We currently estimate that a replaced Middle School could cost approximately $100 Million. At the conclusion of the Feasibility Study, Marotta/Main will provide updated approximate costs for the options to maintain, renovate or replace the Middle School.

If we choose to renovate or replace the Middle School, tax increases will continue to remain below the Act I Index and Consumer Price Index (CPI). These two measures keep us in step with inflation and wage growth. It is also worth noting all three options - maintain, renovate, or replace will cost money - none are free.

If we choose to renovate or replace the Middle School, we can afford to do so without going to referendum. We will have the opportunity to refinance and/or restructure a portion of our debt in 2026. This refinancing and/or restructuring will result in cost savings to the District. We can choose how we will direct the cost savings, including to help renovate or replace the Middle School while remaining within the Act I Index and CPI.

If we choose to renovate or replace the Middle School, there will not be a taxpayer assessment to support the cost.

As you may know, Unionville High School (UHS) underwent a renovation in 2009, following two failed referendums. While the renovation has greatly improved the student experience at UHS, we recognize now that the lack of public engagement in the process negatively impacted our relationship with the community. As a result, for this project, we will provide the public multiple opportunities to be a part of the conversation. We also agree that, like our taxpayers, we need to spend within a budget. For school districts, the Act 1 Index keeps us in step with inflation and wage growth. UCFSD will not go to referendum or increase taxes above the Act 1 Index to support a renovation or replacement of the Middle School.

Marotta/Main has a long history of partnering with UCFSD, specifically on renovations at the Middle School. They made the best choice to complete a Feasibility Study because they know the building so well. If there is a decision to move forward with a renovation or replacement, we will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Architectural services and have a detailed evaluation rubric for selecting an Architect in the design phase.

Members of our community have long shared concerns about the lack of natural light in the Middle School. Currently 70% of Patton classrooms lack windows. The percentage of classrooms without natural light in other UCFSD buildings is as follows: 

• Chadds Ford Elementary School: 20%
• Unionville High School: 18% 
• Hillendale Elementary School: 11% 
• Unionville Elementary School: 5% 
• Pocopson Elementary School: 1%

In addition, we know that 38% of the building’s square footage (and virtually none of the Teaching & Learning space) has been renovated since its original construction. As a result, the current Middle School building will need an estimated $46 million in repairs over the next 30 years, including to address concerns related to ADA accessibility, air quality, asbestos containing materials, bathrooms, electrical systems, HVAC systems, roofing and traffic flow.

Generally speaking, research does show that schools built without adequate daylight adversely affect the health and academic performance of students. Research also shows that the quality of the space you spend time in makes a difference in how you feel and how you act. This Harvard Business Review article Welcome to the Experience Economy by B. Joseph Pine II and James H. Gilmore highlights this point. 

We can also point to the positive impact of the 2009 UHS renovation! In addition to anecdotal evidence, as a direct result of the project, UHS standardized test scores improved shortly after. UHS was no longer a Targeted Support & Improvement (TSI) school and UCFSD was named the Pittsburgh Business Journal’s District of the Decade.

Yes! The educational needs of students have undergone significant transformations since the 1970s, driven by societal shifts like technology. Thanks to that technology, the world is increasingly interconnected. As a result, we know that students need to develop 21st century skills like creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication to solve 21st century problems across cultures. These are the skills that will serve them best in an economy that is ever-evolving. In K-12 education, there is also a greater emphasis on inclusion and the individual needs of each student– including their mental and physical health.

School facilities play a crucial role in supporting the educational experience of students. Many 21st century schools emphasize flexible learning spaces that promote creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication– and are integrated with technology throughout. Examples could include modular walls, movable furniture, maker spaces, interactive displays, charging stations and Wifi. Well-designed buildings, including natural light, also make students and staff feel better about themselves and their school communities.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that students will spend over 15,000 hours in their K-12 schools. Over the past 10-15 years there have been numerous case studies that show a clear connection between improved scores on math/reading tests with increased daylight in schools. Increased daylight has also been shown to improve attendance, cognitive performance and mental health.

