Before their caucus meeting on March 3, the Weatherly Area School Board held a public hearing about hiring a cleaning company to help get and keep the schools reopened. District business manager Natasha Milazzo had invited quotes for the work. Enhanced Facilities submitted a proposal and has been hired.

The agreement has the Enhanced Facilities team working weekdays from 3 to 8 p.m., supplying five personnel including a supervisor.

Depending on how many cleaners show up, the cost can be as much as $2,717.50 per week with everyone there, every day of their workweek.

It would be less if they don’t turn out a whole crew.

The agreement runs month-to-month, through the end of the school year. It can be ended with a three-day notice if the promised staffing does not report. The money for this contract will come from the school budget, as no COVID-19 relief funds are able to be used for this purpose.

District administrators discussed the hiring of a temporary cleaning crew with the Educational Support Personnel Association, and reached an agreement with them to proceed.

The district will also be adding its own cleaning staff, and may reach the point where the contractor is not needed.

The regular Weatherly Area School Board meeting is again open to the public. The meeting tonight will be held in the middle school cafeteria, socially distanced with masks required, starting at 7 p.m.