$35M school renovation considered | News, Sports, Jobs

The Williamsport Area School Board is moving ahead on plans to renovate Lycoming Valley Intermediate School.

During its meeting this week, the board heard a report from Scott Cousin, project manager for the architectural firm of Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, on possible upgrades.

The project, at an estimated cost of between $32.5 and $35.8 million, would include adding classrooms, renovating HVAC and plumbing, replacing doors and windows, and other improvements.

“We are trying to increase the capacity a bit,” he said.

The project would be covered in part with federal Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief dollars and the district’s capital reserve funds.

Cousin said construction could begin next year and take between 18 and 24 months.

Ideally, much of the construction process could be done during the summer months and take two years, he noted.

The board agreed to further discuss the project at a future meeting at which time it will consider approving Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates to do the design work.

Superintendent Dr. Timothy Bowers noted that the project will be done independently of the Stevens Primary School project.

The board is considering whether to renovate, raze or close the school and possibly build a new school at the Stevens site.

It was agreed by the board to hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17 to discuss the fate of the school building.

The board voted to accept a proposal from Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates at a cost of $196,500 for design, bidding and construction administration for window replacement work at Cochran Primary, Jackson Primary, Curtin Intermediate and Williamsport High School. The work also addresses water infiltration issues at Cochran.

The board acted on a number of personnel issues including approval of a new varsity head football coach.

Mike Pearson, who has served as an assistant football coach at Lycoming College, will be paid $8,000 for the upcoming season.

Beckham Sibiski was approved as head girls varsity soccer coach for next year at a stipend of $4,480.

Others approved for positions were:

• Laurel A. Denham, long-term substitute teacher.

• Claudine Griffin, full-time aide, special education, base wage rate of $22,909.

• Brittney A. Johns, part-time aide, Curtin Intermediate School, $13.87 per hour.

• Melanie Huggins, substitute teacher.

• Chelsea Rogers, substitute food service worker, $12 per hour.

• Susan S. Sheffer, substitute administrative support, $12 per hour.

The board accepted the following resignations:

• Sherri K. Buckwalter, fourth grade teacher, Lycoming Valley Intermediate School.

• Julie A. Campbell, fourth grade teacher, Curtin Intermediate School.

• Carol S. Fisher, kindergarten teacher, Stevens Primary School.

• David E. Gephart, CTE welding teacher, high school.

• Edward E. Jonasen, art teacher, Stevens Primary School and Curtin Intermediate School.

• Dana Null, Title I reading specialist, Lycoming Valley Intermediate School.

• Carol W. Porter, special education teacher, high school.

• Carey A. Taddeo, fifth grade teacher, Curtin Intermediate School.

• Dennis E. Waddell, CTE business education teacher, high school.

• Cindy A. Colvin, health room technician, Hepburn-Lycoming Primary School.

• Carol W. Porter, special education teacher, high school.

• Carey A. Taddeo, fifth grade teacher, Curtin Intermediate School.

• Dennis E. Waddell, CTE business education teacher, high school.

• Cindy A. Colvin, health room technician, Hepburn-Lycoming Primary School.

• Carol A. Gamble, part-time food service worker, Curtin Intermediate School.

• Jody A. Butters, part-time food service worker, Stevens School.

• Alicia C. Coates, part-time food service worker, Curtin Intermediate School.

• Patrick J. Ross, director of educational data analysis.

• Catiese S. Williams, administrative support, business office.

• Susan S. Sheffer, part-time CTE aide, high school.

• Danielle E. Johnson, instrumental music, Lycoming Valley Intermediate School