After some debate, the Penn-Trafford school board on Monday night awarded a $450,084 contract to Sportexe of Pittsburgh to replace the turf and track surface in the district's stadium.

Board member Philip Kochasic told the directors he would have been willing to accept a higher bid of $462,000, which would have included shadowed numbers on the field.

"We're making quite an investment in this field ... people are going to look at it for 10 to 12 years," he said.

Another board member, Nick Petrucci, agreed, saying that he voted for the "generic" field that was installed in 2000, and this time he would opt for the upgraded field.

Board member Rich Niemiec cautioned against adding "nickel and dime" extras at this time. He voiced concern that underlying drainage issues may cost thousands of extra dollars that are not included in the current estimate for work.

Assistant superintendent Harry Smith said the drainage issue cannot be addressed until the existing turf is lifted.

Before the board awarded the contract, Mr. Kochasic made a motion to amend the agenda to approve the bid that included the shadowed numbers. The board voted against the amendment, 7-2.

Penn-Trafford was simultaneously bidding the stadium project with Norwin and Hempfield Area school districts, which also are looking to replace their stadium turf in hopes of a cost savings for all three districts.

Norwin's school board will vote on the project at its meeting on Monday, said John Wilson, Norwin business manager. Bids were discussed at the board's workshop meeting on Monday.

"There's a consensus that we're going to vote on the low bid, which would be Sportexe," he said.

If Norwin does vote to award its contract to the same company as Penn-Trafford, cost for both schools would be reduced by $7,300.

Also on Monday night, the Penn-Trafford board approved makeup days for school missed because of snow last month. They will be April 1, 5 and 6 and June 1, 7, 8 and 9. The last day of school for students, and graduation, will be June 9.

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