Turf, scoreboard at football field and district wireless system to be replaced
By Kyle Carrozza, Staff Writer, The Times
DOWNINGTOWN – The Downingtown Area School District Board of Education approved $2.37 million of upgrades to the Downingtown High School turf fields and $1.12 million of wireless upgrades for all schools at Wednesday night’s meeting.
The football field project includes $2,299,000 for field turf, electrical service from the boiler house to the pump room, and two scoreboards. Wednesday night’s approval comes after the board examined bids for various turf systems at past board meetings.
In addition, approved expenses included a $15,110 engineering fee to ELA Group, Inc. to obtain project approval, up to $20,000 for geotechnical, concrete, and asphalt inspections, and up to $40,000 for a ball containment system.
The wireless upgrades will include the purchase of a wireless system not to exceed $643,200 and switches and connectivity components not to exceed $483,353.
School Board President Jane Bertone acknowledged that Wednesday was an “expensive night” but said that the board has inspected the items thoroughly.
“We have discussed these items at many committee meetings,” she said. “None of this has been taken lightly.”
Technology committee member Jackie Fenn said that the school district’s current wireless system has caused connectivity issues, and the purchase of the new system will look to correct that. The system is expected to be installed by July 31, which will allow the changes to take effect for the new school year.
In addition, the board approved advertisement of a bid to install additional wiring needed for the wireless project. The district will seek cabling needed for the high school security camera project to be included in the bid. Board members hope that getting the work done at the same time will reduce expenses.
To further reduce expenses, the district will apply for a Category 2 reimbursement from the FCC that could cover 40% of the costs related to the wireless system.
West’s main entrance will undergo repairs at the cost of $228,875 to re-clad the front wall with brick. Another $40,000 will go toward restoring exterior walls at the kitchen area.
The school board also accepted the donation of kindergarten playground equipment at Springton Manor Elementary. Springton Manor’s home and school association will donate the equipment as well as covering all necessary permits and approvals.
A couple groups of students were recognized for their philanthropy projects on Wednesday night.
Under the direction of teachers Mike Getz and Jen Bergman, Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center students raised $5,442.96 for the Downingtown Library. Downingtown Library Board President Deborah Miles and board member Marcy Hessinger accepted the check and said that the money will go toward paying off the borough and making renovations.
“You have wonderful teachers working for you; I know you know that,” Hessinger told the board and audience.
STEM Academy students Becca Samsel and Shannon McWilliams were recognized for their organizing a 12-hour student dance marathon that raised over $30,000 to combat childhood leukemia. The event, dubbed Cure for Cam, was held in association with Penn State’s THON and honored Cameron Evans, a student who passed away from leukemia three years ago. Cameron would have been a junior this year.
Members of the STEM Orchestra were also recognized. On March 1, the orchestra played the main stage of Carnegie Hall.
“It was very euphoric, and it was very much like seeing the music,” said director Sherry Weaver.
Weaver said that she considered dropping out of the event due to expenses, but the community supported the orchestra and its fundraising efforts, making the trip possible.
“There’s nothing I would enjoy more than making music with all of my friends,” said one of the student soloists.
