School renovations to start
More than $7M in contracts awarded

Contracts are in place for the three major renovation projects approved by the Coudersport Area School Board

At a cost of roughly $8 million, the district is building onto the elementary school, renovating the athletic complex at CARP and upgrading the cafeteria at the high school.

Work will begin as soon as the Christmas break and continue through the new year with a forecasted completion by August. The school board recently held a special meeting to award the general construction and supplemental contracts. Here's a rundown.

Elementary School

J.C. Orr and Son of Altoona is general contractor, at a cost of $1.92 million.

Other contracts were awarded to Schoonover Plumbing and Heating, Canton, for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, $1.35 million; D. K. Controls, Williamsport, $937,000, electrical work; Eshenauers Fuels Inc., Harrisburg, plumbing, $128,000.

The school district expects to recover the approximately $100,000 being spent on a more efficient lighting system in less than two years, due to lower electric bills. Natural gas bills should also drop dramatically as a result of a more efficient heating and cooling system.

Scope: eight classrooms for a new early childhood education wing; air conditioning and automatic temperature controls throughout the building; new student drop-off section for bus traffic.

CARP Renovations

Orr and Son was awarded the general contract for $1.86 million.

Electrical contactor is Dave Kronenwetter, Kersey, for $348,000. Other contracts went to Montgomery Brothers of Altoona for plumbing, $142,000; Eschenauers Fuels Inc. for heating and ventilation, $38,800.

Scope: new all-weather track, 400 meters long with six lanes; new bleachers on home and visitors side; new fieldhouse with locker rooms, public rest rooms and storage; new press box, lighting and sound system; extensive drainage work.

High School

General contract went to Orr for $337,253.

Plumbing contractor is Silver Tip Inc., for $72,000. Mazza Mechanical Services of Olean, N.Y., was awarded the heating and ventilation contract, at $56,200. Electrical contract went Kronenwetter for $54,125.

A separate contract for food service construction/equipment went to HRI Supply & Design Inc. of Erie for $213,800.

Scope: expanded dining area with food court; new kitchen equipment.

About $7 million of the expense is coming from a bond issue. The district has amassed nearly $1 million in its capital projects and cafeteria funds, achieved through higher investment returns and gradual savings to prepare for the three projects.

School Superintendent George Nuffer said the district should still be able to maintain its overall fund balance of approximately $1.3 million and to avoid an increase in real estate taxes in 2008.

Only the work at the elementary school qualifies for partial state reimbursement.