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East Lycoming School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Stamm offered a brief update on the Joseph P. Ashkar Elementary School project at the recent school board meeting.
Bids for the building plan, he said, will be solicited Sept. 1 with the board set to review them Oct. 17.
Stamm noted that an alternative capital projects plan is being prepared for board consideration.
Architects and district officials have been searching for ways to further reduce costs on the project, originally estimated at $44 million.
Among the cost-saving measures with the updated $37 million plan are elimination of certain aspects from the original plan such as the district gym and use of less costly building materials.
Craig Dudek, of Moreland Township, questioned Stamm on the discovery of mold spores at Ashkar.
Stamm reported to the board the mold could be attributed to ongoing issues with "aging roofs, surface water infiltration and marginal air dehumidification capabilities" that need addressed.
"This mold didn't just appear this summer," Dudek stated during the public comment period of the meeting.
Dudek asked Stamm why he had told him he knew nothing about mold issues when questioned about such a possibility a year ago.
Stamm responded that it was the truth that he knew at that time.
"It appears to me water is coming from the roof," Dudek said.
Ashkar was scheduled to open for school today, as scheduled, after air test results revealed sufficient reduction in mold following the sealing and cleaning of affected areas.
School directors approved an agreement with Levin Legal Group to create an employee handbook to address potential employment issues.
Stamm noted that the firm is recognized for its expertise in municipal, employment, and school law.
The board acted on various personnel matters.
The following people were approved for part-time positions at $13.29 per hour: Flora Nyman, food service worker, and Sarah Pulizzi and Mary Wayman, supervisory aides, Renn Elementary School.
The board approved the following reappointments for AM bus duty: Beth Bitler, Susan Seube, Shannon English, and Sarah Snedeker.
Kathryn Stiadle was approved for reappointment as assistant band director at a stipend of $508.
The following people were approved as August band camp staff:
• Devon Palmeter, $1,526.
• Alexander Eby, $699.
• Rachel Booth, $1,399.
• Adin Hinojosa, $1,399.
• Alexander LeCrone, $699.
The next board meeting is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the high school library.