Mars Area Superintendent Gross to Retire as Board Approves Search for Successor

Mars Area School Board unanimously approved a $14,000 agreement Tuesday, Oct. 6, to conduct a search for a new superintendent as Dr. Mark Gross prepares to retire at the end of the school year.

Gross previously told The 228 Times of his retirement plans following a school board meeting over the summer.

The board approved a proposal from BR2 Educational Consultants, with Dr. Bart Rocco and Dr. Billie Rondinelli conducting the search. Each consultant will receive $7,000, with advertising and legal expenses paid separately by the district.

The action begins the process of finding Gross’s successor. A new superintendent has not yet been selected.

The search agreement was among several measures approved unanimously during the board’s work session, including financing for elementary school improvements and an $892,747 roof replacement.

Elementary school improvements

Directors authorized the issuance of up to $7.3 million in general obligation bonds to fund capital improvements at Mars Area Elementary School.

The vote followed a presentation on financing for the school’s alterations and addition project by Anthony Ditka, bond counsel and office managing partner with Dinsmore & Shohl LLP.

The resolution establishes a maximum borrowing amount of $7.3 million.

The board also approved an $892,747 quote from BurMac Commercial Roofing to replace the elementary school roof, based on a scope of work provided by Carlisle Syntec. The replacement will be paid for through the district’s capital projects funds.

An additional $7,001.09 electrical change order for the elementary school additions and alterations project covers replacement of six light fixtures and reinstallation of electrical devices.

Directors also authorized the business manager to advertise for bids for traffic gates at the elementary and middle schools and approved a program management proposal from Thomas & Williamson for the Centennial School project.

Software agreement

The board approved an Infinite Campus end user license agreement totaling $99,683.04 for its initial term, from October 2026 through June 30, 2027.

The initial cost includes prorated annual licensing, installation milestones, and implementation and setup services. The agreement lists a recurring annual renewal fee of $71,824.50.

Community donation

Directors accepted a $2,765 donation from Rhoads Orthodontic Specialists to support the district’s #bethekindkid initiative.

The donation will purchase T-shirts for new students in kindergarten through sixth grade.