Mar 20, 2015 2 min read

Representatives with PJ Dick construction and Eckles Architecture have shown their hands when it comes to the overall cost of proposed renovations and expansions in South Fayette School District.

Engineers said the $37 million price tag is the total estimated cost for all proposed construction, which was presented to the school board at its Tuesday committee meeting.

That number could change depending on suggested cost-saving measures, including cutting some items from the construction wish list.

“We would like authorization from the board to move to the next step, which is to plan and design,” said Eckles engineer Cassandra Renninger.

She also suggested the board forego applying for PlanCon reimbursement from the state on this project because the school may not be able to prove the projected population increases would match future student enrollment.

In the meantime, Renninger presented ways to save on the project by way of literally cutting corners.

“In addition to cutting square footage in some of the proposed wings, we can cut costs with some of these cost-saving measures,” she said.

Presented to the board was a list of 15 recommendations that included purchasing a softball scoreboard as well as galvanized steel bleachers directly from vendors; eliminating the fieldhouse dehumidification system and roof entry from the project; eliminating proposed courtyard infills; reducing the scope of renovations of the arts and child care building; reducing the scope of administration offices; and eliminating up to 20 proposed classrooms and support rooms.

It was not revealed how much money the district could save on the measures individually or together.