Big Spring School District Study

District Wide Feasibility Study

The district had undertaken a series of studies performed by various architectural firms between 1988 and 1996 which had not resulted in the identification of a successful solution. Additionally, a new elementary completed in 1992 had entailed a lengthy condemnation lawsuit as well as several construction phase problems, both of which had resulted in hostile community reaction to further building programs.

Problem

The district had experienced relatively stable enrollment with a small upward trend, however expansion and changes to the educational program at all instructional levels had absorbed much of the existing classroom space. In addition, the municipalities making up the district represented the last undeveloped acreage along the Interstate 81 corridor and the Board of Directors wanted to insure that any solution would be developed in a manner that could accommodate enrollment growth of 20 to 25% without the need for further expansion or alteration projects. Contributing to the district’s problems was the existence of several small elementary schools with only one class per grade level and limited area for expansion. Similar problems plagued the district at the secondary campus which had been constructed in phases between 1955 and 1974 on a hilltop location with limited area for expansion.

Process

To address the community’s concerns, Vern McKissick as partner in charge of the Harrisburg office of Hayes Large Architects implemented a three?phase study process that ultimately resulted in community consensus. Key to the process was the establishment of a 40-person building advisory group which was composed of representative appointed by the district's member townships and boroughs, the local chamber of commerce, the ministerium, sport booster club, and other local organizations.

Solution

After an exhaustive study, construction of a shared “core” building to provide science, technology, art, music and food service facilities for the middle & high schools was determined to not provide adequate future expansion capabilities. The study process turned instead towards identification of locations for campus expansion for a new 9-12 secondary building. After extensive staff interviews and educational and curriculum development efforts, the district began implementation of a three-phase, six-year building program. Once completed this $40 million dollar building program will include construction of a new 9?12 high school for $26,000,000, conversion of the present high school to a middle school at a cost of $10,000,000 and subsequent renovation for the existing 1974 middle school into an elementary center permitting the closure of the small outlying schools

Project Images