Proposed upgrades could cost $40 million

A proposed five-year, $40 million capital improvement plan to BaldwinWhitehall School District’s five school buildings was presented to the school board on Aug. 9.

The plan, presented by Greer Hayden of HHSDR Engineers and Architects, Downtown, projects that Harrison Middle School would be the most costly with $12.2 million in proposed improvements, including replacing the roof and windows; resurfacing the parking lots and driveway; electrical work; and auditorium and stage renovations.

The study concluded that “overall the buildings are well-maintained,and the districtis effectively utilizing all of its spaces by capturing all availableareas.”

Superintendent Randal Lutz compared the study to a child’s “wish list” at Christmas, and said it will be up to the board to decide what to pursue.

The overall building condition ratings were: Baldwin High School, good; Harrison, fair; Whitehall Elementary School, good; McAnnulty Elementary School, fair; and Paynter Elementary School, poor.

The Paynter renovation, estimated at $11 million, includes replacing the roof system, windows, interior/ exterior lights, sidewalk, and more. Mr. Hayden said the school has not undergone a major renovation since it was constructed in the late 1960s.

With the new school year nearing, Mr. Lutz said fall enrollment as of Aug. 4 is 4,305 students, an increase of 137 since the second week of May and the highest since the 2004-05 school year. The 2017-18 budget included funding for 10 new teaching staff, half of which were for projected enrollment increases.

In other business, the board approved Brett Bielewicz as assistant principal at Whitehall Elementary School at an annual salary of $70,000.

The board also approved Brian Durica as technology integration specialist at an annual salary of $73,000.