy should be adhered to without exception.

South Butler Superintendent Frank C. Prazenica Jr. admitted the mistake at a school board meeting Wednesday attended by more than 120 people, most of whom were concerned or angry about the board's hiring decision in July.

Troubling is the fact that the July action took place without any member of the board first raising tough questions about the policy breakdown. Can it really be that none of the board members are fully up to speed on district policies governing hirings?

"Administrators presented the board something that did not follow policy," Prazenica told those who attended Wednesday's meeting.

Prazenica, who said he was speaking on behalf of the board, said the practice of posting an open position wasn't handled correctly. Sunny Baine, who was hired at the July meeting, resigned Wednesday; the board accepted her resignation after an executive session that the board said dealt with personnel matters.

None of the nine school board members commented on the policy error during Wednesday's discussion, although one or more should have been willing to speak.

Prior to the executive session, six members of the audience spoke in opposition to the July action.

Prazenica told the audience that the board and administration shouldn't be criticized for correcting the situation now. "If anything, you should be thanking us."

No thanks are warranted for a policy breakdown regarding something so basic. Adherence to policy is the foundation for trust. District residents expect such adherence in all actions.

The board and administration shouldn't be surprised if South Butler residents seem more interested in their future decision making.

Communities should be eager to show off their improvements.That is the enthusiasm that the Butler County Housing Authority intends to project when it holds an open house in November for its $2 million renovation of the Cliffside Apartments at the corner of South McKean and East Wayne streets in Butler.As a result of the renovation, Cliffside will have 69 one-bedroom apartments and eight efficiencies. When Cliffside opened in 1970, it had 82 apartments, 41 of which were efficiencies.In addition to the new apartments configuration, the renovation involves electrical system upgrades, installation of air conditioning, expansion of the community room and installation of fencing and a park-like sitting area.It is anticipated that the renovation will be completed in the next month or so. Some of the time during the subsequent weeks will be geared toward readying for the open house.It's noteworthy how the authority moved to finance the initiative; it joined several other housing authorities in Western Pennsylvania in arranging for a $23 million bond, $2 million of which was targeted for Cliffside.As a result of the upgrade, Cliffside is poised to serve the community for years to come. The community should appreciate the authority's commitment to meeting changing needs and keeping its facilities in excellent condition.Some people might not have noticed Cliffside's need for renovation, but the renovation will make the apartment building an even more desirable option for people who qualify for residence in the high-rise facility.The authority deserves praise for this positive step forward.

Most people look forward to receiving a gift for their birthday. Joseph Monteleone is a wonderful exception.In honor of his 80th birthday, the longtime Grove City resident and community volunteer donated $75,000 toward what will be known as the Joseph Monteleone Youth Festival Park.Construction on the park, which will be located on Broad Street in front of Antiques by the Yard in that Mercer County borough, will begin next spring; it is expected to be completed by fall 2008.Consistent with his spirit of volunteerism, Monteleone said, "I have lived and worked in Grove City all of my life. I am very pleased to be able to help make the Youth Festival Park a reality. I hope to inspire young people to make a positive impact on their community."George Junior Republic, a youth at-risk home in the borough, also has donated $75,000 toward the park, and much of the remaining $100,000 has been pledged by companies, civic clubs and individuals.The park, which will feature a 20-by-20-foot gazebo made of brick and steel, will be used for summer concerts, community movie showings and in conjunction with parades. It will be part of the Olde Town Grove City revitalization effort.Every community would be better off if it had one or more people like Monteleone.