USC considering options with new school swimming pool
Public comments from Upper St. Clair School Board’s Feb. 27 meeting indicate that the people want the school district to spend a little more money for a special-use pool in the athletics complex renovations.
The bid of $22.65 million, which includes the special-use pool that would offer different amenities, came in slightly higher during an earlier Feb. 12 meeting than the projected $21-22 million anticipated for the project. The special-use pool also adds $2.31 million to the project.
The renovations include a new community complex and pool addition at the high school and restroom/concessions building with announcer booth at Boyce Middle School.
When the projects were originally proposed last year, the estimate with a special-use pool was $19 million. Since then, items have been added to the project, including new electrical service from Truxton Drive, stadium light pole relocations and upgrade, visitor side bleacher refinishing, a new stadium scoreboard and sound system, rock excavation due to soils report, fencing along Washington Road, expansion of restroom counts per county regulations and Boyce parking lot paving.
Comments from the public were overwhelmingly in favor of building the added special use pool, with members of the swimming community stating that it would provide opportunity for programs that can’t currently be offered due to space constraints. They said the warmer water pool would be more conducive for swimming lessons for both children and adults. In addition, having a dedicated diving well would provide an opportunity to start a competitive diving program in the South Hills.
Board member Daphna Gans asked for more information about logistics as to how all the additional programs being proposed would be accommodated. Barbara Bolas, board vice president, asked if having more people using the pool would impact maintenance and long-term life of the pool. Superintendent Patrick O’Toole said he would get information on their questions before the board’s March 5 meeting.
The annual millage required for debt service if the district chooses the two-pool option is 0.4576. In Upper St. Clair, one mill generates $2.1 million.
Board President Amy Billerbeck noted that the annual tax impact on a homeowner with a median assessed value of $223,550 would be an additional $102 per year if the district chooses to build the additional special use pool, versus an additional $91 per year if only one pool was built.
The board is expected to award bids for the capital projects at its March 5 meeting. To view the complete capital projects bid review, visit the district’s website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us.
During the same meeting, Sharon Suritsky, assistant superintendent, and Amy Pfender, director of Student Support Services, gave a safety and security update.
The district is focusing on the physical plant at each school, policies and procedures and student connectivity. The district is working to strike a balance between an atmosphere where children learn best and buildings that are safe and secure.
School buildings have captured entrances and the district uses video cameras in various areas of the buildings. School police officers, security officers, and the Upper St. Clair police department have been working with staff on safety drills. Debriefings are held after drills to discuss things that went well and to identify areas of improvement.
The district is also looking at student assistance programs and how they are meeting the needs of the students.