Town Hall 2
On November 13, 2014, the Facilities Committee and the Board of School Directors held the second Town Hall Meeting - "Why Do This?" - to discuss the Springfield High School Master Plan.
The meeting began with a presentation by the Facilities Committee, followed by an open question and answer session. In addition, question cards were provided so that attendees could submit any further inquiries directly to the Facilities Committee.
Watch Town Hall Meeting 2: Why Do This? & Q&A on SETV
View the presentation .pdf for Town Hall Meeting 2: Why Do This?
Q&A From Question Cards
- Academics
- COSTS AND FINANCING
- CURRENT FACILITY
- DEMOGRAPHY
- DESIGN / PLANNING
- SCENARIOS - MAINTAIN / RENOVATE / NEW CONSTRUCTION
- VOTE / ACT 1
Academics
Dr. Barber gave his presentation about an Academy style academic plan. While I understand some different physical layouts may help to support that, why isn't the curriculum evolving now to this new plan? It is not entirely dependent on a new physical space.
The academic plan for the new Academy model is not predicated upon a new building. The Academy model will start scheduling for the 9th grade in the 2015-2016 school year. The model will run in the existing high school for all years leading up to the decision on the proposed master plan. The new academic plan is not entirely dependent on a new physical space.
Regarding classroom configuration: SAT scores of Radnor H.S. and Wallingford-Swarthmore High School are higher than Springfield H.S. How does your future proposed classroom configuration compare with these higher performing school districts?
The proposed master plan scenarios will provide classroom configurations that support the educational programming and create a learning environment that is safe and supports student learning.
How will this effect [sic] my taxes? % up renovate % up teardown. List grants received and applied for. Where will it be built? How will the asbestos be removed? What will the academic structure be to provide function and form? Why not build 2 or 3 small high schools instead of 1 large one? What is the targeted population of the future school? Will it serve as a satellite school for other school districts?
The projection in the presentation included a range of $250 for the maintain scenario to $425 for the New Leamy Avenue scenario. These increases are projected on the median assessed value of $146,050 and will be phased in over a period of 9 years. State legislation has supported capital projects undertaken by school districts through the PlanCon process. State funding was allocated again this past year and district projects were approved for state funding. The senate and house can support the PlanCon process in future budgets which in turn will reimburse a percentage of the costs for the district. For more information about PlanCon, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The proposed scenarios and possible locations are included in the Town Hall Meeting 1 Presentation, available on the website. Targeted enrollment for the future high school is 1270 to 1450. The building will not serve as a satellite school for other districts.
With all the increases in taxes, particularly pension, etc., are our children going to be better educated as a result?
The district's primary goal is to provide the students of Springfield School District the best educational program that prepares them to become lifelong learners.
COSTS AND FINANCING
Is the demolition cost of the existing building factored into both of the costs estimates for both new building options? Is the cost for new fields factored in both new building options?
Yes, both demolition and new field development has been included in the cost estimates for the two new construction scenarios.
Has any other funding been considered (ie- corporate sponsorship, grants)?
The future status of the state's PlanCon program could have a positive impact on the state reimbursement on this project. For more information about PlanCon, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Why are you trying to raise taxes (school taxes) for senior citizens - we can't have babies to send to Springfield School District. Is the Goverment [sic] going to give more money in my Social Security check to handle this tax increase. What about the children going to Springfield Should [sic] that don't live in the Springfield Sch. Dist. We have to pay for them too!!! All those repairs can be fixed by contractors. Try it you might like it.
Property tax reform for senior citizens is an issue that is being considered by the state legislature and a topic for discussion with your state representatives. The district monitors non-resident students throughout the year. If these students are identified, the district researches their residency and, if found to be out of district, will follow the state procedures for resolving the matter.
With all the increases in taxes, particularly pension, etc., are our children going to be better educated as a result?
The district's primary goal is to provide the students of Springfield School District the best educational program that prepares them to become lifelong learners.
What is the tax difference between renovating and new construction? Is the cost based on any increase in labor and on material cost at time of construction?
For the four scenarios, the projected millage increases, phased in over 9 years, range from 1.58 mills to 2.69 mills. Project cost ranges are based on estimated 2019-2021 costs. See slide 1.37 and slide 1.38 from the Town Hall Meeting 1 presentation for more detail. An in-depth consideration of costs and financing will take place at Town Hall Meeting 5 on Wednesday, February 4, 2015.
Worried about taxes - how much extra are we talking about?
