Apr 11, 2013 By Susan Schmeichel 2 min read

For The Almanac

writer@thealmanac.net

The Bethel Park School Board awarded more than $4 million in contracts for the upgrade and improvement of the HVAC and electrical systems at Neil Armstrong Middle School on April 8.

The bids for construction, mechanical and electrical work were awarded to Gurtner Construction Company, Lugalia Mechanical and Pitt Electric, Inc. and will include renovations to the ductwork and wiring throughout the building. The total cost of $4,095,870 is under budget from the original estimates for the work, said Matt Howard, district business manager.

Board members also approved a $308,592 contract with Franklin Interiors for the purchase of flooring for the school.

Both projects are being funded by money left in the construction fund after the high school project. By law, those funds can only be used for construction or debit service, Howard explained.

Neil Armstrong was constructed in the early 1970s and this is the first upgrade to the heating and air conditioning systems, he said.

Howard also said the district had been experiencing ongoing issues with the mechanical units that are “at or beyond life expectancy.”

The project is slated to begin soon and will be done mainly during the summer months when the building is not in use, said Vicki Flotta, district communications director. The 2013-2014 school year is not scheduled to begin until after Labor Day, she added.

“(Crews) are prepared to work multiple shifts to get it done,” Dave Disque, project manager from Massaro Corporation.

In other business, school directors are changing the date of the May 21 committee meeting because of a conflict with the primary election. Once a date is chosen, it will be posted on the district website.