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The Blue Mountain Elementary West building project is on track to be completed in time for the 2022-23 year, according to Superintendent David H. Helsel, but change orders and cost increases have had the board demanding more oversight.
Todd Vukmanic, senior project manager at Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, and Austin Harmes of Fidevia Construction updated the school board on progress at the site.
Underground water storage tanks and well lines have been attached; the concrete gym floor and roof have been completed; the cafeteria and bathroom flooring have been poured; and tiling in the cafeteria and second floor is underway. Sewer and sanitary lines will be installed in the next few weeks, and PP&L is scheduled for the week of May 30.
Board member David Lafko questioned recent change orders resulting from additional concrete required for the courtyard areas costing roughly $7,500.
Vukmanic explained many of the increases are due to escalating costs of materials and deadlines being met.
“We are being asked to spend money without any real understanding of what the money is being spent on as well as no real firm numbers,” Lafko said. “I think the school board needs to vote on firm numbers.”
The board approved a preliminary general fund budget for the 2022-23 school year and a levy on real estate of 42.825 mills, an occupation assessment tax of $230, a real estate transfer tax of 0.05%, earned income tax of 0.05% local services tax of $5 and business privilege tax of $10. The budget will be advertised for 30 days.
“As of right now, there is no tax increase planned,” reported board President Michelle Vesay.
The board has agreed to extend their contract with Waste Management through August and will renegotiate when the new school is opened.
The board approved the 2022-23 school calendar with classes beginning Aug. 31 and ending June 2 for the elementary, middle and high school.
The start of the school year is delayed one week to accommodate the opening of the new elementary school. The Intermediate Unit and STC will operate on a different schedule.
Dr. Frank Musitano, director of special education, said the 2022-25 Special Education Plan is available on the Blue Mountain website.
The school district will offer various summer courses for kindergarten through fifth grade students at no cost. The programs include a kindergarten camp, a second grade summer camp, and a science and summer fun camp for third through fifth graders.
The English department is reviewing books for the upcoming year. A list of proposed readings is on the website.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 26 at the middle school auditorium.
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