Array of topics discussed during school board meeting
ST. MARYS - Visitors to St. Marys Area High School’s Dutch Country Stadium will eventually utilize a new entrance to the facility.
SMAHS Principal Joe Schlimm provided information about the relocating the entrance during Monday evening’s St. Marys Area School District Board of School Directors meeting.
According to Schlimm the entrance would be moved about 100 yards from its current location to a more central spot, situated just behind the home bleachers.
“By moving the entrance to behind the home bleachers, it could alleviate congestion around the concession stand to make it as safe as possible,” Schlimm said.
Schlimm recently met with John Lovett, school resource officer, regarding moving the entrance. One of the reasons for the change is for safety reasons as the current location is located near the locker rooms, restrooms and ambulance parking area. Schlimm said this has always been a concern as the location makes it a vulnerable spot for a potential angry parent or fan to get in the face of a student athlete, coach or official.
In addition the area near the concession stand is frequently utilized by various school groups for fundraisers during athletic events.
SMASD Superintendent Harley Ramsey stated plans for possible fundraising for turf to be installed at Berwind Park have been put on hold. Ramsey said he was recently contacted by the City of Saint Marys who expressed concerns regarding potentially inheriting the project and the longevity of the project.
Ramsey said they will also look at a potential transfer of ownership of the facility as it is currently owned by the city and is leased by the school district. The school district’s solicitor will look further into this option.
The district will soon take ownership of a new vehicle for use by
school police officers. The board approved the purchase of a 2017 SUV Ford Police Interceptor from the City of Saint Marys Police Department for a cost of $2,500. The SMPD will be replacing this vehicle with a new one, but there is no estimated delivery date on the department's new patrol car. The Kelly Blue Book price of the vehicle ranges from $19,000-$22,000, according to paperwork submitted by SMPD to the district. Mileage on the vehicle is 77,239 miles as of the end of April.
A full district wide facilities assessment will be conducted on all buildings. The assessment is of no cost to the district.
Matthew Wehler, student government board representative, reported that field trips are ramping up and the spring music concert will be taking place on May 19 at 6:30 p.m. HOSA club students are currently fundraising for their trip to the nationals competition while DECA club students will be attending a Pittsburgh Pirates game this week along with touring the stadium and other events.
In addition the high school's two Envirothon teams took first and second place in the contest. The first place team will advance to the state competition. The SMAHS student government started a recycling committee.
Wehler added that student government will be purchasing a new vending machine as a result of the recent participatory budget project in which students could vote on various school improvement projects which were proposed by students.