News

Several residents spoke against the $61.3 million cost of a possible renovation of Connellsville Area Senior High School.

The board held a state-mandated Act 34 hearing Thursday to describe the project, funding and the possible millage impact. The board cannot vote for at least 90 days after the hearing.

Superintendent David Goodin said the high school was built in 1970 and has undergone no renovations since. "We're considering educational needs, mechanical and electrical systems, and bringing it up to current codes. We'll look at the maximum budget amount," he said.

In January, directors approved not exceeding $61.3 million for the project, which would require a millage increase of 2.28 for 30 years.

Jeffrey Straub, senior project manager with Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, Mechanicsburg, said the figure represents "the maximum limits the school board will not go beyond." Some money-saving alternatives have been built into the current plan and would save about $3 million: keeping the new pool to six lanes instead of eight and not adding district administrative offices to the high school.

Straub said the building's condition requires action. Only one of the two boilers works, the fire alarm system is obsolete and a 5-inch water main broke in the auditorium last year.

"We may be forced to relocate students if the fire alarm system doesn't work," Straub said. "You can't occupy the building."

If the board moves forward with the project, construction would begin this summer, but current systems would have to be kept working until the new systems are online in 2011.

"It will be a full mechanical, electrical and plumbing replacement. We're adding sprinkler systems, ADA upgrades and toilet improvements," he said. "We're looking at a grade realignment, a potential to bring the ninth grade to the building."

Straub said bringing the ninth grade to the high school potentially would add $2.5 million in state reimbursement.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires buses be separated from other traffic, so the plan includes adding a parking lot to the field at the front of the building for visitors and administration, as well as a separate bus lot. The memorial to graduates who have died in war will be relocated. The two memorial oaks will be moved or, if moving them is not possible, replaced, Straub said.

The main additions involve 97,000 square feet and include a new pool, reconfiguring the lobby and courtyards, bringing light wells to illuminate the 30 classrooms with no natural light, turning the existing pool into an auxiliary gym and adding several classrooms to the second floor. Outside, the tennis courts and playing fields will be improved.

Straub said new construction will account for no more than $18.9 million of the total cost.

John McShane, managing director with Boenning & Scattergood, Pittsburgh, discussed financing. He said the state will reimburse $15.3 million over the next 30 years, the life of $60.9 million in bonds he recommended the board use to finance the project. He called the $61.3 million cost "a worst-case scenario. The ultimate cost has so many variables."

McShane said the bonds would cost taxpayers 2.28 mills at today's interest rates of around 4 percent. He recommended spreading the tax increase over four years, which would represent slightly more than a 0.5-mill increase each of the four years.

Several residents objected to the cost.

John Pessamato objected to building an administrative addition and suggested moving the district offices to one of the junior high schools. "You have to find either cost reductions or revenue somewhere," he said. "It's not an easy thing to address, but you need to address it. It's called leadership."

Troy Golden told the board, "Sixty-two million is quite a bit of change for taxpayers to bite off. Increase revenues or cut costs." He said other expenses, such as salaries and pensions, will rise. "We've got to look at a long-term plan."

"You need to do something to lower costs. If you do this, I'd hate to see you not get (re)elected," Melissa Tzan said. "This started last summer before the new school board. Please do not feel obligated to do this."

Ed Vincent said the district "doesn't need to add 97,000 square feet to this building."

Geno Gallo recommended directors "separate the wants from the needs the school has."

George Stash said the project would "financially strap the district so other projects can't be addressed."

"We are a beer community trying to build a champagne school," Paul Dascani said. "People are going to be losing their houses as mortgages are reset, and to add taxes, there will be vacant houses."

Teacher Carol Kirk had a different take on the project. She recommended directors add to the performing arts department renovation, "because that's our showcase to the community. The performing arts department provides an invaluable experience beyond the classroom. The current students would like to see a wellness center they can use during study hall. They're excited about the new swimming pool."

Directors offered their views on the project.

Director Francis Mongell said closing several elementary schools would have saved $1 million annually. "Something has to be done by this school board. The board needs a plan. Do I think we need the project? Absolutely. Am I willing to support a 2.28-mill increase? Absolutely not."

"The plan needs to be put forward by the whole board," Director P.J. Carte said. "This was put in place by a prior board. We need a plan for the whole district."

"We are looking at all the options," Director Gary Wandel said. "At this point, we are not moving the ninth grade here and closing four schools."

Director Paul Means said: "Students should have a safe place to learn, and they don't have that here. We are very cognizant of the financial impact." He asked residents to keep commenting on the project.

"I'm not going to skimp on safety," board President Kevin Lape said. "I want it done right. We're to a point (that) we have no choice. The children, their safety, comes first. If I need to raise your taxes, I'll raise your taxes."

He predicted a tax increase, bringing the ninth grade to the high school and closing perhaps one elementary school. Lape says he has not made up his mind about bringing district administration to the high school. He said he doesn't want to raise taxes and would consider cutting teachers if it would not affect programs.

The Act 34 hearing book is available online at www.casdfalcons.org.

Residents may submit written comments on the project through March 8. Send comments to Connellsville Area School District Administrative Offices, 732 Rockridge Road, Connellsville, PA 15425.

• Most Read
• Most E-mailed
• Latest News