Seneca Valley

JACKSON TWP — Seneca Valley School District is drafting a new vision for its Intermediate High School.

Following a presentation by Jeremy Dwyer from architect group CannonDesign on Monday, Feb. 5, board directors reviewed preliminary options and priorities for renovations.

As the student population continues to grow, renovations would add classroom and instructional space, a new auditorium and possibly a new lobby.

Dwyer emphasized the need for “flexible collaborative space” that would be used creatively, without impeding what is presently available at the high school.

“We don’t want to have French (class) in the woodshop,” he said.

Additionally, superintendent Tracy Vitale echoed parent concerns and suggestions, stating adding a new auditorium and connecting the intermediate and senior high schools should be priorities.

First, she said, the performance arts program has grown, and at present, the auditorium does not meet program needs; nor does it have an orchestra pit.

A theater expert is expected to propose ideas sometime later this month, communications director Linda Andreassi said after the meeting.

With students sharing teachers and classrooms between the two buildings, connecting the senior and intermediate high schools is an issue of safety, she said.

Business manager Dana Kirk said the district is approximately a year away from putting out bids for the renovation project.

At this point in the predesign phase, the approximate cost and timeline of renovations are not yet known, Andreassi said.