PORT ALLEGANY — Repairing the track around Port Allegany High School’s football field was the focus of planning at a district school board meeting earlier this week.

Superintendent Gary Buchsen said the board authorized the solicitation of contractor bids in order to resurface the walking track encircling the school’s football field.

“It’s to the point, as this surface is bubbling up, this top rubberized surface has to be peeled off,” Buchsen said of Monday’s decision. “It’s a little more involved.”

In 1995, the school’s track lanes one through four were condemned due to poor upkeep and condition, Buchsen said. Lanes five and six were used for practice and track and field meets were held in Smethport. The track was repaired in 1996 and repaired again ten years later.

“Ten years ago really doesn’t apply to what we need now,” Buchsen added.

Now, with the potholes and dips in the surface, the concern is making sure students involved in athletics can perform and stay safe.

Buchsen also said paint that marks the lanes and start and finish lines is fading.

Talks will continue about the track at Monday’s coming meeting. Board members said the plan is to look at the lifespan of the new repairs, what surface type would be laid down and to cement a timeline, as repairs should take place in summer or early fall to be ready for track meets.

Updates on the district’s budget overview and the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center budget are also set to be discussed at the board’s next convening.