The auditorium in Hughesville High School has a new name – “The Spartan Theatre.”

This is thanks to Jesse Stryker, drama director, who requested the East Lycoming School District Board officially approve the name change.

The Spartan is the school mascot.

“I applaud Mr. Stryker for taking this initiative recognizing that the name provides opportunity to raise awareness and build school and community pride in the music and performing arts programs,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Stamm in his report.

“I fully support this recommendation and look forward to the continued growth of these programs.”

LycoCTC update

With Lyco Career and Technology Center’s final approval of the construction project for their facility, the district will begin removal of the home stadium bleachers on Oct.

18.

Buildings and Grounds Supervisor Bryan McCaffery and Dr. Stamm met with the construction company hired by the Lycoming County Fair to remove the bleachers to set timing and safety expectations.

The fair is excited for this opportunity and

appreciative of the school board’s willingness to help, Stamm said.

As a reminder this sale of the bleachers to the fair for $1, saves the district $18,000 in demolition costs, he noted.

An expansion construction project at Lycoming County Career and Technology Center in is close to going out to bid.

Michael Mamrack, school board president, said there are additional changes to get it closer to the $10.5 million mark, with the board to award bids in October.

On Sept. 17, the LycoCTC board approved the awarding of construction contracts for the project not to exceed $10.5 million to the following contractors:

General Construction – Lobar

Plumbing Construction – Silvertip

Mechanical Construction – Leibold Inc.

Electrical Construction – Tra Electric Inc.

“We anticipate the board to consider a motion to approve deduct change orders for the construction project at the Oct. 16 board meeting to bring the total project costs within the $10.5 million,” said Nathan Minium, LycoCTC executive director.

This project will involve the new construction of a building on campus that would allow for two new programs – welding and diesel technology. It would also include building expansion and renovations to the existing facility that would result in more students being able to enroll in career and technical education training programs.

Moreover, LycoCTC administration continues to seek additional grant funding opportunities along with sponsorships and donations that will allow the complete expansion and renovation of programs that include Automotive Tech, Health Careers, Early Childhood Education, and Culinary Arts, Minimum told the Sun-Gazette.

Businesses and organizations who are interested in supporting the project should contact the school for more information, he said.

Currently, the Lyco CTC has 360 students. The budget was for 290, so that is working out nicely, Mamrak told the board.

Students have been placed on wait-lists for these programs over the past several years. This project would provide the program opportunity students are looking for, support the need in the local workforce, and improve the overall economic outlook in the region. To fund this, there has been a capital campaign. Member school districts have contributed to a $5 million bond towards the new construction and renovation project.

In addition, the project has been forwarded by a $5 million state grant. The financial assistance was provided by the administration of Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Final contributions to the campaign are due Jan. 31, 2026.

Other matters

The high school cafeteria and fine arts classrooms renovations are almost completed. The cafeteria will be completed on Oct. 3 and open fully to students on Oct. 6, according to Stamm’s report.

Secondary Principal Tom Coburn and Junior High Principal Richard Reichner are working on some ideas for the “Grand Opening” for students, Stamm said.

Water mitigation

Progress continues on the water mitigation project on the Hughesville campus. All bridges are in place. Paving and final guardrails will be installed by early October. While waiting on permission / scheduling to relocate a power line, Miller, the contractor, is working on replacing the roof drain cisterns around the high school and additional storm water pipes near Ashkar. The board was shown a cistern under the bell. The single 4 foot deep cistern is being replaced with two 8 feet deep cisterns. Once completed, the bell will be replaced and the mulch will be replaced with larger

landscaping rocks to prevent washout.

Based on feedback from the board, Stamm said he made several changes to the agenda format.

Lime Bluff stream cleaning is part of the Water Mitigation Project, with the removal of smaller trees along Lime Bluff (below Boak Avenue), as was an original

scope of the project bid. It was decided to handle this component in house at a reduced cost. The low bid was $30,000. McCaffery was able to secure quotes from multiple contractors saving about $20,000. The board approved the quote provided by County Line Property WorX for $9,000 as a lowest quote.

MOU

The memorandum of understanding with the Education Association recognizes the change by the Athletic Committee to remove the 9th grade boys basketball team and transfer that position to the varsity program. This is not an addition, only a change in where that coaching staff position is assigned since the 9th grade team will exist for the foreseeable future.

With Rebecca Yerg’s resignation, the district will begin to advertise for this position to be filled this week. Applicants will be

interviewed by the board in October. The new member will then take their position in November and serve the remainder of Yerg’s term in Region 2, Hughesville borough.