HEGINS - Work is on schedule for the Tri-Valley School District's project to update Hegins-Hubley and Mahantongo elementary schools.
The school board heard a construction update June 11 from Dan Cicala of Fidevia LLC, the firm that was hired to serve as the clerk for the construction project currently in progress.
Cicala briefly touched on the scope, schedule and budget of the project. He showed a slideshow presentation featuring photos of areas of ongoing work at both buildings.
At Hegins-Hubley, the front entrance and administrative area was underway. He said the cafeteria was being used as the staging area and storing equipment from the kitchen as that was receiving its renovation. He said all classrooms were undergoing asbestos abatement.
The new classroom addition at Hegins-Hubley showed the green and white color scheme of the new look. Cicala reported that the crews were working to connect the new geothermal wells at Hegins-Hubley, which would complete that part of the project.
Cicala reported that all the wells for the geothermal project were dug at Mahantongo; however, he said the domestic well hasn't been completed yet. He did say that water was hit at 30-feet when they dug for the geothermal wells.
Cicala said the new media center, which replaces the library, and the classroom and mechanical room additions were begun.
As far as the schedule, Cicala said the project is going as scheduled and he believes school will open on time for the school year.
He said the $9,515,630 project is on budget with a $370,254 contingency. He said so far there have been no major changes to the project and he reassured the board that the only way a change would take place is if the board would approve it.
Superintendent Mark Snyder said he didn't want to speak on behalf of the entire board, but he is requesting that all potential change orders come to him.
In other business, the school district once again has a complete board of school directors.
The board appointed Karrie L. Bowman as the newest member to the board on June 11. She filled the vacant position in the Hegins Township East District-Region 1. Since no one ran in the general election, the board had to advertise for candidates.
Also, Jill O'Toole was hired by the board for the position of social worker. The position will begin in the 2014-15 school year at a salary of $44,100, including applicable benefits. The social worker position is 200 days, or 12 days at a per diem rate beyond the contracted 188 days.
Snyder said the position is replacing a three-day guidance position. He also said that North Schuylkill School District will buy time from Tri-Valley.
The board approved a transportation contract between Bowman Brothers Trucking Inc. and the district for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school year. Details of the contract weren't discussed at the meeting.
The board will be hiring a new solicitor for the district. Current Solicitor Harry Brown has retired. The board received a proposal from Williamson, Friedberg & Jones LLC. The board will review the proposal for action at the meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Tri-Valley High School Auditorium.
The board will also be adopting the budget for the 2014-15 school year during the special meeting Wednesday.
