Norwin schools to pursue facilities master plan to address growing enrollment

Norwin schools added 129 students to their rolls this year. Now, officials want a comprehensive facilities master plan to serve as a blueprint for future use of Norwin schools and buildings.

“We want to come up with a schedule for when (building) maintenance is needed and replacement,” said Robert Perkins, school board president.

The school board on Monday authorized the administration to request proposals for a comprehensive plan, which typically is done by an architectural firm, said Superintendent William Kerr. The district hopes at least three firms submit proposals and plans to hire a consultant next year, Kerr said.

The school board is not looking to build more schools, Perkins said. Instead, the district wants to address the enrollment increase by providing options for reusing existing space or expanding to create more classrooms, Perkins said.

Norwin, which has about 5,300 students, has seen an increase in enrollment in its elementary schools, particularly Hahntown in North Huntingdon, Kerr said.

The district also wants the comprehensive plan to identify and prioritize how its facilities and properties can be better managed; to enhance the management and allocation of resources for upgrading and improving facilities; to address ways to protect investments in property and buildings; and to provide a more cost-effective and efficient way to meet changing educational needs.

From 2002 to 2009, Norwin's seven schools and facilities underwent either major renovations or were newly constructed. Hahntown, Sheridan Terrace, Stewartsville and Sunset Valley elementary schools, all in North Huntingdon, were built during that seven-year period. Major renovations were made at the high school, which is close to 20 years old, as well as the middle school, Hillcrest Intermediate School, the stadium complex and the administrative building.

Joe Napsha is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-836-5252 or jnapsha@tribweb.com.