EMPORIUM — The Cameron County School Board approved a bid entered by Emporium Borough for purchase of a former residence slated for demolition.
Approval has already been given by the borough and the Cameron County Commissioners, paving the way for the former Lundin Home located at 236 West Fifth St. to be put on the ground.
The borough will pay $1 for the property, and all back taxes will be forgiven. The home has been held in the county tax claim repository since going unsold in a judicial sale, but was vacant for about a decade before that.
In other news, board members approved payments for improvements at the playgrounds at Woodland Elementary.
A bid of $7,410 from Losey Contracting was approved for removal of old mulch, excavation and installation of drainage pipe and a gravel base at the kindergarten playground. Board members decided to set a deadline of June 30 for the work to be completed, barring any extreme weather that might necessitate delays. Work will commence after school is dismissed for the summer. Money for the project will come from the capital reserve fund.
Drainage has been an issue at the playground. During several rain events, mulch and material has washed from the playground into the parking lot.
An additional $13,500 will be paid to Floormasters of Emporium for black rubber playground mulch. The mulch will be delivered, then installed by district maintenance employees.
Also, the board approved an extension to the bus transportation contract agreement with STA of Pennsylvania. The extension will run through June 30, 2022.
A resolution was passed per Act 1 of 2006 which limits the increase of school district taxes to the index determined by the state Department of Education. The 2017-18 index has been set at 3.5 percent.
Sam Guido was hired as the assistant boys’ basketball coach. Brock Wennin was approved to serve as the head volleyball coach. Lininger also voted against filling both positions. Voting to hire an assistant softball coach was tabled.
In other news, the board rescinded the written notice recently given to the trustees of the Seneca Highlands IU9 Health Insurance Consortium of the district’s intent to withdraw from the plan at the end of this school year.
Board secretary Carl Mitchell said a new plan was approved by the insurance committee, and is currently being sent out to member districts for approval. The board also granted approval on the amended Regional Insurance Trust Agreement, as presented.
January is School Director Recognition Month. Superintendent Dr. Keith Wolfe told board members it was a pleasure working with them.
“I’ve worked with a lot of different boards and administrative teams. It’s a thankless job, but this board has been terrific to work with because I know you’re all here for the kids and the community,” said Wolfe. “I don’t see the personal agendas as I have in other places.”
The next school board meeting will be a workshop meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 2 in the high school library.
