ECASD Board of Directors Vote to Retain Architectural Firm in Consideration of North Side and Hartman Construction Projects

Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted Thursday night to retain HHSDR to design projects relating to the North Side and Hartman Facility Studies (View a copy of the study here), create bid documents, and seek bids for the projects including alternative bids with options for the project’s scope.

The projects, according to the study, come with a probable cost of approximately $9.9 million. Board members Norman Boots and Kevin Boariu voted “No” citing concerns of cost as well as current construction projects already underway.

Boariu said the board needs to have extensive discussion before moving forward with any additional construction.

“We are not in a position to take on this project,” he said, adding that he would be in support of voting on singular projects that cannot be neglected like roof replacement.

Boots originally motioned to table the vote with support from board members Kathy Tillia, Kathy Galbreath, and Boariu.

“I think we need to go back and look at what we absolutely have to do,” Boots said.

Galbreath added that she’d like more details about what renovations are necessary for safety.

“A list of health and safety top priorities,” she said.

The majority voted “Yes” to continue a vote on the motion, which ultimately passed.

District Superintendent Amy Anderson said this vote was not an approval for construction to begin or spending to occur, just a move that allows HHSDR to obtain and create the bid documents for consideration.

Anderson told the board that the study was reviewed three times within the district—by the maintenance team, the IT director, and administration to determine what line items could be reconsidered based on:

• Work that can be done internally (smaller items such as replacing faucets, etc.)
• Work that that can have an alternate bid. An alternate bid represents a proposal that provides an alternative solution to the base bid specified in project plans. Contractors submit alternate bids to offer different materials, methods, or designs.
• Work that is subject to value engineering, which is an approach used to find the best balance between cost and function in an attempt to achieve the highest value by optimizing design, materials, and construction methods to enhance project outcomes.

Anderson said those line items that meet any of the guidelines above have red dots next to them in the study.

She added that the timeline for Hartman was set up based on a need to address the HVAC system, which is already compromised.

The board also voted to approve Anderson to secure financing for the North Side and Hartman projects. She said this is not securing a loan, but rather continuation of conversation with the district’s financial institution.

Other motions passed:

• Motion to approve Minutes from August 11, 2025 Committee Meeting and the August 14, 2025 Regular Meeting.
• Motion to retroactively approve Change Order PC-15 for additional storm piping work near coal bunker for an additional cost of $16,550.33.
• Motion to accept the following resignations:
  • Victor Short, Hartman cafeteria worker, effective August 21, 2025
  • Chloe Fox, Instructional Aide, effective August 25, 2025
• Motion to approve additional substitutes for 2025-26 school year.
• Motion to hire Kim Magnifico and Lindsay Keller as Instructional Aides for the 2025-2026 school year in accordance with the current SEIU 32 BJ Bargaining Agreement.
• Motion to approve Family Medical Leaves in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act and Policy 335.
• Motion to approve the following as additional van/ bus drivers for ABC Transit for the 2025-26 school year:
  • Kiara Bollinger – Van driver
  • Tyler Karenbauer – Van driver
  • Robert Cuccaro – Bus driver
  • Charles Peffer – Bus driver
  • Kelly McIntyre – Bus driver
  • Tiffany Wells – Sub van driver
  • Winlin Clawson – Van driver
  • Cheryl Prebles – Bus driver
  • Nancy Davis – Van driver
  • Alfred Langer – Van driver
• Motion to approve a contract with Supplemental Psychology Services for School Psychology services retroactively from September 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025, not to exceed $45,000.00.
• Motion to hire Brigette Vissari as School Psychologist in accordance with the current Act 93 Agreement at a salary of $78,000.
• Motion to approve Jason Eichler and William Gilkey to use a district vehicle to transport the band trailer to and from Blue Band events for the 2025-26 school year.
• Motion to approve the following Facility requests:
  • EC Football Boosters is requesting the use of the LHS Cafeteria to provide football team dinners every Thursday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. from September 4 through October 30, 2025.
  • EC Wrestling team is requesting to use the LHS Cafeteria, Big gym, small gym for a wrestling tournament on Saturday December 20, 2025 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Wolverine PTO is requesting the use of the Hartman Gym for a Family Game Night on Friday, October 17, 2025 with an alternate date of Friday, October 24, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the principal’s discretion. PTO will need to work closely with the principal due to other events already approved.
• Motion to approve a contract with Brian Speer, Chief of Ellwood City Area School District Police, to purchase safety and security items for the district.
• Motion to Purchase Steamer through TriMark at a cost of $15,553.00.
• Motion to approve the following field trips/social events:
  • LHS History Club is requesting to take approximately 40 students and a nurse to visit historic Fort Ligonier on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. The bus would depart at 8:00 a.m. and return at approximately 3:00 p.m.
  • Art Club 10-12 is requesting to take 12 students to Penn West Edinboro for Art Day on Friday, October 17, 2025. The school vans would leave at 7:15 a.m. and return at approximately 2:30 p.m.
• Motion to approve the following policy that has been on display since last months meeting:
  • Policy #202 Eligibility of Nonresident Students.
• Motion to approve the following new/revised policies for first reading:
  • Policy #123 Interscholastic Athletics
  • Policy #209.2 Diabetes Management
  • Policy #122 Extracurricular Activities
  • Policy #105 Curriculum
  • Policy #102 Academic Standards
• Motion to Recognize Booster Groups as affiliate organizations of the Ellwood City Area School District for the 2025-26 School year:
  • LHS Musical Boosters
  • EC Girls Volleyball Boosters
  • Wolverine Hoop Boosters
  • EC Girls Basketball Boosters
• Motion to approve a Resolution recognizing approved booster/clubs of the district in order for the group to obtain a small game of chance license.
• Motion to approve the establishment of the following clubs and changes to Activity Sponsors for the 2025-26 school year:
  • Establish the United Youth Club to promote kindness, inclusion and acceptance of all individuals for students in grades 7-12 with Sierra Denholm as club sponsor at 0 units
  • Establish the Lincoln Closet Club to provide clothing and accessories to students in need with Patty Cortez as club sponsor at 0 units.
  • Change Club Hope sponsor to Vicki Schlichtkrull.
• Motion to approve Lilah Sturgeon to attend the Future Farmers of America program at Wilmington Area High School for the 2025-26 school year. Transportation will be provided by the family.