Operations committee discusses track repairs, parking damage and community college scholarships

Operations committee members raised safety and maintenance concerns about the high‑school track and the district’s ability to host large events without surface damage. Mr. Shalom and operations staff described weathering and wear on the inside curve of the track and said resurfacing could cost approximately $50,000; staff said resurfacing is not in the current budget but interim repairs will be explored and the matter placed on the next budgeting cycle.

Staff said community members sometimes park on grass during major events (for example, large stadium events and back‑to‑school activities), which damages sprinklers and turf and complicates drainage solutions. The district has invested in signage and plans to increase communications through newsletters and media to warn patrons not to park on grass; staff said permanent curbing is not a viable option in the affected area due to drainage constraints.

Operations staff said they will evaluate interim patching or repairs to keep the track safe until a full resurfacing can be budgeted and performed.

Separately, a board representative to the LCCC board of trustees reported that Lehigh Carbon Community College’s foundation is financially stable and expanding scholarship opportunities for local students and adult‑education participants. The representative urged guidance counselors to refer juniors and seniors to LCCC scholarship resources and noted the foundation provides a range of scholarship categories for area students.

Ending: Operations staff will assess interim repairs for the track, include resurfacing in the district’s budgeting process, and increase communications about parking restrictions for large events.