Hempfield Area School District has appointed Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates of Mechanicsburg as its new architect. This decision follows the resignation of Core Architects in February, adding another chapter to the ongoing saga of the school district’s high school renovation project. The project has been beset by delays and challenges, including a significant increase in its estimated cost. After opening bids in August, the total price tag jumped to $150 million, prompting the board to reject all submissions and return to the drawing board. The situation was further complicated by the unexpected resignation of both the architect and the superintendent, creating even more uncertainty. Despite these setbacks, Vince DeAugustine, chair of the building and grounds committee, expressed confidence in the “stronger team” now assembled. The board has already engaged SitelogIQ as construction manager and McKinley Architecture and Engineering as the district’s “owner’s representative,” serving as an intermediary between the district and the project manager. DeAugustine emphasized that there will be “no issues moving forward” with the new architect and the existing team. However, questions remain about the project’s overall direction. Despite years of meetings, hirings, and contracts, there is still no finished product or even a clear start date. The district has incurred significant expenses, with Core Architects receiving $2.4 million before their departure, and the issue of how much of their work can be utilized remains unresolved. Additionally, the district raised taxes by 2.3 mills, or more than $50 for every $22,000 of assessed property value. Taxpayers are understandably concerned about funding a project that has yet to yield any tangible results. The project was initially expected to take three years to complete, but the delays have already impacted students and faculty. Ninth graders are currently being housed at Harrold Middle School instead of attending the high school, and the ongoing delays are further affecting their educational experience. While the appointment of a new architect is a positive step, the district must address the concerns of taxpayers and provide a clear plan and timeline for the project’s completion.
Hempfield’s High School Renovation Saga: A New Chapter with a New Architect
