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Ambridge Area School Board approves $163,027 Highland concrete repair, 13‑month electricity extension and series of routine motions
Summary
The Ambridge Area School District board approved a $163,027.40 concrete replacement project at Highland Elementary and a 13‑month electricity contract extension with NRG Direct Energy, along with personnel appointments, travel and activity approvals.
The Ambridge Area School District board on Nov. 19 approved a $163,027.40 contract for Highland Elementary concrete replacement and a 13‑month contract extension with NRG Direct Energy for electricity service, as part of a series of operational motions.
Fredson Carpenter (chair) and building-and-grounds staff presented bids and recommended awards. The board recommended a contract to Friar Excavating LLC for the Highland Elementary concrete repair project for $163,027.40, awarded through the district’s competitive sealed‑bid process.
Board members pressed staff on why the new bid exceeded earlier estimates of roughly $105,000–$110,000. Staff said the earlier figure came from a preliminary site assessment that lacked the full specifications required for public bidding; the competitive process required more granular specs and quantities, which increased the project cost.
The board also approved a 13‑month extension with NRG Direct Energy for electricity supply under Duquesne Light, a step administrators said would lock a roughly 7¢/kWh rate for the 13 months and avoid month‑to‑month price spikes while the district pursues consortium bidding options afterward.
Other routine approvals at the meeting included acceptance of the minutes and the treasurer’s report, permission for staff travel to the Pennsylvania Association of Federal Program Coordinators conference (approximate cost $525), and approval for the varsity wrestling team to travel to Barnesville, Ohio, in December 2025 (district to cover dues, fees and transportation).
The personnel report — which passed — included recommended coach and activity appointments, musical‑staff stipends, a pending FMLA leave beginning Dec. 5, 2025, final salary adjustments for administrators under an Act 93 agreement, and mentor teacher assignments and stipends.
Votes on the building‑and‑grounds items were recorded by roll call; the Highland contract and energy extension passed (one explicit 'No' recorded on the concrete item). The meeting materials indicate the district followed required procurement and policy steps for the awards.
The board adjourned after closing remarks and recognition of outgoing members. The administration was asked to notify the public about upcoming construction schedules and any timing or parking impacts at Highland Elementary.
