The construction of a gymnasium at , with an approximate $14.5 million price tag, is nearing “substantial completion,” according to business director Jack Myers.
And now it's time to talk about the third phase of improvements to the 40-year-old building, with an estimated cost as high as $60 million.
Superintendent Bill Gretzula, in discussing upcoming priorities during Wednesday's school board meeting, said it's nearing the time to talk about phase three.
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Myers told Patch after the meeting the district will use a portion of $130 million of debt funding authorized by the school board in 2005, of which only about $30 million has been used. He estimated the cost between $50 million and $60 million.
Myers said the project will upgrade electrical, mechanical and plumbing infrastructure at the school. The work will likely also include the “cosmetics of the walls,” he said.
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“We need to reshape what's there to meet the needs of the next 20 years,” he added.
He declined to estimate a timetable for phase three. But he said the debt funding will be reflected in an estimated $135.50 increase in the local school tax for the 2013-2014 school year.
Groundbreaking on the gym took place in July 2009, and district officials have said they expect a grand opening in late summer or early fall.
That project is being largely funded with $10 million from a 2007 $30 million school district bond. The township, which was looking to build a community center, added $2 million, and another $2 million comes from a state matching grant.
The 45,000 square-foot structure will be a three-court “spectator gym” with stands that can seat 1,700 people, along with an elevated track. It is attached to the high school, just behind one of the two existing gyms, which are not being renovated at this time.
In addition to basketball, the new gym will be used for wrestling, volleyball, track and classes.
The district has been using the gym at the former Armstrong Middle School, which was closed in 2005, for spectator sporting events. It is hoping to sell that property.
