radioNOVO News for Altoona: September 10, 2026

           TENSIONS FLARED AT LAST NIGHT'S HOLLIDAYSBURG AREA SCHOOL BOARD MEETING AS UNION SUPPORTERS FILLED THE ROOM OVER ONGOING CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS. TEACHERS HAVE BEEN WORKING UNDER AN EXPIRED CONTRACT FOR NEARLY A MONTH, WITH UNION MEMBERS CRITICIZING BOARD DEMANDS FOR HEALTHCARE CONCESSIONS. BOARD PRESIDENT CARMEN BILEK DEFENDED THE DISTRICT, STATING OFFICIALS HAVE MADE 4 SALARY OFFERS AND ARE BALANCING HIGHER WAGE DEMANDS AGAINST RISING HEALTHCARE COSTS.          BLAIR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WILL VOTE TODAY TO AUTHORIZE BORROWING UP TO 144 MILLION DOLLARS THROUGH A PENDING BOND ISSUE. THE FUNDS ARE EXPECTED TO SUPPORT PLANS FOR A NEW COUNTY PRISON. OFFICIALS ARE ALSO SLATED TO APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH DESIGN FIRM H-D-R AT A RATE OF 5.5% OF THE PROJECT BUDGET. THE COUNTY REMAINS IN THE PROCESS OF ACQUIRING AN 83-ACRE SITE NEAR DUNCANSVILLE FOR 585-THOUSAND FOR THE NEW FACILITY.