ARMAGH--At the tail end of a $1.4 million improvement project at both the high school and elementary buildings, United School District is tacking on a few more minor upgrades at the high school, to comply with state Labor and Industry Department standards. Meanwhile, school officials are considering use of an outside contractor as an alternative option for future upkeep of the buildings. In response to an inspection by Labor and Industry officials, Superintendent Rick Huffman said United will make additional improvements to the lower level of the high school Four older doors will be replaced with modern fire-resistant versions, equipped with panic bars for easy egress in the event of a fire. The district has budgeted $2,600 for the new doors. Also, fire-resistant ceiling material will be installed in the school's basement, at a cost yet to be determined. Additional dumpsters will be ordered, at a cost of $1,140, to prevent accumulation of trash inside the building. Gym and cafeteria upgrades were included in the recent improvement project at both school buildings. In a late addition to the agenda at its regular meeting Tuesday, the school board authorized United administrators to issue a request for proposals for taking on custodial and maintenance services at the district. School officials stressed that contractor proposals are being sought as an informational item for the board. Huffman indicated it's part of the board's examination of economic factors at the district, as it prepares the 2005-06 school year budget and weighs whether to participate in the state's new Act 72 program. Under the legislation, the district would receive some of the proceeds from new gambling parlors in the state, if United provides real estate tax relief for eligible resident property owners. The burden would be shifted to working residents, through a minimum .1 percent increase in the earned income tax. United currently employs its own maintenance and custodial staff. Compensation for the district's 14 custodial employees is covered under a contract with the support staff union, which is set to expire in July. That union also includes about 20 cafeteria workers who are employed by district food service contractor Metz Associates. As the district weighs its options, "We'll be working with our staff and keeping them informed," Huffman said. Robert Dill voiced the sole opposition in the 7-1 vote to solicit custodial and maintenance proposals. He said he wants to maintain the status quo of handling those tasks in-house. Nathan Rock was absent. United agreed to hire Paul C. Rizzo Associates of Boswell to conduct the first boundary and topographical survey of all district property since construction of the high school in the 1950s. The firm cited a total cost of $20,560 for its services. Huffman noted, as the district plans to harvest some of the timber on its grounds, "We want to make sure we stay on our property." He said topographical information will help in assessing drainage issues and planning future use of the school grounds. United agreed to participate in the ALPHA program offered by Indiana's Community Guidance Center and authorized payment of a $4,265.04 stipend for the service in the current 2004-05 school year. Huffman explained the program provides mental health counseling for troubled students and then helps to integrate them back into the school population. The school board hired Gary Hollobaugh as an agriculture department technical aide for the current school year. He will be paid $10 per hour. Also, Lorraine Allman was named graduation project coordinator, at a supplemental salary of $600 per semester. Several volunteer coaches were approved. Nathan Bevard, Bill Strong, Sam Buzzinoti and Nick Gresh will assist with the wrestling program, with Buzzinoti and Gresh focusing their efforts on the varsity squad. Tyler Stokes and Robert Toman will supplement the coaching staff for the seventh grade boys' basketball team, while Robin Gratosky will assist the majorettes. United approved a maternity leave for seventh grade instructor Sharon Donelson, tentatively beginning Feb. 28. Substitute teacher Marcee Gindlesperger resigned effective Dec. 7 to accept a full-time position elsewhere. The junior high wrestling boosters received permission to use the high school, including the kitchen and cafeteria, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday for a tournament. Music instructor Acey Gongaware will accompany six students to the District Chorus Festival Feb. 2-9 at Oil City High School. The trip will cost $1,226.85. Instructors Rich Soltesz and Pam MacWilliams will attend the PA Educational Technology Expo and Conference Feb. 20-22 in Harrisburg, at a combined cost of $1,376.93. Harold Hixson will represent United at a gathering of the PA State Athletic Directors Association March 16-19 in Hershey. United will cover associated costs of $751.28. United accepted donation of an unspecified quantity of lumber for use in the wood production shop. It is being supplied by Dr. John M. McMurtry, who operates a local farm and wood mill. Other donations include: a drum set and Midi controller, which ARIN Intermediate Unit employee Mark Weakland is supplying for United Elementary School; $150 for elementary library books--provided in memory of former teacher Laura Murphy, of Thomas Zupan, father of librarian Allie Marguccio, and of Margaret "Betty" Lichtenfels, mother and grandmother of instructors Bill Lichtenfels and Keri Miller.

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