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District to put $95,000 pool timing system and starting blocks on Tuesday agenda
Summary
Punxsutawney Area School District staff recommended buying above-deck starting blocks and an electronic timing system for the high school pool, with installation included; the board agreed to place the recommendation on the March 11 (Tuesday) agenda and discussed funding from capital reserve.
Punxsutawney Area School District staff recommended purchasing accelerator-style starting blocks, a six-lane timing system and a Daktronics scoreboard for the district pool and asked the board to consider the purchase at its next meeting.
The vendor quote presented to the board described option 1 — an accelerator starting block with adjustable foot positions — plus a six-lane timing system with touchpads and a Daktronics scoreboard. The vendor said the fully installed package with the optional pace clock totals “just under $95,000.” A buried-tile installation option had been estimated much higher — “over $200,000” — the presentation said.
Board members and staff discussed budget timing and installation logistics. Susan Took, speaking as board president during the discussion, noted the district budgets an annual transfer to a capital reserve and said that $250,000 is typically budgeted for future renovations; she and other board members said the district could use part of that transfer to fund the purchase this year if the board approves it. Carmen, a buildings-and-maintenance staff member, told the board the lead time for installation had previously been estimated at roughly six to 10 weeks and that electrical power and data work for the scoreboard and pads would be the district’s responsibility.
Board members debated whether to include the purchase in the upcoming budget discussion or add it to the Tuesday meeting agenda for a vote. Several members argued approving the purchase on Tuesday would allow the district to begin lead-time and summer installation planning; others preferred treating it as a budget item. The board ultimately agreed to place option 1 on the Tuesday agenda for a vote, with the understanding the expenditure would likely draw from capital-reserve transfers if approved.
The presentation also noted installation and anchor hardware are included in the vendor’s quote for the above-deck pads, and that the timing system would rely on touchpads with hand-timer backups. The vendor said logo customization for the starting blocks was available as an extra and offered to provide pricing and lead-time when asked.
The board did not take a final vote during the March 6 meeting. The item will appear on the March 11 consent or action agenda with the vendor’s option 1 package and related cost estimates for board action.
