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On Thursday, the board held a state-mandated Act 34 hearing to describe the project and its funding. However, directors cannot vote on whether or not to advertise for contractors for at least 90 days after the hearing.
The tech center was completed in 1972 and has not had any major renovations since. The Pennsylvania Department of Education recommends renovations after 20 years and will not reimburse any projects that take place before 20 years pass between construction or renovation.
Jeffrey Straub, project manager with Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, Mechanicsburg, said the state will likely reimburse the district $7 million, or .4096 on the dollar.
John McShane, bond counsel with Ferris, Baker, Watts, Inc., Pittsburgh, described funding. Directors approved a general obligation bond for $15.1 million. Refunding bonds from former projects will provide relief of 0.41 mills, the exact millage impact of the project. McShane said the project will not cost taxpayers anything.
Straub described the project, which will add 32,312 square feet, or approximately 50 percent, to the 68,374-square-foot building. The existing structure will be updated, too.
Straub said all systems, including electrical, air and heat, water and sewage, will be updated. He said such work is necessary not only to prevent future maintenance problems, but to comply with codes and increase energy efficiency. The back of the building was built on pyrite and Straub said renovations will include methods to prevent the building from shifting if the pyrite expands.
Two substantial additions will be a kitchen and combined gymnasium and cafeteria and an educational wing. A security vestibule will be added at the main entrance and three theory classrooms will be added to the shops. Straub said each shop will have a classroom, in keeping with PDE recommendations.
"The addition will be masonry with steel joists," he said. "We're not getting carried away with the design."
All academic needs will be met at the center. Since last fall, all 11th- and 12th-graders have been taking their academic classes at the center.
Two students and an instructor spoke in favor of the plan.
Megan Ritenour is in 11th grade and studies culinary arts. She wants an improved facility. She said she is learning a trade that will allow her to get a job upon graduation.
"We work just as hard as students at the high school," she said.
Patricia Alvarez is also in 11th grade in the food service program. She is new to the district and very happy with the center's offerings.
"The teachers take time in and after school to help us," she said. "I'm passing all my classes. Tech is like one big happy family. It's like being in a private school."
Karl Butchko has taught auto body for 23 years. He said the staff supports the changes, including both the renovation and the comprehensive facility. "The seniors were skeptical of the changes, but they have an opportunity to spend more time in the program. They're very appreciative."
Butchko said the floors and walls are not moving and, in response to a question from board President Francis Mongell, said classes have never been canceled nor delayed due to movement. "It's a safe building," Butchko said.
District resident Jim Sapola expressed concern with the pyrite and said walls are cracked and floors have buckled. Straub said future construction documents will address this problem.
Other district residents expressed concerns with programs.
Elisha Ronzio requested a biotechnology program. Philip Savini, director of curriculum, said administrators were looking at logistics and curriculum of such a program.
Melissa Tzan told directors to spend less money on the building and more on equipment. Albert Kanaan, CACTC director, said equipment is updated every year. Savini added that all staff have developed a list of their needs, which have been prioritized. He is also looking at equipment grants.
Director Jeffrey Harvey suggested the CACTC might also explore sharing expensive but portable equipment with other technical schools.
Ed Vincent is concerned with large class sizes. He said 34 students were in the protective services program.
Kanaan said he is working on schedules for next year and aims to keep 25 students per class.
"We will continue to make improvements to benefit students," he said.
"We're very fortunate," Mongell said. "We're one of the few districts in Pennsylvania to have our own vo-tech. We're slowly becoming one of the most progressive school districts in Southwestern Pennsylvania."
Anyone unable to attend the hearing may submit written comments to the Connellsville Area School District administration, 732 Rockridge Road, Connellsville, PA 15425. The deadline is 12 p.m. April 21.
Judy Kroeger can be reached at jkroeger@tribweb.com or 724-626-3538.
To see more of The Daily Courier or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/dailycourier/. Copyright (c) 2008, The Daily Courier, Connellsville, Pa. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
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