Palmerton Area School Board this week approved several items geared toward the S.S. Palmer Elementary building renovation.

Plans call for the relocation of the school’s office suite to the first floor, eliminating the large staircase visitors have to climb to sign in on arrival. District officials said the goal is to create a more secure entrance.

A handicap accessible ramp along Third Street is also planned leading to the main entrance.

The board unanimously approved the fee schedule; mechanical, electrical, and plumbing proposal; and drawings, dated Dec. 5, from Crabtree Rohrbaugh & Associates, Mechanicsburg, for the building renovation and bidding of the project.

Additionally, the board approved the fee schedule; and proposal for ramp renovation and bidding of the project from Keystone Consulting Engineers, Kresgeville.

The Palmer project was originally estimated at $1.8 million in 2020, but Crabtree officials told the board to expect around a 30% cost escalation post COVID-19.

In other business, the board:

• Rescinded approval for Christopher Lantz of Cox, Stokes & Lantz to serve as special counsel for the board of directors.

• Approved Kevin Wertz as high school guidance counselor, long-term substitute, for the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year, $48,243 prorated, effective upon receipt of emergency certification and release from current assignment.

• Approved George Kattner as full-time custodian at Towamensing Elementary, $26,765 prorated, effective upon receipt of clearances.

• Approved Courtney Gawrys as instructional assistant at a rate of $17.41 an hour, effective Dec. 6.

• Approved Kelly Scott, substitute teacher, $110 daily rate, and Jo Lynn Gazo, substitute instructional assistant, $10 per hour, as substitutes, effective Dec. 6.