Knoch DME

SAXONBURG — Renovations at Knoch High School will continue as contractors address soil problems due to excessive moisture, a complication that could cost the district up to $82,000.

After a recommendation presented by John Pappas of Eckles Construction, the group overseeing renovations for the district, board directors approved a construction change directive at a meeting Wednesday, Jan. 10, that would allow contractors to apply dry limestone to the soil.

The limestone will draw moisture out from where the footer and foundation of the school addition will rest to solidify the base. The material likely will be applied next week, superintendent David Foley said.

The district may not need to pay the full $82,000, he added.

“What they’re saying is when they get in there, they may not need that full amount depending on how much moisture is pulled out, how much lime is poured in,” he explained. “We’re trying to get this in the spot where (the soil) solidifies enough and it meets the expectations of the inspector to say, ‘OK, it’s hard enough — you can start building on this to build the foundation.’”

“I think it’s important to remember we have a contingency built in for these types of issues,” Foley said. “It sounds like when we’re talking about using those contingency funds, a lot of it happens in this stage of the process, where we’re trying to get off the ground, so we’re somewhat prepared for these types of things.”

Last week, board directors approved $42,000 be used to remove slag — a byproduct of steel — beneath the original blacktop in front of the school. Slag expands in contact with moisture and could cause future parking lots to crack.

The $39 million project undertaken by Mark Hudson Construction involves extensive changes to the high school, including the construction of an office complex, a cafeteria, science labs, a wellness center, a STEM area and a new entrance to the building, as well as minor renovations to classrooms.

Foley said office staff will be moved to a lunch room area during construction of the office complex and return to the office in the fall, by which time the district expects the complex to be complete.

The complex will join the administrative office to those of the nurse and counselor, Foley said.

“It brings everybody together,” he said.

All renovations are expected to be completed by the end of summer 2025.