[also asked as:]
If building is out of useful life will School Board reduce milage [sic] for old building? If milage [sic] was increased by original building at what point will the increase stop? What is the total estimate and milage [sic] increase?
For the four scenarios, the projected millage increases, phased in over 9 years, range from 1.58 mills to 2.69 mills. See slide 1.38 from the Town Hall Meeting 1 presentation for more detail.
How will the construction job be awarded by competitive open bidding or the use of no bid awards? Was the architect and plans awarded on a competitive bid or was a no bid award offered? Could the foundation in place handle renovation with replacement of the plumbing and heating system and will the property needed for a new school be awarded by a competitive bid or will a no bid award be granted? Can you float a bond for the 50 year life cycle?
The construction for any future work related to the proposed master plan scenarios will be competitively bid. Architectural work for future master plan design work will be competitively bid. Bond financing with a 50 year term is not consistent with the board policy on debt financing. Historically the district has used 20 to 25 year fixed term debt.
How will this effect [sic] my taxes? % up renovate % up teardown. List grants received and applied for. Where will it be built? How will the asbestos be removed? What will the academic structure be to provide function and form? Why not build 2 or 3 small high schools instead of 1 large one? What is the targeted population of the future school? Will it serve as a satellite school for other school districts?
The projection in the presentation included a range of $250 for the maintain scenario to $425 for the New Leamy Avenue scenario. These increases are projected on the median assessed value of $146,050 and will be phased in over a period of 9 years. State legislation has supported capital projects undertaken by school districts through the PlanCon process. State funding was allocated again this past year and district projects were approved for state funding. The senate and house can support the PlanCon process in future budgets which in turn will reimburse a percentage of the costs for the district. For more information about PlanCon, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The proposed scenarios and possible locations are included in the Town Hall Meeting 1 Presentation, available on the website. Targeted enrollment for the future high school is 1270 to 1450. The building will not serve as a satellite school for other districts.
Is enrollment up? What was the number of students in the school over the last 5 years. What is the cost of construction, how will it be done so not to hinder the students during the school year? Is [sic] the additional taxes going to cause me to move out of the township?
The Pennsylvania Department of Education records enrollment on the 1st of October each academic year. The October 1st enrollment for Springfield High School for the last five years is as follows: 2009/10 was 1176 students; 2010/11 was 1209 students; 2011/12 was 1204 students; 2012/13 was 1196 students; 2013/14 was 1221 students. The costs for updating the existing building range from $90 million to $110 million. The costs to build a new building are projected to range from $118 million to $150 million. The projected duration of the projects range from 36 months to 60 months. The maintain and renovate scenarios would require temporary classroom space; the new construction scenarios would not. Some projects, such as the asbestos remediation in the maintain / renovate scenarios, will be challenging to manage with regard to disruption during the school year. The projected tax increase discussed in the first Town Hall Meeting presentation included a range of $250 for the maintain scenario to $425 for the New Leamy Avenue scenario. These increases are projected on the median assessed value of $146,050 and will be phased in over a period of 9 years.
CURRENT FACILITY
When the High School roof was replaced over 20 years ago, there was no disruption of the asbestos insulation underneath. Why can't a new roof membrane be installed without disrupting the asbestos? The asbestos is considered safe if it is not disrupted.
The existing ballasted roof system was installed over the prior roof system. The prior roof covering was a bilt-up (BUR) in which the insulation is fully adhered to the asbestos roof deck. BUR's typically last 30-40 years, so this is the original roof and was never removed. Installing one roof covering over an existing roof system is permitted by code; however, to replace the current roof system would require removing both roof systems, including the insulation. Because the original insulation is adhered to the roof deck with asphalt, the demolition process would cause damage to the deck.
The High School is only one of several similarly aged schools in the district. What is the status of the physical condition of Scenic, Sabold, and ETR? If the High School is rebuilt at an extreme expense to taxpayers, how much longer will it be before the other building will require the same kind of refurbishment/rebuilding?
Scenic, Sabold, and ETR have had new roofs, new windows, and heating systems installed within the last 8-12 years and are generally in better condition. Those buildings do not have the same accessibility issues, asbestos roof deck problem, size and circulation issues. Capital renewal is an on-going process and there are funds budgeted for capital renewal of building systems in the coming years.
If the building is so bad, that means that our children are not safe here, why is [sic] classes still beheld [sic] in this building? How many building maintance [sic] people do we have? VS How many admistrative [sic] personal [sic] are in this building? If the building is not at code why are people allowed in the building? Does the code inforcer [sic] know about all the nonconpliance [sic]? Can this be put on a voter's ballot at election day for everyone to vote yes or no?
