Public shares feedback on Knoch High renovation
JEFFERSON TWP — Only about a dozen people attended the public presentation of the proposed plans for the $34.2 million renovation at Knoch High School, but they shared lots of feedback with the architect, school board, construction manager and superintendent.
Cassandra Renninger, principal architect at DRAW Collective, explained the renovation plans on Wednesday night in the Knoch Middle School library.
The plans, which have not yet been approved by the school board, include installing artificial turf in the stadium; an addition and main entrance loop on the northeast side of the school; a lane on the west side of the middle school that would be used to drop students at a secure entrance in the rear; moving the student parking lot to the current practice fields beside the athletic stadium; a bus lane off Dinnerbell Road; a consolidated administration space in the addition; a large wellness facility; “learning stairs” that would replace the current stairs could be used as instructional space; and a cafeteria in the addition that could be used for meetings, dances or community events, and improved science labs.
Several mechanical issues like the electrical system, heating, air conditioning and other unseen improvements are included in the plan as well.
Superintendent David Foley said it will take about three summers to complete the project.
Foley said the district focused on academics, arts and athletics when sharing their priorities with architects, and emphasized that preparing students for a successful future is the district’s top priority.
Feedback from those in attendance included concerns about the location of the new student parking lot, which would double as event parking. They were concerned about its distance from the auditorium, where musicals and plays are held.
Further, there were concerns about the outdoor dining at the new cafeteria being a security risk, the loss of the lobby outside of the auditorium, and the expense of adding the learning stairs when the auditorium needs work.
One person suggested a field house be added near the stadium, with locker rooms and other facilities.
Foley said that was considered, but would take up half the budget.
Another person, viewing an artist rendering of the new common area, said the expense of a high ceiling with upscale lighting and furniture might be better spent on a new classroom.
“We are not Fox Chapel or Shadyside,” said another who agreed.
Renninger said students behave and learn better in a more collegiate, well-lighted space.
John Pappas, construction manager, said students play sports and attend events at other school districts that have an upscale atmosphere and would notice if Knoch’s renovation did not include a “wow factor.”
One person involved in the varsity wrestling program complained that no wrestling room was included in the renovation plans.
Foley responded that in the current construction market, where prices are reaching record highs, his goal was to focus on improvements that would impact the largest number of students.
The board is expected to vote on the renovation design at their July 13 meeting.
“We heard a lot of good feedback, and we’ve certainly enjoyed hearing it,” Renninger said. “This is just the first of many conversations.”
