Latest news with #WestmontHilltopSchoolBoard
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Westmont Hilltop approves EADS services for improvements, hires director of development
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Westmont Hilltop School Board took the first step toward facilities upgrades at Thursday's meeting with the hiring of The EADS Group to provide professional architectural and engineering services for multiple projects. The work will be funded by the $1 million matching Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant in November. 'The extensive improvement project will focus on vital infrastructure enhancements at the district's facilities,' Superintendent Thomas Mitchell said. 'The junior-senior high school will benefit from a roof and exterior door replacement, as well as the addition of an exterior bathroom.' He noted the exterior restroom will be a benefit to fans and athletes at baseball, tennis, softball and soccer events at the secondary school. Other planned work with the RACP money includes new flooring in the elementary cafeteria and restroom replacement at the primary school. Westmont agreed to pay EADS $48,900 for preparation of the roof work and $79,200 for design of the outside bathroom and elementary improvements. During Thursday's meeting, the board also hired Jane Solomon as the new director of development for a three-year contract at $72,500 per year. 'With the memories of attending Westmont Hilltop High School, Ms. Solomon returns to the Westmont Hilltop community to take on this pivotal role,' Mitchell said. 'With over 20 years of experience in marketing, brand strategy and business relationship management, Ms. Solomon brings extensive expertise to the district.' Her responsibilities will include strengthening alumni and corporate partnerships for the betterment of the district and provide development support for the Westmont Hilltop Education Foundation, as well as serving a key role in fundraising for the future recreation center. Board President Robert Gleason has been a proponent of hiring a development director for some time and noted the district's struggles in finding a person who was the right fit for the job. He said Solomon was recommended to him after she moved back to the area, and, following a preliminary chat, he was impressed by her qualifications. Gleason said the new development director was vetted by the board, who were also impressed by her resume, and he's pleased by her hiring. 'I think it's an exciting concept,' he said. Now, the group will begin establishing goals and objectives for Solomon and build up the foundation. 'The Westmont Hilltop School District remains committed to improving its facilities and expanding opportunities for students through strategic community engagement and development efforts,' Mitchell said. 'The district looks forward to the continued progress of the RACP project and the positive impact of Ms. Solomon's leadership in fostering community engagement for the benefit of students and alumni.'