We are committed to providing a safe, effective learning environment for the students of the Springfield School District, and even with the current challenges that the high school building presents, we are able to do so every day. The existing building does not meet the current, more stringent building codes (exit stairs, hallway, fire separation, etc.), but is grandfathered for current building codes and is currently operable. Any necessary major renovations or updates must be completed in a manner that complies with current building code. The district currently has 9 maintenance and grounds staff. The Township Code Enforcement Office is aware of the existing conditions of the high school. The Act 1 Legislation of 2006 requires a voter referendum if a school district proposes to raise real estate taxes or school taxes in excess of the annual stated Act 1 Index including allowable exceptions. No voter referendum will be required if the district can fund the capital project through the existing operating budget and annual tax increases.
Why are you trying to raise taxes (school taxes) for senior citizens - we can't have babies to send to Springfield School District. Is the Goverment [sic] going to give more money in my Social Security check to handle this tax increase. What about the children going to Springfield Should [sic] that don't live in the Springfield Sch. Dist. We have to pay for them too!!! All those repairs can be fixed by contractors. Try it you might like it.
Property tax reform for senior citizens is an issue that is being considered by the state legislature and a topic for discussion with your state representatives. The district monitors non-resident students throughout the year. If these students are identified, the district researches their residency and if found to be out of district, will follow the state procedures for resolving the matter.
Will these options be on the ballot for the tax payers to vote? As to size and student numbers, has the possible closing of all twp and boro Catholic schools been consider [sic]? Will a new building improve the district's rank to make this a higher rated school? Improve test scores? Will the new school be better maintained (scheduled maintenace [sic] so not to be come [sic] obsolete in 30 years?)
The Act 1 Legislation of 2006 requires a voter referendum if a school district proposes to raise real estate taxes or school taxes in excess of the annual stated Act 1 Index including allowable exceptions. No voter referendum will be required if the district can fund the capital project through the existing operating budget and annual tax increases. The district has had the demography study updated and the study accounts for local and regional changes in student enrollment trends. The current high school has sections that are 60 plus years old and a section that is 43 years old. The building is maintained daily and there is a comprehensive preventative maintenance program that is followed throughout the year.
When was this current building built? Will the new building have any solar panels to offset energy bills? Will the new building have a flat roof with all the problems they cause?
The existing building was built in the mid-1950s and in 1971. The building design for the new scenarios has not been developed at this time but all types of energy efficiencies and roof designs will be reviewed if a new option is considered.
DEMOGRAPHY
Will these options be on the ballot for the tax payers to vote? As to size and student numbers, has the possible closing of all twp and boro Catholic schools been consider [sic]? Will a new building improve the district's rank to make this a higher rated school? Improve test scores? Will the new school be better maintained (scheduled maintenace [sic] so not to be come [sic] obsolete in 30 years?)
The Act 1 Legislation of 2006 requires a voter referendum if a school district proposes to raise real estate taxes or school taxes in excess of the annual stated Act 1 Index including allowable exceptions. No voter referendum will be required if the district can fund the capital project through the existing operating budget and annual tax increases. The district has had the demography study updated and the study accounts for local and regional changes in student enrollment trends. The current high school has sections that are 60 plus years old and a section that is 43 years old. The building is maintained daily and there is a comprehensive preventative maintenance program that is followed throughout the year.
How will this effect [sic] my taxes? % up renovate % up teardown. List grants received and applied for. Where will it be built? How will the asbestos be removed? What will the academic structure be to provide function and form? Why not build 2 or 3 small high schools instead of 1 large one? What is the targeted population of the future school? Will it serve as a satellite school for other school districts?
The projection in the presentation included a range of $250 for the maintain scenario to $425 for the New Leamy Avenue scenario. These increases are projected on the median assessed value of $146,050 and will be phased in over a period of 9 years. State legislation has supported capital projects undertaken by school districts through the PlanCon process. State funding was allocated again this past year and district projects were approved for state funding. The senate and house can support the PlanCon process in future budgets which in turn will reimburse a percentage of the costs for the district. For more information about PlanCon, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The proposed scenarios and possible locations are included in the Town Hall Meeting 1 Presentation, available on the website. Targeted enrollment for the future high school is 1270 to 1450. The building will not serve as a satellite school for other districts.
What steps are taken and what documented proof is requested to validate residency?? TAX RETURN!!
