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'An environment that's more secure': Conemaugh Township district seeking bids for courtyard, entrance project

Tribune-Democrat - 4/18/2019

April 18-- Apr. 18--Conemaugh Township school officials are planning to modernize access and security at the front of the district's 80-year-old high school.

District leaders are seeking bids on a project that would develop a single, secure entry system for the school as well as a landscaped, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant courtyard area that would make the building itself more accessible, Superintendent Thomas "T.J." Kakabar said.

The entryway renovations fall in line with efforts districts across the nation have taken in the 20 years since the Columbine shooting.

It would require all school visitors to pass through two separate sets of doors -- both of them operated by office staff through an intercom "buzzer" system.

Conemaugh Township officials' design would also require visitors to swipe their driver's license, enabling background checks to be conducted, before being permitted to pass through the second door.

"Our current entrance is nowhere near the office ... so this will allow us to change that," Kakabar said, noting that staff will now be able to see and interact with school visitors before they enter the school.

"We recognize it might slow things down a bit for kids coming in but we'll work it out," he said. "The most important thing is providing an environment that's more secure for our students and staff."

Changes are planned outside the school, too, plans show.

A series of four steps of stairs and railings at the front of the school -- near the cafeteria and auditorium -- are deteriorating and overdue for a replacement, he said. The renovations will also enable the district to replace a stretch of blacktop courtyard with an area that features stamped concrete and a plaza showcasing the United States, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Conemaugh Township flags.

Walkways and ramps will be added for students who are wheelchair-reliant, Kakabar said. Brick walls alongside the main steps that remain will be covered with a textured stone veneer.

And a Conemaugh Township Indians logo will hang above the main student entrance, plans by New York-based Envision Architects show.

"We're trying to accomplish something practical that will also be cosmetic," Kakabar said.

And, just as importantly, within the project budget, he said.

The district has set aside funds for the project to ensure the work will be paid for without an impact on taxes, Kakabar said.

"This is one of a series of projects we've had planned. But we're trying to do them when we can afford to do them," he said.

Bid solicitations were advertised this month with separate "alternates" included to control costs.

For example, heated sidewalks may be added if the price is right, he said.

Project bids are due May 9.

Conemaugh Township School District's board will have the opportunity to review offers and award the projects May 13, Kakabar said.

David Hurst is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at (814) 532-5053. Follow him on Twitter @TDDavidHurst and Instagram @TDDavidHurst.

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