Board updates: teacher contract talks continue; district pursuing up to $500,000 state facility grant; esports volunteer coach to be considered

Board members used the Feb. 4 work session to update one another on finance, personnel and agenda items. President Khamis said negotiations with the teachers' union have been ongoing for about 11 months; he reported most contract subsections have been narrowed but wages and benefits are still to be discussed and the committee hopes to present a contract within about a month.

Finance committee member Mr. Wilson said the Public School Facility Improvement Grant recently posted by the state of Pennsylvania can provide up to $500,000 and carries a 25% local match; he described the grant as competitive, said the district has an application ready and urged board members to lobby state legislators. Mr. Wilson said the district received roughly $200,000 from that grant last year.

Under athletics, Mr. Nabaskas relayed that Mr. Hufford asked the board to allow a volunteer Esports coach given the size of the program; the volunteer would obtain required clearances and the matter will be on the agenda for consideration. The meeting closed after a brief period for questions about checks and staff recommended items; the next scheduled meeting is Feb. 11 at 7 p.m., and a motion to adjourn was made and carried.