Changes to the current state of Tamaqua Area School District’s high school bleachers were discussed at a workshop Tuesday.

Superintendent Ray Kinder said there are some concerns with the high school bleachers, as movement has become difficult, and they don’t use the ones on the locker room side.

“The bleachers are older and cracking in places,” Kinder said.

Kinder said the only time the bleachers are really used is when the students check in during the morning, as well as for junior high athletics.

He said the district is getting prices on dismantling the bleachers and possibly just using portable bleachers.

“The bleachers in the high school are the original bleachers from the late 1960s when the school was built,” he said. “The mechanisms are becoming unrepairable, so they will be removed and alternative seating will be explored.”

Weighted grades

Also on Tuesday, the board discussed weighted grades at the high school amid parent inquiry and research.

High school Principal Tom McCabe shared his recommendation for honors, dual enrollment and AP courses.

However, parent Ann Gregoire said she believes the matter is “very important,” and voiced her concerns with that approach.

Kinder said that while he’s never been a fan of weighted grades, he supported McCabe’s recommendation.

Afterward, the board recommended approval of McCabe’s recommendation that honors be 1.02, dual enrollment 1.04, and AP 1.04/1.05 if taking the exam.

After the meeting, Kinder explained why the action was taken.

“Weighted grades are being adjusted to better reflect the academic rigor of the identified courses,” he said. “We hope to create a balance of providing opportunities for advancement, reward for challenging work and encouraging students to follow a path toward a desired career.”