Friday, August 1, 2008

Construction of a high school costing $76.3 million will require borrowing but not an increase in taxes, Moon Area school officials said Thursday.

Building costs for the 291,000-square-foot structure on the site of playing fields behind the middle school will total about $61.6 million, said solicitor Jack Cambest, with the remainder to be spent for financing and professional fees.

District officials presented the plan at a state-required public hearing at the middle school attended by about 20 people. None of the seven who spoke opposed the project, although some raised concerns about the cost and possible drainage problems.

Peggy Bell, a former school board member, said while she supports the project, she felt "sticker shock" over the cost. The school board -- when she was a member -- had approved and accepted a bid for a high school design in 2005 for $49.2 million. A board with members opposed to the plan was voted into office and canceled that contract.

"It would have been built," Bell said. "Now we're paying 2008 prices, and it's costing $12 million more."

Much of the construction costs - about $54 million - would be paid from an existing bond issue of $76 million, said Joe Muscatella, the district's bond counsel. However, the district will have to seek an additional bond for about $15.7 million.

That would be subject to public discussion at board meetings, Cambest said. The public has until Sept. 2 to submit to the district written comments, which will be forwarded to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Architect Daniel Engen said he anticipates that bids will be let in October and awarded a month later, with groundbreaking by the end of the year.

Bonnie Pfister can be reached at bpfister@tribweb.com or 412-320-7886.