Peters Twp. School Board hears about big-ticket projects
McMURRAY- Peters Township School Board was looking at some big numbers Monday as a group of parents is pushing to build a new high school and the artificial turf at the high school stadium is at the end of its predicted life and needs to be replaced.
Those requests are on top of the $2.5 million the district spent last year on improving and replacing athletic fields near Pleasant Valley Elementary School.
About a year ago, Peters Township residents were surveyed about whether they would support building a new high school with the possibility that a tax increase would be necessary. Those who returned the survey gave a resounding negative response.
However, a group of parents, many of whom are members of the PTA Area Council, spoke to board Monday, asking it to consider building a new high school, citing overcrowding and student safety.
The board took no action.
The group is circulating a petition online asking for support to build a new school.
The artificial turf at the high school stadium is 10 years old, two years past its life expectancy.
Parent Barry McGlumphy, 121 Forestwood Drive, Venetia, is president of the district’s soccer boosters, a college professor and is trained in sports medicine. He said he believes the turf should be rehabilitated or replaced to eliminate any safety issues.
The current turf has been repaired, but there remain some areas that are potential tripping sites.
Later in the meeting, board members unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the school’s architect, HHSDR Architects in Pittsburgh, to prepare specifications to seek bids for turf replacement, and also authorizing Brian Geyer, athletic director, to obtain quotes for rehabilitating the existing turf. No amount for either rehabilitation or replacement was announced with the exception of the architect’s fees.