The South Williamsport school board passed its final 2024-’25 budget including a half-mill increase, bringing the total real estate millage to 19.10.

An increase of .5 mills translates to a $50 increase per $100,000 of assessed property.

All building projects are proceeding on schedule, Superintendent Dr. Eric Briggs said, though the first two home football games may be impacted by the laying of new sod on the field. A number of discussions are underway to find alternate venues for the games, Briggs said.

In financial matters, the board approved a change order from Larson Design Group in the amount of $1,500, a requirement in order for the scoreboards to be fully inspected; a change order from Hummer Turfgrass Systems Inc. in the amount of $12,914 for the preparation of a new drainage system for the football field; the Committed Fund Balance Resolution to commit $1,000 for the future soccer field and track complex and $400,000 for future upgrades to the Raymond R. Rommelt building; the Capital Reserve Project budget for 2024-2025 not to exceed $200,995; the transfer of $659,310 from the General Fund to the Capital Reserve Fund; a contract with CompuGen for the installation of new cameras and door access controls for Central Elementary and the new gym/cafeteria addition; and an agreement with Reynolds Energy Services, doing business as SitelogIQ Energy Services Inc. for improvements to the Junior/Senior High School, with a lump sum of no more than $10 million, and a total not to exceed $10.6 million.

Five agreements between the district and BlaST IU17 were approved, including the IDEA agreement, which provides federal funding for certain special education programs; a special education agreement; a technology services agreement at a rate of $90 per hour for standard services, $120 for high level services and $130 for after hours or unscheduled services. Only the services used will be billed; a DaRTS software agreement providing secured access to the DaRTS application and electronic signing of IEPs; and a website hosting agreement for BlaST to host the Mountie Academy website at a cost of $1,000. All agreements cover the 2024-’25 school year.

Other agreements approved include an agreement with Hope Enterprise Inc. for the rental of the TeenLink facility at McCall Middle School, Montoursville, at a cost of $125 per day, or a total rental cost of $1,125; a contract with UPMC Williamsport Pediatric Rehabilitation for occupational and physical therapy services needed within the school setting; a five-year affiliation with the state to provide the district with student teachers; an allowance of West Branch Drug and Alcohol staff to attend SAP meetings and provide support to students identified through the SAP process; and a behavioral support services agreement with Justice Works YouthCare to provide more intensive therapeutic intervention based on specific student needs, as well as to provide professional development to staff on supporting students with increased behavioral challenges. The cost of the contract, $144,326, is to be funded through federal program grants.

The board accepted the resignations of Gina Stoetzel, second grade paraprofessional at Central Elementary, effective May 31; and Noah Hulslander, track head coach, effective June 3.

The following head coaches and their stipends were approved: Chris Eiswerth, football, $6,975; Matt DeBlander, cross country, $3,367; Jessica Kaledas, marching band director, $5,552; Marc Lovecchio, girls soccer, $3,907; Tom O’Malley, varsity softball, $5,332; Aaron Green, girls basketball, $5,206; Julie Pentico, junior high cross country, $2,165; Christine Miller, cheerleading, $3,907; Tom O’Malley, junior high softball, $2,660; Chris Vanaskie, boys soccer, $4,001; Theresa Summerson, girls tennis, $3,968; Eric Gerber, wrestling, $5,946; Katie Spangler, volleyball, $3,863; Joe Simon, boys basketball, $5,356; Kent Young, boys tennis, $4,265; and Greg Anthony and Julie Anthony as eighth grade and seventh grade junior high girls basketball coach, respectively.

Approval was also given to several assistant coaches and volunteers, as well as event staff for the 2024-’25 school year.

The next school board meeting will be at 6 p.m. on July 15.