The Kutztown Area High School renovation project will last approximately one year at a cost of about $11.2 million.
According to Kathy Metrick, Kutztown superintendent, the coverage of the cost was taken under consideration and is well planned.
“It’s being funded by a bank loan and fund balance. It will add $185,000 to the yearly budget. That money comes from taxes, but we did not increase our taxes this year. We were able to avoid increasing taxpayers’ expenses by cutting other expenses,” said Metrick.
The renovation will commence in three phases, according to Barry Flicker, Kutztown High School principal.
“Phase one is what is happening right now, removing some trees and putting science labs in the courtyard. Phase two is the locker rooms and the cafeteria. Then phase three begins in the beginning of June, and is the downstairs offices, the installation of an elevator, and it’s also the upstairs in the science rooms,” said Flicker.
The renovation will affect the way students enter certain rooms, as well as the learning environment with the introduction of construction noise.
“Students will be affected in how they access the ag [agricultural] building and tech ed [education] departments. There will be specific routes for them to follow to detour around the outside hallway. In addition, they will undoubtedly hear construction noise,” said Metrick.
Both Flicker and Metrick agree that the construction will greatly improve the life and learning environment for both students and teachers.
“I believe we have the best teachers in the county, maybe in the state. They would teach anywhere because they know what good teaching looks like; they know what good assessment looks like, they know if students understand something or if they’re not. I think it’s just a good opportunity to put them and the students in an environment where it’ll happen most efficiently. They could teach outside, but if we could give them a really nice room, they’re going to do what they do best anyway. It’s just kind of a fresh perspective on the ways they’ve been doing the great things for so long,” said Flicker.
“Some of the improvements for the students and teachers will be comfort, such as air conditioning. Some will be safety, such as science labs and the new secure entrance. Some will be aesthetic, the locker rooms. Some will be operational, the drainage for the cafeteria and the locker rooms. And, some will be legal, the update to ADA compliance on things like the elevator,” said Metrick.
“The biggest impact will be the tremendous gains of having an updated facility when it’s all done,” said Metrick.
Patrick Moyer is a senior at Kutztown High School. He is a student intern for Kutztown Patriot at Berks-Mont Newspapers.
