HERMITAGE Cost drops, rises again

A cost reduction came about because of a high school curriculum change.
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- Most change orders on government construction projects result in additional costs, so it was a refreshing -- albeit temporary -- change when the latest revision to the Hickory High School expansion project brought a $24,000 reduction.
The school board approved the change order from Allegheny Educational Systems Inc. of Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
The company was the low bidder to supply technology education furniture and software, but the district has decided to make a curriculum change to make that program more science-oriented, said school director Matthew DeJulia.
The result is a $23,973 reduction in Allegheny's $205,369 contract.
The savings will be short-lived, however.
Additional purchases: DeJulia said the curriculum change will result in the purchase of equipment and furniture that could cost about $120,000.
The price tag on the renovation and expansion of the school is about $24 million.
In other business, the board named Tess Redfoot, an accounts payable clerk, as the new district transportation coordinator, filling a vacancy.
The board added some responsibilities to the job, however, assigning Redfoot the duties of student registrar and making her responsible for maintenance of the district's telephone system.
Her new job starts May 1 and she will be paid $29,120 a year.