200 pack hearing for update on new Springfield High
SPRINGFIELD >> The most interesting part of Springfield School Board’s update on the high school master plan may have come at the end of a 40-minute presentation.
Schools Superintendent Anthony Barber closed the session saying, “Our school board is committed to building a new building.” In fact, Barber said the phrase twice. The audience, likely in excess of 200, responded with applause.
Barber opened the session by saying, “We respect your time; we respect your voice; and we respect your position.”
The meeting differed substantially from earlier town halls when residents questioned where, how much and if a new school would be built. In 2016, the school board made that decision to redesign the existing campus, demolish the aging Springfield High and construct a 21st century facility in the southeast corner, near the Saxer Avenue and South Rolling Road intersection.
Not discussed at the latest session was the price tag, or if alterations would result in increases. School Director Frank Agovino provided answers to that question prior to the meeting.
“It is too early to say how the changes will affect the cost, but we are still at the original estimate of this project at $120 to $130 million. Additional costs would be due to timing, demolishing the ‘Blue Gym’ first, which means moving essential utilities which are located there,” said Agovino.
The meeting focused on layout changes, responding to issues cited as causes for the November denial of the application by the township planning commission. School Director Kevin Keenan said the main concerns were traffic, proximity to the St. Francis School and building height. The school footprint was moved to 140 feet off the St. Francis property line, creating an area of green space for recreation.
Executive Director Don Mooney said routing of traffic would be from Leamy Avenue to the interior of the campus, also reacting to concerns about Saxer Avenue congestion. The height is expected to exceed the 35-foot limit. It will be considered by the township’s Zoning Hearing Board.
“The height issue is challenging, particularly to meet PIAA (state athletic organization) standards,” said Keenan. “But this design also shrinks the amount of impervious surface. It cuts out wasted space we have in the existing building which has no value. Primarily, the concise footprint will align the school with our educational mission.”
The meeting also emphasized the vision and opportunities the new facility will afford students and school families, as well as the overall community. The location, Agovino said, brings the school and potential for programs closer to the “center of town” on Saxer Avenue.
The tone of Tuesday night’s meeting was markedly different from previous gatherings where residents – often senior citizens without children attending school – cited taxes as strong objections. A quartet of women – all mothers of children in the district – seemed representative of the overall enthusiasm.
“I’ve gone to all the town hall meetings. I think the plan has addressed concerns raised,” said Stephanie Deegan. “I was surprised there are 42 entrances to the current building,” she noted, commenting on fact that the new facility is set to have fewer than 10.
“My main priority is the future and safety of our children,” said Jennifer Clark, echoing the point.
“This is an investment in Springfield, not just education,” said Amy Spaccarelli. “There is a lot of silent support for this school. People should call their commissioner to express that.”
Dave and Karen Curtis, Saxer Avenue residents, have been involved from the start. They both observed the district had made accommodations and compromises, and was working together with the township.
Ray Wilfong has likely been one of the most attentive citizens, attending meetings of the school board and finance committee, as well as township commissioners.
“I appreciate that the district has listened to residents and St. Francis and made changes,” said Wilfong. “The finance committee does an excellent job and is very prudent in handling such things as bond issues.”
Township Solicitor Jim Byrne was asked to provide the continuing time frame. The appearance before the planning commission will be moved from April to May 4, Byrne said, to give township professionals time to carefully consider the current application. The Zoning Hearing Board is scheduled to consider specific requests on April 27.