Octorara Area School Board approves $2.37 million in bills, several contracts, hires and policy updates

The Octorara Area School District Board of School Directors approved payment of $2,374,084.03 in bills and a series of contracts, personnel appointments and policy updates at its May meeting, trustees said.

Business manager Don Watts asked the board to approve the bills, saying, "I'm asking the board to approve the list of bills for payment in the amount of $2,374,084.03." The motion passed on a voice vote.

The board approved a two‑year service order with Effective School Solutions to provide therapeutic mental‑health services at the Octorara Primary Learning Center from May 20, 2025, through June 30, 2027, at a stated cost of $302,000; board discussion noted a $5,000 start‑up fee was included in first‑year costs and that the total first‑year figure discussed could be roughly $307,000. Board member Metzler said she would vote yes because getting support to the Primary Learning Center was a priority.

Trustees also approved facilities and materials purchases including carpet removal and replacement at the Octorara Intermediate School library (Franklin Flooring Inc., $12,600), carpet installation for a second‑floor learning nook at the same school (Franklin Flooring Inc., $3,150), classroom furniture (Corbett Inc., $147,194.40), and a Kubota all‑terrain vehicle for grounds/maintenance (Stalsfuss Farm Service Inc., $26,135.42). The board approved a consultancy contract with Devapar Consulting for a student services and special education review, not to exceed $18,760.

On communications, the board approved a proposal with…