The Hempfield Area (Pa.) school board has approved a $128 million project to renovate its high school.
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that the cost of the renovation has surged because of inflation and increased square footage.
The cost, initially pegged at $97 million to $110 million, now has a $128 million price tag. Construction crews are on track to break ground in June.
The district has decided to gut the 66-year-old high school and replace everything. Major changes include moving the high school entrance, creating a new athletic wing, upgrading the exterior, relocating the science wing and adding more space to the cafeteria and arts wing.
The district is considering closing Harrold Middle School and using the Harrold building — across the street from the high school — to temporarily house ninth graders during the renovation.
Numerous parents and community members have pushed back against this plan, and more than 800 people have signed a petition in opposition.
