Saint Mary's Area School Board approves assistant superintendent, multiple contracts and facility projects
June 08, 2026 | Saint Marys Area SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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The Saint Mary's Area School District Board of Education at its June 8 meeting approved a series of personnel actions, contracts and capital work, including the appointment of Matthew T. Cathart as assistant superintendent.
The board voted by roll call to confirm Matthew T. Cathart as assistant superintendent. Board members recorded their votes aloud during the roll call; the motion carried. The appointment followed administration's recommendation and a prior discussion that employment recommendations are provisional for 30 days pending required clearances.
On facilities and contracts the board approved a low bid of $321,555 for pool liner upgrades and spa repairs, with $260,000 to be funded from general funds and $61,555 from capital reserves. Administration told the board the bid was about $60,000 higher than expected because prevailing-wage obligations were added to the cost, and recommended using capital reserves to cover that difference rather than reopening the budget.
The board approved two change orders for the middle-school elevator project with contractor Fred L. Burns. Change order CO#1, for water drainage repairs in the elevator pit, was approved for $21,225.37 to be paid from capital reserves. Change order CO#2, for structural load distribution enhancements that require added steel columns, was approved for $26,314.27 and likewise will be funded from capital reserves. Administration said the additional costs will reduce savings previously earmarked for another vertical lift project.
The board also authorized the superintendent or designee to review and approve emergency and time-sensitive construction change orders during June and July 2026; any executed change orders under that authority will be presented to the board for ratification at the August 2026 meeting.
Other contract approvals included a letter of agreement with Dickinson Center Incorporated to provide student assistance and prevention services at Midland High School for 2026–27; agreements with Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services and Sinclair Child Services for Student Assistance Program services and preschool-to-kindergarten transition supports; and a Konica Minolta copier service agreement that administration said will save about $1,000 per month under a five-year contract.
The board approved an MOU with the Elk County Catholic School System to designate South Saint Mary's Elementary School as an emergency relocation and sheltering site for ECCSS students, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. The board also approved a new SMAEA supplemental contract and authorized payment of summer invoices in June and July (to be presented for formal approval in August).
On personnel and compensation the board approved a substitute bonus program for the 2025–26 school year (building-based substitutes $500, day-to-day $750, nursing substitutes $750 for those completing at least 50 days). The board also approved salary-structure resolutions for substitutes and a batch of personnel recommendations presented together.
The meeting closed with information items including support organization filings, course-of-study approvals for the high school and a list of tenure items; the board announced it would move into executive session after the meeting to discuss safety and labor contract negotiations.
The board carried the motions by voice and roll-call votes where required; items requiring further documentation or ratification will return to the board at the August meeting.
The board voted by roll call to confirm Matthew T. Cathart as assistant superintendent. Board members recorded their votes aloud during the roll call; the motion carried. The appointment followed administration's recommendation and a prior discussion that employment recommendations are provisional for 30 days pending required clearances.
On facilities and contracts the board approved a low bid of $321,555 for pool liner upgrades and spa repairs, with $260,000 to be funded from general funds and $61,555 from capital reserves. Administration told the board the bid was about $60,000 higher than expected because prevailing-wage obligations were added to the cost, and recommended using capital reserves to cover that difference rather than reopening the budget.
The board approved two change orders for the middle-school elevator project with contractor Fred L. Burns. Change order CO#1, for water drainage repairs in the elevator pit, was approved for $21,225.37 to be paid from capital reserves. Change order CO#2, for structural load distribution enhancements that require added steel columns, was approved for $26,314.27 and likewise will be funded from capital reserves. Administration said the additional costs will reduce savings previously earmarked for another vertical lift project.
The board also authorized the superintendent or designee to review and approve emergency and time-sensitive construction change orders during June and July 2026; any executed change orders under that authority will be presented to the board for ratification at the August 2026 meeting.
Other contract approvals included a letter of agreement with Dickinson Center Incorporated to provide student assistance and prevention services at Midland High School for 2026–27; agreements with Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services and Sinclair Child Services for Student Assistance Program services and preschool-to-kindergarten transition supports; and a Konica Minolta copier service agreement that administration said will save about $1,000 per month under a five-year contract.
The board approved an MOU with the Elk County Catholic School System to designate South Saint Mary's Elementary School as an emergency relocation and sheltering site for ECCSS students, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. The board also approved a new SMAEA supplemental contract and authorized payment of summer invoices in June and July (to be presented for formal approval in August).
On personnel and compensation the board approved a substitute bonus program for the 2025–26 school year (building-based substitutes $500, day-to-day $750, nursing substitutes $750 for those completing at least 50 days). The board also approved salary-structure resolutions for substitutes and a batch of personnel recommendations presented together.
The meeting closed with information items including support organization filings, course-of-study approvals for the high school and a list of tenure items; the board announced it would move into executive session after the meeting to discuss safety and labor contract negotiations.
The board carried the motions by voice and roll-call votes where required; items requiring further documentation or ratification will return to the board at the August meeting.
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