There has been some confusion over the asbestos bids. Since the School District website listed "Precision" as the company awarded the asbestos abatement bid, a resident was kind enough to forward the contact information and full name of the three asbestos abatement companies who were the lowest bidders in the bidding process. "Precision" ended up being the lowest responsible bidder.
The School District website also mentions the glass-enclosed bridge (architect's drawing here) as well as the announcement of the groundbreaking ceremony.
14 comments:
Interesting how we have to rely on residents (and taxpayers) to complete the picture.
Bill, WE rely on residents/taxpayers.
The board on the other hand seems to rely not on volunteers like Dirk Taylor, Dan Rothschild, but on people like Celli, the teachers union, the PSBA and outside startegic planners.
Giffen Good
This is off topic, but a thought occurred to me as I listen to the debate over whether to include the rifle range or not.
It was mentioned that on average the sport only attracts 25 students a year. The coach gets paid $6,000/year and the facility if included in the project is bid at $410,000. I'm sure there are more expenses that weren't discussed, but for quick calculation.
$410,000 divided by 40 years = $10,250. Cost for the coach/yr is $6,000. So we spend roughly $20,000 a year on this sport.
$20,000 divided by 25 students = $800/student! Seems relatively cheap.
Now I'm not a big advocate for the rifle team, but I'm curious just how much when everything is factored in i.e., facilities (fields, courts. pools, water & chemicals, locker rooms, turf etc.) coaches, and equipment does each individual sport cost the district on a per student basis?
I betting the swim team or the tennis team have an annual cost per participant that is a lot higher than the rifle squad.
The tennis courts are over a million dollars to move. When we were talking about the stand alone pool on Horsman a few years back it was around $8 million if my memory serves.
So if we're analyzing whether to keep the team or not, is it really about the construction money or is it that this is an easy delete option because it will cause the least resistance.
Remember the district's slogan -
TO PROVIDE THE BEST EDUCATION POSSIBLE FOR EACH AND EVERY STUDENT
I wonder if the best education possible for EACH AND EVERY is determined on how big each sport's lobby is?
Just curious if anyone has ever examined the cost/student of all the extracurricular activities?
Giffen Good
Perhaps we should start charging user fees for all of the non-student users of the tennis courts, stadium track, etc. We seem hell bent on charging 9 yr olds and their families an extra $25 or $50 to play baseball or soccer so why should the folks who walk/jog at the track every night do so for free?
How about charging for the refreshments at the groundbreaking?
Elaine
Mr. Good:
The "Rifle Range" is worthy of its own topic, in my opinion, because the whole subject is a hot-button issue; perhaps Ms. Gillen will start a new thread for it (hint, hint). Also, this is a ready-made subject for a Blog reader poll - "Do you support the Mt. Lebanon High School Rifle Team?," or some similar wording. You see, I think the bigger issue is the sport itself, not the venue. If I were a betting man I would wager that the high school range is gone for good.
Richard Gideon
Cutting a rifle team that won WPIAL's says you don't understand the sport.
OK, Richard, new poll is up. Thanks for the suggestion.
Elaine
I'm sure Richard that the political correct thing to do would be eliminate the rifle team. That shooting is an Olympic event doesn't matter.
I'm sure it will be cut, simply because its easy to do so. Now take on swimming (keep in mind the PA Dept. of Ed. doesn't require high schools to have pools) or tennis and you're in for a fight.
Lets see what do tennis courts cost? How about the 8 lane pool and annual maintenance and utilities?
Giffen Good
I;ll bet the board doesn't touch the cost per student with a 10' pole.
Dick Saunders
I agree with Richard, Elaine the Rifle Team issue deserves its own topic.
Along with the question as to whether we should eliminate any other sports? Or at least charge fees. Can you add that to the poll like... Eliminate the rifle team AND some others!
First, lets do a survey on the actual cost. Then determine the value. Then determine how much we should charge.
How about cheerleading? WHat is the annual expense for cheerleading? Coaches salaries etc.
The Steelers don't have cheerleaders and they do quite fine. Also, read somewhere it is of the most riskiest student activities.
Giffen Good
Screw the orchestra, band and triple trip while you're at it. And who needs actors and artists? Paint is expensive. Kick em all out!!
Anon 8:23, thats just the point. As things get tighter the board is going to start looking for place to cut or charge for. This year it might be the rifle team. Next year it mnight be the drum line or a forensic team trip that gets cut.
Ask the art department what has been happening to their supply budget every year!
If they used Abmech for asbestos instead of Precision, they could build the rifle range twice.
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