Architects discuss G-ASD space concerns

Jan. 08--GREENCASTLE -- Representatives of the architectural firm Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates talked with Greencastle-Antrim School Board members about tackling the district's space problems at last week's meeting.

The presentation, very similar to the one made to the facilities committee in October and delayed from Nov. 15 due to snow, did not come with any specific recommendations for building projects. It did include deficiencies identified by people who work at each building level, with parking, buses and parent drop-off areas mentioned across the board.

Dr. Kendra Trail, superintendent, will work with Dr. Jolinda "JC" Wilson, chief financial officer, to determine next steps, which could include visioning exercises with the board, administrators, students and staff and more review by the facilities committee.

The architects' presentation touched on education program and vision, enrollment and capacity, facility assessments, project scope and budget and timeline.

Questions for the board include needs vs. wants, maintenance plans and programs, financing and establishing direction, said Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates'John Levato.

"What makes your district unique? How do your facilities meet current and future needs?" Levato asked.

He spoke about space for 21st century learning, noting it is not always about more square footage. Instead of traditional school layouts with rooms of the same size spaced evenly along hallways, collaborative learning, STEAM (science, technology, engineers, the arts and mathematics) and small group instruction programs may need different kinds of flexible spaces.

"Are there adequate spaces to support your programs and students?" asked Larry Beddia, also of Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates.

No priorities have been established, but Trail said she thinks the primary school "is likely to rise to the top."

At the primary school, kindergarten is at 106 percent of capacity, first grade is at 100 percent and second grade is at 92 percent.

"Any time you're over 85 percent capacity and approaching 90, you're out of room," Beddia said.

There are two ways to approach the project scope and budget, Levato said: establish scope, then cost or establish a maximum project cost then scope.

Other business

-- The board heard from David Craig whose puppy was hit by a school bus in the Rolling Hills subdivision on Dec.7.

Craig noted the dog was not on a leash, but he is unhappy with the response from the district, noting he has not had a formal apology from the driver, owner of the bus or transportation director.

There is nothing on the books about what to do in this situation, but Craig said "be human."

He asked that buses do the 25 mph speed limit in the development; the driver be re-educated; and the driver be assigned to another route.

-- The board went on a virtual tour of the the Pennsylvania Department of Education's new Future Ready PA Index led by Dr. Robert Crider, chief educational officer. It is available at:

futurereadypa.org

The site includes performance, college and career readiness and fast facts about individual schools as well as the whole district.

Contact Shawn Hardy at shardy@therecordherald.com or 717-597-2164

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