Upper St. Clair School Board approves proposal for services toward capital improvement projects
Upper St. Clair School Board convened a regular meeting during its Oct. 10 committee meeting to approve a proposal from McLean Architects LLC for preliminary architectural and engineering services for capital improvement projects, with the fee not to exceed $120,000.
Projects in the proposal include high school stadium upgrades, renovation or replacement of the high school swimming pool, and the addition of a small press box and concession stand at the Boyce Middle School field.
Improvement to the stadium structure, including bleachers and Americans With Disabilities Act compliance, is estimated at $2.7 million. The addition of district administrative offices above the stadium, including a press box and community use space, is estimated at $2.8 million. A new eight-lane pool at the high school is estimated at $4.9 million, and the estimate for a small concession stand and press box at Boyce is projected to cost $420,000.
Superintendent Patrick O’Toole said meetings would be scheduled, probably in November, to seek input from the public regarding the proposed projects.
Also approved during the regular meeting was the appointment of William Englert, Jr. to serve as acting athletic director. Englert, a retired assistant superintendent for personnel and student support services from the West Allegheny School District, takes over the duties of Matthew Mellinger, who is on administrative leave.
In addition, the board approved the appointment of Gregory Wagner as interim assistant athletic director. Mr. Wagner takes over for Matt Martocci, who resigned in September.
During the committee meeting, the school board heard a presentation from several high school student council representatives regarding their plans for a “Mini-THON” event planned for April 21. The students told the board they wanted to find a means to build school spirit and leave a positive legacy, so they are partnering with the Four Diamonds Fund to raise money to beat childhood cancer.
According to the Four Diamonds website, “Four Diamonds Mini-THONs are fun-filled events for students of all ages that inspire teamwork, leadership and creativity, while empowering young people through philanthropy and service in the fight to conquer childhood cancer.”
While the official Mini-THON introduction for the student body won’t take place until November, fundraising efforts have already started, with a homecoming fundraiser generating $500.
In other business, Amy Lewis of Maher Duessel presented the results of the annual audit for the year ending June 30. She commended Frosina Cordisco, district director of business and finance, and her team for their professionalism, noting that the books and records were in good order, with good supporting documents. Lewis said there were no findings to report from the audit.