Tamaqua Area School Board expanded the scope of a capital improvement project that previously seemed out of reach.

On Tuesday, the board approved adding drainage to a $250,000 project to reconstruct the tennis courts.

The board approved the project without drainage amid $750,000 in capital improvement projects. The project with the drainage was quoted at $400,000 — $150,000 above what was approved.

The board is now adding drainage at a cost of $64,415.

One of the four courts would not be playable in fall as a crack opened back up, the board had learned earlier this year.

A previous repair at $50,000 only lasted two years, and the problem stems from lack of drainage, Ken Dunkelberger, chief operating officer, had said.

Superintendent Ray Kinder also reported that work is progressing on other projects, including railings, roofing and a scoreboard.

Kinder also congratulated Class of 2025 graduate Mason Ligenza on being selected in the sixth round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Other matters

The district is also working on filing vacant positions, Kinder told the board in his report.

In other business, the board approved:

• The first reading of policies on artificial intelligence and promotion and retention.

• The 2025-26 Additional Targeted Support and Improvement Plan.

• The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 LEA policies and procedures for the 2025-26 year. Kinder said this is done each year.

• The Flexible Instruction Days plan as submitted to the state Department of Education.

• Paying bills of $1,242,066.55 and interim bills of $791,098.38, and a tax refund in West Penn Township for per capita taxes in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

• Donations of $2,500, ESRC; and Tamaqua Library, $3,500.

• The affirmative vote resolution.

• Permission to Matt Hope of Tamaqua to use the triangular piece of property on Stadium Hill for 2025-26 school year.

• A school uniform stipend of $25 with a cutoff for financial assistance relative to the dress code for household incomes less than 130% of the poverty guidelines.

• LCCC Shine Afterschool Program Sponsor to Sponsor Agreements at $4.25 a meal.

• St. Jerome Sponsor to Sponsor Agreement for school lunch at $3 per student lunch.

• 2025-26 school breakfast and lunch prices: breakfast, $1.25; elementary lunch, $2.45; secondary lunch, $2.70; adult lunch, $4.85; and adult breakfast, $2.95. All students qualify for free breakfast and lunch, and prices are for a second meal or extra meal.