CLAYSBURG — Following a request for project proposals, the Claysburg-Kimmel School Board on Wednesday unanimously approved the McClure Co. to conduct an energy-saving audit on buildings in the district.

With no cost to the district, the company will conduct an intensive grade audit, analyzing the schools’ electricity costs and building structures.

After the audit is complete, the board will reassemble, discuss the company’s findings and decide further action.

Representatives with the McClure Co. gave a presentation to the board Dec. 3 detailing how an audit can save the district money.

When choosing a company, Superintendent Brian Helsel said the board “looked at what our options were” based on their experience with Pennsylvania schools, adding that McClure gets “rave reviews.”

In other news, the board unanimously approved a resolution to stay below the Act 1 Index of 5.1% when considering any potential tax increases during the 2026-27 budget discussions.

To clarify, board President Jeremy Knott said the district will not be requesting a referendum to raise taxes above the Act 1 limit, so they “plan to keep it under” the 5.1% millage rate.

The board also unanimously voted to table approval of WM Contracting for the construction of a permanent, outdoor athletic bathroom facility.

Currently, Helsel said he’s looking into different grant options or donations to fund the $54,000 project, which is expected to be built by this fall.

Board member Mona Eckley suggested the board wait to approve the facility’s construction because of the chance that the motion is approved but grant funding falls through.

Assistant to the Superintendent Brannan Raptosh said the district will pay more for plastic portable toilets over the next 15 years. Renting the toilets costs at least $900 per month.

“I think it’s our responsibility to build this instead of wasting money,” he said.

The board then discussed various sponsorships and donations that could help alleviate the facility’s cost without a grant.

Considering all options, Knott said the decision to approve the athletic facility bathroom “isn’t going to move anywhere” tonight without further funding deals.

The existing bathrooms will remain open to the public after the facility is built.

All board members except Mandi Daugherty were present at Wednesday’s meeting.

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.