HANOVERTON — Dialogue continued Wednesday night in regards to United Local’s three-story renovation project, with district treasurer Melissa Baker explaining that they needed to stay within the $4.7 million budget.

“We have around $800,000 in earned interest that we could add if needed,” she pointed out.

Board members discussed whether an update of the HVAC system, the preschool or improvements to the concession stand were in the final plans, debating the merits of their wish list items.

District Superintendent Lance Hostetler said unfortunately upgrades made to the restrooms will only be those required by law, so they are compliant with the code.

A farewell walk through is being scheduled between 4-8 p.m. May 30 of the existing school, where groups may purchase old uniforms, yearbooks or other things no longer in use similar to a yard sale.

Hostetler said that the district administrative office will move May 23-30, with an online auction to be announced later.

Also during Wednesday’s meeting, Katie Davidson and Rebecca Teutsch provided more information to board members about a possible expansion of the district’s Career Tech, which would allow for the addition of a new welding curriculum. Teutsch, who would teach the class, told members that she is hoping for the possibility of three welding simulators and a one-year class for junior and senior students to learn how to weld.

Simulators are estimated to cost around $22,000.

In addition to assistance from local companies who are interested in helping the program’s creation, there are grant opportunities they may help finance the program.

Mike Phillis also talked to the board about expanding advertising to help the football program through the district’s Gridiron Club. Last year, the club was able to award $3,000 in scholarships and they want to increase that to $11,000 this year. The board would have final approval.

Tyler Gentry also updated the board on the FFA sustainable farming trip to Northern Italy this summer. Students will spend nine days there between June 21 and July 3 with two other schools at the cost of $4600 per student for the all inclusive trip.

STEM education also is included in the experience, which will include three ag teachers, he explained. Board members tabled until more information could be received later in the meeting.

In other action, board members:

— Accepted $730 in donations to the Backpack program, $6448 for boys’ basketball uniforms and $4883 for track uniforms.

— Approved an updated contract between the Columbiana County Educational Service Center and the district for 2025 fiscal year services totaling $670,000.

— Awarded supplemental contracts to Danielle Burch, girls head track coach; Riley Fillman, assistant track coach; Tim Hydrick, head baseball coach; Curtis Jones, head boys soccer coach; Megan Krmazin, middle school girls track coach; Jennifer Koons, head softball coach; Jake Marshall, assistant track coach; Rachael Markijohn, assistant middle school track coach; Andrew Morrow, boys head track coach; Jon Newburn, assistant boys baseball coach; Jason Swiger, assistant middle school track coach; Ed Ridgeway, track coordinator; Cade Wood, middle school head track coach; Matt Zines, assistant softball coach, and Stacey Zines, assistant softball coach.

— Approved the following athletic workers: Amie Cope, David Ogilvie and Katie Wilson plus track volunteer Angela Marshall.

— Agreed to continue inter district transfer students through open enrollment. This year, there are 186 students attending United under open enrollment and 78 attending other school districts.

— Consented to Marissa Simmons as a field trip volunteer and Brant Hahlen as a certified substitute teacher.

— Approved a memorandum of understanding with the United Education Association for its teachers’ union as well as an agreement with both the Youngstown State College Credit Plus program for participation.

— Approved a job description for the high school principal so they could get it out right away.

— Approved unpaid leave requests for Toni Ogilvie, Danielle Burch and Emily Bradley.

No action was taken after an hour executive session for employment at the conclusion of the meeting.

United Local school board next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 12 in the high school library.

sujhelyi@mojonews.com