THROOP - Though the bulk of the work is complete, the Mid Valley School Board hired an additional consultant for the elementary school renovation project.
In a unanimous vote at a meeting Wednesday, Tim Keene was hired as an independent consultant for the elementary project at $65 an hour, "plus reasonable reimbursements." Mr. Keene was an employee of Palumbo Construction Management throughout the project. He no longer works for the firm.
"We want to have an independent consultant who is familiar with the project to review all future payments and issues that arise," board member Paul Macknosky explained, noting that the board was confident in Mr. Keene's "candor and consistent accuracy."
Also at the meeting, the board tabled a motion to approve $163,174.80 in payments to four main contractors - Mar-Paul Construction Inc., A.J. Demor & Sons Inc., Coyne Electric Inc., and O&M Multi Trade - until documentation is completed.
"They haven't been filled out by the architect that it's completed," board member Richard Chowanec said, adding that there didn't seem to be any other outstanding issues with the payment applications.
In other business, the board reinstated Jonna Shuta, a para educator and Christine Kocsis a part-time para-educator. Both support staff members were added based on student need, Mr. Macknosky explained.
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