BVA responds to controversy over new sign at multiplex

It was approved last year as part of a renovation project for the facility.

The Belle Vernon Area School District released a statement regarding a renovated sign at the multiplex where it houses school buses.

In recent days, there has been controversy regarding the new sign and whether it is worth the expense. The sign, which cost the district $38,322.70, was approved last year as part of a larger renovation of the multiplex.

“The District is committed to transparency and fiscal responsibility,” Superintendent Timothy Glasspool wrote in an online statement. “We believe that constructive conversations help us grow as a district, and we are always open to hearing concerns and suggestions.

“At the end of the day, we are all working toward the shared goal of providing the best possible educational experiences for our students.”

The district bought the multiplex building in 2009 from 84 Lumber, and according to the statement, the sign has been a topic of conversation since the purchase.

The multiplex is meant to serve as a transportation depot for the district’s 30 buses and 17 student vans. It also includes a service garage for the maintenance of all transportation vehicles in the district, and it serves as an office for staff in the transportation and maintenance departments.

Glasspool added that the multiplex housed a student/ athlete weight room, indoor softball facility and a wrestling area. The statement says there is extensive sports memorabilia related to BVA’s teams.

“This past spring and summer, capital improvements included refurbishment and repairs to the existing and decommissioned 84 Lumber sign, exterior painting, drainage, bus/van port and gate repairs, exterior door upgrades, and the completion of our phase II asphalt repairs,” the statement reads.

Costs of the improvements include:

• Lighting – $5,000.

• Door improvements — $1,250.

• New wrestling mats — $21,000.

• Security Gate — $10,650

• Fence replacement — $11,850.

• Drainage improvements — $85,900.

• Painting — $36,200.

• Paving — $138,677. The statement went on to say that the district has also purchased up to 24 vehicles over the past five years.