East Lycoming School Board Greenlights Exciting Expansion Plans for Lycoming Career and Technology Center

Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker recently met with local leaders to talk about state funding for career and technical education. Key attendees included Lycoming CTC Executive Director Nathan Minium, State Representatives Joe Hamm and Jamie Flick, and Hughesville Councilwoman McKenna Long, along with CTC Teacher Kerri Kime and her students.

The East Lycoming School District has taken a significant step toward expanding the Lycoming Career and Technology Center. The school board approved a resolution to borrow funds for this expansion.

The district plans to secure a bond for $6.8 million over 15 years. This includes borrowing $5 million to match a $5 million state grant from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RCAP), aimed at enhancing educational facilities.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Stamm noted that choosing the bond market could save the district about $500,000 compared to going through a local bank.

The Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company will serve as the paying agent for the bonds, providing services from their offices in Harrisburg and Buffalo, New York. The district has also hired FSL Public Finance, LLC as its financial advisor, while Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC will act as bond counsel.

Finalizing the bond issuance is expected by mid-March. Alongside this, the district sought proposals for construction management services related to the CTC expansion, with Fidevia being the lowest bidder and the preferred company for this project.

Fidevia has previously worked on various renovations, making them a trusted partner. Their proposal includes offering on-site support two to three days a week.

The expansion project aims to boost learning by adding space for welding and diesel programs. Planned upgrades include new welding booths and dedicated bays for diesel training. Phase I construction will also bring a new building, bleachers, and improved parking.

The district hopes to start bidding in spring to ensure everything is ready by the fall football season. The new facilities are projected to open for classes in the fall of 2026.

Bids for the project were opened on January 14, receiving six bids for general contracting and two for electrical work. The district is considering rebidding plumbing and mechanical contracts to include more contractors, having already connected with 49 companies.

A special board meeting is set for February 6 to approve final bids for cafeteria and fine arts classroom renovations. The facility committee recently met to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects.

Additionally, the district is seeking a new solicitor for legal services, with McCormick Law Firm chosen for their competitive pricing and quality service.

Looking ahead, Pennsylvania plans to move all PSSA and Keystone testing online by the 2025-2026 school year. This transition means the district will need to invest in Chromebooks for grades 3-5. Superintendent Stamm emphasized that the use of these devices will be limited primarily to assessments and special projects.

Recently accepted resignations include several staff members, with plans for their roles to be filled as needed.