The North Allegheny school board got some good news Wednesday when members learned several district projects have come in nearly $85,000 under budget.

Rob Gaertner, the district's facilities manager, told the board his department has spent only $14,000 of the nearly $100,000 set aside in contingency money for a variety of projects totaling about $2.1 million.

The projects included roof replacements at Franklin and Peebles elementary schools; turf and track resurfacing at Peebles and Newman Stadium; locker replacements at North Allegheny Intermediate School; upgrading and fixing the heating and air-conditioning operations at several buildings; and a tennis court replacement at Marshall Middle School.

Other smaller projects included curb, driveway and sidewalk repairs at several schools.

Mr. Gaertner explained he adds 5 percent to each project bid to cover unexpected expenses and emergencies. Setting aside money for a contingency fund is common practice.

While all the project bids were on target, the district saved money because it didn't have to tap all the money it set aside in contingency funds, Mr. Gaertner said.

One project change came from the district itself. Earlier this summer, when it became clear the district was under budget on the projects, Mr. Gaertner suggested adding 50 more lockers to the intermediate high school locker replacement project for an additional $8,800.

While those 520 lockers were supposed to be installed before school starts Thursday, the contractor can't install them until sometime in September.

Mr. Gaertner said his department tries to avoid big changes in project costs and having so much money left over has happened several times in the past.

"We try our hardest," he said. "Our track record has been pretty good."

Also at last week's work session, the board discussed several items that will come up Wednesday at its regular voting meeting.

The board is expected to accept the resignations of several employees, including Robert Devlin, the district's human resources director, who has been with the district for 21 years.

Superintendent Patricia Green referred to Mr. Devlin as "Mr. North Allegheny."

"There are very few teachers he hasn't hired," she said. "There are very few administrators he hasn't had a hand in bringing in."

Mr. Devlin's retirement will take effect March 13.

The board next meets at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the central administration building on Hillvue Lane in McCandless.