Aug 17, 2005 By Josh Krysak 3 min read

During a work session Tuesday that began with a 90-minute executive session to discuss matters including the proposed collective bargaining agreement with the teacher’s union for teacher’s contracts, the Uniontown Area School Board heard from the district construction manager and the district architect about several building projects. No action was taken regarding the contract negotiations following the closed-door session.

Following the executive meeting, District Architect Mark Altman informed the board that the expected cost for asbestos abatement for the $43 million high school renovation project should be less than anticipated helping to free up funds for change orders and other construction issues that might arise in the project.

Altman said the project is estimated to cost about $140 per square-foot for new construction and $85 per square-foot for renovation.

But he added that there is a possibility of an additional reimbursement from the state in excess of $2 million that could help lower costs even further, adding to about $7 million in reimbursements that are already secured.

“In the end the net project will probably cost somewhere between $34 and $35 million,” Altman said, taking all eligible reimbursements into consideration.

Construction Manager Sam Denney of Fairchance Construction also told the board that gas line relocation has begun at the high school to prepare for the school’s massive renovation project.

And Denney told the directors that a bid of about $22,000 was received for the gas house needed for the project, and added that with engineer fees deducted the building to house gas lines will cost the district less than $20,000 to construct.

Board President Harry “Dutch” Kaufman said barring any dispute, the contract will likely be accepted at Thursday’s regular meeting so construction of the building can begin.

Denney said the entire $43 million project will go to bid in March. In other construction matters, Denney also told the board that construction is basically completed at Menallen School where some minor adjustments and finishing touches are being made to the new multi-purpose room.

At Marclay Elementary School, where Altman is seeking a variance with the Henry Clay Township Zoning and Hearing Board for unintended construction inside the mandatory setback from Route 281, Denney said work continues to progress.

“We started interior drywall this week,” Denney said. “And the HVAC work is getting done. We are moving along nicely.” Denney and Altman will meet with Henry Clay officials again early next month to continue negotiations for the school building permit and the requested variance.