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New Concerns for Montoursville Area H.S. Project

MONTOURSVILLE — The fact that Montoursville Area High School is at risk of being condemned after code violations revealed structural damage will likely ge...
lyc school montoursville

MONTOURSVILLE -- The fact that Montoursville Area High School is at risk of being condemned after code violations revealed structural damage will likely get attention at a school board meeting Tuesday evening. It is the first meeting since inspections found the violations at the school in Lycoming County.

Former and current school board members tell us the code violations found by the borough only validate what they've been trying to do with the high school all along.

Stacks of bricks now sit under a thin layer of snow outside Montoursville Area High School. While a new school board works to find a less expensive option to fix the building. In the meantime, taxpayers are left wondering what's next.

"I don't mind it a bit, but it makes me sad that it's now at a standstill, and it's a testament to the poor communication that took place in this community," said June Grube from Montoursville.

Last week, yellow tape was put up to block part of the high school's lobby after an architectural firm found structural problems in the building. That firm was brought in for a second opinion. A different engineering group declared the school in good condition.

"Unfortunately, I think they hired an engineering firm that doesn't have experience in large institutional buildings and school structures, so the resulting report left a lot to be desired,” said Jonathan Klotz.

At Tuesday’s school board meeting, taxpayers hope to discuss what the board plans to do next. The borough could condemn the building if repairs to the walls, floors, and roof are not made within 180 days.

School board member Bill Ruffing tells Newswatch 16 recent findings validate what he and former board members already knew.

In an email he says, "The new board members employed numerous delaying tactics... They hand-picked a small local engineering firm with no experience in evaluation or design of large educational facilities."

With new information about the school's condition coming out, folks we spoke with tell us they're tired of the finger pointing. They want to see a solution.

"If they decide there is no other way I'll make my peace with that and back them on that too. I certainly hope it doesn't come to that,” said Grube.

"I really think it's time as a community that we need to come forward to find a positive solution for the kids and the taxpayers,” said Klotz.

Newswatch 16 reached out to all of the school board members, but only one responded.

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