Lebanon
The proposal contained several needed projects that should remain on the table, including new classrooms and secure entrances, according to school board members.
However, plans for next year’s ballot are still a ways off.
The School Board has yet to even discuss the 820-768 vote that killed the renovation in the coming school year, said board member Wendy Hall, who added those talks will likely begin in coming weeks.
“From my perspective, the plan included lots of things that the schools needed to really update and modernize,” said Hall, chairwoman of the district’s finance and facilities committee, on Sunday. “My hope would be that it would come back in some form.”
Improvements considered for Lebanon schools included a new cafeteria for the Hanover Street School, new parking patterns and additional space for classes and special services, among other projects.
But plans to build a $12.1 million performing arts center at Lebanon High School sparked criticism from residents, who worried the resulting tax increases would become too burdensome.
A 650-seat auditorium at the heart of the center would have increased educational offerings, and alleviated a crunch for time at the Lebanon Opera House, proponents argued.
“It seems like the auditorium was really the sticking point for people,” Hall said.
Anytime a big ticket project is proposed, some residents express concern about tax increases, she said. But in this case, Hall said, leaving the auditorium out of the overall project might have convinced people to support it.
The ballot vote last week required 60 percent approval to pass because of the project’s cost and the 20 years needed to pay off bonds. The plans received about 48 percent of the vote, according to city tallies.
“(The vote) was relatively even regarding the modernization plan,” said board member Erin Madory last week. “Honestly, it made me feel positive that a lot of members of the community understand that we do have the need out there for modernization.”
Madory said she heard mixed opinions ahead of the vote. Some residents supported the project while others thought the price tag was too much, she said.
Still, Madory said she’s “very committed” to moving the project forward in some manner. The schools have proven a need for more safety measures, teaching space and better food service, she said.
“What exactly (any future project) will look like will be up for discussion,” Madory said.
Parents who were supportive of the modernization plan also said they hope the School Board continues to explore upgrades.
The Mount Lebanon school needs a new kitchen that can supply hot and healthy lunches to students, said Michelle Harkins, president of the Mount Lebanon School PTO, in an email.
Renovations could also provide “much needed” office space for staff and a larger multipurpose room, she said.
“As a community member, my hope is that the School Board will continue to work to keep modernization the relevant issue that it is,” Harkins said. “Mt. Lebanon and Hanover Street are in desperate need of the changes that have been proposed.”
Board member Mary Davidson said she expects officials will continue to plan for renovations, working with architects and engineers to reevaluate.
The board has long known that Lebanon’s schools are in need of upgrades, she said, dating at least back to Lebanon’s school consolidation, which ended in 2014.
During that period, the school district closed the Sacred Heart, School Street and Seminary Hill schools.
Both the Mount Lebanon and Hanover Street elementary schools were kept partially because of their good condition, Davidson said, adding it was still clear both would need improvements.
As for the auditorium proposal, Davidson expects voters will see that pitch again being made. Although next year, she said, it might be separated from the total project with its own ballot question.
“I truly believe that we need to look at performing arts as a piece (of the renovation),” she said.
Hall, Madory and Davidson all supported the modernization project.
Along with board members Tammy Begin and Adam Nemeroff, they voted on Nov. 9 to put the plans up for a ballot vote.
Board members Jeff Peavey, Susan Louzier and Christina Haidari all opposed the proposal at that meeting.
With board member Richard Milius, they expressed concerns that the auditorium could sink the vote.
“If it gets shot down, what are we going to do about the space at Hanover Street School?” Louzier asked the board at the time.
Hall said that’s now a question the board will soon face.
She predicted the School Board will likely begin discussing how to move forward at its next meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11 at Lebanon Middle School.
Tim Camerato can be reached at tcamerato@vnews.com or 603-727-3223.