The Hayes Design Group presented a preliminary feasibility study report to the Board of School Directors with detailed answers to the Board’s guiding questions as well as recommendations to address all areas of concern with the facilities. A digital copy of this report is available on the District website under the “Facilities Planning” tab. Here are the key findings and leading questions from the Feasibility Study:

1. The population in the Bethel Park School District will remain relatively stable over the next 10 years. Enrollment in the schools is currently at 3,880, and there most likely be little variance in 10 yrs. Demographers’ analysis of the data holds Bethel Park between 3,700 and 4,200 for the next 10 years or longer. This is down 795 over the past ten years. How do we address the over-capacity issues we have?
2. District school facilities (other than HS) are aging and will need major investments to their major building systems in the next 10 years.
        a. Accessibility needs to be improved.
        b. Security needs to be improved.
        c. Major systems are nearing the end of their expected life.
        d. Estimates are between $70-100 million to complete necessary renovations.
   How do we best invest these monies looking long term?
3. There is a lack of equity in the Bethel Park students’ educational experience in Grades K through 4 which is related to discrepancy in class sizes, level of special education services available, availability of other student support services, and differences in physical facilities. What investment do we make to “level the playing field?
4. A 21st century educational curriculum needs to be implemented throughout the K-12 continuum.  STEAM programs need to be integrated K-12 with collaboration and technology as integral throughout the K-12 program of study. What changes to our facilities are necessary for this?
5. There is unused space and unused student capacity at IMS.  The building was designed as a middle school for grades 6-8.  6th graders at Neil Armstrong are housed as middle schoolers in a building integrated with elementary schoolers and runs separate schedules. How do we maximize the middle school concept for 6th graders?

The major investment needed to upgrade facilities, provide more equity and level-loading of classes in the educational experience, and implement a 21st century curriculum can be planned for and managed in a financially sustainable way beyond the immediate needs. What are our options to address all of these issues?