Moon Area School Board Dispells Rumors of New Middle School

The Moon Area School Board voted to permanently close the Moon Area Middle School, but school officials expressed doubt that the district's new middle school will be completed on time. 

"I can say with a high degree of confidence that the building will be completed on time," said Jerry Testa, board member in response to a request from one of the members of the audience who asked for the board to put rumors that the new middle school would not be finished on time, to rest.

Both Testa and Superintendent Milanovich said that classrooms are almost completed but said there was a possibility that  the auditorium and axillary gym would not be finished when school opens this fall.

"The classrooms are almost 100% completed," Milanovich said with the entire project 95% completed according to her estimate.

The Board also voted to rename the school to the Moon Area Upper Middle School  and Moon Area Lower Middle School. The new school will open with the new name this academic year.

During the meeting held Monday evening, the Board also approved two change orders on the middle school project for an increased cost of $43,285 and $4,976.

The Board also approved the financing of the technology refresh initiative for a total of $221,000 by the Director of Fiscal and School Services. This money will be used for the purchase of computer equipment and peripherals.  

Susan White, vice president of the Moon Area Education Support Association, addressed the board and asked for them to reconsideration their decision to furlough several  staff members of the district. White, along with approximately 40 others in attendance wore red shirt in support of the staff to be eliminated. 

"Our concern is about the students and how it will effect them," she said.