JERSEY SHORE — Following a discussion Monday, the Jersey Shore Area School Board decided to form a committee to explore the issue of school choice in the district.

It was noted that with the decision to keep all schools in the district open, special education will need to be offered at all locations. The board decided that they needed more information on this subject in order to make a decision on what the district’s policy should be.

In other matters, the board voted to proceed with the issuance of the General Obligation Bonds, series 2020. The proceeds will be used toward the current refunding of the district’s series 2017 bonds through a competitive internet auction with a minimum net savings target of at least $100,000.

The move authorizes the administration to work with PFM Financial Advisors LLC as independent financial advisor; Eckert, Seamans, Cherin & Mellott LLP as bond counsel and the district solicitor to proceed with the issuance of the bonds. According to Jamie Doyle, of PFM, a parameters motion will be drawn up and brought to the board for their meeting on March 23 for approval.

Under personnel items, the board accepted letters of retirement from Debra Wheeler, Rosemary Wagner, Mary Clarke and Harry Shields.

They also approved the following appointments:

• Katie Wert, library department coordinator at a salary of $2,350.

• Nichole Bechdel, Middle School ELA teacher to a position of mentor at an annual stipend of $500.

• Brody Smith, assistant varsity softball coach at a stipend of $2,448.

• Rebecca Lorson, volunteer coach of track and field, John Best as volunteer coach for baseball and Heidi Russell as volunteer softball coach.

• Herbert Dorley as a bus driver for Marden’s Inc.

The business manager’s contract was accepted by the board as presented. The roll call vote was 7-2. Voting for the motion were: David Becker, Wayne Kinley, Craig Allen, Patrice Doebler, Harry Brungard, Michelle Stemler and Mary Thomas. Voting no were Nancy Petrosky and Angela Grant.

The board authorized the business manager to advertise a request for bids on the CTE Glass Wall project, as approved by the Capital Projects Committee.

In other actions, the board approved:

• The donation of welding equipment from the Pennsylvania College of Technology for the CTE program.

• A donation of $275 from Williams Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC, for the annual mechanical pig races at Salladasburg Elementary.

• A donation of a like-new washer for Jersey Shore Area Elementary from Jill Wenrich.

The next meeting of the board will be at 7 p.m. March 23 at the district board room, 175 A & P Drive.