Woodland Hills school directors, pondering what to do with the existing seventh- and eighth-grade buildings, are looking for volunteers to give input and make recommendations.

After more than two years of discussion, the board appears no closer to a final decision than it was when the discussion began.

"There will be three subcommittees that will meet four times in September and present a report to the board at the Oct. 3 meeting," said district spokeswoman Maria McCool. "For the subcommittees, we will need parents, community members, and Woodland Hills School District staff."

Those interested in the committees should contact Ms. McCool or Superintendent Roslynne Wilson at 412-731-1300 ext. 0172 by Monday.

"We are looking for representatives from each of the Woodland Hills communities," Ms. McCool said.

The board has been discussing three basic options. The most popular seems to be to close East Junior High in Turtle Creek and move those students to West Junior High in Swissvale in 2010. An extensive $15.6 million renovation could take place at West, with more than a quarter of the costs reimbursed by the state, according to an architect's report.

Another plan would keep both East and West open, but enrollment figures indicate that this is not the most efficient choice.

""There are only 272 students enrolled at East right now," said consultant J. Greer Hayden of Pittsburgh.

A third possibility is to close both East and West and build a new junior high near Woodland Hills High School on Greensburg Pike in Churchill, but this plan could cost $32.6 million.

"We have already spent so much money to renovate the Wolvarena football stadium in Turtle Creek and new high school soccer fields," said board member Robert Tomasic.

Residents will get a first-hand look at the "new" Wolvarena during dedication ceremonies at the stadium at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. The Woodland Hills football team, cheerleaders and members of the other fall varsity sports teams will participate in the festivities, and the band will play.

"Residents will get a chance to see the many improvements that have been made over the past two years, including the new field and logo, team dressing rooms, refreshment stand, and restroom facilities," Ms. McCool said.

A detailed report from the school district indicates that $7.796 million was spent on the Wolvarena renovations and $1.446 million was spent on the soccer field.

First Published: August 23, 2007, 12:00 p.m.