[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6378945,"mediaKeyId","2136841-1005992b4f463171d991621aa186df21","parentId",2136841,"title","Board approves Hayes Design scope; middle school phase‑1 work scoped at $4.3M with $1.9M grant match","audioSeconds",1971,"startMs",1529000,"endMs",3500000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2136841-1005992b4f463171d991621aa186df21&start=1529&end=3500","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2136841-1005992b4f463171d991621aa186df21/thumbnail_1529000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6378945/Pennsylvania/Board-approves-Hayes-Design-scope-middle-school-phase1-work-scoped-at-43M-with-19M-grant-match","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6378945-f7c4b97670004f0aa4a25adef9f5b42b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094346&Signature=CqEwH0Sz-jc9~ZkiHGTLPuGXcci94~b1p37ENml5RIGrIBpjE2WSF-sUEBhlaVaw0eh6G6KdivYgPCt31O~c5IgSQyQAGZLz7ljLyogVQMH5cfuQCfp8WYjmgZkUJl-Riqn4AuO~l78-~fP6hgz39X3jqDUE1sa0oDWQ0PEN7SC4oEfRLp8r1ZVqUo3CVkAnWoE0GMQK7Z4Err58FE-jNr9hv8dZ815eEzv6DNbX9Z8XZKuoYabv-Y~W0p4kUMgg2VbzOh0fzLtT9p2QglKhQjGsulK2cyvM5UFEZik1ElNl3A8t3XArWxFuclDP3r63q1HtUjZb2-8Q6maIgIGozQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Plum Borough School District ","date","2025-01-14T00:00:00Z","article","Plum Borough School District board members on Jan. 14 reviewed a phased plan to repair and upgrade Plum Middle School and approved a design contract for construction documents and construction administration with Hayes Design Group.

Randy Hunter, project architect with Hayes Design Group, described a Phase 1 package of roughly 10 prioritized items intended for summer 2025 work. The list includes courtyard basement waterproofing outside the cafeteria/kitchen, replacement of exterior doors and windows (except the front entry), HVAC control upgrades for much of the building, several equipment replacements, and relocating a rooftop dust collector to ground level. Hunter said the district could not complete every recommended item at once and that the architect team had selected items based on schedule, lead times and the scope of an environmental repair grant awarded to the district.

Costs and grant funding: Hunter presented the financial estimate for Phase 1: schematic hard costs of about $3.4 million, plus escalation and soft costs that bring the project total to roughly $4.3 million. The district reported an awarded environmental repair grant of about $1.9 million that is a 50/50 match; district officials said the grant reduces the net cost to the district to about $2.3–$2.4 million, with remaining funding expected to come from the bond proceeds the board previously approved.

“About half is being paid for through grants,” Superintendent Doctor Boyers said, citing the environmental repair grant while describing a stepped, fiscally conservative approach that prioritizes instructional space over aesthetics. Hunter added that many of the Phase 1 items can be procured through cooperative purchasing or state contracts and that the larger roofing and multi‑trade repairs would be publicly bid.

Board discussion: Board members debated priorities and timing for additional work. Some members pressed for a fuller, community‑facing project plan and a clearer cost comparison between cosmetic façade improvements and more functional upgrades such as a turf field. Several board members urged transparency: “Let’s get the cost out. Let’s be transparent, and let’s build it out,” one member said. Administrators said they would post design documents and schedules to a construction website and continue weekly meetings with HDG to firm up estimates and schedules.

Contract approval and delivery method: The board voted to approve the Hayes Design Group scope and fee proposal for Plum Middle School; during the meeting staff noted that HDG agreed to credit prior study fees from a 2022 report if the board moves forward with project work. Hunter described delivery methods: many items would use cooperative purchasing/state contract vendors for more control; the courtyard/basement waterproofing would be publicly bid as a general construction package. The schedule shown to the board anticipated final design and bidding by April so work could begin as soon as school ends in May.

