At a special meeting recently, the Weatherly Area School Board approved applying for a $525,000 Commonwealth Financing Authority targeted grant.

Money from the CFA grants is designated to be used for buildings and grounds.

The money would be used for a new roof on the middle school. The grant requires a 25% match, about $131,000, which is in the district’s construction fund.

The special meeting also included appointing Brian Pipech, Ed. D., as temporary secretary.

Coaching questions

Former school board director Chrissie Houser spoke during public comments, raising the question of why all coaching positions are posted as open on social media. Director Tyree Harris said he checked with WASD attorney Christopher Slusser before posting it.

“I’d like to see what else is out there,” Harris said.

Director Ryan Binder said “it is hard to find coaches,” and added, “Technically, we have to post them.”

But he also noted some concerns from existing coaches who plan to continue.

Binder wrapped up the discussion by noting there should be a “focus on soccer, where there is an open position.”

There was some discussion on leaving the junior high cross country coach slot open. No action was taken. There is an applicant to be interviewed for the girls soccer head coach position.

Additional positions include:

• Nicole Hinkle, volleyball, volunteer;

• Valerie and Emma Kane, and Autumn Gilbert, GBB volunteers;

• Courtney Chiorazza and Breena Coxe, high school cheerleading co-advisers, $1,587.50 each

Retirement

In other business, Lori DeMoor is planning to retire. Her last day of employment is Aug. 2.

Vice Principal Christopher Kimmel said, “It has been nice to work with Mrs. DeMoor. She is the glue that holds things together … Hats off to you.”

DeMoor has been with the district for 24 years. Other board members also offered their congratulations.

Other business

The school board also discussed the following:

• The Weatherly Youth Basketball program received permission to use the high school and middle school gymnasium from June 11 to Aug. 8.

• Insurance broker EHD is waiting for prices from the five companies who insure parts of the current bundle. The total proposal will be ready for the meeting on June 26 when the 2024-2025 budget will be voted on.

• Interim business manager Alan Lonoconus, who was present at the June 5 meeting, will be authorized to pay all bills presented for July. The school board usually takes a month off in July.

Lonoconus has been working about three days a week, and said he will put in more time ahead of the budget approval.

The school board is looking at a budget with no tax increase.

• Principal Anthony DeSpirito announced that the last day of school was June 5, with graduation on the 7th. He noted a busy summer is planned for staff, updating policies.

• Congratulations was offered to all staff and volunteers who helped with the prekindergarten graduation.

• Ken Mehlig, supervisor of buildings and grounds, gave good news. The garage roof, that blew off during a thunderstorm, is fully covered by insurance. He had more good news in that the Penn State weather station had arrived, ready to install. Work will begin on taking the fence down around the old tennis courts. Work needs to be done on the high school chiller unit. Some Freon is gone. It might be repairable in-house.

• The school board will hold a voting meeting on June 26, primarily for budget and tax purposes along with general business.