School District Green Lights Sports Facility Improvements

HUNTINGDON (February 19) — Huntingdon Board of Education approved approximately $664,000 for improvements to the high school baseball, softball and football complexes during the February 19 meeting.

Dr. Jonathan Kee, director of schools, said the school’s budget could fund the needed upgrades at the sports complexes.

A new baseball pressbox would include media and broadcast facilities and added public restrooms. Visitors now must walk to the football stadium for restroom facilities. The estimated $250,000 includes upgrades to bleacher seating for baseball and softball teams.

Renovations of the fieldhouse at Paul Ward Stadium is estimated to cost $288,307 for stormwater drainage improvements to eliminate flooding, upgrades to the public restrooms, locker room improvements for athletes in football, soccer and track and field, plus additional improvements to the facility.

Digital roadside signage for each of the three school sites is $42,000 each. Den Ray Sign Company in Jackson is the vendor.

A proposed tennis/pickleball complex was postponed at the recommendation of the director of schools. The projected price is $770,000 with $200,000 of that amount coming from the Wright Charitable Trust. Dr. Kee suggested the matter can be reviewed for the 2025-26 school year.

“We always want to maintain and improve our facilities for our students, staff, and community. We are blessed to be in a position to financially consider these projects,” said Kee.

In other business, the Board approved bonuses for teachers who earn a Level 4 and Level 5 designation for student growth. Those bonuses would be paid in December of the year following the academic year in which the designation was achieved. A teacher must still be employed with HSSD to receive the bonus, with the exception of recent retirees.

A standing policy for admission of non-resident students was amended to expand the period in which a non-resident student can apply to enroll at Huntingdon Special School District. The previous policy required the application to come two weeks before the school started each year. Dr. Kee said area schools allow admission throughout the year and he recommended HSSD do the same.

HSSD officials check the prospective student’s records of discipline, attendance, and academics at the previous school prior to admission. HSSD retains the right to refuse admission to any prospective student who does not reside within the geographic boundaries of HSSD.

Third grade teacher Leah Partridge submitted her intent to resign at the end of the school year.