McDONALD — Work is continuing on the final phase of the athletic / stadium complex, which includes a new concession stand and restrooms.

The project is expected to be completed before the first home varsity football game Sept. 6.

This is Phase 5 of the project and work is being done by Murphy Contracting Company.

The board previously approved the transfer of $400,000 from the general fund to the athletic complex fund for Phase 5.

At its meeting Wednesday, the board approved change orders for the project, including revised floor covering and painting costs, installation of stainless-steel countertops for the concession stand and powder-coated awnings. It will total $13,178.

Superintendent Kevin O’Connell said the additions will create a longer life span for the countertops and floors.

“The project is on track,” he said. “It is exciting to see what has gotten done.”

O’Connell said as work is being done at the stadium, a large section of the high school’s flat roof will be replaced starting in mid-July.

“A little over 50% of the high school flat roof is being repaired,” he said.

According to O’Connell, work will start with a section of roof over the art room. The last part of the project will be the piece of roof over the gymnasium in the event the project is not done before the 2024-25 school year begins.

The board had previously approved an agreement with Boak and Sons Inc. at $391,506 for replacement and repairs of the flat roof.

ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTORS

In other business, the board approved an additional position of assistant athletic director for the 2024-25 year at $3,500.

There is currently an athletic director and another assistant athletic director.

O’Connell said there are more varsity sports including track and volleyball that require an additional person to help. He said the district is now hosting track meets at the new track which it previously did not do.

“This will be an extra set of hands to help at the sporting events,” he said.

Neither assistant positions have been filled.

The board also approved allowing O’Connell to employ substitute bus drivers when it is deemed to be an emergency situation.

The substitute bus drivers will be employed from a Trumbull County school district. Pay will be the same rate they make at their full-time school district.

“We will do this as a last resort,” O’Connell said. “Many districts are having trouble getting substitute bus drivers.”

In other action, the board:

•   Approved paying McDonald police officers $31.25 per hour for campus patrol at the two schools. There will be one officer per day at the schools.

•   Approved teacher Pam Ross as drone racing instructor at $433 per year. This is the third year of the drone program.

•   Heard from O’Connell on plans to offer a career exploration class for seventh and eighth graders for the 2025-26 year.

•   Approved a transportation agreement with the Trumbull County Educational Service Center and Community Bus Service to transport six students to other school districts where they receive services.

•   Approved the high school band to attend band camp July 21 to 26 at Slippery Rock University.