Hempfield Area School District committees to discuss high school renovation finances

Members of Hempfield Area School District’s buildings and grounds and finance committees will discuss the financial situation of the stalled high school renovation project tonight.

The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the administration building, 4347 Route 136. It will feature presentations from the district’s business manager, bond counsel and bond underwriter, according to Superintendent Tammy Wolicki.

The committees will discuss potential estimates and scenarios for the cost of the high school project, along with interest rates and current and future debt.

The high school project has been stuck with little movement since August, when the board rejected all bids presented by construction manager SitelogIQ. Estimates came in millions of dollars over budget from initial projections.

Architects said the renovation in its current form would cost about $150 million, or $148 million with accepted alternates. That was a jump of $16 million to $18 million from the $132 million price tag that was predicted at a June town hall meeting.

Last week, the board approved advertising for possible candidates for an owner’s representative, who would navigate the project as an independent fiduciary and serve as an extension of the district.

Some board members hoped an owner’s representative could help the district get back on track. Others fear the move could lead to the district spending too much additional money.

Board members will not vote tonight.