The registration process requires proof of address with a picture ID, copy of a utility bill and a current tax bill. Rental agreements are required for rental properties along with a utility bill and picture ID.
Is enrollment up? What was the number of students in the school over the last 5 years. What is the cost of construction, how will it be done so not to hinder the students during the school year? Is [sic] the additional taxes going to cause me to move out of the township?
The Pennsylvania Department of Education records enrollment on the 1st of October each academic year. The October 1st enrollment for Springfield High School for the last five years is as follows: 2009/10 was 1176 students; 2010/11 was 1209 students; 2011/12 was 1204 students; 2012/13 was 1196 students; 2013/14 was 1221 students. The costs for updating the existing building range from $90 million to $110 million. The costs to build a new building are projected to range from $118 million to $150 million. The projected duration of the projects range from 36 months to 60 months. The maintain and renovate scenarios would require temporary classroom space; the new construction scenarios would not. Some projects, such as the asbestos remediation in the maintain / renovate scenarios, will be challenging to manage with regard to disruption during the school year. The projected tax increase discussed in the first Town Hall Meeting presentation included a range of $250 for the maintain scenario to $425 for the New Leamy Avenue scenario. These increases are projected on the median assessed value of $146,050 and will be phased in over a period of 9 years.
How will you project the PROPER projected enrollment? It's been improperly projected in the past. What is the condition of the middle school (its age and codes)? That school is bursting > especially since 1 entire wing is now housing the Y. Will there be a "resident" re-building committee formed, ie resident > contractors / eng. / archits. / electricians / plumbers etc.
The demography study that was prepared for the district helps the district project enrollment growth and forecast the space requirements for future years.
The student enrollment graph shown concerning right sizing the box shows that since 2009 that the actual enrollment has outpaced either projection model. The actual enrollment figures end at 2010-2011. What are the actual enrollment figures for the last 4 years?
Enrollments for the high school for the last four years are as follows: 2011-12 (1,209), 2012-13 (1,198), 2013-14 (1,223), 2014-15 (1,203).
DESIGN / PLANNING
If the decision is to build new, then as the current high school is torn down, is there a plan to re-use any interior elements (finishings or furnishings) and if not, will they be available for architectural salvage/reclamation? Thanks for all of the hard work and effort you are all putting into this.
If the decision is to build a new building, any interior elements and furnishings that are worth using will be moved and repurposed in the new building. Any other elements or furnishings determined not to be used in the new building will be salvaged at that point when the old building is readied for demolition.
Regarding classroom configuration: SAT scores of Radnor H.S. and Wallingford-Swarthmore High School are higher than Springfield H.S. How does your future proposed classroom configuration compare with these higher performing school districts?
The proposed master plan scenarios will provide classroom configurations that support the educational programming and creates a learning environment that is safe and supports student learning.
Will these options be on the ballot for the tax payers to vote? As to size and student numbers, has the possible closing of all twp and boro Catholic schools been consider [sic]? Will a new building improve the district's rank to make this a higher rated school? Improve test scores? Will the new school be better maintained (scheduled maintenace [sic] so not to be come [sic] obsolete in 30 years?)
The Act 1 Legislation of 2006 requires a voter referendum if a school district proposes to raise real estate taxes or school taxes in excess of the annual stated Act 1 Index including allowable exceptions. No voter referendum will be required if the district can fund the capital project through the existing operating budget and annual tax increases. The district has had the demography study updated and the study accounts for local and regional changes in student enrollment trends. The current high school has sections that are 60 plus years old and a section that is 43 years old. The building is maintained daily and there is a comprehensive preventative maintenance program that is followed throughout the year.
How will this effect [sic] my taxes? % up renovate % up teardown. List grants received and applied for. Where will it be built? How will the asbestos be removed? What will the academic structure be to provide function and form? Why not build 2 or 3 small high schools instead of 1 large one? What is the targeted population of the future school? Will it serve as a satellite school for other school districts?
The projection in the presentation included a range of $250 for the maintain scenario to $425 for the New Leamy Avenue scenario. These increases are projected on the median assessed value of $146,050 and will be phased in over a period of 9 years. State legislation has supported capital projects undertaken by school districts through the PlanCon process. State funding was allocated again this past year and district projects were approved for state funding. The senate and house can support the PlanCon process in future budgets which in turn will reimburse a percentage of the costs for the district. For more information about PlanCon, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The proposed scenarios and possible locations are included in the Town Hall Meeting 1 Presentation, available on the website. Targeted enrollment for the future high school is 1270 to 1450. The building will not serve as a satellite school for other districts.
