The Williamsport Area School Board voted at its recent regular monthly meeting to adopt tax abatement agreements for commercial and residential development in the city.

The Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) agreements allow for exemptions of taxes on improvements to real estate.

For commercial properties, the LERTA program allows for a seven-year exemption period beginning with 100% tax abatements in the first two years, 75% in the third and fourth years, 50% in the fifth and sixth years, and 25% in the final year.

For residential real estate, the exemptions are 100% for the full 10 years of the agreement.

In other matters, Dale Crans, supervisor of maintenance and facilities, gave a brief update on the Lycoming Valley Intermediate School construction project.

Both interior and outside work involving ball field upgrades, he noted, are being done.

“The project has really taken a turn for the best,” Superintendent Dr. Timothy Bowers said.

The board approved various change orders with Lobar Inc. and TurnKey Electric for renovations being done with the project.

An agreement with Stadium Solutions Inc. for $1.9 million was approved by the board for repairs to stadium grandstands and installation of drains.

The board approved a two-year cooperative agreement with South Williamsport Area School District for girls wrestling beginning in the 2023-2024 season.

Bowers acknowledged the service of Jennifer Lake and Pat Dixon whose terms as school directors are ending.

Lake noted the challenge of being a board member for the past nine years.

“I can’t say it’s always been a joy, but it’s always been an honor,” she said.

Members of HOPE Squad, a student suicide awareness group, gave a presentation to the board. Students noted efforts to help students who might be battling with mental and emotional problems.

School Board President Lori Baer praised students who are willing to help others and those supporting the program.

“We’re glad to offer something like this,” she said. “It’s so needed.”

Dr. Brandon Pardoe, director of student services, reported to the board that the district’s student enrollment for October is up by 72 from the same time last year. The biggest increases are at the primary level, 35 students, and at the intermediate level, 40 students.

The following personnel resignations were approved by the board:

• Ryan P. Carper, assistant principal, Lycoming Valley Intermediate School.

• Eric P. Holz, long-term substitute teacher, middle school.

• Melissa S. Martin, part-time aide, middle school.

• Kate C. Zelazny, social worker/home & school visitor.

The board approved the following personnel for positions:

• Megan N. Marron, temporary professional employee, school counselor, $59,072.

• Doudmy Saint Hilaire, paraprofessional/intervention specialist, $25,486.

• Patrick C. Mortimer, part-time custodian floater, $17.33 per hour.

• Shivika Shruti, part-time aide, $17.53 per hour.

• Allison E. Appleton, substitute teacher, $150 per day.

• Paula E. Bower, Patricia A. Miller, and Makayla A. Force, after-school tutors, $31.20 per hour.

• Patricia A. Miller, varsity girls wrestling assistant coach, $2,880.

• Kyle C. Weaver, middle school girls wrestling head coach, $2,560.

• Travis A. Sheleman, eighth grade boys basketball assistant coach, $2,240.

• Shelley L. Lewis, substitute administrative support aide, $12 per hour.