BY TOM FONTANA
Correspondent

Mt. View Elementary School principal Christine Kelly has announced that the 5th grade class trip to Harrisburg will “go off without a hitch” next spring.

Kelly told the school board at its meeting on Monday night, Nov. 10, that a number of recent fundraising events, including a craft fair on Nov. 8, will more than pay for the trip. The capitol visit was once a traditional annual event until funding became limited a few years ago.

“We also had a golf tournament this fall and it was a great success,” Kelly said. “We’ve raised about $6,000, which is more than what we need to fund the trip.”

District maintenance director Robert Taylor told the board that it is too late this school year to install artificial turf on the baseball infields, but he recommended it be considered for next year after baseball is over.

When asked about the advantage of turf, Taylor indicated that it allows the players to use the field earlier in the season.

“It’s just easier to prepare and maintain,” he said. “As it is now, it takes a lot of hours to get the infield ready in the spring depending on the weather.”

“What’s the shelf life of turf?” director Roy Twining asked.

Tayor replied that it’s about 13 years. “But separate pieces at the batter’s box and along the base lines where players slide can be replaced separately because they are actually secured with velcro. Those are the spots that obviously get worn out the most.”

The board took no action on the turf question at this meeting.

Acting superintendent Karen Voigt remarked on a number of recent student accomplishments, including an award for a sculpture built of cans displayed in the high school lobby related to the Feed-A-Friend Campaign.

“I’ve also been informed that Mt. View had the most honor roll vo-tech students in 2014 than any other school with students in that program,” Voigt said. “That’s quite an achievement to be proud of.”

In other business, the board appointed Gary Parks of Hallstead as junior high wrestling coach.

Board president Thomas Stoddard said a meeting is scheduled for Dec. 9 with the Mt. View Education Association related to teacher contract negotiations.