PTO President asks for moratorium on Junior High West renovation
CONNELLSVILLE — After Connellsville Area School Board members considered possible renovation options for Junior High West, a district parent asked for the board to place a moratorium on the decision to renovate the building.
“Coming from an educational and financial standpoint, I still do not agree with the move,” said Toni Sanner, PTO president.
“You are here to educate — these kids need the education. They don’t need new buildings.”
The six renovation options presented to the board range from $1.2 million to $1.5 million.
Sanner said she thinks the money could be used elsewhere, especially on educational programs.
“I don’t think you’re putting the money in the right place,” she said.
The size of the classrooms in Junior High West are catered to teaching junior high students, which Sanner is also opposed to.
The classrooms are around 700 square feet, which is about 300 square feet less than classrooms at Zachariah Connell elementary.
“What do you plan to do to accommodate my staff, with all of the stuff that they have?” Sanner asked. “If you’re going to move us, which you are, at least take the time to make the classrooms bigger.”
She also referenced a study that was done a few years ago which said the South Side Elementary site is inadequate for public use.
The district paid $100,000 for the study, but was not required to act on the recommendations.
“I think you should go and repair South Side,” she said.
“If something is inadequate for public use, the kids shouldn’t be there.”
Only one school board member responded to Sanner’s request to place a moratorium on the renovation.
“I’m opposed to converting a middle level building to an elementary building,” board member Francis Mongell said. “We need Junior High West to be the building it was designed to be.”
Mongell originally voted against the closure of Zachariah Connell in May.
Turning to other matters on Wednesday, the board:
n Approved four change orders for the high school renovation project.
n Approved to donate $652 to the Connellsville Church of God for use of a portion of the church’s property that adjoins the high school for soccer fields.
n Approved the consultant contract between the district and Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Commission effective Sept. 4 through June 7, 2013.
n Approved a three-year lease between the district and HP Financial Services for computers in elementary school labs at a cost of $52,455 per year, pending solicitor review and approval.