MOUNT CARMEL - Approximately 40 parents, students, coaches and concerned citizens attended Thursday night's meeting of the Mount Carmel Area School Board seeking answers about the future of the district's swimming pool and programs.
Although board members were unable to provide many answers because of the unavailability of cost estimates to repair the pool, supporters made it clear that they will do everything possible to assure the pool reopens and remains a vital resource to the school district and community.
The high school pool has been closed for approximately a month due to sand getting into its system and causing damage to filter tanks. School district officials also were forced to close the pool in the middle of December when a squirrel caused damage to an electrical line that knocked out three phases of electricity on the school campus.
Community support
Keith Tamborelli, of Kulpmont, who has a son and daughter involved in the youth swim programs in the district, asked board members if the pool will reopen or remain closed, and if taxes will be increased if expensive repairs are made.
Tamborelli said he compiled information from other school districts in the state to see how they operate their pools. He said funding resources, maintenance costs, liability issues and other factors play an important role in determining if districts can afford to operate pools.
He stressed the importance of having a pool in the district and recommended that the district not only keep the pool open for the swim programs, but also consider opening it up to the public in an attempt to make a profit.
Tamborelli and several others who spoke expressed their frustration over not being given any answers by district officials as to the future of the pool.
The citizen said he understands running a pool is a 24-hour job and can be very expensive, but believes the benefits outweigh the expenses.
"This is the only resource people can use in this end of the county," Tamborelli said.
Waiting on estimates
Board president Donna James, who thanked Tamborelli for his research that he later shared with the board, said it's not her wish to close the pool, but told the crowd that directors are still exploring the maintenance options to determine how much it will cost to make repairs or install replacement parts.
"We don't know how much damage has been done yet," she said. "We are still awaiting estimates. Costs could be minimal or extensive. We must do what's in the best interest of the school district and community."
Tracy Rhodes, of Mount Carmel, who is treasurer of the MCA youth summer and winter swim programs, stated, "We are more than willing to help offset the costs of maintaining the pool. We will hold whatever fund-raisers are necessary, including tag days, bake sales and 5K runs."
Rhodes said 80 to 100 children participate in each of the winter and summer swim programs. She noted the summer season begins at the end of May, which doesn't leave much time for repairs to be made.
Rhodes then presented the board with letters written by kids who participate in the swim program, urging directors to keep the pool open. Rhodes said she also has a petition signed by 274 people supporting the pool.
Board member Thomas Ditchey was non-committal about reopening the pool, which he said is very expensive to operate. Ditchey said the board is dealing with many other important issues such as teacher contracts, escalating health care costs and special education program staffing. He said the board needs to prioritize when it comes to spending money.
John Backes, who has coached swimming in the district for 25 years, said mistakes were made with maintaining the pool in the past and talked about the many benefits generated from having a pool.
"By putting this off, it will cost you more in the future," he said.
'Nothing left'
School district maintenance director Dave Fegley said he called two companies to get cost estimates to repair the damage at the pool, but has not yet received any numbers. Fegley said it would be cheaper for the district to fix the damage rather than replace the filter tanks.
David Fantini said the pool is important for the kids in the district.
James said, "Our job is to educate. We have to make difficult decisions and take everything into perspective."
Mandy Fantini, of Locust Gap, also volunteered to raise funds to keep the pool open and noted there are very limited sports opportunities for young girls in the district. "If they close the pool, there will be nothing left for the girls. Everything is being cut," she said.
Colleen Kane, of Locust Gap, and Jodi Evans also voiced their support for the pool.
Evans warned the board, "We had a bigger crowd tonight and next month we will probably have more people. We aren't going anywhere."
After the lengthy discussion, directors Michael Brinkash, Joseph D'Andrea and Robert Muldwoney agreed to serve on a committee to further study the pool issue and receive input from citizens.
OM
Mount Carmel Area Education Foundation, which fosters arts, academics and athletics in the district, presented a $1,000 check to help defray the costs involved with two Mount Carmel Area Odyssey of the Mind teams traveling to Michigan to compete in the World Finals Competition in May. Accepting the check were Odyssey of the Mind coaches Corey Lombardo, Andrew Yaracz and Jesse Wagner.
The teams placed second at the recent Pennsylvania Odyssey of the Mind Tournament at Pocono East School District to earn a trip to the world finals.
Superintendent Bernie Stellar, who congratulated all the district's Odyssey of the Mind teams and other student accomplishments, said he's hopeful a tentative budget will be presented to the board next month.
Other business
The board hired Marc Persing as an assistant football coach at a salary of $1,900. Charles Mannello cast the lone dissenting vote.
Directors renewed a food service management contract with Nutrition Inc. that projects a financial return of $58,419.13 for the 2013-2014 school year.
Sheila Wildoner was hired as a part-time personal care aide for six hours per day at a rate of $7.25 per hour without benefits.
The board reclassified Bettie Carpenter and Tara Purcell as district office administrative assistants at salaries of $18,870 and $22,884.50, respectively. The reclassifications will fill positions vacated by the retirement of Frances Frederick and resignation of Nancy Joraskie, respectively.
The board also reclassified Marsaleen Miriello as a secretary in the high school principal's office at a salary of $17,721.60 to fill Purcell's former position.
The three reclassifications take effect April 22.
A moment of silence was held at the beginning of the meeting for Mario Stello, a maintenance department employee with the district who passed away Saturday.