LH board narrowly approves renovation plan
?The Laurel Highlands School Board Wednesday narrowly approved a motion setting the scope of a high school renovation project.
The board voted 5-4 in favor of a plan that converts the current swimming pool area into band, music and business classrooms, with alternate plans to add an auxiliary gym and a career wing to the existing building. Voting for the renovation plan were directors Lyn Andaloro, Jim Tobal, William Elias, Norma Santore and Larry Zebley. Voting against the plan were directors Tom Vernon, Curtis Jacobs, Beverly Beal and Angelo Giachetti.
Beal qualified her vote, saying she could not vote in favor of a plan that goes beyond the basic needs of the district at this time. She was not in favor of any new construction.
Superintendent Jesse Wallace said the plan was developed as the most cost-efficient renovation plan after roof problems developed in the pool area. A study showed that the construction costs could be reduced and instructional space increased if the pool area is converted to the classrooms for the band and choir programs, as well as two business classrooms. Wallace said the current music department will be used for the new art department.
The school’s boiler and electrical systems also need to be updated, Wallace said.
Total cost for the project is estimated at $38.9 million, including construction of an auxiliary gym and a career wing, which are about $3 million of that expense, Wallace said.
Elias pointed out that voting on the plan does not necessarily mean it will be carried out, but will give the new board members who will be seated in December the financial information that will be needed to make a final decision, since the project could not be prepared for bids until the scope of the work was established.
The district has already borrowed $20 million toward the project and raised taxes in the past two years to support the bond issue.
Wallace said another $20 million will most likely be needed, along with a tax increase of approximately 1.21 mills.
“If you have a $100,000 assessed home, you’d pay about $150 more in taxes for that,” Wallace said.
Wallace said the exact amount that will be needed will depend on interest and reimbursement rates at the time the project is carried out.
See related video and plan details at www.heraldstandard.com.