High school renovations move to next phase
CONNELLSVILLE — While much progress has been made at the Connellsville Area Senior High School over the past year, the pace will be increased as workers demolish several interior areas that will be reconstructed during the summer months.
John Pappas, Eckles Construction Services Inc. vice-president and project construction manager, said Wednesday, that the next several months will be the “most challenging” for the school staff and students and construction workers.
“Over the next month, the contractors will complete the demolition in the east half of the two-story classroom building and begin construction of the new walls and installing the new mechanical, plumbing and electrical rough-ins throughout the area,” said Pappas.
Since February, the new library, administrative offices and science and band classrooms have been completed and are being utilized, said Pappas.
“And the old boiler and hot water tanks are gone,” he said. “The school is now operating on the new systems.”
Some new exterior lighting is also now operational.
In related business, the board approved three change orders for the project, including a $4,766 increase for additional data lines, valves, outlets and other electrical installations by Westmoreland Electric Inc. of Tarrs.
The project general contractor, Walter Mucci Construction Co. Inc. of Perryopolis, requested two change orders, including a $10,000 increase for the purchase of larger and “more appropriate” window frames and $14,500 for a heavier liner that will be used in the construction of driveways and parking lots at the high school.
Turning to other matters, the board approved action to continue a full-day kindergarten program through 2013.
Dr. Tammy Stern, acting superintendent, said that federal money received by the district will partially fund the $1.2 million program, with the board to earmark about $800,000 from the general fund.
For several years, a $1.2 million state Accountability Block Grant supported the program. However, last year the amount was cut to $400,000 requiring the board to supplement the program through the general fund. The block grant was recently eliminated.
In other matters, the board also conducted the following business:
n Named William Farrell as senior high junior varsity baseball assistant coach; Jason Bandemer, Junior High East/West track co-head coach and Sherry Mullaney as Junior High East/West track assistant coach.
n Added Christopher Ludwig, Ashley Ferraro and Marion Laurion to the professional substitute list.
n Agreed to purchase about 300 chairs for the senior high science wing from P.E.M. Co., at a cost of $16,560.
n Admitted Angela Molinaro and Sara Hriscisce as non-traditional students in the Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center (CACTC) cosmetology program.
n Authorized CACTC teachers Kahla Daniels, Tiffany Riggin, Megan Whittaker and Eric Dicianna and approximately 22 to participate in the Skills USA State Conference in Hershey, April 18-20 at an approximate cost of $12,000 for substitute teachers, registration, lodging and transportation.