School, CARP projects on course
Bids may be awarded next week

Contracts for three major improvement projects that will cost upwards of $7 million could be awarded as soon as Tuesday night by the Coudersport Area School Board.

School Superintendent George Nuffer reported at Monday's board meeting that there has been widespread interest among contractors. Board members are meeting Friday afternoon to open bids.

Projects include:

• replacing the track and bleachers, improving drainage, and making other changes at Coudersport Area Recreation Park (CARP).

• adding eight classrooms, air conditioning and security at the elementary school;

• renovating and expanding the high school cafeteria and kitchen;

Only the elementary school work, estimated to cost $4.6 million, will qualify for state reimbursement.

Funding will come from a $9.2 million bond issue. Bink Architectural Partnership of Camp Hill prepared the project plans. Work could be completed in time for the opening of school next August.

A new fieldhouse is planned at CARP, containing locker rooms, public rest rooms and a storage area. Plans also call for a new press box, lighting and sound system.

Another major component of the CARP project is a new drainage system with underground piping leading to the Allegheny River on the western border.

Construction costs alone are estimated at $5.9 million. Another $1.2 million is budgeted for architectural and engineering services, regulatory reviews and other administrative costs.

In another matters Monday, board members heard an update from Elementary Principal Sherry Cowburn on steps being taken to raise student scores on standardized tests.

"We're trying to create a sense of urgency and to realize that we need to make some changes in what we're doing," Cowburn said.

She added that elementary teachers are being trained and engaged in the process. Cowburn is also contacting other school districts to learn about best practices.

Board member Bob Benson repeated his call for continued improvements. Citing scores from Northern Potter Area School District, Benson said those students' superior performance is probably "more than natural selection."

"Remediation is a lot more than, 'go sit behind that computer'," Benson added. "Testing is important, but what's more important is what we do with that data."

In other business, the board:

• heard from Assistant High School Principal Sean Reams that statistical results from the district's random drug testing policy for activity students will not be released until the end of the current school year.

• hired Dan Cowburn as assistant wrestling coach and appointed Aaron Wright as a volunteer assistant coach.

• learned that the district had received a $103,000 state grant from the "Classrooms of the Future" program to purchase laptop computers and other technological equipment. Nuffer pointed out that Coudersport had applied for more than $200,000.

• granted a garbage hauling contract to LaForge Disposal, the lone bidder.

• agreed to contract with Shane Wilson Enterprises for snow removal services on school property.

• hired Jerry Pekarski to fill a vacancy on the custodial staff, at an hourly rate of $10.31.

Board members present included Tim Watson, Carol Bernard, Joe Lagrua, Al Barry, David Long, Bob Benson and Mike Heroux. Member Linda Klingaman was absent. A ninth seat has been vacant since Ken Cole Jr. moved from the district.

Scott Bruzzi and Micki Brown were elected to fill the seats of Cole and Bernard, who is leaving the board at the end of the year. Marcia Lagrua Jones and Drew Robinson will also be joining the board, succeeding Heroux and Klingaman, whose terms also expire.