School roofing project updates and funding in Blair County, PA

At the recent Claysburg-Kimmel School Board meeting, members unanimously approved a resolution to apply for the Public School Facility Improvement Grant, aiming to fund a comprehensive school roofing project encompassing both the elementary and high school buildings.

The grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, offers up to $5 million for eligible projects, with a required 25% match from the district. This funding would facilitate the complete replacement of the elementary school's roof and partial repairs to the high school roof.

Assistant to the Superintendent, Brannon Raptosh, emphasized that proceeding with the roof work hinges on securing this grant. Superintendent Brian Helsel noted that while full funding is uncommon, the district is exploring additional avenues to meet financial needs.

These roofing improvements stem from recommendations made by McClure Co., following an energy needs assessment conducted earlier this school year. The board prioritized the roof repairs as essential for the district's infrastructure.

Grant awards are expected to be announced in fall 2026, with the district planning to commence the elementary school roof replacement and high school repairs by summer 2027.

In other developments, the district successfully secured 10 new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) through grant funding. These devices feature both audio and visual CPR instructions, enhancing emergency preparedness within the schools.

The board also discussed the implementation of the Maneuvering the Middle (MTM) curriculum in the middle school. This program is anticipated to be cost-effective, user-friendly, and adaptable to individual student pacing.

Additionally, secondary principal Charles Kassick provided an overview of the district's STEM initiatives, highlighting efforts to bolster science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.

Personnel changes were addressed, with the board accepting the resignation of Traci Biesinger from her roles as head varsity fall and winter cheerleading advisor. Abigayle Claar was approved as a spring game manager at the board-approved rate.

The board also approved the Appalachia Unit 8 general fund operating budget for 2026-27 and authorized the Category 2 Erate MiniBid for firewall and licenses, recommending Link Computer Corporation. Discounts are available if the firewall is installed by early June.

To support school operations, new cafeteria workers were hired, and existing employees' hours were increased at both the elementary and secondary cafeterias.

Furthermore, the board reviewed Firefly Learning, a comprehensive school management and learning platform designed to manage homework, timetables, student progress, and school communication.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, at 7 p.m. in the senior high board meeting room.