Built in 1928, the building has been maintained over the years, but there comes a time when repairs aren't enough and a complete overhaul is the only way to ensure safety and efficiency.

However, one must question the recent approval by the school board for a $113 million cap on the proposed renovations.

Certainly, a multitude of mandated local, state and federal requirements add to the costs of renovating or building schools. The district has no way to avoid the requirements or to negotiate a decrease for the added expenses.

But stop and think: $113 million is a whole lot of money. A whole lot of taxpayers' dollars.

Mt. Lebanon is an established, upscale suburban community that prides itself on the quality of life it provides to its residents.

Education is vital and not just for providing the municipality's youth the greatest opportunities. The district is, and has been, consistently ranked in the top districts in the state, and that superior ranking is one of the reasons many property owners give for choosing Mt. Lebanon as their new home.

Considered basically landlocked when it comes to new development, the tax base in Mt. Lebanon is not expected to expand as it is in neighboring communities like South Fayette, Peters, North Strabane and Cecil townships.

No expanding development, no growing tax base.

Mt. Lebanon has a large number of private homes and commercial buildings, but there are also apartment units where, in many cases, the elderly or others on low or fixed incomes live. In addition, many residents are young executives with no children and others who are single.

Everyone living in Mt. Lebanon shares a wonderful library, outstanding municipal services, recreational facilities, and a thriving downtown commercial district. Now they will all have something else in common: paying for a $113 million high school even if they have no school-age children.

There is no denying the high school needs to be improved, but one must question the cost that must be borne on the backs of all property owners.

Taxpayers were recently told by the school board to be prepared for a possible 14 percent school tax increase.

Food, utilities, clothing, you name it, are increasing faster than most people can keep up. It's a shame to think some residents are going to do without the absolute necessities of life to pay their school taxes.

Is there an answer? Don't know. If you have any suggestions, let us know. Better yet. Tell the school board.