Tulpehocken School District officials on December 16 reviewed plans for up to $72 million in renovations and additions to the Junior/Senior High School.
Project architect R. Jeffrey Straub presented plans for a total refinish of the interior and roofing of the building and replacement of its mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
The project will also nearly double interior space by adding another 127,000 square feet.
Straub said the renovations are needed to replace infrastructure that is at the end of its functional life.
He said the additions will accommodate a student population that has increased substantially since the building’s last addition in 1996 and is projected to keep growing.
The new building will also integrate the district’s sixth grade class via construction of a single-story academic wing for middle school students.
That construction — as well as the addition of three-story academic wings for high school classes — will help consolidate the district’s middle and high school programs within opposite ends of the building, Straub said.
New spaces will include a large group instruction room, new gymnasium, media center, collaborative learning space, a food court and second cafeteria, and a new performing arts wing with band, chorus, music and art rooms.
Plans also specify a new entrance and security vestibule/office, as well as multiple extensions to classroom wings, and expansions to tech ed and agriculture program spaces.
Total project costs could range from $65 to $72 million, depending on whether the district chooses to pursue changes like adding a district administration building to the high school facility, incorporating solar energy and expanding parking lots, said Dr. Andrew Netznik, superintendent.
Financing of the project will be done via a general obligation bond issue of $55 million in 25-year bonds, as well as a cash contribution of $9 million from the district, said Brad Remig, district financial adviser.
Remig said the district doesn’t anticipate receiving reimbursement from the state for the upgrades.
Officials noted that the district doesn’t plan on raising taxes to pay for the project.
The district’s current tax rate is 26 mills, meaning a tax bill of $2,600 for a property valued at $100,000.
Tulpehocken has decreased its tax rate every year for the past five years.
The board approved a maximum expense of $72 million for the project last month. Former board president Oscar Manbeck was the only member to vote against the expense.
Netznik said floor plans for the project should be finalized in January, with bidding taking place in April or May and construction slated to start in June or July.
Source: Berkshire mont
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