The Tamaqua Area School Board last week moved ahead with a number of contracts, agreements and purchases, including the purchase of 20 to 25 gaming computers.

Board President Larry Wittig last week voiced his displeasure with purchasing more gaming computers, despite the district’s move several years ago to give students non-sports options to participate in.

Wittig said that studies are now showing the detriment of excessive screen time, and districts nationwide are moving to ban or limit cellphone usage in schools as well.

Superintendent Ray Kinder said that existing gaming computers would be repurposed for other applications within the district.

The cost of the computers from Bytespeed Inc. will not exceed $95,000 and would be partially supported by funds from the Morgan Foundation.

The board also entered into an affiliation agreement with Central Penn College for student practicum experience, and a three-year agreement with the Meadows Psychiatric Center to provide educational services, if needed.

The board also entered a three-year agreement with Pennsylvania Counseling Services Inc. for service as needed, and an Act 48 Program Agreement for services with River Rock Academy for alternative education for disruptive youth. The board also reserved there secondary student slots at per diem rate of $180 for an annual cost of $99,900, and three elementary student slots at a cost of $215 a day, or an annual cost of $119,325.

Also inked was a five-year contract with a 3% escalator with Kistler Transportation, effective Aug. 21, 2025, to June 30, 2030. The base cost of the contract is $2,484,816, which is a 16% increase over the district’s previous budget, Kinder said. The district pays these rates: $350, bus; $220, nine-passenger van; $214, seven-passenger van; and $265, wheelchair van. The board reviewed the contract last month during an executive session.

The board approved a memorandum of understanding with its support personnel’s union concerning second-shift employees at West Penn Elementary in light of an outside maintenance contract.