JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Ferndale Area school board approved a new agreement with Westmont Borough Wednesday, allowing the district to use the elementary school gymnasium for athletic practices for varsity teams and athletic games for junior high, junior varsity and varsity teams.

Passing the motion solidified the new arrangement after the municipal council passed the agreement at its September meeting.

“I just can’t thank the council enough,” Superintendent Jeffrey Boyer said. “It really is all about the kids.”

Ferndale’s use of its elementary gym for varsity activities has been a point of discussion in the past few years due to a 2001 court order that prohibited the facility’s use for anything other than primary school programs.

The council approved the district’s use of the gym for varsity sports in 2022, although some community members have raised concerns about the arrangement.

The new agreement now supersedes the court order and the previous contract.

Boyer also noted the pact has an indemnity clause that removes any liability from the borough.

It also requires the district to have a police officer or security personnel at every game.

Board member Barry Himes inquired about that section of the action, and Boyer said that was standard practice anyway.

Himes noted the elementary school gym is a nicer facility for students to use compared to the high school gym, and thanked the council for the support.

The new contract can be renewed or reviewed on an annual basis, Boyer said.