Slippery Rock barn improvements may be near
SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — Plans to improve the barn that reads “This is Rocket Territory” may begin soon, according to a report by a member of the barn committee.
David Smith, a member of the committee, presented plans to complete two of four proposed projects on the barn at the school board meeting on Monday, April 28. The focus would be on replacing the roof and repainting the exterior.
“As many realize, the barn holds a special place in the hearts of students, alumni and the community,” Smith said. “The barn’s prominence was documented this winter by the Slippery Rock historical committee. It was selected as the image of the 2024 Christmas ornament by Wendell August Forge.”
Smith said he recognized the cost of repairing the barn and looked for alternatives to avoid using district funds. He said he looked to fund the projects through local corporations and community donations.
The first project would be replacing the roof with a red metal roof, alongside gutters and downspouts. Smith said he received three bids on the roofing project and that the cost will be less than $20,000. The second project would allow for repainting with funds from Armstrong Cable.
“Some work needs to be done to finalize this endeavor, but we feel confident we can perform this job with volunteer labor and supplies,” Smith said. “I submit to the school board a request for approval to proceed with these enhancements.”
Board members raised concerns on insuring volunteers, and Smith recommended contacting a lawyer to ensure liability does not fall on the district.
Greg Schiller, president of the school district board, raised concerns related to prior engineers’ report findings related to the foundation. Smith said the foundation is “solid,” and that improvements can be considered later.
“It would be nice to consider a round two as putting a french drain around it. If you just look at the volume of water as it comes off that roof to the foundation now, if you just put some downspouts and gutters and remove that water, I think it’ll help a lot with the longevity,” Smith said.
The board said it would place the topic on the next board meeting agenda.
“This barn is viable for another 50 years,” Smith said.
The next school board meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 12.
