Service has declined since Applied Digital, Pittsburgh, was sold, officials said Wednesday. The company is now known as Third Generation of Bethel Park.

Applied Digital was hired to install the phone system, including digital lines; its bid was about $100,000 lower than others the board received, said James Wolf, business manager. Wolf said he checked the company out with other customers and found it to be reliable.

Wolf said no one told school officials the company was being sold. A change of personnel happened over the holidays, he said.

Since the sale, employees of Third Generation have shown up to work late or not at all and phone calls haven't been returned, Wolf said.

Maintenance Supervisor Ralph Trenga said the company doesn't seem to care about the concerns and needs of the district and work is falling behind.

Wolf said workers have also encountered some technical difficulties at Case Avenue Elementary. The work was supposed to be completed at the beginning of the school year, and in the meantime, building personnel have to use single-line phones, he said.

Wolf said he bought nine cellular phones for emergency use. School directors also discussed the possibility of teachers using their personal mobile phones in case of an emergency.

Applied Digital posted a performance bond, which will offset any additional costs incurred because of the delays, Wolf said.

Superintendent Richard A. Rossi suggested that Wolf and HHSDR Architects Engineers, Sharon, consider drafting a letter to Third Generation about the breech of contract so the district can start the process of getting the money.