Seneca Valley Approves Land Purchase

The soon may have room to expand as a result of a close vote taken at Monday’s school board meeting.

The district’s board approved the agreement to purchase property belonging to Darrell and Paula Watt at a price of $152,000.

The district also voted to retain the services of Civil and Environmental Consultants, Inc. to perform an environmental assessment on the Watt property.

The two measures passed in a 5-3 vote as part of the evening’s business and finances action. Board members Eric DiTullio, Joseph Scalamogna and James Welsh voted no. Board member Eric Gordon was absent.

District communications director Linda Andreassi said the property is located directly across the street from the main entrance to the campus.

She said district officials decided to buy the property after the Watts approached them.  They have not made plans for the new addition.

“It was simply an opportunity that presented itself and we thought it was smart if we took the opportunity,” she said. “We have no plans for it at this time.”

Online Store in the Works

In other action, the district authorized the school administration to seek bids for a new pole vault pit and approved an agreement to start an online store selling branded apparel or spiritwear.

Andreassi said the online store should not be seen as a threat to booster groups who sell similar items as the district hopes to use the store as another option for these clubs.

“We’ll be able to use it in conjunction with our booster organizations to help them in their fundraising efforts,” she said.

In another sports-related move, the board approved a policy setting up procedures for outside media who wish to broadcast or tape a school event.

“The policy protects our on-air time,” Andreassi said. “[It keeps] any sports networks or outside agencies from coming in and taping matches or games or competitions without our knowledge.

“We’re constantly updating the many policies we have in the school district just to keep them up to date. This is just something we didn’t have and wanted to add.”

Budget Forecast

Business manager Lynn Burtner said the board can expect a lot of work ahead at the February meetings as the district begins its next round of financial planning.

“There will be action in the month of February to vote on a proposed preliminary budget,” Burtner said. “This is the very first step, it’s the starting point to share information with the state and to start working towards a final budget in May and June."