Is enrollment up? What was the number of students in the school over the last 5 years. What is the cost of construction, how will it be done so not to hinder the students during the school year? Is [sic] the additional taxes going to cause me to move out of the township?
The Pennsylvania Department of Education records enrollment on the 1st of October each academic year. The October 1st enrollment for Springfield High School for the last five years is as follows: 2009/10 was 1176 students; 2010/11 was 1209 students; 2011/12 was 1204 students; 2012/13 was 1196 students; 2013/14 was 1221 students. The costs for updating the existing building range from $90 million to $110 million. The costs to build a new building are projected to range from $118 million to $150 million. The projected duration of the projects range from 36 months to 60 months. The maintain and renovate scenarios would require temporary classroom space; the new construction scenarios would not. Some projects, such as the asbestos remediation in the maintain / renovate scenarios, will be challenging to manage with regard to disruption during the school year. The projected tax increase discussed in the first Town Hall Meeting presentation included a range of $250 for the maintain scenario to $425 for the New Leamy Avenue scenario. These increases are projected on the median assessed value of $146,050 and will be phased in over a period of 9 years.
When was this current building built? Will the new building have any solar panels to offset energy bills? Will the new building have a flat roof with all the problems they cause?
The existing building was built in the mid-1950s and in 1971. The building design for the new scenarios has not been developed at this time but all types of energy efficiencies and roof designs will be reviewed if a new option is considered.
The new SLC was mentioned last night as a good example of new building design and usage. As I see, there have been some severe problems that the district and any designers should learn from. The layout and the "breakout" spaces function poorly at best. Kids end up going to the ETR basement rather than use the breakout spaces. The climate control ranges from too hot to too cold. This is partly due to the giant open space that allows cold air to settle and hot air to rise. The materials used in construction are of poor quality such as the doors that didn't work properly when it was opened. The layout of the parking lot and drive up for parents is abysmal. There have been injuries associated with how the drop off of kids is handled. The open glass and side doors are a danger for the kids inside for someone wanting to do harm. It has only been recently that the front office door has been secured to require buzzed in access. The waste recycling plan was abandoned.
The lower level of ETR is legitimate student instruction space and was used for 8th graders before the 5th grades were moved to Scenic Hills and Sabold. Among other things, that instruction space is now used for special ed, learning support, a reading workshop, and an after school program. As designed and intended, individualized instruction takes place in the small group instruction spaces in each classroom and other group functions take place in break-out spaces on a daily basis. The comfort level will vary during arrival and dismissal periods due to the amount of traffic and open doors during this period. There have been no known injuries during the arrival and dismissal periods, except for an aide that injured her wrist attempting to open a car door that was not unlocked by the driver. The waste recycling program has not been abandoned. We implemented a single stream recycling program which is simpler to implement and requires one less dumpster on site.
Dr. Barber gave his presentation about an Academy style academic plan. While I understand some different physical layouts may help to support that, why isn't the curriculum evolving now to this new plan? It is not entirely dependent on a new physical space.
The academic plan for the new Academy model is not predicated upon a new building. The Academy model will start scheduling for the 9th grade in the 2015-2016 school year. The model will run in the existing high school for all years leading up to the decision on the proposed master plan. The new academic plan is not entirely dependent on a new physical space.
What type of athletic field is going to be built? I have heard that the artificial turf fields, particularly the fields that contain "crumb rubber" (pulverized car tires), are causing major health issues for the children who play on them. The children get these little bits of rubber in their noses, mouths, clothes (and they bring them home in their clothes and shoes). The children are developing cancer. The temperature on these fields is also much higher on hot days than it would be on grass fields. I am very concerned about my children playing regularly (especially in the heat) on this type of field. Thank you!
Student safety is of the utmost importance. The types of fields have not been determined at this point in the project. Artificial turf fields will be considered for one of the fields due to the operational efficiencies afforded by this type of field. Fields containing "crumb rubber" will be evaluated and researched with industry experts with student safety a top priority for the district.
SCENARIOS - MAINTAIN / RENOVATE / NEW CONSTRUCTION
What is the estimated duration of the projects Renovation vs. New Construction?
Phasing for each of the four scenarios will be discussed in greater detail in the upcoming Town Hall Meeting #3. In a broad sense, the estimated base construction durations range from 1.75 years to 5.25 years, with overall durations (to include demolition phases) from 3 years to 5 years.
