McKeesport board discusses high school feasibility study, athletic-trainer contracts and consent agenda

The McKeesport Area School District board on Oct. 2 heard a presentation proposing a three-phase feasibility study and master plan for the high school and fielded public questions about superintendent staffing and solicitor listings. The meeting also included discussion of athletic-trainer arrangements, including a cited $50 hourly rate and a 35% comprehensive management fee, and routine motions to approve multiple agenda items by consent.

The presentation on the high school called for a phased strategic master plan beginning with a facility-condition study of the building envelope, mechanical and electrical systems and security infrastructure. A staff presenter described phase one as a review of the “exterior envelope, the windows, the doors, the walls, the roofs, HVAC plumbing systems, electrical security,” and said a selected architect would complete the first phase in about one to two months, with a second visioning phase and a third options-and-analysis phase following. The presenter said the three phases together typically take about four months to reach refined options for the board’s consideration.

Board members and commenters emphasized ongoing building problems. A board member noted…