A rendering of the proposed Seneca Valley of Intermediate High School construction project. Submitted Image

JACKSON TWP — The Seneca Valley School District is attempting to clear up any confusion surrounding its $165 million plan to transform the Intermediate High School campus.

Officials on Monday, Oct. 13, released a fact sheet that outlines key details regarding the project, including the full scope of the work and its financial impact.

“This Intermediate High School construction project is an investment in all our students’ future as well as an investment for our Seneca Valley community,” a message within the fact sheet reads. “Our new fact sheet outlines key details including the project timeline, feasibility studies, building highlights, benefits of music and arts programming, fiscal responsibility and more.”

At the heart of the plan is a three-story classroom addition that will include 43 new classrooms, 12 science labs, a dedicated biotechnology lab and numerous flexible collaboration areas to support evolving instructional models.

In tandem with the academic expansion, district officials are proposing a 1,600-seat performing arts center, which will serve both students and the surrounding community as a cultural hub for music, theater and events.

“The Performing Arts Center/Auditorium is an important part of the project, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood,” the fact sheet reads. “While it represents only 18% of the total cost, it plays a vital role in both student learning and community engagement.”

Other key improvements include: renovations to existing gymnasiums, the cafeteria and the auditorium, new outdoor classrooms and expanded green spaces to foster more flexible, nature-integrated learning and upgraded campus accessibility, enhanced security systems and energy-efficient design features.

The fact sheet states that the project is “currently out to bid, with construction estimates expected by the end of this month.”

During the public comment portion of an action meeting on Monday, taxpayers were split on whether the district should proceed with the project as planned.

Supporters argued that upgrades are essential for keeping pace with evolving educational expectations, offering students modern STEM and arts resources and expanding the district’s ability to host community events.

“Our classrooms themselves are severely in need of modernization,” said Kristine Hart, who works as a staff administrative assistant at Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School. “Expanded facilities for STEM, special education and life skills programs will better support students. Upgraded security, efficient systems and flexible learning environments are assets our district urgently needs to keep pace with modern standards and provide safe, inclusive spaces for all learners.’

Critics and skeptical stakeholders, meanwhile, raised questions about cost, funding sources and the impact on future generations of families living within the district.

“If you love kids — and I believe all of you do — you want to have more of them, and if you saddle your parents of this district with $165 million plus interest every year is whatever $8 to 10 million, then you’re going to have less kids because parents can’t afford them,” said Bill Adams. “So if you look at the very biggest picture, you’re going to have less souls in the world because you’re taxing parents and potential parents too heavily.”

To limit disruption during construction, officials say the project would proceed in phases. An estimated construction timeline is five to six years, according to the fact sheet.

In addition, the school has promoted supplementary materials, including building renderings and an Act 34 booklet, along with a podcast where architects and construction partners discuss design goals and logistics.

Officials are framing the project as a forward-looking investment: one that balances immediate facility needs with long-term goals for preparing students and strengthening community engagement.

Prior to adjournment, board President Eric DiTullio acknowledged the receipt of 205 letters that were sent to the school. He noted that “not all of them” were in relation to the proposed project.

For the second time in as many weeks, however, school officials declined to speak with media at the conclusion of the meeting.

Seneca Valley communications director Ian Hunter had no additional information to share regarding when a possible vote on the project could occur. The school’s next scheduled meeting is Monday, Nov. 3 in the Senior High School auditorium.