Mapletown board discusses proposed changes
MAPLETOWN – Proposed changes to the Mapletown Junior-Senior High School to improve access to the facility are in the works, members of the school board discussed Thursday. Upon questions about the access to the school with a new academic year beginning Monday, Superintendent Dr. Philip Savini Jr. said bids have been advertised and will be opened soon. The scope of work includes an elevator and new doors at the gymnasium entrance, among other changes.
Savini said much of the work needs to be done at the same time because portions of the building do not have enough electrical capacity at the moment to handle additional wiring.
“Work will happen when we get power to the building and get the elevator built,” he said. “We’re meeting with the architect to go over the bids and we can’t take any action until the contracts are awarded.”
The board has discussed whether to completely or partially renovate the school, but members have only agreed to date to improve access to the building under Americans with Disabilities Act regulations.
In another matter, the board accepted the resignation of Richard Hauger, secondary principal, effective Aug. 12. Hauger was hired last month by the Laurel Highlands School District to serve as principal of Hutchinson Elementary School.
Hauger’s position has been advertised and resumes are being accepted until Sept. 1, Savini said. Until a replacement is hired, Savini will serve as the school principal.
The board also introduced Scott Sinn, elementary principal, who was hired during a special meeting earlier this month. Sinn had been working in the district as a secondary English teacher prior to his move into administration.
Among other business, the board hired Deborah Dugan as secondary English teacher to replace Sinn, and accepted the resignation of Courtney Ferguson, secondary English teacher, effective Aug. 12.
Savini said a special meeting will likely be called early next month to fill the vacant administrative position and the secondary English position.
Directors hired Bobby Kennedy as head volleyball coach at a salary of $2,082, Francie Marra as assistant volleyball coach at a $1,491 salary, and accepted the resignation of Bart Donley as assistant football coach.
The board also amended the job description of Patrick Sweeney to include the duties of maintenance supervision.