The Bradford Area School Board heard a presentation from Eric Petrazio of McClure Company on two proposed contracts for renovations of the Bradford Area High School and School Street and George G. Blaisdell elementaries.

The first contract, which would primarily focus on Bradford High and the replacement of HVAC equipment and systems that have been in place since the school’s construction in 1965, as well as complete renovations of the locker rooms, would have a price tag of $10.8 million. Petrazio explained the proposal is to cover that contract with Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief or ESSERS funds.

Meanwhile, the second contract, which proposes significant renovations to School Street and an upgrade of the electrical system at George G. Blaisdell, would total $9.3 million. Other funding would need to be secured for this contract.

Petrazio said the renovations covered in the first contract would provide an energy savings, conservatively, of $166,000, while the second slate of renovations would provide a greater energy savings of $2.2 million.

One element of the proposed renovations include individual heating and cooling units in each classroom, allowing for more individualized control of the temperatures in certain areas.

Currently, the district has seen the preliminary phases of this process completed. If plans are to start work in the summer of 2022, the next step is to sign a contract setting the target budget and determining what work will be completed.

The district will have to determine what they are comfortable committing to in terms of project scope and spending, Petrazio explained. He noted his company has completed between $100 and $120 million in projects similar to these for other school districts in Pennsylvania, and generally those districts experienced a 20% greater energy savings than what is shown in preliminary estimates. The work will be done during the summer months when school is not in session.

School Board President Shane Oschman asked why Floyd C. Fretz Middle School was not included in the proposed renovations. Petrazio explained that currently, systems at Fretz are still operating reliably, while concerns are highest regarding the equipment and systems in place at BAHS and School Street.

The plans also have to be posted publicly for 10 days prior to receiving board approval.

The board did not indicate any plan for action during Monday’s meeting.

A resolution was approved for Neal Weisenbaler to be terminated, effective immediately, pursuant to Section 514 of the Public School code, which states:

“The board of school directors in any school district, except as herein otherwise provided, shall after due notice, giving the reasons therefor, and after hearing if demanded, have the right at any time to remove any of its officers, employes, or appointees for incompetency, intemperance, neglect of duty, violation of any of the school laws of this Commonwealth, or other improper conduct.”

The board also unanimously approved the resignations of Francis Doutt, a mechanic for the district, effective Jan. 1, with thanks for his 14.5 years of service, and Technology Director John Petruzzi, effective June 30, with thanks for his 23 years of service to the staff and students of the district.

Three substitute bus and van drivers were hired: John Tancar, effective Nov. 16, Gregory Babcock, effective Nov. 17, and Wendy Ann Gallagher, effective Nov. 23.

A memorandum of understanding between the district and the Special Olympics Pennsylvania was approved, which will allow the district to provide transportation to students for Interscholastic Unified Indoor Bocce, while equipment and other needs will be provided by Special Olympics.

“Bocce is back,” Superintendent Katy Pude said during her report. “The students have been practicing and are excited.”

She noted that the matches begin in January.

Pude also congratulated the four winners of this year’s Christmas Card decorating contest. One winner, Aubrey Nelson, was in attendance at Monday’s meeting and received her gift card for being one of the winners chosen.

The board’s reorganizational meeting was also held Monday, with board members Hiel Bartlett, Frances Forbes, Helen Schuster and Shane Oschman sworn in following the November election.

Oschman will remain president of the board as well, with Paul Ridley continuing to serve as vice president.