Sep 20, 2008 4 min read

May said that he had received approval last year to begin seeking bids for the project, but had held off due to renovation discussions that had taken place. May said he did not think it made sense to make changes if there was going to then be a major renovation.

He told the board that the rigging is safe, but is in need of replacement. He said that the estimated cost of the project would be between $60,000 and $130,000.

“I strongly urge the board to set up a committee meeting to discuss this,” May said.

“I feel pretty strongly that this is something that we need to do.”

Director Jerry Simkovic expressed concern over the potential for disruption if the project were to take place during school hours. He asked that the project be addressed in committee so board members could discuss that issue, as well as safety concerns.

It was agreed that these matters, as well as the project in the context of any long-term renovations, would best be discussed in committee.

In other business, the board increased the hourly rate for substitute secretaries and custodial workers from $7.15 per hour to $8.25 per hour. They also increased the rate paid to the varsity football clock operator from $71 to $81 per game. This is keeping in line with the rates paid to WPIAL officials.

Board members were informed that the district had in storage the past six years worth of football uniforms, and old band uniforms. The district had attempted a public auction in the past to dispose of theitems, and it was reported that it was not successful. Superintendent Craig Baily suggested that the board consider a public auction on eBay instead.

The board was addressed by Bob and Patty Doman who asked that their son, Rocky’s, football jersey that was retired at the home opening football game this year be placed with the other district trophies and awards on the wall outside the high school gymnasium.

The board voted to retire Rocky’s jersey in March and subsequently placed the framed jersey inside the athletic field house.

Rocky was a star football player during his playing career at Carmichaels Area, rushing for more than 4,000 yards and setting several school records.

He was killed on Dec. 3, 2007 in a gas-well accident.

Bob Doman told the board that he didn’t think it was fair for the jersey to not be placed among those of the school’s other accomplished athletes.

“Now, my mother, my wife’s mother, the alumni — no one will be able to see it,” Doman said.

Patty Doman expressed her gratitude to the board for retiring the jersey and what she called an “absolutely beautiful” framing job.

“I would think the board would want the public to see what they did. It is absolutely beautiful,” she said. “Please just place him among the other students. I hope you can find it in your hearts.”

Parent David Rager asked the board to look into a situation that he said exists in the varsity football program.

Rager told the board about several instances where he felt that players were being treated unfairly and rules were being broken that had the potential to result in legal issues for the district.

Rager said that he had issue with a board member serving as an assistant coach.

“I just think it is too difficult to be part of the board who hires the coaches and they answer to and then to have to answer to the coaches when you are serving in the capacity of coach,” Rager said.

The board was presented with a letter, requesting that they look into the matter and place the issue on the agenda at the next meeting.