Draw Collective presents high‑school feasibility study; board considers motion to begin schematic design

McKeesport Area School District — At its June 4 meeting the McKeesport Area SD board heard a follow‑up presentation from Dan Angen of Draw Collective on a feasibility study for the district’s high school and discussed whether to authorize schematic‑design work.

Angen said Draw Collective provided a revised summary sheet with updated costing and delivered the full report, which includes executive summaries, development options, design solutions for “21st‑century” modifications and an appendix containing detailed counts of building systems. “In the report it has executive summaries … the costing is also in this book and then the appendix … we did actually go through and quite extensively try to look at all the systems of the building,” Angen said.

Why it matters: The study frames renovation as an alternative to replacement. Angen told the board the building “has good bones” but a 1950s layout that no longer fits modern instructional programs; the plan emphasizes reorganizing spaces for music, science, career‑tech and larger group instruction while upgrading windows, insulation and surfaces to improve comfort and security.

Angen recommended the board consider a motion to move forward with design. He outlined a multi‑phase schedule that would produce bid‑ready documents in about a year and then use three summers of phased construction to minimize disruption: “our goal is for you to be able to get out for bid and get contractors on board and not miss next summer … it’s going to take three summers of phasing to be able to accomplish what you need,” he said. Board members indicated tentative support and discussed adding an authorization item to next week’s meeting agenda or calling a special meeting if they prefer to act sooner.

On costs and assumptions, Angen and board members repeatedly stressed that master‑plan estimates are ranges, not final contract prices. Angen said the study produced itemized counts and that later phases would include detailed design documents and third‑party estimates: “it wasn’t just a general ‘hey we think numbers are this’ — we actually did an estimation effort,” he said.

Next steps: The board discussed placing an action to authorize schematic design on next week’s agenda; if approved, staff and the consultant would proceed with schematic development and return with more precise trade estimates and phased budget impacts. If the board does not act next week, members suggested waiting until the August meeting so new members can review materials and meet consultants.

The meeting record shows no formal vote on design authorization at this session. The board moved on to an underwriter presentation and other agenda items.