Connellsville board to consider high school renovation
CONNELLSVILLE – With the clock ticking toward the expiration of its current school building and curriculum feasibility study, the Connellsville Area School Board has agreed to seek the services of an architect as it prepares for the next round of renovations. With the completion of the newly constructed Springfield Township Elementary School and renovations of the two junior high schools and Bullskin Township Elementary School, the board is preparing to consider an upgrade of the senior high school.
The secondary facility was noted in the 2003 feasibility study as the building most in need of repairs, replacements and additions.
The study, prepared last year by P.J. Dick Inc. for the nearly 35-year-old, two-story building, points to numerous concerns, including the lack of conference space for the administrative personnel, shortage of gymnasium space for curriculum and interscholastic athletics, laboratory areas without ventilation, inefficient kitchen, the need for an elevator in the library to access the second floor of the room and the inclusion of additional space for itinerant teachers along with added parking facilities for staff and students.
The report also notes the need for roof and exterior window replacements, additional air-conditioning, upgrading of the pool area, updating of the auditorium along with revamping the electrical and security systems.
The estimated cost for all renovations is tied to the board’s decision whether to move all or some of the vocational-technical curriculum to the high school building or to maintain the courses at the North Fayette Vocational-Technical School.
Should the vo-tech programs remain at the present location, the renovation costs are estimated at $28 million.
If it were determined to add an auxiliary gymnasium, the price tag would increase by $1 million.
The cost would increase to approximately $38 million if all vo-tech students and related curriculum were included in the high school setting with a new gymnasium.
Earlier in the year, the board discussed integrating vo-tech programs such as graphic design, computer information technology, computer electronics and engineering, allied health and sports medicine, bio-medical technology and computer drafting into the high school.
The board agreed that courses such as automotive and collision repair, welding, culinary arts, cosmetology, natural resources technology, carpentry and construction technology, precision machining and environmental controls technology could be maintained at the vo-tech location.
A final decision has not been determined by the board to bring any or all vo-tech programs and students to the high school.
Browell, meanwhile, said that to begin the process, the district must secure an architect to chart a course of action.
Director Francis Mongell encouraged Browell to include the high school’s original architectural firm, Hayes-Large Co. of Pittsburgh, in his search for a design company.
“I am very satisfied as to the design of the high school,” said Mongell. “The access from one area of the building to another is very smooth. (The students) are able to reach their destinations in the allotted time.”
The district hired L.D. Astorino and Cos. of Pittsburgh for design work at the two elementary and junior high schools.
Turning to other matters, the board also conducted the following business:
– Hired Marvin Snyder as a senior high baseball assistant coach at a salary of $1,622.
– Approved Mark A. Johns as a volunteer coach for the boys basketball program.
– Authorized the replacement of three heating elements for the hot water heater located at the senior high school at an estimated cost of $21,426.
– Added Brent Baker, David Reed Jr., Jason Bandemer, Wendy Craft, David Wojtanowski, Natalie Haspodavis, Karen Martin, Maria Melillo, Sun Schroyer and Joann Swearman to the district professional substitute list for the current school year.
– Approved the addition of Marty Cain and Lvonne Dillinger to the cafeteria substitute list.
– Hired Renee Hall as a personal student aide at Dunbar Township Elementary School at an hourly salary of $7.85.
– Named David Hartz as the senior high class play director at a salary of $1,923.