Votes and administrative notes: Members expressed concern about phasing and communicated the need to publish a clear timeline for the community. Administrators said that some Phase 1 HVAC control work might extend into the fall with limited classroom disruption and that Phase 2 items would be considered for summer 2026 after further design and funding decisions. The board approved the Hayes Design contract and gave staff direction to proceed with the Phase 1 plan described in the presentation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board Meeting - January 14th 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Plum Borough School District board members on Jan. 14 reviewed a phased plan to repair and upgrade Plum Middle School and approved a design contract for construction documents and construction administration with Hayes Design Group.","taxTitle","Plum Borough SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",53781,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6378951,"Plum High JROTC on probation as leaders urge board to boost enrollment",808,461000,1269000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2136841-1005992b4f463171d991621aa186df21&start=461&end=1269","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2136841-1005992b4f463171d991621aa186df21/thumbnail_461000.jpg","/articles/6378951/Pennsylvania/Plum-High-JROTC-on-probation-as-leaders-urge-board-to-boost-enrollment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6378951-4a55d3c35ed1294ad41f04c2d0861752/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094346&Signature=aRXCEI~WuDSOoLq4modd6L8tfQYLqefPz5AW-sDCjoP9tqq2PPIfTFe4qGdjTCv9iw7vGHyWCI0mQBmpp4Yhthz9eyfFV8vDlLkLQNViqRUd6j3USidF0SmrhjTQA9u7IhhiMwCv0rFyyBIf15U1MRmO1~SVDwIzKoETLydg~GcEwtmfWWbsvus-HmhANluGw5OS1nyNyL1y7qpT0AEyku010OfRp8oSXHh0ahq8A~c1vc1W0hHyie~nscvdrW3zHVv~TZ~sCcDk6vQCbNV~85TeX5XPylulhYdzRY8sJlugP~32RAa96AjP2bKEe98VffGSHYC7HlUS52JPwpKgiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Plum Borough School District officials and cadets told the school board on Jan. 14 that the district’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program is on probation because enrollment has fallen below the federal threshold that governs program status.

Colonel Noczak, JROTC instructor, said the program has been on probation for two years and that the U.S. Air Force required 100 cadets under the prior rule. “Each year on probation, the likelihood of shutting down increases,” he said, adding that a recent change in the National Defense Authorization Act offers “a slight glimmer of hope” but that local enrollment must rise to preserve the elective.

Why it matters: JROTC leaders asked the board to help clarify what the class is and is not — emphasizing repeatedly that it is an elective focused on leadership, citizenship and fitness, not a military recruiting program — and to help the district recruit students so the program crosses the statutory enrollment threshold and remains in place.

Program leaders and cadets described concrete benefits and local service. Colonel Noczak told the board that “we do about a thousand hours of community service every year with just 60‑some cadets,” listing Toys for Tots, Veterans Day activities and parking for home football games among frequent duties. Cadets who spoke at the podium credited JROTC with building confidence, leadership and practical skills. “JROTC really built my confidence,” said Cadet Sweeny, a student speaker. Another cadet said the program had raised his mile time from about 13 minutes to 6 minutes, 17 seconds.

Board response and next steps: Board members and district administrators expressed support and promised outreach. Doctor Anderson, presiding board member, and other board members said they would promote the program and explore ways to better publicize its schedule and compatibility with sports and other activities. The board did not vote on a new policy or funding during the Jan. 14 meeting; presenters asked the board to help get the word out to parents and students and noted that cadets already participate in open houses and middle‑school visits.

Costs, staffing and operational notes: Militancy concerns were repeatedly rejected by presenters; they said JROTC is an elective with college and career benefits. Cadet speakers described program logistics such as inventory responsibilities (one cadet said he inventories “over $80,000 worth of equipment”) and scheduling of leadership activities.

