Synopsis of the Tussey Mountain School District

Building Renovations Advisory Committee Meeting

Thursday, January 26, 2006

6:30 p.m. Saxton Liberty Elementary

The Tussey Mountain School District Building Renovations Advisory Committee held its second meeting on Thursday, January 26, 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, Leroy Walls, Bernie Hoffnar, Ken Burkett, Pete Ritchey, Dr. Ronald McCahan, Rick Heath, Jim Mitchell, Lisa Rankin, Robin Smith, Gary Morrow, Mitchell Thomas, Kenneth Elder, Jim Eichelberger, Karen Haney, Anna Haney, Amy Snyder, Cathy and Lynn Harshbarger, Carol Black, Diane Kline, Corina Hoover, Bonnie Jenkins, and Deb Stepisianos.

Bernie Hoffnar mentioned several items that he would like to be added to the notes from the January 12 meeting; the notes will be revised to reflect these items.

Rodney Figard started the meeting by informing the group that information provided in the feasibility study is basically the same for all three elementary centers.   He went on to say that the Board wants to follow the same format as the January 12 ^th meeting.   That is, advise the committee concerning the scope of the work needed to bring each elementary center to meet minimum construction standards.  

Bernie Hoffnar asked what the status is on the request for a waiver.   It was explained that a letter was received requesting additional information be provided to PDE concerning the project completed in 1989 and the proposed project.

Dr. McCahan reviewed pages from the feasibility study pertaining to Saxton Liberty Elementary.   Jim Mitchell provided additional information on some concerns he had about the heating/ventilation systems, etc.   He said he would like to see two heating units installed at each elementary building so that the buildings are at no time without a heat source.   Dr. McCahan continued by explaining the difference between high cost and low cost listed on the feasibility study.   Ken Burkett voiced a concern about not addressing the need for additional classrooms.   Dr. McCahan explained that this is addressed in additional options in the feasibility study.

There was a discussion concerning roof work completed in 1991.   Rodney Figard informed the group that a representative was in the district to inspect the roofs at all buildings.   The representative is to give an evaluation on the condition and make recommendations on roof repair/replacement.  

Dr. McCahan reviewed with the group a short history of the district elementary schools and repairs that have been completed to date.

Rodney Figard, Superintendent McCahan, and Jim Mitchell conducted a tour of the Saxton Liberty Elementary School.   Following the tour, the group reconvened in the Library.   There was a discussion concerning the reimbursement process.   The committee was informed that the 20-year variance/waiver does not apply to the elementary schools.   A separate project could be funded for each building.

Dr. McCahan informed the group that the Architect, Scott Vencil, would be available on Thursday, February 9, 2006.   Mr. Vencil will review additional options for the High School and answer any questions the committee may have.   Kenneth Elder asked if there are any figures on how taxpayers will be affected by the project.   Dr. McCahan said he could provide information at a future meeting.

Kathy Harshbarger said she would like to discuss the pros and cons of the project from experience of a recent project completed at Southern Huntingdon School District, where she is employed in the Technology Department.   She continued to say that the gymnasium was renovated prior to the major project and had to be renovated again after the project because the gymnasium was needed for storage of furniture, etc. while the project was in progress.  

Bernie Hoffnar commented that the committee should decide on the direction that the meetings go.   Robin Smith said she felt that communication was very important between the Board, the Committee, and the public.   Kenneth Elder said he feels that the entire community including teachers, parents, support staff, etc. should be involved in the decision and the final decision should be unanimous.   Pete Ritchey said the option of building a new school should also be considered.   There was further discussion concerning this option.   Robin Smith inquired as to the cost savings from the upgrades that are proposed.

The next meeting was scheduled for February 9, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the High School.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 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."