Mt. Lebanon school board President Alan Silhol said he would ask the board at Monday's meeting to vote on plans for a roughly $110 million renovation of the high school.

Mr. Silhol made the announcement this past Monday at a meeting during which representatives from Celli-Flynn Brennan, architects, and construction manager P.J. Dick said they had chiseled the price of the project from $130.9 million to about $110.8 million.

That figure is on target with the district's current borrowing limit of about $110 million.

In February, the board selected a renovation plan from among several presented by the architects and construction manager. That plan, which included substantial new construction and some renovation, had a price tag of $130.9 million.

In May, the architects and construction manager worked the price down to $120 million but promised to lower it by another 7 percent to 9 percent by June 1.

The board appeared largely satisfied with the plan presented Monday, though some board members and parents expressed concerns that the band classrooms would be on the first level of the renovated high school, while the auditorium would be on the fourth floor.

The concerns revolved around large instruments and other heavy equipment that will have to be transported for performances. The architects said a freight elevator would be available for the transports, but some board members said they would still like further review of the issue.

There also were concerns about the relocation of the high school tennis courts due to construction of a new athletic building.

The renovation plan calls for the retention of buildings B, D, E and F but includes a "like new" renovation for each. It adds buildings H and I, which would make up an athletic building, and a new academic wing called building G. The present buildings A and C would be eliminated.

The athletic building would be constructed across Horsman Drive from the rear of the current high school and would be connected by a glass-enclosed bridge.

The current design includes a six-lane pool in the athletic building. However, the majority of the board appeared to be in favor of adding two lanes at a cost of about $1.1 million.

School Director Dan Remely, who also is co-chair of the high school renovation committee, said funding for the pool lanes could come from a $1.8 million fund held in reserve for asbestos removal because those costs have already been figured into the total project.

If the board approves the high school plans Monday, it also will have to decide that night whether to add the additional pool lanes.

If approval is given, construction documents will be submitted to the state Department of Education.

-- Mary Niederberger