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The Montoursville Area School Board at its August meeting approved a $15,000 design proposal from LIVIC Civil for improvements to the high school baseball field.
The work would include fixing drainage problems at the field and having it ready for play next season.
However, other issues with the field may also be addressed including the possibility of replacing the playing surface's turf.
"This winter you can decide if you want turf or not," District Superintendent Dan Taormina advised the board.
The immediate work would include stripping existing sod and fixing subgrade, according to LIVIC Civil officials. In addition, it could also entail replacing the pitcher's mound since it may be disturbed during construction.
Test pits indicated that poorly drained material lies between the field surface and deeper, well-drained sand and gravel.
Bids for the project are expected to be received by next month.
Taormina noted that the field needs new or improved batting cages as well as a sound system.
In other matters, the board approved the rate of pay for substitute teachers at $125 per day, substitute support staff, $12.50 per hour, and substitute nurse aides, $15 per hour.
However, some board members felt at least some rates should be higher.
Taormina suggested that the issue may be considered again next month with the possibility of increasing the pay.
Business Manager Jessica Reich said she could check to see what other area school districts are paying substitutes.
The board went ahead and approved a substitute list of personnel for the coming school year.
In other personal matters, the board approved Dan Taormina as food service director at a salary of $10,000 and Carol Brezan, Harley Lentz, and Reese Holmes as part-time paraprofessionals at $17 per hour.
The board approved Mikayla Arnold as head coach, junior high softball, and Drew Arnold, and Brianna Stetts, as assistant softball coaches.
School directors approved the resignations of paraprofessionals Aliya Taylor, Pamela Bardell, and Mariah Mahserjian-Smith.
In other matters, the board approved:
• Various handbooks for the school year.
• A one-year agreement with the Lycoming-Clinton Joinder Board for school outreach caseworker services at $17,325.
• A change order with Lecce Electric.
The next school board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the high school.