The Scranton School Board went beyond discussing the cramped gymnasium at West Scranton High School on Monday night and took one of the first steps in finding a permanent solution.
The board voted 8-0 to authorize its construction manager and engineer to submit study proposals. The study will look at whether it is best to build a new gymnasium next to the high school or expand the gym at the adjacent West Scranton Intermediate School for use by the high school. A cost is not yet known.
Monday's meeting featured the board's new consent agenda format, in which monthly items, such as bills, and many of the motions discussed at the work session are voted on at one time. The meeting, held at the intermediate school, was over in 30 minutes - the shortest regular meeting in several years. Director Nathan Barrett was absent.
In other business:
- A rental policy for outside groups seeking to rent district auditoriums was approved. A rent of $800 will be charged, as well as a $50 equipment fee per day of use. One adult per 15 children also must be present, and the group must hire a police officer if more than 75 people will be present.
- The purchase of several pieces of equipment was approved, pending that Jeff Brazil, director of facilities and grounds, first checks to see whether the machinery is available through government surplus. The items, awarded through state contract, are a John Deere tractor and accessories for $32,195.05, a John Deere Gator for $19,190.96 and a refuse truck for $170,315.
- Robert Barrese was hired as a social studies teacher, and Rebecca Georgia Emiliani was hired as a biology teacher.
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