Where will the bus parking be located during construction?
The actual location for bus parking has not been determined at this time, but ultimately will be located off site and the responsibility of the transportation vendor.
What provisions will be made for contractor parking (as many as 100 plus men a day)?
Contractor parking will be on site and managed.
How will the construction be phased to allow instruction and construction to occur concurrently?
Minimizing the impact of construction on instruction will be difficult and the impact varies between the four options. The degree of impact and duration will be much greater in the renovation schemes, and far less in the new building schemes. Again, this will be discussed in more detail in Town Hall Meeting 3.
What will be done to ensure the integrity of the adjacent properties Will videotaping of the properties prior to construction be offered to the residents? This may create a bench mark to monitor and manage potential claims that arise due to the construction? Will any type of vibration monitoring be utilized to monitor the adjacent properties potential impact from equipment and trucking activities?
It is common practice to establish the existing condition of structures surrounding a large construction project, as well as vibration monitoring around the project perimeter.
What traffic provisions will be utilized to accommodate deliveries and trucking activities?
Determining traffic provisions for deliveries and trucking activities has not been determined at this time and will depend on the selected scheme.
During last night’s presentation, it was stated that roof replacement would require a complete tent encapsulating the school due to asbestos roof material. Will the demolition require the same type of containment?
Tent containment will be still be required in a building demolition scenario and would be for a shorter period of time compared to a building renovation scheme.
Is enrollment up? What was the number of students in the school over the last 5 years. What is the cost of construction, how will it be done so not to hinder the students during the school year? Is [sic] the additional taxes going to cause me to move out of the township?
The Pennsylvania Department of Education records enrollment on the 1st of October each academic year. The October 1st enrollment for Springfield High School for the last five years is as follows: 2009/10 was 1176 students; 2010/11 was 1209 students; 2011/12 was 1204 students; 2012/13 was 1196 students; 2013/14 was 1221 students. The costs for updating the existing building range from $90 million to $110 million. The costs to build a new building are projected to range from $118 million to $150 million. The projected duration of the projects range from 36 months to 60 months. The maintain and renovate scenarios would require temporary classroom space; the new construction scenarios would not. Some projects, such as the asbestos remediation in the maintain / renovate scenarios, will be challenging to manage with regard to disruption during the school year. The projected tax increase discussed in the first Town Hall Meeting presentation included a range of $250 for the maintain scenario to $425 for the New Leamy Avenue scenario. These increases are projected on the median assessed value of $146,050 and will be phased in over a period of 9 years.
VOTE / ACT 1
If the building is so bad, that means that our children are not safe here, why is [sic] classes still beheld [sic] in this building? How many building maintance [sic] people do we have? VS How many admistrative [sic] personal [sic] are in this building? If the building is not at code why are people allowed in the building? Does the code inforcer [sic] know about all the nonconpliance [sic]? Can this be put on a voter's ballot at election day for everyone to vote yes or no?
We are committed to providing a safe, effective learning environment for the students of the Springfield School District, and even with the current challenges that the high school building presents, we are able to do so every day. The existing building does not meet the current, more stringent building codes (exit stairs, hallway, fire separation, etc.), but is grandfathered for current building codes and is currently operable. Any necessary major renovations or updates must be completed in a manner that complies with current building code. The district currently has 9 maintenance and grounds staff. The Township Code Enforcement Office is aware of the existing conditions of the high school. The Act 1 Legislation of 2006 requires a voter referendum if a school district proposes to raise real estate taxes or school taxes in excess of the annual stated Act 1 Index including allowable exceptions. No voter referendum will be required if the district can fund the capital project through the existing operating budget and annual tax increases.
Will these options be on the ballot for the tax payers to vote? As to size and student numbers, has the possible closing of all twp and boro Catholic schools been consider [sic]? Will a new building improve the district's rank to make this a higher rated school? Improve test scores? Will the new school be better maintained (scheduled maintenace [sic] so not to be come [sic] obsolete in 30 years?)
The Act 1 Legislation of 2006 requires a voter referendum if a school district proposes to raise real estate taxes or school taxes in excess of the annual stated Act 1 Index including allowable exceptions. No voter referendum will be required if the district can fund the capital project through the existing operating budget and annual tax increases. The district has had the demography study updated and the study accounts for local and regional changes in student enrollment trends. The current high school has sections that are 60 plus years old and a section that is 43 years old. The building is maintained daily and there is a comprehensive preventative maintenance program that is followed throughout the year.