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USC discusses bond for school capital projects

By Terry Kish For The Almanac writer@thealmanac.Net 3 min read

Still awaiting municipal approval on its construction plans, the Upper St. Clair School Board approved a resolution at its Nov. 13 meeting to take on up to $10 million in debt for the district’s planned capital projects.

Board member Harry Kunselman raised questions about what would happen to the money if the building project was not approved by the township by the end of the year. Superintendent Patrick O’Toole said that even though the district is not sure if the projects will be approved by the township, the money could still be used for other capital related projects.

Board member Barbara Bolas said the district would have three years to spend the money, which would provide some flexibility if the plans were not approved by the township by the end of the year.

The board also approved Boenning & Scattergood as bond underwriter and Clark Hill PLC as bond counsel for the 2017 Series C bond issue. Prior to the vote, Michael Bova of Boenning & Scattergood said that by having two financings, one in 2017 and one in 2018, the district could save money on interest and have a shorter call time – five years rather than 10 years – for the bonds.

The district plans to construct a new eight-lane pool at the high school with a bid alternate for an additional special use pool, and a multi-use complex at the high school stadium to include home and visitor-side bleacher repair and renovation, ADA compliant restroom facilities, ticket booth, concession area, announcing facilities, multi-use space available for school district and community use, and district administrative office space. The estimated cost for the projects, which also include the completion of the Boyce athletic field facilities, is $16 million.

The district is seeking modification for the height of the building, which at 47-feet, 6 inches, exceeds the township code’s maximum building height of 35 feet. A modification is also being sought for a 13-foot retaining wall, which exceeds the township’s six-foot requirement.

Upper St. Clair commissioners heard about the school district’s proposed construction at a public hearing during their Nov. 6 regular meeting. The public hearing for unified conditional use and preliminary and final land development approval will be continued at the board of commissioners’ Dec. 4 meeting.

Also approved during the school board’s Nov. 13 meeting was an Almabase contract for alumni relations software. At its Oct. 23 meeting, the school board heard about plans for the district to better connect with alumni and tap into their knowledge to enhance the classroom experience for current students. Funding for the alumni initiative comes from a grant from the Lawrence and Rebecca Stern Family Foundation.

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