State College School Board Sees Long Road Ahead for Renovation Plans
By: Mallory Lane
Updated: November 13, 2012
STATE COLLEGE, CENTRE COUNTY - State College Area School Board is hoping to see more finalized plans for high school renovation plans by end of November.
The plans for renovations to State College Area High School are still in the initial stages, but board members say they're encouraged after their meeting with architects and members of the community.
More questions came up as the process to renovate State College Area High School began, and perhaps one of the most pressing concerns expressed by the board Tuesday is whether or not the high school should stay in its current location along Westerly Parkway or if a new facility should be built elsewhere.
Architects introduced a base plan outlining ideas of various design options to fix rundown parts of the current buildings Monday night, but Tuesday, the board says they're no closer to a final decision.
"It did generate some significant board discussion after that, there was probably close to two hours of board discussion and questions amongst themselves and also asking questions of the professionals about what the next steps are and what's actually necessary in terms of exploring different sight options," State College School Board Public Information Specialist, Julie Miller said.
This meeting was the first of many to take place over the next year. No final decisions on any design were made, including if there will be one or more buildings and there is no indication yet of how much this project could end up costing.
School Board members believe because of the size and scope of this project, a yes-no referendum vote will need to take place.
The board will be deciding whether or not to accept the proposed project as presented or with changes at their November 26th meeting.
From there a timeline for the project will be introduced and a definite plan will be recognized.
The plans for renovations to State College Area High School are still in the initial stages, but board members say they're encouraged after their meeting with architects and members of the community.
More questions came up as the process to renovate State College Area High School began, and perhaps one of the most pressing concerns expressed by the board Tuesday is whether or not the high school should stay in its current location along Westerly Parkway or if a new facility should be built elsewhere.
Architects introduced a base plan outlining ideas of various design options to fix rundown parts of the current buildings Monday night, but Tuesday, the board says they're no closer to a final decision.
"It did generate some significant board discussion after that, there was probably close to two hours of board discussion and questions amongst themselves and also asking questions of the professionals about what the next steps are and what's actually necessary in terms of exploring different sight options," State College School Board Public Information Specialist, Julie Miller said.
This meeting was the first of many to take place over the next year. No final decisions on any design were made, including if there will be one or more buildings and there is no indication yet of how much this project could end up costing.
School Board members believe because of the size and scope of this project, a yes-no referendum vote will need to take place.
The board will be deciding whether or not to accept the proposed project as presented or with changes at their November 26th meeting.
From there a timeline for the project will be introduced and a definite plan will be recognized.
