The Edison Local Board of Education are formally taking the next steps for a new walking trail at the high school.

   During a brief special session conducted virtually on March 29, the board overwhelmingly approved a recommendation by Superintendent Bill Beattie to enter into an agreement with Burgettstown, Pa.-based JTSA Sports for architectural and engineering services to create ta 1.5-mile path on the Edison High School campus. Plans are to have the path open later this summer for use by the students and community.

   “We advertised for architectural and engineering services and had three firms bid,” said Beattie. “We felt JTSA was the most qualified.”

   The district is already familiar with the company’s work since JTSA has been involved in creation of the unified sports complex at EHS. Beattie said the walking trail is the latest addition and would be relatively simple to complete.

   “It’s board-approved and we’ll get the contract signed,” he added. “We hope to be ready for August.”

   The project itself will mostly require excavation and surfacing work, and then it should be ready for use not only by students but also the community. Once complete, the course will wind from the football stadium into the nearby woods and has the ability to reverse, so users’ treks could span a total of 3.1 miles. Beattie added that usage could extend beyond health purposes.

  “It’s open for the community so they can use the track and the outdoor walking trail. We’re also hoping it’s used by our students for not only physical education, but also for science classes and outdoor education purposes for the kids.”

  He noted that federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds are being utilized for the project.

  Meanwhile, leaders also approved the superintendent’s recommendation to proceed with a proposal for a food service vendor. Beattie said officials will seek bids for the vendor since Fatima Smuck, who retired as district administrative assistant and director of early childhood and special education but still acted as food service director, will permanently depart her remaining duties this summer.