Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Board authorizes no-cost energy assessment for Dunbar Township after parents press for DTE renovations
Loading...
Summary
Parents and PTO members urged the Connellsville Area School District to prioritize renovations at Dunbar Township Elementary, citing leaks, HVAC failures, accessibility gaps and overcrowding; the board voted to approve a no-cost opportunity assessment with Optair Energy Services LLC to evaluate potential upgrades.
Parents and community members pressed the Connellsville Area School District on facility problems at Dunbar Township Elementary (DTE), and the board voted to authorize a no-cost energy opportunity assessment to guide potential renovations.
Samantha Long, a parent who spoke during the agenda public-comment period, described “active leaks” in the building and said those conditions raised concerns about “possible mold” and ill effects on students’ health and learning. Abby McCloy, another parent, told the board her fourth grader uses a wheelchair and described playground and restroom barriers that “make it extremely difficult and often impossible for my son to move his wheelchair independently.” Toni Sanner, a member of the DTE PTO, said parents have fundraised and offered to help financially and logistically to improve the school.
Board member Mr. Renzi, speaking under buildings and grounds, introduced a resolution to adopt and implement an authorization for a “no cost opportunity assessment” and to enter an assessment agreement with Optair Energy Services LLC. Renzi framed the assessment as a starting point to identify needed repairs and possible upgrades, emphasizing that the assessment itself carried no financial obligation for the district.
Board members discussed scope and timing. Mr. Martray said he supported renovating DTE but voted no on the measure because he preferred a different phased approach; the motion nevertheless passed. Renzi read a list of problems he has observed at the school, including plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems that “need repaired and updated,” insufficient classroom space that has required trailers, limited office space and concerns about restroom and ventilation systems.
The resolution authorizes the district to proceed with Optair’s assessment; the agreement is a first step that the board and administrators said would inform any future funding decisions or construction planning. The assessment will evaluate building systems and opportunities but does not commit the district to a particular renovation budget or timeline.
District officials said later in the meeting that capital planning will consider results from the assessment alongside other district priorities and funding sources. No specific timetable for the Optair assessment was given at the meeting.
