North Allegheny reviews possible school upgrades for Hosack, Ingomar and Peebles elementary schools

It’s been 22 years since Hosack, Ingomar and Peebles elementary schools have had major renovations or construction, and the North Allegheny School District is planning for upgrades at the three schools that could begin in 2026 at an estimated $31.8 million, according to district officials.

The latest capital funding plan report, presented Nov. 17 to the North Allegheny School Board, reviewed recently completed projects, proposed projects, financing and funding.

It addressed needs for athletics, facilities, transportation and information technology infrastructure, as well as outlining a long-term facilities plan, according to Kermit Houser, treasurer and assistant director of finance for North Allegheny.

Franklin and McKnight elementary upgrades are close to being finished, the report said. An assessment made in 2017 identified Peebles, Hosack, and Ingomar elementary schools as being as being next in need of attention, Houser said.

An $8.1 million upgrade is in progress for Peebles, Hosack, and Ingomar schools. An assessment was made to continue safe, reliable operation of the schools through phasing in renovations over the next five years, according to William Kirk, assistant director, project management and infrastructure design in the NA facilities department.

“The phase 1 reinvestment plan centers largely on infrastructure such as mechanical systems, roofing, paving, and communications systems,” Kirk said. “In addition, some cosmetic work will be undertaken where safety and health can be positively impacted.”

This specifically includes projects including boiler replacements this year in all three schools for their hot water systems. Peebles had new carpeting installed throughout the library and new entrance paving. Hosack had the fire alarm system upgraded, some restroom upgrades and a new floor installed in the multipurpose room, according to Kirk.

Next year, the multipurpose room sound system at Ingomar will be upgraded. Peebles will install new public address and emergency notification systems and fire alarm system upgrades. Hosack will have a cell phone booster system installed, and design and bidding will commence for building-wide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning replacements and upgrades, he said.

North Allegheny High School has not had a major overhaul in 19 years, and it’s been 17 years for Carson and Ingomar middle schools, according to the report. Baierl Center has not had major work in 20 years.

The middle schools do not need any major renovation work in the near future, except a possible cafeteria expansion in Ingomar, but both North Allegheny Intermediate High School and North Allegheny High School will need significant work in coming years.

Pool facilities, additional artificial turf fields and improved auditoriums may be a priority. And any work at NASH and NAI is likely to be significant in cost, officials said.

The district uses a phased approach in replacing student transportation vehicles, which helps with financing. Next year, the plan is to replace six, 84-passenger buses at an already-funded cost of $600,000. Board member Marcie Crow noted the school did purchase a number of vans and smaller buses, and suggested they be utilized whenever possible.

Houser said vans are used for smaller trips because drivers are not required to have a commercial driver’s license.

North Allegheny has a fleet of more than 90 buses, he said.

The capital funding plan provides a five-year projection of potential investments and capital projects.

The district finances many projects through its operating budget, the capital reserve fund, a technology fund and construction/bond funding. Fundraising efforts also can be used.

A 2019 bond fund is the primary source of financing capital projects with some of it already earmarked for certain projects. Once those funds are used up, the district will have to study other financing and funding options.

“We wanted to stress that facilities and educational assessment is key to long-term planning to determine whatever projects come first,” Houser said.

The project list can be changed as the district’s needs change over the years.

“Some projects may be deferred to future years and funds,” Houser said. “If something comes up more pressing, one of these may be pushed back.”

The detailed report on project specifics is available through the NA website.