Penns Valley leaders consider future of high school

Penns Valley Area School District administrators are evaluating a master plan that could see several potential renovations to the high school.

Administrators and school board members took a tour of about 18 schools from around the commonwealth to see what possible space could be added and/or enhanced.

District Director of Physical Plant Robert Miller said administration facilitated a public comment session in April to get input on what taxpayers think are the greatest needs at the Penns Valley Area school.

The ideas were narrowed down to seven areas that include the auditorium, cafeteria, classroom and activity centers, gymnasium, library and office space.

Administration looked at strengths, needs and solutions for the target areas.

On Wednesday night, the nine-member board unanimously voted to approve two items that could put the Penns Valley Area High School master plan in the next phase.

The votes were to approve the the high school master planning purpose statement and priority goals, and to approve the meeting schedule to seek input on the master plan and authorize the administration use appropriate means to advertise the events.

Superintendent Brian Griffith said the school board will solicit feedback from residents and community groups regarding the master plan. They will hold tours of the high school for community groups that will start by the end of the month and last until May.

District business manager Jef Wall said the master plan was sparked after finding room in the district budget.

He said the district will pay off about $250,000 of debt next year, which opened up room in the budget to investigate proposed upgrades.

By May 18, the school board will vote to prioritize key areas to see what to target first, or to see if it would be more beneficial to conduct all at once.

In other district news, Wall announced his retirement Wednesday night.

The business manager started at the district in 2009, Griffith said.

“I know he bleeds blue and white for Penn State, but I also think he bleeds blue and white for Penns Valley.”

This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 8:49 PM with the headline "Penns Valley leaders consider future of high school."