21-03-2025
Westmont school board approves infrastructure expenses
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – The Westmont Hilltop School Board approved motions for a series of infrastructure expenses at Thursday's meeting, which also included a contract with CJL Engineering for a comprehensive facility study of the high school.
'We're going to be taking a look at the secondary school (and) prioritize some of the projects and the things that need to be done,' Superintendent Thomas Mitchell said. 'Under the circumstance of limited resources, we want to make sure we're prioritizing the right way so that we're good stewards of the building.'
He said that the district is roughly nine years removed from the most recent renovations to either building, and this study will help assess areas not previously addressed.
According to the $11,500 contract, CJL will perform 'thorough inspections of structural, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems to evaluate their condition, functionality and compliance with current standards.'
Any deficiencies will be documented, and repairs will be classified by urgency.
Mitchell said the board had already approved a roof renovation, an exterior restroom project and exterior door replacement for the high school that will take place throughout the summer and into the fall.
The elementary is also scheduled to have a cafeteria floor and bathroom project completed.
Funding for that work will be partially covered by a $1 million matching Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant awarded to Westmont in November.
In addition to the contract, the board passed motions for the elementary to spend $12,000 on sewer compliance repairs; award a $52,670 contract to John Hall Inc. for domestic hot water replacement work; and purchase $9,000 in classroom furniture.
For the high school, the school directors approved $30,000 in classroom furniture; a $3,000 parking lot repair for the dumpster pad; and $13,510 for a tennis court walkway and bleacher pads.
The group also approved a new one-year lease starting in July for the upper and lower soccer fields to the Greater Johnstown American Youth Soccer Organization.
This is the second year of the agreement, which Mitchell described as 'a great partnership.'
Related to sports, the school directors hired Joshua Rearick as the new assistant athletic director.
In the position, Rearick will support the Westmont athletic department by organizing elementary athletic programs.
Robert Gleason, board president, inquired about how the offerings for younger learners feed into the district-operated sports.
Mitchell said part of Rearick's responsibilities will be to formalize and strengthen that effort in collaboration with the Westmont Hilltop Recreation Commission.
