Synopsis of the Tussey Mountain School District

Building Renovations Advisory Committee Meeting

Thursday, January 12, 2006, 6:30 p.m.   High School Library

The Tussey Mountain School District Building Renovations Advisory Committee held its first meeting on Thursday, January 12, 2006.   Rodney Figard, Chairman of the Tussey Mountain School Board Building and Grounds Committee, called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance.   Those in attendance were:   Rodney Figard, Aaron Martin, Dorothy Martin, Leroy Walls, Bernie Hoffnar, Vivian Foster, Ken Burkett, Dr. Ronald McCahan, Rick Heath, Jim Mitchell, Ben Rogers, Cathy Harshbarger, Mitchell Thomas, Jim Eichelberger, Carol Black, Mike Angelo, Gary Morrow, Kevin Steele, Larry Williams, and Robin Smith.

Rodney Figard introduced the members of the Tussey Mountain School District Building and Grounds Committee and other School Board members present.   He asked each committee member to introduce himself/herself and then provided a synopsis of the purpose of the meeting.   Rodney followed with a discussion relevant to the roll of the committee.   Specifically, he suggested committee members become involved in the building renovations project and indicated that the Board is very interested in their recommendations and input.   Rodney mentioned many benefits to having a committee that include but are not limited to getting community “buy in” and providing valuable input to the School Board and administration.

Superintendent Ronald McCahan reviewed the feasibility study presented to the Board in January 2005 relevant to the Junior/Senior High School, and the scope of work needed for the building to meet minimum construction standards.   Dr. McCahan also reviewed the district’s need to apply for a waiver/variance for the 20-year rule because the district completed a building renovation project in 1989.   Dr. McCahan reviewed the district’s process for selecting its current architecture firm, Crabtree, Rohrbaugh, and Associates from Mechanicsburg.   Preliminary costs for meeting minimum construction standards at the Junior/Senior High School were reviewed with the committee.

Robin Smith advised the committee to keep in mind that recommended improvements should be considered long term (20 years or more) relevant to renovations to our buildings.

Gary Morrow indicated that it's important to keep in mind change orders and additional costs that may be incurred during the project completion.

Kathy Harshbarger introduced herself as an employee in the Technology Department at Southern Huntingdon SD.   The district recently completed building project and Crabtree & Rohrbaugh were the architects.   She provided some concerns that occurred during their project including but not limited to renovating the gymnasium prior to the building project and having a need to utilize the gym for storage during the project. She also relayed her experience in dealing with the interruption and inconveniences during the project.  

Rodney Figard, Superintendent McCahan, and Jim Mitchell, Maintenance Supervisor conducted a tour of the Junior/Senior High School.   Following the tour, the group reconvened in the High School Library.   A brief discussion ensued about the direction for the next meeting.   The following was concluded:   The committee will meet Thursday, January 26, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Saxton Liberty Elementary School.   The same format will be followed (i.e., committee members will be given copies of the feasibility study outlining the work needed for the elementary schools to meet minimum construction code).   A tour of the Saxton Liberty Elementary School will follow.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

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MISSION STATEMENT

“The continuing mission of the Tussey Mountain School District

 is to provide a safe, stimulating, and challenging environment where every person has an

equal opportunity to attain the knowledge and skills necessary to become

lifelong learners who contribute positively to society."