SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO Salladasburg Elementary

JERSEY SHORE — As they explore options for either closing one of the district’s elementary schools or borrowing money to do the necessary repairs on all of the buildings, Jersey Shore School Board members heard a presentation from their financial adviser stating that long-term borrowing rates are below “historic averages,” while short-term investment earnings are up.

“That’s all good news on both fronts,” said Jamie Doyle, managing director at PFM Financial Advisors LLC.

“You’re enjoying nice investment rates and below-average borrowing rates should you choose to enter into the borrowing market,” Doyle added.

One of the complaints that had come out as the board entered a cooling off period following a hearing on the possible closure of Salladasburg Elementary School was that the financial information available was outdated.

Doyle’s presentation sought to bring the board up to speed on current conditions in the market.

To do that, Doyle spoke at length detailing the district’s current debt service and what that would look like if more borrowing is necessary.

A hearing on the closure was held in August, so the board is in the required 90-day cooling off period prior to making their decision.

During that time, the board has toured district facilities to determine how closure of one would affect the other elementary schools.

The financial information offered by Doyle shows the possible path the board could take if the decision is made to keep all schools open and make needed repairs.

Comments from district residents at the hearing and subsequent meetings have been mostly in favor of keeping all three elementary schools open.

Under personnel, the board hired Mary DiFuccia as a family consumer science teacher at the middle and high schools at $66,754 per year and Nicola Paulhamus for event staff at $14.87 per hour.

The following positions were filled at the stipend listed: Tricia Sweitzer, high school American Red Cross adviser, $408; Brian Witner and Allyson Cameron, co-advisers of the yearbook, Bullpup Memories Club, partial stipend of $204 for each; Todd Gunn, Jodie Chappel and Samantha Smith, co-advisers of the Outdoor Club, partial stipend of $136 each; Jill Flook, Healthy Hearts Club, $408; and Andrew High, high school musical director, $2,188.

For the high school drama production of Arsenic and Old Lace, receiving stipends of $408 each are Ella Simcox, lighting; Heather Haigh and Tanner Shade, stage managers; and Scott Alexander, sound. Other positions include: Charlotte Bierley and Ella Simcox, $204 each; and Sarah Keim, production set and design, $638.

The board also approved a donation to replenish the CTE building supplies valued at $596 from Avis Building Supply for the CTE Building Maintenance program; a donation of banners valued at $4,500 from West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. for various sport venues; and a donation of $2,000 for the high school’s piano lab.

The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 14, at the District Administration Building, 175 A&P Drive.