Wear on the running track at Falcon Stadium could cause the facility to close for up to three weeks during Connellsville Area High School's track season.
Michael Omatick, director of buildings and grounds, told school directors Monday that ultraviolet sunlight is destroying the rubber urethane surface. The track was installed in 1997 and the surface typically lasts seven years.
"The track has developed holes and stress cracks," Omatick said. "It's a trip hazard."
Repairs require temperatures higher than 50 degrees and will require closing the track for two to three weeks during the season.
The repairs will cost about $16,000, although Omatick is looking at temporary solutions, including closing off the inner lane, where most of the holes are located.
Directors discussed installing card readers for employee access at the elementary schools and the administration building, located at Connellsville Township Elementary School.
"Limiting access to a card carrier is a good idea for elementary schools, but the administration is open to the general public," board President Francis Mongell said. "A card reader defeats the purpose."
Director Kevin Lape said the matter requires further discussion. Omatick said a controller for the card readers costs $3,500 and can handle four doors.
In other business, directors agreed to vote on:
= Hiring Nicholas Bosnic, a high school science teacher, as a long-term substitute assistant principal at the high school. If approved, Bosnic will fill in for Jeff Snyder, who will become principal of Zachariah Connell Elementary School when Rebecca McLuckey retires in January.
= Offering a supplemental contract to Brian Shipley as assistant boys' basketball coach at Junior High West.
= Purchasing a 1971 American Lafrance fire engine from the Fallowfield Township Fire Company for $5,000. The fire engine will be used in protective services classes at the Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center.
Directors will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the high school cafeteria.
