Hempfield Area high school project heads into bidding phase this summer

The $128 million revitalization project at Hempfield Area High School will take another step forward this summer when the district accepts construction bids and awards contracts.

In an update sent to parents this week, district officials noted the project’s phased construction is set to begin in August and end in August 2026.

“There will be a lot of movement around here with each phase, but the phases largely align with the starts of the school year,” said Superintendent Tammy Wolicki.

She noted students likely will see areas that are fenced off and construction equipment around the campus when they come for the first day of school in August. The district plans to send progress flyers to families every three months.

The project includes modernization of the performing arts auditorium, addition of a new education wing and athletic facilities, and upgrades to security and energy efficiency.

Hempfield ninth graders will attend classes in the Harrold Middle School building for the duration of the project. Earlier this year, the board approved plans to redistribute middle school students from Hempfield’s three middle school buildings into two, reassigning the Harrold space for ninth graders for the time being.

Path of the project

The project is in the construction document phase, according to SitelogIQ representative Mike Arnold, who presented plans at a school board meeting this week.

“That really involves taking the documents now and detailing them in a way that prospective bidders can evaluate the drawings and specifications and place a bid on that, so that you’ll ultimately find out the cost of the project,” Arnold said. “We’re kind of in the middle of that phase right now. We’re moving towards the bidding phase.”

The district will accept bids between June 19 and July 19 for the first round of the project, which will include some renovations and the Sportsplex addition. The board will meet July 31 to vote on the proposals.

The second round will include the balance of the renovations and the auditorium addition, Arnold said.

SitelogIQ is reviewing construction documents and will provide a new budget estimate in a few weeks. A list of optional items is being compiled and will be considered based on expense.

According to school board member Vince DeAugustine, the buildings and grounds committee is planning a town hall-style public meeting in the next several weeks to answer questions about the project.

Related:

• Revised Hempfield middle school redistricting plan approved

• Hempfield high school project timeline, price at forefront of school board discussion

• Hempfield Area officials get look at high school renovation plans