The Seneca Valley School District has a long-range vision for its facilities that includes upgrades to all district buildings and many athletic fields.

Robert Cook, district director of buildings, grounds and security, tonight presented to board members the multiphase plan that covers work over the next four years.

One of the largest projects in the plan is a proposed new elementary and middle school in Evans City. According to Mr. Cook, the current Evans City school is the oldest in the district, having been constructed in 1939. The plan called for a new 180,000-square-foot building in the summer of 2018.

Athletic facility upgrades in the plan include artificial-turf baseball, soccer and softball fields. These upgrades are part of the district’s effort to comply with Title IX, the federal mandate that requires districts to provide equal sports opportunities for male and female pupils, said Heather Lewis, district athletic director.

Lynn Burtner, district business manager, said the district is in good shape with its current debt to undertake a larger project.

“Our debt is very low for a school district of our size and it’s very, very short. We are about 10 years out,” she said.

School board members said they will first look at developing a strategic plan before beginning any work.

Laure Cioffi, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com

First Published: October 7, 2014, 3:16 a.m.
Updated: October 7, 2014, 3:26 a.m.