The cougar is Carlynton's mascot and the district's colors are green and gold. But when it comes to logos, the consistency ends there, officials say.
“There are currently a lot of different logos floating around – seven to nine different versions,” said Michael Cornell, director of business development for KMA Designs of Carnegie.
Carlynton officials have contracted with KMA Designs to create a uniform color scheme and Carlynton logo. The company is to be paid $5,200.
“The overall goal is to have a unifying image that we apply district-wide,” Superintendent Gary Peiffer said.
Until now, the three schools had used different illustrations of cougars at different times.
Also, “We had nothing on record that said what is ‘Carlynton green,' what is ‘Carlynton gold,' ” Peiffer said.
Cornell said his company's aim is to create a sense of identity among the middle-high school, and Carnegie and Crafton elementary schools.
Peiffer said the timing is right because the district is in the midst of multimillion-dollar renovations that include new heating and air conditioning, secure entryways, classroom relocations and replacement of the Carnegie Elementary façade.
“It's important to see them approach those (renovation) initiatives with the right pieces in place,” Cornell said. “Starting with the brand standard, you are then able to move forward and have that brand cohesion that might have been lacking before.”
School board President David Roussos said presentation of the district's image is important. “We want to look good – professional and sharp,” he said.
West Jefferson Hills School District undertook a similar initiative in 2008, changing the middle school logo from a leopard to a jaguar to fall in line with its other two school buildings.
“We are one big community, and we wanted to present a unified front,” said West Jefferson Hills public relations consultant Tony Sonita.
Having a consistent logo across the schools allowed for a greater sense of unity, he said.
While the Carlynton School Board will have final say on designs, “the board is not doing this on its own,” Roussos said.
The board wants input from students, faculty and the community, he said, and anyone interested should reach out to the board.
“This will represent something greater than just the board and the class of 2014 or even just all the folks who are there today,” he said. “This is something that may be there for decades.”
Megan Guza is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-388-5810 or mguza@tribweb.com.
