EF board explains architect plans are in early stages

By LIAM BELAN
lbelan@yourmvi.com
The Elizabeth Forward School Board once again addressed some public confusion over the work of McLean Architects, LLC as well as concerns over the high school’s proximity to fracking during Wednesday night’s regular meeting.
Superintendent Keith Konyk addressed slight changes in the meeting’s agenda, which were discussed during last week’s work session, that provided clarity for residents confused over a motion involving the company.
Motion 10.3, which passed unanimously, approved the appointment of the company as the architect of record for future plans that the board emphasized are in the very early stages of development and consideration. Previously, some residents thought that preliminary plans that were presented by McLean were set to be approved and acted on, but the board made sure to let the public know that that’s not the case. Several social media posts have spread about concerns the district may be discussing consolidating schools or closing buildings.
“The scope of work that was described by Mr. McLean in that letter was just a scope of work based on subliminary drawings that he presented on July 19,” Konyk said. “Those are by no means the final drawings, and he said that the final drawings and schematics would be completed with consultation from the district and would be dependent on final approval by the Elizabeth Forward Board of School Directors.”
Renovations on the high school and its auditorium come in the wake of a Feb. 12 fire that left the school unusable. Students returned to the building for in-person instruction April 11, with some concerns being raised over the building’s air quality.

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