By Lori Altmeyer
Directors at Montour spent considerable time during the Nov. 17 school board meeting discussing plans for the renovation of the Thomas J. Birko Memorial Stadium on the district’s hilltop campus in Robinson.
This project is expected to cost between $2 and $2.6 million and take 20 weeks to complete. The proposed start of the project would be in March 2023 and is subject to the district making a bid approval in February.
In addition to the replacement of the concession stand with restrooms and storage space, this project will include improvements to the main entrance, new entrance points into the stadium, ticket booths, and an upper deck area. This upper deck space will allow entrance into the stadium, and additional viewing and activities space during athletic events.
Members of the district’s booster programs conveyed layout needs for the concession stand and in determining the sizes of the storage areas.
Tested soil samples indicated deep mines were underground requiring the land to be excavated and restored before developing this area. Director Mitch Galiyas indicated that a mine shaft was filled in years ago.
During a 15-minute Q & A session, Director Darrell Young suggested the concession stand should be heated to offer year-round usage of the facility and an amphitheater project to be built in conjunction with this project due to its close proximity.
Plans do not include a heated concession stand at this time due to the added costs; however, rough-ins will be built-in to add electric heating at a later date.
Other updates include:
• Proper ventilation and exhaust fans in the concession area
• One handicap-accessible stall in each restroom with a separate area for family use
• Amphitheater project to be built in conjunction due to close proximity
• Internet and data capabilities
Yonkers recommended the board authorize school administration to advertise and receive bids for the Birko Memorial Stadium Improvements, upon completion of the bid documents prepared by HHSDR Architects & Engineers.
Following the receipt of bids, school directors will decide on whether or not to proceed with the work at the Feb. 16 board meeting.
In other Montour news:
• Robert Isherwood, director of pupil services, recommended that the board accept a Transition Discovery Grant and allow the transition coordinator, Kris Eichner, to administer the Transition Discovery Survey to secondary students with disabilities whose parents do not object.
Kennedy resident Kathy Schmidt asked what type of questions were included in this survey.
Isherwood stated that the survey contains 53 questions regarding three areas: occupational interests for their future, living needs (independent, supported or assisted) and lifestyle activities of the individual.
• Director Young asked Anna Borsos, director of finance, to explore other vendor options for student lunch account fees. He said a payment of $5 each time a parent loads money into their child’s lunch account seemed to be high. An audience member agreed and stated, “especially with multiple kids.”
• Dominic Salpeck, director of instruction and academic achievement, recommended that the board approve payments for students taking College in High School courses to be paid to the University of Pittsburgh, Point Park University and Robert Morris University. And, to Penn State University for students taking the SAT preparation courses.
• Directors approved the purchase of a 2022 Ford F-250 S-Duty truck with a plow and spreader from Shults Ford-Lincoln at a total cost of $53,221.19, after the trade amount.
The district will be trading in two Ford trucks model years 2005 and 2008.
The trucks no longer pass inspection.