Frustration was evident in both the public that attended the March board meeting of the Southern Tioga School District and members of the board after no progress or decisions were made to move forward with planned infrastructure improvements to the facilities of the school district.
Directors Gretchen Lawrence, Jim Kreger and Kyle Heyler presented a plan to establish priorities among the renovations and estimate costs of repairs with a $40 million borrowing cap.
“We’ve heard for a year that $40 million is just a band-aid. You’re going to have to do $40 million again in 10 years. I think we’re going to show that is just not true,” said Heyler
The presentation highlighted the priorities recommended by Alloy5 Architecture and used the costs presented from Alloy5 cross referenced with prices from a 2019 Quad3 study, plus quotes obtained from outside sources.
The projected costs plan included a contingency of 25% and the estimated costs totaled approximately $34.5 million, which would be $27.5 million if not contingency funds are used.
Heyler said he felt some recommendations by Alloy5 were wasteful, pointing out some windows that would last another 15 years before needing to be replaced.
“You can save a lot by not replacing things that don’t need replacement,” said Heyler.
Another cost cutting measure was nixing the sprinkler systems recommended by Alloy5 with Heyler saying that sprinkler installation has a domino effect. By not installing the sprinkler system the ceilings would not have to be taken down and a water tower and generator would not be needed to supply water.
“As a professional engineering firm, they’re (Alloy5) not going to say “well, just patch this spot.” They want to have a nice, new, pristine project to advertise,” said Heyler.
Board members Sean Bartlett and Steve Guillaume questioned the presented costs, citing that some of the numbers did not account for inflation. They also asked why board members were questioning the advice of the architects they voted to hire to complete the renovations.
Heyler said that the presentation was an example of what could be done by addressing the most pressing needs of the district through other avenues but was not something he would present for a board vote.
“Then what’s the point? If you’re not trying to give a reasonable explanation of a reasonable path forward? I’m perfectly swayable if there’s a reasonable path forward,” said Bartlett.
The board did not reach a resolution but decided to add the issue to the agenda for the April work session when board member Jim Nobles will be present.
Public comment was harsh with people questioning why the board cannot come to a decision and move forward.
“I don’t feel like you guys are one team. I know you’re not, because the same people keep bickering about the same thing. You need to figure it out. Stick to one or the other: either the central school on which you voted no, or the five schools or closing one of the elementary schools. But the bickering back and forth, people are getting really sick and tired of it. Just to reiterate, elections are coming and they’re up in November and some of you may not be here and that may not be a bad thing,” a resident said.
The board was also presented with an audit by Kim Wetzel of Myers, Patsy & Associates, LLC and a budget update by Bonnie Thompson which is projected based on the governor’s proposed budget.
To view the audit as well at the projected budget visit: https://app.agendamanager.com/southerntioga/meetings/68548/agendas/75284/agendaitems/951367
To view the presentation given by Heyler, Kreger and Lawrence visit https://app.agendamanager.com/southerntioga/meetings/68548/agendas/75284.
