South Fayette Middle School Construction Information

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At the May Meeting of the Board of School Directors, Superintendent Dr. Linda Hippert provided a detailed summary of the recent construction projects on campus including a look back at the planning of these projects, highlights of building features and cost breakdowns.

Letter from Dr. Hippert:

"So many rumors and inconsistencies are rampant regarding our construction projects in the districts that I thought perhaps I would attempt to answer some of the questions as clearly as I possibly can. As I reflect on why the inconsistencies exist, I am in some ways able to understand because this has not been a single project that was bid and has a number attached to it. Let me try to explain as best I can ---"

Click here to read the full text of the letter.

The purpose of this page is to keep the South Fayette community informed about changes occurring in South Fayette Township School District as a result of the middle school renovation project. Check this site for updated information as it is available.

Hard hats and construction vehicles are once again as common on the South Fayette School campus as school busses and backpacks. As the addition and renovation project for the Middle School and athletic fields gets underway, the South Fayette administration and teaching staff will work to ensure that while we improve the building, we do not sacrifice the education of our students in the process.

The plans for the building and grounds will allow the District to accommodate our steadily increasing student population. Since 1990, the District has seen an over 40% increase in students. As with the High School construction project, plans are being designed to not only address our present needs, but to allow for growth in years to come. This year, the building and the adjacent 6 trailers house 575 students. Once complete, the new building can accommodate over 800 students.

Construction Highlights

27 additional classrooms will be constructed, including a large group instruction area.
Many existing classrooms will also be renovated.
A new main entry will be included that addresses safety concerns by directing all visitors through the main office on arrival.
A new food court will feature an updated service line and additional seating.
A men’s locker room and public restrooms are being added to the pool area.
Ground level work to the playing fields includes a new artificial surface on the football/soccer field, and an 8-lane track. The former baseball field will be converted to a regulation softball field and the practice field will become a regulation football and soccer field.
Site work includes modifications to the road that surrounds the building and a new bus drop-off area.

Working on this construction and renovation project are the following main contractors:
Dixon Construction Company: General Contractor
Vern's Electric: Electrical Contractor
Scalise Industries Corp.: HVAC Contractor
Sauer Incorporated: Plumbing and Fire Suppression System Contractor

South Fayette School District started school as planned with many excited students and staff members eager to see the changes to our school. While there is still much work to be done before completion, students enjoyed the expanded food court and the updated classrooms. The addition is scheduled for completion in February, when the 6th, 7th and 8th grades will be able to take their permanent homes in the building. The 5th grade will remain inside the renovated portion of the building.

A major change in the flow of traffic must now occur for our building since the construction necessitates the closure of the road around the back of the building. As you know, the parent drop-off area has always been accessed by turning in at the Administration Building and riding around the back of our building. THIS ROAD IS NOW CLOSED. Please do not enter by the Administration Building. Parents will now need to enter the driveway in front of the building in the same manner that the busses enter. This is a one-way entrance so please note the signs. PLEASE DO NOT STOP IN FRONT OF THE AUDITORIUM DOOR. PLEASE PROCEED PAST THE GYM DOOR TO THE CORNER, AND HAVE YOUR STUDENTS EXIT THE CAR AT THE SIGN THAT SAYS “STUDENT DROP-OFF”. They will then need to walk up the side walk and enter the building through the auditorium doors just as they have done all year. This will enable the busses to pull next to the curb by the auditorium doors without having cars parked in that area. Obviously, this change means that busses and cars will both be riding in the same area and EXTREME CAUTION WILL NEED TO BE EXERCISED TO ASSURE STUDENT SAFETY.

Stadium Project
In September, the Board began taking the necessary steps for completing the Stadium portion of the project. The new stadium features a 4,700 seat grandstand as well as a new concession stand, first aid station and bathroom facilities for the spectators.

With the mandate waiver in place, the District will be able to realize cost savings by utilizing the contractors that are already in place on the project. Hayes Large also presented a revised plan to the administration that made significant changes and utilized value engineering to keep costs as low as possible. Earlier this year, the Board pledged that taxes would not be raised as a result of the stadium project.

After holding two special Board meetings this month discuss the stadium project with the administrators, architects contractors, and community members, the Board approved the stadium plan at the October 19th meeting. After evaluating several plans and working with the contractors to reduce costs even further, the final plan included 4700 seats, 4 locker rooms, a trainer's area, coaches' room and a classroom area. Also part of this plan is the proposal to add administrative offices behind the press boxes to allow for a more efficient use of the space.

The Administration is currently working with the architects to further reduce the price through the possible reduction of rest room facilities and the amount of brick on the front facade of the building. The Board specified that the project was not to exceed the projected cost of $9.9 million.

The mission of the South Fayette Township School District, as an integral part of the community, is to foster development and growth of each student's full academic, artistic and athletic potential by providing exemplary opportunities in a caring, safe, positive environment; to promote lifelong learning, and to cultivate ethical, responsible, contributing members in a global society.