The Montoursville Area School Board discussed possible decisions on a school buildings renovation project at its work session this week.

Public meetings and tours of buildings have been held to give residents a chance to provide input and an architectural firm presented renovation options.

At the end of the meeting, the board agreed to make a decision soon, even if the decision is to do nothing.

An option seriously considered earlier this year is to upgrade the HVAC systems at Loyalsock Valley and Lyter Elementary schools, an idea that was again batted around by board members.

Board President Dave Shimmel said he felt that Loyalsock Valley certainly should undergo HVAC upgrades to bring better air quality and comfort to students and staff, even if the school eventually closes.

“I don’t believe you can keep that school open in 10 years, but by doing the HVAC upgrade, you do make it more saleable,” he said.

Other board members questioned keeping two elementary schools open when student enrollment is expected to decrease.

“For those looking to close the Valley, school buildings sit on the market for years, and maintenance will still need to be kept up on the building,” Ron Snell said. “You will still have expenses. You won’t have savings there.”

Dale Ulmer said he’s “uncomfortable” with the district spending $10 million for HVAC upgrades at a time when enrollments are dropping.

“You can do more by consolidating students in one building,” he said. “I think we need to continue to evaluate this.”

Shimmel said, “I do believe in eight to 10 years attendance will not be supportable and we will have to bring them (elementary students) into town. I want to see buildings improved.”

Snell said he’s not convinced that enrollment is going down.

“What would happen if the numbers increased, and you don’t have room at Lighter because you closed the Valley?” he asked. “What are you going to do? Build another school?”

Assistant Superintendent Dan Taormina said he felt no decision should be made just yet.

“I like the idea of waiting a year and seeing what enrollments are,” he said.

District resident Brenda Oberheim said the public made it clear what they want to see happen with school buildings.

“For once, can you just do what you were asked to do?” she told the board.

Snell said, “The overall sentiment was to not close the Valley.”

In other matters, the board approved the job description for the new position of assistant principal for McCall Middle School.

In personnel action, the board approved:

• Dan Tucker as assistant junior high basketball coach at a stipend of $2,600.

• An increase in part-time hours for paraprofessional Fawn Carr.

• The hiring of Susan Palazzo as a substitute teacher at $110 a day.