With the approach of summer, the Parkland School Board has approved several major projects to be conducted in preparation for the 2017-18 term while students are not present.

The swimming pool at the high school will be resurfaced by Stonebridge Inc. at a cost of $336,800.

At a recent meeting, Superintendant Richard Sniscak reported the matter was planned for last year but bids exceeded the allocated amount.

“We have a different company and better pricing this year,” Sniscak said.

The wood floor in the gym will be refinished by Miller Flooring Company at the cost of $53,486.

Interactive projectors will be installed by Vistacom Inc. in 187 classrooms in Fogelsville, Cetronia and Jaindl elementary schools and Springhouse Middle School at a cost of $574,722.

The equipment enlarges the image from a computer screen and projects it on a whiteboard for the entire class to see.

Everything the teacher does with the computer is not only enlarged and projected but also recorded.

In math instruction, for example, the teacher can work out a problem while giving an explanation and have it appear on the large whiteboard.

Students who are absent can watch at home on their computers.

The projectors come with speakers for sound reinforcement so students can hear better.

An economic benefit is the projector light bulbs cost considerably less than the ones in older equipment and last much longer.

New overlays will be purchased for whiteboards at Cetronia and Fogelsville at a cost of $24,900.

They will be compatible with the new projectors and will provide a larger surface to write on.

Another item in the realm of computer technology is an agreement with Microsoft Services at a cost of $64,771 for the 2017-18 year for use by students and staff.

Looking ahead to another year of district sports, the board renewed its agreement for athletics and physician services with Coordinated Health at an approximate cost of $80,000 from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018.

The bid for copy paper for the new year was awarded to Contract Paper Group at a cost of $99,205.