Yes we will. Part of the Feasibility Study includes demographics. We want to make sure that our building is the right size based on the best information available. While UCFSD has conducted enrollment studies in the past, we believe that it is important to have another outside set of eyes investigate this.

If we choose to renovate or replace the Middle School, safety & security will be a major driver of building design. We will take into account safety measures in design that are commonplace today.

Whether a renovation or replacement, a construction project of this magnitude will have some level of impact on the site. A renovation project would most likely have a higher level of impact as the building would be occupied while under construction. Construction of a new building could be better isolated while students continue to use the existing building. 

It is also worth noting that if we decide to maintain the building, some of those projects (bathrooms for example) could have an impact on the instructional day.

If we choose to replace the Middle School, Marotta/Main will make recommendations on its location as a part of the Feasibility Study. The Feasibility Study, including any recommended locations, will be made available to the public.

If we choose to replace the Middle School, it is possible that part or all of the current Middle School will be torn down.

If we choose to replace the Middle School, Marotta/Main will make recommendations on whether any parts of the current building can be saved as a part of the Feasibility Study.

Offering a date at this time is probably premature, because there are a lot of decisions to be made. One delay on a decision could have a trickle down effect. However, from a financial perspective, the earliest we could break ground would be 2026. Typically, construction takes three years. It is conceivable that we could open a new Middle School during the 29-30 School Year. Because of the need to stage renovations to reduce their impact on students and staff, it is possible that a renovation could take longer than new construction. 

There are currently no air quality issues in the Middle School that would negatively impact student or staff health. We do have old ductwork and an old “Multi-Zone” HVAC system in the original portion of the building that leads to challenges in operating efficiently. We take Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) concerns seriously, and have an IAQ complaint form (modeled from the EPA Tools for Schools Program) that is available for staff to utilize if they have any concerns regarding the air quality in their space.   

With a new building we would be in a much better position to meet these newer standards, and any other newer codes. We understand that indoor air quality is an important component of creating a conducive learning environment, and we would look to do that in a fiscally responsible HVAC engineering design.

Mature tree placement would be part of the land development process for the project. Consideration will be made to preserve specimen trees, but not as a short-sighted plan that limits the overall benefit of the project.

If renovation is the selected option, we would develop a detailed multi-year phased construction plan to make sure demolition work that would disturb asbestos containing materials would occur during times when the school is unoccupied. Additionally, asbestos abatement is strictly regulated and requires establishing negative air pressure, full containment and pre/post air testing to make sure that the work is done safely.

If we choose to maintain the current building, UCFSD will do our best to address the concerns we can as a part of our Long-Range Facilities Plan.

When we look at our other buildings, they have all been constructed or have undergone significant renovations over the last 20-25 years. The same can not be said about the current Middle School. There are components of the Middle School building that are 50 years old and original to the 1972 construction. Whatever is decided, we still have a Long Range Facilities Plan that addresses the ongoing routine maintenance and replacement needs of our other buildings.

A renovated or replaced Middle School would create opportunities to improve our current Middle School and High School campus configuration. Last year, we designed and bid a large renovation project to improve pedestrian and traffic flow on our campus. This included relocating the tennis courts and parking facilities. Given the cost, it made sense to put that project on hold in order to have these discussions around the Middle School building.   

With chronic community concerns, it is both respectful and responsive to our community to take an in-depth look at our options. 

Yes! At UCFSD, we believe in the power of public engagement – and will provide you multiple opportunities to be a part of the conversation. This Middle School Feasibility Study microsite remains the best source of always up-to-date information. Those with questions are invited to contact msfeasibilitystudy@ucfsd.net.

Yes! UCFSD will provide multiple opportunities to be a part of the conversation. You are welcome to share your ideas in-person at our Community Conversations or by email to msfeasibilitystudy@ucfsd.net.