If Towamensing Elementary students return to the playground this year, there will be some updated equipment awaiting them.

Palmerton Area School District’s board of directors approved a $22,405 purchase Tuesday night from MRC Recreation for several playground pieces including a replacement tube slide, trapeze rings, and steel landing plates that students walk on.

The Towamensing Parent Teacher Organization is covering part of the cost through a $5,337 donation.

Director Audrey Larvey was the lone board member to vote against the purchase.

“I’m not sure we are going to have recess this year and if we do, are the children going to be allowed to use this equipment?” Larvey said. “I’m not sure this needs to be acted upon at this time.”

Director Barry Scherer said while he understood Larvey’s point of view, students could not use any of the current equipment before these replacements were made.

“The longer we delay, the more the cost increases,” Scherer said.

Towamensing Principal Christine Steigerwalt said the cost of the equipment went up $700 from October to June.

“Recess could be a possibility his year with social distancing,” she said. “The equipment as it is right now can’t be used.”

At a May board workshop, facilities director Joe Faenza said some of the equipment is around 20 years old, which is its average useful life.

“The rubber coating is wearing off the landing sections and the rust is coming through,” Faenza said at the time.

Other business

In other action Tuesday night, Palmerton’s board:

• Approved the resolution for emergency declaration of instructional days and hours for the 2020-21 school year.

• Authorized the business manager to execute the Elizabeth Bray Trust Fund Distribution on behalf of the Palmerton Area School District.

• Approved Kimberly Bittle as high school learning support teacher at a rate of $52,000 effective upon release from current contracted employment.

• Approved Julia Dougherty as high school science teacher at a rate of $54,500 effective upon the release from current contracted employment.

• Approved the resignation of Richard Stanley, high school science teacher, effective July 1.

• Approved the letter of agreement with the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug & Alcohol Commission Inc. for the 2020-21 school year at a total cost of $14,000.

• Approved the contract for services with Behavioral Health Associates for the 2020-21 school year.

• Approved the Sponsor-to-Sponsor agreement between the Lehigh Carbon Community College SHINE after-school program and the Palmerton Area School District for the 2020-21 school year.

• Accepted the donation of a $100 Walmart gift card from the Lehighton Walmart to be used for Palmerton athletics.