What’s next: Presenters asked the board to publicize JROTC slots, encourage middle‑school outreach and confirm that students may join JROTC while participating in athletics and other extracurriculars. The board said it will share program information in newsletters, at open houses and in school communications to help boost enrollment.","School JROTC instructors and cadets told the Plum Borough School District board on Jan. 14 that the program is on multi‑year probation because it falls below required enrollment thresholds; presenters asked board members to publicize the elective and highlighted the program’s community service and student outcomes.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6378940,"Board reviews 2025–26 calendar, program‑of‑studies changes and balanced scorecard; administrators flag math, engagement and pilot assessments",1074,2623000,3697000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2136841-1005992b4f463171d991621aa186df21&start=2623&end=3697","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2136841-1005992b4f463171d991621aa186df21/thumbnail_2623000.jpg","/articles/6378940/Pennsylvania/Board-reviews-202526-calendar-programofstudies-changes-and-balanced-scorecard-administrators-flag-math-engagement-and-pilot-assessments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6378940-61ccfdcc4b1586f3669efd2694b030a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094346&Signature=cJ0CoxxCvG0BHfoeX76Y2l4FOzebL4xPCBLkErws811FQ-ALqYW44zF6PQ8LXrJgkN6r~bGLEX1nVrTMpM81iK9oy7Wv-x~EwO9DjQZUnMocHU8k4DYU-gg6LwSVK4Tueyl9WHy8wTnRYN0g30TomEMzBkv-OLIVy0biuj2HWaL56b1kpbaJAdxQxCRvaWRd9FynoHsBoQWV5GT7635S0MC5WWshZBoLgk1BbuKyuhpjVVfWxBg7At2HOSJthtMqwhgtQgRvFTla6EuAHBbMQ00O8ekNKADeorafVFFOFxK-ajEJPt1DXgbbYsDO3kv9camFIsLh0GSKDoRiO1IXtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Plum Borough School District administrators on Jan. 14 presented the 2025–26 school calendar, proposed updates to the program of studies at the middle and high school, and a draft balanced scorecard that summarizes strategic goals and key performance indicators.

Calendar and scheduling: Doctor Boyers, district administrator, said the 2025–26 calendar closely mirrors the current year. The board approved the calendar on a voice vote; officials said construction for approved capital projects may begin in June and that the district will over‑communicate flexible instructional days so families understand asynchronous work expectations.

Program of studies — middle and high school: Doctor Czarmak and high school administrators outlined program changes. For the middle school the district plans targeted scheduling adjustments and additional PDLA (online/Personalized Digital Learning Academy) course offerings to inform student choice. At the high school, administration proposed reinstating English 12, creating a second level of construction technology/manufacturing, and launching a Fire Service Training Academy (an eight‑module course leading to Fire 1 certification). Proposed course retirements include Global Business, Honors Mobile App, Microbiology/Biochem/Bioinformatics and several elective English courses; administrators said some content from retiring electives would be integrated into other courses. The board voted to move the program study items forward.

Engagement, assessments and performance: Administrators flagged concerns about student engagement and mathematics scores. The district reported a decline in an engagement survey indicator for high school students and noted uneven instructional practice across classrooms. Mr. Bachman, a board member, said the engagement metric “concerns me” and asked for clearer alignment to the district’s Portrait of a Graduate and comprehensive plan.

Assessment pilot and data strategy: Administrators described piloting a standards‑aligned diagnostic assessment called Firefly in several grades and buildings. Firefly produces real‑time, standards‑based diagnostic reports and open‑ended response data that district staff say could better identify student mastery and inform targeted instruction. The district also described work toward a central data warehouse to integrate assessment information and help guide program reviews.

Balanced scorecard and next steps: Superintendent Doctor Walsh (presenting administration) said the balanced scorecard will likely be revisited after the comprehensive plan and Portrait of a Graduate are final so strategic goals and KPIs align with the district’s vision. The administration proposed more frequent board touchpoints on KPIs than the current annual report and asked the board to expect ongoing data briefs, program reviews and pilot outcomes ahead of staffing and budget decisions.","Administrators presented the 2025–26 school calendar, proposed course changes at the high school and middle school program updates, and a draft balanced scorecard; they reported curriculum reviews, a Firefly pilot diagnostic assessment and concerns about student engagement and math performance.","actionData","errors"]

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Board approves Hayes Design scope; middle school phase‑1 work scoped at $4.3M with $1.9M grant match

Plum High JROTC on probation as leaders urge board to boost enrollment

Board reviews 2025–26 calendar, program‑of‑studies changes and balanced scorecard; administrators flag math, engagement and pilot assessments