The Montour School District has eliminated 16 full- and part-time positions as planned, but because of retirements, resignations and leaves of absences, nowhere near that many people will lose their jobs, officials said.

Superintendent Michael Ghilani said the job reduction has resulted in only 1.5 positions in which people are being furloughed.

Due to the reductions, however, some employees are being shifted from full- to half-time roles. Part-time employees pay more for health benefits than full-time employees, and Mr. Ghilani said the district will look at ways to ease that expense for them.

The board on July 28 approved the furloughs for the 1.5 positions as part of the district’s effort to save money.

The 16 position cuts are being made in classes where student enrollment is low and include music, art and physical education programming. Other cuts will include technology coaches, custodians, one mechanic and two security guards, among others.

Several teachers acquired further certifications and were able to move to different positions, said human resources director Susan Sinicki.

When the district announced it would be cutting the positions in May, officials said they also would be adding several courses. A marching band course, taught by Cyndi Mancini, Spartan Marching Band director, was added July 28.

The district has called in Gateway Engineers to stop rain and other precipitation from leaking through the walls on the western face of the high school’s athletic center complex.

A lack of foundation drains near the affected portion of the structure is causing ongoing issues. Moisture is visible along the exterior walls of the building.

Additionally, an architectural feature that gives the exterior appearance of slanted greenhouse windows on the second level has no rainwater catch system, which compounds the lack of drainage, Mr. Ghilani said.

Officials expect the corrections to cost a minimum of $130,000. School directors gave the go-ahead for the work July 28.

Water-related issues have been ongoing since the athletic center renovation project was finished in May 2013. 

“Our focus right now is fixing the outstanding issues that exist with the athletic center project. Once we have the issues fixed, prior to the winter season, then I think we need to assess any parties responsible for those issues being present and whether it’s worth our while to pursue that, to pursue any damages,” Mr. Ghilani said.

Sonja Reis, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.

First Published: August 5, 2016, 4:00 a.m.